O.C. Now

Countywide

Year-over-year defaults down in O.C.

Fewer Orange County homeowners received notices of default in April, the first step in the foreclosure process, compared to the previous month and in April 2009, a positive sign in the housing market’s rebound.

According to Bay Area-based ForeclosureRadar.com’s monthly “California Foreclosure Report,” 1,671 homes were given notices of default, compared with 2,059 in March and 3,031 in April 2009.

At the same time, the number of foreclosed homes sold or repossessed continues to rise, indicating that banks may be working through their backlog. There were 853 homes either sold to a third party or repossessed by the bank in April, compared with 782 in March and 579 in April 2009.

— OCLNN.Com

Newport Beach

Relay for Life is Saturday

The American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life will take place from 10 a.m. Saturday to 10 a.m. Sunday at Newport Harbor High School, 600 Irvine Ave.

Groups, which use a relay to staff walking teams all day and night, raise donations for the society. Teams are usually formed by employers, families, clubs, groups of friends and others. Money raised will go to American Cancer Society efforts to treat and cure cancer.

Visit www.relayforlife.org/newportbeachca.

— Staff Reports

Costa Mesa

Wine event at plaza to benefit food bank

South Coast Plaza plans to sponsor a summer food and wine event, the STARS of Santa Barbara, from 7 to 10 p.m. June 2, which will benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County.

Proceeds benefit Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County. Last year, the event raised more than $50,000 for the charity.

Tickets are $75 in advance and $100 at the door.

The event will take place at the Garden Terrace at 3333 Bristol St.

Visit www.learnaboutwine.com or call (310) 451-7600

— Staff reports

Santa Ana

Event to raise money for cancer research

The Orange County Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure will hold its fourth annual Pink Tie Ball benefit Saturday at John Wayne Airport.

A private “Atlantic Aviation” hangar will be the venue of “Destination ... Cure,” an event to raise funds for breast cancer research and pay for breast health services for the non-insured or underinsured, according to a news release from Komen’s Costa Mesa office.

At least 75% of the money raised at the ball will go toward local breast cancer education and services, and the rest will go toward research for a cure.

Tickets are $350, or $3,500 for a table of 10. Call (714) 957-9157 or visit www.komenoc.org.

— Mona Shadia