November 2015 RSS Feed

Kick off your 2015 holiday celebrations with the Dana Point Winter Festival and Tree Lighting which takes place December, 5 from 12:00 to 7:30PM.

You'll want to make this a family tradition as there is fun for all ages. A Craft Faire offers an opportunity to get some of your holiday shopping done and there is a live Reindeer and a Petting Zoo for the younger set, as well as, games, cookie decorating, face painting, and a special holiday movie. Of course, Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without Yuletide Carolers, hot chocolate, Santa and and REAL snow... a real treat for kids who have never seen snow!

The tree lighting is expected to happen around 5:30 p.m. though schedule is subject to change.

Santa Claus is coming to town! That's right Santa Claus is coming to the Laguna Beach Hospitality Night. Hospitality Night, one of the biggest street parties of the year, is sponsored by the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce and takes place December 5 from 5:00 - 9:00pm.

The evening kicks off with Santa riding down Forest Avenue in an open air trolley to light the Pepper Tree at City Hall. Then the kids will get a change to visit with Santa, share their holiday wish lists, and take a selfie with Santa!

Other fun activites include ice skatingin the U.S. Bank parking lot, a sing-along with the Presbyterian Church Bell Choir and live music by Ken Garcia.

 

California home sales and prices decreased in October 2015 as the affordability crunch impacts the housing market.

The number of homes sold decreased from 424,000 to 404,000 or 4.7% compared to the previous month but increased from 398,000 or 1.5% from October 2014. The median price dropped from $482,000 in Sept to $476,000, a 1.2% decrease. However, California home prices increased 5.7% from October 2014.

The California Association of Realtors closely monitors and analyzes trends in the residential real estate industry. The table below contains the latest reported existing home sales series, median home prices, unsold inventory index, median time on market, first-time buyer housing affordability index, and the latest mortgage rates.

California home prices increased 5.7% in October 2015 to $475,990 compared to the previous year, the number of sales increased 1.3%, and the amount of unsold inventory decreased 2.6%. Market times dropped 8.3%. Great news for the California real estate market!

Do you have a long commute during the work week and dread the thought of getting into your car again? You are in luck! Laguna Beach offers a FREE weekend trolley every Friday through Sunday. The trolley runs approximately every 20 minutes, depending on traffic, and runs along the Pacific Coast Highway between Viejo Street in Laguna Beach to the Ritz-Carlton in Dana Point. Times are from 4 -11pm on Friday, 11am - 11pm on Saturday, and 11am - 8 pm on Sunday. Why not relax and enjoy the ride?

A warm Mediterranean climate allows golfers to enjoy playing the Orange County Golf courses year round.  There are course for all types of golfers, from Executive courses for the beginner to Championship courses for the more experienced. Courses are set atop Orange County's historic cliffs and dramatic bluffs with stunning views of our legendary beaches and beyond.

Below are just some of the many courses you will want to experience...

Aliso Viejo Country Club
Features one of only two private Nicklaus Design golf courses in Orange County. With some of the best holes of golf and some of the best views.
33 Santa Barbara, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
Phone: (949) 783-9686

Black Gold Golf Club
A favorite of Orange County golfers, this Arthur Hills-designed…

Named one of America’s best Thanksgiving Day runs by Fitness Magazine, the Dana Point Turkey Trot has become an Orange County tradition, attracting more than 16,000 participants, including friends and family, in its 5K, 10K, Kids’ Gobble Wobble, and two-day health and fitness expo. Featuring scenic routes through picturesque Dana Point Harbor and Doheny State Beach, the Turkey Trot offers something for every member of the family. - See more at: http://www.mydanapoint.com/events/dana-point-turkey-trot#sthash.Fwq6peyB.dpuf Named one of America’s best Thanksgiving Day runs by Fitness Magazine, the Dana Point Turkey Trot has become an Orange County tradition, attracting more than 16,000 participants, including friends and family, in its 5K, 10K,…

Enjoy outstanding music? Enjoy inspiring art? Live! At The Museum provides a unique opportunity to experience your love of music and art at the same time. An evening of art and music is presented by Laguna Beach Live! and the Laguna Art Museum on the first Thrusday of each month. Talented musicians perform both classical and contemporary chamber music surrounded by the Laguna Art Museums outstanidn collection of fine art.

The concerts are free for Museum members and to non Museum members with admission ($7/adult and $5/senior & student). The Laguna Art Museum is located at 307 Cliff Drive.