Lake Forest

Lake Forest was incorporated in 1991 before that the city was known as El Toro an unincorporated area of Orange County. Since becoming incorporated Lake Forest has expanded its boundaries to include Foothill Ranch and Portola Hills. Lake Forest is located in the heart of South Orange County- right by the two major North / South freeways the 5 and the 405 and as of Jan 1009 has a population of approximately 78,000. The city treasures its rich heritage but also welcomes new and future business and development. The city is a wonderful location for people to work as well as play and live. It has recently been ranked the 8th safest city for cities it´s size.

The area was originally called Rancho Canada De Los Alisos and Don Jose Serrano was the original owner through a Mexican Land Grant in 1846. The area was named El Toro after the bulls that were on Don Jose Serrano´s ranch. The land remained in the family for more than a hundred years. The family then met with financial issues and it had to be sold to private interests. In the 1900´s Dwight Whiting- an area resident planted 400 acres of eucalyptus trees helping solve California´s lumber shortage. After World War II the area began development of residential, commercial and industrial areas replacing acres of farmland. In 1960- Occidental Petroleum started a master planned community using the acres of eucalyptus trees and man- made lakes to accent the homes. This area is now known as the “Forest” area of Lake Forest. The local Marine Air Corps base provided the need for additional housing and supporting services ? this building formed the base for the Lake Forest that is currently being enjoyed.

Oakley Headquarters, Lake Forest California

The city offers a great mix of business, industrial and commercial office parks. The city is very business friendly not requiring a business permit to open and operate a business. There are research and development companies as well as technology, manufacturing and a great mix of retail. Large companies in the city are Oakley, Wet Seal, Del Taco corporate offices, Panasonic Avionics, Apria Healthcare, Black and Decker, Western Digital and Wonderware are all located throughout the industrial areas. The city encourages businesses to set up and maintain Lake Forest as their location to do business

The city has been great in revitalizing the retail areas. They recently completed the Arbors and Orchard shopping centers. The city modernized the median areas, bus stops and general feel of El Toro road from the freeway to Muirlands- they plan on moving onto to complete El Toro up to Jeronimo and to work on Rockfield between El Toro and Ridge Route, adding medians and beautifying the sidewalk areas.

Lake Forest is a series of tract homes that are surrounded by man-made lakes, numerous parks and schools. There are lake front homes as well as condominiums, horse property, luxury homes, mobile home parks and retirement communities, to meet all the needs of families of all stages of life.

The over 25 parks that dot Lake Forest offer a variety of playgrounds, pools, volleyball, basketball, baseball and soccer fields. Etnies Skatepark is a large draw for the skateboard enthusiasts. The city is looking to expand their park offerings with a large sports park near El Toro and Portola. They are in the works of developing a master plan for the area and acquiring the needed property- they are hoping it will encompass almost 60 acres upon completion. Another large recreation area is Whiting Ranch Regional Wilderness park which offers bike and hiking trails. It is a popular park that has its access in Lake Forest. The area parks offer free summer concerts. The best place to celebrate Lake Forest´s heritage is at Heritage Hill Historical park which houses all types of city sponsored programs for all age groups. There are two man-made lakes in the city- Lake Forest Beach and Tennis Club and the Sun and Sail Club feature tennis courts, gym, basketball courts, barbeque pits, volleyball courts, multiple swimming pools.

El Toro High school

Lake Forest has an award winning school district- Saddleback schools there are also private elementary schools and trade and technical schools within the city. The high school within the city limits is El Toro High school The high school opened in 1973 and has won numerous awards. There are many universities within minutes of Lake Forest for expanded educational opportunities. University of California at Irvine, California State University at Fullerton, Chapman University, Concordia University, Saddleback and Irvine Valley Community Colleges are all places residents can attend and still be close to home.

El Toro was most well known for the Marine Corps Air Station Base which was located one mile from the city and affected many areas of the city with the flight paths. El Toro was considered to be a great place for the military. The base closed in 1999. After a prolonged fight with the powers that be that wanted to house a commercial airport at the site the base / airport is now officially shuttered. The new plans for the base are a Great Park which really makes Lake Forest a great place to be.