Travelin' Local » Orange County

Travelin’ Local’s Los Angeles & Orange County Valentine’s Weekend Calendar

Sandy Schroeder — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:42:00 +0000

What’s up this weekend? Well it’s Valentine’s Weekend, so here are some special events in and around LA and OC for you and yours, with more ways to celebrate on Valentine’s Day on February 14^th. Plus our usual round-up of Music, Arts, Sports, Children’s Programs, Community Events and more.

Judy Collins, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Saturday, Feb. 11

Known for her classic interpretations of “Both Sides Now,” “Amazing Grace” and
“Send in the Clowns,” the Grammy winning singer songwriter has thrilled audiences worldwide for more than 40 years with her unique blend of interpretive folk and pop. Accompanying herself on piano and guitar she performs music by her contemporaries and from her own classic songbook.
Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA

Roberta Flack and the Pacific Symphony at Segerstrom Hall Feb 9-11

Valentine’s Special, Grammy Award winner Roberta Flack visits the Pacific Symphony bringing her Intoxicating ballads: “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” “Killing Me Softly with His Tongue,” “Where is the Love” and more. Richard Kaufmann conducts. Segerstrom Hall, 715 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA.

Sex and the City Zoo Celebration, Sunday, Feb. 12

The Greater LA Zoo Association invites you to their annual lighthearted “celebration of animal dating, mating and cohabitating” for Valentine’s Day. Zoo veteran Jason Jacobs will share insights about the pros and cons of relationships in the animal kingdom. Champagne and chocolate will be provided for the humans. Witherbee Auditorium at the LA Zoo, 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA

Watson Adventures’ Naked at the Getty Scavenger Hunt, Saturday, Feb. 11

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at 5 p.m. on Saturday evening with Watson Adventures on a Valentine’s Day scavenger hunt for nudity in art. Teams of two to six people will discover secrets hidden in works of art involving nudity while tackling witty, tricky questions. No knowledge of art – or nudity – is needed to succeed. Advance reservations required. Getty Center, 1200 Getty Center, Los Angeles.

18^th Annual Valentine’s Celebration: Men in Blaque & UCI A Capella, UCI ArtCenter, Feb. 14

Bring your date or a friend and enjoy some wonderful music, at 8 p.m. on the 14^th., conducted by Joseph Huszti. Join them for a post-concert reception. UCI Arts Center Winifred Smith Hall, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA

Venice Valentine’s Scavenger Hunt, Feb. 11 and 12

This biking scavenger hunt through Venice Beach is designed for teams of two to get to know each other’s intellectual side while enjoying a day out exploring. There are prizes for the top 3 teams. Bikes are available for rent, or you can bring your own. A portion of ticket proceeds goes to the Boys and Girls Club of Venice. Scavenger Hunt, 1800 Ocean Front Walk, Venice.

Four Course Valentine’s Dinner, Laguna Canyon Winery, Feb. 11 & Feb. 14

Enjoy fine epicurean creations paired with artisan boutique wines while listening to live music. The Valentine’s WineMaker’s Dinner is $125 per person, plus 21% service charge plus tax. Members receive a 10% discount. Laguna Canyon Winery, 2133 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach.

Zeppelin Air Tour over Los Angeles Take an air tour over LA in the only airship in the US licensed for commercial passenger transport, Airship Ventures’ Zeppelin Eureka. It’s not private, but there are only 12 passengers per flight, with plenty of room to move around and enjoy the views out the large picture windows. Opt for the sunset flight. Airship Ventures, 250 Airflite Way, Long Beach, CA

Valentine Sunset Cruise with Dana Wharf Whale Watching Tours

Sail aboard the 95′ Dana Pride at sunset and search for whales, dolphin and other marine life set against the beautiful Orange County coastline. Chocolates and Valentine’s Day treats are included, as well as a glass of champagne. Dana Wharf Whale Watching Tours, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, CA

Valentine’s Day Dinner benefits ‘Save Our Beach, at McKenna’s in Long Beach

Fundraiser Valentine’s Day dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. at McKenna’s. For $100 per person, which goes to Save Our Beach, diners will get dinner, champagne and a guaranteed raffle prize. McKenna’s, 190 N. Marina Drive, Long Beach, CA

Queen Mary Red Hot Singles Mix and Mingle on Valentine’s Day

The party’s on from 8 p.m. to midnight complete with live music, dancing and a sweet treat candy station. Tickets are $19.95 per person and include parking.

The Queen Mary is at 1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach.

Valentine’s Day Dinner with a View, Orange County Mining Company

Floor to ceiling picture windows offer your table a stunning view of Orange County, and the saloon takes you back to the mining era.

Orange County Mining Co., 10000 Crawford Canyon Rd., Orange, CA

Waterfront Beach Resort Anti- Valentine Day party in Huntington

On the flip side if you are really not into prescribed holidays, but still want to party, you can join with others and celebrate your censoring at the Waterfront Beach Resort in Huntington. The Waterfront Beach Resort, 21100 Pacific Cst. Highway, Huntington Beach, CA

Clybourne Park, Mark Taper Forum, Center Theater, now thru Feb. 26

Winner 2011 Pulitzer Prize. Headed for Broadway in April, the LA Times called it, “Biting satiric comedy, damnably enjoyable.” By Bruce Norris. Directed by Pam MacKinnon. Jokes fly and hidden agendas unfold as two vastly different generations of characters tip-toe the delicate dance of social politics, pitting race against real estate at the crux of two seminal events — 50 years apart — in the same north Chicago house. Mark Taper Forum, Center Theater, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles.

Placido Domingo in Verdi Masterpiece Simon Boccanegra LA Opera, Music Center, Feb. 11, 15, 19,21, Mar. 1

Thrust into power, undone by a sordid past. Conducted by James Conlan with projected Engish Translations . The unrivaled Placido Domingo brings his celebrated interpretation of one of opera’s most complex characters to his home company. LA Opera is located at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion and is part of the Music Center of Los Angeles, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA

Cinderella Les Ballets De Monte Carlo at Segerstrom Hall, Feb. 9 – 12

Sophisticated interpretation of this classic fairy tale romance , choreographed by Jean-Christopher Maillot. Exclusive West Coast engagement and Center premiere. Segerstrom Hall, 715 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa.

West Coast Premiere: Elemono Pea, South Coast Repertory, Now thru Feb. 26 Playwright, Molly Smith Metzler, and Director, Marc Masterson, give you this keenly observed comedy about class, family and the choices that shape who we are. Unfolding in real time, the sisters of an absurdly rich New York ad man and a visiting blue collar family from Buffalo collide. South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa,CA

Star Wars, Where Science Meets Imagination, Discovery Science Center, Santa Ana, Runs now through April 15

Imagine humanoid robots translating languages, land speeders zooming down highways, and X-wing Starfighters guarding the skies. Could these Star Wars™ technologies become reality? Find out in Discovery Science Center’s out-of-this-world exhibit, by Bose Corporation. Discovery Science Center, 2500 N. Main, Santa Ana, CA

Bowers Museum’s Warriors, Tombs and Temples, China’s Enduring Legacy, runs now through March 4. Following the extraordinary 2008 Exhibition, Terra Cotta Warriors: Guardians of China’s First Emperor, the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana partners with Houston Museum of Natural Science to show 200 newly discovered treasures from ancient Chinese tombs. Debuting now in the U.S., these ancient works of art come from three dynasties of Chinese civilization. Bowers Museum, 2002 North Main Street, Santa Ana, CA

Newport Beach Jazz Party at the Newport Mariott, Feb. 16-19

President’s Day Weekend is a four-day festival of “Right Down the Middle and Straight Ahead” jazz with big bands and duos, playing everything from Ellington to Sinatra. Stars include John Pizzarelli (Thursday) and Frank Sinatra, Jr. (Sunday). The Newport Mariott Hotel and Spa, 900 Newport Center Drive, Newport, CA

The Best Places in Southern California to go Whale Watching- A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience

Sandy Schroeder — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:52:44 +0000

It’s Whale Watching Time in Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego Counties.

Now through April see the Gray Whales, and from May to October see the Blue Whales, in Los Angeles, Marina Del Rey, Palos Verdes, San Pedro, Long Beach, Newport, Dana Point, and San Diego

With summer like weather upon us, Southern California is a target rich area for the whale migrations of fifty foot grays and hundred foot blue whales. To capture this wondrous display of nature’s most magnificent creatures and inspiration in the water, or from land–here’s

Travelin’ Local’s Annual Edition of:

The Best Places in Southern California To Go Whale Watching

Including The Best Guide of Boat Tours from LA to San Diego, including the best land based Viewpoints

And just to pique your interest, we’ve included a special Marine Wildlife by Air Tour

Right now you can see more Gray Whales heading for their calving grounds in the breeding areas at Baja’s southern tip. Starting in May, you can see the stunning Blue Whale, the largest known animal on the planet. The Blue Whales feed off the Southern California coast and travel in pairs in their migration, which can be seen until October.

Along the way, huge pods of Dolphins are also frequently spotted off our coast near Redondo Beach, Marina Del Rey, Long Beach, Corona del Mar, and San Clemente.

For your outing take sunglasses, sunblock, a hat, light jacket, binoculars, camera, rubber soled shoes and Dramamine for sea sickness.

Be part of this 5,000 mile migration. Claim your viewpoint now!

Southern California Whale Watching Tours:

Los Angeles – San Pedro – Redondo Beach – Marina Del Rey – Long Beach

American Cetacean Society Whale Watching Cruises, P.O. Box 1391, San Pedro, CA 90733-1391

Belmont Pier Sportfishing, 2939 Ocean Ave., Long Beach.

Cabrillo Marine Aquarium has whale watching tours out of San Pedro. 3720 Stephen M. White Drive, San Pedro.

Marina del Rey Sportfishing . Dock 52, Fiji Way Marina del Rey

Los Angeles Harbor Sportfishing 79 Berth, San Pedro.

LA Whale Watching Harbor Breeze Yacht Charts and Cruises, 100 Aquarium Way, Dock #2, Long Beach, CA 90802

Redondo Sportfishing,.233 North Harbor Drive, Redondo Beach.;

Spirit Cruises, 429 Shoreline Village Dr #100, Long Beach;

Newport Beach

Newport Landing Whale Watching, 309 Palm St, A, Newport Beach

Davey’s Locker, 400 Main St., Newport Beach

Funzone Boat Company has many Newport Harbor tours including a sea lion cruise, 600 Edgewater Place, Balboa

Dana Point

Festival of the Whales in Dana Pt. March 3-4 and 10-11

Capt. Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Safari, 34451 Ensenada Place, Dana Pt.

Dream Catchers Yacht Charters, 24450 Dana Pt. Harbor Dr., Bldg. A1, Dana Pt.

Aventura Sailing Association – one of the few whale watching tours powered by the wind on luxury sailboats. 24707 Dana Drive, Dana Pt.

Dana Wharf Watching and Sport Fishing with special notes:

Valentine Sunset Cruise – Dana Wharf Watching tours offers a sunset cruise complete with champagne in search of whales and dolphins.
Ocean Institute of Marine Mammal Cruises – check out the field trips for kids and learn more about all of the opportunities at the Ocean Institute.
Art Lessons with famed artist, Wyland in the Wild offers dockside art lessons for kids plus a whale watching cruise.

San Diego

Hornblower Cruises and Events 1066 North Harbor Drive, San Diego

San Diego Harbor Excursions - Birch Aquarium at Scripps has twice-daily cruises with San Diego Harbor Excursions. 3- and 5-day whale watching expeditions to Baja California are also offered… 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, California.

Sail Jada Charters, 4318 Montalvo Street, San Diego

Helgren’s Sportfishing,. 315 Harbor Dr S, Oceanside

San Diego Maritime Museum - daily whale watching tours aboard the historic yacht, America, between December and April. 1492 North Harbor Dr., San Diego

Adventure Rib Rides – a fun, fast ride onboard an authentic Navy SEAL Rigid Inflatable Boat (R.I.B.).1380 Harbor Island Drive, San Diego.

Dennis Conner’s America’s Cup Experience‎, 1050 North Harbor Drive, San Diego

San Diego Boat Tours, Shelter Cove Marina, 2240 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego.

Blue Horizon Sportfishing, 2803 Emerson St, San Diego‎.

San Diego Whale Watching Excursions‎, 1050 North Harbor Drive, San Diego.

Best Viewpoints for Whale Watching in So. CA

Balboa/Newport Beach – Some of the most fertile waters in California are just outside Newport Bay. There you will find the grey whale migration thru April, and in the summer many blue whales.

Channel Islands National Park- Some 10,000 grey whales move through the Santa Barbara Channel between the Channel Islands and the California coast. Then off Santa Rosa Island the summer offers sightings of the blue whale.
Dana Point – One of the prime viewpoints in South Orange County, the migration season is celebrated here in March with the Festival of Whales. The Ocean Institute also provides a network of classes and hands on marine experiences for kids of all ages.

Long Beach – For LA visitors, this is an easy drive and there are several choices in tour groups.

Palos Verdes Peninsula – This is one of the best whale watching viewpoints in the L.A. area, close to Los Angeles on the Palos Verdes Peninsula at Point Vincente.

San Diego – The Cabrillo National Monument in San Diego, The city’s land-based viewing spot, with an outdoor observatory providing a view 400 feet above sea level. San Diego has been cited as one of the best whale watching spots in the world.

Ventura – Grey whales can be seen in the Santa Barbara Channel now thru March. From July until September you may see humpback and blue whales, or killer whales.
From the Air…

Riter Aviation VIP Whale Watching Tours – Marine Wildlife Tours is a VIP whale watching tour in a light aircraft out of Torrance airport, between Los Angeles and Long Beach. Seeing whales from the air with the pilot able to scour the ocean for views puts a whole new spin on whale watching.

This Weekend’s Orange County Calendar

Sandy Schroeder — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 01:58:43 +0000

What’s up for this weekend? You’ll find it all right here, plus upcoming February events. Welcome to Travelin’ Local’s round-up of Music, Arts, Sports, Children’s Programs, Community Events and more.

Come Fly Away, Twyla Tharp/Frank Sinatra, Segerstrom Hall, Jan. 31-Feb. 5

Come see the new Broadway musical that brings together the legendary music of Frank Sinatra and the creative choreography of Tony Award-winner Twyla Tharp (Movin’ Out). Twyla and Sinatra have a long history of interpreting the magic of love and this musical is the culmination of her famed Sinatra interpretations that go back to 2009. The seductive vocals of “Ol’ Blue Eyes” sizzle with the sound of a live 14-piece big band and the visceral thrill of Tharp’s choreography. As 15 of the world’s best dancers tell the story of four couples falling in and out of love, you will experience the exhilaration of a first kiss, the excitement of a first dance, and the bittersweet moments of a first good-bye. Featuring Sinatra classics: “Summer Wind,” “Fly Me to the Moon,” “My Way,” “New York, New York” and “I’ve Got the World on a String.” Graphics courtesy of Twyla Tharp/Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Segerstrom Hall, 715 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa.

Surfcity USA Marathon, Huntington Beach, Feb. 5

California’s Classic Oceanfront Marathon runs on Pacific Coast Highway past the Huntington Beach pier and through legendary surfing beaches. The Surf City USA® Marathon includes the Free Wheelchair Mission 7th annual Run for Mobility as runners raise funds to send wheelchairs to people in need around the world.. Retro surf bands entertain with a Finish Line Festival beach side beer garden.

Pacific Symphony’s Family Musical Mornings, Segerstrom Hall, Feb. 4 Blast off as the Pacific Symphony travels through our solar system! Real footage from NASA will accompany music from Holst’s “The Planets,” as well as selections from “Star Wars.” Featuring the gifted young musicians of Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra, these 45 minute concerts are especially designed for children 5-11. During the added Musical Carnival, enjoy free hands-on activities for children, who can meet Symphony musicians, sing, dance, play, color, try musical instruments and enjoy themselves in thematic activities related to the concert. (9 a.m. for 10 a.m. concertgoers; 12:15 p.m. for 11:30 a.m. concertgoers). Segerstrom Hall, 714 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa.

Laguna Art Museum Annual Auction 2012 – Saturday, Feb. 4

From 6 to 9 p.m., a fast paced live auction will offer over 100 premier California artists’ works in an exciting silent auction. Sampling of cuisine from known local restaurants such as French 75 and Pelican Hill, select wines, a live DJ with live art performances and an afterparty of desserts and cocktails will complete this major museum fundraiser.

South Coast Repetory, Now thru Feb. 26 Playwright, Molly Smith Metzler, and Director, Marc Masterson, give you this keenly observed comedy about class, family and the choices that shape who we are. This runaway hit is fast, furious and funny. Unfolding in real time, just after Labor Day Martha’s Vineyard is emptying out, but you can still smell the expensive sun lotion, when the sisters of an absurdly rich New York ad man and a visiting blue collar family from Buffalo collide. Low price Previews Jan. 27 – Feb. 2. Opening night, Feb. 3. Reg. performances Feb. 4-26. (Note – profanity and adult situations included.) Photos courtesy of South Coast Repertory. South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa,CA

Star Wars, Where Science Meets Imagination, Discovery Science Center, Santa Ana, Runs now through April 15

Lonesome Traveler at Laguna Playhouse Playing now thru Feb. 5

The Rubicon Theatre Premiere Concert is sparked with “Tom Dooley,” “Goodnight Irene,” “Puff, the Magic Dragon” “Blowin’ in the Wind” and “This Land is Your Land.” .Lonesome Traveler traces our roots from the backwoods of Appalachia to the nightclubs of New York and San Francisco; from the mid 1920s to the mid 1960s. Among forty classics you will find your favorites. From “Michael Row the Boat Ashore,” to “Mr. Tamborine Man” to “Barbara Allen,” come to enjoy. Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach

Bowers Museum’s Warriors, Tombs and Temples, China’s Enduring Legacy, runs now through March 4. Following the extraordinary 2008 Exhibition, Terra Cotta Warriors: Guardians of China’s First Emperor, the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana partners with Houston Museum of Natural Science to show 200 newly discovered treasures from ancient Chinese tombs. Debuting now in the U.S., these ancient works of art come from three dynasties of Chinese civilization. A priceless collection from tombs that were built like homes for the daily rituals of the royal family and secrets of the silk road. Bowers Museum, 2002 North Main Street, Santa Ana, CA

Roberta Flack and the Pacific Symphony at Segerstrom Hall 2/9 – 2/11

Valentine’s Special, Grammy Award winner Roberta Flack visits the Pacific Symphony bring her Intoxicating ballads with: “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” “Killing Me Softly with His Tongue,” and “Where is the Love” and more. Richard Kaufmann conducts. Segerstrom Hall, 715 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA.

Tokyo String Quartet at Sokia Performing Arts Center, Aliso Viejo, Feb. 9.

Known as one of the supreme chamber ensembles of the world, the Tokyo Strong Quartet was founded 40 years ago and has an international following. They perform over a 100 concerts per season and are known for their critically acclaimed recordings and teaching record. Sokia Performing Arts Theater, University Drive, Aliso Viejo.

Monster Trucks Hit Angel Stadium Sat., Sat. Feb. 11

Monster trucks will roar into Angel Stadium Saturday, Feb. 11. The total access pass activities go from 2 to 3 pm. The Party in the Pits starts after that and at 7 pm the high energy competition begins. Angel Stadium, 2000 Gene Autry Way, Anaheim, CA.

Newport Beach Jazz Party at the Newport Mariott, Feb. 16-19

Cinderella Les Ballets De Monte Carlo at Segerstrom Hall, Feb. 9 – 12

You’re invited to the 14th Anniversary of Laguna’s First Thursday ArtWalk

Sandy Schroeder — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:26:55 +0000

The party is on this upcoming Thursday evening, Feb. 2 from 6 to 9 p.m. Plus, there will also be a Pre-Event, from 5-6 p.m. with the City Hall Exhibition at City Hall, 505 Forest Avenue:

” A Study Abroad Retrospective, Visual Tales from Eire and England, by Laguna College of Art and Design students.”

It’s one of the biggest parties in Laguna Beach as the city celebrates their renowned First Thursday ArtWalk.

It’s a self-guided tour of gallery openings and museum receptions that starts as soon as the galleries open their doors to the public with special artist demos, exhibitions, music, dance and much more.

Bring a jacket and wear comfortable walking shoes, as you wind your way down Pacific Coast Highway. There will be wine to sip and goodies for grazing too.

The tour starts at the North end of Pacific Coast Highway, just after you enter Laguna, goes down to the central business area on Forest Avenue, and then continues on down South Coast Highway. It’s an exhilarating walk filled with art!

Before you start, make sure to take a look at the Artwalk Gallery listings on the site. You’which ll find gallery sites that start on North Coast Highway which also includes the Laguna Art Museum.

Next, there is the Central Downtown group on Forest Avenue and finally, there are more galleries to be reviewed on South Coast Highway. Check the Shuttle Map too for the trolley that is on hand throughout the evening.

Every time I go to this ArtWalk, I come home and put it on my calendar for next month. If you can’t make this Thursday, pencil in one of the following dates: March 1, April 5, May 3, June 7, July 5, August 2, Sept. 6, Oct. 4, Nov. 1 and December 6. You’ll be pleased that you did.

Just one example from the many exhibitions and galleries is Joanne Artman’s Gallery with America Martin’s solo exhibition. Martin is a Columbian-American fine artist based in Los Angeles. Her third solo exhibition is appropriately named “Exuberance,” capturing her amazing works of pure joy. Her favorite landscape is that of the human form which she celebrates with vigor in line and color.

Footnote: The Laguna Art Museum Annual Auction 2012 is on this Saturday night, Feb. 4, from 6 to 9 p.m.

They’ll be hosting a fast paced live auction offering over 100 premier California artists’ works in an exciting silent auction.

Also, there will be sampling of cuisine from such well known local restaurants such as French 75 and Pelican Hill, select wines, a live DJ with live art performances and an after party with dessert and cocktails which will complete this major museum fundraiser.

Street parking is available along Pacific Coast Highway in front of the galleries and the downtown parking structure is located at Glenneyre Street.

This Weekend’s Orange County Calendar

Sandy Schroeder — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 06:40:39 +0000

What’s up for this weekend in the OC? You’ll find it all right here, plus upcoming February events.

Welcome to Travelin’ Local’s Orange County round up of Music, Arts, Sports, Children’s Programs, Community Events and more.

West Coast Premiere: Elemono Pea, South Coast Repertory, Jan. 27 – Feb. 26 Playwright, Molly Smith Metzler, and Director, Marc Masterson, give you this keenly observed comedy about class, family and the choices that shape who we are. This runaway hit is fast, furious and funny. Unfolding in real time, just after Labor Day Martha’s Vineyard is emptying out, but you can still smell the expensive sun lotion, when the sisters of an absurdly rich New York ad man and a visiting blue collar family from Buffalo collide. Low price Previews Jan. 27 – Feb. 2. Opening night, Feb. 3. Reg. performances Feb. 4-26. (Note – profanity and adult situations included.) Photos courtesy of South Coast Repertory. South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa,CA

Come Fly Away, Twyla Tharp/Frank Sinatra, Segerstrom Hall, Jan. 31-Feb. 5
A new Broadway musical that brings together the legendary music of Frank Sinatra and the creative vision of Tony Award-winner Twyla Tharp (Movin’ Out). The seductive vocals of “Ol’ Blue Eyes” sizzle with the sound of a live 14-piece big band and the visceral thrill of Tharp’s choreography. As 15 of the world’s best dancers tell the story of four couples falling in and out of love, you will experience the exhilaration of a first kiss, the excitement of a first dance, and the bittersweet moments of a first good-bye. Featuring Sinatra classics: “Summer Wind,” “Fly Me to the Moon,” “My Way,” “New York, New York” and “I’ve Got the World on a String.” Segerstrom Hall, 715 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa.

Monster Trucks Hit Angel Stadium Sat., Jan. 28 and Sat. Feb. 11

Monster trucks will roar into Angel Stadium this Saturday. The total access pass activities go from 2to 3 pm. The Party in the Pits starts after that and at 7 pmthe high energy competition begins. Angel Stadium, 2000 Gene Autry Way, Anaheim, CA.

Top Dog Underdog at the South Coast Repertory, runs through Jan. 29.

This Pulitzer Prize drama is an electrifying view of the gritty lives of two street savvy hustlers, Lincoln and Booth. The New York Times calls it, “a thrilling comic drama….dazzlingly written!” Bearing names of white men given to them by their father as a joke before he walked away, the brothers never stop conning suckers on the street and, ultimately, each other in this darkly funny drama of family grief and recovery. South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa,CA

Star Wars, Where Science Meets Imagination, Discovery Science Center, Santa Ana, Runs now through April 15

Lonesome Traveler at Laguna Playhouse Playing now thru Feb. 5

Bowers Museum’s Warriors, Tombs and Temples, China’s Enduring Legacy, runs now through March 4. Following the extraordinary 2008 Exhibition, Terra Cotta Warriors: Guardians of China’s First Emperor, the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana partners with Houston Museum of Natural Science to show 200 newly discovered treasures from ancient Chinese tombs. Debuting now in the U.S., these ancient works of art come from three dynasties of Chinese civilization. A priceless collection from tombs that were built like homes for the daily rituals of the royal family and secrets of the silk road. Bowers Museum, 2002 North Main Street, Santa Ana, CA

Roberta Flack and the Pacific Symphony at Segerstrom Hall 2/9 – 2/11

Tokyo String Quartet at Sokia Performing Arts Center, Aliso Viejo, Feb. 9.

Newport Beach Jazz Party at the Newport Mariott, Feb. 16-19

Surfcity USA Marathon, Huntington Beach, Feb. 5

California’s Classic Oceanfront Marathon runs on Pacific Coast Highwaypast the Huntington Beach pier and through legendary surfing beaches. The Surf City USA® Marathon includes the Free Wheelchair Mission 7th annual Run for Mobility, as runners raise funds to send wheelchairs to people in need around the world. Retro surf bands entertain with a Finish Line Festival beach side beer garden.

Cinderella Les Ballets De Monte Carlo at Segerstrom Hall, Feb. 9 – 12

Laguna Art Museum Annual Auction 2012 – Feb. 4

“Walking Meet Up Groups” in Orange County & Southern California

Sandy Schroeder — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:27:05 +0000

Everywhere you look walking meet-up groups are at work, shedding weight and dumping stress, from Huntington to Irvine, Laguna to La Habra.

To get started, go to Walking Meet Up Groups and punch in your zip code. You will find walking groups all around the globe. I punched in my zip and got the Huntington Beach Pier Walkers. Here’s their invitation:

“Let’s walk the pier at least once a week…come join the fun with walking friends to share and support our interests, i.e. our exercises, health issues, all while, during or after we walk the pier.

This group is primarily created for people living in Huntington Beach who love the pier and the beach. We are looking for fresh air and friendship. Everyone is welcome.

We meet in front of Duke’s on the pier each Wednesday, at 10:00 a.m. just to walk! We like to walk back and forth at least 3 times on the pier, which is about a mile. See you then.”

Another favorite of mine is Crystal Cove State Parkin Newport, and they have the Crystal Cove Cardio Walkers Group. Here’s their invitation to join:

“Get up, get outdoors, and get hiking with the Crystal Cove Hiking Club. Crystal Cove Cardio is an FREE, EASY GOING, RELAXED, SOCIAL HIKING GROUP for men and women who love the health and wellness benefits you get from heart-pumping walking. This group is open to all hikers: men, women, singles, divorced, or married.

Cardio, short for “cardiovascular exercise”, which is defined as any movement that gets your heart rate up and increases blood circulation throughout the body for an extended period of time. The merits of Cardio exercise are hard to ignore. And the benefits are yours for the taking, regardless of age, sex or physical ability. Cardio exercise improves your mood, combats chronic diseases, helps you manage your weight, strengthens your heart and lungs, promotes better sleep, can put the spark back into your sex life, and — gasp — can be fun, habit forming, and it’s social!”

Punch in your Zip Code into the and try it! Wherever you walk, researchers tell us life can be lengthened or shortened by the amount of walking that we do. Walking 25 minutes a day can extend your life, and not walking, or being active in some way, can be close to the effect of smoking a pack of cigarettes.

Benefits of Walking Regularly

Walking can step up your mood, and reduce stress, anxiety and depression. Had a long day? Walk it off and enjoy the evening. You will sleep better too.

Walking may help prevent heart disease, reduce the risk of stroke, cut osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes and some cancers. It can also boost good cholesterol, decrease triglycerides, lower high blood pressure, and lessen the effects of arthritis.

Walking can reduce the odds of memory loss and dementia and strengthen the immune system.

Walking can triumph over weight too, as you speed up your metabolism, shed stress that leads to overeating and burn up the calories.

Walking can energize you and your day. Regular walking can turn your whole day around, as you strengthen your heart and lungs. At the same time, you can create a world away from today’s electronic buzz, as you unplug and just enjoy the moment.

Finally…walking is so simple! Just make sure you have comfortable walking shoes with good support, and add a hat and a windbreaker. Whether you decide to do your walking at the gym on a treadmill, solo around your neighborhood, or with one of the many walking groups, we’re sure you are going to be out in front in the long run!

Before you start any fitness program follow these 6 Steps to Guide your Selection: (If you need assistance to achieve your weight loss objectives, understand caloric levels of foods, access this innovative computer application to assist you plan your meals, help you with meal planning and so much more click through the image above).

Finding the right fitness program may be your ticket to getting in shape. Set your goals, consider your likes and dislikes — then go for it!
Fitness programs abound, from yoga and Pilates to step aerobics and strength training — either at home or in a gym. So which type of fitness program is best for you? Use these six simple steps to find out.

Step 1: Assess your fitness level

You probably have some idea of how fit you are. But assessing and recording baseline fitness scores can help you set your fitness goals and measure your progress. To assess your aerobic and muscular fitness, flexibility and body composition, consider recording:

* Your pulse rate before and immediately after a one-mile walk

* How long it takes to walk one mile

* How many push-ups you can do at a time

* How far you can reach forward while seated on the floor with your legs in front of you

* Your waist circumference at the level of your navel

* Your body mass index

You may also want to consult your doctor before beginning an exercise program, especially if you’ve been sedentary or you have any chronic medical conditions.

Step 2: Determine your fitness goals

Keeping your fitness level in mind, think about why you want to start a fitness program. Perhaps your doctor has suggested that you start a fitness program to lose weight. If you’re already active, perhaps you want to rev up your fitness program to prepare for a 5K race or get ready for a favorite sport. Having clear goals can help you stay motivated.

Step 3: Consider your likes and dislikes

Next think about the types of physical activities you enjoy most. After all, a fitness program doesn’t need to be drudgery. You’re more likely to keep up with a fitness program you enjoy. If you love riding your bicycle, consider a cycling class. If you have a blast on the dance floor, an aerobics class that includes dance moves would be a good bet. If you’re a social person, a gym or health club membership may be the ticket. If you prefer to exercise alone or you find health clubs intimidating, exercises you can do at home may be best.

Step 4: Think variety

Varying your activities — or cross-training — can keep exercise boredom at bay. Cross-training also reduces the risk of injuring or overusing one specific muscle or joint. When you plan your fitness program, consider alternating among activities that emphasize different parts of your body — walking, swimming and strength training, for example.

Step 5: Do the math

Make sure your fitness choices are in line with your budget. If a gym membership or home exercise equipment is too pricey, consider cheaper options for getting in shape. You can base a fitness program around brisk daily walks and inexpensive hand-held weights or resistance bands. Many recreation departments offer discounted fitness classes to local residents, and many schools open their pools to the public for inexpensive lap swimming. You might also consider buying used exercise equipment — or sharing the cost with a friend.

Step 6: Go for it!

You’ve thought through your likes and dislikes and the pros and cons of various types of fitness programs. Now it’s time to get physical! Remember to start slowly and build up intensity gradually. For most healthy adults, the Department of Health and Human Services recommends:

* At least two hours and 30 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity (think brisk walking or swimming) or one hour and 15 minutes a week of vigorous aerobic activity (such as running) — preferably spread throughout the week

* Strength training exercises at least twice a week

Remember, each workout puts you one step closer to reaching your fitness goals. If you get bored or lose interest in your fitness program, don’t be afraid to try something new. Reassess your fitness level and set new fitness goals.

The result? A future of improved fitness and better health.

Little Corona Del Mar Beach in Orange County – Heaven on Earth

Sandy Schroeder — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:17:09 +0000

Or when you really need to stop, but how a few minutes at the beach will wash away your troubles and just might fix everything.

With one of the best climates on the globe, and one of the most stressed out populations in the country, it might be time to merge the two views as we learn how to opt out and power down with beaches like Little Corona Del Mar.

On a recent trip I discovered a book about stopping that seems custom made for Californians. David Kundtz’s STOPPING, How to Be Still When You Have to Keep Going,

“Life has become so complex that our old methods of coping no longer work. It’s time for something totally new – stopping. The idea is to do nothing as much as possible for a definite period of time so you can wake up and remember who you are, so you can get going again in a more purposeful, centered way.”

Kundtz’s three time lengths for stopping are:

n – Stillpoints — brief moments in the midst of a hectic day

n – Stopovers — timeouts from an hour to a week

n – Grinding Halts — sustained periods away from it all

On Site Research

Recently I backed this theory up with some on site research trying out the stopover approach. I picked Little Corona del Mar Beach as my stopping point for the afternoon.

Indeed, as I headed downPacific Coast Highway, I was in a so-so mood.

But that mood began to lift change the moment I parked my care overlooking the magnificent bluffs above the Little Corona Del Mar beach. The view was spectacular.

By the time I had scooted down the short, steep hill, I was grinning as I saw and was soon to be at the bottom.

There below was aSouthern Californiaprescription for bliss: fresh air, sun, sand, small brown pelicans and a million little seabirds, all scooting around the wet sand, calling to me to come and play.

This could be the perfect spot for a family getaway too. Bring some shovels and buckets to play in the sand and pack a picnic and a blanket. The rest of the afternoon will take care of itself.

Little Corona Del Mar Beach is just the right spot for visiting:

Not deserted, but not crowded, not too large, and close-by, of course, in Orange County. There’s free parking on the streets on the bluff and a short walk down the paved hill and you’re literally on the sand next to the gorgeous shoreline.

There are no food stands, but a picnic would be perfect. A restroom/shower is available on the walk down.

If you arrive by 9 a.m. the tide pools are reachable for exploring. Later the tide comes in and you’ll just have to be content with a glorious view, lovely air and near perfect solitude.

It’s your turn now to try stopping, to enjoy “the times-in-between and the pause between the notes.”

Directions to Little Corona Del Mar Beach: FromLos Angeles take the 405 freeway exit at Jamboree. Drive toPacific Coast Highway, “PCH”, turn left and drive toPoppy Drive in Corona Del Mar. Turn right at Poppy and left at Ocean.

From there, the beach is a short walk down the hill from Ocean.

This Weekend’s Orange County Calendar

Sandy Schroeder — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 17:11:15 +0000

What’s up this weekend in Orange County?

Plenty! And you’ll find it all right here, plus new February events. Welcome to Travelin’ Local’s round up of Music, Arts, Sports, Children’s Programs, Community Events and more.

Lonesome Traveler at Laguna Playhouse Playing now thru Feb. 5

Bill Maher, Irvine Improv, Sunday, January 22

Known for his political satire, Bill Maher is an American stand-up comedian, TV host, social critic an author. He targets religion, politics, bureaucracies, mass media, greed and people in positions of power. Don’t miss this evening with Maher. Irvine Improv, 71 Fortune Drive, #841, Irvine.

LaLaLa Human Steps Irvine Barclay, Thursday Jan. 26

The U.S. premiere of a new work from Montreal, Canada. Edouard Lock’s latest major work, The New Work, is inspired by classic love stories, Dido and Agneas, and Orfeo and Eurydice, re-envisioned with lightning fast spins in hyper dynamic choreography. The Irvine Barclay Theater, 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine, CA

Bowers Museum’s Warriors, Tombs and Temples, China’s Enduring Legacy, runs now through March 4.

Following the extraordinary 2008 Exhibition, Terra Cotta Warriors: Guardians of China’s First Emperor, the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana partners with Houston Museum of Natural Science to show 200 newly discovered treasures from ancient Chinese tombs. Debuting now in the U.S., these ancient works of art come from three dynasties of Chinese civilization. A priceless collection from tombs that were built like homes for the daily rituals of the royal family and secrets of the silk road. Bowers Museum, 2002 North Main Street, Santa Ana, CA

Top Dog Underdog at the South Coast Repertory, runs through Jan. 29.

This Pulitzer Prize drama is an electrifying view of the gritty lives of two street savvy hustlers, Lincoln and Booth. The New York Times calls it, “a thrilling comic drama….dazzlingly written!” Bearing names of white men given to them by their father as a joke before he walked away, the brothers never stop conning suckers on the street and, ultimately, each other in this darkly funny drama of family grief and recovery. South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa,CA

Tokyo String Quartet at Sokia Performing Arts Center, Aliso Viejo, Feb. 9.

Newport Beach Jazz Party at the Newport Mariott, Feb. 16-19

Star Wars, Where Science Meets Imagination, Discovery Science Center, Santa Ana, Runs through April 15

Discovery Science Center, 2500 N. Main, Santa Ana, CA

Surfcity USA Marathon, Huntington Beach, Feb. 5

Crystal Cove State Park’s January Tours. Explore tide pools, learn about geology and gray whales and visit the 12 acre historic district of famed cottages. The whole month is full of special guided tours. Crystal Cove State Park, 8471 N. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach.

Cinderella Les Ballets De Monte Carlo at Segerstrom Hall, Feb. 9 – 12

Laguna Art Museum Annual Auction 2012 – Feb. 4

Orange County Calendar for this Weekend

Sandy Schroeder — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 15:30:09 +0000

What’s up for the weekend? You’ll find it all right here. Welcome to our round up of Music, Arts, Sports, Children’s Programs, Community Events and more.

Bowers Museum’s Warriors, Tombs and Temples, China’s Enduring Legacy, runs now through March 4th. Following the extraordinary 2008 Exhibition, Terra Cotta Warriors: Guardians of China’s First Emperor, the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana partners with Houston Museum of Natural Science to show 200 newly discovered treasures from ancient Chinese tombs. Debuting now in the U.S., these ancient works of art come from three dynasties of Chinese civilization. Many have been unearthed from imperial, royal and elite tombs and from ancient Buddhist monasteries near the modern city of Xi’an in Shaanxi Province. A priceless collection from tombs that were built like homes for the daily rituals of the royal family and secrets of the Silk Road. Bowers Museum, 2002 North Main Street, Santa Ana, CA

Top Dog Underdog at the South Coast Repertory, runs through January 29th

This Pulitzer Prize drama is an electrifying view of the gritty lives of two street savvy hustlers, Lincoln and Booth. The New York Times calls it, “a thrilling comic drama….dazzlingly written!” Bearing names of white men given to them by their father as a joke before he walked away, the brothers never stop conning suckers on the street and, ultimately, each other in this darkly funny drama of family grief and recovery. South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa,CA

Newport Beach Jazz Party at the Newport Mariott, February 16th-19th

Star Wars, Where Science Meets Imagination, Discovery Science Center, Santa Ana, Runs through April 15th

Imagine humanoid robots translating languages, land speeders zooming down highways, and X-wing Starfighters guarding the skies. Could these Star Wars™ technologies become reality? Find out in Discovery Science Center’s out-of-this-world exhibit, by Bose Corporation.

Discovery Science Center, 2500 N. Main, Santa Ana, CA

Surfcity USA Marathon, Huntington Beach, February 5th

Cats, Segerstrom Hall, January 17th-22th

Introduce your family to live theater with the magic and mystery of Cats. What began as a musical about cats after Andrew Lloyd Webber picked up a book of poems in an airport bookshop has become one of the longest running shows in Broadway’s history. Winner of seven Tony Awards including Best Musical, Segerstrom Hall, 615 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA

Lonesome Traveler at Laguna Playhouse Runs thru February 5th

The Rubicon Theatre Premiere Concert is sparked with “Tom Dooley,” “Goodnight Irene,” “Puff, the Magic Dragon” “Blowin’ in the Wind” and “This Land is Your Land.” .Lonesome Traveler traces our roots from the backwoods of Appalachia to the nightclubs of New York and San Francisco; from the mid 1920s to the mid 1960s. Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach

Cinderella Les Ballets De Monte Carlo at Segerstrom Hall, February 9th – 12th

Laguna Art Museum Annual Auction 2012 – February 4th

From 6 to 9 p.m., a fast paced live auction will offer over 100 premier California artists’ works in an exciting silent auction. Sampling of cuisine from known local restaurants such as French 75 and Pelican Hill, select wines, a live DJ with live art performances and an after party of desserts and cocktails will complete this major museum fundraiser.

Special Foodie tip: New Umami Burgers coming to Anaheim Brewery, 336 St. Anaheim Blvd. and 610 N. Coast Highway in Laguna Beach. Umami’s fifth taste burgers are rated among the best in Southern California. Secret? They grind their own beef and pickle their own veggies.

Orange County – Playground for Hollywood’s Famous and Sports’ Top Athletes

Sandy Schroeder — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 15:15:11 +0000

Recently we visited Orange County’s historic movie theaters. Some are thriving. Others are valiantly struggling. Then we explored OC movie locations, where George Clooney, Tom Hanks, Tom Cruise and Reese Witherspoonll all worked.

So, not surprisingly, Orange County was and remains a playground and home for Hollywood’s glitterati, as well as home for many famous and successful sports celebrities like Kobe Bryant and Tiger Woods.

In a world of tweeted news, the celeb world is quickly reflected. However, with a little digging, the celebrity world thrives and always has in Orange County.

Right now…

We can head up to Newport’s Pelican Hill resort, and find Lakers’ captain, Kobe Bryant, parking his Lamborghini in front of a $1,000 a day hideway, as he leaves his Newport mansion to sort out his marital difficulties.

Or we might spot Justin Bieber at the Montage Hotel in Laguna Beach, shop with Sandra Bullock at South Coast Plaza, go to Disneyland with Jack Nicholson, Scarlett Johansson, Reese Witherspoon; or Elton John dining at the Anaheim White House with Brad Pitt, Gwen Stefani or famed tenor, Andrea Bocelli.

If you’re a sushi afficianado, the Ra Sushi Bar in Huntington is another constant hotspot for celebrities. (If there be sure to try their Pineapple Cream Wontons).

Then if we go way back.

At Newport’s Balboa Bay Club in the forties we’d find John Wayne playing chess, or Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall flirting at the bar. Claire Trevor was also there, winning an Oscar for Key Largo and was nominated for Dead End and The High and the Mighty. She settled into Newport and married producer Milton Bren. Her stepson, Donald Bren, went on to dominate Orange County real estate with his real estate empire, The Bren Company. The University of California Irvine later established The Claire Trevor School of the Arts in her honor.

Tyrone Power honeymooned here in the fifties, staying on Lido Island and sailing his sloop, The Black Swan, with Rock Hudson and Sterling Hayden. Shirley Temple, George Burns and James Cagney all lived here too.

The John Wayne Legend..

It also seems like every third person in Orange County either had a drink with Wayne or spent time on his boat, the 134-foot Wild Goose, along with Dean Martin and Bob Hope. They named the main Orange County airport after John Wayne, and would probably have elected him Newport mayor if he was interested.

Wayne grew up in the twenties bodysurfing and playing football, when an injury forced him to try acting. Early cowboy star Tom Mix hired him as a prop man for Fox Studios and John Ford discovered him while he was loading furniture. The Duke lived in a huge waterfront home overlooking Newport Bay until his death in 1979. He is buried just a few miles away at Pacific View Cemetery in Corona del Mar.

Joseph Wambaugh, former LA police officer, and long running novelist, spun much of his material here–writing The New Centurions, The Choirboys, The Onion Field, The Black Marble and The Blue Knight. The Golden Orange comes closest to Newport glimpsing life in and around Balboa Island. Best selling author Dean Koontz also lives in Newport.

Skipping around OC, Michelle Pfeiffer and Nicholas Cage both lived in Newport along with Kelly McGillis, Jean-Claude Van Dame and surf guitar king, Dick Dale. Steve Martin grew up in Garden Grove. Sandra Bullock briefly lived in Sunset Beach, while Cameron Diaz lived next door in Surfside.

Going way back, Bette Davis lived in Corona del Mar when her film Jezebel launched the opening of the historic Lido Theater in 1936. And Fatty Arbuckle grew up in Santa Ana, where he appeared live on the Yost Theater stage, another historic movie theater that has recently been reinvented as a club.

Diane Keaton and Jennifer Aniston have both called Laguna Beach home and famed opera singer Deborah Voigt lived in Placentia as a teen. Actor John Raitt was born in Santa Ana and went to high school in Fullerton. As a memorial, Raitt Street runs through a portion of central Orange County. Raitt was known for his stage roles in Carousel and Oklahoma, and is the father of singer Bonnie Raitt.

While golfer Tiger Woods grew up in Orange County, learning to play on a Cypress golf course, retired baseball record setter Mark McGwire lived in Huntington Harbor setting up his own restaurant/hangout as the Abbey in Seal Beach. Kevin Costner and Will Ferrell also spent time in OC.

As a final touch of literary history, down in South Laguna, the Hangover House recently sold for $2.4 million. This 1930’s home on Ceanothus Drive was so named because of its party history. It was also said to be the inspiration for the Heller House in Ayn Rand’s novel, The Fountainhead.

The celeb story here is ever changing and that’s what makes it so irresistible a topic; new names, new hotspots just keep popping up, as but one more vital link to the film and movie star fame and magic that we all treasure.

Photos courtesy of Al Brittian and Golf.com.

The Bolsa Chica Wetlands Success Story

Sandy Schroeder — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 05:28:40 +0000

For the first time in over a hundred years, the Pacific Ocean flows into the historic Bolsa Chica Wetlands that sit alongside Pacific Coast Highway, across from Bolsa Chica State Beach in Huntington Beach.

Millions of gallons of sparkling seawater stream in and out of a 367 acre tidal basin in the center of green and tan wetlands. The result is a gorgeous inland bay, and a vigorous new community of birds and sea creatures. Completed in 2006 with the opening of the inlet; now only five years later this fragile ecosystem is thriving.

Personally, living in this area for quite some time, witnessing its transformation from a ragged coastal stretch studded with oil rigs, to a sunny inland bay teaming with birds has been remarkable. Even more amazing, this rare refuge is just a blink away from the busy world of Huntington Harbor and Pacific Coast Highway.

Endangered birds like the California least terleast tern and the western snowy plovern and the western snowy plover now have nesting sites here. Halibut, scallops, small sharks, rays and the endangered California brown pelican now call this urban refuge home.

But it wasn’t an easy fight….

The project cost $147 million and created a home for more than 200 bird species in a 1200 acre restoration that was the largest ever undertaken in Southern California. The Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles provided funding to offset the damage caused by the Bolsa Chica Wetlands expansion. Like any worthwhile endeavor, the project succeeded because community activists and environmentalists garnered forces for their community and would not give up until their dream became a reality.

Henceforth, began a 30 year struggle that culminated in the opening of the ocean inlet. Quite remarkably, its a fascinating history of opposing interests.

In 1899, the Bolsa Chica Gunclub closed off a natural inlet by building an ocean barrier to improve duck hunting. Also, to muddy the waters (no pun intended), various oil developments and WWII artillery bunkers further destroyed the Wetlands delicate eco-systems which practically almost irrevocably destroyed the vast open space.

Lastly, with the building of marinas and huge housing developments–the Bolsa Chica Wetlands moniker belied the reality of the current deterioration of this precious nature reserve.

And to make matters worse, all of these developments collided with both community activists and the friends of the native Gabrelienos Tongvas Indian tribe.

To ameliorate this blight and to restore the Bolsa Chica Wetlands to its original grandeur–eight state and federal agencies including the California State Lands Commission, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the California Department of Fish and Game became involved in its much needed massive restoration.

Today, you can enjoy a closeup view of the entire effort–a small parking lot on PCH has a pedestrian bridge across Inner Bolsa Bay, which is joined by a path along the western edge of the tidal basin where you’re able to see terns and plovers; and the endangered Belding Savannah sparrow–along with great views of the whole basin.

Tours come in a variety of times and lengths with docent guides and birders available. They’re perfect for both school and scout projects.

The Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve runs from Warner Avenue to Seapoint Avenue and is open to the public daily from sunrise to sunset. The Bolsa Chica Wetlands Interpretive Center is at 3842 Warner Avenue at the southeast corner of PCH and Warner. They have a gamut of the Bolsa Chica Ecological reserve background information.and history There’s also a parking lot on the east side of PCH, a mile south of Warner.

Directions: From the 405 or 22 freeways take the Bolsa Chica exit south to Warner Avenue. Turn right on Warner to PCH. Turn left at PCH.

Orange County’s Movie History

Sandy Schroeder — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 15:05:39 +0000

Can we rewind and fast forward? That seems to be the movie question in Orange County. Right now Orange County has a small core of historic movie theaters that we recently explored, and a fresh crop of the newest movie multiplexes like Newport’s Island Cinema.

What will happen next?

In an age of instant communication with more electronic choices than we ever dreamed of, I think we are fortunate to still be able to “go to the movies.” Perhaps the message is to stay involved and support them all.

Not surprising, many of us also get excited when we spot a film crew and see a new movie being shot.

So let’s look at Orange County’s landscape of movie locations. Like me, I’m sure you will find a few memories lurking there. A lot of magic has happened in Orange County. Perhaps even more has originated in Los Angeles. But either way, when we troop off to the movies, the screen often reflects us.

Orange County beaches from Seal to Laguna and beyond have always played a part in the movies. Going way back, the 1923 silent film version of the Ten Commandments was shot in Seal Beach. Cecil B. DeMille used local extras to shoot the film and melting jello to create the effect of the parting of the water! Much later George Clooney turned up in Dana Point to shoot ocean shots that were depicted as Gloucester, Massachusetts in The Perfect Storm.

The Crystal Cove State Park and the Balboa Fun Zone near the Balboa Pavilion provided a playground for Bette Midler and Barbara Hershey in Beaches. Last fall, Oliver Stone was on the sand in Laguna Beach filming Savages with John Travolta and Uma Thurman.

Newport Beach was the opening scene of Gilligan’s Island as the S.S. Minnow leaves the harbor. Quentin Tarantino’s Jackie Brown used a Newport apartment setting for the main character. Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise are in the Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center in the closing scene of Rain Man.

The University of California, Irvine, which also houses the Claire Trevor School of the Arts, has hosted a whole string of movies. Check the UCI at the Movies site for more details. Ocean’s Eleven was filmed there in 2001 with most of it shot at night and over weekends. During the shooting, Clooney and his cohorts snacked at The Anteatery, the local campus restaurant.

Poltergeist was also done at UCI with the Main Library serving as a scary backdrop. Silent Movie, director Mel Brooks’ comic tribute to the silent screen, was shot at the UC Irvine Main Library, Aldrich Park, and the Gateway Plaza.

John Wayne/Santa Ana Airport doubled as the Las Vegas airport in the Rat Race which was a remake of It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad World. Clear and Present Danger with Harrison Ford and Jerry McGuire with Tom Cruise also used the John Wayne/Santa Ana Airport.

Legally Blonde was shot on the steps of the Old County Courthouse in Santa Ana. Palm trees wrapped with fir trees turned the steps into those of the Harvard Law School. Ron Howard’s Frost/Nixon film was done in Los Angeles, but Nixon’s Western White House in San Clemente and the parking lot of the Nixon Library in Yorba Linda were used for garden and helicopter lift off scenes. Some of the scenes in Borat Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan happened at The Block at Orange in Orange.

The Park Place corporate complex in Irvine, became a view of the future in the Demolition Man with Sylvester Stallone and Wesley Snipes. The 2006 movie, A Scanner Darkly was shot in Anaheim with freeway scenes taken along the I-5 in Tustin. Little Saigon in Westminster was one of the locations for The Fast and the Furious when Johnny Tran and his gang blow up Vin Diesel and Paul Walker’s car.

The Main Place Mall in Santa Ana became the opening chase scene in Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Kindergarten Cop. The 2009 shuttle bay scenes for the Star Trek movie were done in the Tustin blimp hangars.

The Mile Square Park in Fountain Valley was the staging ground for Starship Troopers. Will Smith’s movie Hancock opened with a scene in Costa Mesa. The Coen Brothers’ The Man Who Wasn’t There, Martin Lawrence’s Big Momma’s House and Tom Hanks’ That Thing You Do all used Orange County for some of their filming.

The 2005 neo-noir film, Brick, might be one of the best examples of local work. It was written and directed by Rian Johnson, who won the Special Jury Prize for Originality of Vision at the 2005 Sundance Film Festival. He was influenced by Dashiell Hammett’s detective novels, shooting the film in 20 days in San Clemente, where he grew up.

The list is hypnotizing, one film memory after another forms a continuous loop of celluloid history that runs all around the County. Other places with other inducements have lured projects away, but the hope is that we will wake up to the losses, recognize what we have, and push for the future in movie theaters and movie projects so that our kids and their kids can continue to share the magic.

UCI at the Movies and Wikipedia were used as references for location research.

Orange County’s Fabulous Holiday Fare

Sandy Schroeder — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 14:45:28 +0000

Full of good cheer, festive dining, elegant décor, rare gifts and spicy treats.

Southern California Holidays come in many flavors. I was reminded of this on Sunday as I headed down Pacific Coast Highway to catch some of the festivities.

On my right, the surfers were in the water. On my left, a couple just as vintage as their rare old red MG, sped along, top down, Santa hats bobbing, scarves flying. Then out of nowhere a biker in full Santa costume zipped past! Obviously late for an appearance!

For me, that’s what makes a Southern California Christmas so much fun – you never know what you will encounter. The snowflakes may be miles away in the mountains, but nine times out of ten, the spirit will be here!

Sample that spirit with Orange County’s many festivities:

Roger’s Garden is a good place to start. Known to be a spectacular holiday wonderland, the gardens were filled this past Sunday. And right in the midst of all the lush décor two miniature trains were speeding around tracks threaded through a flaming red poinsettia garden. Every little boy there stood glued to the spot, along with lots of dads, reliving days gone by. I’m sure they all wished they could recreate this scene at home.

Roger’s Gardens also has the most prime collection of holiday flowers, Christmas trees and wreaths, collector ornaments, and gourmet foods. It’s a perfect staging ground for holiday parties. Open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., now through December 23^rd. Santa shows up from noon to 6 p.m. on weekends. In Corona Del Mar, 2301 San Joaquin Hills Drive.

Next, you might visit The Original Fish Company in Los Alamitos. Famed for attracting celebrities and great reviews, this is a natural for dinner with friends. As you leave be sure to pick up some party fare from their fish market counter. Check all of their recipes at their site. The Crab Quesadilla and Salsa is the best. Open Monday through Saturday, 11 am to 10 pm; Sunday, 10 am to 10 pm. At 11061 Los Alamitos Blvd., Los Alamitos. Take the Katella exit from the 605 Freeway North.

For holiday entertainment, It’s A Wonderful Life becomes This Wonderful Life, at the Laguna Playhouse. Frank Capra’s classic film is superbly interpreted with James Leaming portraying Old Man Potter, George Bailey, Clarence the Angel and Mary, now through December 24. (No evening performance on Christmas Eve.)

Next stop, a visit to Christmas past at the Heritage House in Santa Ana. Take the family and enjoy an afternoon exploring California history. The Kellogg House is one of several buildings from the 1890’s sitting in the midst of 12 acres of gardens and citrus trees. Filled with rare antiques, it’s beautifully decorated for the season. Open Fridays, 1 to 5 p.m., Sundays, 11 am to 3 pm at 3101 West Harvard, Santa Ana.

Last minute stocking stuffers can be rare gifts at reasonable prices in Laguna Canyon’s. Crystal Image, 2171 Laguna Canyon Rd., offers an unmatched collection of fossils, crystal and minerals with prices starting around $15. John Barber Glass Designs, 21062 Laguna Canyon Rd., will be offering refreshments, entertainment, and a studio clearance sale on December 17-18, 10 am, 6 pm. Blown glass balls make special gifts, or festive decorating accents.

The ultimate Christmas tree is lit every night at Fashion Island in Newport Beach, in the plaza near Bloomingdales. Since the eighties it has been recognized as one of the largest decorated trees in the country.

Its located in Newport Beach at 401 Newport Center Drive.

Whatever you choose, we wish you a Merry Holiday!

Orange County’s Historic Movie Theaters

Sandy Schroeder — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 19:24:57 +0000

Step closer. Remember when the lights dimmed, the red velvet curtains parted, and the organist played the first notes in these historic keepers of movie magic.

As I stood in front of the historic Bay Theater in Seal Beach, that some say Steven Spielberg frequented when he attended California State Long Beach, I wondered where will this story go as we fast forward to the future?

Will Orange County’s core of historic movie theaters be renovated, preserved, and carefully handed over from one generation to the next?

Or will their historic presence and unique voice be swept away in a stream of laptop movies, Netflix fixation, home entertainment hideaways and real estate pairings of cinema multiplexes with sleek restaurants and shops?

In researching this story and series about Orange County’s Historic Movie Theaters, I found celluloid footprints all over Orange County.

In this article, I will focus on some of the treasured movie houses that date back to the thirties. Some are showing movies daily. Others have been torn down or converted to other uses. A few stand silent, waiting for the next screening, as loyal residents create foundations to reopen them.

Beyond the movie theaters there is a whole separate landscape of legendary locations where movies have been shot in Orange County. Everywhere you look a new film is about to shoot, or has already been used as a backdrop. And finally, there is the sizzle that Hollywood’s brightest bring as they continue to live and play in Orange County.

But now let’s look at Orange County’s Historic Movie Houses

For starters, the Bay Theater in Seal Beach, The Lido in Newport, and the Laguna South Coast Cinemas in Laguna Beach are all up and currently operating and showing movies. But there are footnotes to their stories, as we shall see. Meanwhile, the Yost Theater in Santa Ana, has been reinvented, and many others are regrouping.

The Bay Theater in Seal Beach, at 340 Main Street, is a single screen theater currently showing independent, foreign and classic movies. But its future has been up for discussion in recent meetings of the Seal Beach Planning Commission. The original owner passed away and the Bay has been listed officially and unofficially for sale by the owner’s daughter. The Bay Theater was built in 1947 and purchased by Richard Loderhose in 1975. For many years a Wurlitzer organ was a magnificent part of this theater and the movie going experiences. Now, it’s since been sold.

Local officials and residents are calling for new strategies and re-thinking about these historic and cultural Orange County Historic movie theater landmarks, hoping to keep them remaining as officially designated historic landmarks or be given tax break subsidies to stay in business. Movie theater fans here are looking for ways to promote it, hoping to build support before they are all gone and have disappeared.

When I was there The Wizard of Oz, was playing.

Positioned in the third block of the popular Main Street Old Town area here, there are fun restaurants, Irish taverns, and little shops within easy walking distance. Parking is just around the corner. Could be a good date night or Sunday outing fare, capped with a stroll on the pier.

The Lido in Newport at 3459 Via Lido, opened in 1938. The story goes that Bette Davis, lived nearby in Corona Del Mar and insisted her movie, Jezebel be the opening night film. Her wishes were granted, along with requests for a smoking parlor in the ladies’ room. The mens’ room was subsequently moved upstairs to make space for the parlor.

The tile throughout the theatre is original and gorgeous, installed in the 30’s by a local Italian family. Real tickets are issued in the small matching tiled box office out front. The sound system and Grand Marquee are first rate. True signatures of the best! Free parking is available behind the theater and independent and foreign films reign here.

Restaurants like the Blue Water Grill and the Cannery are just around the corner, and Woody’s is right next door.

The Lido is also a film hub for the whole Southern California surf, skateboarding and winter sport culture, screening all of their biggest and best films. The Lido also serves as a leader for the Newport Beach Film Festival in the spring.

In a word, in my opinion, the Lido, could be a template for what every historic movie theater should and could be with enough support!

The Laguna South Coast Cinemas located at 162 South Coast Highway, first opened in 1923. Sitting right in the midst of a beautiful old brick complex with shops on either side, the theater faces Main Beach across Coast Highway, and has an inviting courtyard accented with original tiles.

It’s Just right for a day in Laguna with a shop, lunch, movie excursion or an early show and dinner at one of many nearby restaurants. There’s a public parking lot about a block up from the theater.

This historic theater is the only surviving movie theater in this flourishing art community. In the eighties the auditorium was divided to create two screens and two smaller areas. What the future holds is hard to predict. With a surge of promotion and some upgrading and polishing it could become even more of an ode to the past with modern features, along with its prime location and charming setting. When I was there, a banner was promoting New Year’s Eve. First run movies are shown with art films on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

The Yost Theater in Santa Ana located at 307 N. Spurgeon, was a home for Mexican vaudeville. Built in 1912, it’s nationally recognized as a historic place where silent films, the talkies, and Mexican cinema all played here. Over the years it was also used for religious services and had its ups and downs in maintenance. In 2007 and 2008 it was restored and recast as a live theater for club nights, live concerts, and private banquets and parties.

Fullerton’s Fox on Harbor Blvd. opened in 1925 and closed in 1987. But now as you can see on their fundraising/development site, they are working to create a commercial complex that will allow this historic theater to re-open and reign again. As an official landmark of the City of Fullerton since 1990, the Fox Theater was added to the National Register of Historic Places in October 2006. In 2005 the city started showing movies in the rear parking lot to raise funds for its restoration!

The Balboa Theater, at 3630 Balboa Blvd. in Newport Beach, has an equally rich history with ties to the nearby Lido Theater. It started business in the twenties and was named the Balboa Theater in 1939. It closed in 1992. Now it’s also on the restoration track hoping to revive those famed midnight showings of the campy The Rocky Horror Picture Show, a once beloved, but controversial staple.

Orange County’s historic movie theater tale continues in communities throughout Orange County with many final chapters still in limbo.

Recently I saw J Edgar, at The District in Tustin. In cushioned, upscale surroundings, I watched as Clint Eastwood continued to hone his craft, and Leonardo DiCaprio forged new ground in a fascinating movie.

But, not too long ago, I watched Capote at the Lido in Newport, as Philip Seymour Hoffman receiving an acclaimed Oscar for his role, in this complex historical movie. The show was beautifully complemented by the Lido’s classic surroundings. If we’re really lucky, we’ll ensure our native Southern Californian culture by ensuring the survival and thriving of both Orange County’s Historic Movie Theaters, as well as ones throughout the Southland, to pay homage to our past while keeping an eye to the future.

You may remember being a wide eyed kid watching Saturday morning cartoons at the local movie house. Later you may have watched Marlon Brando in “On the Waterfront“>/em>, or James Dean in “East of Eden“.

Or you might want to salute the seventieth anniversary of Orson Welles’ masterpiece, “Citizen Kane<“/a>.

Whatever your favorite, now may be the time to share it with a friend, your kids, your mom or dad, or grandparents as you head for your nearest historic movie theater.

Photos courtesy of Cinelog, Quiksilver, and Wikipedia.

Huntington Beach’s Central Park – an Urban Oasis

Sandy Schroeder — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 23:23:40 +0000

Geographically, there are 350 acres in Huntington Beach’s Central Park, making it the largest city owned park in Orange County.

There’s no question that Huntington Beach’s Central Park provides immediate stress relief and creates an atmosphere of pure joy.

To have this much open space right in the middle of a large beach city makes its benefits incalculable.

Just being here and listening to each child laughing or watching them run–mirrored by all of the barking dogs and their proud masters tells us all the real story about Huntington Beach’s Central Park.

This is an urban oasis.

At first, you have to really look to discover just how big this park is. Much of it is tucked between Huntington’s busy city streets. Park entrances are on Edwards, Goldenwest, Gothard, Slater, Talbert and Ellis Streets. To really get to know the whole park you need to try all of the streets and entrances that frame it.

A good place to start is the Park Bench Café at the edge of Goldenwest. Both dogs and people are welcome here. The ‘dog menu’ features goodies like peanut butter bones, and Hound Dog Heaven beef. The people menu is good too. I ate there recently with a friend and my omelet was excellent. We watched as dogs of all shapes and sizes happily dined with their masters in a special table/grass area.

From the Café, you can head toward The World Trail exercise station that’s positioned over a 1.2 mile loop. The course begins and finishes near the Park Bench Café. Or, you might just choose to stroll along the paths, weaving your way around duck filled lakes, as the hum of traffic becomes a distant memory.

Walk, jog, bike or meander. Whatever your choice the results will most likely me meditation in motion.

Researchers remind us that 25 minutes of walking 3x a week can add several years to our life. And, by not walking or being active in some fashion the reverse health benefits are true–it’s as if you were instead smoking a pack of cigarettes during the same time period.

As you explore Huntington Beach’s Central Park, be sure to head up the hill to the Central Library and Culture Center, that we featured last year.

Richard Neutra the famed architect and his son created this dream library of plants, flowing water, and books. Be sure that you don’t miss the two story Fiddleleaf figs planted inside the back corner of the building.

This library is the largest Children’s library west of the Mississippi, and the Huntington Beach Playhouse which is just across from the library.

Just recently the city added an immense Sports Complex which includes vatting cages, concession stands, soccer and baseball fields–providing a sporting venue that’s forty five fun acres of action and fun.

Then, on the other side of Goldenwest you will want to spend a few minutes watching the horses at the Equestrian Center. Over 400 horses are kept, and exercised here. Lessons and horse rentals are available.

There are park trails nearby. You can also reach the Shipley Nature Center from Goldenwest. Another urban haven that we featured awhile ago.

Next, take a right on Ellis, another right on Edwards, and turn right again on Lakeview Street.

Now you’ll be standing right in front of one of the most beautiful lakes that I’ve ever seen in a long time.

Right across the street from Huntington Lake there is a line of homes. They have to be some of the most lucky urban dwellers In yrh O.C.! Naturally, fishing and birding are quite popular here.

Check out the Birds of Huntington Beach List .

When you visit Huntington’s Central Park, it will surely beckon and draw you near, as you’ll want to check it all out. The park has a bandstand and amphitheater (frequently used for community events), separate, enclosed big and small dog parks, barbecue grills and picnic areas, and the only Frisbee golf facility in Orange County.

Park meeting and rental facilities are also available.

Public parking, both free and fee, is available on Goldenwest, Gothard, Slater and Talbert Streets.

In our constantly changing urban culture, the power of a park such as this one, should never be underestimated. I am a big supporter of ‘outdoor rooms,’ at home, where a patio, balcony, or backyard can be turned into a leafy escape. But an excellent urban park can do much more.

In a few minutes, this vast green space can iron out all sorts of one’s daily hassles–as you get to enjoy the outdoors here at Huntington Beach’s Central Park, which literally covers a lot of ground in our highly density city environment.

Huntington Beach Central Park, 1800 Goldenwest Street. Directions: From Los Angeles take the 405 Freeway South and exit at Goldenwest Street. As you cross Warner Street, the park begins on your left.

Dinner in Newport – Your Table is Waiting

Sandy Schroeder — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 15:06:38 +0000

Pizza, Cioppino, Steaks, Seafood? Casual or Formal? You choose.

That’s the way dinner serves the locals in Newport Beach. From the newest to the oldest, the most casual to very formal, Newport does it all for Suppertime and prepares it right every time.

So pick your menu to fit your mood, make reservations, and be ready to indulge here in Newport Beach–Your Table is Waiting!

Newport is just right for an early dinner before the theatre, a leisurely feast with a walk by the water, or a late night supper after the show.

One of the newest restaurants on the block, sets the bar high. When it’s not just pizza, but PIZZA at the graduate level, then let Pizzeria Mozza serve you the most savory choices imaginable. This is their third restaurant – the other two are in Los Angeles and Singapore.

Life is good at the hearthside bar near the wood burning ovens. And don’t miss the edible window facing the water as you enter the restaurant.

All of the freshest ingredients for the pizzas are growing right there as a window frame. (Be sure to make a reservation. It’s new, space is limited and the word is out on this one.)

When life needs to be celebrated, nothing will do but the Ritz. As one of my friends said, “It’s hard to say anything bad about the Ritz.”

For thirty two years, the Ritz has set the pace for fine dining in Orange County. Recently, the financial plaza where the Ritz has reigned, changed hands, and after much discussion over leases, the owner of the Ritz said they will be moving in a year and a half.

But don’t worry, their following is immense, and the word in the next chapter for the Ritz in Orange County, is that it will be located somewhere on the water in Newport Beach.

Villa Nova, is an excellent choice for a late night supper. Villa Nova first opened its doors in 1933 on Hollywood’s Sunset Strip. According to historians, Joe DiMaggio took Marilyn Monroe there on a blind date.

As the Hollywood strip changed, Villa Nova then moved to Newport Harbor and quickly became a treasured hangout for locals. Many a sailing party has finished the day with a rousing dinner here. Handmade pastas and fine wines abound.

The Bayside is a marvelous place for Bloody Mary’s or champagne and brunch on Sunday mornings. The Bluewater Grill has the freshest seafood and a wonderful version of my personal favorite, cioppino.

First Cabin in the Balboa Bay Club is another choice when the occasion is major, and downstairs is where Duke’s bar is ready to cap the evening with live music and always an interesting crowd.

Just down the road on Pacific Coast Highway, the award winning Five Crowns, continues to amaze and provide the best prime rib in Southern California. They have just remodeled, much to the delight of locals and visitors.

Roys, Flemings Steak House, and Pascals are also prime choices for fine dining here.

There’s also Harborside in the historic Balboa Pavilion, which puts you on the water and still leaves something in your wallet if you opt for the earlybird dinner menu.

Afterwards you’re able to stroll the streets along the water. And finally if you want to make food your first, and skip the formalities, the Crab Cooker is a legend that delivers a wonderful seafood picnic style, and some of the best clam chowder ever.

These are just a few of the many choices for Dinner in Newport, enjoy!

Fashion Island Orange County’s Elegant Open Air Shopping Center

Sandy Schroeder — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 14:07:02 +0000

Recently we featured South Coast Plaza’s International fashion power house.

Today our focus is the well known and lauded fashion voltage to Newport’s legendary Fashion Island.

Perched on the bluff with ocean breezes and views to spare, Fashion Island is one of the most prestigious open air retail centers in Southern California–and one of the best in the country.

Every year Fashion Island attracts some 13 million visitors to its sleek playground.

I was there on a warm weekday afternoon recently and it was all too easy to linger. Mere realities like work deadlines and appointments easily became nothing but a distant memory as I became one with my suroundings on this day’s lush golden afternoon sunshine.

The Fashion Island outdoor cool outdoor setting, set amidst signature stores, trendy boutiques, and special little cafes beautifully blended with its numerous lush gardens and gurgling fountains.

The OC leisure scene is now in full swing. Southern California casual hums alongside various nifty perks. Nearby at the new Nordstrom’s Starbucks bar, a sleek black Lamborghini was casually parked at the curb.

Recently, the owners, The Irvine Company, made improvement to the Center’s original design to keep pace with the new Pelican Hills Resort nearby.

Spending over a a hundred million dollars, the Fashion Island owners cleverly shifted Fashion Island’s locale and temperament–from Spain to Italy, by reproducing European street locales.

Often enough by elegantly infusing hand carved granite fountains and Italian streetlights as backdrops for Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales, Macys, and Nordstroms.

Fashion forward trendsetters are always being added to Fashion Island’s bevy of refined style, including Dean and DeLucca’s gourmet foods, Michael Stars, women’s sportswear, and Dick’s Sporting Goods among the newest.

Click on the Fall Trend Guide for more stores to learn about that are here.

If you spend the afternoon and are not ready to leave, Roys Fusion, Flemings Steakhouse and True Foods, are all top notch dinner options, all clustered together in the Center

Situated across from the 8 screen cinema complex lies Or, the luxury resort Island Hotel, the fabled Ritz Restaurant and Rogers Gardens.

Fashion Island is an elegant open air shopping center–complete with a plethora of fine dining and entertainment choices– deftly mixing coastal ease with trendy sophistication.

Back in 1967. Fashion Island set the bar high with its massive bronze wind chime sculpture by sculptor, Tom Van Sant, that still stands tall at the mall’s southwestern entrance.

At that time, The Guiness Book recorded it as the world’s largest wind chime at that time. And that’s the way things happen at Fashion Island–with direct impact and unmistakable drama.

Holiday Note: About a week before Christmas, one of the tallest trees in the nation is transported here and is lit in Bloomingdale’s courtyard. If you’re in the area come one come all to a holiday treat you’ll soon not forget.

Fashion Island, 401 Newport Center, Newport Beach. Driving directions: From Los Angeles take the 405 San Diego Freeway South. Then exit 10 to merge onto CA-73 toward San Diego to exit 14A and merge onto MacArthur Blvd., and head down Newport Beach until you turn onto San Miguel Drive. If you’re coming from the opposite direction, from the Newport area, turn on Newport Center Drive as you head south on Pacific Coast Highway.

South Coast Plaza – Orange County’s Premier Shopping Destination

Sandy Schroeder — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 14:17:44 +0000

The South Coast Plaza Shopping Center in Orange County is one of the largest shopping centers in the world, attracting 20 million global customers annually.

Like fine wine tasting, this is fashion tasting at its very best.

Come to browse your favorite boutiques, people watch, window gaze or restaurant graze. South Coast offers the premier luxury shopping experience with Bloomingdales, Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Nordstroms as anchors for Gucci, Versace, Tiffany, Hermes, Jimmy Choo, Donna Karan, Cartier, Georgio Armani, Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Montblanc, Rolex, Prada, Luis Vuitton, Chloe, Piaget, Bvlgari, and many more of the world’s most famous names. Click on the Fall Portfolio for more.

South Coast Plaza Shopping Mall leads the nation in retail sales of approximately 1.5 billion dollars annually–as shoppers from around the world stream across its marble floors and fill its 250 stores.

Backed up with 30 restaurants including Charlie Palmer at Bloomingdales, the Rainforest Café, and Vie De France.

The Plaza occupies three levels and 128 acres. Enclosed malls are linked by the Bridge of Gardens walking bridge and its Grand Terrace that’s surrounded by a web of sleek hotels, theatres, and restaurants.

Segerstrom Center for the Arts is just across the street, adding to the Plaza’s attractions with the 3,000-seat Segerstrom Hall, the new 2,000-seat Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, the 500-seat multi-functional Samueli Theater, the 250-seat Founders Hall and the 46,000-square-foot Arts Plaza.

If you dine at Scott’s Seafood nearby, they ring a bell to let you know when it’s curtain time.

From its inception in 1967–in the lima bean fields of Henry Segerstrom’s Orange County real estate empire–South Coast Plaza has spiraled into a Federally Trademarked moniker–as its “The Ultimate Shopping Resort.”
Designed by Victor Gruen, South Coast Plaza was built in the same year as was the development of Fashion Island Shopping Center in Newport Beach.

For many years at Christmas time, I have zipped down the San Diego Freeway, exiting at Fairview Avenue and scooting into the back entrance of South Coast Plaza.

Then hours later, I happily loaded my car’s trunk with bags of gifts, as my holiday shopping was complete. Long before it became an international symbol, South Coast Plaz always had the most thoughtful gifts for friends and family, the best stores for kids’ games, puzzles and toys, and the newest look or the smartest bag.

It is by far the ultimate shopping experience.

South Coast Plaza is located at 3333 Bristol St., in Costa Mesa, CA – Directions: The Plaza can be reached from the San Diego Freeway, the 405, the Corona Del Mar Freeway, the 73 and the Costa Mesa Freeway, 55. From Los Angeles take the 405 Freeway south, exiting on North Bristol Street, then proceed to the front entrance or Fairview St., and make a right turn onto South Coast Drive to the Plaza’s rear entrance.

The International Hub for Antiques and Collectibles – Orange Circle Old Towne

Sandy Schroeder — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 16:57:41 +0000

Serious Antique and Collectible collectors from around the world rub shoulders with locals here at this charming Orange County vibrant and bustling antique – collectible hub at the intersection of Glassell and Chapman in the city of Orange.

Known as a community gathering spot for the last hundred years, the plaza now hums with visitors looking for records, books, watches, estate jewelry, sheet music, art, toys, furniture, linens, vintage clothing, china, crystal and much more. You can buy a treasure for pennies or spend a bundle as you prowl through a superb collection of stores.

Springing from Orange County’s early Sunkist citrus industry, the Orange Circle is ringed with historical old homes and choice restaurants (see our recent Olde Towne foodies story). To find out what the all the buzz is about – just take the 55 or the 57 freeway and head for Orange Circle.

Tours & Treats just In time for Halloween

Treats in the Street Autumn Festival, Olde Towne Orange Plaza, Thursday, October 27^th from 4:00 – 7:00pm. Trick or Treat at participating merchants, kids games in non-profit food booths and a Kids Costume Parade. For costumes to go: Army-Navy Store and vintage clothing in the many antique shops. Ghost Tours Haunted History Ghost Walk. Old Towne Orange 2011 Home Tour, November 5^th-6^th from 10:00am-4:00pm.

The Shops & Galleries

Art

Chuck Jones Center for Creativity, 131 W. Chapman.
Copperwood Artware, 148 A, N. Glassell
The Exchange Fine Arts Gallery, 195 S. Glassell
The Gallery on Glassell, 115 N. Glassell
Orange Circle Tattoo and Custom Culture Art, 227 East Chapman
Schroeder Studio Gallery, 112 E. Maple

Lodging

Ruta’s Old Town Inn, 274 N. Glassell

Antiques & Collectibles

A&A Antiques, 142 N. Glassell
A&P Collectibles, 151 N. Glassell
Antique Depot, 155 S. Glassell
Antique Mall of Treasures, 109 S. Glassell
Antique Station, 178 S. Glassell
Chapman Antique Mall, 201 E. Chapman
Country Roads Antiques, 204 W. Chapman
Down Home Antiques, 200 E. Chapman
George the Second, 114 N. Glassell
Grand Avenue Antiques, 140 N. Glassell
It’s About Time Antiques, 131 N. Glassell
Mr. C’s Rare Records, 148 N. Glassell
Muff’s Hardware, 135 S. Glassell
Now and Again, 20 Plaza Square
O.C. Estate and Jewelry Co., on the Circle
Orange Circle Antique Mall, 118 S. Glassell
Plaza 42 Antiques, 160 N. Glassell
Summerhill Ltd., 110 S. Glassell
Tea Leaf Cottage, 141 N. Glassell
The Architectural Gallery, 123 N. Olive
The Vault, 74 Plaza Square
Welch & Wares Estate Jewelry, 108 S. Glassell
Woody’s Antiques, 169 -173 N. Glassell

Specialty Shops

Army-Navy Store, 131 N. Glassell
Orange Paint Store, 396 W. Chapman
Black’s Furniture, 335 W. Chapman
Bob’s Shades & Linoleum, 208 E. Chapman
C.W. Moss, 402 W. Chapman
Charming Shoppe, 140 S. Glassell
Eikon Home, 142 S. Glassell
Enchanted Florist, 107 S. Glassell
Elsewhere Vintage, 133 W. Chapman
Frog’s Breath Cheese Store, 143 N. Glassell
Good Feet, 227-A E. Chapman
Heavenly Hostess, 80-84 Plaza Square
Imprinted Memories, 162-B N. Glassell
Julep’s, 115 N. Orange
Licata Orange Nutrition, 161-A N. Glassell
Matsoka Trading Co., 123 N. Glassell
Moonlight Graham, 401 W. Chapman
Orange Candy Co., 144 N. Glassell
PJ’s Petals, 145 N. Lemon
PX Jeweler’s, 136 N. Glassell
Radio Shack, 101 S. Glassell
Renee’s Jewelers, 136 N, Glassell
Rockwell’s Creative Cakes, 145 N, Lemon
Rocky Mt, Chocolate Factory, 152-D N. Glassell
Tesserae Tile & Stoneworks, 114 -1/2 S. Glassell
The Dragonfly Shop, 260 N. Glassell
The Hope Chest, 105 W. Chapman
The Running Lab, 155 N. Glassell
The Spotted Moth, 138 S. Glassell
The Victoria Company, 146 S. Glassell
Third World Gifts & Handarts, 152-B N. Glassell
Two Little Monkeys, 109 N. Glassell
Two Sisters, 138 S. Glassell
Smokin’ George’s, 42 Plaza Square

Hours vary by store.

Parking in Old Towne:

There is no charge for parking in Old Towne, but most public parking areas have time limits. There is a two hour parking limit for parking along Chapman and Glassell, unless otherwise posted. The public parking lots have three hour limits. And there are two lots with no limits: Lemon St. Parking Lot, northeast corner W. Chapman and Lemon; Metrolink Parking Lot, north side of W. Chapman, just west of the railroad tracks. Also, many residential streets are permit parking only.

Foodies from Southern California come in droves to Olde Town Orange Circle new Eateries

Sandy Schroeder — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 15:00:18 +0000

Welcome to Main Street, U.S.A/Olde Towne Plaza in the city of Orange, the latest path for foodies with a wave of new night spots and “let’s do lunch” ideas.

Olde Towne Plaza in the traffic circle at the intersection of Glassell and Chapman Streets in Orange has been a welcome gathering place for over a century. A year ago we spotlighted this popular area and now we are back with Part II, the latest foodie updates. We are also planning another visit to do Part III, a close up of this antique/collectible haven, one of the best in Orange County.

Gabbi’s may really have started the trend with gourmet Mexican that puts a delectable new spin on everybody’s favorites. Haven Gastropub followed with first cabin gourmet pub grub and superior craft brew selections. Francolis moved from Fashion Island in Newport to a hundred year old building in downtown Orange, bringing authentic Italian food, great wines, and loads of atmosphere.

Next, the Daily Treet became Bruxie Gourmet Waffles, with lines of eager eaters stretching out to the curb. A new take on the Belgian waffle, “bold folds” become street food for breakfast, lunch, snacks or desserts!

Then on Friday nights Orange County Wine Trolley began touring nearby historic neighborhoods offering choice restaurant sampling’s; and then gourmet food trucks started offering hungry palettes in the Orange Cycles bike shop parking lot. Bruery Provisions checked in with brews, cheeses and gourmet take-out sandwiches.

Kimmie’s Coffee Cup, known for their “made from scratch” creations, began offering even more choices and the Filling Station, under new ownership, launched a new dinner menu.

Meanwhile, Ruby’s Streamliner Diner came to town in the historic Santa Fe train depot and Manhattan Steak and Seafood, began hosting a jazz band in the bar and blue cheese stuffed olives in their martinis. Avila’s El Ranchito replaced PJ Abbeys in that historic former church and longtime favorites, Felix’s Continental Café, Watson’s Drugstore and Soda Fountain and Paris in a Cup, continue to excel in offerings of fine cuisine.

You may find it hard to make a choice, but after you dine, you have another fun decision to make.

Within easy walking distance, you’ll find historic neighborhoods, leading art galleries, and one of the best collections in Orange County of prime antique shops plus collector corners with rare collectibles, vintage clothing, records, books and periodicals.

Olde Towne has been repeatedly voted Orange County’s favorite downtown. Located at the north end of central Orange County, Orange was established in 1886. The plaza was the original social and commercial hub of Orange. The Plaza Historical District attained significance throughout the state as a historical landmark in 1981, and was placed on the National Registry of Historical Places in March, 1982.

Added note, the seventy-four year old Plaza Park Fountain at the center of the circle is being refurbished and will be reinstalled around the first of October.

Lunch, Dinner, Coffee, Tea or Chocolate…

Restaurants:

Bagel Me, 60 Plaza Square

Blue Frog Dessert House, 136 S. Glassell

Cafe Lucca, 106 N. Glassell

Cherry on Top, 117 N. Glassell

Citrus City Grill, 122 N. Glassell

Courtyard Deli, 162 N. Glassell

Bruery Provisions, 143 N. Glassell

Bruxie Waffles, 292 N. Glassell

Byeblos, 129 W.Chapman

El Ranchito, 182 S. Orange

Felix’s Continental Cafe, 36 Plaza Square

Francoli’s Gourmet, 100-104 S. Glassell

Gabbi’s Mexican Kitchen, 141 S. Glassell

Haven Gastropub, 190 S. Glassell

Jalapenos, 154 N. Glassell

Kimmies Coffee Cup, 190 S. Glassell

Manhattan Steak and Seafood, 202 S. Main St.

O’Hara’s Pub, 150 N. Glassell

Old Town Grinder & Ice Cream Parlor, 177 N. Glassell

Omega Burger, 309 W. Chapman

Paul’s Cocktails, 207 W. Chapman

Pizza Hut, 396 W. Chapman

Plaza 149, 149 Glassell

Renata’s Cafe, 227 E. Chapman, Suite F

Rutabegorz, 264 N. Glassell

Ruby’s Streamliner Lounge, 186 N. Atchison

Taco Adobe, 121 N. Lemon

The Beach Pit BBQ, 128 N. Glassell

The District Lounge, 223 W. Chapman

The Filling Station, 201 North Glassell

The Perfect Circle, 165 N. Glassell

Tokyo Cafe, 161 N. Glassell

Two’s Company, 22 Plaza Square

Watson’s Drug Store & Soda Fountain, 116 E Chapman

Wahoos Fish Tacos, 226 W. Chapman

Zito’s Pizza, 156 N. Chapman

Tea Rooms and Coffee Houses:

Paris in a Cup, 119 S. Glassell

Starbucks. 44 Plaza Square & 101 E. Chapman

The Ugly Mug, 261 N. Glassell

Parking in Olde Towne:

There is no charge for parking in Olde Towne, but most public parking areas have time limits. There is a two hour parking limit for parking along Chapman and Glassell, unless otherwise posted. The public parking lots have three hour limits. Parking on Palm between Glassell & Olive is 30-Minute parking and there are two lots with no limits: Lemon St. Parking Lot, northeast corner W. Chapman and Lemon; Metrolink Parking Lot, north side of W. Chapman, just west of the railroad tracks. Also, many residential streets are permit parking only.