Mold Remediation in Orange, CA

Do you have the best Christmas decorations in town? Send us photos and a description for Patch's 2024 holiday tour o' lights.

Miranda Ceja, Patch Staff

ORANGE COUNTY, CA — Can the holiday lights on your home be seen from space? Does it look like the Las Vegas strip?

If you've spent days or weeks painstakingly hanging strands of lights on your house, palm trees and shrubs, or hauling multiple figurines out to your lawn — Patch wants to hear from you.

Soon, we're compiling a Patch California tour o' lights, where readers can explore the best holiday light displays in the Orange County area.

We aim to have the list up as soon as possible — so email photos and a description of your winter wonderland to Kat Schuster at kat.schuster@patch.com.

For many of us, taking in our neighbors’ outdoor holiday lighting displays and other decorative touches is as much a part of the season as exchanging gifts and singing Christmas carols.

Find out what's happening in Orange Countywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

There’s a good reason twinkling holiday lights and colorful displays make us feel good, according to mental health experts.

“It does create that neurological shift that can produce happiness,” Psychologist Deborah Serani, a senior professor at New York’s Adelphi University, told NBC’s “Today” show. “I think anything that takes us out of our normal habituation, the normal day in, day out ... signals our senses, and then our senses measure if it’s pleasing or not.”

Decorating for the holidays “will spike dopamine, a feel-good hormone,” she said. “For a lot of us, Christmas is a magical time, it’s a time of innocence. It’s a time of joy.”

That’s why Patch and T-Mobile are partnering to find the lighted homes around Orange County to visit.

A few details:

If you’re including a video, please upload it to YouTube and send us the link so we can embed it (make sure it's marked “public”). We also request that the homeowner submit their own yard or a close relative.

We’ll keep updating the list for Orange County throughout December.

Once you've provided the information — and submitted a photo or two or a video (after you uploaded it to YouTube) — you will be entered and included in our roundup.

Pro-tip: If you haven't photographed your light display before, a good time to take photos is at dusk.

IMPORTANT: By submitting a photo, you're giving Patch permission to publish it for this feature and future stories. Photos should be original and taken by the person submitting the photo.

So, be sure to check back for updates and sign up for your local Patch.com newsletters as well!

Please copy and paste the following information into an email, along with photos or videos, and follow these guidelines:

We’re looking forward to hearing from you. Remember, email Kat Schuster (kat.schuster@patch.com) to submit photos of your holiday lights.

The Orange County housing market in 2024 is showing signs of continued growth, with home prices and sales continuing to rise year-over-year. While the market still favors sellers, there are some indicators that the pace of growth might be moderating, suggesting a potential shift towards a more balanced market in the near future. This article will provide an in-depth analysis of the Orange County Housing Market Trends in 2024, focusing on key aspects like home sales, prices, supply, and market dynamics to help you better understand the current state of the market.

Orange County Housing Market Trends in 2024

The data from Orange County REALTORS® shows a healthy increase in home sales across both attached and detached properties. In October 2024, attached homes experienced a +11.1% year-over-year increase, with a total of 709 homes sold. Detached homes followed a similar pattern, with sales up +7.4% compared to the same period last year, reaching 1,102 homes sold.

This rise in home sales can be attributed to several factors, including a strong local economy, a relatively low-interest rate environment compared to the past, and consistent demand for housing in Orange County. From my experience in the Orange County real estate scene, the local job market has been fairly robust, providing a solid foundation for the housing market.

Based on the trend, we can expect the number of home sales to continue to be strong in the coming months. However, we also have to keep in mind that interest rates could rise at any time, and that could influence future home buyers' decisions.

One of the most significant trends in the Orange County housing market is the continued appreciation of home prices.

In October 2024, the median sales price for attached homes in Orange County stood at $780,000, representing a +11.1% year-over-year increase. For detached homes, the median sales price was $1,350,000, exhibiting a +13.8% year-over-year gain.

These figures demonstrate the strong demand for homes in Orange County, as buyers are willing to pay more to secure properties in the desired communities.

Looking at the bigger picture, Orange County has always been a desirable place to live, and this demand has led to a steady increase in home values over the years. However, I've noticed that the pace of price increases might be slowing down in some areas.

While the Orange County housing market is experiencing robust demand, the supply of available homes remains a challenge.

The data shows that the number of months of available inventory for attached homes has risen to 2.60 months, a +30.0% year-over-year increase. Detached homes show a similar trend, with 2.70 months of inventory, a +22.7% year-over-year increase.

While this signifies an increase in supply compared to previous periods, we are still in a market where inventory is tight. In my opinion, this limited inventory has contributed to the elevated home prices we've seen in the market.

The current Orange County housing market is characterized by a few key trends:

Based on the data and current market conditions, the Orange County housing market is still primarily a seller's market, but there are signs of a potential shift.

While sellers still hold a considerable advantage due to strong demand and limited inventory, buyers are starting to have a slightly better position compared to previous years. For example, homes are staying on the market a bit longer, and the pace of price increases has slowed down somewhat in specific areas.

While the rate of price increases might be slowing down, it's important to understand that home prices are not dropping in a significant way across Orange County.

There might be some pockets where prices are stabilizing or even slightly declining, but generally, the market continues to witness upward pressure on home values.

I believe that the possibility of a significant drop in home prices is low in the foreseeable future due to factors like the robust local economy and consistent demand for housing.

Orange County Housing Market Snapshot – October 2024

Several factors contribute to the current trends in the Orange County housing market.

Orange County Housing Market Forecast 2024-2025

Based on the current trends and the factors influencing the market, I foresee the Orange County housing market continuing to show growth in 2024, albeit at a potentially slower pace than what we've observed in prior years.

I anticipate that the market will likely continue to trend towards a more balanced state, with increasing inventory and moderating price appreciation. Buyers should be prepared for competition, but might have a bit more leverage in negotiation compared to the past.

It's also crucial to keep an eye on macroeconomic factors, like interest rate changes and overall economic health, as these can impact the housing market significantly.

Affordability: Higher mortgage rates lead to higher monthly mortgage payments, making it harder for some buyers to afford the homes they want. This could result in lower demand for homes and potentially, a decline in home prices.

Purchase Power: As mortgage rates increase, the amount that buyers can afford to borrow decreases, which could limit their purchasing power and reduce the number of homes they can afford.

Competition: With lower purchasing power and lower demand, there may be less competition among buyers, which could also lead to lower prices.

Timing: Buyers may delay their home purchase until mortgage rates come down, further reducing demand and putting downward pressure on prices.

In summary, the Orange County Housing Market in 2024 has shown a continued increase in home sales and home prices, with signs of a potential shift towards a more balanced environment.

I think the market will continue to be active, but buyers might have a slight edge in negotiations compared to the past few years. If you are thinking about buying or selling a home, it's crucial to stay informed about current market trends and work with a knowledgeable real estate professional to help you achieve your goals.

Recommended Read:

Panda Mart, a popular discount retailer with 100 stores outside the United States, is coming to Orange County, leasing its first domestic store at the former Sears in Orange.

Brokers at JLL who negotiated the lease at the Village at Orange declined to comment on the new tenant. Sears, which has been closed for years, was divided in order to make room for a 24-Hour Fitness gym.

So, what is Panda Mart? Imagine if Big Lots and Home Goods had a baby, a big one.

Videos of the store in other countries show aisles jammed with thousands of products that range from household goods and furniture to appliances, electronics, beauty products, toys and gardening supplies. We watched a 35-minute video of a store in Auckland, New Zealand, and couldn’t quite grasp the absolute, never-ending supply of stuff that was packed into countless aisles.

According to reports from New Zealand, where the chain last winter opened a store in Christchurch, the South Africa-based chain is sourced from China-based wholesale distributors.

Also see: Village at Orange closing its interior mall after 50 years of making memories

The mall closed its interior in January and demolished those structures by mid-year. Exterior-facing tenants remain. Housing has been proposed for the property, drawing a mixed reaction from locals, especially those who live adjacent to the tired retail center.

The owner of the former JC Penney building at one time asked city for approval to replace the retail store with 209 condos and accessory dwelling units.

Many Orange residents have long hoped that a new retailer (Costco, a front-runner for fans) would claim a good portion of the mall. Look no farther than social media, and you’ll find myriad discussions about its fate.

A Facebook post on Nov. 9 had residents bemoaning Panda Mart and “more crap from China,” while others considered it “better than high-density housing.”

As commenter Gloria Mendez said, the new store will likely give Walmart a run for its money. The Arkansas-based retailer is one of several remaining tenants. Others include Home Goods, Sprouts, the fitness center and several small restaurants and stores.

Also see: Developers propose 576 homes in Orange, some at the mall, others by hospital

Gym opens in San Clemente

EōS Fitness is open in San Clemente, replacing a former Staples office supply store.

The 30,250-square-foot, full-service gym includes cardio and strength equipment and personal training options.

EōS is open 24 hours a day with memberships starting as low as $10 monthly.

The San Clemente gym, a first for EōS in the city, is the company’s 18th in California.

Address: 93 Via Pico Plaza

On the move

Shuta Aoki has been appointed president and chief executive officer of Irvine-based Marukome USA Inc. He will be the fifth generation CEO for the same manufacturer founded in 1854. Aoki previously served as president of Marukome USA.

Milestones

Debora Wondercheck, founder and chief executive of Arts & Learning Conservatory, is the recipient of a silver Stevie Award for Female Executive of the Year in the Government/Non-Profit category. The Costa Mesa-based ALC offers performing arts education to students of all ages, backgrounds and skill levels in Southern California.

Fundraisers

Orange County United Way raised at least $850,000 at its Centennial Gala held Nov. 2 at the Arctic transportation hub in Anaheim. The money will go toward the nonprofit’s programs and services helping local students and at-risk families. “The Centennial Gala marked a momentous occasion for Orange County United Way, honoring the tremendous local impact made over the last 100 years while strengthening our commitment to transforming lives for the better in the next century,” Susan B. Parks, OC United Way’s president and CEO, said in a statement.

Illumination Foundation raised $263,000 at its fourth annual Women’s Philanthropy Luncheon held Oct. 25 at the Waterfront Beach Resort in Huntington Beach. The money raised will go toward providing housing and healthcare services to women in Illumination Foundation’s programs. The nonprofit’s mission is to “disrupt the cycle of homelessness by providing housing and healthcare services to those in need.”

Solutions for Urban Agriculture raised $300,000 at its ninth annual Harvest Moon Celebration held Sept. 20 at Tanaka Farms in Irvine. This Western-style event, themed “Boots and Bling,” will help the nonprofit offset costs for labor, seeds, equipment and educational outreach.

Update on McConnell’s

Representatives with Santa Barbara-based McConnell’s Fine Ice Cream said the opening originally scheduled for Nov. 21 has been moved to Thursday, Dec. 5 at the River Street Marketplace in San Juan Capistrano. The 70-year-old company makes its traditional ice cream from scratch using three main ingredients: cream, eggs and sugar. The ice cream shop is part of two dozen eateries debuting at the food hall in south Orange County.

News recap from last week

Soak City update: Knott’s Soak City will undergo its first major refurbishment in nearly a decade, writes Brady MacDonald. The Buena Park water park remodel is part of Six Flags’ plan to spend $1 billion at its 42 amusement parks and water parks over the next two years.

Six Flags Magic Mountain: Some of that $1 billion capital expenditure will go toward adding a 21st coaster at this Valencia theme park.

The original Panda: The Panda Inn in Pasadena, predecessor to the quick-serve chain Panda Express, reopened Friday, Nov. 15 after an overhaul. The sit-down restaurant at 3488 E Foothill Blvd. opened 51 years ago.

Status Update is compiled and written by Business Editor Samantha Gowen. Submit items and high-resolution photos to sgowen@scng.com . Allow at least one week for publication. Items are edited for length and clarity.

Originally Published: November 18, 2024 at 8:55 AM PST

Strong Santa Ana winds are expected to start sweeping across parts of Southern California by Wednesday, Nov. 6 — prompting concerns about potential wildfires.

“All the wind-prone areas in Ventura and Los Angeles counties are going to see pretty significant winds starting late (Tuesday) night or early Wednesday morning,” said Bryan Lewis, a National Weather Service meteorologist.

For update, see: Fire breaks out in Malibu, fueled by Santa And winds

Those stretches include the coasts along Malibu and Santa Monica to the Santa Clarita Valley, through the 101 Freeway corridor to Burbank — and even includes the Oxnard and Ventura areas.

Residents can expect winds upward of 70 miles per hour with temperatures reaching the mid to high 70s.

In some mountain areas, winds could hit even 100.

Down south, in spots such as Santa Ana, Irvine and Fontana and the majority of the Inland Empire, expect winds of up to 60 miles per hour. Orange County can expect temperatures to remain level in the mid to high 70s, with the Inland Empire seeing a decrease to the mid to high 60s.

The expected gusts have prompted red flag warnings — an indication of increased risk of wildfires — for the Santa Ana Mountains, other parts of Orange County, the Inland Empire, Malibu, Santa Monica, Santa Clarita Valley and downtown Los Angeles.

The dry air and high wind speeds create the significant risk.

Electricity could be shut off in some places to reduce the risk of a wildfire.

“We know that there are strong winds forecast for (Wednesday) and Thursday, so we’re going to continue tracking those,” Southern California Edison spokeswoman Gabriela Ornelas said.

The Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department has upped their staffing to ensure its equipped with enough manpower if a wildfire begins, as part of the agency’s usual response under a red flag warning. The Los Angeles County Fire Department has boosted staffing as well and prepared possible ground and aerial responses.

Officials recommended that residents have evacuation plans and supplies in place and stay updated on emergency notifications.

“The emergency management community in L.A. County will be on high alert in the coming days” Kevin McGowan, director of the Office of Emergency Management, said in a statement. “The County’s Emergency Operations Center is activated and monitoring conditions, but we need all residents in L.A. County to be individually prepared by staying informed and being ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice, especially if you live in canyon, mountain or foothill communities.”

Due to the high winds, the California Highway Patrol announced that Topanga Canyon Boulevard will be closed to non-residents between Mulholland Drive and Pacific Coast Highway from 6 a.m. Wednesday until 6 a.m. Friday. The CHP also issued a wind advisory throughout the Antelope Valley, including the 14 Freeway from Ward Road to the Kern County line, urging caution forpeople driving high-profile vehicles or campers or hauling trailers.

Following news of the Topanga Canyon closure, the Los Angeles Unified School District announced that all students at Topanga Elementary School should report instead to Woodland Hills Academy at 8 a.m. Wednesday. The district is not offering remote instruction for Topanga students.

City News Service contributed to this report.

These maps show where winds and and dryness are expected to create the greatest wildfire threat this week:

Source: SANTA ANA WILDFIRE THREAT INDEX

Originally Published: November 5, 2024 at 4:11 PM PST

UPDATE: Orange voters are rejecting a local sales tax, supporting fireworks sales as ballot counting continues

Orange voters this November are choosing whether to make their city among the latest in the county to implement a local sales tax and allow the sale of safe and sane fireworks for the Fourth of July.

Returns as of Wednesday night showed the sales tax proposal failing by a narrow margin while the approval of fireworks sales appeared likely to pass.

If Measure AA passes, the City Council will have the authority to set restrictions on who may sell fireworks and when and where they may be sold and discharged. And, the fire chief would have the authority to ban fireworks in what he deems high-risk fire areas.

See the latest election results.

Eleven cities in Orange County, including Anaheim, Santa Ana, Garden Grove and Villa Park — which neighbor Orange — allow the sale of state-regulated “safe and sane fireworks” before the July 4 holiday, which proponents say help community groups in those cities raise hundreds of thousands of dollars annually.

A “no” vote on Measure AA would leave in place Orange’s existing fireworks ordinance, which permits only supervised public fireworks displays approved by the city.

Measure Z proposes a half-cent sales tax in Orange for 10 years to raise revenue for the city. If the measure is approved, the sales tax rate in Orange will increase from the 7.75% base paid in all Orange County cities, which includes a half-cent collected for transportation needs, to 8.25%.

City officials say the augmentation would generate approximately $19 million per year in local revenue, helping to fund public safety and maintain community services. Detractors say higher taxes would not necessarily lead to better city services.

Orange has faced an escalating structural budget deficit for more than a decade. This summer, the City Council made millions of dollars in cuts to municipal services to slash the deficit that had grown to $19.1 million and was projected to get even larger in fiscal year 2024-25.

Recently, the city has frozen unfilled public safety positions and denied cost of living adjustments to city staff. And, officials say Orange faces a multi-million dollar annual shortfall to maintain streets and street lighting equipment in good condition.

Both measures need a simple majority of voters in favor to win.

The Registrar of Voters said results will be updated daily at 5 p.m., except on weekends, until the counting is complete.