One reason it’s called the Golden State: A new study says 15 of the 20 wealthiest large cities in the nation are in California – including five from Orange County.

NerdWallet studied 475 cities with population of 65,000 or more to compile its rankings based on a broad definition of wealth: high levels of median household income, median home values, percentage of homes without mortgages and average credit scores.

Palo Alto was top-ranked with a median income of $151,370. Its homes cost a median $2.5 million, and 34 percent have no mortgage. Residents had average credit limits of $71,696.

San Ramon was second and Pleasanton was third.

Highest-ranked in Southern California was Newport Beach, with a median income of $106,801. Homes cost a median $1.56 million, 31 percent have no mortgage, and average credit limits are $82,811.

• Yorba Linda was sixth with its $117,368 median income, homes at a median $781,500 – 19 percent mortgage-free, and average credit limits of $72,395.

• Laguna Niguel was seventh, with its median $96,732 income, homes at a median $776,600 – 18 percent mortgage-free, and $72,823 credit limits.

• San Clemente was 11th with median income of $98,710, homes costing a median $851,200 – 24 percent mortgage-free, and $66,663 credit limits.

• Mission Viejo was 16th with median income of $103,607; homes costing a median $659,600 – 21 percent mortgage-free, and $57,869 credit limits.

Also from Southern California:

• No. 9: Redondo Beach, with median income of $110,451, homes costing a median $916,300 – 20 percent mortgage-free, and $55,991 credit limits.

• No. 10: Carlsbad, with median income of $104,424, homes costing a median $740,200 – 21 percent mortgage-free, and $62,555 credit limits.

• No. 13: Thousand Oaks, with median income of $97,291, homes costing a median $668,800 – 21 percent mortgage-free, and $66,768 credit limits.

Two cities were in Maryland (Bethesda and Ellicott City) and one each in Texas (Flower Mound), Illinois (Naperville) and Massachusetts (Newton).

View Full Article: http://www.ocregister.com/articles/median-716937-income-homes.html

Farmers Markets Ongoing -List of Farmers Markets in Orange County?www.orangecounty.net

Rancho Days Fiesta May 1 -Celebrating the history of Saddleback Valley and explore the rich history of Orange County’s Ranchos and Native American tribes! http://ocparks.com/historic/heritage

OC MARATHON May 1 -Join thousands of other community-minded runners and walkers at the OC Marathon, beginning at Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa just south of Santa Barbara Drive. Pledges to benefit eleven local children’s charities through Run for Orange County Kids (ROCK). www.ocmarathon.com

Annual Cinco de Mayo Fiesta May 1 2016 marks the 26th year of celebrating Mexican culture in our Spanish Village by the Sea. The Annual Cinco de Mayo Celebration showcases live entertainment featuring traditional Mariachi’s and Ballet Folklorico to Cumbias, Tex Mex, and Salsa dancers. Community groups will be serving up authentic Mexican food fare and other activities will include a juried Art Contest, Carnival Game booths and a vendor area. http://san-clemente.org

Annual UCLA Orange County Golf Classic May 6 Make a difference in the life of an incoming UCLA student. Be a part of the Annual UCLA Orange County Golf Classic, A Fundraiser for Outstanding Students and the UCLA Fund.http://www.uclagolfclassic.com

Silverado Chili Cook-Off & Cinco de Mayo Festival May 7 The Silverado Modjeska Recreation & Park District (SMRPD) announces the 11th Annual Silverado Chili Cook-Off & Cinco de Mayo Festival. Taste the competition chili and vote for your favorite family recipe! Browse the arts & craft expo with local vendors, while enjoying the Cinco de Mayo entertainment lineup and Mexican folk heritage.?http://smrpd.org

48th Annual Costa Mesa Speedway – Spring Classic May 7 The most exciting, colorful and unpredictable live action racing event in the nation. Costa Mesa Speedway has put fans right on top of all the action from the comfort of Arena style grandstand seating since 1969. Suitable for the whole family. www.visittheoc.com

Soka University’s 15th Annual International Festival May 7 The Festival, which is part of Orange County’s Imagination Celebration (www.sparkoc.com), features international food, over 900 dancers and musicians on three stages, art exhibitions, ceramic sales and demonstrations, games, inflatable rides and over 230 non-profit and business exhibitors. ?www.soka.edu/news_events/international-festival

Mariachi Festival May 14 The festival will include entertainment “Battle of the Mariachis” and authentic Mexican food. Mariachi performers will compete for cash prizes. www.missionsjc.com

Annual Muckenthaler Motorcar Festival May 14-15?A One-of-a-kind Automotive Cultural Event. Featuring car rally, motor movies & Concours d’Elegance and Horseless Carriage Tour. Live performances in the outdoor amphitheater by The Pleasure Tones on Saturday and Janet Klein and Her Parlor Boys on Sunday. Proceeds benefit youth arts education and outreach programs.?http://themuck.org/car-show

Greek Festival May 20-22 Come and experience the sight, sounds and tastes of Greece. Join us for St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church’s Annual OC Greek Fest — May 20-21-22, 2016. Along with authentic Greek foods and homemade Greek pastries, you will find traditional Greek dancing, an outdoor market place and a Kids Zone with carnival rides, games and other activities for the children. Check us out on Facebook and Twitter too! http://ocgreekfest.com

Tustin LobsterFest May 21 The Tustin Lobsterfest is an annual fundraiser event that provides financial support for the programs and services sponsored by the Tustin / Santa Ana Rotary Club. All net proceeds from this event help pay for local Rotary programs throughout Tustin and Santa Ana. www.tustinlobsterfest.com

Doheny Blues Festival May 21-22 The Annual Blues Festival is the true kick-off to summer with a weekend filled with music, lots of vendors and a International Food Court that features foods from around the world. Be sure you come down to Doheny State Beach and celebrate the beginning of summer with Orange County’s Favorite and most anticipated annual summer festival! www.dohenybluesfestival.com

Balboa Island ArtWalk May 22 The Balboa Island Artwalk is the premier showcase for talented local artists and marks the start of Balboa Island’s summer season. This fine art show features artists exhibiting paintings, fine jewelry, blown glass, sculpture, and photography. Spectators will enjoy live music throughout the day. ?www.balboaislandartwalk.info

KSBR Birthday Bash Jazz Festival and Taste of the Bash May 29 With more than 30 headliners playing with each other in a giant jazz jam, each Bash is a once-in-a-lifetime concert for both the artists and the audience. The music will never happen in exactly the same way again. The listeners know that the event is something special – it has sold out each of the past 11 years even before the full line up was announced. More than 25 Restaurants and Wineries will be at the festival. http://www.ksbr.net/ 

Farmers Markets Ongoing
List of Farmers Markets in Orange County
www.orangecounty.net

Dana Point Festival of Whales Mar 5-6, 12-13
Each spring, thousands of gray whales and their calves begin the journey back north from the Baja, passing just off the SoCal coast in the process. To celebrate, Dana Point hosts two weekends of festivities dedicated to the marine migration. Opening day festivities include a parade and street fair and the fest closes out with a whale-themed concert, with crafts, art shows and whale watching excursions scattered in between.
http://festivalofwhales.com

Irvine Park Railroad Easter Eggstravaganza Mar 5-26
At Irvine Park Railroad’s Easter Eggstravaganza, children and adults can ride the train through beautiful Irvine Regional Park. Children ages 2 through 12 can participate in an Easter egg hunt. Each egg is filled with candy or a prize. Easter egg hunts begin daily at 10:00 AM and tickets may be purchased to participate in an egg hunt at a specific time.
www.irvineparkrailroad.com

Orange County Restaurant Week Mar 6-12
Orange County’s most treasured restaurants are ready to dish up delicious food at fantastic prices during Orange County’s most anticipated culinary event. From all corners of the county this foodie celebration provides ALL of OC the opportunity to indulge in a selection of specially priced prix fixe menus at 100+ of Orange County’s best Restaurants.
www.ocrestaurantweek.com

Swallows Day Fiesta Grande Mar 9
This night of Old West entertainment consists of four contests are rolled into one! Best Dressed Old West Man, Best Dressed Old West Woman, Best Belt Buckle, and the Hairiest Man (best moustache and/or beard). So don your finest Old West outfit, belt buckle or facial hair! and enter one or more of the contests. There is a $5 entry fee per category for each contestant entered.
www.swallowsparade.com/fiestagrande.html

Swallows Day Parade & Mercado Mar 12
The Parade takes place in down-town San Juan Capistrano. This is the nation’s largest non-motorized parade. It is totally organized and presented by the San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association. Arrive early; most street closures are by 10.00 a.m. The parade begins promptly at 11 am.
www.swallowsparade.com

International Day of Happiness Mar 12
A free fun event in celebration of The International Day of Happiness. March 20th has been declared the International Day of Happiness by the United Nations – a day to inspire action for a happier world. The initiative to declare a Day of Happiness was inspired by Bhutan – a country whose citizens are considered to be some of the happiest people in the world.
http://happyfunfest.com

Saint Joseph’s Day at the Mission Mar 19
Live music, community presentations, Special Guest “Swallows Speakers”, Mission Basilica School performances, ringing of the historic bells and History of St. Joseph’s Day and Swallows Legend. Free for Mission Members.
www.missionsjc.com

Bunny Blast Mar 19, Lake Forest
It’s time for everyone’s spring time favorite as Bunny Blast “An Egg Wonderland”, will be arriving at El Toro Park. There will be game booths, crafts, face painting, giant ferris wheel, petting zoo, pony rides, balloon artist and so much more! There will also be entertainment for everyone with a Mardi Gras parade and DJ. Alice and her Wonderland friends will be there, too. Bring your camera to take pictures with Nectar, the Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat, the White Rabbit and Hoppy the Spring Bunny.
www.lakeforestca.gov

Cherry Blossum Festival Mar 20
A FREE day of fun for the whole family filled with Japanese food, music, dance, cultural performances, an Anime costume contest, and games and crafts for the kids. This festival is in support of the over 30 year student exchange relationship Huntington Beach shares with their sister city of Anjo, Japan.
www.hbjapanesefestival.com

Bunny Blast Mar 26, Laguna Niguel
Gear up for Easter and have a BLAST at this annual Spring event! Children’s activities include crafts, games, face painting, bounce houses, entertainment, “Touch a Truck” and an Instructor Showcase for parents to meet the Parks & Recreation class instructors. The Easter Bunny will also be hopping around!
www.cityoflagunaniguel.org

Sensational Springtacular Mar 31
Follow the yellow brick road to a bright, colorful world!! It’s time for some GREAT BIG FUN! Start the morning with a delicious plate of pancakes, prepared by the San Clemente’s Kiwanis Club. Continue your morning exploring oddly and large shaped decorations, sensational entertainers, festive activities, face painting, and ONE great BIG egg hunt! http://san-clemente.org

20th Annual Taste of Dana Mar 31
Come join us for the 20th Annual Taste of Dana event which will host more than 25 local restaurants offering ticket holders “tastes” from local restaurants. This year’s restaurant participants include Coffee Importers, Chaparosa Grill, Boneyard Cafe, Luna Grill, and Proud Mary’s, just to name a few.
http://tasteofdana.com

For a more extensive list of Easter events, please visit:
www.orangecounty.net/html/Weekend_eventsEaster.html

Farmers Markets Ongoing
List of Farmers Markets in Orange County
www.orangecounty.net

San Juan Capistrano Car Show Feb 6
The classic, new and exotic will headline this popular fundraiser, which promises a fabulous display of some 400 antique and classic cars and trucks. Well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome!
www.sjcrotary.org/Page/carshow

Surf City USA Marathon & Half Marathon Feb 7
This exclusive oceanfront course is a California Dream! Run on Pacific Coast Highway past the famous Huntington Beach pier and wind through the legendary surfing beaches of Southern California. Retro surf bands entertain along the way and the Finish Line Party includes a beach side beer garden in the California sun. Finishers receive bodacious surfboard medals!
www.runsurfcity.com

Laguna Beach Music Festival Feb 10-14
This festival is dedicated to artistic excellence and innovation, featuring an internationally acclaimed Mentor Musician or Ensemble along with other talented artists in a week long blend of performances and education.
www.lagunabeachmusicfestival.com

Taste of San Juan Feb 11
Help launch the kick-off celebration of the Fiesta de las Golondrinas at The San Juan Hills Golf Club. The Taste brings together many of San Juan’s marvelous restaurants under one roof to tempt you with ‘tastes’ of their fare. Come and be tempted by all there is at “The Taste of San Juan”.
www.swallowsparade.com/taste.html

TET FESTIVAL Feb 12-14
Helping preserve Vietnamese culture, the Tet Festival boasts about the attraction of over 100,000+ audiences and hundreds of booths in a span of a three day weekend event. Visitors are immersed with a vibrant array of traditional foods, live entertainment, festive games, and customs celebrating the Vietnamese Lunar New Year.
www.tetfestival.org

Art Crawl Experience Feb 13
Art Crawl Experience or simply “ACE”, an auditory explosive art walk and arts festival has been acclaimed by local artisans as the Downtown Anaheim Arts District. During the evening of an ACE, attendees stroll amongst outdoor permanent art fixtures, such as Peter Shire’s illuminated birdhouse sculptures, to discover artists demonstrating their creative process live for curious onlookers.
www.downtownanaheim.com/artcrawlexperience

The Kid’s Pet Parade Feb 20
Part of the annual Fiesta de las Golondrinas celebration. Kids between the ages of 5 to 12 can show off their favorite animals in a contest for, The Cutest, Most Unusual, Best Team Costume (owner and pet), Funniest & Most Obedient (pet, not child).
www.swallowsparade.com/kidspet.html

Paws FUR Pink Orange County Feb 20
Paws FUR Pink is a regional dog-friendly run/walk for breast cancer. Celebrate the unconditional love that we share with our four-legged family members and the positive effects to our health that love brings.
www.oc.pawsfurpink.com

Discovery CubePresents: Engineer’s Week Feb 20-28
Tinkerers and builders of all ages are invited to Discovery Cube OC to celebrate national Engineer’s Week! Future engineers will enjoy a week of exploring, creating, and building with hands-on activities in various fields of engineering.
www.discoverycube.org/oc/exhibits/engineers-week

Los Alamitos ‘Race on the Base’ Feb27
The yearly event has continued to provide not only a forum for local avid runners and walkers, but has also instilled a sense of pride and teamwork between the Los Alamitos City Council, the citizens of Los Alamitos, the Rossmoor Community Services District, and the local business community.
www.raceonthebase.com

Irvine Lake Mud Run Feb 27
Celebrate spring break this year by running (or come cheer on the runners!) the approximate +5k course beginning and ending at Irvine Lake. The course is partially on the road and partially on trails and includes hills, water, professionally built obstacles and over a dozen mud pits. You asked for even more mud, you got it! You will get wet and you will get muddy. Be sure to bring towels and a change of clothing.
www.irvinelakemudrun.com

Fresh Toast – A Brunch Event presented by OCWEEKLY Feb 27
OC Weekly is proud to present Fresh Toast, Orange County’s first and largest brunch event in celebration of our 2016 Happy Hour & Brunch Guide. Complete with delicious bites from 40 local restaurants curated by our editorial staff, a bloody mary competition, drink samples, pop-up shops and live music, this is one weekend brunch you won’t want to sleep through!
www.microapp.ocweekly.com/fresh-toast/2016

Daylight Savings End November 1
Election Day November 3
Veterans Day November 11
Thanksgiving November 26

Farmers Markets Ongoing
List of Farmers Markets in Orange County
www.orangecounty.net

OC Chill Ice Rink Thru November
A tradition the whole family can enjoy! Gliding around Irvine Spectrum Center’s outdoor Ice Rink is the coolest activity in OC so lace up some skates and join the frozen fun in Giant Wheel Court!
www.SkateSpectrum.com

Photos with Santa Thru November
He’s back from the North Pole! Bring the kids to Fashion Island to meet with Santa, share their holiday wishes, and take photos with our favorite jolly ol’fella. Santa will be at his custom-designed house on the Atrium Lawn through December 24.
www.shopfashionisland.com

Dinosaur Dash Nov 1
Run for Education! A fund-raiser for the Tustin Public Schools Foundation, this year you can run and ride for education! The Dinosaur Dash features 4 events: 5k and 10k timed races for all ages, a 2k non-timed “Fun Run” and the non-timed 50k bike tour.
www.tpsf.net

The Christmas Company Nov 6-8
This fantastic holiday shopping extravaganza features over 80 unique specialty vendors from locations throughout the U.S. and is perfect for the discriminating holiday shopper. Special events are also scheduled daily.
www.ocfair.com/ocf2

2015 Walk to End Alzheimer’s Nov 7
he Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the largest fundraising event benefiting Alzheimer’s, and is more than just a walk.
www.alz.org/oc

Tree Lighting Nov 13-14
The complimentary event will be held in the Neiman Marcus-Bloomingdale’s Courtyard at 6 p.m. Additionally, the tree will be lilt up anew with a spectacular Disney-orchestrated music and lightshow each evening at 5pm through the holiday season.
www.orangecountyzest.com/holidaystyleoc

Annual La Palma Days Nov 14
This annual tradition event has been celebrated in our community for over 28 years, encouraging residents, business partners and friends to celebrate La Palma’s community spirit.
www.cityoflapalma.org

South Coast Plaza – Tree Lighting Ceremony Nov 19
Join South Coast Plaza for the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, along with a Santa Claus arrival, at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 19 in Town Center Park. Enjoy hot drinks and cookies and more.
www.travelcostamesa.com

Knott’s Merry Farm Nov 21 – Jan 3
Each evening, see the night come to light in Snoopy’s Merriest Tree Lighting show, and then take a walk down Ghost Town’s Main Street as thousands of sparkling lights dance to the beat of familiar holiday music while snow gently falls.
www.knotts.com

Gifts & Goodies Holiday Boutique Nov 21
All booths are located inside so, rain or shine, come and enjoy the fruits of more than 75 artisans. They will be displaying many holiday decorations, gift ideas, ornaments and specialty items to help with your gift shopping list this year.
www.mvactivities.com

Surfing Santa Competition Nov 21
A fun surf competition where men, women and children dress like Santa or other holiday inspired characters and surf Salt Creek to benefit Surfers Healing.
www.surfingsantacontest.org

Sawdust Art Festival’s 25th Annual Winter Fantasy
November 21st, 22nd, 27th, 28th & 29th | 10am-6pm
December 5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, 19th & 20th | 10am-6pm
Experience unique artwork by 175 artists, live holiday entertainment, great outdoor cafes, art classes and demonstrations, petting zoo, Santa and much, much more!
www.sawdustartfestival.org/winter-fantasy-2

Plymouth Rock N’ Run 5k Nov 26
The 5k and 10k course is around the perimeter of the Yorba Regional Park, and the Santa Ana River bike trail. There will be live music throughout the event, courtesy of CSUF jazz combomusic, prizes, food, and a 1k kids fun run for 12 & under.
www.plymouthrocknrun.com/wp

Turkey Trot OC 5k Run/Walk Nov 26
Join us for a 5k Run/Walk Thanksgiving morning and help us in our cause to raise enough resources to provide 50,000 meals to the hungry and homeless of Orange County.
www.turkeytrotoc.org

Selfies with Santa Nov 27 – Dec 24
Guests are invited to take complimentary “Selfies with Santa” with a very OC Santa decked out in a printed shirt, board shorts and sandals.
www.orangecountyzest.com/holidaystyleoc

Santa’s Arrival & Celebration Nov 29
The celebration begins at 3:00 pm. and this spectacular event is open to “children” of all ages. There will be game and activity booths where children can do “make and take” items and also build an ornament to help decorate Santa’s workshop trees.
www.mvactivities.com

Orange County International Auto Show Oct 15-18
The Orange County International Auto Show (OC Auto Show)
will fill the Anaheim Convention Center inside and out with more
than 500 new cars, trucks, crossovers, sport/utility vehicles,
specialty vehicles, test drives and more.
www.autoshowoc.com

Laguna Film Festival Oct 16-18
Laguna Film Festival was founded with the purpose of
showcasing the work of emerging filmmakers. All screenings will
be held at the state-of-the-art Regency Directors Cut Cinema in
Laguna Niguel, CA.
www.lagunafilmfestival.com

Orange County Seafood & Wine Festival Oct 24
The Orange County Seafood Festival is all about Seafood and
you can expect to have a wide variety on hand such as Ceviche,
Lobster, Crab, Fish Tacos, Shrimp of all kinds and more.
www.ocseafoodandwinefestival.com

Walk and Trick or Treat for the Animals Oct 24
Bring your dogs for a SPOOKTACULAR good time and help the
OCSPCA save the animals! Stop along the walk route to trick-ortreat
with your furry family members and your human kids too!
www.firstgiving.com/74756/walkandtrickortreat

Howl-O-Ween at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel Oct 29
Canines and their companions are invited for tricks and treats
in celebration of Howl-O-Ween. This seasonal Yappy Hour
celebration is a chance for pups to strut their stuff in their favorite
costume. A panel of judges will determine which canine will take
home the prize in the costume categories of Scariest, Funniest,
Most Glamorous and, of course, Best in Show.
http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/LagunaNiguel/Information/Calendar/Default.htm

HAPPY HALLOWEEN! OCT 31, 2015

ORANGE COUNTY EVENTS CALENDAR

Fireworks at 9:00pm. July 4, 2015 Laguna Hills Community Center and Sports Complex: 

25555 Alicia Pkwy Laguna Hills, CA 92653

City of Laguna Hills Fourth of July Celebration:  Carnival rides and games, live music, patriotic crafts, and face painting will be a part of the celebration. Food, drink, and ride tickets will be available for purchase. Bring your lawn chairs and arrive early for a good spot to view fireworks around 9 pm. Free admission.

Saturday, July 4, 2015: 4:00 PM – 9:30 PM

Info: 949-707-2680

Here in Orange County things look GREAT!

“Orange County will add more jobs this year than at any time in the past 15 years, buoyed in part by a reviving national economy, Chapman University economists predict.”

Full Story: link below,

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/percent-668285-year-county.html

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Contracts to purchase previously owned U.S. homes rose to their highest level in 1-1/2 years in January, a hopeful sign that the sluggish housing recovery may be gaining speed.

The National Association of Realtors said its pending home sales index rose 1.7 percent last month, a gain that more than reversed a December slide.

In addition, the drop in December was much less severe than previously thought, with pending sales declining just 1.5 percent as opposed to the previously reported 3.7 percent drop.

The increase last month took contract signings, which usually turn into sales after a month or two, to their highest level since August 2013.

Economists polled by Reuters had forecast a 2 percent gain.

-Article From Yahoo Finance