How did the buying and selling of housing in the South County foothills ZIP 92679 — an area that includes Coto de Caza, Trabuco Canyon, Portola Hills and Wagon Wheel — fare in the year’s first months?

Looking at local residential real estate in the first quarter 2017, compared with the same period a year earlier, CoreLogic data show four trends this this ZIP …

1. 152 homes sold this year vs. 137 a year ago.

2. That’s a gain of 11 percent vs. a gain of 3.5 percent countywide.

3. Median selling price this year of $789,500 vs. $800,000 in 2016.

4. That’s a decline of 1.3 percent vs. a gain of 4.5 percent countywide.

And here are four countywide trends to ponder in the period vs. 2016:

1. By neighborhood, prices rose in 66 of 83 Orange County ZIP codes; sales rose in 50 ZIPs.

2. In the 27 least expensive ZIPs — where the highest median home price was $588,000 — 2,423 homes sold, up 5 percent. Sales rose in 70 percent of these ZIPs.

3. In the 27 priciest ZIPs — where the medians start at $742,000 — 2,630 homes sold, up 7.2 percent. Sales rose in 59 percent of these ZIPs.

4. Million-dollar ZIPs: 9 with 551 sales, up 13 percent vs. 10 million-dollar ZIPs a year ago.

Interested in photography?

The Fullerton Arboretum will host a nature photography class on Sunday, June 25 to help amateur to advanced photographers learn how to use space, light and time to take memorable photos.

Nature photographer Steve Kaye will lead the talk and demonstrate techniques to advance attendees’ photography and graphic design skills.

Registration is $25 for members and $30 for non-members.

Proceeds from ticket sales benefit the botanical garden’s educational programs and student scholarships.

– Denisse Salazar

If you go

When: 1 to 4 p.m. June 25

Where: Fullerton Arboretum, 1900 Associate Road, Fullerton

Cost: $25 for members and $30 for non-members.

Information: fullertonarboretum.org or 657-278-3407.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO – At least 1,000 south Orange County and San Diego County residents of the 49th Congressional district converged at San Juan Hills High School for a town hall with Republican Rep. Darrell Issa, Saturday morning, June 3.

About an hour before the 9 a.m. town hall, a raucous group opposing President Donald Trump’s administration and trying to unseat Issa in 2018, chanted, sang songs against congressman and held signs detailing support for everything from women’s reproductive rights to the Paris climate accord.

Issa’s supporters, meanwhile, stood quietly in line to enter the high school’s auditorium.

“He’s more moderate than, say Mimi Walters,” said Thea Dunlevie, 19, a UCLA student and San Juan Capistrano resident, referring to another Orange County representative. “He deserves credit for that.”

About 30 minutes before the town hall, she discussed Issa not supporting Trump’s withdrawal from Paris, and his advocacy for a special prosecutor in the investigation into Russia’s involvement in the Trump campaign.

“He’s not in Trump’s pocket,” she said.

Others, though, were not so sure.

“We’re in a political reality where they (representatives) support the party, not the people,” said Kit Dameron, 71, of San Diego, who wants to unseat Issa.

Issa won his seat again in November, but squeaked by, and Dameron and her daughter, Kristen O’Connor, said they feel confident outrage at Trump and the Republican Party can improve Democrat’s usually tepid performance in midterm elections.

“People are so outraged,” Dameron said, “people are more engaged in civics. It’s encouraging.”

Similar crowds attended a town hall with the congressman in March.

Related articles:

Trump casts shadow over Darrell Issa, Mimi Walters, Ed Royce and Dana Rohrabacher reelection bids

Forecasters predict rain for O.C. Democrats’ parade

Will vote to repeal Obamacare work for or against Orange County Republican Congress members in 2018?

Conservative Darrell Issa turns to the left

“We almost had a female president. Almost,” Bibhu Mohapatra began during a walk-through in his studio. “This collection is paying attention to the female youth of this era to inspire them to be the best in their own fields, be leaders and [be] inspiring to others.”
For a designer whose career has been steeped in designing eveningwear, how does this message translate over to a younger generation? To start, Mohapatra isn’t designing for the trend-obsessed; his clients look to him for longevity. So his message was subtle, found physically in the form of a honeycomb embroidery that decorated ballgown skirts and a playful organza blouse with rounded shoulders and drawstring ties; the same geometric shape was found on mosaic tiles adorning skirts and full-length dresses. They were both a metaphor for community — as bees work together to build a honeycomb — and being able to accomplish goals by working with others.
Elsewhere, the designer hoped to inspire confidence and courage through more youthful silhouettes and strong tailoring. A sexy black-and-white cutout dress with Japanese lace was clearly targeted at the body confident, as was a bright red top fashioned with dropped shoulders in a Japanese crepe. But the most youthful pieces

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