Good morning, Orange County. This is Thrive OC, where the only thing more unpredictable than our “winter” weather is how many people are actually using their Disneyland annual passes. 🎢☀️

In today’s Thrive OC:

• Restaurant of the Week: A taste of Italy in Laguna Niguel 🇮🇹

• Disneyland’s $124M expansion

• Southern California’s wild winter storm

• Dana Point Festival of Whales

• Live music this weekend

Let’s get into it.

— Dave Berry

🍽️ Restaurant of the Week: Bottega Angelina

Authentic Italian flavors, handcrafted cocktails, and elegant ambiance in Laguna Niguel

Craving bold Italian flavors in a stunning setting? Bottega Angelina in Laguna Niguel is a next-level dining experience, perfect for date nights, celebrations, or just indulging in top-tier Italian cuisine.

What to order: Try their signature pasta (made from flour imported from Italy) or the California Rack of Lamb.

Why go?:

• Imported Italian ingredients, handcrafted cocktails, and an authentic menu that transports you straight to Italy.

• A high-end cocktail lounge serving rare Italian wines and vintage spirits.

• Upcoming classes & events: Pizza-making, wine tastings, and more immersive Italian experiences are coming soon!

📍 Where: 32441 Golden Lantern, Laguna Niguel, CA
📞 Reservations: (949) 542-8220 (or via their website)

🏄 Local News You Should Know

🏰 Disneyland’s $124M Expansion Move

Disneyland just dropped $124 million on a massive 400,000-square-foot warehouse in Anaheim—setting the stage for new Avengers, Avatar, and Coco attractions.

What’s Happening?

• The DisneylandForward project is a $1.9 billion expansion plan over the next four decades.

• The new warehouse frees up space in the parks for eight potential new lands, including Frozen, Zootopia, and Tron.

• Construction starts 2026 on an Avengers expansion and a Coco-themed ride.

• An Avatar land is in the works, but don’t expect it before 2028 or later.

🚨 Bottom line: This is the biggest Disneyland expansion push in years, and if you’re a Disney fan, buckle up—big things are coming.

🌧️ Winter Storm Wreaks Havoc in SoCal

Mudslides, flooding, rescues—this storm didn’t hold back.

Last week’s record-breaking storm slammed SoCal, causing:

• Mudslides & road closures: Malibu, Topanga Canyon, and parts of PCH buried in mud.

• Dramatic rescues: A firefighter was swept into the ocean but made it out with minor injuries. 🚒🌊

• Swift-water rescues: Helicopters and boats pulled multiple people from San Juan Creek & Santa Ana River.

• Sinkholes & collapses: A Smart & Final roof caved in Azusa, and a sinkhole shut down streets in Ontario.

• Record rainfall: LA saw its wettest February 14 in 71 years, and Lake Arrowhead got over 7 inches of rain.

The takeaway: Even though the skies are clearing, unstable hillsides and flash floods are still a risk. Stay safe out there, OC!

🐋 Upcoming Event: Dana Point Festival of Whales

The 54th Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales is happening March 7-9, 2025, bringing a brand-new carnival to town—plus whale-watching, live music, and a paddle-out ceremony.

🌊 What’s new?

• Festival Kickoff (March 7 @ 5 PM): A sacred ceremony + paddle-out at the Ocean Institute.

• Festival of Whales Carnival (March 7-9 @ Lantern Bay Park): Rides, games, and OC’s biggest whale-themed party. 🎡🐳

• Beer Garden + Live Music: Hosted by Pet Project Foundation, with a live DJ each night. 🍻🎶

🚗 Bonus: A FREE shuttle runs from Dana Hills High to Lantern Bay Park!

📍 Where: Dana Point Harbor
🎟️ Details & Tickets: Festival of Whales

🎶 Live Music This Weekend

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

Friday, Feb 21:

• Alza Italian Kitchen (Rancho Santa Margarita) – Wilfax Music, 6:00 PM

• Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club (Mission Viejo) – Steve Dudek, 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM

• Barnoa Wine Company (San Clemente) – Hannah Hart, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM

• Bigshots Billiards Bar & Grill (Lake Forest) – Classic Rock Friday: Sticks & Stones, 8:30 PM

• Brio Tuscany Grille (Dana Point) – Diane Suder, 7:00 PM

• Five Vines Wine Bar (San Juan Capistrano) – Will Heard, 7:30 PM - 10:30 PM

• Knuckleheads (San Clemente) – Mad Menace and the Murder Dogs with Memo PST, 8:00 PM - 11:55 PM

• Mozambique - Ivan'z Room (Laguna Beach) – Party Foul, 8:30 PM

• StillWater Spirits & Sounds (Dana Point) – Wayward Sons, 9:00 PM

• The Coach House (San Juan Capistrano) – Chest Fever, 9:00 PM

• Anaheim Packing House (Anaheim) – Crisanto Santa Ana, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

• Campus JAX (Newport Beach) – Kenny Metcalf - Elton & the Early Years (Elton John Tribute), 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM

• Garden Amp (Garden Grove) – Johnny Cash Night with Cash’d Out & Family Style, 5:00 PM

• House of Blues Anaheim - Main Room (Anaheim) – Ole 60 - Outta My Way Tour, 7:00 PM

• The Observatory (Santa Ana) – Hippo Campus - Flood Tour, 7:00 PM

🌦️ 7-Day Weather Forecast

🙌 Rep OC & Support Local

We’re expanding beyond merch! Check out our brand-new lineup of beauty essentials and must-have OC-inspired gear—from anti-aging skincare to bold, smudge-proof mascara, plus fan-favorite tees. Every purchase supports Thrive OC and helps keep this newsletter running! Oh, and FREE shipping on all orders! 🎉

💛 Want to support but don’t see anything you like? You can still help keep Thrive OC going! Donate here.

Your support means the world—thank you for being part of the Thrive OC community! 🙌

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