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With award-winning schools, attractive neighborhoods, and fabulous shopping, dining and entertainment, Aliso Viejo is certainly a popular place to live. The City, which is continually ranked one of the safest cities in the nation, boasts rolling hillside, valley terrain and picturesque views of mountains, streams, parks and city lights.
This South County city became Orange County’s 34th city when it incorporated on July 1, 2001 due to the efforts of the Aliso Viejo Cityhood 2000 Committee, which was responsible for introducing an initiative on the ballot for the 2001 special election. Voters passed the initiative with 93.3% in favor of incorporation.
The City of Aliso Viejo is a master planned community that was developed to contain a balance between residential neighborhoods, community parks, facilities and schools as well as an appropriate mix of business, office and retail uses. The City is home to the headquarters of several large corporations and the community features ample employment opportunities and extensive recreational facilities. The City also enjoys access to the Orange County trail system. Wood Canyon Wilderness Park is home to many rare and endangered plants and animals, along with mature oaks, sycamore and elderberry trees and year-round streams. An abundance of parks and trails, cultural and recreational activities and youth sports programs further enhance the quality of life for a community with a vision to ensure long-term viability.
In 2009, Aliso Viejo was listed as one of “America’s Top 25 Towns to Live Well” by Forbes.com. This City of roughly 47,823 ranked 16th among the top towns in the nation.
As a general law city, the City of Aliso Viejo develops policies and procedures in accordance with California State law. Aliso Viejo contracts for many of its services including police, fire, legal, public works, engineering, code enforcement, building & safety, street maintenance and street sweeping. Additional City-contracted services include animal care, and trash pick up. Library services are provided by the Orange County Library System. Landscape maintenance of most slopes, medians, and parks are administered by AVCA, with the exception of Iglesia Park, which the City owns. The City and AVCA share in the responsibility of providing an array of outstanding recreational programs, special events and activities to the community.
Aliso Viejo became Orange County’s 34th City on July 1, 2001, yet it’s a community grounded in a rich history that echoes other south Orange County cities.
The community name derives from Spanish for “old alder” or “old sycamore.”
Aliso Viejo was originally part of the 22,000-acre Moulton Ranch. In the 1890s, the Moulton family took ownership of land the Mexican government originally granted to Juan Avila in 1842. In 1976, Mission Viejo Company purchased the last 6,600 acres for a new master-planned community. The ultimate vision for Aliso Viejo was to feature neighborhoods that mix homes, workplaces, stores and services. A transit-friendly, energy-conscious and land-conserving community, Aliso Viejo was to foster a sense of community by creating a friendlier streetscape, quality infrastructure like parks, schools roads, shopping close to home, community services and neighbors that genuinely feel connected to the community and to one another in some fashion.
The county approved the master plan for the community in 1979 – and by March of 1982 – the first residential units were offered for sale. About eight months later, the first residents arrived. Shea Properties purchased the Mission Viejo Company in 1997.
In February of 1995, the Self-Governance Subcommittee of Governmental Affairs, an offshoot of the Aliso Viejo Community Association (AVCA), which was the first community-wide property owner’s association of its kind in the state, began its push to make Aliso Viejo a city. Two years later, Aliso Viejo Cityhood 2000 was born. In March of 1999, Aliso Viejo Cityhood 2000 launched a petition drive to put the question of cityhood to a community vote. On March 6, 2001, voters (more than 90 percent) overwhelmingly decided to make Aliso Viejo a city.
Posted in About Aliso Viejo.
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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 new Laguna Niguel Skate & Soccer Park. |
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People love the beautiful things...
A unique combination of personality, foresight, luck, and a good dose of marketing savvy transformed this stretch of land. But unlike so many other communities in the region, San Clemente’s geographical isolation helped protect its small-town charm from the homogeneous urban sprawl that permeates so much of this region.
As town founder Ole Hanson said in the late 1920s, “I get credit for building San Clemente. I am doing my best, but San Clemente’s development was as natural as a well-watered and fertilized tree to grow. It is on the coast. Its climate is superb. It is far enough from San Diego and Los Angeles to fill a real necessity. Besides, people love the beautiful things.”
People indeed love beautiful places and the boom in San Clemente’s population, this year reaching 67,892 in this 80 year-old community, reflects the popularity of San Clemente and the development that has transformed all of Orange County in the past century.
However, San Clemente started and has evolved differently than many of its neighboring communities.
San Clemente was among the first master planned communities built from totally open land in the United States. Before erecting a single structure on the rolling coastal hills, Ole Hanson laid out an expansive plan based on the Spanish Colonial architectural style including restaurants, a clubhouse, residences, public parks, a public pool, a fishing pier, and even equestrian trails.
Many thought Ole Hanson had lost his mind! Many thought Hanson had lost his mind, investing so much effort to build a community an hour’s distance from either Los Angeles or San Diego, the only two major cities in Southern California at the time.
In fact, his initial plan submission to the Orange County Board of Supervisors was rejected—the Board simply couldn’t imagine funding public streets when no building had yet been built.
But that didn’t stop Hanson. He opted to retain ownership of the roads, and in a stroke of marketing genius (or perhaps deception) Hanson whitewashed the unpaved roads to make them appear as clean, new concrete in the aerial photos he commissioned for his marketing brochures.
Hanson did not allow deviation from his Spanish Village dream. On a rainy day in December 1925, Ole Hanson managed to attract 600 people from Los Angeles and beyond to hear his real estate spiel. He chartered luxury limousines to transport prospective buyers; others were attracted by the free hot meals that accompanied his presentation. That was the birth of San Clemente, when average lots sold for $300. Prime lots went for $1,500. Within the first six months, Hanson set a record by selling 1,200 lots. Hanson was as “hands-on” as land developers get. Every home ownership deed mandated that residents comply with stringent Spanish Colonial Revival style guidelines, enforcing uniform handmade red tile roofs and whitewashed stucco walls. A tile and wrought iron foundry was even established in town to meet the needs of the rapidly growing community. Hanson did not allow deviation from his Spanish Village dream. In fact, if a home was built that didn’t comply with his guidelines, he would either pay for its remodeling or purchase it himself to rebuild in accordance.
Today, the Spanish Village by the Sea is more heterogeneous than Hanson had envisioned, but historic homeowners and current planning and development all reflect increasing esteem for his red-roofed, white-walled Spanish architecture dream.
As San Clemente grows, people increasingly look to the past to anchor their sense of local identity.
Historic homeowners must abide by city codes that protect the aesthetic spirit and style of early San Clemente. New development east of the 5 freeway now elevates Spanish Colonial Revival architecture to new interpretations, incorporating red roofs, balconies, and promenades as the demographics of San Clemente shift and new residents are drawn to the Mediterranean charm of this community. City development officials have leveraged new growth to funnel money into programs that reinvigorate and restore the historic downtown.
Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens Perhaps the best example of San Clemente’s increasing appreciation for its past is the exciting restoration underway at the Casa Romantica, which was Ole Hanson’s bluff top home at the time of the City’s founding. The Casa Romantica was completed in 1928, and after Hanson lost it to the bank during the Great Depression, the Casa passed through various owners. The wear and tear of time and neglect took its toll and at one point the outstanding landmark seemed destined for demolition. Fortunately, a group of local activists pushed hard for the Casa Romantica’s rescue, and directed its destiny away from commercial alternatives and toward a use that will benefit all of the community—that of a Cultural Center and Gardens.
The Casa Romantica project has garnered attention from a wide-range of San Clementeans. In addition to the lengthy list of donors who are funding its restoration, nearly 100 residents have offered to volunteer as the future site of performing and visual arts, educational programs, and world-class gardens.
Tustin has historically been a center of education in Orange County, and today continues its bright heritage with a fine program of outstanding teachers and facilities.
Tustin Unified School District Area Map
Elementary Schools | |
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Arroyo Elementary School 11112 Coronel Road Santa Ana, CA 92705-2492 (714) 730-7381 Maggie Villegas, Principal |
Barbara Benson Elementary School 12712 Elizabeth Way Tustin, CA 92780-2811 (714) 730-7531 Kelly Fresch, Principal |
Benjamin Beswick Elementary School 1362 Mitchell Avenue Tustin, CA 92780-5799 714) 730-7385 Margaret Sanders, Principal |
Helen Estock Elementary School 14741 North B Street Tustin, CA 92780-2598 (714) 730-7390 Paulette Fuller, Principal |
Guin Foss Elementary School 18492 Vanderlip Avenue Santa Ana, CA 92705-3242 (714) 730-7552 Nancy Jenkins, Principal |
Robert Heideman Elementary School 15571 Williams Street Tustin, CA 92780-4146 (714) 730-7521 Norma Lemus, Principal |
Hicks Canyon Elementary School 3817 Viewpark Ave. Irvine, CA 92602 (714) 734-1878 Pat Ahern, Principal |
Ladera Elementary School 2515 Rawlings Way Tustin, CA 92780 (714) 730-7505 Luciana Laszewski, Principal |
C. C. Lambert Elementary School 1151 San Juan Street Tustin, CA 92780-4629 (714) 730-7457 Jennifer McGhay, Principal |
Loma Vista Elementary School 13822 Prospect Avenue Santa Ana, CA 92705-2690 (714) 730-7528 Dr. Gail Levy, Principal |
Myford Elementary School 3181 Trevino Drive Irvine, CA 92602 (714) 734-1875 Nancy Lev, Principal |
W. R. Nelson Elementary School 14392 Browning Avenue Tustin, CA 92780-6338 (714) 730-7536 John Laurich, Principal |
Peters Canyon Elementary School 26900 Peters Canyon Road Tustin, CA 92782 (714) 730-7540 Janet Bittick, Principal |
Red Hill Elementary School 11911 Red Hill Avenue Santa Ana, CA 92705 (714) 730-7543 Wendy Hudson, Principal |
Jeane Thorman Elementary School 1402 Sycamore Avenue Tustin, CA 92780-6233 (714) 730-7364 Christine Matos, Principal |
Tustin Memorial Academy 12712 Browning Avenue Santa Ana, CA 92705-3402 (714) 730-7546 Cindy Agopian, Principal |
Tustin Ranch Elementary School 12950 Robinson Drive Tustin, CA 92782-0921 (714) 730-7580 Michael Shackelford, Principal |
Marjorie Veeh Elementary School 1701 San Juan Street Tustin, CA 92780-5204 (714) 730-7544 Tyler Ream, Principal |
Middle Schools | |
Columbus Tustin Middle School 17952 Beneta Way Tustin, CA 92780-2659 (714) 730-7352 Tim O'Donoghue, Principal |
A. G. Currie Middle School 1402 Sycamore Avenue Tustin, CA 92780-6233 (714) 730-7360 Karla Wells, Principal |
Hewes Middle School 13232 Hewes Avenue Santa Ana, CA 92705-2277 (714) 730-7348 Tracey Vander Hayden, Principal |
Pioneer Middle School 2700 Pioneer Road Tustin, CA 92782 (714) 730-7534 Mike Mattos, Principal |
C. E. Utt Middle School 13601 Browning Avenue Tustin, CA 92780-5212 (714) 730-7573 Ron Richardson, Principal |
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High Schools | |
Arnold O. Beckman High School 3588 Bryan Avenue Irvine, CA 92602 (714) 734-2900 Adele Heuer, Principal |
High School Boundary Map |
Foothill High School 19251 Dodge Avenue Santa Ana, CA 92705-2298 (714) 730-7464 Al Marzilli, Principal |
Hillview High School (Continuation School) 19061 Foothill Blvd. Santa Ana, CA 92705-2275 (714) 730-7356 Andrew Hernandez, Principal |
Tustin High School 1171 El Camino Real Tustin, CA 92780-4660 (714) 730-7414 Margie Sepulveda, Principal |
Sycamore High School (Adult School) 13780 Orange Street Tustin, CA 92780 (714) 730-7395 Betty Sarell, Adult Education Specialist |
* The Irvine Unified School District and Santa Ana Unified School District also provide services to some City of Tustin residents, but none of their facilities are located within City limits.
Private Schools | |
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Ability Plus School (K-8), 333 S. Prospect, (714) 731-9006 |
Children's Center - First Baptist (K-6), 12881 Newport Avenue (714) 544-4431 |
Fairmont School 12421 Newport Avenue (714) 832-4867 |
First School Montessori 13806 Red Hill (714) 505-9293 |
Newport Avenue Preschool (P-K), 13682 Newport Avenue (714) 730-3424 |
Oakridge Private School 11911 Red Hill Avenue (714) 832-2461 |
Red Hill Lutheran (P-8), 13200 Redhill Avenue (714) 544-3132 |
St. Cecilia Elementary (K-8), 1301 Sycamore Avenue (714) 544-1533 |
St. Jeanne de Lestonnac (K-8), 16791 Main Street (714) 542-4271 |
Temple B'nai Israel (P-8), 2111 Bryan Avenue (714) 730-9693 |
Institution Name | Address | Distance From City Hall | Phone Number |
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California State University/Fullerton | 800 N. State College Blvd. Fullerton, CA 92831 |
12.6 miles | (714) 773-2011 |
Chapman University | 333 N. Glassell St. Orange, CA 92866 |
6.1 miles | (714) 997-6815 |
Coastline Community College | 11460 Warner Ave. Fountain Valley, CA 92708 |
8.6 miles | (714) 546-7600 |
Concordia College | 1530 Concordia Irvine, CA 92612 |
11.7 miles | (949) 854-8002 |
Cypress Community College | 9200 Valley View St. Cypress, CA 90630 |
18.4 miles | (714) 826-2220 |
Fullerton Community College | 321 E. Chapman Ave. Fullerton, CA 92832 |
13.9 miles | (714) 992-7000 |
Goldenwest Community College | 15744 Goldenwest Huntington Beach, CA 92647 |
16.1 miles | (714) 895-8700 |
Marymount Weekend College | 2300 Michelson Dr. Irvine, CA 92612 |
7.5 miles | (714) 639-6188 |
National University | 2080 S. Anaheim Blvd. Anaheim, CA 92805 |
6.8 miles | (714) 250-5100 |
Orange Coast Community College | 2701 Fairview Road Costa Mesa, CA 92626 |
9.1 miles | (714) 432-0202 |
Pepperdine University Graduate School | 2151 Michelson Dr., #165 Irvine, CA 92612 |
7.3 miles | (949) 739-2506 |
Irvine Valley Community College | 5500 Irvine Center Dr. Irvine, CA 92620 |
6.5 miles | (949) 559-9300 |
Rancho Santiago Community College | 8045 E. Chapman Ave. Orange, CA 92869 |
5.6 miles | (714) 564-4000 |
Santa Ana College | 1530 W. 17th St. Santa Ana, CA 92706 |
5.1 miles | (714) 564-6000 |
South Orange County Community College | 28000 Marguerite Pkwy. Mission Viejo, CA 92692 |
17.7 miles | (949) 582-4500 |
University of California/Irvine | Irvine, CA 92612 | 7.8 miles | (949) 856-5011 |
University of La Verne | 17400 Brookhurst Fountain Valley, CA 92708 |
11.4 miles | (714) 964-4215 |
Western State University | 1111 N. State College Blvd. Fullerton, CA 92831 |
12.7 miles | (714) 738-1000 |