(Modjeska Canyon, Calif.) –  Following an extensive restoration project, the oldest building on the grounds of OC Parks’ Arden: Helena Modjeska Historic House and Gardens is complete. Originally built in the 1870s, the restored Pleasants Stone House is now fully open to the public for the first time in park history.

Constructed around 1875 by Joseph Pleasants and Mary Refugio Carpenter, the Stone House was first used to keep supplies on their homestead cool during the hot summer months. Pleasants went on to sell the ranch to world-renowned Shakespearean actress Helena Modjeska in 1888. The second floor of the Stone House later became living quarters for staff working at the Arden property, including Modjeska’s gardener Theodore Payne, who is well-known for pioneering the use of California native plants in the early 20th century. 

“The Pleasants Stone House is an important part of Orange County’s history,” said Chairman Donald P. Wagner, Orange County Board of Supervisors. “Built by some of the earliest homesteaders in Modjeska Canyon, the Stone House can now be enjoyed by future generations while further adding to the historical significance of Arden, a National Historic Landmark.”

The restoration was made possible, in part, by a “Save America’s Treasures” grant through the U.S. Department of Interior’s National Park Service. The project took nine months to complete and focused on the meticulous restoration of the second-floor interior and exterior, ensuring preservation of existing character-defining features. 

In 1990, Arden was declared a National Historic Landmark, one of only two sites in Orange County to receive this designation. The restoration now allows visitors access to the second floor of the Stone House, further adding to this historic site.

The Pleasants Stone House can be seen during guided tours offered Wednesdays and Saturdays at 10 a.m. with advance registration. Visitors can enjoy self-guided tours of the grounds Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Visit Arden: Helena Modjeska Historic House and Gardens for more information. 

Read this release in:

• Chinese-Traditional
• Korean
• Spanish
• Vietnamese 

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OC Parks
OC Parks manages nearly 60,000 acres of parks, historical and coastal facilities and open space for the County of Orange as part of OC Community Resources. http://www.ocparks.com

Celebrate summertime outdoors with 9 free concerts and 12 free movie screenings at OC Parks 
June 7 to August 30, 2024. 

(Orange County, Calif.) – The County of Orange and OC Parks are excited to announce the 2024 lineup for the annual OC Parks Summer Concert Series and Sunset Cinema film series. Enjoy family-friendly entertainment under the stars at regional parks with free live music and movie screenings all summer long. All events are free to attend with free parking and food and drink options available for purchase. 

OC Parks Summer Concert Series returns with nine free outdoor concerts Thursday evenings, June 20 to Aug. 22 from 5 to 8 p.m. Enjoy live music from exceptional bands and artists at Craig Regional Park, Mason Regional Park, Irvine Regional Park, Mile Square Regional Park and Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach.

The concert series kicks off with The Smiths and Morrissey cover band Sweet and Tender Hooligans June 20 at Craig Regional Park in Fullerton, followed by popular local and renowned artists including Mariachi Divas, Flashback Heart Attack, A Thousand Horses, No Duh, Ozomatli, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and The FABBA Show. Jimmy’s Buffet will round out the 2024 OC Parks Summer Concert Series at Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach. 

OC Parks Sunset Cinema film series brings the big screen to the great outdoors in your favorite regional parks with 12 free movie screenings Friday nights beginning June 7 to Aug. 30 at Craig Regional Park, Carbon Canyon Regional Park, Mason Regional Park, Yorba Regional Park, Irvine Regional Park, Laguna Niguel Regional Park and Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach. Guests of all ages can enjoy recent blockbusters and popular classic films, complete with dynamic pre-show entertainment such as character interactions, DJ-led games and more. Cinema events begin at 6 p.m. with screenings starting after sundown, at approximately 8 p.m. 

Friday night films kick off June 7 and include Wonka (2023), The Little Rascals (1994), Migration (2023), Men in Black (1997), Trolls Band Together (2023), Barbie (2023), National Treasure (2004), Frozen II (2019), Napoleon Dynamite (2004), The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023), 13 Going on 30 (2004) and The Goonies (1985).

“The County of Orange and OC Parks are thrilled to continue this beloved annual community tradition,” said Chairman Donald P. Wagner, Orange County Board of Supervisors. “The return of the OC Parks Summer Concert Series and Sunset Cinema promises yet another season of free, outdoor entertainment, inviting everyone to experience the joy of music and film throughout Orange County’s stunning regional parks."

OC Parks Summer Concert Series and OC Parks Sunset Cinema film series are open to the public of all ages and free to attend with free parking. Food trucks will serve a variety of tasty food options at each event and a beer and wine garden will be available to those 21 and older. Gather your chairs, blankets, friends and family and enjoy free concerts and movie screenings this summer with OC Parks.

Read this release in:

• Chinese-Traditional
• Korean
• Spanish
• Vietnamese 

OC Parks Summer Concert Series

Thursday nights, 5 p.m. (Event starts at 5 p.m., live music begins at 6 p.m.) 
*Translation services available upon request*

Date: June 20
Concert: Sweet and Tender Hooligans @ Craig Regional Park

Date: June 27
Concert: Mariachi Divas @ Craig Regional Park

*No summer concert July 4 in observance of Independence Day.

Date: July 11
Concert: Flashback Heart Attack @ Mason Regional Park

Date: July 18
Concert: A Thousand Horses @ Irvine Regional Park

Date: July 25
Concert: No Duh: The Ultimate Tribute to No Doubt & Gwen Stefani @ Irvine Regional Park

Date: August 1
Concert: Ozomatli @ Mile Square Regional Park

Date: August 8
Concert: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy @ Mile Square Regional Park

Date: August 15
Concert: The FABBA Show @ Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach

Date: August 22
Concert: Jimmy’s Buffet @ Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach

OC Parks Sunset Cinema

Friday nights, 6 p.m. (Event starts at 6 p.m., movie begins at sunset) 
*All movies will be shown in English*

Date: June 7
Movie: Wonka (2023) @ Craig Regional Park

Date: June 14
Movie: The Little Rascals (1994) @ Craig Regional Park

Date: June 21
Movie: Migration (2023) @ Carbon Canyon Regional Park

Date: June 28
Movie: Men in Black (1997) @ Carbon Canyon Regional Park

*No cinema event July 5 in observance of Independence Day weekend.

Date: July 12
Movie: Trolls Band Together (2023) @ Mason Regional Park

Date: July 19
Movie: Barbie (2023) @ Yorba Regional Park

Date: July 26
Movie: National Treasure (2004) @ Yorba Regional Park

Date: August 2
Movie: Frozen II (2019) @ Irvine Regional Park

Date: August 9
Movie: Napoleon Dynamite (2004) @ Irvine Regional Park

Date: August 16
Movie: The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) @ Laguna Niguel Regional Park

Date: August 23
Movie: 13 Going on 30 (2004) @ Laguna Niguel Regional Park

Date: August 30
Movie: The Goonies (1985) @ Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach

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OC Parks

OC Parks manages nearly 60,000 acres of parks, historical and coastal facilities and open space for the County of Orange as part of OC Community Resources. http://www.ocparks.com

Project Summary: 

This project includes the maintenance of the existing rock slope protection along Strands Beach below the Niguel Shores Community. The construction crew will operate from a staging area located within the HOA parking area. The public stairs and ramp will also be repaired at the north end of the revetment area.

WHAT: 

• Retrieve and re-stack displaced stone in 100-foot sections
• Import of up to 1,000 tons of rock
• Repair the existing northerly access ramps
• Repair the existing public, concrete beach stairs

WHEN: 

February 26 - Late May 2024

Working hours and schedule may vary due to inclement weather, tidal conditions, repair conditions, and other factors.

Working Days/Hours:
Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

DETOURS AND SAFETY

Construction activity may impact access to Strands Beach from Niguel Shores Drive and Selva Road Tuesdays between 8-10 a.m. and 12-3 p.m. Flaggers will be present to direct trucks and manage pedestrian foot traffic, along with additional control measures including construction signage to avoid the work area. Portions of the beach may be inaccessible during high tide.

CONTACT INFORMATION
OC Public Works Construction Inspector Paul Weaver
(714) 719-1742

Dates shown are week of stocking. Schedule is subject to change and will be updated as available.

California Fishing License required age 16+ at all parks besides Irvine Lake.

Week of March 18-22, 2024                

• Irvine Lake
• Mile Square Regional Park
• Clark Regional Park    
• Yorba Regional Park       

Week of April 22-26, 2024          

• Laguna Niguel Regional Park
• Carbon Canyon Regional Park
• Clark Regional Park         

Week of May 13-17, 2024              

• Tri-City Regional Park      
• Irvine Lake
• Mile Square Regional Park   

Week of June 10-14, 2024                             

• Carbon Canyon Regional Park
• Irvine Regional Park  
• Laguna Niguel Regional Park
• Yorba Regional Park

Week of July 15-19, 2024         

• Laguna Niguel Regional Park
• Mile Square Regional Park
• Tri-City Regional Park
• Yorba Regional Park

Week of Aug. 12-16, 2024 

• Carbon Canyon Regional Park
• Clark Regional Park
• Irvine Lake
• Irvine Regional Park

Week of Sept. 9-13, 2024 

• Laguna Niguel Regional Park
• Mile Square Regional Park
• Tri-City Regional Park

Week of Oct. 14-18, 2024 

• Carbon Canyon Regional Park
• Clark Regional Park
• Tri-City Regional Park
• Yorba Regional Park

Trout season is estimated to start at the end of November. 

The clocks spring forward early March 10, marking the beginning of daylight saving time and OC Parks’ spring-summer operating schedule. Most regional parks close at 9 p.m. for the spring and summer. Wilderness parks close at sunset year-round.

Spring-summer hours for the following regional parks are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.:

• Carbon Canyon Regional Park
• Clark Regional Park
• Craig Regional Park
• Irvine Regional Park (opens at 6 a.m.)
• Laguna Niguel Regional Park
• Mason Regional Park
• Mile Square Regional Park
• Tri-City Regional Park
• Yorba Regional Park

Wilderness parks and the following regional parks open at 7 a.m. and close at sunset year-round:

• Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park
• Caspers Wilderness Park
• Laguna Coast Wilderness Park (parking lots open at 8 a.m.)
• O’Neill Regional Park
• Peters Canyon Regional Park  
• Riley Wilderness Park
• Santiago Oaks Regional Park
• Talbert Regional Park
• Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve
• Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park
• Wieder Regional Park

Irvine Lake will continue to operate Friday-Sunday 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Hours for OC Parks’ beaches vary but are generally between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. Salt Creek Beach opens at 5 a.m. and closes at midnight.

OC Parks facilities will remain on these operating hours until daylight saving time ends November 3, 2024. 

Irvine Regional Park is expecting an increase in visitation throughout the months of September and October, especially on weekends. The park entrance may be impacted and the park could close to vehicle traffic if parking reaches capacity. 

Overflow parking will be available at Santiago Canyon College, 8045 E. Chapman Ave., Orange, CA on the following weekends: 

• Saturday, Sept. 14 and Sunday, Sept. 15 (6 a.m. to 9 p.m.)
• Saturday, Sept. 21 and Sunday, Sept. 22 (6 a.m. to 9 p.m.)
• Saturday, Sept. 28 and Sunday, Sept. 29 (6 a.m. to 9 p.m.)
• Saturday, Oct. 5 and Sunday, Oct. 6 (6 a.m. to 9 p.m.)
• Saturday, Oct. 12 and Sunday, Oct. 13 (6 a.m. to 9 p.m.)
• Saturday, Oct. 19 and Sunday, Oct. 20 (6 a.m. to 9 p.m.)
• Saturday, Oct. 26 and Sunday, Oct. 27 (6 a.m. to 9 p.m.)

Santiago Canyon College is approximately a half-mile walk to the park. 

Parking is $10 per vehicle at Santiago Canyon College. Overnight parking is not permitted.

Permits for special events will not be issued during this time. 

Please note: OC Parks annual passes are not valid for parking at Santiago Canyon College.

(Anaheim, Calif.) – Discover prehistoric rock formations and surround yourself with stunning views at Gypsum Canyon Wilderness.

The 500-acre property located within OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space features 6 miles of new trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding, along with lookout points that offer sweeping views of the surrounding canyons, Santa Ana Mountains and beyond. 

“Gypsum Canyon Wilderness is full of adventure waiting to be discovered,” said Chairman Donald P. Wagner, Orange County Board of Supervisors. “I am proud to bring this park space to the residents of Orange County. I look forward to exploring the new trails and all the beauty this area has to offer.”  

Gypsum Canyon Wilderness features dramatic cobble and sandstone bluffs formed 16 to 20 million years ago when the earliest camels, horses, rhinos and saber-toothed deer roamed the area. Today, its protected and preserved native habitats are home to an abundance of wildlife including mule deer, red-tailed hawks, California gnatcatchers and bobcats. California poppies color the hillsides in the spring months while oak-studded meadows and large sycamore trees can be enjoyed year-round.

The area includes seven new trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding, ranging from easy to moderate in difficulty. Take in the expansive views of the surrounding landscape and colorful rock formations from two scenic overlooks. Visitors will have the opportunity to provide voluntary feedback about Gypsum Canyon Wilderness through on-site participation surveys and offer naming suggestions for several unnamed trails.

Gypsum Canyon Wilderness is currently accessible through scheduled guided and self-guided programs with advance registration. OC Parks balances environmental stewardship with public access to ensure the area is preserved and enjoyed. Public usage and feedback, along with further monitoring of native habitat and wildlife populations will be considered when determining future access opportunities and availability. Free public access opportunities will begin Friday, November 17, weather permitting.  

November and December 2023 Activities and Programs at Gypsum Canyon Wilderness

Advance registration required for all activities and programs.
                                      Visit OCParks.com/irvine-ranch-open-space for more information and to sign up. Inclement weather may cancel activities and programs. 
 

November 17 – Morning Mountain Bike Ride at Gypsum Canyon Wilderness
8 – 10:30 a.m.

November 18 and 25 – Wilderness Access Day: Gypsum Canyon Wilderness 
8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

November 22 – Plants Among Us: Learning About Plants at Gypsum Canyon Wilderness
9 – 11:30 a.m.  

November 24 – Turkey Burner Fitness Hike in Gypsum Canyon Wilderness   
8 – 10 a.m.

November 24 – Afternoon Hike at Gypsum Canyon Wilderness   
1 – 3:30 p.m.

November 29 – Early Morning Fitness Hike: Gypsum Canyon Wilderness   
7 – 9:30 a.m.

December 9 and 23 – Wilderness Access Day: Gypsum Canyon Wilderness    
8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

December 15 – Morning Mountain Bike Ride at Gypsum Canyon Wilderness
8 – 10:30 a.m.

December 18 – Early Morning Fitness Hike: Gypsum Canyon Wilderness
7 – 10 a.m.

December 22 – Morning Hike at Gypsum Canyon Wilderness
8 – 10:30 a.m.

Read this release in: 

• Chinese-Traditional
• Korean
• Spanish
• Vietnamese

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OC Parks
OC Parks manages nearly 60,000 acres of parks, historical and coastal facilities and open space for the County of Orange as part of OC Community Resources. http://www.ocparks.com

(Lake Forest, Calif.) – Celebrate the joy of the holiday season at OC Parks’ Heritage Hill Historical Park with two weekends of festive fun at Candlelight Walk and Holiday Lights this December. 

Experience the 37th annual Candlelight Walk December 8-10 from 5 to 9 p.m. Stroll through the merry grounds and enjoy historical buildings ornamented with holiday lights and décor. Join in the joy of the evening with live musical performances, holiday crafts for kids and a visit with Santa Claus. Refreshments will be available for cash purchase.

The celebration continues with OC Parks’ Holiday Lights December 15-17 from 5 to 9 p.m. Wander through twinkling light displays and snap pictures in front of various holiday-themed photo opportunities. Pets are welcome to join the fun on leashes no longer than six feet. Please note additional entertainment and refreshments will not be provided.

"We are excited to host another year of family-friendly festivities at Heritage Hill Historical Park with events like Candlelight Walk and Holiday Lights," said Chairman Donald P. Wagner, Orange County Board of Supervisors. “The holiday season is the perfect time for friends and family to create wonderful memories and celebrate the rich history of Orange County."

Both holiday events at Heritage Hill Historical Park are free to attend with free parking. Inclement weather may cancel the events.

Heritage Hill Historical Park:
25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest, CA 92630  
(949) 923-2230 

37th Annual Candlelight Walk 
Date: December 8, 9 and 10   
Time: 5 - 9 p.m. 
Cost & Parking: Free

Holiday Lights 
Date: December 15, 16 and 17  
Time: 5 - 9 p.m. 
Cost & Parking: Free

Read this release in:

• Chinese-Traditional
• Korean
• Spanish
• Vietnamese

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OC Parks 

OC Parks manages nearly 60,000 acres of parks, historical and coastal facilities and open space for the County of Orange as part of OC Community Resources. http://www.ocparks.com

OC Public Works will be removing non-native invasive trees within Peters Canyon Wash, which will require daily temporary trail closure and need for traffic control along the southern portion of the Mountains to Sea Trail. Peters Canyon Wash and Regional Park provide open space for recreation, water conveyance and offer California Native Habitat for diverse flora and fauna. This habitat restoration project will improve CA native habitat.

Peters Canyon Trail at Peters Canyon Regional Park to be used for access during habitat restoration work. Activities include site preparation, non-native tree and plant removals and plant establishment.

This project is being conducted in compliance with applicable state and federal environmental laws and regulations and is being implemented to offset environmental impacts from OCPW flood control channel maintenance projects.

WHAT:

OCPW and contractor personnel will be removing nonnative invasive tree species located throughout Peters Canyon Wash within the southern portion of Peters Regional Park. Equipment (skid steers, excavators, trucks) will enter the Park at Peters Canyon Rd., xst Silverado Terrace, and will use the maintenance road east of Lower Peters Basin, up through the “Mountains to Sea Trail”. (see map for locations) Each work day, 0.5 mile of the trail will experience temporary closures starting from the bathrooms at the southern entrance while equipment and dumpsters are delivered and removed.

WHERE: 

Haul route and traffic control area along Mountains to Sea Trail, Peters Canyon Regional Park.

Please observe all safety barriers, signs and personnel when near the project area.

WHEN: 

October 23, 2023 – January 31, 2024

The construction schedule is tentative and subject to change due to weather and other factors.

Working Days/Hours:
Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Equipment and hauling traffic along the trail will be as needed, but will always be monitored and controlled by Helix Environmental staff, signs and cones. 

CONTACT INFORMATION: 

Cort DiStanislao

714-263-5312

ProjectInfo@ocpw.ocgov.com

ocpublicworks.com

INSTALLATION OF SIGNAL POLES AND LIGHTS TO BEGIN
Upcoming change in intersection traffic management. OC Public Works will be replacing existing "STOP" signs with new traffic signal system.

WHAT: 

Completed activities: 

• Underground utility work and installation of new fiber optic conduit (OC Public Works’ Traffic Management Center remote monitoring system).
• Asphalt/concrete restoration; curb ramp upgrades. 

Upcoming activities: 

• March 11—15, 2024: Minor utility work
• March 15—early May, 2024: Installation of traffic signal pole foundations, poles, signal lights and associated equipment; Painting of road striping and installation of traffic signs. Traffic signal lights expected to begin operating as early as April 2024. 

Attention: Be prepared for temporary closures!

• Intermittent lane closures to accommodate installation of traffic signal poles, signal lights and equipment.
• Temporary sidewalk closures are expected in the project area, yet sidewalks will re-open daily at the conclusion of work. Please use other available sidewalk during closures.
• Access will remain open to/from adjacent residential communities.
• Please observe all project safety signs and barriers when traveling near project work areas. 

WHEN: 

Early March - Early May 2024

The construction schedule is tentative and subject to change.

Working Days/Hours:
Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

CONTACT INFORMATION: 

Shannon Widor

(714) 667-9759

ProjectInfo@ocpw.ocgov.com

ocpublicworks.com