Homes

While experts point to the benefits of diversity — from children learning each others' languages to gaining an appreciation for other walks of life — a more self-interested reason for Mesa Verde parents to become involved in their neighborhood campuses might their home values. Studies have found that standardized test scores are closely related to the surrounding home prices. A real estate broker interviewed for this series said schools are one of the first subjects people research.

Lolita Harper COSTA MESA -- All signs point to a final vote on the controversial Home Ranch project Monday, but it won't come without more talk of change. Councilman Gary Monahan said he will most likely propose an increase in the housing on the project by raising the number of homes allowed per acre from 12 to 14 or 16. "If there is a serious concern to balance out the jobs and housing issue, this suggestion will get in a few more units," Monahan said.

The gingerbread display unveiled Tuesday at the Four Seasons Hotel in Newport Beach featured more than cookie-cutter homes. There were buildings and bridges, streets and, of course, storybook cottages made by pastry chef Sheldon Millet. The 2000 Gingerbread Village Wonderland is part of the fourth annual fund-raiser to benefit Toys for Tots. It runs through Dec. 24. Visitors can name parts of the village for $100 to $2000. The proceeds will be donated to Toys for Tots, a charity that provides toys to underprivileged children during the holiday season.

Rachel Pupiromrat is 17. Before coming across Boys Hope Girls Hope of Southern California, she had moved 20 times and attended a dozen schools. The teen had struggled at school. But the Costa Mesa- based non- profit has transformed her life. Now, she’s been accepted to De Paul University, in Chicago. “I’ve lived here all of my life, and I want something different and a fresh start,” Rachel said. “I want to meet new people, who haven’t grown up where I have grown up.” Boys Hope Girls Hope of Southern California is a place where children can get an education and a chance at hope for better possibilities in life.

Back from combat in Afghanistan and having just landed at John Wayne Airport after a flight from North Carolina, U.S. Marine Andy Krikorian struggled to stay awake while his dad drove him to their Costa Mesa home. It was late Friday, about 10 p.m., when the Krikorians turned onto Presidio Drive from Newport Boulevard to get to their home on Coronado Drive. The flight had been delayed about an hour. That didn't matter. Everyone waiting for the 27-year-old that night would've waited no matter how long it took.

After watching the foreclosed home down the street slowly devolve into a state of dilapidation, Mary Dinius said she was forced to take matters into her own hands. Sick of the untrimmed landscaping, dirty pool and overgrown grass blighting her street, the Mesa North resident paid her gardener an extra $40 to mow her former neighbor’s lawn on Cheyenne Street. “I don’t have a lawn mower, but if I had one, I would’ve taken it over there and done it myself,” she said.