Caruso's OC Happenings ~ North County

NORTH COUNTY

ANAHEIM

From April 16 to May 31, 2010, join Disney’s California Adventure for the 5th annual Food & Wine Festival. For 46 days, Disney’s California Adventure Park and select locations at the Disneyland Resort will host “The Art of Flavor,” one of the most anticipated events of spring! Enjoy cooking demonstrations, seminars and recipes that reflect the Golden State’s regional and culinary diversity. Many Festival favorites are returning, in addition to new events and activities including the all-new Festival Showplace!

BREA
Nothing to report

BUENA PARK
Registration for weekly summer camp begins June 28. The camps are for ages 7 to 14 and will run from 8am to 5pm Monday through Friday. For more information call 714-236-3860

CYPRESS
Tuesday May 4 Holy Cross Lutheran Church will hold a Blood Drive from 1-7. For more information call 714-427-2689

FULLERTON
May 7-8 CSU Fullerton Sigma Kappa Sorority will be hosting a charity golf game. The event will be held at Riverview Gold Course. To register for the event email skfoundations@hotmail.com

GARDEN GROVE
Nothing to report

LA HABRA
There is FREE admission on Saturday May 1 for the Children’s Museum from 10am-5pm. The museums exhibit on farm animals and the life cycle will be featured. For more information visit http://www.lhcm.org/

LA PALMA
May 5, 2010 the La Palma Toastmasters are hosting a Cinco de Mayo Fiesta Mixer from 6-7:30pm at the La Palma Community Center! For more information visit http://www.lapalmachamberofcommerce.com/

PLACENTIA
Nothing to report

STANTON
Nothing to report

WESTMINSTER
Nothing to report

YORBA LINDA
Calling all lobster lovers! May 22, 2010 the Yorba Linda Rotary Club will cook and serve lobster for the 23rd annual Lobsterfest! For more information visit www.ylrotary.org

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

http://www.michaelcarusorealestate.com/

Best regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GREEN GRI
2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900

For more information visit orangecountyregister.com

Caruso's OC Happenings ~ Central County

CENTRAL COUNTY

COSTA MESA
Nothing to report

FOUNTAIN VALLEY
May 7 there will be a Spring Dance for seniors. The dance will take place at The Center at Founders Village Senior and Community Center. The dance goes from 7-9:30pm and tickets are $7.00. For more information please call 714-593-4446

HUNTINGTON BEACH
Starting at 9am on Saturday come for the Shipley Nature Center’s SPRING FESTIVAL - Traditional May Day and Earth Day Celebration! The Dedication Ceremony starts at 11:00 a.m., Maypole dance at 11:30 a.m., Matt Kollar Band at Noon. There will be activities for kids and families, nature displays, and guided tours. And admission is FREE!

IRVINE
Noting to report

LOS ALAMITOS
Nothing to report

NEWPORT BEACH
Saturday May 1 at Nordstrom in Fashion Island come and join Nordstrom as they partner with 20 top lingerie brands to support Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, the global leader in the fight against breast cancer. Come in for a personal fitting during the event and shop our collection of beautiful bras in everything from basic styles to playful colors and imported lace. They also offer a full selection of mastectomy products and prosthesis bras, including more than 100 different sizes from best-loved brands. For every bra purchased during the in-store event, $2 will be donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure®: $1 from Nordstrom and the matching $1 from participating brands.

ORANGE
Nothing to report

SANTA ANA

May 1, 2010 ROCKET LAUNCH at The Boeing Company, Huntington Beach. Join us for a full day of water- and air-powered bottle rocket launches. This fun, family-friendly event is hosted by Discovery Science Center’s Future Scientists and Engineers of America. For more information, call 714-542-2823 or visit http://www.discoverycube.org/

SEAL BEACH
PARTY!! May 22 at the Seal Beach Yacht Club there will be an event to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Save Our Beach. The event will include dinner and entertainment. The cost is $35 a person and the event will sell out once 150 tickets are sold. To RSVP email kim@saveourbeach.org

TUSTIN
Nothing to report

VILLA PARK
Sunday May 30 the Villa Park Family Picnic will be held from 11:30am-4:30pm at Irvine Lake. There will be a cupcake decorating contest. For more information please visit www.villa-park.org/familypicnic.html

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

http://www.michaelcarusorealestate.com/

Best regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GREEN GRI
2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900

For more information visit ocregister.com

Caruso's OC Happenings ~ South County

South County

ALISO VIEJO
Pool Party! This Saturday May 1 come to the Aliso Viejo Aquatic Center between 9am-7pm for games, activities and food specials. The aquatic center also features a 25-meter pool, recreation pool, splash pad and a toddler wading pool.

DANA POINT

Nothing to report

LADERA RANCH
Nothing to report

LAGUNA BEACH

May 2 from 12-4 there will be a family picnic event in hopes to help raise money for the 4th of July fireworks. The event will take place at Alta Laguna Park. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children. For more information visit http://www.savelagunafireworks.com/LAGUNA HILLS
Nothing to report

LAGUNA NIGUEL
OPEN HOUSES! Saturday May 1 from 12-4 at 13 and 14 Brownsbury Road in the Ocean Ranch Community.

LAKE FOREST
Nothing to report

MISSION VIEJO

Nothing to report

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA
On Saturday at the Upper Oso Reservoir from 10am-2pm there will be free hotdogs, popcorn, sod, and snow cones to celebrate water awareness month.

SAN CLEMENTE

At Wahoo’s Fish Tacos today from 12-3 come in and show your Scion key and receive a free $5 gift card while supplies last. Wahoo’s is located at 641 Camino de los Mares.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO
From March 5-May 27, 2010 The San Juan Capistrano Library will be showcasing art work from locals around town. Karen Joy Jackson, a local photographer has a current exhibit at the library along with two other local artists Renuka Pillai and David Evans. Jackson’s artwork will be exhibiting 10 photographs of the Greek Islands. The other two artists are oil painters. There is also an Architectural Walking Tour each Saturday morning because of its architectural awards. Other events will be scheduled in the future.

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

http://www.michaelcarusorealestate.com/

Best regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GREEN GRI
2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900

As seen in www.ocregister.com

Caruso's Credit Report!

Companies that offered free credit reports appear to be skirting a new federal disclosure requirement designed to crack down on misleading advertising.

Under the requirement, companies that advertise free credit reports in connection with the sale of credit monitoring or other products must prominently disclose that consumers can get a truly free credit report from the government-authorized Web site annual creditreport.com.

A limited disclosure requirement for all media started in February. A final, more explicit disclosure requirement took effect Friday for print, direct mail, telemarketing and Web advertising. The final rule for TV and radio ads applies Sept. 1.

Rather than make the new disclosure, many companies changed their marketing. Instead of offering free credit reports, some are charging a small fee or promoting free credit scores, which are not covered by the new rule.

Freecreditreport.com, known for its pirates, minstrels and catchy jingles, is doing both. Its Web site now says, "Check your report for $1 and get your score free! Plus, we'll donate your dollar to charity."

The company is owned by Experian, one of three credit reporting agencies required by law to offer consumers a free credit report, with no strings attached, once a year at Annualcreditreport.com.

The company "is cleverly taking advantage of gaping loopholes in the law," says John Ulzheimer, president of consumer education at Credit.com.

If it kept the $1, it might be criticized because it has "free" in its name. By donating the dollar to charity, it blunts criticism and looks generous, he says.

The company's Web ad implies that the government put a stop to its free reports. It says, "Due to federally imposed restrictions it is no longer feasible for us to provide you with a free Experian Credit Report."

Frank Dorman, a spokesman for the Federal Trade Commission, says, "We know of no federal restriction that would prevent a company from offering free credit reports; the rule simply requires those companies that do offer free reports to include prominent disclosures."

Ulzheimer says Experian has changed its signage in sports venues from Freecreditreport.com to Freecreditscore.com.

Experian says it is no longer advertising Freecreditreport.com on television but "will utilize different TV campaigns to advertise our suite of other products including http://www.freecreditscore.com/ and http://www.protectmyid.com/." It had no other comment on its advertising.

Other companies that once advertised free credit reports and scores - including Truecredit.com, owned by credit reporting agency TransUnion - are now promoting free scores only.

The new rules were part of last year's sweeping credit card act. The FTC says it is monitoring compliance with the new rules but cannot comment on any company's advertising.
Starting in February, companies subject to the law had to state, in all advertising, that "Free credit reports are available under federal law at: Annualcreditreport .com."

However, more explicit disclosures applied to print and Web ads.

Web advertising must say: "THIS NOTICE IS REQUIRED BY LAW. Read more at FTC.GOV. You have the right to a free credit report from Annualcreditreport.com or (877) 322-8228, the ONLY authorized source under federal law." The disclosure must include hyperlinks to the two sites.

Starting Sept. 1, TV and radio ads must say, "This is not the free credit report provided for by federal law" in the audio and visual portion.

The law also imposes new restrictions on an nualcreditreport.com, the government-authorized site operated by the three credit reporting agencies.
The first page of this site can no longer have links to the agencies' Web sites. In the past, they could.

"When people clicked on those, they were taken to a site without realizing they were no longer on annualcreditreport .com," says FTC attorney Tiffany George.

Also, this site can no longer advertise any products until after the consumer has received a free credit report.

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

http://www.michaelcarusorealestate.com/

Best regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GREEN GRI
2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900

Caruso's Closed Sales Report!

Is the market is improving or at least stabilizing! Here are the facts...you make the decision!

The Laguna Niguel closed sales report for the month of

March 2010 91 listings closed escrow

Compared To:

March 2009 49 listings closed escrow

March 2008 36 listings closed escrow

Does a sales report tell the whole story about market environment, consumer sentiment and the value of your home? Is it time to sell? Is it time to add a property to your investment portfolio?
Call our office if you have any questions or want more information on a particular neighborhood. Learn What it's Like to Work With Someone Focused on Your Success....not Theirs. 3 decades of experience, education and proven production. Call Michael at 949-753-7900 or 949-495-8600 or email Michael@MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com!

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

http://www.michaelcarusorealestate.com/

Best regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GREEN GRI
2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors

Caruso's Health Plan!

According to IRS.gov many small businesses and tax-exempt organizations that provide health insurance coverage to their employees now qualify for a special tax credit, according to the Internal Revenue Service.

Included in the health care reform legislation, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which the credit is designed to encourage small employers to offer health insurance coverage for the first time or maintain coverage they already have.

In general, the credit is available to small employers that pay at least half the cost of single coverage for their employees.

This credit provides a real boost to eligible small businesses by helping them afford health coverage for their employees, and to urge small businesses and tax-exempt employers to look closely at this important tax break - which is already effective - to see if they qualify.

The maximum credit is 35 percent of premiums paid in 2010 by eligible small business employers and 25 percent of premiums paid by eligible employers that are tax-exempt organizations.

In 2014, this maximum credit increases to 50 percent of premiums paid by eligible small business employers and 35 percent of premiums paid by eligible employers that are tax-exempt organizations.

The credit is specifically targeted to help small businesses and tax-exempt organizations that primarily employ low and moderate income workers. It is generally available to employers that have fewer than 25 full-time equivalent employees paying wages averaging less than $50,000 per employee per year. Because the eligibility formula is based in part on the number of full-time equivalent employess, not the number of employees, many businesses will qualify even if they employ more than 25 individual workers.

The maximum credit goes to smaller employers - those with 10 or fewer full-time equivalent employess-paying annual average wages of $25,000 or less.

Eligible small businesses can claim the credit as part of the general business credit starting with the 2010 income tax return they file in 2011. For tax-exempt employers, the IRS will provide further information on how to claim the credit.

The IRS will use postcards to reach out to millions of small businesses that may qualify for the credit. The postcards will encourage small business owners to take advantage of the credit if they qualify.

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

http://www.michaelcarusorealestate.com/

Best regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GREEN GRI
2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900

Caruso's Safari Adventure!

Looking for a new adventure? Why not try an African Safari?!?! Just recently the friends of Santa Ana Zoo announced three exceptional African safaris:

*The first safari departs June 10, 2010 for 12 days to see the amazing wildebeest and zebra migration in the Serengeti.

*The second safari departs, June 20 for 13 days and highlights the best Kenya has to offer. Long considered to be the ultimate safari experience in East Africa, these two countries features diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife, including the big five: lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo. These safaris can be taken separately, or combined for a longer safari experience.

*The third safari departs November 8, 2010 for 11 days for the renowned Okavango Delta and Linyanti Reserve of Botswana, the Caprivi Strip in Namibia, and finishes at the spectacular Victoria Falls in Zambia. In addition to incredible wildlife, this trip includes night game runs, mokoro dugout canoe excursions, and romantic sundowners.

The priceing however can be alittle costly but the experience is worth a lifetime. The Tanzania package is, $6,295; Kenya, $4,695; Botswana/Namibia/Zambia, $6,595. All are priced per person, double occupancy, land only, but includes all meals while on safari and guides. Travelers may make their own international air arrangements or it can be provided at $2,300 additional per person.

Accommodations on both trips are in small secluded tented camps or thatched cottages that offer the perfect combination of luxury, atmosphere, privacy, and attentive service. All arrangements are through Classic Escapes an internationally recognized tour company based in New York that specializes in photographic eco-safaris for zoos and museums.

The safaris are fully escorted by retired Santa Ana Zoo Director Ron Glazier who has lead 15 African safaris. An optional post-extension to Kenya's Tsavo West and Amboseli Parks is available at $2,495 with the Kenya safari. An optional post-extension to Cape Town is available at $2,395 with the Botswana safari.

For a complete itinerary or more information contact Ron Glazier, 360-933-1737, 360-319-4617 (cell), or e-mail rj_glazier@comcast.net; or Classic Escapes 1-800-627-1244, email info@classicescapes.com.

Don't miss out on this amazing experience!

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

http://www.michaelcarusorealestate.com/

Best regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GREEN GRI
2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900

Caruso's OC Happenings ~ North County

NORTH COUNTY

ANAHEIM
Nothing to report

BREA
Nothing to report

BUENA PARK
Today and tomorrow the 23-24 OC Fire Authority firefighters will be at the corner of Beach Blvd and La Palma Ave collecting donations for Jerry's Kids from 9am-1.

CYPRESS
Nothing to report

FULLERTON
May 7-8 CSU Fullerton Sigma Kappa Sorority will be hosting a charity golf game. The event will be held at Riverview Gold Course. To register for the event email skfoundations@hotmail.com

GARDEN GROVE
On Saturday April 24 From 6am-3 come and celebrate the re-opening of Kaye's Kitchen on Historic Main Street. All proceeds from the daily special will be donated to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

LA HABRA
Nothing to report

LA PALMA
May 5, 2010 the La Palma Toastmasters are hosting a Cinco de Mayo Fiesta Mixer from 6-7:30pm at the La Palma Community Center! For more information visit http://www.lapalmachamberofcommerce.com/

PLACENTIA
Nothing to report

STANTON
Nothing to report

WESTMINSTER
Nothing to report

YORBA LINDA
Saturday April 24 come and join us for a morning of fun and fishing at the Huckleberry Pond at the Santa Ana River Lakes. Prizes for biggest, longest, smallest and most fish. Caught fish are $5.00 per pound, payable that day.

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

http://www.michaelcarusorealestate.com/

Best regards.

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GREEN GRI
2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900


For more information visit orangecountyregister.com

Caruso's OC Happenings ~ Central County

CENTRAL COUNTY

COSTA MESA
Nothing to report

FOUNTAIN VALLEY
May 7 there will be a Spring Dance for seniors. The dance will take place at The Center at Founders Village Senior and Community Center. The dance goes from 7-9:30pm and tickets are $7.00. For more information please call 714-593-4446

HUNTINGTON BEACH
Saturday starting at 9am HP will be hosting a beach cleanup in honor of earth day. Meet at the North side of the HB Pier. Cleaning supplies and free parking provided. For more information call (714) 536-5614

IRVINE
Looking for a JOB? Saturday April 24 the Irvine Youth Employment Services is hosting a free Youth Job Fair from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Lakeview Senior Center. Employers will be on-site conducting interviews for full-time, part-time, temporary, seasonal and permanent employment opportunities. The event will also feature a Job Fair Boot Camp from 7:30-8:30 a.m. for individuals interested in developing a job fair strategy. Applicants are encouraged to dress professionally, bring a resume or listing of paid and/or volunteer experience, plus three references in order to complete employment applications. Employers are seeking to fill a wide range of positions in the areas of retail, administrative, banking, customer and food service. Employment opportunities are geared toward youth ages 15-25; however candidates of all ages are welcome to attend. For more information call (949) 724-6740 or visit http://www.irvineyouthemployment.com/.

LOS ALAMITOS
April 24 there will be an olive oil tasting party to raise money for the Los Alamitos Museum. There will be hors d'oeuvres and dinner along with wine and unusual varieties of olive oil. The event starts at 6pm.Tickets are $20. For more information call 562-431-0825

NEWPORT BEACH
Calling all KARDASHIAN FANS! This Saturday @ Nordstrom in Fashion Island from 10am-12 Come meet Kim, Khloe, and Khourtney Kardashian and learn about the inspiration behind their exclusive jewelry line for Virgin, Saints, and Angels.

ORANGE
Sunday April 25 from 4-7 will be the annual Taste of Orange. The event will feature live jazz music, silent auction, opportunity drawings, food, beer and wine tastings. For more information visit http://www.orangeblossomsalo.org/

SANTA ANA
This Saturday and Sunday April 24-25 the Floral Park Neighborhood will host its annual Home & Garden tour from 10am-4. The tour will include vintage homes from the 1920s through the 1950s. Tickets at $30. For more information visit http://www.floral-park.com/

SEAL BEACH
Starting Monday May 17 McGaugh Pool will be closed to repair various leaks and other issues. The pool will reopen June 21.

TUSTIN
Nothing to report

VILLA PARK
Sunday May 30 the Villa Park Family Picnic will be held from 11:30am-4:30pm at Irvine Lake. There will be a cupcake decorating contest. For more information please visit www.villa-park.org/familypicnic.html

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

http://www.michaelcarusorealestate.com/

Best regards.

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GREEN GRI
2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900

For more information visit ocregister.com

Caruso's OC Happenings ~ South County

South County

ALISO VIEJO
Nothing to report

DANA POINT
Saturday April 24 from 1-4 Doheny State Beach is hosting the "Biggest Wine Festival Under the Sun" A spectacular gathering of over 200 of California's finest wines from every wine region in the state - showcasing a total of over 350 fine wines. For more information on tickets visit http://www.californiawinefestival.com/

LADERA RANCH
Nothing to report

LAGUNA BEACH
May 2 from 12-4 there will be a family picnic event in hopes to help raise money for the 4th of July fireworks. The event will take place at Alta Laguna Park. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children. For more information visit http://www.savelagunafireworks.com/

LAGUNA HILLS
Nothing to report

LAGUNA NIGUEL
Nothing to report

LAKE FOREST
There will be a new snack bar and restrooms at Heroes Park coming up in the near future.

MISSION VIEJO
Nothing to report

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA
Nothing to report

SAN CLEMENTE
Now Available! Tickets for the American Association of Univeristy Womens 39th annual home tour are now available. The tour is from 1-5 on May 2, 2010. For details on the event please call Peg Coggines at 949-488-7765

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO
From March 5-May 27, 2010 The San Juan Capistrano Library will be showcasing art work from locals around town. Karen Joy Jackson, a local photographer has a current exhibit at the library along with two other local artists Renuka Pillai and David Evans. Jackson's artwork will be exhibiting 10 photographs of the Greek Islands. The other two artists are oil painters. There is also an Architectural Walking Tour each Saturday morning because of its architectural awards. Other events will be scheduled in the future.

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

http://www.michaelcarusorealestate.com/

Best regards.

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GREEN GRI
2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900

As seen in www.ocregister.com