Sweet Orange

To educate the world about the power of gourmet living foods!–118 Degrees Mission Statement

Here is an update to yesterday’s post: At noon, (after the Salad Bowl gardening lecture), you can watch a salad-making demonstration called Salad-Making 101 at the Great Park. Executive chef and owner of the Costa Mesa restaurant 118 Degrees, Jenni Ross, will give the presentation.

Here is more information as provided on the Great Park website:

Check out Chef Jenny Ross, owner of restaurant 118 Degrees, as she demonstrates a dressing recipe and talks about ways that you can use greens to create fresh, homemade salads. The demonstration will begin at noon at the Farm + Food Lab, immediately after the Salad Bowl Garden workshop.

Photo courtesy 118 Degrees

The Orange County Great Park fall garden lecture series continues. Last week we had those wicked bugs. This week it’s all about growing your own garden greens. Here is the skinny on this upcoming event:

The Orange County Great Park is hosting a fall garden lecture series. The lectures, which are held at the Great Park Farm and Food Lab, are now though November 5. All lectures are free. The next lecture is on Saturday, October 15 at 10 am.

Here is a description of the upcoming free talk that is straight from the Great Park’s website:

Master Gardener Kay Havens will demonstrate how to make beautiful salad blends. Her seminar will include Asian greens as well as how to make garden additions for flavor and color.

Note: The Great Park uses sustainable practices (The 2009 APA award given to the Great Park and comments from The Sustainable Sites Initiative are examples of this.) but recently accepted a donation from a company that is associated with Monsanto. This company will be the “exclusive lawn and garden products sponsor of the Orange County Great Park Farm + Food Lab and Community Gardens Program.”

If you follow these matters, you will know that Monsanto receives a lot of criticism from the sustainable-practices community. I am not sure what to think of this partnership right now, but maybe that is a discussion for another time.

Photo courtesy Seeds of Change

The Orange County Great Park is hosting a fall garden lecture series. The lectures, which are held at the Great Park Farm and Food Lab, are now though November 5. All lectures are free. The next lecture is on Saturday, October 8 at 10 am.

Here is a description of the upcoming free talk that is straight from the Great Park’s website:

Author Amy Stewart (Wicked Bugs) will discuss bugs gone wild. It’s an A - Z of insect enemies, interspersed with stories that explore bugs’ sometimes odd behavior and our sometimes irrational responses to bugs.

Note: The Great Park uses sustainable practices. The 2009 American Planning Award given to the Great Park and comments from The Sustainable Sites Initiative are examples of this. However, the Great Park board accepted a donation from ScottsMiracle-Gro, a company that is associated with Monsanto, and ScottsMiracle-Gro will be the “exclusive lawn and garden products sponsor of the Orange County Great Park Farm + Food Lab and Community Gardens Program.”

If you follow these matters, you know that Monsanto receives a lot of criticism from the sustainable-practices community. I am not sure what to think of this partnership right now, but maybe that is a discussion for another time.

Photo courtesy Seeds of Change, an organic gardening and food company

Summer is over and summer garden produce is mostly a thing of the past. For many, fall is a time to let the garden go fallow. Not a bad idea, but a fall garden is entirely possible.

Look forward to peak flavor and performance of many crops that do not prosper in summer heat. Lower temperatures are ideal for producing crisp lettuces, without the bitterness or bolting that can occur in hot weather. Frost-kissed kale, Brussels sprouts and cabbage have a special sweetness. Carrots, beets and turnips also thrive in the fall garden and, after harvest, can be kept in a pantry or root cellar so you can enjoy their goodness well into winter. Collards, mustard and other greens also like cool weather.–Vicki Mattern, “Top Tips for Great Fall Gardens,” Mother Earth News

Note: In a few days, I will post some fall planting guide information that is specific to Orange County. Also, the Orange County Great Park is currently offering free fall gardening workshops, now through November 5.

Photo courtesy Seeds of Change, a company that specializes in many things organic

Are we all socialist now? Based on comments from some surprising sources, the answer to this question might be “Yes.  At least if it is to our advantage at the moment.”

A curious example on the city level can be found in Costa Mesa. As you know, the California budget is a mess. We’re in the “red” by the billions. One of the solutions that the governor suggested and is now in the process of being made a reality is the sale of state assets, including an iconic piece of Orange County land in Costa Mesa, the Orange County Fairgrounds.

Well, the Costa Mesa city council, that bastion of free-market rights and a let-the-private-sector-do-it attitude, is not about to let the market have its way with the fairgrounds. As Mayor Mansoor, an ardent free-marketeer, stated, he is not interested in selling “the heart of the community.” Apparently, even the most hard-core capitalist doesn’t think that the bottom line should be judged solely in a monetary way.

In spite of Costa Mesa’s objections, the city could not keep the state of California from putting the fairgrounds on the market. However, Costa Mesa is setting up land-use restrictions that will ensure that the Orange County Fairgrounds are used as a fairgrounds and events center only, no matter who the owners end up being. Of course, this greatly reduces the amount that someone or some organization would pay for the land. The state’s Department of General Services, which is in charge of selling the land, is not pleased, and the possibility of litigation is being implied, if not outright threatened.

Some, including some in Costa Mesa, have been critical of the land-use regulations that Irvine has put on the development of the former El Toro Marine Air Station land. They feel that the El Toro land that is being transformed into the Orange County Great Park (Orange County’s first metropolitan park) and the Great Park Neighborhoods (a housing, commercial and open space development by the home building company Lennar and its partners) should be developed strictly by market forces. In other words, no land-use restrictions.

However, what Costa Mesa is considering for the fairgrounds is similar to what Irvine has done for the El Toro land. Costa Mesa wants to ensure that the fairgrounds are used in a way that they feel will provide the most benefit for the area and Costa Mesa residents. Irvine’s intention for the El Toro (and now Orange County Great Park) land is similar. It seems that neither city wants another subdivision-mall development (or public airport) plopped down on large tracts of prime real estate that have historic significance.

Apparently, economic hard times are making for some strange bedfellows in the O.C. and the discovery of “socialists” in the most unusual places.

Movie on the Lawn–free admission, $8 parking-located at the Preview Park

“The Dark Knight“–October 10, 2009–8:00 PM

Balloon Rides–free admission-located at the Preview Park

“The Great Park Balloon is the Orange County Great Park’s first major attraction. With the ability to hold up to 25 to 30 visitors and soar up to 500 feet above the surrounding landscape, passengers can watch the Great Park’s development unfold as construction activity increases.”

The free flights are available year round, weather and wind permitting. Call ahead (866) 829-3829 (toll-free), or send an email to info@greatparkballoon.org.

Great Park Pumpkin Harvest (and Food Drive)–free admission, $8 parking–located at the Preview Park

October 24, 2009–1 PM to 5 PM

“Enjoy an afternoon of fall activities, including pumpkin picking* and decorating, games, kids crafts and activities, a costume parade, Halloween treats, a petting zoo, and more!”

*One pumpkin per child, while supplies last.

Fall Gardening Workshops—free admission and parking–located at the Great Park Farm and Food Lab

“In 2009, the Park opened its Farm and Food Lab, the beginning of a larger agricultural program planned for the Great Park. The Garden Workshop Series is part of a pilot program designed to introduce community members to the Farm and Food Lab, where they can learn about sustainable home gardening practices for a healthy lifestyle.”

• The Busy Gardener–October 10, 2009–10:00 AM to Noon–October 10, 2009-10:00 AM to Noon
• Spice Up Your Life - Grow Your Own Herbs–November 14, 2009–10:00 AM to Noon
• Holiday Crafts from the Garden–November 21, 2009–10:00 AM to Noon

Over 100 tons of fruits and vegetables grown at the Orange County Great Park Community Farm and neighboring farms have been donated to the Orange County Food Bank. If you have a garden, you might do the same. You can make sure nothing from your garden is wasted by donating any extra fruits and vegetables to a food bank, such as the Second Harvest Food Bank, which is located at the Great Park, or the Orange County Food Bank.

Natural History Lecture series–free admission and parking–located at Second Harvest

“The Orange County Great Park presents the Natural History Lecture series, a series of evening events offering new insights into our natural and dynamic Southern Californian environment.”

• Native California Bees Looking for New Real Estate–October 8, 2009–7 PM
• 21st Century Megafires in Southern California: Adapting to Fires in Paradise–October 22, 2009–7:00 PM

Also, tickets for Cirque du Soleil’s January 2009 performances at the Great Park are currently on sale.

PHOTOS AND QUOTES COURTESY THE ORANGE COUTNY GREAT PARK WEBSITE

As I wrote previously, construction of the Ivy neighborhood in Irvine’s Woodbury East development was originally planned to be completed a few years ago. The developers delayed the development date in the hope that market conditions would improve.

The developers of the nearby Great Park Neighborhoods also planned to begin construction a few years ago, but they too put their original plans for residential development on hold. However, they are proceeding with construction of educational and commercial buildings.

Back in March 2008 Lennar’s updated their plans for the Great Park Neighborhoods residential construction as follows:

Availability:

• Land sales that would allow developers to start building would begin in 2009
• First vertical development would be in place/sold by December 2010
• All development would be complete by 2015

Type of Units, Number of Units, Pricing:

• Single-family detached-1100 units @ $1,700,000 each
• Condos (LLD)-60 units @ $650,000 each
• Senior housing-600 units @ $400,000 each
• Residential golf course-635 units @ $750,000 each
• Multi-unit (transit-oriented development-TOD)-686 units @ $690,000
• Low to moderate senior housing-200 units, price not specified
• Low to moderate multi-family housing-344 units, price not specified

Of course, a lot of time has gone by since this March 2008 update was made, and I am sure this information will change when the Great Park Neighborhood developers provide a new update.  Currently, the developers are keeping this information close to their vest as they gauge the market trends.

But I have a suggestion: Using the successful sell out the first phase of the Ivy development as an example, start the residential development in the Great Park with small, affordable homes. This is a niche in the Orange County housing market that has been ignored, and, as the quick sell out of the available Ivy homes shows, a pent up demand for this small and, therefore, more affordable housing exists.

Perhaps this is already on the planning board. We will see.

For a quick definition of the Orange County Great Park, see “The Orange County Great Park Revisited.” Also see “Orange County Great Park: Free Summer Events and the Jewel of Orange County Fundraiser,” and “The Orange County Great Park: Cirque du Soleil, Free Concerts Series, and Free Balloon Rides.”

Reference: Housing Availability at the Orange County Great Park

PHOTO IS OF A FORMER EL TORO MARINE BASE HANGAR THAT LENNAR CONVERTED FOR USE IN THE GREAT PARK NEIGHBORHOODS

On July 17 at 6:30 pm, the  Great Park Conservancy is presenting the fourth annual Jewel of Orange County fundraiser, which will include a hosted reception with cocktails, wines and hors d’oeuvres followed by a mesquite grilled dinner. Both will be held in Hangar 244, which is a former El Toro Marine base hangar that has been converted for use during Great Park events.. After dinner, the event moves outside for a concert and dancing. In addition, a silent jewelery auction will be part of the event.

The Great Park Conservancy is a non-profit organization with the goal of supporting the development of the Orange County Great Park as a world-class metropolitan park. Some Great Park project that the Conservancy is currently supporting are the Conservancy Nature Education Garden, Aviation and Heritage Museum, wildlife corridor, Great Park Farm and Food Lab, Great Park Citrus Orchard.

Tickets for this fund raising event are $250 each. Sponsorships and underwriting options are also available.

If the Conservancy event is not in your budget, here are some upcoming free Great Park events that should do the trick for you:

July 11–Growing the Park, Great Park anniversary events. Here is the description from the city of Irvine’s website:

To celebrate the fourth anniversary of the Orange County Great Park, bring your friends and family to Growing the Park, a sprawling festival divided into three activity areas — each representing a different aspect of the park’s past, present and future. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, activities will include a wingwalker show, petting zoo, live music, kite flying, vintage aircraft, food, hands-on activities, and appearances by the LA Galaxy Street Team and the Anaheim Ducks Street Team.

August-September 2009–the second annual free summer concert and dance series. The schedule for these events is now available. The events are free, but parking is $8. For more on these events, see my previous post “At the Orange County Great Park: Cirque du Soleil, Free Summer Concerts and Dances, Free Balloon Rides.”

Ongoing–day and evening rides in the Great Park balloon. Rides on this tethered balloon are dependent on wind and weather conditions, so call the Visitor Center at (866) 829-3829 (toll-free), or check the Great Park website before you go.

In addition, to these free summer events, ticket for the Cirque du Soleil’s January 2010 performances at the Great Park are now on sale.

GRAPHICS COURTESY THE GREAT PARK CONSERVANCY AND THE ORANGE COUNTY GREAT PARK

Related post: At the Orange County Great Park: Cirque du Soleil, Free Summer Concert Series, Free Balloon Rides

The Orange County Great Park board of directors recently approved the Design Studio’s 36-month construction plan. This plan calls for construction of features in the Sports, Lake, and Farm/Bosque Districts. More on that in a future post.

For now, here are some upcoming Great Park events:

International-known and innovative Cirque du Soleil will set up their big top and start a limited performance early next year (January 8 through January 30, 2010). However, some ticket sales start this week. Ticket information can be found at the Cirque du Soleil website.

The free dance and concert series will return this summer. More on that as more details become available.  For now, a look at the inaugural Great Park summer series, which was last year, will give an idea of what to expect. Last year’s events included free Friday-night dances and Saturday-night concerts. In addition, food prepared by Avanti Cafe of Costa Mesa was available for purchase at the Hangar Cafe (an MCAS hangar converted for Park use). Last year’s events were attended by about 50,000, young and old from various locations. (Update: The schedule for this series is now available. SW 7-11-09)

The free tethered balloon rides, which provide a view of Orange County from an elevation of 250 to 400 feet, are continuing.  Day and evening rides are available. The flights are contingent on wind and weather conditions, so call ahead or visit the Great Park website for flight availability. (For one person’s thoughts on the balloon ride, click here. I know that there are contrary options out there. So if you like, leave your comment.)

PHOTOS COURTESY CIRQUE DU SOLEIL AND THE ORANGE COUNTY GREAT PARK CORPORATION

Tomorrow I will write about upcoming events at the Orange County Great Park. In preparation for that, here is a reminder of what the Great Park is all about:

The Orange County Great Park is located on land that was once part of the El Toro Marine Air Station. Before that, it was Irvine Ranch bean fields and grazing land, and, before that, Mexican and Spanish grazing land. The Juanenos (Acagchemen) and Gabrielino Indians also had a presence on this land.

The City of Irvine is developing this publicly owned land, which is approximately the size of New York’s Central Park, as one of the first great metropolitan parks of the 21st century. The City’s vision is to provide a recreational, cultural and social gathering spot for Orange County residents as well as others who are near to or far from Orange County. As Central Park, Balboa Park and Golden Gate Park are great metropolitan parks built in previous eras, the vision for the Orange County Great Park is that it will be a great metropolitan park built in this era.

The private land that surrounds the public Great Park land and is called the Great Park Neighborhoods was also part of the former El Toro Marine Air Station. Current plans for the Great Park Neighborhoods include the building of homes as well as commercial, educational and recreational features. The private Great Park land combined with the public Great Park land is over six square miles.

GRAPHIC COURTESY THE ORANGE COUNTY GREAT PARK CORPORATION