Valentines Day is right around the corner. And yes it may be fun for us, humans, but it can harmful to your pets, One big way to show love for your pets is by keeping them safe. Valentine’s Day is famous for chocolates, flowers, cocktails and candy – all things that can be particularly harmful to our four-legged loved ones. Here are some helpful tips I have gathered from various pet websites to keep them safe and avoid any emergency trips to the veterinarian!

Flowers: Lilies are potentially fatal to cats. As pretty as they are, make sure to have an arrangement without lilies. Thorns on roses or other flowers can be dangerous for dogs or other pets. Biting, stepping on or swallowing stems with thorns increases risk for a puncture, which can result in serious infections internally or externally.

Chocolate: Although a favorite gift to give our human loved ones, chocolate is toxic to both dogs and cats. The darker the chocolate, the more toxic, but dark, milk, semi-sweet and baker's chocolates all can cause adverse reactions. Make sure to keep the chocolate where pets can't reach it.

Cocktails: Simply put, they pose a threat to your pets. Because of a pet’s small size, even a tiny amount of alcohol can cause problems. Be sure to keep those libations out of reach!

Candles: If ingested, candle wax can cause choking, upset stomach, vomiting or diarrhea. Be sure to blow out any unattended candles when you leave the room, as cats are notorious for jumping up on counters and other high surfaces!

Toss the ribbon and string: Gifts are a nice surprise on Valentine's Day, but make sure to throw away any pretty ribbons and string they've been tied with. "For some reason it's very instinctive for cats to eat it," warns Dr. Murray of ASPCA. "It gets caught in their intestines and can saw right through them and cause a perforation."

Keep sugar-free foods out of your pet's reach:Xylitol, an artificial sweetener found in many types of sugar-free candies and baked goods, is toxic to dogs and can cause liver failure, says Dr. Murray. It's best to read the ingredients list on any sugar-free foods and keep any products containing Xylitol out of your pet's reach.

**Should your pet get into mischief on Valentine's Day, the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year at (888) 426-4435. (A $65 consultation fee may apply.)

NORTH COUNTY

ANAHEIM

Join the House of Blues for a Valentine’s Day Menu for Two on February 14^th starting at 5:00pm. Make your reservations today by calling 714-520-2334

BREA

Valentine ’s Day at 8:00 is the Valentine's Day Dinner Show with Christina Pazsitzky at the Brea Improv. Celebrate laughter and love this Valentine's Day with comedian Christina Pazsitzky and Tom Segura at the Brea Improv. Valentine’s Dinner includes: One glass of Champage(for guests 21 years & older), small Caesar salad, an entree selection of prime rib, Asiago crusted chicken or honey shrimp pasta and chocolate mousse for dessert. Reservations recommended. For information and/or reservations you can call (714) 482-0700. Must be 18+.

BUENA PARK

Why not spend Valentine's Day at Medieval Times?! Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament is offering a Valentine's Day Couple's Package. The package includes two admissions to dinner and tournament show, two admissions to castle dungeon museum, photo in a souvenir frame, a valentine scroll to remember the occasion, split of champagne with two logoed souvenir glasses, feather long-stem sweetheart rose and two cheering flags. Buy tickets in advanced online to guarantee the Couple's Package. For more information you can call 312-488-9883.

CYPRESS

Nothing to report

FULLERTON

Starting TONIGHT at 5:30 spend Valentine’s Day with the Cellar for “A Week of Love.” Don't wait until the last minute to make your plans for Valentines weekend. As Orange County’s most romantic dining destination, The Cellar Celebrates "A Week of Love" from February 10th through the 14th. The Cellar will serve a special four-course Valentines menu on February 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, and 14th. Dinner also includes a fresh long stem red rose, provided by Lavenders, and each guest will receive a certificate to create your own 3 course dinner for only $29.95 in the month of March.

GARDEN GROVE

Join the H. Louis Lake Senior Center for a Valentine Celebration Tuesday, Feb 14 from 10:00a to 12:00p. Join us as we celebrate a day of amour. Bring your Sweetie and enjoy music, dancing and fun, fun, fun!

LA HABRA

Nothing to report

LA PALMA

Nothing to report

PLACENTIA

Nothing to report

STANTON

Nothing to report

WESTMINSTER

Nothing to report

YORBA LINDA

Nothing to report

*As seen in orangecountyregister.com & orangecounty.net

CENTRAL COUNTY

COSTA MESA

NOW through February 11, 2012 is the Pacific Symphony Presents: "Valentine's Day with Roberta Flack". Just in time for Valentine's Day, Grammy Award winner Roberta Flack visits Pacific Symphony with her intoxicating romantic ballads including "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," "Killing Me Softly With His Song," "Feel Like Making Love" and "Tonight I Celebrate My Love." Flack remains one of only two artists (the other is U2) to win back-to-back Grammy Awards for Record of the Year. For more information you can call 714-755-5799. Also on February 11^th from 8pm-Midnight at The Hotel Hanford come dance, mingle, participate in giveaways and most important, have a good time. Men are asked to wear black suits and women should dress in shades of red, pink or purple. There will be Valentine's cards and candy hearts to giveaway to someone you have your eye on. 8 p.m.-12 midnight. For information you can call 312-488-9883.

FOUNTAIN VALLEY

Nothing to report

HUNTINGTON BEACH

Starting tomorrow, February 11-12, come and experience the charm of Old World Village Just in time for Valentine's Day! The Old World Village Chocolate & Wine Festival is sure to be an unforgettable and fun event, with something for everyone! Guests can expect to see chocolatiers, bakers, candy makers, wine vendors, and other chocolate and wine related vendors, arts and crafts and gift vendors too! Admission is FREE.

IRVINE

Valentine’s Day starting at 8pm is John Heffron Valentine's Day Special Event! Laugh with someone special and Valentine's Day with John Heffron. Two packages will be available; general admission and dinner. General admission includes a glass of champagne and a rose for the ladies. Dinner includes: admission, a dinner salad, your choices of entree, dessert, a glass of champagne and a rose for the ladies. Admission: $35 per person; dinner package: $70 per person. For more information you can call (949) 854-5455.<!--googleoff: all--> Also TONIGHT from 6-10:30 p.m at the Equinox Sports Club is the 3rd Annual Valentine's Event<!--googleoff: all-->! Dress to impress in your favorite red apparel and give your love to children in need. The evening will begin with a wine tasting and serving of hors d'oeuvres. There will be a silent auction, wine tasting and free massages. All of the proceeds will benefit the children supported by Corazon de Vida Foundation, Steps of Hope Outreach and Foster Care Auxiliary of Orange County. For more information you can call 949-476-1144, Ext. 7.<!--googleoff: all--> Lastly, Valentine’s Day starting at 8pm is the 18th Annual Valentine's Celebration: Men in Blaque & UCI A Capella<!--googleoff: all-->. Bring your sweetheart, friends or family and enjoy some wonderful music, conducted by Joseph Huszti. Attend a post-concert reception. For more information you can call (949) 824-2787.

LOS ALAMITOS

Coming up February 25, 2012 is the Los Alamitos 'Race on the Base'.
The yearly event has continued to provide not only a forum for local avid runners and walkers, but has also instilled a sense of pride and teamwork between the Los Alamitos City Council, the citizens of Los Alamitos, the Rossmoor Community Services District, and the local business community. The race is held on the run ways at the Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos and features helicopters, planes and military vehicles with music throughout the course. Events and activities for the whole family! For more information you can call 562-430-1073.

NEWPORT BEACH

Saturday, January 28, 2012 from 12 - 3 pm bring your family to experience some of the same hands-on environmental education activities that you have enjoyed with the Inside the Outdoors Field Trips! Hike trails with an experienced Naturalist, participate in bird watching and join in educational activities about the estuary. Cost: Free (This program is generously sponsored by a grant.) For more information you can call (714) 708-3885.

ORANGE

Need a plan for Valentine’s Day? Celebrate with a Valentine's Day Dinner and Dance at Orange County Mining Co. Enjoy a table for two with a breathtaking view! This view restaurant in Orange County is truly a destination with a dining room that has "floor to ceiling picture windows" offering fabulous views of Orange County and a saloon that will take you back to the mining era. Call For Reservations! 714.997.7411.

SANTA ANA

This Sunday, February 12come and join the Bowers Museum for Sunday Afternoon Family Celebrations: Valentine's Day. Hearts, romantic verses, tea, goodies, stories and art make this day special to spend with your loved ones. The event starts at 1:30 p.m. Free with museum admission. For more information you can call (714) 567-3600.<!--googleoff: all--> Also on February 14^th at 1:30pm at the Bowers Museum is the Great Screen Icon Series: Great Romantic Movie Moments<!--googleoff: all-->.From Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton to Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. Watch your favorite movie duos and romantic film scenes in this upbeat ode to on-screen love. Dr. Michael Berlin, film expert, screenwriter and producer, will enchant you with the behind-the-scenes stories from some of our most beloved films.

SEAL BEACH

Nothing to report

TUSTIN

Nothing to report

VILLA PARK

Nothing to report

*As seen in the ocregister.com & orangecounty.net

South County

ALISO VIEJO

This Saturday February 11, 2012 from 7 – 10pm at the Renaissance ClubSport is an Valentine's Day Love Lounge and Wine Tasting. Valentine's Day is the most romantic day of the year and deserves an extra special night to celebrate the occasion. Enjoy delicious appetizers and taste the most exotic white wines and romantic ruby reds. Then, indulge in our flowing sweet samplers and hand-passed champagne, all night long! You can cozy-up and relax, while listening to our live entertainment, or get out on the dance floor and move to the music! We invite you to extend your evening and stay the night for just $99.99! Reservations are required; space is limited to the first 50 couples. Childcare is available in Kids World until 10:00pm through our Valentine's Day Party Parent Escape. Members: $75 per couple Non-Members: $90 per couple. For more information or to register, please stop by the Club Desk or call (949)330-5560.

DANA POINT

Valentine’s Day is TUESDAY! From 4:00-6:00pmtry this unique and romantic way to celebrate Valentine's Day! You'll sail aboard the 95' Dana Pride at sunset as we search for whales, dolphin and other marine life set against the beautiful Orange County coastline. Chocolates and Valentine's Day treats are included as well as a complimentary glass of champagne for guests 21 and over! Enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail from our cash bar as well! Be sure to make reservations at one of Dana Point Harbor's many romantic restaurants for after the cruise and you'll have an unforgettable evening! For reservations or more information you can call 949-496-5794. Also on Valentine’s Day at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa is a wonderful Valentine's Package! This Valentine's Day escape to an Oceanside luxury resort at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa. Spend the night in a deluxe guestroom and wake up the following morning to a warm, complimentary breakfast buffet for two at “Vue” restaurant. Later on, visit “OverVue” lounge for a mouthwatering Donut Holes Delight Dessert. A bottle of house champagne awaits your arrival when you book this scintillating package for two.

LAGUNA HILLS

Nothing to report

LADERA RANCH

Nothing to report

LAGUNA BEACH

February 11 &14, 2012 is the Annual Four Course Valentine's Winemaker's Dinner. Enjoy fine epicurean creations paired with artisan boutique wines while listening to live music. Their 2012 Valentine's Winemaker's Dinner is $125.00 per person plus 21% service charge plus tax. Members receive a 10% discount. For more information you can call 949.715.9463 (Wine).

LAGUNA NIGUEL

Nothing to report

LAKE FOREST

Nothing to report

MISSION VIEJO

Nothing to report

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA

Nothing to report

SAN CLEMENTE

This Valentine’s Day from 5-7pm Casa Romantica invites guests to enjoy A Romantic Rendezvous on Valentine’s Day and will include live vocals and piano music by Elliot, delicious hors d’oeuvres, gourmet chocolates and champagne.
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

Nothing to report

The median list price for homes for sale in Laguna Niguel, CA is $650,000 for the week of February 6th, 2012.

The Market has been cooling in recent weeks. Since this is a Buyer’s market where there is excess inventory to satisfy the demand levels, prices have also been moving lower.

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Arna Freedman specializes in loan modification assistance and short sales in Ladera Ranch California.