The tall ships are returning to Ocean Institute for the 39th Annual Maritime Festival (formerly Tall Ships Festival) from Sept. 8-10. The three-day event celebrates California’s rich maritime history and is one of the Ocean Institute’s major fundraisers. All proceeds go to support the nonprofit’s ocean education programs. “The Maritime Festival is an exciting experience for the whole family. Guests can immerse themselves in California’s maritime history, legends, and culture, while supporting our ocean science education programs,” said Dr. Wendy Leavell, OI’s president and CEO. California’s ri ..read more

Poppy Bank, recently named the best business bank and recognized as one of the strongest financial institutions in the nation with assets nearing $6 billion, today announced the grand opening of its Laguna Hills branch. The full-service banking facility is expected to encompass 30 branches throughout California before the end of the year and is conveniently located at 24231 Avenida De La Carlota, Suite 130. President and CEO, Khalid Acheckzai says, “Despite the many recent challenges in the economy and the Banking industry, Poppy Bank continues to thrive. Our strength, reliability and safe ris ..read more

Ready for your next summer adventure? Go boating! There are plenty of ways to get on the water whether you own a boat or you are just getting your feet wet. Boating has seen a surge in popularity as millions of Americans prioritize experiences, outdoor recreation and work-life balance. Being on the water gives people the freedom to explore and is one of the most fun, relaxing ways to escape stress on land. Plus, there is a scientific connection between water and happiness. Boating is a boon for psychological, emotional and behavioral health. Whether you’re a newcomer or an experienced captain ..read more

Bowers Museum is excited to announce two upcoming exhibitions for summer 2023, Ubuhle Women: Beadwork and the Art of Independence, whose presentation at Bowers is made possible with generous support from PNC Bank and California Art Club’s 112th Annual Gold Medal Exhibition. Ubuhle Women Open July 1 – Aug. 27, Ubuhle Women: Beadwork and the Art of Independence is a spectacular overview of a new form of bead art, the ndwango (“cloth”), developed by a community of women living and working together in rural KwaZuluNatal, South Africa. The plain black fabric that serves as a foundation for the Ubuh ..read more

TRF Camp Build engages and educates, fostering the joy of building and craftsmanship The Rosendin Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit incorporated to positively impact communities, build and empower people and inspire innovation, recently hosted a free construction day camp for middle school students in the Anaheim, California region. TRF Camp Build took place on Saturday, June 10, 2023, and was crafted to motivate and empower students to unearth the thrill of hands-on building and gain fresh insight into the building industry. “We are thrilled with the response to TRF Camp Build, marking our ..read more

The electrifying Tony-Winning new musical phenomenon SIX by Tony Award®-Winners Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss will play two weeks in Costa Mesa at Segerstrom Center for the Arts from June 13 to 25 with tickets available at www.scfta.org and by phone at 1-714-556-2787.  From Tudor Queens to Pop Icons, the SIX wives of Henry VIII take the microphone to remix five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a Euphoric Celebration of 21st century girl power! This new original musical is the global sensation that everyone is losing their head over!   SIX won 23 awards in the 2021/2022 Br ..read more

No matter where you live or how green your thumb, you can enjoy the beauty and bounty of gardening at home. Now is the ideal time to plan a spring garden that will be the envy of the neighborhood. The experts at Ball Horticultural Company share their recommended plants, top topics and tips to set up every type of gardener for success this year. Plants for your pocketbook Creating a stunning garden doesn’t have to break the bank. To get even more bang for the buck, select hardy plants known to thrive through adversity or fast-spreading flowers that fill in quickly. New Hula™ Spreading Begonia i ..read more

With spring comes the desire for a fresh start – whether it’s for yourself, your wardrobe or your home. It’s the perfect time to sport a new look, clear out clutter and swap out tired, old decor for fresh, seasonal colors and textures. Unfortunately, revamping for spring can easily become an overwhelming task or bring a hefty price tag. But don’t despair – here are some tips to help you prepare for the new season without the added stress: Set a budget A spring refresh should be just that – a refresh! But with your excitement about a new start can come a seemingly endless to-do list that prompt ..read more

Ladera Ranch Community Services (LARCS) is proud to offer scholarship opportunities for teen residents attending a college, university, trade school, or junior college (excluding Saddleback College) in the fall of 2023.  This scholarship is designed to recognize outstanding Ladera Ranch teens who have demonstrated a commitment to the community through volunteerism and who have been accepted at a four-year college or university, local trade school, or junior college. The number of scholarships awarded and the amount per scholarship may vary based on the number of qualified applicants annua ..read more

We are living in an unprecedented time, where everyone’s mental health is being put to the test. Recent research has shown that stress and worry related to the pandemic have had a negative impact on mental health, taking an emotional toll on 53% of adults in the U.S., and for individuals with mental illness, whose conditions often tend to be isolating, the anxiety and increased isolation resulting from these serious times can intensify. To support people during this trying time, Neurocrine Biosciences and Boston-based Me2/Orchestra, the world’s only known classical music organization created f ..read more