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Good morning, Orange County. You’re reading Thrive OC, your weekly guide to the best local spots, happenings, and hidden gems across the coast and beyond. Here’s what’s on deck:

• Casino Nights, Salsa & Line Dancing

• Cars, Coffee & Ghost Walks

• Thai rooftop in SJC

• San Clemente trail closure

• Newport Big Canyon Restoration

• Important Food Recall Alert

Let’s dive in.

— Dave Berry

🍽️ Restaurant of the Week: Rosewood Social (San Juan Capistrano)

If you want a rooftop night out that feels elevated but still relaxed, Rosewood Social is a solid pick. The menu leans Thai-inspired with prime steaks, seafood, and cocktails, and the whole place is built for lingering — great music, cozy decor, and an easy “stay awhile” vibe.

Where: 31781 Camino Capistrano #301, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 | Phone: (949) 503-2693

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📅 Upcoming Events 🎉

Monte Carlo Night, Costa Mesa (Feb 27)

The 10th Annual Monte Carlo event at The Country Club supports Hope Ignites Southern California — an evening of casino-style gaming, signature cocktails, and exciting prize opportunities, all with a purpose. Every ticket and sponsorship helps fund scholarships, mentorship, and real-world opportunities for local scholars building brighter futures. 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM | The Country Club – Scratch Kitchen & Cocktails, 330 E 17th St, Costa Mesa, CA 92627 | Event Info

Irvine Improv Comedy Fundraiser, Irvine (Feb 27)

A comedy night hosted by OC Sober Gals, with a portion of proceeds supporting women’s recovery charities. Come early, grab dinner, and make it a feel-good night out. 7:30 PM | Irvine Improv, 527 Spectrum Center Dr, Irvine, CA | Event Info

Salsa & Bachata Night, Anaheim (Feb 27)

A brand-new dance night near the Anaheim Packing District with a $15 beginner salsa class, followed by a free salsa + bachata social (no partner needed). 8:00 PM class; 9:00 PM – 12:00 AM social | The MAKE, 500 S Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim, CA | Event Info

Haunted OC Ghost Walk, San Juan Capistrano (Feb 27)

A ghost tour through Old Town San Juan Capistrano featuring eerie local history, legends, and stories tied to the Los Rios district and the Mission area. 7:00 PM | Old Town San Juan Capistrano | Event Info

Farmakis Farms Line Dancing in the Barn (Feb 27)

Country line dancing in a rustic barn with a DJ and instructor-led lessons for all skill levels during the first hour. Ages 16+ only. 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Farmakis Farms, 29932 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 | Event Info

Tomatomania, Newport Beach (Feb 27 – Mar 8)

A tomato plant extravaganza featuring 250+ tomato varieties plus peppers and expert horticulturalists — basically Disneyland for gardeners. Feb 27 – Mar 8, hours vary | Roger’s Gardens, 2301 San Joaquin Hills Rd. Corona del Mar, CA 92625 | Event Info

Fire Horse Wishing Workshop, Newport Beach (Feb 28)

A Lunar New Year celebration with bracelet-making (RSVP required for that activity), calligraphy demos, and a Lion Dance performance to close it out. 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM (Lion Dance at 3:00 PM) | Fashion Island, Garden of Good Fortune near Nordstrom, Newport Beach | Event Info

Sip & Stroll, Old Town Tustin (Feb 28)

An afternoon of shopping, strolling, and tastings in Old Town Tustin, with optional early check-in days to grab your map and wristband faster. 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM (tastings start 1:00 PM) | Old Town Tustin / Tustin Community Bank | Event Info

Oso Fit 5K Fun Run & Community Health Fair, Mission Viejo (Feb 28)

A patriotic-themed 5K along the Oso Creek Trail with proceeds benefiting a nonprofit of your choice, plus a free community health fair with screenings and giveaways. 7:30 AM – 11:00 AM (5K at 8:30 AM; kids run at 10:00 AM) | Norman P. Murray Community Center, 24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo | Event Info

Shrek The Musical KIDS, Dana Point (Feb 28 – Mar 1)

A family-friendly kids production of Shrek The Musical with multiple showtimes — perfect if you want a wholesome weekend plan. 1:00 PM; Mar 1, 2:00 PM & 4:00 PM | Porthole Theater at Dana Hills High School, 33333 Golden Lantern St, Dana Point, CA 92629 | Event Info

San Clemente Day Youth Fishing Derby, San Clemente (Feb 28)

A youth fishing derby celebrating the San Clemente Pier’s fishing legacy, with prizes for first fish, biggest, smallest, and most caught. Registration required. 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM (check-in at 8:00 AM) | San Clemente Pier, 622 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, CA 92672 | Event Info

Cars and Coffee Classics, Anaheim (Mar 1)

A morning meetup for classic imports, coffee, vendors, a live DJ, and a Best of Show contest at the Center Street Promenade. 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Center Street Promenade, Anaheim | Event Info

Lunar New Year Celebration, Irvine (Mar 1)

A centerwide Lunar New Year celebration with 15+ traditional performances plus family-friendly fun like face painting and balloon twisting. 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Where: Irvine Spectrum Center | Event Info

🏄 Local News You Should Know

Big Canyon Nature Park Restoration is moving into Phase 3

Big Canyon’s restoration work is making real progress. Crews have already cleared invasive plants (including dense Brazilian pepper trees) and removed reeds around a mosquito-heavy freshwater pond to improve habitat and water flow. Now Phase 3 is underway, reshaping the landscape to restore historic tidal flow between Big Canyon Creek and Newport Bay — setting the stage for native plants and wildlife to return. Heads up: through-trails from the parking lot along Back Bay Drive to Jamboree are temporarily closed until June 2026, and the project is tracking toward completion by Summer 2026.

Trader Joe’s Chicken Fried Rice Recalled Over Possible Glass Contamination

The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has announced a recall of approximately 3.37 million pounds of frozen chicken fried rice products due to possible glass contamination. Affected in the U.S. is Trader Joe’s “Chicken Fried Rice with stir fried rice, vegetables, seasoned dark chicken meat and eggs” (20-oz bag) with Best By dates 9/8/2026 through 11/17/2026 and establishment number P-18356 inside the USDA inspection mark. The recall follows four consumer complaints; no confirmed injuries have been reported. Consumers are urged not to eat the product and to discard it or return it to the store.

South San Clemente Beach Trail Closed for Slope Monitoring

A section of San Clemente’s 2.3-mile beach trail near Lasuen Beach has been temporarily closed due to concerns over slope movement. The city issued a public safety alert after monitoring revealed potential instability, especially with more weather expected. Officials say nearby homes are not at risk, but the trail is closed out of caution.

🌟 OC Trivia: Did You Know?

Big Canyon is the largest remaining natural canyon on the east side of Newport Bay. Decades ago, parts of it were altered by dredge fill and salt evaporation ponds, changing how water moved through the area. Today’s restoration efforts aim to bring back more natural tidal flow and salt marsh habitat — helping reconnect the canyon to its coastal roots.

Think you know OC? Reply with your best trivia, and we might feature it next!

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🎶 Live Music This Weekend

Looking for live tunes? Here’s what’s happening:

Friday, Feb 27:

1. Soka Performing Arts Center (Aliso Viejo) – Joshua Bell with Academy of St Martin in the Fields, 8:00 pm

2. Knuckleheads (San Clemente) – Robber / Kamikaze Copilot / The Subjectors, 8:00 pm

3. Dana Wharf Sunset Wine Cruise (Dana Point) – Paul Jackson, 5:30 pm

4. The Cellar (San Clemente) – Wes Bourne + Flighcrew, 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm

5. The Rib Joint (Dana Point) – Hector Lavin & Friends, 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm

6. RC’s Watering Hole (Foothill Ranch) – Monkey Puddle, 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm

7. Grove of Anaheim (Anaheim) – Robby Krieger (Legendary Guitarist of The Doors), 7:00 pm

8. Renee & Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall (Costa Mesa) – Pacific Symphony, 8:00 pm

9. Garden Grove Elks Lodge (Garden Grove) – Coyote Moon, 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm

10. Spaghettini (Seal Beach) – DW3: Tribute to The Legends of Music, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

11. The Observatory (Santa Ana) – Jordan Ward: The Apartment Tour, 7:00 pm

12. Time Nightclub (Costa Mesa) – One More Time: A Daft Punk Tribute Party, 9:30 pm

🌦️ 7-Day Weather Forecast

🌅 Sunrise & Sunset in OC

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