This Weekend in OC

I realize it's only Tuesday, and this post is coming a little earlier in the week than most of our "Things To Do This Weekend in OC" posts, but I also know that with December comes a flurry of holiday parties, prep, shopping, wrapping, etc etc etc, so I want to give you as much time as possible to make room in your schedule for these cool upcoming events.

The first weekend in December promises to be a good one: we've got boat parades, tree lightings, concerts, Santa, candle dipping, pier lighting, and more! Check it out, in date order:

Friday, 12/3, from 4-8 pm: Holiday in the Harbor at Dana Point Harbor. Frosty the Sno-Man, Heebie & Jeebie, Holiday crafts tables, "people painting"- glittery paintings on hands, arms, and faces, Santa's workshop puppet show, and Jolly old Saint Nick will be in his sleigh out in front of Harpoon Henry's, ready for pictures and a visit with the kids. There will also be appearances by Dickens Carolers, Abbitt the Average, The Jack Straws, Zany Shoppers, and Balloon guy Andrew! Free admittance. Call (949)923-2255 for more info.

Saturday, 12/4, 10am-7pm: Tree Lighting & Holiday Village in Anaheim at Center Street Promenade and Lemon Street. Free holiday crafts for kids, free train rides, holiday music, free picture with Santa, free snow play (bring mittens and boots), international food fair, and unique gift shopping!

Saturday, 12/4, 4:15-9pm: San Juan Capistrano Tree Lighting at Historic Town Center Park. San Juan Hills & Capistrano Valley High School Orchestras and our City's very own Ballet Folklorico dance group will perform on stage.   Students from a local Conservatory of the Arts have designed a stage production filled with song and dance.  The official lighting of our Christmas Tree takes place at 5:45pm after which a candle light procession will lead guests out of the park and over to the San Juan Capistrano Mission and downtown area for more festivities.  Additional activities taking place throughout the downtown area will include a free mechanical "Holiday Train" ride for the kids, photos with Santa in Los Rios Park, activities at the San Juan Capistrano Mission, Live Nativity, Pony Rides, Petting Zoo & Hayrides at ZOOMARS on Los Rios & River Street.  For more information call (949) 493-5911.

Saturday, 12/4, from 11am-3pm: Victorian Christmas at Heritage Hill Historic Park in Lake Forest. the park’s historic buildings will be adorned in turn-of-the-century holiday finery with costumed docents hosting. The Bennett House and the Serrano Adobe will feature quilt displays and weaving and spinning demonstrations. There will be handicraft vendors, festive holiday entertainment, free children's crafts, living history demonstrations, historical exhibits, tours through the decorated, historic buildings and visits with Santa Claus. Children can participate in old-fashioned, hands-on activities, including churning butter, candle dipping, decorating cookies with Mrs. Claus and making ornaments and crafts. Children of all ages can visit with Santa in the arbor area. Call (949) 923-2230 for more info.

Saturday, 12/4 & Sunday 12/5: Feast of Lights. A festive program just in time for the holidays brings together the chorale ensembles, under the direction of Dr. Scott Farthing, and the Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Carmen Dominquez, for a presentation of music of the season. Tickets are $20 general admission, or $18 for students and seniors. Call (949) 582-4656 for more info.

Saturday, 12/4 & Sunday 12/5, from 10am-2pm: Boat Rides with Santa at Dana Point Harbor. Free boat rides with Santa! Bring your camera and take a free picture with him. Call (949)923-2255 for more info.

Sunday, 12/5, from 4-7pm: Pier Lighting and Holiday Parade at Huntington Pier. Activities will include a children’s parade on Main Street, entertainment at Pier Plaza, Taste of Main Street and a snowflake lighting ceremony at the pier. The parade will start at Orange and Main St. and will end at the Pier Plaza. After the parade, the entertainment will begin at the Pier Plaza. While at the Plaza, Mr. & Mrs. Claus will be available for children to take pictures! Call 714-842-6600 for more info.

 

Sunday, 12/5, from 4:30-7:30pm: Winter Holiday Event in Aliso Viejo at Grand Park. Celebrate the arrival of Santa & Mrs. Claus, the official Lighting of the Tree, live entertainment, complimentary cookies & hot chocolate, and visits with Santa after the formal program. Bring your camera to capture your child's special moment with Santa!Call 949-243-7750 for more info.

 

 

Sunday, 12/5, from 3:30-7pm: Orange Tree Lighting at Old Towne Orange Plaza. Festivities begin with Orange non-profit food booths and childlren's activities at 3:30 p.m. Then, the official musical program, inclduing a 350-voice choir and 60-piece orchesra led by Music Director Michael Short, begins promptly at  5;15 p.m. This year's program narrator is Dr. William Hall, Dean of Performing Arts at Chapman University. Please contact the Community Services Department's Special Event Hotline at 714-744-7278 for more information.

Sunday, 12/5, from 3pm: Menorah Lighting at Fashion Island in Newport. Celebrate Hanukkah with singing and festive traditions at the Menorah Lighting Ceremony, to be held at 3pm in the Atrium Garden Court near the lower level of Barnes & Noble. For more information, please call the Chabad Jewish Center Newport Beach at (949) 721-9800.

What did I tell you? So many great events! Happy planning! :)

-Blythe
on my blip.fm: Camera Obscura's "If Looks Could Kill"

The December issue

 

The wait is almost over- the December issue of The OC Gazette is hitting racks and mailboxes in just a few short days! Within its glossy pages, this issue will contain some golden morsels: a centerfold story telling the sweet tale of Powell's Sweet Shoppe in Laguna Niguel, interviews with big wigs Matt Barnes (the newest Laker) and Tenley Molzahn (of The Bachelor and The Bachelor Pad), delicious holiday recipes, fun holiday crafts, and plenty of interesting stories about local businesses and nonprofits! Oh, and this issue is filled with great gift ideas for everyone on your list! Be sure to look for the gift guide "gifts that give back"- we listed about a dozen ways to give great gifts that benefit underprivileged and persecuted groups in Orange County and the world. 

As always, the magazine is filled with deals and discounts from some great local businesses- whether you're looking for a great deal on a cut and color, need your carpet cleaned, or looking for an auto shop you can trust, you'll find it in The OC Gazette. 

Long story short: you'll want to get a hold of a copy! Email info@theocgazette.com or visit our "Want a Copy?" page to find out how to get your paws on your own issue.

Happy reading!

-Blythe

on my iTunes: Sarah McLaughlin's "River"

Black {Bra} Friday!

Guess what? {Intimacy} bra boutique (in Westfield Century City and and at South Coast Plaza) will be running their first official Black Friday promotion! They are giving away $15,000 worth of prizes company-wide to the first 50 customers who purchase a bra on Friday, November 26! Prizes range from $5 off your purchase to a $100 gift card, and include some of their bestsellers – free Hanky Panky thongs, lingerie wash, world famous Spanx products, and more! 

[click above flier to enlarge]

Have a delicious Thanksgiving and a safe Black Friday!

Happy Shopping :)

-Blythe

on my iTunes: Peggy Lee's "I'll Be Seeing You"

StandUp on the Vine was a hit!

 You might remember our post about the StandUp on the Vine event that was to be held at Bacchus Secret Cellar a couple weeks ago- well, the night came and was a smash hit! Cal State Fullerton students held a wine tasting night to raise money and awareness for the nonprofit organization StandUp For Kids; StandUp on the Vine brought in over $2,600 and more than 50 attendees! So far, StandUp For Kids has raised $36,00 of the $380,000 needed to build the center. Once built, the center will provide youth with supplies, counseling services, a drop-in center, transitional housing, and a central meeting location for StandUp For Kids.

All proceeds from the night will go toward building a transitional living center for the homeless youth of Orange County. Bacchus owners Jeff and Valerie Roos generously donated an additional 50% of ticket sales to StandUp For Kids. 

The night included a performance by the Ryan Rost Quartet, with pianist Kei Akagi (who has worked with the likes of Miles Davis)! The band donated their time and talent for the night's festivities:

A number of great items were raffled off, including spa packages, Duck tickets, restaurant gift certificates, and jewelry.

Some happy attendees:

The place was a-bustlin':

 Another group of attendees happily tasting away:

The menu included four choices of red and white wines, two beer choices, and a variety of non-alcoholic beverages. Appetizers and desserts were also served.

At 7:13, a candlelight vigil was held to honor the 13 children who die daily on the streets.


StandUp For Kids was founded in 1990 and is dedicated to improving the lives of homeless and at-risk youth by providing them with access to health services, life skills training, and basic necessities such as food, clothing, and shelter. To find out more or to make a donation, visit www.standupforkids.org

Bacchus Secret Cellar is always hosting cool events and even has a nightly happy hour! Be sure to check out their website so you'll be in the loop for the next great event!

-Blythe

on my iTunes: Aimee Mann's "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"

Beauty & The Beast at OCPAC

"Little town, it's a quiet village, little town, like the one before. Little town, full of little people waking up to say-"
"Bonjour!"
"Bonjour!"

And thus begins the familiar, epic love story, Beauty and the Beast. Good news for kids, romantics, and Disney-lovers alike: the classic tale hit OCPAC's stage on Tuesday and is currently playing nightly, with two performances (afternoon and night) scheduled for Saturday and Sunday. The only bad news is that the play's taking a short run- its closing night is this Sunday, November 21st. Amy and I were able to attend opening night, and the place was packed with enthusiastic people like us, so I advise you to plan a night and nab your tickets quickly! They start at just $20!

I think there's a bit of Belle in us all- aching for adventure, romance, and wanting a little more than what everyone says we ought to be content with. It's not that we're ungrateful, it's that, like Belle, we're dreamers. We have something in us that stirs us to pursue greatness. We have hope. 
Liz Shivener plays Belle, and along with her characteristically graceful optimism, Shivener adds a hint of sauciness- Shivener's Belle bites back a bit more than the colorful cartoon we're all used to, but she does so in a way that doesn't draw us away from the Belle we love; rather, her portrayal adds even more life and fullness to an already dynamic heroine. Picture classic Disney Belle with a sprinkle of Amy Poehler.

[Liz Shivener as Belle in Disney's Beauty and the Beast (c) Joan Marcus]

Opposite Liz Shivener is Justin Glaser as the Beast. Arguably one of the most complex Disney "princes," the Beast is a tough role to play. Glaser tackles the role with gusto, portraying a Beast that is at times intimidating and unpredictable, and at times vulnerable and misunderstood. The Beast is like an onion, and Glaser makes himself the best sort of onion. Midway through Act II, we're a bit more familiar with the Beast, and ready to chum up to him, despite his little temper tantrums. It doesn't hurt that he has the voice of an angel. Picture He-Man mixed with Josh Groban and Will Ferrell as the Devil.

[Justin Glaser as the Beast in Disney's Beauty and the Beast (c) Joan Marcus]

The play is filled with all the familiar Disney songs plus a few more new songs sprinkled into the mix. There were two show-stealing scenes, in my humble opinion; one of which was NETwork's renditions of "Be Our Guest" (in which golden-clad cutlery prances among elaborately decorated dishes and salt and pepper shakers in a beautifully choreographed number that ends with "champagne explosions" on stage and confetti streamers into the audience [who doesn't love confetti? The audience went wild]):

[Liz Shivener as Belle and the cast of Disney's Beauty and the Beast (c)Joan Marcus]

 The second of my two favorite scenes was the pub scene with the singing of "Gaston." I should back up to mention that Nathaniel Hackmann as Gaston stole the show. The man is brimming with talent and oozing personality- two traits that work well in his favor as he portrays the world's most lovable egomaniac, Gaston. Hackmann sprinkled his portrayal with freeze-frame sports/model poses, one-hand eye-brow smoothing, Elvis-like pelvic movements, and a brilliant use of chin. Picture John Travolta as Danny Zuko mixed with Uncle Jesse and add Elvis' hips. Got it? Good. 

In NETwork's performance of "Gaston," the 15 or so members of the pub crowd sing and dance in an impressively choreographed routine, complete with rhythmic metal beer stein clinking, stomping, and overall hoo-hawing. It was glorious. Words fail to fully describe it, so I will simply say this: see it.

[Justin Glaser as the Beast and Liz Shivener as Belle in Disney's Beauty and the Beast (c) Joan Marcus]

I've seen the Disney movie a thousand times, but NETwork's production still had me on the edge of my seat wondering if Belle and the Beast would fall in love before the last rose petal dropped- and anxious for a stage transformation of the Beast into a handsome prince.
SPOILER ALERT! The magical transformation did of course occur, and it was far from the cheesy, fog-machine, man-behind-the curtain swap scene from a high school drama that I half expected; the Beast's body rose into the air and swiveled by the use of what I can only assume was an invisible harness, lights flashed and twinkled (in a way that didn't interrupt the audience's perception of the scene), and truly, like magic, the Beast was transformed into a man. He and Belle have the moment of recognition, kissing ensues, warm feelings blanket the audience, and we have our ever-welcome happily ever after ending. Watch for Chip, the boy who was a teacup- he turns into quite possibly the cutest little red-haired boy imaginable. 

So, if you're in the mood for a little romance, a little magic, a little wit, and a lot of fun, grab a couple loved ones and head to OCPAC for a performance that won't disappoint. Remember: closing night is this Sunday, November 21st! So, plan a night and get your tickets now! Like I said, they start at only $20 per person!

-Blythe

on my iTunes: Disney's "Gaston"

TACA's Ante Up For Autism Event

Autism is a National Emergency: 

Did you know that 1 in every 91 children is diagnosed with autism?
More than 2 million are living with autism in the United States.
Every 21 minutes a parent is being told their child has autism.

TACA (Talk About Curing Autism) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to speed up the time from diagnosis to treatment for families who have just received an autism diagnosis. TACA helps to strengthen the autism community by connecting families with the professionals who can help them, leading to a better quality of life for people affected by autism. 

I mentioned last week (here) that Amy and I would be attending Ante Up For Autism, a poker night fundraiser held by TACA at St. Regis Resort. Well, it was awesome! I took plenty of pictures to show you guys, so I'll let those do the talking:

 [Olympic Gold Medal Hurdle Winner Felix Sanchez & Red Carpet MC Renee Herlocker]

[Actor Jacob Vargas]

[Actor/Producer/Writer Sevier Crespo]

[Actress/Singer Kate Voegele] 

[Kate Voegele chatting with Amy]

"It's really inspiring to me to see an organization like TACA being determined to diagnose [autism] early, and really investigate what is making it such an increasing issue among children. It was amazing to me to read that something like one in 90 children are diagnosed with autism. So, it's pretty awesome to be here and be a part of it." -Kate Voegele, to Amy 

[Actor Johnathon Schaech]

[Amy gets a word in with Johnathon Schaech...we're hoping he liked our That Thing You Do allusions]

"I've been coming [to this event] for about four years now...being a creative artist, I'm artistic and I relate to the autistic. They need forms of expression; they need to be understood. They are misunderstood, and places like TACA provides parents with places to take their children to find hope to get through troubled times that they're going to face with an autistic child.
It's a silent epidemic. People are scared to admit that it's actually happening. TACA offers a responsible hope; they don't feed you falseness. They make sure you understand that it's a journey...Curing is one thing, but also just helping a child get through his day is another." -Johnathon Schaech, to Amy

[Event host- and retired NFL QB- Jim Everett]

[Amy makes friends with event host Jim Everett, his wife Rachel, and their two daughters. Turns out the Everetts live in OC!]

"We understand the mountains that each family has to climb with children, let alone family with autism. So, we believe that if we can help build awareness about where they can find help and assistance so we can make a difference. If we can make a difference in one child's life, great; but hopefully we can make a difference in 20,000 or more." -Jim Everett, to Amy

"I have a friend named Dylan, and he has autism. We were friends since we were very little, and he;s about my age- two months apart. I think TACA's really going to help him." -Alexandra Everett, Jim Everett's daughter

[Retired NFL player Mike Lansford, also an OC native]

[Mike Lansford takes a minute to chat with Amy]

"I don't have a personal connection [with autism]; I played with Jim Everett, so I had no choice. [laughs] He did not drag me here...to show up to this event, and to raise awareness for autism and for TACA is our pleasure." -Mike Lansford, to Amy

[BMX Rider Stephen Murray]

[Stephen Murray tells Amy about his interest in TACA]

"I know they'll find a cure for autism. The stuff these parents go through for their kids is amazing." -Stephen Murray, to Amy

[Amy gets some face time with world champion cyclist Brian Lopes, who happens to be an OC native!]

“I’m good friends with Pat and Stephanie and they’re heavily involved with TACA. Their kid has autism. So, basically from the first year that this event was put on, I came here to support them and to support TACA and help raise money. 
I never win. Not at poker. That’s not my game. I don’t really like gambling that much, but I like to do it here because it’s for a good cause.”  -Brian Lopes, to Amy

As you can see, the place was brimming with all kinds of talent- athletic, musical, and otherwise- and we got to chat with a great selection of these bigwigs! We had a blast! After the red carpet entry, we ventured to the courtyard for the cocktail hour and silent auction. There was some great loot up for auction.

[Two of the Thomas Kincade paintings up for auction. The proceeds from the silent auction went to TACA]

[Beautiful St. Regis! Amy made me take this]

Here's a shot looking back down at the courtyard auction. It's not the clearest shot, but it gives you an idea of the turnout- it was a hit!

To learn more,  visit TACA's website. You can join for free, find support and mentoring, find out about some cool upcoming events, and more- you can even shop for a cause on TACA's site!


-Blythe

on my iTunes: Sea Wolf's "You're a Wolf"

Patchwork Indie Arts & Crafts Festival

Feeling crafty? Maybe you  just like buying crafty things? Well, you're in luck! There are two upcoming Patchwork Indie Arts & Crafts Festivals where you can buy some sweet, one-of-a-kind handmade items and vintage goods from local sellers. Now's the time to wow your friends with a great new headband, necklace, or purse- or better yet, to get a leg up on your Christmas shopping! You're sure to find something clever for everyone on your list!

 

There are two dates and locations to choose from:

1) Nov. 21st at Long Beach's Marine Stadium, 11-5pm

2) Nov. 28th in Santa Ana at Main St. @ Buffalo, 11-5pm

For more info, visit Patchwork's website here!

-Blythe

on my iTunes: Ariel Pink's "Life in LA"

Hit the slopes @ Big Bear!

With Thanksgiving approaching faster than a mob of door-busting deal-lovers on Black Friday, it's only a matter of time before the sound of Christmas music resounds from every store and radio station and sales of all items containing peppermint begin to peak. What this also means is that winter, glorious and fearful winter, is approaching (as close as it ever will, at least....you can't touch So. Cal, winter! You just can't!). While many Orange Countians have come to dread- or even hate- the ever-so-slightly colder weather (granted, the morning chill can be pretty fierce- I wear mittens in my car while I wait for my engine to warm up), some of us find it a welcome change from the curse of endless summer, and regard it as a very merry way of ringing in the holiday season.

I myself am a transplant (grew up in another state- I KNOW: shocking. "How is she qualified to work for the OC Gazette?!"). Scoff as you might, I like the cold. I grew up in Seattle, WA, which is a lot like OC, except swap the 10 months of sunshine thing with 10 months of gloom. Minor difference. I'm sure there are plenty of other transplants among the OCG readers, and even some pure-bred Californians who also like the cold this time of year. SO MUCH SO, in fact, that you head for the hills- er, mountains- to seize the cold in its finest form: snow.

Ah, snow. A beloved beast. A feared and revered friend. An awe-inspiring spectacle to Californians of all shapes and sizes (a great equalizer, in that way). The amazing thing about OC is this: drive less than an hour west and you'll hit the beach; drive less than two hours northeast-ish and you're in the snow-covered mountains at Big Bear! Skiing! Snowboarding! Inner tubing! Snow angels! Yellow snow! Er, scratch that last one. Cozy lodging and warming up by the fire with spiked egg nog!
I don't even particularly like egg nog and that still sounds great.

Now is the perfect time to plan a family (or romantic) jaunt out to Big Bear and revel in the glorious snow-laden holiday season. Big Bear Resort plans to begin lift operations tomorrow. Imagine: you could spend your Thanksgiving in the mountains! Or, skip out on the threat of imminent death-by-trampling and spend Black Friday and the following weekend burrowed away in cozy lodge dwellings! The hardest part will be deciding between hot beverages: hot apple cider, hot cocoa, or the aforementioned nog? Take a few of the Harry Potter books and you've got a recipe for AWESOMENESS.

Big Bear Mountain Resorts (Bear Mountain and Snow Summit) recently fired up its snow guns (unfortunately So. Cal clouds are infertile, as far as the snow-bearing business goes) to set the stage for the 2010/2011 season. Thanks to favorable weather conditions (nightly temps dropping into the 20s and low humidity), the crew at BBMR was able to make it snow for over 12 hours! Wish I could've been there to catch snowflakes with my tongue (cue music: "Snowflakes that fall on my nose and eyelashes...")!

Here are some quick looks at a few of this year's added and improved amenities:

Skill Builder Parks™ at Bear Mountain

Designed for beginning terrain park skiers and snowboarders, these areas offer snow features, rails, boxes and transitions to help guests test their skills and bring their skiing and riding to the next level in a comfortable, pressure-free environment. Each feature has a do-it-yourself instructional sign, offering a trick description and tips on getting started, polishing skills and even ski and snowboarding etiquette.

Senior Ticket Rate –For the first time ever, BBMR is introducing a special Senior ticket rate for guests 62 and older, an average savings of 20 percent per ticket. For the full 2010-2011 ticket rate schedule visit www.bigbearmountainresorts.com.

Learning Center & Board Room Remodels – Renting just got easier! Snow Summit has made improvements to its rental shop this season, so guests can spend less time in line and more time on the slopes. Bear Mountain has also remodeled its learning center and combined snowboard and ski rentals in one central location, this way families and friends who are enjoying the day together but may not necessarily all ski or all board can still rent their equipment in the same building.  

Run Improvements & Snow making – BBMR’s fanatical commitment to snow making and nearly unlimited supply of water from Big Bear Lake means guests can expect reliable quality snow conditions every day of the season, regardless of natural snowfall. Simply put, Big Bear Mountain Resorts offers more and better snow throughout the season than any other resort in Southern California.  New for 2010-2011, Bear Mountain has purchased two new "snowcats" for faster, better trail and park grooming. In addition, $500,000 in new fan guns have been added at Snow Summit and Bear Mountain.  With  expanded fan gun electrical distribution to several additional runs, both areas will be able to make more snow in a shorter period of time than ever before.

Daily Snow Reports – Now you can enjoy daily snow reports in the palm of your hand! From your cell phone, text the word "SNOW" to 52406 to receive on-demand powder alerts and regular updates from Big Bear Mountain Resorts. Customize the messages you receive on bigbearmountainresorts.com. Standard data and text rates apply.

For up-to-the-minute snow reports, go to:

Bear Mountain: http://www.bearmountain.com/snowboard/snow-report/current-snow-report/

Snow Summit:  http://www.snowsummit.com/ski/snow-report/current-snow-report/

OK, I know: information overload. I'll stop while I'm [hopefully] ahead. But I hope I've successfully inspired you to seize the winter and head for the hills to revel in our own winter wonderland that is Big Bear! Remember to bundle up!

-Blythe 

on my iTunes: Elton John's "Candle in the Wind"

Veteran's Day Deal

Today is Veteran's Day, the annual federal holiday when we honor the men and women who have served our great nation in any war. Do you know a veteran? Are you a veteran? We appreciate your service all days of the year, and stop and honor you today. Why today? Why November 11th? As some of you know, at 11am on November 11th, 1918, an armistice - or ceasing of hostilities- was declared between the Allied nations and Germany during WWI. The following year, the day was honored once again, under the moniker "Armistice Day." The day became a federal holiday in 1938, and after WWII and the Korean War, the day was called "Veteran's Day" to honor American veterans of all wars. Read more about the history of Veteran's Day on History.com.

Today we say thank you, veterans! Not all of us are made of the same rugged, nation-defending DNA, so we applaud your heroic efforts and your dedication to making our country the freedom-loving nation it is.

That being said, I encourage the rest of our readers to do their part in supporting a vet! There are plenty of businesses owned and operated by U.S. vets that you can support. One of our beloved clients in the OCG is one such business:

Beach Cities Computer is owned and operated by Toby Sanford, a U.S. Navy Veteran with over 20 years of experience with computer repair and maintenance. Toby is a Microsoft Certified Professional, has an Associates Degree in Information Technology (that's the I.T. in "Call our I.T. guy, stat!"), and proudly serves all of Orange County. Beach Cities Computer offers on-site or remote computer service, computer upgrades and repair, security checks and installation, backups, wireless networking, and much more.

If you've got a heart for veterans or a finicky computer (or both!), call Beach Cities Computer!  And guess what?  

Mention The OC Gazette and you'll get 20% off your first job!*

Call or email today for a FREE consultation!
949-842-4368
toby@bccomputer.us

Find and follow Beach Cities on Facebook by clicking here.
*Offer for new clients only. Expires November 30th, 2010. Check the December issue of The OC Gazette for another great offer for first time clients!

This Weekend in OC: 11/11-14

 

It's Wednesday, and you know what that means! Well....you may not know what it means, unless you've made a clever assumption based on the snazzy header of this post and noticed my one-week-streak of posting upcoming weekend events for you guys on Wednesdays. And that's exactly what today's post is concerning: giving you the scoop, the fill-in, the buzz, the 4-1-1, the happs - and so on- regarding some fun things for you to do in Orange County this weekend!

Ready? Pen and paper in hand? Good. Here goes: 

Tomorrow, Thursday, 11/11:

Hullabaloo Children's Concert! Take your tots to Grand Park in Aliso Viejo. Kids and parents will be clapping, stomping,  singing, and more at this FREE outdoor concert from 11-11:45am. Arrive early to meet other moms for morning cardio: Push your kids in their stroller and join Stroller Strides for one FREE hour of cardio from 9:30-10:30!

Night of Indulgence! From 6-9pm, visit Salon Sauvage for a special night of pampering! Complimentary services, including mini spa services and hair services, complimentary wine and cheese, complimentary skin care and hair care products from Prive, Epicuren, SudzzFx, Phytomer, and White Sands, a Gift Basket Raffle, and $30 Sauvage Bucks (good for future a Salon Sauvage visit) when you bring a friend! Call for details- Appointments are required: (949) 661-2055

Feathery Friends Toddler Program - Kiddos ages 3-4 can come learn about birds- even those that can't fly! Class is from 10-11am at the OC Zoo in Orange (1 Irvine Park Rd.) and includes hands-on learning and fun crafts. $5/child and $3 to park. Phone registration required: (714)973-6846


Friday, 11/12:

Charlotte's Web: The Musical - The refreshed take on E.B. White's classic story hits Laguna Playhouse's Moulton Theater Stage this weekend and runs through 12/21. Tickets are $18-20/person. Call (949)497-2787 for more info.

Discovery Hike: From 9am-12pm, explore beautiful Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park as you discover its wildlife with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists on this moderate but steep, uneven, and rocky 5 mile hike. $2/person and $3 to park.  Meet at Canyon View Staging Area, Gate 7. Reservations required: (949)923-2235.

Night Hike: From 5:30-7pm, come to the first of a series of three night hikes with the Irvine Park Rangers. A visit to the nature center for hot chocolate and cookies begins the night at 5:30, followed by a live animal demonstration, and finally, an easy 30 minute star lit hike. FREE with FREE parking in lot #19. Meet at the Nature Center with a warm jacket, a flashlight, and good walking shoes. Call (714)973-6833 for more info.

Saturday, 11/13:

Come hang out with me and Amy!

Gamble the night away with celebrities and sports stars at TACA's 4th Annual Ante Up for Autism Event!

One in every 91 children has autism. Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) provides support and education to over 18,500 families across the US who are touched by autism. On Saturday night, come try your luck for a good cause- and join celebrities, athletes, and professional poker players who plan to do the same. Clifton Collins Jr. of NBC's The Event, That Thing You Do actor Johnathon Schaech, One Tree Hill actress and singer Kate Voegele, actor Jonathon Silverman, actress Jennifer Finnigan, Deal or No Deal model Leyla Milani, musician and author Michael Ward, actor Jacob Vargas, retired Anaheim Ducks player Scott Niedermayer, former NFL quarterback Jim Everett, world champion cyclist (and OC native) Brian Lopes, Olympic track and field athlete Lolo Jones, Olympic gold medal hurdle winner Felix Sanchez, retired pro baseball player Jim Gott, Motocross racer Ernesto Fonseca, and many more. 

Event includes cocktails on the resort line, tournament poker, a live and silent auction, and tips from poker stars! 

Tickets are available at www.anteupforautism.org or email Violette Prentice at (949)640-4401. The event will be held at St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point, red carpet entry beginning at 5:30pm and general admission beginning at 7pm. 

Native Plant Hike: From 8-11am, enjoyed unspoiled canyon views and learn about the geology of OC on a strenuous, 3.5 mile hike. $2/person and $3 to park. Meet at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, James Dilley Preserve (east side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR 133, just North of the 73 Toll Road). Call for more info or directions: (949)923-2235

Sunday, 11/14: 

StandUp on the Vine Event at Bacchus Secret Cellar: You should remember reading about this one a couple days ago on the blog (scroll down or click here). This Sunday, Bacchus Secret Cellar in Irvine is hosting StandUp On The Vine, a wine tasting charity event benefiting StandUp For Kids. StandUp For Kids is a nonprofit organization that helps homeless youth in OC. The event goes from 5-8 pm. Tickets are $35 per person, and include wine tasting, appetizers, desserts, and entertainment. All profits  will go to StandUp For Kids, and all you have to do is SitDown and Sip! For more info, call: (949) 502-4600.

Family Survival: Camp Cooking - Hands-on survival and disaster preparedness at the Environmental Nature Center in Newport Beach. 1-5pm. RSVP required by calling (949)645-8489.

Geology Hike: From 8-11am, enjoyed unspoiled canyon views and learn about the geology of OC on a strenuous, 3.5 mile hike. $2/person and $3 to park. Meet at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Willow Canyon Staging Area (20101 Laguna Canyon Rd, just South of El Toro Rd. intersection). Call for more info or directions: (949)923-2235

Many of these events (and plenty others) are listed on the calendar page of The OC Gazette! Nab a copy to keep on top of all the fun local happenings!
So much to do, so little time! Happy weekend-ing folks! :)

-Blythe


on my iTunes: Tom Petty's "Square One"