Monarch Beach Market Gives Back to the Community

Specialty Market Features Gourmet Food, Wines & Craft Beer Options

Monarch Beach, Calif. (November 2017) – When Mosen Hashemi was presented with the opportunity to open a market in Monarch Beach, he jumped at the opportunity. Soon after opened Monarch Beach Market and began serving this community, Hashemi noticed that he regularly received members of our military and local law enforcement agencies. He wanted to show his gratitude and respect for the brave men and women who serve our country and decided to proudly show his support by displaying the flag of every single military branch of the armed forces in the center of the store.

Longtime local and store manager Gilbert Santillan says, “It is important to us here at the Market to show those who serve that we recognize the sacrifices they have made to keep America and citizens safe. Therefore, anyone who served this country will receive 10% off their purchase every time we get to serve them.”

It was also important to Hashemi to show his thanks to the community for their continued business and loyalty. To show his appreciation, the Market continually supports the local educational systems by donating to several of their academic and scholarly programs. These programs include but are not limited to; The Wounded Warrior Project, John S. Malcom Elementary School, and Dana Hills High School football, basketball, tennis, baseball, and SOCSA.

Monarch Beach Market is much more than a traditional grocery store and deli. The upscale coastal-themed market with fine food, wine and craft beer on tap boasts an indoor dining area and an outdoor, dog friendly patio. It is located in the Monarch Beach Promenade shopping center at 24040 Camino del Avion in Dana Point. Open daily from 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., orders can be placed online at www.monarchbeachmarket.com or by calling 949.429.8750. A convenient mobile app is available for orders to be picked up.

About Monarch Beach Promenade

Marked by 35-foot high Canary Island Palms, Monarch Beach Promenade shopping center is on the southeast corner of Niguel Road and Camino del Avion in the community of Monarch Beach. Monarch Beach Monarch is one of the center’s anchors which also includes Brio Tuscany Grille, Dana Kai Japanese Cuisine, Rococo Clothing & Accessories, Lingerie Paradis USA, California Bank & Trust, Dana Cosmo Dental, Daniel Paul Salon, Laguna-Dana Urgent Care, Posh Nails and Sunny Fresh Cleaners. For more information, visit http://monarchbeachpromenade.com on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MonarchBeachPromenade or on Instagram @monarchbeachpromenade.

Wildflowers Bloom on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

Experience 24 Hours of Wildflowers Online March 21 and See What’s Blooming Where

Orange County, Calif. (March 1, 2017) – Irvine Ranch Conservancy and OC Parks invite the community to enjoy the sights and smells of wildflowers on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks by registering for a free public program. Nature lovers can also explore the blooming lands through a virtual wildflower tour on Tuesday, March 21 beginning at 6 a.m. 

Heavy rains led to an early wildflower season this year, and many of the Landmarks are in full bloom ahead of spring. Limestone Canyon is sprouting with common wildflowers including arroyo lupine (Lupinus succulentus) and Mariposa lilies (Calochortus). Visitors to Black Star Canyon can spot California lilacs (Ceanothus) and bright yellow fiddlenecks (Amsinckia). In the City of Irvine, trekkers enjoying the Turtle Ridge Trail in Bommer Canyon can spot elusive shooting stars (Dodecatheon meadia) and visitors to Orchard Hills can admire vibrant blue hyacinths.

In celebration of wildflower season, Irvine Ranch Conservancy is launching their 2^nd annual “3…2…1…Bloom: 24 Hours of Wildflowers” virtual tour. The tour will include 24 hours of wildflowers and feature a photo of a different bloom posted every hour to the Landmarks’ Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages. Each post will include a picture of a native wildflower, information on the species, and links to programs on the Landmarks where you can see these flowers firsthand. Join the virtual tour by “liking” the Landmarks’ Facebook page at Facebook.com/irlandmarks, following us on Twitter (@IRLandmarks), or adding us on Instagram (@OCMountainstoSea).

OC Parks, City of Irvine, and City of Newport Beach and Irvine Ranch Conservancy offer a variety of programs where visitors can appreciate wildflowers in bloom while connecting with the land. Whether registering for a docent-led activity or exploring the open spaces during self-guided access, wildflower season is waiting for you in the great outdoors. Click the programs below to register for a free program and enjoy the many blooms of the season.

• Wildflower Showcase on Sat. 3/4 kicks off at 10 a.m. and welcomes outdoor enthusiasts of all ages to admire Orange County native wildflowers in bloom. Visit the Native Seed Farm and learn about 45 different local plant species grown onsite while enjoying the views of the land. Pack a picnic lunch and join a guided walking tour.
• Tuesday Morning Fitness Hike on Paved Hicks Haul Road on Tues. 3/7 travels through OC Parks’ Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve, which is currently sprouting with wildflowers! This weekly fitness hike helps you connect with nature while finding fresh air and exercise on the Landmarks.
• MidWeek Hike: Quail Hill on Weds. 3/8 is a great way to take a break and spot blooms in the City of Irvine’s Quail Hill. Enjoy views and quiet time in Irvine’s beautiful Southern Preserve, and be sure bring plenty of water for this 10 – 12 mile hike.
• The Natural History of Baker Canyon on Sun., 3/19 welcomes nature lovers to enjoy views of the Santa Ana Mountains as well as the wildflowers and plants of oak-shaded Baker Canyon. Travel along a 3.5-mile hike and learn about the local habitat.
• Dig In! Plant With Us at the Native Seed Farm is a reoccurring stewardship program always looking for volunteers to harvest seeds from native spring wildflowers. Take in the sights of the 14-acre farm and help the Landmarks by harvesting seeds from local wildflowers. All tools and training are provided, and nature lovers age 8 and older are welcome.
• Buck Gully Reserve in Newport Beach is open daily from dawn to dusk, where it’s common to see bush sunflower (Encelia californica) in bloom along the trails.
• Bommer Canyon is also open for self-guided access on designated trails, where sticky monkeyflower (Mimulus aurantiacus) and popcorn flower (Cryptantha intermedia) have been known to sprout.

Irvine Ranch Conservancy offers a full calendar of spring activities and free, guided programs that include hiking, mountain bike rides, horseback riding, habitat restoration and special events for nature enthusiasts of all ages and fitness skill levels. Visit http://LetsGoOutside.org for more information and to register for free today.

OC Parks Annual Parking Pass Available Online

(Orange County, Calif.) – Give the gift of the great outdoors this holiday season with an OC Parks annual parking pass, now available for purchase online or in person at most OC Parks facilities.

OC Parks annual parking passes make perfect stocking stuffers and allow convenient parking at regional and wilderness parks, as well as all County beach parks. Enjoy hiking, mountain biking, exploring, surfing or rest and relaxation in nature with simple pre-paid parking at all locations. Give the gift that’s ideal for adventurous friends and family.

The OC Parks annual parking pass rates are affordable and accessible. The annual regional and wilderness parking passes are available for $55 to the general public, and $35 for disabled with placard and to seniors 60 years of age and above. A pass for parking at County beaches is available for the same price. Or, explore all OC Parks and beaches with a combination pass available to the general public for $80, or just $50 for seniors and disabled. Distinguished Veterans are eligible for a combination pass at no fee.

Annual passes are available for purchase online and at an OC Parks facility near you. Visit OC Parks online at http://ocparks.com/about/fees/pass to renew or purchase an annual parking pass and for a list of convenient locations. Spend some time in the great outdoors with family, friends and OC Parks all year long.

10th Annual Dana Point Grand Prix

Welcome to the 10th Annual Dana Point Grand Prix Sport & Family Festival 2016

New for this year, we have included an additional day of participatory events geared towards the healthy active lifestyle segment that offers a family friendly atmosphere within a unique outdoor festival sports experience. The DPGP Sport & Family Festival is hosting a unique Fan Zone Expo Village that offers vendor opportunities to intimately associate with participants in a fun leisurely environment with; food, beverages, music and up close sports action.

Now in our 10th year, the Dana Point Grand Prix of Cycling has become one-of the best organized 1-day criterium races in America with top notch competition, fans and sponsors nestled within our beautiful host community of Dana Point along the majestic Pacific Ocean in Orange County, California.

Positioned between San Diego and Los Angeles, Dana Point is considered the coastal Southern California jewel with beautiful beaches, a world class harbor, excellent community amenities and some of the best hotels in the world to help your corporate brand in making important connections with enthusiastic participants.

Light Up the Lantern District Parade of Lights

NEW! Light-Up the Lantern District Bicycle Parade of Lights: 

An exciting & fun celebration of lights on bikes promoting, safety, fun & family on the race course beginning at 8pm on Saturday night, April 30th. This is an exciting and fun event that hopes to become a Lantern District tradition every year at the Dana Point Grand Prix Sport & Family Festival. Sign-Ups will be located at Dana Point Hardware on Del Prado Ave between Ruby & Amber Lantern Streets, 24422 Del Prado Ave #5 beginning at 5pm on Sat 4/30.

First 500 registered riders will receive a FREE light kit to apply on their bicycle courtesy of Cycleogical Bike Shop in Dana Point, 34102 La Plaza, Dana Point, CA 92629. Phone (949) 542-4777.

BE SEEN!

Promote yourself as a responsible cyclist that wants to be recognized as an individual with style, and…VIBE!

Come ride your bikes up and down closed-off Del Prado Ave FREE with friends and family. Along with getting free safety lights from the DPCCF and Cycleogical, decorate your bike with lights from Dana Point Hardware! Come early and watch Professional Cycling Criterium races, think NASCAR on bikes, or catch the FREE concert with food and beverages. Come to your favorite Lantern District restaurant or catch the latest gear at Killer Dana Surf Shop ahead of your ride. Something for the entire Family, make a night of it…EXPERIENCE the Experience!