Notes from a Neighbor:

81 - May / Jun 17

Don Cribb
Urban Visionary
Don Cribb The way arts activist Don Cribb sees it, he’s a moth gravitating to a blinking light bulb of promise called Santa Ana. As the founder of the Santa Ana Artists Village, he has... Read More →

78 - Nov / Dec 16

4th Street Market
with Ryan Chase
In Central Orange County during the late 1950s, an exodus from downtown areas like Santa Ana to the suburbs caused a decline in once vibrant city hubs as many people opted for living and shopping... Read More →

72 - Nov / Dec 15

Benjie's Delicatessen
with Lloyd Weinstein
Among famous and landmark restaurants in Orange County, Benjies New York Deli on Tustin Ave. just north of 17th St. in Santa Ana deserves a place of honor. Established in 1967 by Stan Weinstein, this... Read More →

67 - Jan / Feb 15

Cherie Kerr
and the Santa Ana Art's Scene
Cherie Kerr A founding member of the famed Groundlings Improvisational Theater Troupe that trained some of Hollywood’s funniest stars, including Will Ferrell, Jon Lovitz, Lisa Kudrow and Cheryl Hines, Cherie Kerr had an important role... Read More →

56 - April 2013

Randy Au
Artist at Large
Randy Au One of Orange County’s most prolific ceramic artists, Hawaiian born Randy Au goes about his creative business quietly. Known for his memorable interpretations, such as his vegetable series of squash and gourds, the... Read More →

55 - Jan/Feb 13

Memphis Cafe
with Diego Velasco & Dan Bradley
Memphis Cafe When the Santa Ana’s Artists Village was still a twinkle in this writer’s eye, there was Trattoria Ciao—a stylish Italian cafe with white tablecloths, bare wood floors and a cream-green motorbike hanging along... Read More →

51 - May / Jun 12

Harveys Seatbelt Bags
When it comes to handbags, women speak of Harveys SeatbeltBags like some men discuss their favorite cars, which isn’t surprising considering the product’s origins. In 1997, while installing seat belts into a vintage 1950 Buick (cars didn’t... Read More →

50 - Mar / Apr 12

The Playground
Showcasing the finest and freshest ingredients, every meal at The Playground is a new and different experience. Created by Chef Jason Quinn, one of the founders of the Lime Truck traveling eateries, The Playground restaurant in Downtown Santa Ana... Read More →

47 - Sep / Oct 11

Café Chiarini
The name “Chiarini” was associated with high–quality workmanship long before George Sr. and his sons George and Richard decided to move their operations from Brooklyn, New York to Santa Ana in 1978. Richard was given... Read More →

46 - Jul / Aug 11

Santa Ana Zoo
If you haven’t been to the Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park in a while, you might not recognize the new and improved version. With a redirected focus on the South American Continent, including the pampas of... Read More →