Another fun day picking trash at the beach. I got 20lbs or so in about a half hour. The locals and…read morebicyclists always thank everyone they see picking trash keeping the beach clean

Wanted to get a quick review in for the Coastkeeper experience that we had last weekend. OC…read moreCoasktkeeper runs several beach cleanups a month, one at Huntington Beach, and one down at San Clemente, you can get the exact location and timing via their website. You will need to go and sign up on their website ( it looked like they did signups at the beach as well) so sign the waiver, etc. It's very basic they give you gloves, a bag to place the trash in, and a device to pickup the trash. They give you a safety brief and off you go! What we did was after checking in at 9am, we walked a large loop that took us about 90 mins or so to complete. There was less trash on the beach than I expected but it was fun to go out with some people and chat while enjoying the view of the beach, and to help out with cleanup efforts. This is something a family, or a group could do together for fun. Or of course by yourself, it's still fun. The staff was very nice and informative, and we are looking forward to doing this again. Thanks! 7

I went to a number of foreign countries, and during whenever I went, I would try to go to an…read moreorphanage or a home for children. And I was seeing thousands of kids around the world that needed homes -- Sam Brownback It is not the physical pain that endangers orphans the most. It is the mental pain caused by stress from years and years of being neglected, pushed aside, disregarded, unloved, and made to feel undeserving, and in almost all cases, made to feel like a possession rather than an equal human being. Even more it is the lack of unconditional love, the right to be accepted, as a child and to be loved, as a child, no matter what you do is the most wounding. -- Roger Dean Kiser, from Orphan - A true Story of Abandonment, Abuse and Redemption. Part II of Sidney Writes About Doing Good The Roger Kiser quote completely devastated me the first time that I read it. And I'm not ashamed to admit that I cried. It crystallized for me everything I felt growing up...everything that I wanted in this life. I grew up in a broken home...never knew my Father...my mom was a struggling single mom with two kids. She worked full time, and then being a child of the 60's, partied like that was her second full time job. I knew with my son, that I had to be 100% different...that even though my relationship did not work out, he would always know the unconditional love and support that I never had. He is indeed lucky that he has two parents that love and adore him very much. It also explains why I feel so strongly that everyone needs to give back to their community. This whole nonsense of "I Built That" is just that: nonsense. So much of one's success is nothing more than an accident of birth (not that enough people get that). I always want to ask the typical OC preening peacock: What if you were born a slave? Or a Chinese peasant? Or a woman in the Dark Ages? Or in the middle of the Somalian or Congo Civil War? How magnificent would you be then? It is what I try and teach my son especially since he is growing up in the bubble of the OC with no real wants or needs unmet. He got lucky with two loving parents who adore him and who have the financial resources to take care of him. Corazon de Vida Foundation supports a dozens orphanages in Baja California. Per the website: "As some background, Mexico does not have a foster care system to support children in need due to neglect, abuse, or abandonment. There is no welfare system to help families with a single parent that is unable to provide for their children. So, the only way to support families and children in need is through a network of orphanages. At last count, there are approximately 50 orphanages in Baja California, Mexico. Most are located close to the border because most of their support comes from the US." They run several trips a month to the homes where individuals or groups can visit the children (and play and interact) or do needed service. You can also sponsor a child, donate online, host a party or make a difference in a variety of other ways. Now, many of my Yelp friends enjoy Sababa in Long Beach. Corazon is hosting a social soiree for only $10.00 on October 17th. Tickets can be purchased here: http://oct17soiree.eventbrite.com/ There will be a appetizers, drinks, a raffle. And hey, I will be there too :) It is a tremendous organization that does an amazing amount of work for the neglected children of Mexico. (And I promise, we will leave the earnestness and seriousness of these past two reviews and do something a bit funnier on my next write-up!)

I have been going to the trips to Tijuana for over 1 year and I can definitely say this…read moreorganization is awesome! I am a sponsor and I suggest you to go to one of the trips and have the experience that will change your life forever. These kids give you so much love that you will go back home wanting more and more. Don't forget ... "Your actions today will be your lawyer in the future... Be a good person!"

We came for a party hosted by a friend at the Meadows Activity Center today, my first visit to this…read morefacility. I remember only a couple of years ago this whole area was the Nakase Nursery, then Toll Brothers developed it into a 600+ units residential community. My first impression of the activity center is roomy and luxurious. The outside courtyard is large and lined in artificial turf. It has a sheltered BBQ grill on the south side and a gazebo on the north, and a large pool area accessible from inside. The interior space includes a multi-purpose room, 3 enclosed work areas with a a table and 2 chairs each, and a large "co-work" area perfect for any family events. There are several large internet enabled TVs in the co-work area. Very impressive. The free Wi-Fi provides good internet connection so any resident can enjoy the view, sipping coffee while working away from home. There is a large sign that requests event attendees not to venture but into the pool area.

I have been posting TB review on Google maps The site keeps taking down my reviews on a daily…read morebasis. I keep reposting as this is a genuine review based on personal home buying experience in SoCal. I am posting it here for potential buyers awareness. Our home buying journey with Toll Brothers (TB) was a disappointment. From the initial stages of home selection to the closing process and even months after, we were repeatedly misled by the sales team. Throughout the selection process, we were consistently presented with plans and repeatedly assured--both verbally and in writing (lot plans, tract maps, sales brochures, and community maps displayed in the sales office)--that our backyard would abut a road and that no homes would be constructed directly behind our backyard wall. Privacy and a reasonably sized backyard were significant factors in our home buying decision. We specifically rejected several quick move-in homes presented during the selection phase because they had homes facing the backyard. However, circumstances changed unexpectedly when TB abruptly advanced our closing date. Although this initially seemed like a positive development, our excitement was short-lived. At no point during our final walkthrough or on the closing day did the sales team disclose any changes to site plans. We were shocked to discover the Sequoias development only when construction commenced behind our property this year. It is particularly concerning that this construction began shortly after most homes on our tract were sold, strongly suggesting that the sales team were aware of these plans but failed to disclose them to prospective buyers, including ourselves and our neighbors, who were directly impacted. This experience has left us feeling misled and disappointed by the lack of transparency from TB. Instead of addressing and remediating these concerns raised by homeowners, TB has consistently shielded itself behind the extensive fine print in their agreements. This lack of accountability further exacerbates the frustration and disappointment experienced by affected homeowners. This pattern of behavior appears to be a recurring theme at least with the local SoCal TB offices. Prospective buyers should carefully review other related matters, such as the elementary school building proposition, which took an unexpected turn, further disappointing community residents while directly benefiting Toll Brothers' business interests. It would be interesting to see if TB' corporate executives have a stance related to such business practices.

My men's group decided to volunteer a shift here. The wait to find a open weekend spot for us all…read morewas a couple of months. When the morning arrived, we were met by a check-in person, who in turn gave us some quick notes and passed us off to get instructed/assigned to our tasks. There was plenty of staff to get us up to speed so that we could be productive (harvesting celery and onions). The time flew and at our first break, were informed of all the wonderful things that the farm does and who/how many people it reaches who are without food. A very rewarding experience and also a good workout. I hope to come back and volunteer again.

The Incredible Edible Farm at the Great Park is an urban farm where Second Harvest Food Bank grows…read morefresh produce to feed the hungry. Great place to volunteer and bring out your inner farmer. Volunteers of all ages are welcomed to help plant, weed, and harvest at the Incredible Edible Farm (by appointment only). The staff is friendly and delegates the tasks efficiently; they also monitor if you need help. For our shift, we pulled weeds, harvested cabbage leafs (for burrito wrap in place tortilla), and picked ripe oranges. Fun experience, the labor makes you appreciate and respect farmers and not waste any food! TIP: 1. This is a popular site which operates Tuesday-Saturdays, 8:30am-11:00am and 1:00pm-3:30pm. Saturday shifts fill out 6 months in advance! 2. Bring a pair of gardening gloves. 3. During cloudy/misty weather, wear waterproof clothing or stuff you don't mind getting wet and muddy. 4. Volunteer shifts continue if it drizzles a bit, but will terminate in downpour. 5. Take your break as needed.

I think everybody should volunteer as much as they can. Second Harvest is a great place to…read morevolunteer! It truly makes such a difference when we come together as a community to help those in need. They make everything so easy and everyone here is always so welcoming! Stephanie and Jason are the two that are usually in the front helping you check in, so I have been able to talk to them the most. They both have such kind hearts and always make sure your experience here is great. Everything works smoothly here and the staff explain what to do perfectly. You start by watching a video that talks more about what Second Harvest is and what to expect during your volunteer shift. My personal favorite is grocery rescue, which is where you go to the cooler in the back and sort the good and the bad items that they receive from grocery stores. There are plenty of other options, depending on the day, like order pulling, crate washing, processing, bag cutting, etc. These are just some of the opportunities that they offer at the distribution center. They also have their own farm where you can spend your time picking the produce straight from the ground! Overall, this is such a great place to volunteer at. In the warehouse, they also show where all their products get distributed to. Below is a list of all the food banks in the area, if you ever need it!

This is a great place to volunteer if you want to do something good for others. The staff has…read morealways been nice and accommodating when giving me instructions. FYI You can also donate directly to the other website if you wish to contribute and can't volunteer your time. We need more places like this when so many people are dealing with food insecurity.

Have been going to this pantry for the past year. The food selection is hit or miss, if it looks…read morebarren in there, it probably is, but other days there's more than plenty to go around. I have never had an issue with a staff member here. I've been treated with respect, dignity, and politely by friendly people. I've seen rudeness between clients, however most of the time everyone is cordial and pleasant. You are allowed to browse most of the pantry yourself and select your groceries from a list with your family's allotment of each particular item. You walk around shopping with a clip board, pretty straight forward. The staff typically man the fridge and allow you to select what you like and they bag the refrigerated products for you right at the counter. There's a nice big waiting room, a clean bathroom, and plenty of friendly people around doing a lot of work to bring good food to those of us in need. Additional resources are available on a Posterboard outside the office, like local job training, free counseling and such. Really glad SCO has been there for my family

South County Outreach truly cares about the community. They provide food, rental assistance, and…read moreeducation courses.

People should go on by the Club. AA can always use the attention. It's not too big a place or very…read moretoo small a place. Great place for AA "Orientation", listening to others or listening about yourself. Sharing with others or others sharing with yourself.

I love this place is one of the most beautiful Alano clubs I think in the world so grateful to have…read morethis in orange county California. Great recovery meetings 7 days a week

A solid educational experience for young ones. The care staff show towards the rescued marine…read moremammals here is very touching. Do take your kids here to raise awareness in a positive way on how to give back to the environment!

Our daughter Simone who attends Western University told us…read moreabout Pacific Marine Mammal Center in Laguna Beach, This center: Rescues and treats Rehabilitates Releases Sea lions, elephant seals, harbor seals and fur seals! Educates the public about their program! Admission is free and donations are very much appreciated. Center primarily funded by donations and volunteers! Our Tour Guide and Center Volunteer Jeff Specht was awesome! We learned so much about the center! Thank you!! Limited parking at center Metered street parking! Animal Shelter next door!