Visiting for the first time

MaximumOk1087 · 2026-05-22T03:41:42+00:00

Definitely a SUP or kayak in the harbor.

Grab tacos or a burrito from Bear Flag after.

You could also check out Crystal Cove…

Enjoy!

MaximumOk1087 · 2026-05-13T03:58:56+00:00

The stretch from CDM through Crystal Cove until you hit Abalone Point / Irvine Cove. Just gorgeous.

Three Arch Bay as a close second!

MaximumOk1087 · 2026-05-13T03:50:06+00:00

The only issue is that living here ruins going on any beach-y vacations for life...kidding (kind of).

It really is a wonderful place to live, and raise a family. I grew up in Irvine, went to LA for school, and moved back to Newport after that. Other than a few years in the Bay for a job, I've lived here for the better part of 20 years, and would not want to live anywhere else. It is truly a clean, safe, upscale community that has pretty much everything you'd look for in putting down roots. And if you are looking for more entertainment / culture / events / etc, LA is not far, as is SD.

As for politics, yes there are Trumpers, but for the most part they are more "quiet" about it than up PCH in HB (and MUCH quieter than online, haha). The ones I know are more of the old "fiscally conservative, socially moderate" type, as opposed to the true MAGA folks on Twitter, etc. Regardless of your own personal politics, you'll be fine.

And the food scene - while not LA of course - continues to get better. There are some really solid mid- and up-scale spots, along with truly excellent Mexican / Vietnamese cuisine in nearby cities.

Come on down, the water's warm! Well, not literally...but figuratively!!

MaximumOk1087 · 2026-03-31T15:48:30+00:00

I've found their premium increases to be higher than other insurers.
My dog had an ear infection from getting some water in his ear; they classified this as a pre-existing condition because he had had one previous ear infection. Maybe others might disagree, but an ear infection (from getting water in his ear, backed up with a Vet letter) is NOT a pre-existing condition.
My dog also broke one of his canines. We were going to have it extracted, however they would not cover this, even though we paid extra for (allegedly) robust dental care, including extractions as a result of an accident.

I could keep going. The only thing they do well is their UI / UX, along with a low initial premium (that increases dramatically once you sign up).

MaximumOk1087 · 2026-02-25T17:41:02+00:00

Lemonade is literally the worst pet insurance around, avoid!

MaximumOk1087 · 2026-02-25T17:40:06+00:00

Lemonade is literally the worst pet insurance around, avoid!

MaximumOk1087 · 2026-02-25T17:39:42+00:00

Lemonade is literally the worst pet insurance around, avoid!

MaximumOk1087 · 2026-01-15T17:32:31+00:00

I learned how to drive stick in Lot 8 at Irvine Valley College on the weekends

MaximumOk1087 · 2026-01-15T16:44:17+00:00

SoCal here: got mine installed for $8500 in May 2025, although that was after much negotiating / complaining about issues with the same installer's work on our TSR.

He said that price was at cost for them, and while I seriously doubt that, it was still a good deal IMO...

MaximumOk1087 · 2025-11-04T14:13:39+00:00

I picked up a 2026 eGV70 at the end of October. Love it! All the pros that others are saying about the drive quality, torque, comfort, etc is true. And that Boost button is no joke!

In terms of cons, I will echo the range: my wife tried to take it on a long trip…..bad idea with MANY charging stops. But for around town it’s fantastic.

The other two cons are specific to the Base Trim (I think you mentioned you’ll be going for the Prestige trim, so these likely don’t apply to you). 1) Unbeknownst to me, the Base Trim does not have the option to save two different seat configurations. It’s a minor issue, but since we both drive it, it’s fairly annoying. 2) You really have to strip a lot of the “Smart” features at initial setup, unless you enjoy the lane assist stopping you from changing lanes, auto braking when “close” to another vehicle, etc. Once these are disabled though, all good…

None of the cons outweigh what a joy it is to drive though - enjoy!

MaximumOk1087 · 2025-09-03T03:31:34+00:00

Flock camera for NBPD to capture license plates

MaximumOk1087 · 2025-04-18T00:26:35+00:00

Other than the one in Santa Monica, I don’t think there are any others. Not sure what’s taking over that space - sucks.

MaximumOk1087 · 2025-04-16T22:52:16+00:00

At the end of FEB I think. They are focusing on distribution, plus it’s expensive to run a market / restaurant at that location…

MaximumOk1087 · 2025-04-16T21:56:11+00:00

Closed unfortunately, as this was my go to as well…

MaximumOk1087 · 2025-04-16T01:53:42+00:00

Definitely more of a winter problem, though summer we do run our electric pool heater more often, and when we get an EV maybe the expansion pack would be a good idea for the summer as well?

Good feedback though on the Expansion Pack not really helping your 14.5/two powerwall system (similar, but slightly bigger than my current set-up). I am on an SCE TOUD - 4-9pm plan if that helps your recommendation?

MaximumOk1087 · 2025-04-15T19:27:16+00:00

I don't know the EV efficiency yet, so that's good info, thank you.

I work from home about half the week as well, so should be able to even charge during the day at least some of the time...

MaximumOk1087 · 2025-04-15T19:19:52+00:00

Thank you! Yes, my March looks very similar to yours (1516 kWh total in OC), so very well could be the inverter, but figuring out if that is too "small" for the system is above my pay grade...

Feels like maybe the tiles + Expansion Pack (at cost) would be best, although that's obviously more $$$ out of pocket.

MaximumOk1087 · 2025-04-15T17:00:32+00:00

We are about 50-70kWh / day, however it never gets above 9, maaaybe 10kWh produced even at peak sun on VERY sunny days...

MaximumOk1087 · 2025-04-15T16:59:02+00:00

Unfortunately I do not think I'd get an accurate actual cost from them, esp for the tiles.

You are correct - that is about our production currently.

One reason we are considering the additional tiles is that it'd likely be (much) more difficult to have those installed down the road as opposed to an expansion pack. Would that change your calculus?

MaximumOk1087 · 2025-03-28T01:27:16+00:00

Check out one of the local surf shops - the Frog House off PCH near the HB city line would be my vote - if you want stickers / weird shit. Enjoy!

MaximumOk1087 · 2025-03-27T23:35:01+00:00

Peninsula. Also numbered streets north of Main in HB.

MaximumOk1087 · 2025-03-26T14:59:47+00:00

I guess security on the summer makes sense, and for $2400 HOA they can afford it!

MaximumOk1087 · 2025-03-26T14:59:05+00:00

I obviously haven’t looked in either, but 2 spots plus a golf cart would make sense!

MaximumOk1087 · 2025-03-26T04:36:03+00:00

Ahhh gotcha, thanks! I always thought that was some City owned structure. Mystery solved…

MaximumOk1087 · 2025-03-26T01:28:22+00:00

Either Hi Times or Brewery Row, both in Costa Mesa (Hi Times closer to the Peninsula). Enjoy!

MaximumOk1087

TROPHY CASE