Bernie Ryerson
Michelle Yegsigian
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The City of Lake Forest is located in the heart of South Orange County and the beautiful Saddleback Valley. The City's motto, "Remember the past, challenge the future," is the Lake Forest way of life. The rich heritage of the past is preserved and enhanced in this contemporary city ready to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future. Incorporated as a city in 1991, Lake Forest has been carefully master-planned to help ensure that it will always be an ideal place for business to prosper and people to live, work and play.
Don Jose Serrano settled the area, which was originally called Rancho Canada De Los Alisos (the Valley of the Sycamores), through a Mexican Land Grant in 1846. The area then became known as El Toro, named after the bulls that roamed Don Jose Serrano's ranch. For more than a century, the land remained with Don Jose and his family until financial problems forced him to turn the land over to private interests. In the early 1900's, Dwight Whiting, a resident of the area, planted 400 acres of fast-growing eucalyptus trees in this growing agricultural community as an answer to the California lumber shortage. Shortly following World War II, residential, commercial and industrial development began to replace the acres of farmland in the area. In the 1960's, master developer Occidental Petroleum decided to create a master-planned community around the  abundant trees and man-made lakes. The eucalyptus trees provided landscaping
for the new modern homes and led to the "Forest" in Lake Forest. During the peak of activity at the nearby El Toro Marine Base, the need for new homes and support services increased. Steadily, the Lake Forest area was built into the community we enjoy today.
Lake Forest is well-situated adjacent to the merger of the Interstate 5 and 405 Freeways and the Foothill and Eastern Transportation Corridors, which provide easy access to Los Angeles, San Diego, and the Inland Empire. The Orange County Airport and an Amtrak station are only minutes away.
“Lake Forest, Where Work and Life Come Together Naturally." The City's business, industrial and commercial office parks offer an excellent selection of facilities and development opportunities to meet the needs and specific requirements of varied professions and businesses, including research and development, technology, manufacturing and retail. Companies that include Oakley, Wet Seal, Del Taco corporate offices, Panasonic Avionics, Apria Healthcare, Black & Decker, Western Digital, and Wonderware Corporation flourish in Lake Forest. The City takes a proactive role in expanding existing businesses and encouraging entrepreneurial activity.
Lake Forest has the charm of a small community with the convenience of a large metropolitan city. It's the place to live the good life in beautiful, safe, well-planned neighborhoods. The environment is ideal with mild Mediterranean weather, lush green hills, groves of eucalyptus trees, lakes and style. It's family living at its finest with homes to meet all needs, including lake front homes, equestrian estates, luxury condominiums, town homes, mobile home parks and retirement communities.
Twenty public parks and the Whiting Ranch Regional Wilderness Park offer acres of great outdoor pleasure. Everything from tennis, handball, basketball and volleyball courts, tot lots, a golf course, stable, hiking, biking, and equestrian trails, cozy picnic areas and barbecues, to boating and swimming are all conveniently available within the city. There are free summer concerts in the park, theaters, community playhouse productions, special events at Heritage Hill Historical Park and City sponsored programs for all age groups.
Lake Forest has quality public schools for grades K-12, several preschools, private elementary schools, technical and trade schools within the city. Higher education is only minutes away at the University of California at Irvine, California State University at Fullerton, Chapman University, Concordia University and Saddleback and Irvine Valley Community Colleges.
Lake Forest Homes, Lake Forest Condos, Lake Forest Single Family Homes, Lake Forest Income Properties, Lake Forest Townhouses, Lake Forest Estates
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Victorian Christmas
December
Holiday entertainment, children’s crafts, living history demonstrations, historical exhibits, tours through decorated historic buildings, Santa Claus
LOCATION:
Heritage Hill Historical Park
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Spring
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Rancho Days Fiesta
May
Celebrating the history of Saddleback Valley, there will be children’s activities include piñatas, free crafts projects and a chance to make your own pottery. Help churn and taste homemade ice cream and butter, sample fresh tortillas and warm bread from the horno oven. Dip candles and grind corn while learning about the early days of Orange County.
LOCATION:
Heritage Hill Historical Park
25151 Serrano Road
Lake Forest, CA
INFORMATION:
923-2230
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Summer
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Fourth of July Parade
July
The days events start with the Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast in the morning followed by the annual Fourth of July Parade.
There is also a 5K Run/Walk that starts in the morning.
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Fall
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 Heritage Hill Historical Park
This facility preserves some of the rich cultural heritage of Orange County through its village of four historical buildings which represent distinct eras in the early development of the Saddleback Valley and El Toro areas.
This site is open Wednesday through Sunday. Guided tours through the buildings are provided.
LOCATION:
25151 Serrano Rd.
Lake Forest 92630
(949) 923-2230
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 Hamilton Oaks Vineyard
Trabuco Canyon
Tucked in Trabuco Canyon, Hamilton Oaks Winery is producing international award winning wine right here in Orange County. Created with handcrafted winemaking equipment and aged in French Oak Barrels, Hamilton Oaks Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are exquisite as are the Barbera and Mélange Du Sud. Award Winning Port, and Excellent Syrah are also now available. Served in Orange County's finest restaurants, these wines must be experienced and shared as one of Orange Counties hidden treasures. Please visit their tasting room in beautiful Trabuco Canyon. Open by appointment only.
New! - Join the Hamiliton Oaks Wine Club. Membership lets you enjoy great wines delivered conveniently and automatically to your doorstep! Approximately four bottles are shipped twice a year. No membership fees, annual cost of wine is $85 + shipping.
Tasting room Open by appointment
Please call for details - (949) 459-6913
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QUESTIONS
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