The O.C. isn't exactly known for it's grandiose celebrations of the Chinese New Year. However, if you're looking to experience this cultural event Dragon Institute in Dana Point is hosting a martial arts demonstration and Chinese medicine exhibit. Disneyland is also hosting an event, featuring live music by Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean performers, and special character appearances.

If you're up for the ride, the Orange County Transit and Metro Link are offering free rides from the Irvine Metro Link station to the Dragon Parade and Chinese New Year celebration in China Town.

Suggested Reading:
Chinese New Year in L.A.
Romancing the O.C.
February Events Guide

As I made my way home last night with my son, we had several near misses with cars going in and out of drive ways. I don't own a car and quite frankly, I'm OK with that. I live in a bike friendly city, and have no problem catching the bus when necessary.

What I do have a problem with is the car culture and how it so pervades the O.C. psyche that people don't even bother to watch out for people on the sidewalk. They pull out of the driveway, look one way, block the walk and don't even look for pedestrians. Which is why I teach the kid to be careful...especially at driveways. We wait to make sure one driver sees us, and another making a left almost hits us. We continue on only to deal with the same issue two driveways down. It's really ridiculous.

Some of you might think the obvious solution is for me to get a car. But that's hardly the right attitude to take. Why should I incur an expense I don't need, just to avoid being hit -- or almost hit -- when I'm walking home from the store? This carelessness on the part of drivers is dangerous, not just for me, but for kids, teenagers and anyone else walking down the street.

People without cars DO exist. And guess where they walk? On the sidewalk, because sidewalks are for people walking. All you have to do is remember to look both ways before pulling out of the driveway and check for pedestrians before making that left. Two simple things that make walking down the street safe for all involved.

Suggested Reading:
Bike Orange County
Romancing the O.C.
Best O.C. Attractions

Please don't be alarmed, tsunami season is long over; this is just O.C. trivia.

Despite the relatively low threat to coastal SoCal, the city of Huntington Beach is so committed to preparedness, that there is a tsunami warning system. This system is tested on the first Friday of each month.

Most locals have heard this sound so many times they tune it out. But every once in a while, I hear someone say something about an alarm...Is it an air raid siren?

If I'm ever in earshot, I simply share the information about the tsunami warning system testing schedule, and they have a bit of trivia they can pass along.

Suggested Reading:
Romancing the O.C.
January Events
Best O.C. Brunches

New Year's Eve is probably one of the biggest days for partying the night away. And if you're young and single in the O.C. there are plenty of options for doing just that. For all you last minute party planners, the O.C. Fair Block Party might be the best option, with tickets on sale at the box office until 6:30 p.m. New Year's Eve. And if what you're looking for is an inexpensive and family friendly way to ring in the New Year sans the booze, I recommend First Night Fullerton.

Me? I'm having dinner with the kid, including greens and black eyed peas as, the New Year's tradition in many African American households.

What's your plan for New Year's Eve?

Read More:
January Event Guide
O.C. Fair & Event Center
Free Fun Guide