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Good morning, Orange County. This is Thrive OC, and happy Thanksgiving week! We hope you and your neighborhoods stayed safe during the recent storms. Here’s what’s on deck:

• A French steakhouse gem

• Holiday Lightings, Turkey Trots, and Markets

• Live music this weekend

• Lost pup rescued by drone

• Big recall on soaps, sanitizers, and skin creams

• Flooding Hits OC Neighborhoods

Let’s dive in.

— Dave Berry

🍽️ Restaurant of the Week: Butcher’s House Brasserie (Costa Mesa)

A warm, modern French brasserie in SOCO serving dry-aged steaks, duck confit, and handmade Toulouse sausage. It’s cozy, elegant, and perfect for a date night or a slow, indulgent dinner with a great glass of wine.

Where: 3321 Hyland Ave, Suite D, Costa Mesa | Phone: (714) 714-0662

📅 Upcoming Events 🎉

Laguna Art Museum, Free Admission Experience (Now–Nov 30)

Explore California art all month long. Free entry throughout November (7 days/week). Pro tip: plan a visit during Art + Nature Celebration Week (Nov 1–10) for outdoor art and special programs. Museum hours vary through Nov 30 | 307 Cliff Dr, Laguna Beach | Event Info

Dana Point Harbor “Merry Kiss Me” Lights (Now–Jan 4)

Holiday lights are back—self-guided, free, and photogenic as ever. Nightly, Nov 12, 2025–Jan 4, 2026 | Dana Point Harbor | Event Info

Magic on Main Street Tree Lighting (Nov 25)

A festive night at Pier Plaza with live performances, cocoa, and a community tree lighting. 5:00–8:00 PM | Main St & PCH, Huntington Beach | Event Info

Dana Point Turkey Trot (Nov 27)

Scenic coastal annual Turkey Trot with multiple race options and ocean views. First race starts at 7:00 AM | Dana Point Harbor | Event Info

Turkey Trot on the Ranch, Rancho Mission Viejo (Nov 27)

A family-friendly Thanksgiving run through the ranch community’s open spaces. First race starts at 8:00 AM | Rancho Mission Viejo | Event Info

Christmas Jazz Night, Old World HB (Fridays, Nov 28)

Smooth holiday jazz, great food, and the charm of the Old World Christmas Market. Free show. Fridays, 5:00–8:00 PM | Festival Stage, Old World HB | Event Info

Lighting of the Bay, Newport Dunes (Nov 28)

Opening night features Santa, crafts, festive bites, and more than 50 floating holiday light displays. 4:00–9:00 PM | Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort, 1131 Back Bay Dr, Newport Beach | Event Info

Santa’s Village, Irvine Park Railroad (Nov 28–Dec 30)

A beloved OC holiday tradition with cookie decorating, games, activities, and the Christmas Train (advance tickets required). Weekdays 4:00–9:00 PM; Weekends 10:00 AM–9:00 PM | Irvine Regional Park, Orange | Event Info

Tanaka Farms Hikari Lights (Nov 28–Dec 28)

Walk or ride through thousands of holiday lanterns and light displays, plus Sanrio-themed decor. Nightly (hours vary) | 5380 University Dr, Irvine | Event Info

Merry Market Pop-Up, Tustin (Nov 29–30)

A curated holiday shopping pop-up with festive finds and giftable goods. Times vary | The Market Place near Panda Express, Tustin, CA | Event Info

🏄 Local News You Should Know

Drone Helps Reunite Lost Dog in Mission Viejo

Mission Viejo Animal Services used a thermal-imaging drone (donated by the Dedicated Animal Welfare Group) to track down a missing dog named Josie lost in remote open space. After hours of searching, the drone picked up her heat signature along a trail, guiding her owner to the exact spot for an emotional reunion. A great example of how tech and compassion can work hand-in-hand.

Nationwide Skincare Recall Expands

DermaRite Industries has expanded its recall of soaps, sanitizers, creams, and skin protectants due to Burkholderia cepacia contamination. The bacteria can cause infections, especially in immunocompromised individuals. If you use DermaRite products (common in care, medical, or hygiene settings) check the FDA recall page to ensure your items are safe.

OC Flooding After Recent Storms

Recent storms caused localized flooding in parts of Orange County, leading to street closures and a few vehicle rescues. In Costa Mesa, heavy rain flooded Pomona Avenue, where a resident helped an elderly driver reach safety. Huntington Beach also saw high water near Edinger Avenue and Goldenwest Street, with parks and nearby streets temporarily submerged as crews worked overnight to clear drains and pump out excess water. City officials say cleanup is underway and conditions have continued improving.

🌟 OC Trivia: Did You Know?

Irvine Regional Park (home to Santa’s Village and the Christmas Train) was California’s first ever regional park, established in 1897. That makes this year its 128th holiday season.

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, November 28:

1. Doho Café (Dana Point) – Garces & Gaetani, 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm

2. Five Vines Wine Bar (San Juan Capistrano) – Joe Blanchard, 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm

3. Gibroni’s Pizza (San Clemente) – Lily and the Thorns, 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm

4. Rancho Capistrano Winery (San Juan Capistrano) – Rebel Robbie, 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm

5. The Cellar (San Clemente) – Fernando Noronha, 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm

6. The Counter (Ladera Ranch) – The CME Band, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

7. Bella Terra (Huntington Beach) – Nick Stone, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

8. Garden Amp (Garden Grove) – Toxicity (System of a Down Tribute), 5:00 pm

9. Kobe Steakhouse & Lounge (Seal Beach) – Derek Bordeaux, 8:00 pm

10. Perqs Bar (Huntington Beach) – Derek Day, 9:00 pm - 1:00 am

11. Spaghettini (Seal Beach) – Rick Braun’s Christmas ft. Gerald Albright, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

12. The Wayfarer (Costa Mesa) – Sega Genecide Emo Night: Welcome to the Black Parade, 10:00 pm

🌦️ 7-Day Weather Forecast

🌅 Sunrise & Sunset in OC

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