Adults Now Liable for Underage Drinking…

A warning to parents…Mission Viejo, CA just adopted a new law that makes adults liable for under-age drinking if they provide the location for it. The “Social Host Ordinance” is already in 24 cities in California and is sure to be seen soon in others around Orange County. Laguna Hills is currently drafting its own ordinance.

Parents may feel more comfortable knowing their barely legal children will be drinking at home, rather than sneaking out to parties–but time has come for consequences. An adult is now liable for under-age drinking if it occurs in their home. The primary goal of this law is to target “party houses”. Officials hope to reduce the percentage of loud parties, underage drinking (and driving),and create a safer and healthier community.

With the summer in full swing, parents hosting backyard BBQs, graduation and going away parties beware…The law has a maximum punishment of $1,000 and 6 months jail time, and at the minimum reduced to an infraction. Each violation will be reviewed case by case and the city attorney will make sentencing decisions. Alongside penalties may be community service, which may be particularly focused towards organizations such as MADD.

What do you think about this? Will it help reduce the number of alcohol-related incidents?

I’m interested in your comments. Please email your thoughts and share with me if this is happening in your community.

And thank you for making me your Orange County Real Estate connection.

Best Regards,

Michael Caruso

 

 

I Live with a Vampire!!!

It’s an eerie feeling, living with a vampire.  A Vampire sleeps all day and has unending energy all night.  Vampires are difficult to hunt down. 

This one is 18 1/2 years old and he is on summer break before beginning college.  He has a job in a local beach restaurant which provides several day shifts and several night shifts for him to work or perhaps he’d sleep all day (except for a quick stop at the beach or the gym). 

Just how long can he sleep?  About as long as you’ll allow it… 

But at night, he’s a new man (very Vampire-ish). 

How long can he stay out at night?  About as long as you’ll allow it…

Do you have a Vampire at your home?  Enjoy him or her and love them unconditionally.  This is a special time in their life.  A feeling of exhilaration from their high school accomplishments mixed with some fear of the unknown about the new life they’ll begin at college.

Please email your thoughts or comments…

And Thank You for making Me Your Orange Couny Real Estate Connection.

Best regards, Michael Caruso

Consider a Local Summer Trip to the OC Coast to Combat Gas Prices…

Cash conscious?  Just plain mad about gas prices? 

Hey OC residents…Why not consider a local summer trip for a vacation?  Dana Point hosts 2 world class hotels: Ritz Carlton and St. Regis, has fabulous tide pools to explore, has a major harbor where you can rent a jet ski, a kayak, try scuba diving or take a ride on a historical ship.  There are also dolphin and whale boat tours and fishing boats leave daily for those who want to cook up fresh fish for dinner.  And don’t forget a surfboard…the waves are great!

Dana Point also has several great camp sites that are very clean (San Onofre State Beach Campground and San Mateo Campground nearby) which are popular and you can still scoot over to your favorite restaurant for dinner while being near the beach campground.  Enjoy a summer night with a campfire at the Doheny Beach fire pits and BBQ your lunch.

Nearby, you can go horseback riding at San Juan Capistrano or visit the historical Mission San Juan Capistrano.

You can beat the gas prices and beat the summer heat and have a great time in coastal Orange County.  Call my office and we’ll be happy to provide maps and information.

Thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.

Best regards, Michael Caruso

Orange County Info ~ South County

ALISO VIEJO

Where in the world?  Take the Aliso Viejo News with you on your travels, have your picture taken with it and e-mail the .jpg to us.  Include who is in photo, and when and where it was taken.  Email to ffreeman@ocregister.com

 

COTO DE CAZA & THE CANYONS

The Cleveland National Forest released an environmental assessment on motorized travel on its lands for public comment.  Comments will be accepted until 8/13/08.  to view assessment online: www.fs.fed.us/r5/cleveland/projects/ohv/index.shtml

 

DANA POINT

Save the date… 9/28/08.  The Chopper Drop for Education will take place at the Laguna Cliffs Marriot Resort.  This event is the largest annual fundraiser for the Sand Dollar Guild, which supports the Ocean Institute.  Information – www.sanddollarguild.org

 

LADERA RANCH

Resident Kim Sprague and Mercantile West Business Divine Treasures are seeking to collect food items on the behalf of the Orange County Rescue Mission.  Residents can drop off items on Sprague’s porch at 10 Vineyard Dr, Ladera Ranch or at Divine Treasures at the Mercantile West Shopping Center.  Information – 584-7577

 

LAGUNA BEACH

Save the dates.   7/19/08 through 7/27/08.  The Southern California Artists Association will hold its annual figurative art exhibition “Go Figure!” at the group’s newly renovated studio, 3251 Laguna Canyon Rd., Suite F3.  info@socalartists.org

 

LAGUNA HILLS

Save the date… 7/19/08 at 9:00 a.m.  Residents can be screened to reduce their risk of having a stroke.  Life Line Screening will be at the Laguna Country United Methodist Church.  Information – 800-697-9721 or www.lifelinescreening.com

 

LAGUNA NIGUEL

Feel live snakes and learn about their habits at “Everything You wanted to Know about Snakes,” at 7:00 p.m. tonight at the Crown Valley Community Park, 29751 Crown Valley Parkway.  Information – 949-362-5100

 

LAGUNA WOODS

City Manager Leslie Keane held a candidate information session last Friday for City Council hopefuls.  Information – 949-639-0500

 

LAKE FOREST

Community members are invited to attend a neighborhood workshop to discuss improvements at El Toro Park that may include new playground equipment.  The workshop is at 6:30 p.m. on 7/24/08 at El Toro Park, 23701 Los Alisos Blvd.  Information – 949-461-3413

 

MISSION VIEJO

The filing period begins this week for candidates who wish to run for the office in the November election.  Two four-year council terms are open.  Candidates have until 5:00 p.m. on 8/8/08.  Information – 949-470-3033 (Karen Hamman)

 

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA

Save the date… 7/26/08 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  The city will host a free electronic recycling event in the City Hall parking lot at 22112 El Paseo.  Information – 949-364-9200 www.cityofrsm.org

 

Save the dates… 7/21 – 7/25 & 7/28 – 7/31 from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.  A children’s sewing camp is being offered that will teach sewing skills, including using a sewing machine, to those 8 and older.  Cost is $175 and will be held at the Bell Tower Community Center, 22232 El Paseo.  Information – www.belltowerfoundation.org or 949-888-5437

 

SAN CLEMENTE

Save the date… 7/18/08 from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.  “Peace, Prosperity and Wellness” is the topic of a free public talk by Bhante Ji, a Buddhist monk who has studied with the Dalai Lama.  He will speak at 912 Calle Venezia, followed by a silent meditation group walk along the Rancho San Clemente Ridgeline Trail.  Call the event’s co-host Nampet Panichpant-Michelsen at 949-295-6150 for reservations & more information.

 

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

The city’s San Juan Summer Nites Concert Series and Shop & Dine Expo takes place from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. the third Wednesday of July, August and September at Historic Town Center Park, 31852 El Camino Real.

Orange County Info ~ North County

ANAHEIM

The City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved $492,000 to purchase 15 new alternate fuel vehicles for the city’s fleet.  The automobiles will run on compressed natural gas or propane.

 

BREA

The city recently commissioned a private company to conduct a survey to measure resident’s opinions about living in Brea and found that they ranked Brea in the top 5 percent for service performance and quality of life.

 

Save the date… 8/15/08 from 6:30 – 10:00 p.m.  Brea Fest, the city’s annual fundraiser for the arts, has been scheduled this year at the Brea Civic & Cultural Center, 1 Civic Center Circle.  Admission & entertainment are free.  The event relies on volunteers.  Information – 714-990-7771 or www.cityofbrea.net

 

BUENA PARK

Save the date… 7/22/08 at 6:30 p.m.  Teens are invited to participate in the Nintendo Wii “Olympics” event at the Buena Park Library, 7150 La Palma Ave.  Refreshments will be served.  Information 714-826-4100 x125

 

CYPRESS

A marathon bingo tournament will be held at the Cypress Senior Center, 9031 Grindlay St.  For date & more information – 714-229-2005

 

FULLERTON

The first Summer Young Adult Reading Program at the Main Library has drawn 125 teens.

 

GARDEN GROVE

Save the date… 7/17/08 at 6:30 p.m.  The Chain, a Fleetwood Mac tribute band will perform at the free summer concert series at Eastgate Park, 12001 Saint Mark St.

 

LA HABRA

Save the dates… 7/25/08 through 8/17/08.  The La Habra Depot Theatre’s production of “Willy Wonka Jr.” will have performances at 8:00 p.m. Fridays & Saturdays; and 2:30 p.m. on Sundays at 311 S. Euclid.  Information 562-905-9625 www.lhdepottheatre.org

 

LA PALMA

Improvements are under way on several city roads.  The City Council has approved funding as part of a seven-year street rehabilitation project.

 

PLACENTIA

Pretrial proceedings for trespassing charges brought against Placentia Public Works Director Gerry Hubble were continued to Wednesday.  Hubble was charged with trespassing after allegedly going on private property in Lake Forest with intention of hiring day laborers, who were found to be here illegally.

 

STANTON

The City’s Citizens Academy program is a seven-week community & leadership development program designed to create better-informed residents.  Sessions are once a week, from 6:00 p.m. to later than 8:00 p.m.  Applications are available at City Hall, 7800 Katella Ave.  Information – 714-379-9222 x277

 

WESTMINSTER

Swing Inc., a swing band, will perform tonight at the city’s free summer concert series at 6:00 at the Sunken Gardens, 8200 Westminster Blvd.  Information 714-895-2860

 

YORBA LINDA

Save the date… 7/18/08 at 6:00 p.m.  An Evening of Wellness will be held at the Yorba Linda Community Center, 4501 Casa Loma Ave.  Information – 714-961-7181

Orange County Info ~ Central County

 

COSTA MESA

Prior to the O.C. Fair Cattle Drive on July 26, the Kiwanis Club of Costa Mesa will sponsor a pancake breakfast at the Harbor Center from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m.  Tickets are $5 or advance tickets can be purchased for $4.50 by mailing check to Jeff Dimsdale at 3337 S. Bristol St., No. 252, Santa Ana, 92704.

 

FOUNTAIN VALLEY

Save the date…. 7/23/08 at 7:00 p.m.  The Fountain Valley Library will be hosting Lizard Wizard’s Live Animal Show.  Library, 17635 Los Alamos.  Information 714-962-1324

 

HUNTINGTON BEACH

Save the date… 8/4/08 – 8/8/08 at 7:00 p.m.  A new musical based on the comic strip “Luann” will be performed at the Huntington Beach Central Library Theater, 7111 Talbert Ave.  Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and students, and $7 for children 12 & younger.  Information 714-375-0696 or www.hbph.com

 

Save the date… 8/1/08 at 10:00 p.m.  Barnes & Noble will host a book release party for Stephenie Meyer’s next installation in her teen vampire series, “Twilight Saga”.  The store is located at 7881 Edinger Ave.  “Breaking Dawn,” Meyer’s fourth book, will officially go on sale midnight that day.  Information – 714-897-8781

 

IRVINE

Save the date… 7/20/08 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.  The Assisteens, the youth auxiliary of the Assistance League, will be sponsoring a free summer crafts day for children of all ages at the University Park Library, 4512 Sandburg Way.

 

LOS ALAMITOS

The USA Water Polo National Aquatic Center is offering recreational swimming hours this summer from noon to 1:30 p.m. for residents.  Pool is at 11200 Lexington Dr.

 

NEWPORT BEACH

The city has issued a building permit for a large estate on Harbor Island.  The residence will have 13,000 square feet of living space, a 2,700 square-foot basement and 2,400 square feet of decks.  Construction will cost 4.4 million.

 

ORANGE

Save the date… 8/5/08 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.  The Orange Police Dept. is hosing its 25 annual national night out in the Target parking lot at 2191 N. Tustin St.  Information – 714-744-7327 or 714-744-7464

 

Save the dates 7/28 – 8/1 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.  The First United Methodist Church of Orange will hold its Vacation Bible School for children from kindergarten through sixth grade.  The cost is $12 per child or $36 maximum per family if registered by July 23.  Information – 714-532-6363

 

SANTA ANA

Save the dates 7/19 & 7/20 at 12:00 p.m. & 2:00 p.m.  “Bug Chef” David George Gordon will offer bug-cooking demonstrations with audience participation and taste-testing at the Discovery Science Center, 2500 N. Main St.

 

SEAL BEACH

The city will solicit about $140,000 in funding from the Orange County Transportation Authority to continue its study of the Go Local program, which looks to encourage residents to use public transportation.

 

TUSTIN

The Tustin Unified School District’s Web site has been updated with new nutrition information.  Included are school menus, student & staff special event menu & the National School Lunch application.  www.tustin.k12.ca.us click on “wellness”.

 

VILLA PARK

Save the date… 7/27/08 from 11:00 am to 5:00 p.m.  Irvine Lake is hosting its 12^th annual Harley Festival at the lake, 4621 Santiago Canyon Rd.   Tickets are $20 & parking is free.  Information – 714-649-9113; www.irvinelake.net

Orange County Info ~ North County

ANAHEIM

Save the date… 7/16/08 at 6:30 p.m.  Jim Remington – who worked with President Ronald Reagan – will be the guest speaker at the monthly meeting of the Anaheim chapter of the California Republican Assembly held at Mama Cozza’s Restaurant, 2170 W. Ball Road.  The event is open to the public.  Information – baron@sohmn.com

 

BREA

Save the date… 8/15/08 from 6:30 – 10:00 p.m.  Brea Fest, the city’s annual fundraiser for the arts, has been scheduled this year at the Brea Civic & Cultural Center, 1 Civic Center Circle.  Admission & entertainment are free.  The event relies on volunteers.  Information – 714-990-7771 or www.cityofbrea.net

 

BUENA PARK

Save the date… 7/12/08 at 10:00 a.m.  The Buena Park Optimist Club will hold its annual frog jumping competition at the Buena Park Downtown mall.  To participate in the event, guests can pay $50 for a frog or bring their own.  City Council member Patsy Marshall will emcee.  Information – 714-840-8414

 

CYPRESS

All residents are invited to have lunch from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Monday through Friday at the Cypress Senior Center, 9031 Grindlay St.  Reservations are no longer needed.  Information – 714-229-2005

 

FULLERTON

“American Graffiti,” the film that begins on the last night of summer in 1962, will be screened on the back of the Fox Fullerton Theatre at 8:00 tonight near the corner of Chapman Ave. & Harbor blvd.  Admission is free.  Information – 714-870-0069

 

GARDEN GROVE

The city will start accepting nomination forms for this year’s mayor and city council election in November starting Monday.  The deadline to file nomination papers is Aug. 8^th at 5:00 p.m.  Information – 714-741-5035

 

LA HABRA

The City’s Concerts in the Park series continues today with big band and swing tunes performed by the Bob Perino Orchestra.  The concert begins at 7:00 p.m. at El Centro-Lions Street.  Information – 562-905-9708

 

LA PALMA

The Community Activities and Beautification Committee seeks business and personal donations to help support its summer-long concerts in the park series.  Information – 714-690-3350

 

PLACENTIA

Save the date… 7/15/08 from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.  Ophthalmologist Sean Adrean will discuss macular degeneration at the Brea Senior Center, 500 S. Sievers Ave. in Brea.  Information – 714-990-7750

 

STANTON

The city’s Summer Safari Excursion Camp is every Thursday in July.   The next event is a trip to the beach on 7/17.  Information – 714-379-9222

 

WESTMINSTER

Students from UC Irvine will unveil their class project at tonight’s City Council meeting presenting their ideas to revitalize & reposition the Westminster Mall.  The report will be presented during a study session at 5:30 p.m. in Council Chambers, 8200 Westminster Blvd.  Information – 714-898-3311 x562

 

YORBA LINDA

Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 15-08 of Yorba Linda will hold its monthly meeting from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. today in the Yorba Linda Community Center, 4105 Casa Loma Ave.  The Flotilla will have a guest speaker who will talk about marine pollution in harbors.  Information – 714-777-2300

Orange County Info ~ Central County

 

COSTA MESA

Plans for ballot measures to increase taxes on hotel guests & business licenses are probably dead.  City Council members showed little interest Tuesday in a business-license-tax measure, partly because the proposal would yield little money.

 

FOUNTAIN VALLEY

Save the date… 7/16/08 from 10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.  Michele Cooper, a geriatric nurse practitioner with Bristol Park Medical Group, will host a workshop, “Stretch for your good health,” at Palm Island Active Adult Living, 11300 Warner Ave.  Reservations are required.  Information – 800-636-6742 x4

 

HUNTINGTON BEACH

Save the date… 8/1/08 at 10:00 p.m.  Barnes & Noble will host a book release party for Stephenie Meyer’s next installation in her teen vampire series, “Twilight Saga”.  The store is located at 7881 Edinger Ave.  “Breaking Dawn,” Meyer’s fourth book, will officially go on sale midnight that day.  Information – 714-897-8781

 

IRVINE

Save the date… 7/13/08 from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.  The Woodbury Town Center is hosting Music on the Green and Summer Savings at Sand Canyon & Irvine Blvd.  The event features live entertainment, face painting for children and contest.

Information – www.shoptheirvinecompany.com

 

LOS ALAMITOS

The Los Calamitous Museum is seeking new members to be added to the walls of its hall of fame.  Honorees must have lived, worked, attended school or been heavily involved in the city, Seal Beach or Rossmoor.  To qualify, members also must have received recognition for their work nationally or internationally.  To nominate someone for the hall of fame, write to the museum at P.O. Box 15, Los Alamitos, 90720.

 

NEWPORT BEACH

The online police blotter for Newport Beach has been upgraded with a color map feature that shows the location and details of scores of law enforcement incidents.  See the map at ocregister.com/Newport

 

ORANGE

Save the dates 7/28 – 8/1 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.  The First United Methodist Church of Orange will hold its Vacation Bible School for children from kindergarten through sixth grade.  The cost is $12 per child or $36 maximum per family if registered by July 23.  Information – 714-532-6363

 

SANTA ANA

Family entertainer Karen Rae Kraut will present music, magic and more as part of her “Really Big Bug Show” this afternoon at Newhope & Main libraries.  Kraut will perform at 3:30 p.m. at Newhope Library, 122 N. Newhope St.; and at 6:30 pm. At Main Library, 26 Civic Center Plaza.  The free shows coincide with the theme of the library’s summer reading program, “Catch the Reading Bug.”

 

SEAL BEACH

The city recently received a commendation from the Orange County Board of Supervisors for being “Tsunami-Ready”.  The program, developed by the National Weather Service, requires beach cities to set up a 24-hour warning system, have efficient ways to alert the community about a tsunami, develop a formal plan and conduct emergency exercises.

 

TUSTIN

Tustin area businesses can fill out a quick survey with information about their company, including hours, address and services offered, along with a gift certificate for one reader, and the business will be featured in the Tustin News.  E-mail Elysse James at ejames@ocregister.com for the application and more information.

 

VILLA PARK

Save the date… 7/12/08 from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.  Transportation planners are seeking input about the 800 miles of bikeways which were developed in 1995 to create a blue-print of the county network.  The meeting will be held at the Orange County Transportation Authority headquarters, 600 S. Main St., Orange.

Information – www.octanet

Orange County Info ~ South County

ALISO VIEJO

Save the date… 7/12/08.  Cyclists are invited to take part in the FIRST Aliso Viejo Grand Prix of Cycling.  The event is expected to draw hundreds of bike-racing enthusiasts and takes participants on a 1.3 mile loop through Aliso Viejo.

Information – www.socalreg.com

 

COTO DE CAZA & THE CANYONS

Coto de Caza resident Barbara Steinberg, a cancer survivor who lost her husband and mother to cancer, will chair the Gentlemen’s Committee and co-chair the VIP Party for this year’s 10^th annual OC Barons’ Ball.  This year’s fundraising goal is $450,000.

 

DANA POINT

Save the date… 9/28/08.  The Chopper Drop for Education will take place at the Laguna Cliffs Marriot Resort.  This event is the largest annual fundraiser for the Sand Dollar Guild, which supports the Ocean Institute.  Information – www.sanddollarguild.org

 

LADERA RANCH

Send us your “Where in the World” photos.  Take the Ladera Post with you on your travels, and have a picture of yourself holding it.  E-mail the .jpg to tcisneros@ocregister.com and include who is in the photo, and where & when it was taken.  We’ll consider it for publication

 

LAGUNA BEACH

Save the date… 7/13/08 from 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.  The Red Cross is holding a blood drive at the parlor of Laguna Presbyterian Church.  Donors will receive a free meal coupon for Wahoo’s Fish Taco and must be in good health.  Information – 949-494-7555

 

LAGUNA HILLS

Save the date… 7/12/08 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.  Wash your car and support Laguna Hills’ adopted Marines of 3^rd Battalion, 5^th Marine Regiment, 1^st Marine Division.  Circuit City parking lot at 24001 El Toro Rd.  Information – 949-632-8395

 

LAGUNA NIGUEL

Save the date… 7/12/08 from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.  Laguna Niguel Library, 30341 Crown Valley Pkwy, will hold its summer “Buck-A-Bag” Book Sale.  A preview sale for members of the Friends will be held from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. on 7/11/08.

Information – 949-249-5252

 

LAGUNA WOODS

Save the date… 7/13/08 at 2:00 p.m.  Laguna Woods community services committee and Friends of the Library are co-hosting a free showing of the move “Kite Runner” in City Hall.  RSVPs are needed since seating is limited.  CALL – 949-639-0500

 

LAKE FOREST

Save the date… 7/15/08 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.  Join the South Coast Storytellers Guild for stories & music for the whole family at their Yarning & Yakking, Tales and Snacking event.   Event held at Heritage Hill Historical Park, 25151 Serrano Rd.  Admission is $5.  Information 0 714-329-1955

 

MISSION VIEJO

Save the date… 7/11/08 from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.  The city’s Recreation & Community Services Department & Community of Character Youth Group are hosting a Teen Night Pool Party at the Sierra Recreation Center, 26887 Recodo.  Event is free and is open to Mission Viejo Teens with a valid student ID.  There will be food, games & music by Sterling Heart.  Information – 949-859-4348 x5720

 

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA

Save the dates… 7/21 – 7/25 & 7/28 – 7/31 from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.  A children’s sewing camp is being offered that will teach sewing skills, including using a sewing machine, to those 8 and older.  Cost is $175 and will be held at the Bell Tower Community Center, 22232 El Paseo.  Information – www.belltowerfoundation.org or 949-888-5437

 

SAN CLEMENTE

City parks commissioners agreed Tuesday to review the closing hours at neighborhood parks to decide if an earlier curfew is needed.  Complaints about late-night activities at Leslie Park, Max Berg Plaza Park and the T-Street bluff benches have spurred the review.  Information – 949-361-8237

 

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

Habitat for Humanity seeks volunteers to help build 27 homes, 14 of which are dedicated to disabled veterans & their families.  Construction began in late June.

Information – 714-524-7837

Orange County Info ~ Central County

COSTA MESA

Save the date… 7/9/08 at 11:30 a.m.  The Orange County Freedom Committee will meet at the Costa Mesa Historical Society, 1870 Anaheim Ave.  Costa Mesa resident Hank Hornsveld will talk about his experiences fighting Nazis during World War II.

Information – 714-549-3793

 

FOUNTAIN VALLEY

Save the date… 7/9/08 at 7:00 p.m.  Learn how to build an insect collection at the Fountain Valley Library, 17635 Los Alamos St.  Information – 714-962-1324

 

HUNTINGTON BEACH

Save the date… 8/1/08 at 7:30 p.m.  Comedy night fundraiser to benefit the nonprofit community theater, the Huntington Beach Playhouse.  $15 for general admission & $10 for Seniors & students.  Information – www.hbph.com or 714-376-0696.

 

The Huntington Beach Police Dept. will offer its Citizen Academy class, starting mid-September.  The academy lasts 12 weeks and includes some hands-on training.  The class will be held from 6:30 – 9:30 pm Wednesdays.  Information – 714-960-4540 or dboldt@hbpd.org.

 

IRVINE

Save the date… 7/21 at 9:00 am.  The Sea and Sage Audubon Society will hold a “Hot Times at the Marsh” nature walk that will last about an hour and a half and is an easy walk to explore the paths and ponds of San Joaquin Marsh to see how birds & plants cope with the hot, dry summer.  Meet at the Audubon House, 5 Riparian View

Information – 949-261-7963

 

LOS ALAMITOS

The Police Department is encouraging residents to sign up for its e-mail-based community outreach program to keep residents informed about public-safety issues.  To sign up for the program, visit www.losalamitospolice.org.

 

NEWPORT BEACH

A proposed legal settlement with Sober Living by the Sea, the largest operator of drug-rehabilitation homes in Newport Beach, will be discussed during the city Council meeting at 7:00 p.m. tonight, 3300 Newport Blvd.  Information – 949-644-3005 or

www.city.newport-beach.ca.us

 

ORANGE

Save the date… 7/12/08 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  The Friendly Center’s annual Health & Resource Fair will be held at Killefer Park, 147 W. Rose Ave.  Entry & refreshments are free.  Information – www.friendlycenter.org or 714-771-5300

 

The Orange International Street Fair is looking for volunteers for the 2008 Street Fair, taking place Aug. 29 – 31.  High school & college students needing community service hours are encouraged to apply.  Information – 714-532-6260

 

SANTA ANA

Save the date… 7/09/08 at 7:00 p.m.  Dr. Chris Lowe, a marine biologist, will give a free lecture on sharks & stingrays at the Santa Ana Zoo.  1801 E. Chestnut Ave.

Information – www.santaanazoo.org

 

SEAL BEACH

Grace Community Church of Seal Beach is looking for donations for care packages for troops deployed overseas.  The church recently shipped 60 care packages but is continuing to collect boxes.  Soldiers are most in need of phone cards, toiletries, sunscreen & socks.  To make delivery arrangements, contact 562-799-4990.

 

TUSTIN

The city sponsors concerts at Peppertree Park from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Wednesdays through August 13^th.    

 

VILLA PARK

Residents who wish to run for one of two seats up for election on the City Council may pull nomination papers starting July 14^th.   www.villapark.org/election/2008/general.html