Caruso’s *VALENTINES* OC Happenings ~ North County

 

 

NORTH COUNTY

ANAHEIM

Join the House of Blues for a Valentine’s Day Menu for Two on February 14^th starting at 5:00pm. Make your reservations today by calling 714-520-2334

BREA

Valentine ’s Day at 8:00 is the Valentine’s Day Dinner Show with Christina Pazsitzky at the Brea Improv. Celebrate laughter and love this Valentine’s Day with comedian Christina Pazsitzky and Tom Segura at the Brea Improv. Valentine’s Dinner includes: One glass of Champage(for guests 21 years & older), small Caesar salad, an entree selection of prime rib, Asiago crusted chicken or honey shrimp pasta and chocolate mousse for dessert. Reservations recommended. For information and/or reservations you can call (714) 482-0700. Must be 18+.

BUENA PARK

Why not spend Valentine’s Day at Medieval Times?! Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament is offering a Valentine’s Day Couple’s Package. The package includes two admissions to dinner and tournament show, two admissions to castle dungeon museum, photo in a souvenir frame, a valentine scroll to remember the occasion, split of champagne with two logoed souvenir glasses, feather long-stem sweetheart rose and two cheering flags. Buy tickets in advanced online to guarantee the Couple’s Package. For more information you can call 312-488-9883.

CYPRESS

Nothing to report

FULLERTON

Starting TONIGHT at 5:30 spend Valentine’s Day with the Cellar for “A Week of Love.” Don’t wait until the last minute to make your plans for Valentines weekend. As Orange County’s most romantic dining destination, The Cellar Celebrates “A Week of Love” from February 10th through the 14th. The Cellar will serve a special four-course Valentines menu on February 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, and 14th. Dinner also includes a fresh long stem red rose, provided by Lavenders, and each guest will receive a certificate to create your own 3 course dinner for only $29.95 in the month of March.

 

GARDEN GROVE

Join the H. Louis Lake Senior Center for a Valentine Celebration Tuesday, Feb 14 from 10:00a to 12:00p. Join us as we celebrate a day of amour. Bring your Sweetie and enjoy music, dancing and fun, fun, fun!

 
LA HABRA

Nothing to report

LA PALMA

Nothing to report

PLACENTIA

Nothing to report

STANTON

Nothing to report

WESTMINSTER

Nothing to report

YORBA LINDA

Nothing to report

 

 

 

 

*As seen in orangecountyregister.com & orangecounty.net

And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.     

www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com

Best regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CLHMS CRB CRS GREEN GRI

Past President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900

Caruso’s OC *CENTRAL COUNTY* Happenings

 

CENTRAL COUNTY

 

COSTA MESA

NOW through October 9^th are the Anatolian Cultures and Food Festival. The Anatolian Cultures and Food Festival is a cultural and historical event that includes exhibitions, food, art craft, performances, dances and live music activities. Visitors enter the festival area through the “Civilizations Path”, which consists of 14 gates each representing different civilizations like Hittite, Troy, Urartu, Frig, Lydia, Ionia, Kingdom of Commagane, Persians, Byzantium, Roman Empire & Republic of Turkiye. Visitors are can also sample 99 different kinds of food including kebabs and doner (Gyros), various kinds of desserts including baklava, dumplings, and the world famous tough and sticky Maras’s ice-cream. The Anatolian Cultures and Food Festival is a feast for all of the five senses! For more information you can call (310) 208-7290.

FOUNTAIN VALLEY

Nothing to report

HUNTINGTON BEACH

NOW through October 30^th is the annual Octoberfest! If you love to drink beer, eat bratwürst and sauerkraut and enjoy dancing to “Oompah-pa music directly from Linzerbuben, Austria, then you’ll love the Oktoberfest at Old World Village with its traditional German festivity. Complete with German bands imported from Europe, dancing, and imported beers (of course) and tasty German foods from bratwürst to potato salad to hot pretzels and apple strudel, Oktoberfest has something for everyone. For more information you can call 714-647-7107.

IRVINE

Coming up Saturday, October 22, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. is the Great Park Pumpkin Harvest! Celebrate the harvest season at the third annual Great Park Pumpkin Harvest, the Orange County Great Park Halloween celebration and food drive benefiting the Orange County Food Bank and the Second Harvest Food Bank. In addition to a scarecrow display, there will be a mini hay maze, art & crafts activities, a petting zoo, a pumpkin patch and carnival-style games. Free Admission, $10 parking

 LOS ALAMITOS

Sunday, October 23, 2011 from 9-4 is the Wings, Wheels and Rotors Expo! This event is a great mix of civilian and military helicopters and aircraft, plus a custom car show featuring classics, muscle cars and more than 300 varieties plus a vendor fair with more than 100 exhibitors selling food and car or aircraft related items. This family event also has games, a kid’s corner and live entertainment. The event is located on the Joint Forces Training Base.

NEWPORT BEACH

Nothing to report

ORANGE

NOW through October 31, 2011 opening at 10am is the Irvine Park Railroad – Pumpkin Patch! Irvine Park Railroad’s 5th annual pumpkin patch is fun for the entire family! The pumpkin patch opens daily at 10:00 am beginning September 17th through October 31st. Activities include train rides, hay rides, a haunted house, a hay maze, pony rides, a moon bounce, panning for gold, face painting (weekends only), picture stands, the Orange County Zoo, and a lot more. Admission into the pumpkin patch is free. Prices for all other activities vary. Additional activities inside of the park include Irvine Park Rentals’ paddle boats and Wheel Fun Rentals® bikes (single surrey bikes, deuce coupes, choppers, beach cruises and more), the Orange County Zoo and pony rides. School and group discounts available for Pumpkin Patch tours.

SANTA ANA

NOW through March 4, 2012 the Renowned Terra Cotta Warriors Return To Bowers Museum. With Over 150 Exceptional Chinese Works Of Art Acquired For Use In The Afterlife By Men And Women Of Power, Wealth And Taste. Visitors will see spectacular recent discoveries from the Qin-era imperial tomb of the ruthless First Emperor Qin Shihuangdi including a chariot horse and four terra cotta warriors one of which is the only known warrior with a face painted green. Seldom seen outside of China are the intricately carved miniature armies that once guarded the tombs of Han emperors and their aristocracy. The Tang dynasty was the height of taste and luxury; from the royal tombs and temples of the imperial city of Xi’an is an opulent showing of wealth: gold, silver, and gemstones. Among these treasures is a set of four nesting boxes that once held Buddha’s finger bone and is still considered one of the most holy religious relics. Visit bowers.org for more information on activities and events. For more information you can call (714) 567-3679. Tickets can be purchased online at museumtix.com or via phone at Ticketmaster (877.250.8999).

SEAL BEACH

Nothing to report

TUSTIN

Coming up September 30th, October 1st and 2nd 2011 is Tiller Days at Columbus Tustin Park. Tustin Tiller Days has been a regular event in Tustin since 1957. The event provides an opportunity for Tustin to celebrate Orange County’s agricultural heritage. The event also features a Parade (on Saturday at 10 am), carnival, rides, food and entertainment. For more information you can call 714-573-3326.

VILLA PARK

Coming up Sunday, October 30, 2011 from 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM is Halloween Fest!  
The night before Halloween, the VP Towne Center suddenly becomes the happy haunting grounds for young ghosts, goblins, a few pirates, some skeletons, and lots of princesses who have escaped from their local castles. This annual event includes a costume contest, hayride from the parking area, crafts, treats and more! For more information you can call (714) 998-1500.

 

*As seen in the ocregister.com & orangecounty.net

 

And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.     

www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com

Best regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CLHMS CRB CRS GREEN GRI

Past President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900

 

Caruso’s OC Happenings ~ North County

 

NORTH COUNTY

 

 

ANAHEIM

NOW through August 14^th is the annual Harvest Crusade. In 1990, a small group of people set out to present the gospel of Jesus Christ to southern Californians in a non-traditional, non-church environment. Located at the Angel Stadium for more information you can call (714) 638-0981.

BREA

Nothing to report

 

BUENA PARK

Mark your calendars for Silverado Days (William Peak Park
7225 El Dorado Drive) this October 14-16. This event is held each October. This community festival includes games, crafts, contests, rides, food and fun for the whole family. Featured contests include World Amateur Arm Wrestling Championship, Custom Car Show, a pie-eating contest, hog calling, baby contest, dog show, petting zoo, chili cook-off and much more!!
CYPRESS

Nothing to report

FULLERTON

Coming up Saturday, October 29, 2011 is the annual Memory Walk (Cal State  Fullerton).The Memory Walk is part of a national movement to help those battling Alzheimer’s and related memory loss disorders. As one of the largest Memory Walks in the country, it features a 2-mile walk, Kidz Zone, Doggie Dugout, Remembrance Garden, Food Vendors, Festival Area with over 50 exhibitors, live entertainment and more! For details, contact Shannon Kincaid at (949) 757-3708.

GARDEN GROVE

Still a few more concerts left if you haven’t been to one yet! Coming up August 11 – Abbey Road, Beatles Tribute & the last concert will be August 18 – Nyght Ryder, 80’s & 90’s. Concertgoers can enjoy the sights and sounds of evening concerts in the park brought to you by the Garden Grove Community Foundation. No EZ-Ups or golf carts, please. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs. DATES & TIMES: Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. For more information or to find out other upcoming bands you can call (714) 741-5280.

LA HABRA

Sunday, October 23, 2011 from 9 – 4 is the Wings, Wheels and Rotors Expo (Joint Forces Training Base).A great mix of civilian and military helicopters and aircraft, plus a custom car show featuring classics, muscle cars and more than 300 varieties plus a vendor fair with more than 100 exhibitors selling food and car or aircraft related items. This family event also has games, a kid’s corner and live entertainment.

LA PALMA

Nothing to report

PLACENTIA

Saturday, October 15, 2011 is the annual The Heritage Festival and Parade (Tri-City Park, 2301 N. Kraemer Blvd.). Since 1965, this celebration of the city’s heritage includes a parade and fair booths. The festivities begin with the Chamber of Commerce pancake breakfast at 6:30 a.m. followed by the parade and band review at 9:30 a.m. The festival begins at 10:00 a.m. and will feature many exciting activities for the entire family including the annual car show, a crafts fair, food booths, kid’s games and more. For more information you can call (714) 524-8535.

STANTON

Nothing to report

WESTMINSTER

Coming up at the end of summer Saturday, Aug 20 2:00p at The Rose Center Theater is the Ms. Senior California Pageant!  Eighteen Ms. Senior California preliminary finalists from San Francisco to San Diego will compete for the title of Ms. Senior California 2011.

YORBA LINDA

September 17 – 18, 2011 is the Dozynki Harvest Festival. This event is celebrating Polish culture with food, music dancing and exhibits. The event will be held at the Pope John Paul II Polish Center. For more information you can call 714-996-8161.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*As seen in orangecountyregister.com & orangecounty.net

 

And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.     

www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com

Best regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CLHMS CRB CRS GREEN GRI

Past President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900

 

Caruso’s *4th of JULY* OC Happenings ~ North County

NORTH COUNTY

ANAHEIM

There are a few different events going on this 4th of July holiday weekend. Starting July 1st-July 4th Disneyland & California Adventure will have a special fireworks display over the parks set to music. The fireworks will begin at 9:30. For more information you can visit http://www.Disneyland.com. ALSO Saturday, July 2nd is the Patriotic Choir Concert and Ice Cream Social starting at 7pm at Peralta Park. LASTLY July 4th at Peralta Park is the annual 4th of July Celebration!! All food, game booths and entertainment will begin in the afternoon. The spectacular fireworks display begins at 9:00 p.m. Other events include a 5/10 K run starting at 6am, a pancake breakfast from 8-10:30am, Parade at 3pm and the Yankee Doodle Dog Show at 10am. For more information you can call 714-765-5191.

BREA

Nothing to report

BUENA PARK

Nothing to report

CYPRESS

4th of July starting at 4pm is the annual Fireworks Celebration! There will be a Food Court, Sponsor Booths, Entertainment, Fireworks, & a Kids Fun Zone. Due to security regulations all adults must provide one of the following I.D.s: California Driver’s License or California I.D or Military ID or Passport. Lawn chairs and blankets are encouraged. NO Alcohol Please! The event will be held at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos 11200 Lexington Drive (enter at Lexington Drive, South of Katella Avenue). It is $5 for event parking. For more information you can call 714-229-6700.

FULLERTON 

4^th of July from 5-9:30pm is the Annual Community Fireworks Show and Festival! There will be live music and additional entertainment. Games offered by Parks & Recreation will be free and will include small prizes. NOMINAL FEES MAY APPLY for SOME activities (Approximately $2 to $4). Food is available for purchase in the festival area. All food is reasonably priced, and is being offered by local charity organizations. No alcohol is served or allowed in the area. All coolers will be checked. No glass containers, no smoking, no umbrellas, and no pets. Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. and last for approximately 20 minutes. For more information you can call 714-738-3167.

GARDEN GROVE 

Nothing to report

LA HABRA

4^th of July is the Annual 4th of July Spectacular (La Habra High School)! La Habra’s annual 4th of July Celebration returns with all of its fun! Fireworks, food vendors, live music, games, and more! Doors open at 5:00 p.m. Fireworks display at 9. For more information you can call 562-905-9708.

LA PALMA

4^th of July is the Annual Run for Fun Event! A healthy way to kick off your Fourth of July Festivities! La Palma’s Fitness Run for Fun is more than just another run: it’s an opportunity to experience that small town/hometown sense of community. 5K/10K runs start at 7:30 am. Yankee Doodle Dash & Family Fun Zone runs 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. The Yankee Doodle Dash is a non-competitive, 2/5 of a mile, run for kids, ages 2 to 12 years old. The Family Fun Zone has plenty to do for families of all ages including inflatable obstacle course, potato sack race and a tug-o-war match. Even the little ones will have fun with the patriotic arts and crafts. The La Palma Kiwanis Club will also serve their annual Pancake Breakfast from 7:30 to 10:00 a.m.

PLACENTIA

Nothing to report

STANTON

Nothing to report
WESTMINSTER

Coming up at the end of summer Saturday, Aug 20 2:00p at The Rose Center Theater is the Ms. Senior California Pageant!  Eighteen Ms. Senior California preliminary finalists from San Francisco to San Diego will compete for the title of Ms. Senior California 2011.
YORBA LINDA

The Annual Fourth of July Spectacular here at Veterans Park (Yorba Linda Middle School) on July 4^th. Entertainment begins at 5:00pm. Bring your own lawn chair. Food, music and fantastic firework show. Dogs are not recommended. Fireworks begin at 9:00pm. For more information you can call 714-961-7160.

 *As seen in orangecountyregister.com & orangecounty.net

 

And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.     

www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com

Best regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CLHMS CRB CRS GREEN GRI

Past President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900

     

      

 

Caruso’s OC Happenings ~ North County

NORTH COUNTY

ANAHEIM

Coming up January 30th at 7pm is the 2011 Ms. America Contest at the Doubletree Anaheim Resort. The Ms. America Pageant conducts a nationwide search to find contestants and make one woman’s dream of a lifetime come true by crowning her Ms. America 2011! Over $40,000.00 in gifts and prizes will be awarded at the pageant! The pageant is open to women 26 years of age and up – single, divorced or married who are articulate, interesting, elegant and classy. Pageant competition is based on Interview, Evening Gown, Sportswear (jogging, yoga, aerobic wear, etc) and the exciting Finalist On-Stage Question.

BREA

Coming up January 29 from 11am-3pm at the Brea Community Center (695 E. Madison Way) will be the Bridal Show! Brides, grooms, parents and friends can shop and compare among a variety of vendors including caterers, D.J.’s, reception sites, invitations, bakeries, event coordinators, florists, formal wear, travel representatives, photographers and more. Attendees will also be able to sample foods, compare prices and get ideas for their wedding and reception. Admission is $6 a person. For more information you can call 714-671-4427 or you can visit www.breabridalshow.com.  

BUENA PARK

Nothing to report

CYPRESS

Coming up on Valentines Day, February 14^th at the Senior Community Center there will be a bake sale held from 9:30am-2:00pm. Also there will be a Valentines Lunch In held from 10am-1pm.

FULLERTON 

Starting February 10th through Valentines Day you can order Singing Valentines. Singing Valentines are delivered by members of the award-winning Orange Empire Barbershop Chorus.  To order a Singing Valentine you can call (714) 879-9628.  Proceeds go to music education programs.

GARDEN GROVE 

February 4-6 at Garden Grove Park is the Tet Festival.  The event is sponsored by the Union of Vietnamese Students Association, and celebrates the arrival of spring and the first day of the lunar year.

LA HABRA

Nothing to report

LA PALMA

Nothing to report

PLACENTIA

Nothing to report

STANTON

Nothing to report

WESTMINSTER

Nothing to report

YORBA LINDA

Coming up January 26 starting at 5:30pm The Versai Wine Bar presents a tasting with Bootlegger’s Brewery. Six delicious beers to taste for only $10 per person featuring: Old World Hefeweizen Golden Chaos Palomino Pale Ale Rustic Rye IPA Black Phoenix Winter Ale. For more information or to make a reservation please call 714-993-3676

  

And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.     

www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com

Best regards. 

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CLHMS CRB CRS GREEN GRI              

Past President, Orange County Association of Realtors   (949) 753-7900

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For more information visit orangecountyregister.com

Motivated Prospects with Caruso!

Determining Factors of a Qualified Prospect

1. Strong motivation

Motivation is simply the desire to do something. The stronger the desires on the part of the Buyer, the easier it will be for you to satisfy or even exceed their expectations. The stronger the motivation, the lower the expectations they will have for a property or your service. A low motivation prospect is willing to look for extended periods of time until they find the perfect home. In essence, they are looking for something that doesn’t exist in many cases. Do they want it? Do they have to have it? Those are the key questions to review in your head while talking with the prospect. If they are hoping for or would like something to happen, the likelihood of it happening diminishes.

2. Financial capacity

We can find people who have a desire or high motivation to live in a much nicer home. That certainly needs to be balanced with financial capacity: the availability of a down payment, credit score, steady employment, and sufficient income. Most people want more than they can afford. A Champion Agent finds out before they invest time on a prospect what their true financial capacity is. If you show property before you know clearly their financial capacity, you run the risk of disappointing your client. The Buyer ends up seeing homes they want but can’t afford, causing them to become frustrated with the properties, themselves, and you. This is a sure way to lose the client.

3. Authority to take action

Do they have the authority to make the purchase? Are they the only decision maker, or is someone else involved or influential in this decision? Far too frequently, low producing agents find out late in the game that parents, friends, aunts, or uncles will have an influence on the decision. This can easily cause a blockage to the sale. The other party, which is usually a parent, will come in after the home is selected and talk the Buyers out of the home they want. Knowing who will have influence on the decision is critical.

4. Realistic expectations, willingness to compromise

Qualifying and the Buyer Interview have so much value in determining this area. We are in a compromise business. The Buyer has to be willing to have realistic expectations of their desires and budget. They have to be able to forgo things that might be luxury items in their budget. They might not be able to afford that 3rd garage space based on their budget. They might have to forgo it because the area they really want to live is older, and very few of the homes have 3 car garages. Agents are better at determining the desire level of a client than the expectation level. We have to guide the client to identify their desires for their next home, then to prioritize these items. What are have-to-have items, and what are really like-to-have items? What is a non-starter item that knocks out the home and what is it that they can live without? Let’s go back to our garage example. If the house didn’t have a 3 car garage but had room to add on that garage and was in the right location and had all of the other features you were looking for, would that be okay? In the end, none of us will ever own the perfect home. We have to be willing to compromise. If we have a client without realistic expectations or with a lack of compromise ability, we will end up with either a large amount of time invested to generate a commission check or no commission check at all.

5. Willingness to understand the marketplace and market competition

This has been a difficult area in the past. Buyers have not liked the bidding war in real estate. They have felt taken advantage of by the Sellers. In some cases, they lost a few houses or had to pay 5%, 10%, or over 20% above asking to acquire a home. For a prospect to become a client, they must understand the marketplace, whatever it currently is. In the end, the market is the market! All real estate agents and Buyers can do is respond to the market. One thing an agent should always know is the percentage of list price to sales price for the homes in the price range their client is trying to purchase. This knowledge needs to be shared with the client, so they understand what it is going to take, at a minimum, to secure a property based on the facts of today. We need to clearly explain to the client that, if they are trying to be the exception, there will potentially be a high level of frustration for them.

6. Commitment to work with you exclusively

My position on exclusive commitment is that they sign a Buyer Agency Agreement. The Buyer Agency Agreement is becoming more commonplace in our industry. There was even an article on the increase in frequency and acceptance of Buyer Agency Contracts in the December 2, 2004 edition of the Wall Street Journal. I would suggest you secure a copy of the actual article to use in your commitment discussion.Why take the risk? I think that if someone is intent or even tempted to take advantage of you, it will come out during this stage when you are qualifying them for an exclusive commitment. You could even use a short list of services that you provide and ask for a trade of commitment, based on that short list of services.

And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.

www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com

Best regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CLHMS CRB CRS GREEN GRI

Past President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900

Caruso’s OC Happenings ~ South County

South County

ALISO VIEJO

December 5 from 4:30 – 7:30 pm at Grand Park/Town Center Amphitheater is the arrival of Santa & Mrs. Claus, Official Lighting of the Tree, Live Entertainment, Complimentary Cookies & Hot Chocolate and visits with Santa after the formal program. Please bring your camera to capture your child’s special moment with Santa! For more information you can call 949-243-7750.

DANA POINT 

This weekend December 4-5 from 10am-3pm will be Boat Rides with Santa! Celebrate the holidays in a unique and fun way by joining Santa and his helpers on a 20 minute Harbor Cruise through Dana Point Harbor! Cruises will be running every 20 minutes between 10am and 3pm on December 4th and 5th. Be sure to bring your holiday spirit and your wishes for Santa! No reservations required. Best of all, this cruise is FREE for the whole family! The event takes place at the Dana Wharf Sport fishing docks
(34675 Golden Lantern – between the Jolly Roger and the Wind & Sea.) For more information you can call (949) 923-2255

LADERA RANCH

TONIGHT and Sunday night December 3^rd & 5^th is the Tree Lighting Ceremony and Hanukkah at the Ranch. Tonight, December 3^rd at 5pm join the Ladera holiday tradition as we light our 60 foot tree in Town Green. Enjoy refreshments, live music and fun activities while you await Santa’s arrival. Bring your camera for a family photo opportunity. Please help those in need! Bring an unwrapped toy valued at $10 or more for the Toys for Tots Drive. On December 5^th at 4pm enjoy the warmth and feeling of community for the annual Ladera Ranch Festival of Lights. Please join other resident for songs and a short Menorah Lighting Ceremony. Both events take place at Town Green in Ladera Ranch.

LAGUNA BEACH

Now through December 12, 2010 is the Sawdust Winter Fantasy Fair. This unique fair offers shoppers the opportunity to purchase unique artisan crafts from various local artists. Includes live entertainment, hands-on art projects and picture-perfect moments, the Sawdust Art Festival’s Winter Fantasy will become your family’s holiday tradition. General Admission is$6.00 Adults, $3.00 children 6-12 and the fair is located at Sawdust Art Festival (935 Laguna Canyon Rd). For more INFORMATION you can call 949-494-3030.

LAGUNA HILLS

Saturday, December 4th from 9:00-10:30am is breakfast with Santa! Santa will be arriving at the Laguna Hills Community Center for a morning full of holiday fun! Join us for a special celebration complete with a scrumptious pancake breakfast, photos with Santa, and holiday crafts! Sign up soon, space is limited! Children must be accompanied by a paying adult. The cost is $10 fro residents and $15 for non residents. To register or for more information, please visit https://activenet4.active.com/lagunahillscs/ or you can call (949) 707-2680.

LAGUNA NIGUEL

**OPEN HOUSE** Sunday December 5^th @ 64 Westgate, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 from 1:00-4:30pm. Come and check out this spectacular salt water injected pool home! Makes you feel like you’re on a permanent vacation! For more information you can visit http://www.64WESTGATE.com or call Michael Caruso at 949-495-8600.

LAKE FOREST

Nothing to report

MISSION VIEJO

December 4, 5, 11, 12, & 18th from 6:00-8:00pm at the Civic Center will be Santa’s Workshop! Children are invited to share their holiday wishes with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Santa’s Workshop. Free hot chocolate will be served. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the holiday magic. Admission is FREE. For more information, please call the Mission Viejo Activities Committee at (949) 830-7066.

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA

Coming up December 31st, 2010 in Central Park starting at 4:00pm-9:00pm will be a New Years Celebration! The Celebrating Family & Friends event is a community festival featuring entertainers, visual arts, musical entertainment, and creative art booths. If you have any questions about the event, contact Community Services at 949-635-1800 Ext. 6401.

SAN CLEMENTE

Saturday, December 11^th at 11am join the family Assistance Ministries for this wonderful Christmas Gift Program event. Presents will be handed out to needy children of the community and lunch will be served. If you are interested in donating gifts please call the Family Assistance Ministries at 492-8477

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

Tomorrow, December 4th, beginning at 4:15pm, join the City of San Juan Capistrano as we begin the holiday season with the annual “Tree Lighting Ceremony” at Historic Town Center Park (31852 El Camino Real Street). The official lighting of our Christmas Tree takes place at 5:45pm after which a candle light procession will lead guests out of the park and over to the San Juan Capistrano Mission and downtown area for more festivities.  Additional activities taking place throughout the downtown area will include a free mechanical “Holiday Train” ride for the kids, photos with Santa in Los Rios Park, activities at the San Juan Capistrano Mission, Live Nativity, Pony Rides, Petting Zoo & Hayrides at ZOOMARS on Los Rios & River Street.  For more information call (949) 493-5911.

And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.      

www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com

Best regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CLHMS CRB CRS GREEN GRI   

Past President, Orange County Association of Realtors   (949) 753-7900

As seen in http://www.ocregister.com

Last Minute Thanksgiving Ideas with Caruso!

It’s a great time of the year that fills people with warmth, and a great way to boost the joy of those in your home this year.  If you need just a few more final touches for your home, here are a few decorating ideas:

•Hollow out a handful of mini pumpkins and use them as candle holders either on the dining table or around the house.

•Gather pinecones, or buy them if you prefer, and place them in a large basket on the hearth. Decorate with some fall leaves to add some color and lines. Remove the leaves after Thanksgiving and add some pine boughs, red berries, and a bow for a nice Christmas decoration.

•Purchase a fall garland of silk and preserved fall leaves and berries. Drape these items across your mantle, or attach it under the mantle with tiny nails or pushpins. Orange mini lights can add a nice warm glow to the scene as well. Decorate with raffia or paper ribbon bows to complete the look. 

•Wreaths are often associated with the holiday season and they are a good way to add some pizzazz to a bare front or side door.  If you’re feeling creative but want something simple you can go down to your local craft store and buy a wreath kit. 

•To make easy napkin rings for fall, hot glue some leaves around 1″ wide rounds of cardboard tubing (from gift wrap rolls). Glue a strip of colored paper or fabric to the inside of the ring. Attach 2 pieces of raffia on the bottom with hot glue, and bring them around to tie a bow on top. This will help hold the leaves down. A drop of glue under the bow will hold it in place.

I hope these decorative suggestions have helped you plan your holiday décor, or at least have sparked some ideas of your own.  If there is anything I can help you with this holiday season feel free to call or email me. My door is always open.

And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.     

www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com

Best regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CLHMS CRB CRS GREEN GRI

Past President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900

Caruso’s OC Happenings ~ Central County

CENTRAL COUNTY

COSTA MESA

Coming up Sunday, November 28, 2010 is a traditional and authentic Swedish Christmas, complete with a St. Lucia procession brought to you by the SWEA of Orange County. Wonderfully decorated exhibits, food, arts and crafts, traditional music, dancing and activities for children will be available as well as visits from both St. Lucia and the Swedish Santa Claus. Located at the Costa Mesa Community Center (1845 Park Ave).

FOUNTAIN VALLEY

Nothing to report

HUNTINGTON BEACH

Coming up December 2 is Home for the Holidays” – Auction and Dinner Event.
The volunteer club has raised funds annually to support the Huntington Beach Community Clinic, Project Self Sufficiency and other local charities for over a decade while providing the community with its “kick-off” holiday shopping event. It will be an evening of music, dining, friends and good cheer, with silent and live auctions. The event will be held at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort (21500 Pacific Coast Highway). For more information you can call 714-969-7100

IRVINE

Starting December 11 through 24 is The Nutcracker” At the Barclay Theater. This full-length, traditional production is choreographed and directed by Festival Ballet Theatre’s Artistic Director Salwa Rizkalla, and features a cast of professional dancers along with more than 100 Southern California children. Featuring guest artists from American Ballet Theatre held at 4242 Campus Drive. For more information you can call (949) 854-4646.

LOS ALAMITOS

Nothing to report

NEWPORT BEACH

TODAY and TOMORROW, November 19 and 20th will be the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremonies! This event is one of Orange County’s most popular holiday traditions and returns when Fashion Island hosts an evening of holiday festivities including a musical performance, culminating with the lighting of the Christmas tree in the Neiman Marcus-Bloomingdale’s Courtyard located at the Fashion Island Mall. The festivities begin at 6:00 p.m. on both evenings. For more information you can call (949) 721-2000.

ORANGE

Coming up November 26-28 and December 3-5 & 10-23 is the 15th Annual Christmas Train to Meet Santa Claus!  Take an enchanting night ride through historic Irvine Regional Park (1 Irvine Park Road Orange, CA 92869) to meet and have your picture taken with Santa Claus. In addition to riding the Irvine Park Railroad, activities include story time with Mrs. Claus, Christmas cookie decorating, a Santa Claus moon bounce, Christmas coloring corner, carnival games, picture stands and more. Hot food and snacks are available for purchase. The cost to ride the Christmas Train is $8.00 per person. Children younger than 24 months ride free. Prices for activities vary. For directions, costs and additional information or to purchase tickets, visit us online at www.irvineparkrailroad.com or call (714) 997-3968.

SANTA ANA

Starting Dec 11, 2010 – Jan 2, 2011 is the Discovery Science Center Presents: Science of Gingerbread. Discovery Science Center’s The Science of Gingerbread exhibition features hands-on kitchen science activities, decorating demonstrations and award-winning gingerbread houses on display. Who knew science could be so tasty? In addition, don’t miss The Great Trains, an exhibit for everyone who enjoys building, operating, or simply watching scale model railroads. The event is held at the Discovery Science Center (2500 N. Main St). For more information you can call 714-542-2823.

SEAL BEACH

Coming up December 3rd is the Annual Holiday Parade!
The 30th Annual Christmas Parade of Seal Beach is along Main Street. There are bands representing schools from Marina, Ocean View, Los Alamitos and more. Boy Scouts and Girls Scout Troops from all over the area will be represented. The parade begins promptly at 7:00 pm along Main Street starting at Ocean Avenue and proceeding to PCH. Do some Christmas shopping and have cocktails and/or dinner before and after the parade. For more information you can call 562-799-0179.

TUSTIN

Coming up December 10-11 will be the Holiday Boutique. Friday, December 10, 2010 (4:00 – 8:00 PM) – Holiday Boutique will be open for your holiday shopping needs before and during the City of Tustin’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, 40+ Crafters/Vendors, Mrs. Santa’s Bake Shoppe, Miss Tustin Sarah Salazar & Her Court, and Raffle Prize Giveaways and Saturday, December 11, 2010 (8:30 AM – 4:00 PM) –
40+ Crafters/Vendors, Mrs. Santa’s Bake Shoppe, Pancake Breakfast from 8:30 – 10 a.m., Lunch/Snack Bar from 11 – 2 p.m., Miss Tustin Sarah Salazar & Her Court, Picture with Santa (Proceeds will benefit the Miss Tustin Scholarship Program), Holiday Entertainment, Opportunity Drawing for Christmas Money Tree, and Raffle Prize Giveaways Throughout the Day. The event will be held at Clifton C. Miller Community Center (City Hall) 300 Centennial Way.

VILLA PARK

Coming up December 12th is the Great Inland Boat Parade and Holiday Celebration. This fun filled event consists of a parade of Christmas decorated land yachts (anything from a small boat pulled by a car to a horse wagon!) followed by the annual tree lighting ceremony. The parade will begins at Villa Park High School at 18042 Taft Ave., ending about 6:30 p.m. in the Villa Park Shopping Center on Santiago Boulevard, where holiday festivities will continue. For more information you can call 714-998-1500.

And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.     

www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com

Best regards.      

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CLHMS CRB CRS GREEN GRI            

Past President, Orange County Association of Realtors   (949) 753-7900

 

For more information visit ocregister.com

Caruso’s OC Happenings ~ South County

 

South County

ALISO VIEJO

Looking for a place to call home?? JUST REDUCED adorable 2 bedroom condo with loft is available in the delightful town of Aliso Viejo. BUT that’s not it! There is also a special buyer incentive if you purchase this property. Call Michael Caruso today to find out more detail! You don’t want to miss out on this perfect condo! Or visit our website www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com or 949-753-7900.

DANA POINT 

Nothing to report

LADERA RANCH

Nothing to report

LAGUNA BEACH

Coming up November 5th is the 2nd Annual National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week: Hunger Bowl (Neighborhood Congregational Church 340 St. Ann’s Dr). Soup tastes and fixings, desserts and soft drinks donated by Laguna Beach restaurants. Art by Laguna Beach Homeless will be for sale. There will also be a Silent Auction featuring uniquely designed bowls donated by professional artists. The event benefits the Laguna Relief and Resource Coalition. Tickets are $45 each. For more information you can call 949-280-2885

LAGUNA HILLS

October 30th from 10-11am you are invited to join us for a morning of hair-raising fun at the Laguna Hills Community Center! Our Ghostly Affair includes ghoulish snacks, exciting games, Halloween crafts, tons of prizes, and plenty of opportunities for great pictures – so don’t forget your camera! Dress up in your favorite costume and join the fun! For ages 6 and younger. The event is $8 for residents, $13 for non-residents. For more information you can visit https://activenet4.active.com/lagunahillscs/ or call 949-707-2680.

LAGUNA NIGUEL

October 28-30th is the 10th annual Haunted Trails. What’s left of the world in the year 2050? Walk through “Niguel-O-Tropolis” where you will explore cities of the future! Small groups will be escorted by guides weaving through the back alleys of New York City, and experiencing the creatures in San Francisco’s China town, or walking through the subway maze that will take you into Central Park. Watch out for street people, gangs, and New Orleans zombies as you end your visit in the swamp graveyard. The event is held from 6:30-10:30pm and tickets are $10 a person. The urban horror of “Niguel-O- Tropolis” is “Very Scary” and not recommended for children under 8 years of age. Wear comfortable shoes to walk along the trail. For more information you can call 949-362-4351 ext 1.

LAKE FOREST

Calling all Pet Lovers! Coming up November 11 is Family Pet Day Extravaganza at Pittsford Park (21701 Pittsford Dr)! The event is from 11am-3pm and is FREE. There will be information booths, vendors and entertainment for two and four-legged friends.  So put on your hat and bring your furry friends for an afternoon of family fun! For more information you can call 949-461-3450.

MISSION VIEJO

Tomorrow October 30 the public is invited to attend Hometown Halloween, a fun-filled community celebration that caters to all ages. The colorful event is from 4 to 8 p.m. on at the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center (24932 Veterans Way). The event includes game booths, crafts and pony and hay rides. The Halloween celebration features tasty fare and the Wacky Whitchin’ Kitchen, a pint-sized haunted house. Trick-or-treating kicks off at 6 p.m. and lasts until the candy runs out. Kids decked out in their favorite costume will enjoy walking the red carpet during the costume parade hosted by Big Bird and Elmo. Masks are not allowed on anyone over the age of 12. For more information, call 949-768-0981 and press 3 for recreation.

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA

Nothing to report

SAN CLEMENTE

Coming up November 6th is a Tail of Two Cities “It’s Raining Cats and Dogs”
starting at 4:00 pm to be held at the beautiful Talega Golf Club. The event benefits the animals at the Pro-humane San Clemente – Dana Point Animal Shelter. Ticket price of $100.00 will include appetizers, dinner and 2 drinks with live music, silent auctions and prizes!

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

October 29-31 is the Haunted House of Illusions (Zax Studios 33155 Camino Capistrano, Suite B, San Juan Capistrano). Not your ordinary Haunted House, this Magic Show with a Haunted Twist will leaves the hairs on your neck standing up as you try to figure out, “How did they do that?” Tickets are $8 each and will be sold at Sponsoring Businesses throughout the Capistrano Valley. The recommended age range is 8 years old and up. The event is benefiting the Capistrano Unified School District Foundation. For more information you can call (949) 388-5802

And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.     

www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com

Best regards.                   

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CLHMS CRB CRS GREEN GRI         

2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors   (949) 753-7900