Ladera Ranch
The community of Ladera Ranch has several features that differentiate it from most others. For example, many traffic speed-reducing measures were put into use. Roundabouts, for example, are commonplace on smaller intersections. Narrow street widths are characteristics of Ladera Ranch’s small residential streets. Landscaped street medians are common, even on two-lane collector streets like O’Neill,…Read More »
Mission Viejo
Mission Viejo was a hilly region primarily used as cattle and sheep grazing land, since it was of little use to farmers. This city was one of the last regions of Orange County to be urbanized due to its geologic complexity. Mission Viejo was purchased by John Forster, a Mexican also known as Don Juan.…Read More »
Irvine
Irvine was inhabited by the Gabrielino indigenous group about 2,000 years ago. Gaspar de Portolà, a Spanish explorer, came to the area in 1769. This brought on the establishment of forts, missions and herds of cattle. The King of Spain parceled out land for missions and private use. After Mexico’s independence from Spain in 1821,…Read More »
Aliso Viejo
With rolling hillside and valley terrain boasting picturesque views of mountains, streams, lush trails, pristine parks and city lights, Aliso Viejo is the envy of other cities throughout Orange County. The City offers a bevy of amenities that mirror its motto of “Live, Work, Learn, Shop and Play” and its City slogan: “Aliso Viejo –…Read More »
Laguna Hills
Laguna Hills is built on one of the major land grants developed during the Rancho Era. Following Mexico’s independence from Spain in 1821, those who had served in the government or who had friends in authority, were given vast lands for cattle grazing. Rancho Lomas de Santiago, Rancho San Joaquin, and Rancho Niguel covered much…Read More »
Laguna Niguel
Over one-third of Laguna Niguel is designated as open space. This significant amount of open space is one of the key features defining the character and urban form of the City. The City has 2 community parks, 23 neighborhood parks, 3 mini-parks, 1 dog park, 2 county regional parks, 2 small county parks and the…Read More »
Dana Point
Incorporated in 1989, the City of Dana Point is named after Richard Henry Dana Jr. (1815-1882), a Harvard-trained lawyer, seaman, and author of the classic sea journal, Two Years Before the Mast (1840). In his journal, Dana documents his voyage from Boston around Cape Horn to California on the merchant ship, Pilgrim. Therein, Dana describes…Read More »


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