Saddleback, CA November 2025

The Thankful Issue

H O N O RIN G OU R V ETERANS SEASON OF THANKS - HEARTFELT STORIES TO INSPIRE GRATITUDE N OV E M B E R 2 02 5

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

A Time for Reflection & Giving Thanks

November 2025 PUBLISHER

Toral Parmar | toral.parmar@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R

Lauren Lenyi | lauren.lenyi@citylifestyle.com

November is a time when we are naturally invited to pause, reflect, and count our blessings.

Thanksgiving is more than a date on the calendar — it’s a beautiful reminder to be present, to share moments with those we love, and to give back to the communities that shape our lives.

In the midst of our busy schedules and valiantly striving to acheive the next goal, it’s easy to forget the importance of simply enjoying the journey. True fulfillment doesn’t come from titles, possessions, or accolades — it comes from living with intention, appreciating those who walk alongside us, and becoming the very best version of ourselves.

This issue of Saddleback City Lifestyle is dedicated to gathering, gratitude, and giving back. I am deeply thankful for the residents, businesses, and organizations that make our city such a vibrant and inspiring place to live. And to our advertising partners — thank you for believing in our mission. Your support makes it possible for us to deliver uplifting stories and share the good news of our community with thousands of homes and businesses each month.

As we gather with family and friends around our tables this Thanksgiving, I invite you to join me in giving special thanks to the men and women who have served our country. Happy Veterans Day to each of you who has worn the uniform.

Your courage and sacrifice allow us to live in freedom, and for that, we are profoundly grateful. This issue is dedicated to you.

May this season be a reminder to reflect on what truly matters, to give generously, and to express gratitude often.

With heartfelt thanks & many blessings to you and your loved ones,

P U B L I CAT I O N D I R E C TO R

Nick Parmar | nick.parmar@citylifestyle.com P H OTO E D I TO R

Travis Shields | shieldsfilms@gmail.com C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R

Travis Shields

Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt President Matthew Perry COO David Stetler CRO Jamie Pentz CoS Janeane Thompson AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle

T O R A L PA R M A R , P U B L I S H E R @ S A D D L E B A C KC I T Y L I F E S T Y L E

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Saddleback City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Saddleback area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle

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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Saddleback City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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inside the issue NOVE MBER 2 0 2 5 | T HA N KF U L

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Featured

12 14 18 24 6

12 Departments

A Tribute to Service & Sacrifice Honoring our hometown heroes

An Attitude of Gratitude Success is Infinite!

Surviving Banjo Biroe

Achieving the American Dream: Charlotte Van Steenbergen’s Story

From One Melting Pot to Another "One customer at a time, that’s how we measure success."

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Lifestyle Letter

8

City Scene

10

Business Monthly

12

Hometown Hero LIFE + CULTURE

14

Hair Care STYLE + BEAUTY

16

Giving Back LIFE + CULTURE

18

Local Limelight LIFE + CULTURE

24

Chef ’s Selection FOOD + BEVERAGE

28

How To HOME + DESIGN

30

Local’s Choice LIFE + CULTURE

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Events

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NOVEMBER 2025

city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

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1: Orange County Sheriff's Department at Fire Station 24 for the 9/11 Patriot Day remembrance ceremony 2: Grand Opening of salon Dûe Pompeii 3: Russian School of Math's Meet the Teachers and Principal Event 4: Fit Body Boot Camp Field Trip to Moulton Ranch Park 5: Refined Radiance Aesthetics' End of Summer Event Specials 6: Founder and CEO, Dave Welch of B.spoke at Mercedes-Benz of Laguna Niguel's Stars, Style, and Stocks Event 7: Roland Trudel of Custom Comfort Mattress at Mercedes-Benz of Laguna Niguel's Stars, Style, and Stocks Event

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C I T Y SC E N E

I F YO U A R E READING THIS...

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NOVEMBER 2025

business monthly A R O U N D U P O F N E W S F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S

Connection Tots Starting this October, Connection Therapy Clinic will be launching its new Parent & Me style program Connection Tots, designed for kids ages 1.5 - 5 and their parents, too! Their team of therapists will meet your kids' needs, celebrate every small win, and support parents with tools to use every single day. Sessions are on Mondays and Fridays. Spots are limited, so reserve your place using the QR code.

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ClubSport's Free Guest Day To celebrate Club Sports Renaissance's seventeen years of community and connection, on the 17th of every month, ClubSport now invites members to share their experience with a friend or co-worker completely free! To learn more, scan their QR code.

Wise Choices Realty The housing market is steady, even with higher rates, insurance, and HOA fees.

Homes may take longer to sell, but prices should stay level. With fewer listings and cautious buyers, timing is key. Wise Choices Realty’s flat-fee commissions make buying and selling more affordable. Scan the QR code to learn more.

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B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

Nirvana by Chef Lindsay’s à la carte Thanksgiving Elevate your Thanksgiving with Nirvana’s Thanksgiving to Go, crafted by Chef Lindsay. Build your perfect holiday feast with their à la carte menu featuring clean, organic ingredients—with vegan options available too. Choose from appetizers, salads, main dishes, sides, and desserts, all so delicious, you’ll want to invite more friends! Pick up your order between 1:30 and 3:00 PM on Thanksgiving Day, November 27. Order now for a stress-free, unforgettable holiday meal!

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September Business of the Month The Aliso Viejo City Council recognized Urbane Café as the city’s business of the month for September. Urbane Café, located in the Aliso Viejo Town Center, is known for making accessible, affordable, wholesome & clean food from scratch.

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A Tribute to Service & Sacrifice HONORING OUR HOMETOWN HEROES

ARTICLE BY LAUREN LENYI

A rt u ro A . Hu er ta Jr., active 19 9 0 - 1996 United States Marine Corps Huerta Jr. joined the Marine Corps in 1990 at the age of seventeen, during Operation Desert Shield. He served one year of active duty and, at the end of the Operation Desert Storm Campaign, joined the reserves with Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 14th Marines, Pico Rivera, CA. He is deeply grateful for his family, community, country, and the U.S. military.

Arturo A. Huerta Jr.

Ka ren “K acey ” Ive son, active 1990 - 1996 United States Marine Corps Iveson also joined the United States Marine Corps in 1990. She was stationed in Okinawa and Camp Pendleton, working as both a welder and an administrative clerk. Her favorite Holiday is Thanksgiving, as it is a time to remember all the blessings we have in our lives, even when we are facing challenges.

Karen “Kacey” Iveson

Dave Mc C u l l ou g h , active 1969 - 1971 United States Army McCullough joined the United States Army in 1969, going on to achieve the rank of Specialist E-4. He was trained at Ford Ord, stationed at Fort Sill, and ultimately sent to the Artillery Battalion in Germany. He is grateful to the U.S. soldiers who gave their lives during the Vietnam War. Dave McCullough

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H OM E TOWN H E R O | L I FE + CU LT U RE

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An Attitude of Gratitude

S UCC E SS I S I N F I N ITE !

ARTICLE BY LAUREN LENYI

For Olesya Ruffo, an attitude of gratitude is not limited to November. Regardless of the season, this mother of two and salon owner is always finding new ways to show her appreciation for her staff and community.

Originally born in Kazakhstan, Ruffo moved to Seattle, Washington, at the age of nine. Later, her family settled in Laguna Hills, where she still resides. Her passion for haircare began when she found work as a receptionist at a hair salon. Since then, she has made it her mission to not only become a fantastic hairstylist but also own a salon.

Olesya has been working at Salon Pompei in Mission Viejo for sixteen years, and three years ago, she took over the business

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H AIR CA R E | STYL E + BEAU T Y

entirely. In 2019, fully committed to fulfilling her goals, she even purchased a house close to the salon, as she knew that, in the future, she’d buy the business.

Under her guidance, Salon Pompei her first business, transformed from a slow, little shop to a lively, luxurious salon. She credits her success to the synergy of her twenty-seven stylists and staff members, who all nurture the positive environment that Ruffo originally implemented. To foster this environment and ensure that Ruffo’s goals of treating her stylists with understanding and respect are met, she uses her experience to work alongside, mentor, educate, and uplift her staff. She notes that to maintain this harmonious atmosphere alive, the work must first start with

Dûe Pompeii Grand Opening

the owner. Further, she praises the hospitality and dedication of her team, stating, “the reason why I'm focusing so much and talking about stylists so much is because without stylists, there's no clients.

Without clients, there’s no salon.”

For over six months, Olesya prepared to open her second salon, Dûe Pompeii. Though it was not just the success of Salon Pompei that inspired her to open another salon, Ruffo stated her main source of inspiration arose when she realized, “I was getting some incredible hairdressers wanting to work for me, and I had nowhere to put them.

That's honestly been so hard and heartbreaking.

Because I want them to succeed.”

Dûe Pompeii offers a range of hair care services, including hairstyles, cuts, and facial treatments, and recently celebrated its grand opening on September 11th. The salon borders Mission Viejo Lake, an area that holds a special place in Ruffo’s

“It warms my heart hearing the stylists say, I've never been in such a great work atmosphere.”

Dûe Pompeii interior

heart due to the sense of community and local support. In order to express her gratitude towards this community, she often fundraises money for locals in need and actively mentors other local business owners, too.

“That's my whole thing. If I can support small businesses, I will. Success is infinite; we can all have success.”

While Olesya Ruffo juggles two salons, a beautiful family, and her personal life, she still makes time to host her annual Friendsgiving.

An event exclusive to her staff in which they share food, laughter, and appreciation for each other. All in the hopes of strengthening relationships between clients, stylists, and the owner, as she states, the success of any business “really takes a team.” Once again, portraying an attitude of gratitude that transcends November and resonates year-round.

“Every hair service that you can imagine, we have a stylist to do it.”

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HO PE Begins with YOU

A SEASON TO SEE THE UNSEEN 16

G IV IN G BAC K | L I FE + C ULT U RE

“We send a message:

T

he holidays have a way of calling us back to what matters most—faith, family, compassion, and the quiet but powerful act of giving. As lights go up and calendars fill, there are still many who sit in silence, carrying burdens too heavy to bear alone. But what if this season, you could be the spark that changes everything for someone else?

The founders of City Lifestyle, through their private foundation, are once again launching its annual Christmas Giving Campaign—a heartfelt effort to seek out and support individuals and families who have quietly fallen through the cracks. The mission is simple: to bring light, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.

Since its beginning just four years ago, this initiative has grown from a humble idea into a life-changing movement.

Last Christmas alone, more than 200 families across the country received unexpected support—financial relief, but also something even more powerful.

“We don’t just send checks,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”

Together with City Lifestyle President Matthew Perry, Steven has helped shape this into a tradition that goes far beyond charity. “This is about community,” Matthew adds. “We believe we’ve been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing.”

Every story begins with a nomination. Often, it’s a neighbor, coworker, friend, or teacher—someone who’s been quietly carrying too much for too long. One past recipient, after receiving unexpected support during a time of deep personal struggle, wrote:

SCAN TO NOMINATE

You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”

“Beyond the very practical solution of receiving funds to fix my car, this thing you guys worked together to do is bigger than that. I carry the Christmas card you sent in my purse. When things get really hard, I pull it out and remember what it felt like to be seen. That card represents hope— that change for the better is possible. I’m not sure how many people get to carry hope around in their purse. But I do.”

Another wrote in after her husband was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and unable to work: “This support has blessed our family not only financially, but emotionally and spiritually as we trust God to meet our needs throughout this difficult time. Thank you to our anonymous friend and to your foundation. What a joy and gift to be part of God’s family!”

Each year brings countless stories like these—real lives touched by simple acts of kindness. Some use the funds to pay overdue bills, others to afford groceries, medication, or repairs. But no matter the circumstance, the impact is the same: hope is restored.

This season, you have the opportunity to be part of that.

The campaign is now open to nominations—completely confidential and prayerfully considered. Whether it’s someone battling illness, facing unemployment, or just in need of a helping hand, you can bring them a moment of grace that will ripple far beyond Christmas morning.

“Knowing my mom was chosen filled my heart with indescribable joy,” said another past recipient. “Your generosity doesn’t just brighten her life; it inspires hope and faith in all of us. It enables her to stay in her home and get back on her feet.”

Nominations are open from November 1st to December 5th, 2025. To submit someone you know, simply scan the QR code or visit @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the nomination form in the bio.

This holiday season, let’s give more than gifts. Let’s give each other the gift of being seen. Because sometimes, the smallest gesture becomes someone’s greatest miracle.

To nominate someone in need, visit: KingdomBuildingFoundation.org or scan the QR code.

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Surviving Banjo Biroe Achieving the American Dream: Charlotte Van Steenbergen’s Story ARTICLE BY LAUREN LENYI PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHARLOTTE VAN STEENBERGEN

C H A R L O T T E V A N S T E E N B E R G E N

Charlotte, her daughter, and grandson visiting the Statue of Liberty

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LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L I FE + CU LT U RE

At about three years old, Charlotte Van Steenbergen was whisked away from the reality she had grown accustomed to. At the time the Pacific War was raging in the Dutch East Indies, later renamed Indonesia.

Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Dutch East Indies declared war on Japan, and shortly thereafter, the Japanese invaded and occupied the territory from 1942 to 1945.

Mrs. Van Steenbergen's father had already left to help the Dutch fight when soldiers invaded the home and forced the rest of her family into the Banjo Biroe Concentration Camp in Ambarawa. Within this hostile environment, Charlotte's mother took on the daunting task of protecting and raising her kids, one of whom was only six months old.

For three and a half years, the Van Steenbergens struggled daily. Charlotte recalled the lengths to which many people would go to get basic supplies, “My mom had to barter for all the comforts… including bedding, clothing, and toiletries.” her mother was only able to trade within the camp using the money and jewelry she had stowed away in the bodice of a small doll, pictured below.

Throughout her time in Banjoe Biroe, Charlotte remained uncertain about the fate of her father, as did the rest of the Van Steenbergen family. They tried to hold onto some hope even after being told that he had died at sea. To keep their family connected, Charlotte’s mother would read the kids a bedtime story every night before having her children

kiss a small locket that housed a picture of her husband, their father.

Though Charlotte Van Steenbergen could recall much of the punishments and harsh treatment endured by those interned in the camp, she focused more on the positive and life-changing experiences during and after the war. Noting that her mother would regularly tell the children, “Tomorrow will be a better day. Tomorrow we might go home.” After three and a half painful years, Charlotte talks about the day the Allies, specifically the Americans, liberated her and her family, noting the reason: “because there is a code: the Americans will never leave anyone behind.”

Once liberated, the family was placed in the back of a Jeep headed for Holland. Mrs. Van Steenbergen recalls

her baby sister, who was now four years old, watching the other cars pass by when suddenly, “she saw this man and recognized him as her papa [from the] photograph, and yelled, ‘Papa!'” The jeep turned around, and Charlotte's little sister leapt into her Papa’s arms for the first time, marking the beginning of a true family reunion.

Having been reunited, the Van Steenbergens stayed in a house in Holland before Charlotte's father found a program that allowed displaced refugees to come to America. In 1957, the resilient family arrived by ship, sailing past the Statue of Liberty into New York. A symbolic moment that resonates with Charlotte to this day. From there, they took a train to Southern California.

To be admitted into the United States, at the time, immigrants had to have a sponsor who would provide them with CONTINUED >

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financial support for five years. A church adopted the Van Steenbergens, in a sense, and supplied them, not just a community but a fully furnished house, clothes, and a TV, among many other items that the family now saw as luxury.

Since then, Charlotte has made it her mission to enjoy American life to the fullest and thank the veterans who saved her. Stating that “Not only did they rescue my parents, but if they hadn’t, you know, I wouldn't be here, my kids wouldn't be here. So it's a generational sacrifice that our military troops make for our country.” She continues to proclaim that living in America is a dream come true, and she will always be indebted to this sacrificial country. Later in life, Mrs. Van Steenbergen even went on to sponsor other families in need of assistance who were looking for a better place to call home. She professes that her “gratitude is forever, and it is based on what I received here in America.”

Charlotte discussed how, after many years, she found forgiveness, saying that she was allowed by God to abhor the perpetration, but was commanded to love the perpetrator. When asked about what she would like to tell the younger generation, she said, “Become better, not bitter. Do not take things for granted; this is only temporary.” If you want to know more of Charlotte Van Steenbergen’s story, you can read her published memoir, Meisje: I Met God in Hell: A Young Girl's Journey to Forgiveness, where she recounts her journey, road to healing, and gratitude for America and its veterans.

The doll and the locket NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/SA D D L E BAC K

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Asian Kitchen Exterior

From One Melt i ng Pot to A nother "One customer at a time, that’s how we measure success."

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C HE F ’S SE LE CT ION | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

community, her resolve to open a restaurant only strengthened.

Since 2019, Chef Lauren has made certain that her menu stays dynamic, stating, “We continue to introduce items that most restaurants are afraid to consider.

We listen to our customers' feedback and make necessary changes to meet their tastes.” The Chef acknowledges that satisfying her customers’ appetites is a highly interpersonal experience, always infusing her food with joy you can taste.

Recently, Lauren has introduced a new happy hour to the restaurant. Beginning 3:00 - 5:00 PM, Thursdays through Sundays, offering discounts on most wines, beers, specific entrees, and appetizers. Ever committed to culinary perfection and endlessly motivated by her customers’ satisfaction, the Chef also hopes to expand her business across South Orange County. But, for now, she continues to work tirelessly and simply looks forward to “having the opportunity to serve you.”

ARTICLE BY LAUREN LENYI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TRAVIS SHIELDS

Thirty-nine years ago, Chef Lauren Lian immigrated from Singapore to America with a dream of owning a restaurant with a dining experience that allowed customers to taste new flavors and immerse themselves in another culture. A restaurant that highlights her roots while personalizing and elevating traditional Chinese cuisine.

Her journey to achieving her goals began in her early twenties: “I first arrived in the U.S.innocent, naive, and fearless. I worked in a few restaurants and started to understand American culture. After years of interacting with customers, I began to take on a different perspective of American life and started to enjoy and appreciate the freedom this great country offers.”

The inspiration behind Asian Kitchen came from Chef Lauren’s upbringing in Singapore, a melting pot of cultures and cuisines. After moving to the U.S. and experiencing a similarly diverse

Asian Kitchen Interior

Kon Pao Tofu

Asian Kitchen Bar

“

" We h o p e t h a t eve r yo n e who walks out our doors i s h a p p y a n d s a t i s f i e d ."

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thanksgiving

cornucopia H o w To D e c o r a t e Ta b l e s With Noteworthy November Flair ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON

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H OW TO | HO ME + DES I GN

• An old dough bowl or wood trencher makes a great low centerpiece when filled with seasonal pumpkins, gourds, pinecones and flowering branches.

• Fill a stoneware sugar bowl with seeded eucalyptus, chrysanthemums and pears.

• Use one or a nest of baskets, floral foam and some blooms to craft a themed stunner.

• Incorporate family heirlooms by using an inherited (or thrifted) antique teapot, surrounded by other vintage finds.

• Stack two cake plates on top of each other with bite-size edibles; add other, shorter floral arrangements in pitchers or vases, if desired.

• Add soft candlelight with rustic textures of wood and lots of fall color via an assortment of fresh and faux gourds, silk sunflowers and dried seed pods.

use vintage f inds Whether traditional or modern, formal or fussfree, Thanksgiving centerpieces set a memorable ambiance for November gatherings.

Make an edible bread cornucopia, ‘horn of plenty,’ for the Thanksgiving table using refrigerated bread or pizza dough, a plastic bottle mold and aluminum foil. Wrap the bottle with foil, make a tail at one end and then layer adjoining strips of dough on the foil. Brush cornucopia with melted butter, remove the plastic bottle and bake at 350 F for 25 to 30 minutes on the lower rack, or until it turns a golden, shiny brown. Fill with sweet or savory nibbles, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, gourds, nuts, rosemary breadstick twists or even cookies, for an impressive centerpiece that’ll keep guests happily munching while they wait for the main meal to begin.

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ARTICLE BY LAUREN LENYI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY PUMPKIN CITY & ADOBE STOCK

Beyond the Pumpkin Patch YEAR ROUND TRADITIONS, EVENTS, AND HEARTWARMING MEMORIES.

Pumpkin City is back in town! Recently, earning the Moulton Award recognizing Pumpkin City's lasting impact and community spirit, their seasonal events and activities have returned to Laguna Hills. First established in 1978, Pumpkin City has since evolved, now offering so much more than its famous Pumpkin Patch.

What can you look forward to?

October is not just a time for tricks and treats; it's also when Pumpkin City presents its Fall Festival with games, children’s rides, food, and live entertainment. This month also welcomes Oktoberfest, featuring a lively German band, specialty beers, and delicious meals.

Starting the day after Thanksgiving, the farm transforms into a winter wonderland, showcasing spirited Christmas trees, tunes, and festive décor. They offer services such as flocking, netting, loading, delivering, and installing your perfect Christmas tree.

Leap into the New Year by enjoying one of Pumpkin City’s five strawberry locations. Beginning early Spring throughout June, guests can buy fresh locally grown strawberries and enjoy a mouthwatering taste of Spring.

Over time, Pumpkin City has become a cherished tradition for many families. Although many see Pumpkin City as a magical seasonal experience, it also provides local jobs and supports the community, offering a welcome respite during the busy holiday months.

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NOVEMBER 2025

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NOVEMBER 4 TH

Caring for Your Baby - Class 26732 Crown Valley Pkwy #171-C, Mission Viejo, CA 92691 | 5:30 PM Mission Hospitals Women’s Wellness Center is offering in-person prenatal classes for new or soon-to-be parents.

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Niguel Botanical Preserve Fall Planting 29751 Crown Valley Parkway Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 | 9:00 AM The Niguel Botanical Preserve is looking for volunteers for their Fall Planting Project! Volunteers will plant, add mulch, weed, and clean up designated areas. Materials, water, and snacks will be provided. Pre-registration is free and required with the Parks and Recreation Department.

NOVEMBER 8TH - 9 TH

Orange County Wine Festival 88 Fair Drive Costa Mesa, CA 92626 | 12:00 PM The Orange County Wine Festival is coming back for two days at the OC Fair & Event Center. General Admission tickets come with a complimentary wine glass and three hours of wine tasting. Ticket Prices and session times may vary. +21 only.

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N OV E M BE R 1 1 T H

Veterans Day Ceremony 24602 Aliso Creek Road Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 | 11:00 AM The City of Laguna Niguel invites you to their Veterans Day Ceremony to honor our valiant veterans. It is free to enter and will include a guest speaker, Color Guard presentation, and Recognition of Veterans in Attendance.

N OV E M BE R 2 7 T H

Annual Turkey Trot 2 Tierno Road, Rancho Mission Viejo, CA | 8:00 AM Rancho Mission Viejo will be hosting its 9th Annual Turkey Trot run. The run begins at The Pavilion on Tierno Road and ends at Sendero Field. Races include the 1K, 5K, and 10K. Prices vary depending on race.

N OV E M BE R 3 0 T H

Santa’s Arrival & Lighting Ceremony Civic Center Plaza 200 Civic Center Dr. Mission Viejo | 3:00 PM Get into the Holiday spirit and watch as Mission Viejo lights up in celebration of Santa’s arrival! This free, family-friendly event will include crafts, snacks, a petting zoo, and live performances. Happy Holidays!

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