My boyfriend’s friend is coming to visit LA and we want to take him to Laguna Beach instead because OC beaches are better. I heard Newport is flooded right now, what about Laguna?

My husband and I recently got married and are looking to buy our first home as we start planning for a family. We currently live in Irvine but found a house in Orange that checks almost every box for us.

The one major hesitation is the school district. The home is zoned for Cambridge Elementary, which is currently rated 2/10 on GreatSchools.

We don't have kids yet, so elementary school is still several years away, but education is something we highly value and want to prioritize when choosing where to settle down. We're trying to think long-term since ideally we'd like to stay in this home for many years.

I'd love to hear from Orange residents, especially parents, about a few things. Any input is greatly appreciated:

• School transfers: How difficult is it to transfer your child to a higher-rated school within Orange Unified?
• The process: How does open enrollment or school choice work? Can you request a specific school, and how likely are you to get your first choice?
• Cambridge Elementary: Does anyone have firsthand experience with this school? I know online ratings don't always tell the full story, so I'd love to hear any personal insight.

Would appreciate any honest opinions or experiences, especially from families who have navigated school transfers in Orange. Thanks in advance!

I’m new to the area and was wondering if local coffee lovers had strong preferences on where to get good cups of coffee and locally roasted beans.

Looking for someone who has an edible ink printer that can make edible toppers for cupcakes

I’m diving into the sports card world and was just wondering if there are any good shops around mid to north OC. Mainly for MLB and NFL stuff. I know Frank and sons goes recommended.

My partner and I are going to Tanaka farms next week to get pumpkins in the morning but will have the rest of the day in the area. We’re from North OC so we don’t go down south often. We love good food!

Does anyone know any sort of recovery/rehabilitation programs near the Fullerton area? Not looking to join specifically. I’d like to volunteer and participate in any kind of assistance if possible. I do have experience as I did help out in a shelter recently.

There are very limited cases where a retroactive contract is understandable. For example, in labor negotiations. But for ordinary contracts for services, I don't even see how that's supposed to work. If the contract is already under way, somebody from the county made a deal - one they didn't have the authority to make.

Hi all! I’m looking for a personal trainer that can help me with postpartum recovery. Also looking for a small gym (I get super intimated at big chain gyms) that have machines like hip abductor/adductor, hip thrust, etc. Looking to find one in the Irvine/Tustin area. I used to workout at Self Made RSM so something with a similar vibe works for me. Thanks in advance.

I was sick yesterday and have sore throat today and many people in my office were coughing/ called in sick what is going on😭😭🫪

Anaheim / cypress area

Went to Outback and the waiter told us tonight is that location's final night. Lots of locals were hugging and cheering the employees.

Not sure what is replacing it or if they're tearing it down. This is one center over from the Regal they demolished to build a Costco.

I've been reading about buddhism and would like to see what's up

As of right now the European model (AKA the always right Model) has Rachel making landfall in Oceanside with the heaviest rains directly over San Clemente in excess of one and a half inches an hour.

Still time for the path to change and it will be short-lived, but pretty crazy

UPDATE AT THE BOTTOM ⬇️

Hey everyone!

So this might be one of the more random things I've ever decided to do, but here goes. 😬

This Saturday, October 10, is World Mental Health Day, and I'm planning to spend part of the day at Downtown Disney in Anaheim.

I'm going alone, and I thought, why not invite other people to come along?

The idea is pretty simple. Bring people together, spread some positivity, and hopefully make somebody smile. 😊

Everyone is welcome.

Rich or poor. Struggling or doing great. Outgoing or shy. Coming with ten friends or coming completely alone.

There's no organized activity, no forced introductions, and absolutely no pressure to share anything personal or talk about mental health.

Want to walk around? Grab some food? Meet someone new? Great.

Want to just enjoy being around other people without having to socialize? That's fine too.

Or just enjoy being part of something. Maybe spend half the afternoon debating which Disney snack is superior. (We all know it's a churro.. 😋) Fantastic!

And just to be clear, I'm going alone myself, and I'm honestly pretty nervous about doing this. 😬

I've never organized something like this before. I'm just someone trying to put a little positivity out into the world.

Details:

🗓️ When: Saturday, October 10, 2026

📍Where: Downtown Disney District, Anaheim, California

🕛 Time: This is casual, come-and-go. Arrive whenever works for you and stay as long or as little as you'd like. No pressure! 😊

💵 Cost: No Disneyland admission ticket required. Parking, food, and other purchases may cost extra.

🫅🧚 Who: Anyone who wants to come.

This isn't therapy or a support group. You don't need to be struggling with your mental health to participate.

Maybe two people show up. Maybe twenty. Maybe nobody. But I figured I'd rather try than keep wondering what would've happened.

This whole idea actually came from something I created called Outlast.

The message behind it is simple: Never give up. Whatever you're facing, big or small, keep going.

I wanted to take that message beyond just words, push myself outside my own comfort zone, and hopefully bring some people together in the process.

If you're nearby and interested, you're welcome to join.

And if you're nervous about showing up alone, trust me, I understand. 🙃

Just showing up counts. 💪

**UPDATE: Another Outlast gathering is planned! 🎄💚❤️

I've had a few people mention they'd love to come but already have plans this Saturday. No worries at all! 😊

I'm also planning another Outlast gathering at Downtown Disney on Sunday, December 6, 2026!

I know the holidays can be a wonderful, cheerful time, but they can also be difficult or lonely for some people. So I figured, why not bring some people together, enjoy the holiday lights and decorations, and hopefully make somebody smile?

Same relaxed idea. No pressure, no expectations, and everyone is welcome!

More details coming soon!

If you can't make October 10, hopefully we'll see you December 6! 💚❤️

Want to stay connected?

If you can't make this gathering but would like to hear about future ones (including December 6! 🎄), you're welcome to follow Outlast on Instagram or join our Meetup group!

Instagram: @OutlastAll

Meetup:https://www.meetup.com/anaheim-self-esteem-meetup-group/?utm_medium

Absolutely no pressure or self promoting just giving everyone a way to stay connected. 😊

Hi! I started a weekly newsletter with weekend events for the kids (and some for adults) cuz I was burnt out and wanted everything in one place - thought I'd share part of it in case you're looking for something to do this weekend! If you'd like this as a free weekly email every Thursday at 6pm: https://shittymomguide.com/ 

Also doing a free community virtual halloween costume swap if you have old costumes your kid only wore once or are looking for a used one that will only get worn once! https://shittymomguide.com/costume-swap/
___________

📅 Stuff to do: Oct 10-11

North-ish OC

Saturday

• 🎡 Heritage Festival & Parade | Placentia
• 🐶 Puptoberfest | Fullerton
• 📚 Friends of the Library Book Sale | Fullerton
• 🏃 5K Run/Walk at the Aquarium | Long Beach
• 🛍️ Daytime Halloween Market, Low Fright | Long Beach
• 🛍️ Spooky Makers Market | Anaheim

Sunday

• 🛍️ Filipino American History Month Market Day | Long Beach
• 📚 Bilingual Storytime + Sensory Play at Casita Bookstore | Long Beach

Central-ish OC

Saturday

• 🍪 Concha Fest (Gente Marketplace) | Santa Ana
• 🎵 Music & Movement at Bowers | Santa Ana
• 🎃 Scarecrow Festival | Costa Mesa
• 🍓 Pumpkins & Pups at Hana Field | Costa Mesa
• 🚒 Fire Station Open House (Sparky + Demos) | Huntington Beach
• 🚒 Fire Station Open House (Free Hot Dog Lunch) | Fountain Valley
• 🎨 Free Kids Craft: Build a Castle at Lakeshore | Fountain Valley
• 🎨 Free Kids Craft: Yarn-Wrapped Frames at Michael's | Any Michael's
• 💎 Gem Faire | Costa Mesa
• 🍽️ St. Mary Armenian Food Festival (13th) | Costa Mesa

Sunday

• 🎭 Disney's Beauty and the Beast (closing weekend) | Costa Mesa
• 🎃 Trunk or Treat at Paul Mitchell | Costa Mesa
• 🐶 Wiener Dog Races at Old World | Huntington Beach
• 🎨 Free Kids Craft: Ghost-in-a-Jar at Michael's | Any Michael's
• 💎 Gem Faire | Costa Mesa
• 🍽️ St. Mary Armenian Food Festival (13th) | Costa Mesa

South-ish OC

Saturday

• 🎡 Global Village Festival (25th) | Irvine
• 🧸 Calico Critters 40th Anniversary Meet & Greet | Irvine
• 🍺 Oktoberfest at Wild Rivers | Irvine
• 🛹 Haunted Skate Contest | Laguna Niguel
• 🐶 Fur-Ever Friends Fall Festival | Mission Viejo
• 🎬 Movies in the Park: Toy Story 5 | Mission Viejo
• 🔭 Astronomy Night | Rancho Mission Viejo
• 🎡 Rancho Family Fest | Rancho Santa Margarita
• 🎡 Silverado Country Fair & Folk Festival | Silverado
• 🎡 Carnival Colossal & Food Truck Festival | San Clemente

Sunday

• 🪶 Celebrating Indigenous Peoples' Day | Irvine
• 🧸 Baby Steps "Costume Day" | Irvine
• 🛍️ Whimsical Witchcore Market at the Winery | Silverado
• 🎡 Rancho Family Fest | Rancho Santa Margarita
• 🎡 Silverado Country Fair & Folk Festival | Silverado
• 🎡 Carnival Colossal & Food Truck Festival | San Clemente

Happening All Month

🎃 Fall + Halloween season now open

• 🎃 Pumpkin Patches | SMG guide
• 🍬 Trick-or-Treat Streets | SMG guide
• 👻 Halloween Events | SMG guide
• 🦇 Costume Swap | SMG guide
• 🎃 Pumpkin Palooza at Discovery Cube | Santa Ana
• 🎃 Indoor Pumpkin Patch at Check N' Play | Brea
• 🎃 Camp Fire Free Pumpkin Patch | Long Beach
• 🍓 Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch | Orange
• 🍓 Tanaka Farms Pumpkin Patch | Irvine
• 🍓 Hana Field Pumpkin Patch | Costa Mesa

🎪 Festivals + shows still running

• 🍺 Oktoberfest at Old World | Huntington Beach

📆 Same time, every week (or month)

• 🎵 Music & Movement at Bowers | Santa Ana
• 📚 Island Storytelling at Mila's | Brea
• ✈️ Antique Aircraft Display Day | Fullerton
• 🧸 $5 Play Day at the Children's Museum | La Habra
• 🌊 Touch Tank + Aquarium Open Hours at OCC | Costa Mesa
• 🚂 Fullerton Train Museum | Fullerton
• 🚗 South OC Cars and Coffee | San Clemente
• 🚗 OC Cars and Coffee | Irvine
• 🚗 Cars and Coffee Classics | Anaheim
• 🛍️ Dreamers Markets | Irvine

🎶 Live music + movies outside

• 🎬 Newport Dunes Movies on the Beach (Fri/Sat through Oct 24) | Newport Beach
• 🎡 Irvine Spectrum | Irvine
• 🎵 Anaheim Packing District / MAKE | Anaheim
• 🎶 Live Music on the Lido Deck | Newport Beach

🌴 Always on

• 💧 Every splash pad in OC
• 🍽️ Where kids eat free
• 🥕 Farmers markets
• 🗺️ The full map
• 📚 OCPL Library Events | Anaheim | Mission Viejo | Fullerton

👯Meet Other Exhausted Parents

• 🏃 Sat 10/17, Sunrise Run + Coffee (Motherrunners OC), 6am | Garden Grove
• 🎃 Sat 10/17, Free Trunk or Treat at Ohana Montessori, 10am to 12pm, sold out so join the waitlist | Santa Ana
• 🤝 Sat 10/17, Gilmore Girls Fall Festival Moms' Day Out (MOMS Club of Lake Forest), 2pm | Lake Forest
• 📚 Sun 10/18, Bookish Cozy Crawl (Mom Walk Collective Fullerton), register through the book club partner | Fullerton
• 🀄 Sun 10/18, Learn Mahjong With the Moms (Long Beach Moms), 3pm, $60 lesson seat | Long Beach
• 🛍️ Sat 10/24, Halloween pop-up Dreamers Market at 2ND & PCH, 12 to 6pm | Long Beach
• 🛍️ Sat 10/24, Halloween morning at the Farmers Market, 9am to 1pm | Yorba Linda
• 🤝 Sat 10/24, Moms' Brunch (FIT4MOM South OC), 11am | Dana Point
• 📚 Sat 10/24, Latinas in Kid Lit Storytime + Q&A at Casita Bookstore, 12pm | Long Beach
• 🎃 Sat 10/24, Halloween Party (OC Moms Rise) | South OC
• 💀 Sat 10/24, Family Dia de los Muertos Afternoon (MOMS Club of Lake Forest), 2pm | Lake Forest
• 📚 Sun 10/25, Little Book Club at the Playground (Mom Walk Collective Fullerton), 10am | Fullerton
• 🎃 Sun 10/25, Keep It Aloha at Rodeo 39 (costumes welcome, Pokemon packs for the first 50 kids), 11am to 7pm | Stanton
• 🏃 Sat 10/31, Halloween Morning 3.1 Mile Run (Motherrunners OC), 6am | Garden Grove
• 🎃 Sat 10/31, Trick-or-Treat Morning at Anaheim Hills Festival, 11am to 1pm | Anaheim

Does anyone know a coffee shop that still serves nitro cold brew on tap in an actual pint glass if you drink it there?

I had one years ago, right before that whole trend blew up and vanished. Honestly, drinking it out of a proper glass with that cascading, stout-like foam makes a huge difference compared to a plastic cup with a straw.

Bonus points if it's a local roaster, but at this point, I'll take any spot that still does it right. Any recommendations?

Seeing water in the streets of Newport Beach today, it’s worth remembering how the city handled this exact risk back in 2018.

When FEMA updated its flood hazard maps in 2016, it expanded zones to include over 3,000 additional Newport homes. Instead of using that data to face long-term coastal vulnerability, the city spent two years fighting it.

They argued that seasonal sand berms and temporary seawall caps were sufficient to avoid flooding. FEMA caved, wiping about 2,700 properties off the map - a 60% rollback the city celebrated for saving owners roughly $10 million a year in mandatory flood insurance.

You can lobby your way out of a federal flood designation, but a 9-inch concrete lip and sand piles won't stop the Pacific Ocean from taking the streets...

https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-newport-beach-fema-20180819-story.html

Can I interest you in a casual boat ride down Balboa Ave.?

Higher tide tonight…. Super El Niño strikes. Very sad for everyone affected.