SA NTA A N A #97 CLOCK IN FOR THE BEST HAPPY HOURS EVERY DAY FUEL UP ON CAFFEINE WITH THESE TRENDY COFFEE SHOPS
Marlene Peña-Marin K E E P I N G TR A D ITI O N A L I V E AT O C SA T H RO U G H DA N C E
GET CREATIVE WITH DATE SPOTS IN SANTA ANA QUESO, TRY OUT SANTA ANA’S BEST TRADITIONAL MEXICAN RESTAURANTS
DOWNTOWN SANTA ANA
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A Whole Latte Love WHERE TO GET YOUR CAFFEINE FIX IN SANTA ANA WRITTEN BY: DIEGO E. GAXIOLA PHOTOGRAPHED BY: HUNTER COLE
STAY GROUNDED • Huskins Coffee takes it to the next level with their drip coffee option featuring a house blend comprised of 75 percent Ethiopian and 25 percent Peruvian coffee beans. The full-bodied drip coffee blend has a buttery quality to it with hints of citrus, creating an enjoyable drink that coffee lovers are sure to enjoy. HUSKINS COFFEE 1901 E First St, Ste 138 Santa Ana, CA 92705 724.496.8258 www.huskinscoffee.com
T H AT ’S M Y JA M • Hidden House’s food options are equally delicious as their coffee! Order their scrumptious housemade biscuits with a side of fresh, mouthwatering apple jam. F O R YO U R A M U S EM ENT • Coffee Muse’s goal, aside from providing customers with great coffee, is making sure individuals enjoy their time at the shop.
Photoshoot Location: HIDDEN HOUSE COFFEE 511 E Santa Ana Blvd Santa Ana, CA 92701 714.972.4997 www.hiddenhousecoffee.com
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HOP TO IT • Though the menu is quite simple, the amount of time and effort Hopper & Burr invests daily into their coffee is quite extraordinary. Their espresso is crafted from Gesha Village, an Ethiopian blend with notes of raspberry and honey, perfect for
those seeking a sweeter espresso-based beverage. HOPPER & BURR 202 W 4th St Santa Ana, CA 92701 www.hopperandburr.com
GET INSPIRED • Coffee Muse, located in the heart of Downtown Santa Ana, offers a wide selection of coffee choices, ranging from super fruit teas to energy-boosting cold brews. Coffee Muse’s cold brew selection is seasonal, most recently featuring the bold coffee flavors found in the country of Honduras. COFFEE MUSE 310 E 4th St Santa Ana, CA 92701 657.206.6873 www.mycoffeemuse.com
HIDE AND SEEK • Hidden House Coffee’s philosophy is to provide customers with topquality coffee and exceptional hospitality.
Whether you like your lattes iced or hot, this Santa Ana coffee shop features a collection of delicious latte options from vanilla to matcha. Hot lattes feature impressive, meticulously crafted works of art. HIDDEN HOUSE COFFEE 511 E Santa Ana Blvd Santa Ana, CA 92701 714.972.4997 www.hiddenhousecoffee.com
SUGAR AND SPICE • A modern take on a classic drink option, Tierra Mia’s Horchata Frappe features the traditional rice and cinnamon flavoring found in horchata and just the right amount of coffee added to complete the nostalgic drink. If you are in the mood for a hot drink, try the Horchata Latte. TIERRA MIA COFFEE 1708 S Main St Santa Ana, CA 92707 657.231.6096 www.tierramiacoffee.com
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BEST BRUNCH • Mornings are sweeter with Pan Dulce French Toast. The Mexican pastry is topped with fruit and creamy rompope sauce. For a heartier meal, order the “El Famoso“ Breakfast Burrito—with chips and salsa on the side. Pan Dulce
Eat Your Heart Out MUST-TRY FOODS FOR YOUR SANTA ANA BUCKET LIST WRITTEN BY: AMEIHIA TURINGAN PHOTOGRAPHED BY: ROD FOSTER
As a city rich in diverse cultures, there’s never a shortage of delicious food in Santa Ana. Whether you’re on-the-go or looking for something new, Santa Ana offers an array of cuisines to satisfy your cravings. From Pan Dulce French Toast to charcuterie, here are the foods you can’t miss.
BEST LUNCH • Eat Chow takes comfort food to the next level. The Hot Chow menu holds mouth watering dishes like truffle mac “n” cheese, chimichurri skirt steak and smokey grilled shrimp tacos for a satisfying midday meal. EAT CHOW 313 N Bush St Santa Ana, CA 92701 657.266.0500 www.eatchow.com
BEST PIZZA • The Pizza Press’ Publish Your Own Pizza option lets you order a pizza just the way you like it. With an endless selection of combinations, choose your favorite sauces, cheeses and toppings for the perfect pie. THE PIZZA PRESS 117 W 4th St, Ste 101-102 Santa Ana, CA 92701 714.760.4425 www.thepizzapress.com
Chilaquiles
Photoshoot Location: CAFE CULTURA 324 W 4th St, Ste B Santa Ana, CA 92701 714.662.2002 www.cafecitocultura.com
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CAFE CULTURA 324 W 4th St, Ste B Santa Ana, CA 92701 714.662.2002 www.cafecitocultura.com
BEST MEATS • Electric City Butcher specializes in whole animal butchery. With an emphasis on sustainable meat sourcing and craftsmanship, the shop serves meat personalized for every guest. From charcuterie to sausages, you can get fresh, cut-to-order meat. ELECTRIC CITY BUTCHER 201 E 4th St Santa Ana, CA 92701 714.474.9096 www.electriccitybutcher.com
BEST ITALIAN DINNER • Antonello Ristorante is a staple for delicious, authentic Italian food. Their Antipasti menu alone, which features flavorful appetizers, like calamari fritti, bruschetta and the
beef-based carpaccio originale, will inspire you to make dinner reservations. ANTONELLO RISTORANTE 3800 South Plaza Dr Santa Ana, CA 92704 714.751.7153 www.antonello.com
BEST PLACE FOR SPONTANEITY • Playground 2.0 is a pop-up concept where you won’t know what’s being served until you sit down to eat. Popular 2.0 concepts include ‘Ultimate Steak Dinner,’ ‘Cheat Codes II’ and ‘Veggies are Awesome.’ PLAYGROUND 2.0 220 E 4th St Santa Ana, CA 92701 714.560.4444 www.playgrounddtsa.com
BEST GRAB-AND-GO • A burrito from Baja Fish Taco serves as the perfect grab-andgo item. Choose from fish, chicken, bean and cheese, carne asada, shrimp or vegetarian burritos to fuel the trip to your next destination. BAJA FISH TACOS 3664 S Bristol St Santa Ana, CA 92704 714.641.4836 www.bajafishtacos.com
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Photoshoot Location: FOODBEAST 305 W 4th St Santa Ana, CA 92701 949.344.2640 www.foodbeast.com
FOODIE
Beast Mode FOODBEAST PUBLISHER ELIE AYROUTH SHOWS US THE BEST EATERIES IN WALKING DISTANCE FROM HIS OFFICE PHOTOGRAPHED BY: ED VISIONS
EXPERT: Elie Ayrouth CREDENTIALS: Publisher, Foodbeast
THAT’S A WRAP • Dos Chinos’ Hollywood Chicken Burrito is a perfect neo-Santa Ana bite. It’s filled with Thai coconut curry chicken, red cabbage, crispy yams, tamarind sauce, sour cream, onions and cilantro. www.doschinos.com
GREEN MACHINE • This is my go-to spot for an affordable green juice: extra, EXTRA ginger. Being a #foodbeast is all about balance, so sometimes that green juice is the dish I can’t live without...to be able to live to see my other dishes. @chevitasdtsa
VEG OUT • La Taqueria Venganza is the best vegan taqueria that doesn’t have a solid home yet. His tacos are legendary, the sauces are miraculous and the experience of tracking his next pop-up around Santa Ana will always lead you to awesome people on the same search. @thevegantaqueria
THREE’S A (DELICIOUS) CROWD • Get a trio of burritos from Burritos La Palma
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and don’t look back: Birria “con todo” (they’ll hit you with refried beans and cheese), Deshebrada and Chicken Tinga.
www.burritoslapalma.net
KORNERSTONE • My Uncle George introduced me to Nate’s Korner in my teens… Can’t ever forget about Nate’s Favorite breakfast burrito, crispy bacon, sausage, cheese, salsa, extra crispy shredded hash browns, chopped serranos and the blackest of black coffee. www.nateskorner.com
BE ORIGENAL • Tacos Mi Origen has a bright orange, peanutbased salsa that’s so spicy it will punch your two front teeth out. Order some chicken, pastor and asada tacos with a couple takeaway cups of the aforementioned salsa. HOT SPOT • If I have to eat indoors, the place might as well be the fun AF Kaizen. The ultimate spot-hitter is a split pot of spicy miso and tonkotsu broths, prime ribeye for swishing and whatever sake is cheapest. www.kaizenshabu.com
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Barriga Llena, Corazón Contento INDULGE IN AUTHENTIC DISHES THAT EVEN ABUELA WOULD APPROVE OF WRITTEN BY: JANE ADLER PHOTOGRAPHED BY: ED VISIONS
A STRUMMER TO REMEMBER • Want someone to serenade you while you’re eating? During lunchtime at Super Antojitos, you get to experience live guitar music.
Molcajete
From molcajetes to margaritas, Santa Ana natives know how to walk the guac; it’s no wonder these top spots in town are serving up some of the most authentic Mexican cuisine. Whether you prefer an appetizer or the whole enchilada, we are highlighting our favorite dishes from four of Orange County’s finest. MUST ORDER: MOLCAJETE • Super Antojitos leads its diners down the highway to Jalisco with its mouth watering molcajete that pairs perfectly with one of their ice-cold Micheladas. A molcajete is essentially an oversized mortar and pestle, and San Antojitos turns theirs into a hot tub of tang, housing everything from steak to scallops served in a sea of sauce. SUPER ANTOJITOS 3305 S Bristol St Santa Ana, CA 92704 714.668.9214
MUST ORDER: ENCHILADA VERDES • This spot takes us to Querétaro for some serious enchilada eats. Potzoldencano’s enchiladas verdes is a take on the classic, hosting a trio of tortillas stuffed with shredded chicken and cheese smothered in a mild green chile sauce. It’ll have you saying adios to all the other enchiladas in your life. POTZOLDENCANO 1003 S Bristol St Santa Ana, CA 92703 714.664.0558 www.potzoldencano.com
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MUST ORDER: CEVICHE • If you prefer all things pescado, head over to Colima Mexican & Seafood Restaurant. Their Colima cuisine includes lots of fresh Pacific Ocean-caught fish marinated in citrus with spices and plenty of sabor. Colima pays homage to its namesake city by serving up seafood and ceviche by the boatload. COLIMA MEXICAN & SEAFOOD RESTAURANT 130 N Fairview St Santa Ana, CA 92703 714.836.1254 www.colimarest.com
MUST ORDER: QUESA-BIRRIA • Queso, we couldn’t help ourselves with this cheesy pun because La Súper Birria is slinging the best quesa-birrias. This Jaliscostyle hotspot cooks meat low and slow into a spicy stew and then swaddles it in a homemade tortilla topped with melted cheese. It’s the quesadillataco love child we never knew we needed. LA SÚPER BIRRIA 1041 W 1st St Santa Ana, CA 92703 657.245.3810
Photoshoot Location: SUPER ANTOJITOS 3305 S Bristol St Santa Ana, CA 92704 714.668.9214
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Gotta Hand It to Ya CHECK OUT THESE FINGER-LICKING FOODS FROM 4TH STREET MARKET WRITTEN BY: JANE ADLER PHOTOGRAPHED BY: ROD FOSTER
4th Street Market is a bustling, edible oasis located in the heart of East End in Downtown Santa Ana. Vendors are slinging their most drool-worthy dishes to feed the food-loving frenzies that swarm this place all day. Established in 2015, this funked up food hall proves that variety really is the spice of life.
SPIN IT TO WIN IT • If you need a side for your slice, Ground House is a hop, skip and gulp away. Besides burgers and buns, this all-American eatery is serving up a Fry Roulette, which comes with six different styles of fries with over 12 sauces ranging from sweet to savory to spicy. This is one gamble you can gobble. GROUND HOUSE 949.257.2485 www.groundhouseburger. myshopify.com
PIZZA MY HEART • For perfectly portioned pies, hit up
Detroit-style spot Steel Pan Pizza. Expect a thick, crisp, caramelized crust that will hold up under a tornado of toppings for a gravity-defying mouthful of Midwest goodness. Be there or be square. STEEL PAN PIZZA @steelpanpizza
BEST OF BOTH WORLDS • Dos Chinos is a LatinAsian fusion joint that made its debut at the market as a food truck and has since found a permanent home inside of 4th Street Market. They are known for their over-the-top tacos and
PROOF IS IN TH E PUDDIN G • You can’t call yourself an OC foodie if you haven’t made it to 4th Street Market. Check out this Santa Ana staple and mark it off your bucket list!
a lobster elote that will have you feeling too shellfish to share. DOS CHINOS 714.383.0414 www.doschinos.com
FALAFEL IN LOVE • When Halal is said and done, Buqqa Mediterranean Grill is the true gyro of 4th Street Market. Tender pieces of beef and lamb are gently swaddled in a warm pita wrap with classic spices that always causes customers to shawarma (See what we did there?). BUQQA MEDITERRANEAN GRILL 800.301.4402 www.buqqa.com
FEELIN G CORN Y • Dos Chinos’ lobster elote is one of their top sellers and consists of an entire lobster bathing in a trough of roasted corn.
Photoshoot Location: 4TH STREET MARKET 201 E 4th St Santa Ana, CA 92701 714.486.0700 www.4thstreetmarket.com
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Cosmopolitan
RAISE A GLASS TO SANTA ANA’S BEST HAPPY HOURS WRITTEN BY: JORDAN NISHKIAN PHOTOGRAPHED BY: ROD FOSTER
You’ve heard the saying: “It’s five o’clock somewhere,” but the last “somewhere” you want to be at that time is stuck in weekday, post-work traffic. The solution? Wait out the gridlock while you wine, dine and unwind at some of the best happy hours that Santa Ana has to offer!
Pork Belly Tacos
ORDER THIS: COSMOPOLITAN & PORK BELLY TACOS
ORDER THIS: BEER & LOBSTER AND SPANISH CHORIZO FONDUE
When: Tuesday-Friday 5-7 p.m. | Friday-Saturday 10 p.m. to Close
When: Monday-Friday 3-6 p.m.
• With rotating wines, craft beers and discounted appetizers, El Mercado Modern Cuisine’s newlyadded happy hour menu is chock-full of delicious drinks and bites, most notably their expertlycrafted well drinks and mouth watering pork belly tacos. EL MERCADO MODERN CUISINE 301 N Spurgeon St Santa Ana, CA 92701 714.338.2446 www.mercadomodern.com
ORDER THIS: BEER & MINI DRUNKEN FRIES DAY ‘N ’ N IGH T • Morning brunch crowds will appreciate the bright, open space that El Mercado provides, while the evening crowds will love the intimate, loungey atmosphere.
Photoshoot Location: EL MERCADO MODERN CUISINE 301 N Spurgeon St Santa Ana, CA 92701 714.338.2446 www.mercadomodern.com
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DON ’T BE SH Y • Don’t expect half-sized appetizers at El Mercado Modern; the only things smaller on the happy hour menu are the prices!
When: Monday-Thursday 3-6 p.m. & 10 p.m.-12 a.m. All Day Sunday
• Wursthaus’ most popular happy hour combo is beer house nirvana. Try their Drunken Fries (fresh-cut Kennebec potatoes slathered in a house andalouse sauce and topped with IPA caramelized onion), select a $5 bratwurst and wash it down with one of their rotating tap beers. WURSTHAUS 305 E 4th St, Ste 106 Santa Ana, CA 92701 714.760.4333 www.wursthausdtsa.com
• Walking into Braizen Sexy Sandwiches, you’re instantly greeted with friendly service and a casual atmosphere. Plus, the only thing better than their discounted beers and wines is their melty, spicy, buttery mixture of lobster and chorizo sandwiched in a light and crisp baguette. BRAIZEN SEXY SANDWICHES 31 E Macarthur Cres Santa Ana, CA 92707 657.900.2040 www.braizensandwiches.com
ORDER THIS: MOSCOW MULE & LUMPIA When: Monday-Friday 3-6 p.m.
• Located in the Downtown Artists Village, Chapter One is an intimate, cozy bar which was once a bookstore. During happy hour, you can expect discounted drinks and halfoff all snacks. Our faves? The Moscow Mule with hand crafted ginger beer that they carbonate right in front of you. CHAPTER ONE 227 N Broadway Santa Ana, CA 92701 714.352.2225 www.chapteronetml.com
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You Can Find Me at the Mall SHOP, PLAY AND EXPLORE MAINPLACE MALL WRITTEN BY: RAPHAEL MADRID PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY: MAINPLACE MALL
America’s first shopping mall opened its doors in 1956 in Edina, Minnesota, and over 60 years later, we’ve never looked back. This staple in our society has provided us with a popular form of therapy that continues to bring joy to our lives—and Santa Ana’s MainPlace Mall is no exception to that.
EAT S • Boudin SF will always be a treat to have—who doesn’t love a good grilled cheese and tomato soup combo any day of the week? E NT ERTA INMENT • Whether you’re killing time or having a blast with the kids, Round1 has got just about everything to keep you there for hours!
THE POP LIFESTYLE
BRIGHTON YOUR DAY
BEAUTY PERKS
Fave Find: Disney Memorabilia
Fave Find: Charms
Fave Find: Every Shade of Lipstick
• The civic-minded store for all things pop culture, BoxLunch has a unique selection of sophisticated merchandise from your favorite cinematic and televised obsessions. Everything from vinyl figures to jewelry, home furnishings and collectibles—they’ve got it. Did we mention all purchases made helps provide meals throughout America? BOXLUNCH 714.558.6854 www.boxlunch.com
• Producers of accessories as unique as you are, Brighton Collectibles is just the place to go for that statement piece to complete that outfit. Whether you treat yourself or someone you love, let their skilled and trustworthy team take care of all your jewelry needs. BRIGHTON COLLECTIBLES 714.542.9561 www.brighton.com
• From foundation to lipstick and everything in between, MAC is the makeup boutique for all occasions—even if you’re not going anywhere. They’re your favorite makeup artist’s makeup and should be yours too. Look to their talented staff to revamp your night out on the town.
FOR THE KIDDIES
MAC COSMETICS 714.648.0556 www.maccosmetics.com
Fave Find: Graphic Tees
VINTAGE FINDS
• There’s no better place to find the most extensive collection of fun and fashionable clothing for the little ones than The Children’s Place. From everyday essentials to full matching sets, you’ll find this staple store both convenient and cool—all for a price your wallet wouldn’t wail over. THE CHILDREN’S PLACE 714.972.0246 www.childrensplace.com
Fave Find: Print Dresses & Bowling Shirts
• Vintage Galeria is an absolute gem in the mall! They’ve got a great collection of rare and specialty items you won’t find anywhere else. With a helpful and patient staff, you’ll have no problem finding something you’ll enjoy. If you’re looking for a sweet Pin-Up or Rockabilly digs, this is the place. VINTAGE GALERIA 657.331.0189 www.vintagegaleria.com
Photoshoot Location: MAINPLACE MALL 2800 N Main St Santa Ana, CA 92705 714.547.7800 www.shopmainplacemall.com
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Get It, Hombres! SUAVECITO POMADE SLICKS BACK THE COMPETITION WRITTEN BY: JORDAN NISHKIAN PHOTOGRAPHED BY: ED VISIONS
What began as small, front-of-shop exchanges between friends has grown into a cultural boom. Suavecito, founded by Pete Adame, Tony Adame and JBird, started with their classic pomade. Today, Suavecito has branched out into hair care, grooming, apparel, accessories and even a women’s line called Suavecita. “We’re just having fun,” JBird smiles. “We’re super home-grown, and we have a lot of good people supporting us.”
Photoshoot Location: SUAVECITO 2831 W 1st St Santa Ana, CA 92703 714.388.6920 www.suavecito.com
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WHAT’S COOKIN’? • Because of JBird’s culinary background, the three originally wanted to open a hotdog/sausage gastropub, but the bank denied their loan. They decided to start selling their pomade to make the gastropub happen. “We didn’t plan for it to get this far. We never had time to do our restaurant!”
LET IT BE • “[Suavecito’s success] organically happened. It naturally became like this,” JBird discloses. While they never planned to have a building, a storefront or employees, the trio took each step in stride, rolled with the punches and allowed the company to blossom into what it is today.
WHERE IT ALL STARTED • The trio started building their products as a hobby around 2007. At the time, pomades were pricey and hard to find. They eventually began handing out their pomades in front of barber shops, which was only the beginning of their soonto-be massive following.
BLAST FROM THE PAST • Suavecito has recently launched its petroleum oilbased product. “It’s going to stay in your hair for three or four days,” JBird explains. “It’s an old-school pomade. Really high-shine, superthick—it’s an old recipe that’s been around for years that we’ve never done before.”
COLLECTIBLE COLLABS • Suavecito releases fun collaborations fairly regularly. Recent collabs include Social Distortion and Felix the Cat, and fans may even be able to look forward to a mashup with Bobby Tribal from Tribal Streetwear.
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In the Footsteps of Tradition MARLENE PEÑA-MARIN SHARES HER LOVE OF DANCE, CULTURE AND HER COMMUNITY WRITTEN BY: DEANNA NGUYEN PHOTOGRAPHED BY: ERIK ISAKSON
Along the animated streets of downtown Santa Ana, a woman wearing a floral, ruffled skirt with a matching blouse, a white ribbon cinched at the waist and a tocado tucked in her hair drew compliments from people. Every clack of her white, clog-like heels felt like a pulse, keeping the urban district thrumming with life.
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Her name is Marlene Peña-Marin, and she is one of many passionate dreamers with a desire to showcase the cultural influences of folklórico— Mexican folk dance. As the Director of the International Dance Conservatory at Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA) and Artistic Director at Relámpago Del Cielo Grupo Folklórico, Peña-Marin embraces both the role of a dancer and an instructor. She didn’t always stay en route with dance; she majored in business and worked in the IBM computer industry for many years. In spite of that, PeñaMarin continued to teach dance classes at her mother’s studio during the weekends before OCSA
contacted her, shifting her path back to where she intended it to be. “I always tell the students, ’You never know,’” said Peña-Marin. “If you’re constantly staying in that area that you love...if your heart’s in the right place, I think it works.” With her students, she ensures that their posturing, footwork and costuming are all historically accurate. PeñaMarin expressed that creativity with folklórico is always welcome because art evolves, but students should understand the foundation and where it came from. And while Peña-Marin guides her students to different parts of the world through the history of folklórico, she remains rooted to Santa Ana, a city that supported her in many ways. “I would tell the city, ‘I love you and I want you to continue to support not just the art community, but the community in general through health [and] education,’” said Peña-Marin. “I love... Santa Ana in particular because it is such a diverse community.”
ORANGE COUNTY SCHOOL OF THE ARTS 1010 N Main St Santa Ana, CA 92701 714.560.0900 www.ocsarts.net RELÁMPAGO DEL CIELO 3750 W McFadden Ave Santa Ana, CA 92704 714.881.4732 www.rdcgf.org Photoshoot Location: DOWNTOWN SANTA ANA
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Wild, Wild World SEE THE WORLD’S WILDLIFE WITHOUT LEAVING THE SANTA ANA ZOO WRITTEN BY: AMEIHIA TURINGAN PHOTOGRAPHED BY: HUNTER COLE
The Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park houses over 120 species of exotic and endangered animals. Since 1952, the institution focuses on conservation, education and recreation. With exhibits like Tierra de las Pampas Grassland and Amazon’s Edge/ Jungle Hut, you can take a trip around the world by viewing these amazing animals.
AFRICA • Head to Monkey Row to hang out with black and white colobus monkeys and ring-tailed lemurs. Critically endangered black and white-ruffed lemurs from Madagascar also enjoy the zoo’s conservation efforts. Back at the aviary, the friendly and intelligent trumpeter hornbill is usually socializing with other hornbills. Other incredible African animals at the zoo include dromedary camels, crested porcupines and ambassador animals like pancake tortoises and Eastern tiger salamanders.
ASIA • The Zoo is home to a few Asian animals. You'll spot primates like white-handed gibbons swinging from the trees. Venture to the Animal Encounter Area to meet the South and Southeast Asian native binturong (also called the bearcat due to its appearance). Bactrian camels, which have two humps on their backs, spend time in the camel yard. Ambassador animals like blue-tongued skinks (lizards) make their appearance during special programs.
SOUTH AMERICA • Visit the Colors of the Amazon Aviary to see birds like the blue and yellow macaw, scarlet ibis, troupial and green-cheeked amazon. In Tierra de las Pampas, you can find rheas and giant anteaters. Other notable South American creatures include the guanaco (relative to llama), margay cat, emperor tamarin, golden poison dart frog, brown-headed spider monkey, ocelot and the smallest monkey in the world: pygmy marmoset.
Photoshoot Location: SANTA ANA ZOO AT PRENTICE PARK 1801 E Chestnut Ave Santa Ana, CA 92701 714.836.4000 www.santaanazoo.org
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Let’s Take This Downtown THIS MARKETING DIRECTOR SHARES HER FAVORITE SPOTS IN DOWNTOWN SANTA ANA PHOTOGRAPHED BY: ED VISIONS
EXPERT: Sarah Armstrong CREDENTIALS: Creative Director, A Name Brand Co.
MONDAY • Monday is my favorite day to go to Alta Baja Market. The food is hearty, full of love, totally affordable— there are tons of options for gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan folks. www.4thstreetmarket.com/ altabajamarket
TUESDAY • It is always, always about Los Reyes del Elote for Taco Tuesday! All of their tacos are made fresh when you order—all under $2 a piece. They do a corn cocktail, too. www.losreyesdelelote.com
WEDNESDAY • Every third Wednesday, Queer Traffic takes over the back patio of 4th Street Market. I can genuinely connect with and grow my queer community. Afterward, folks head to VLVT Lounge. @queertraffic www.velvetoc.com
THURSDAY • Thursday is for Hopper & Burr—hands down my favorite coffee in Orange County. They do the standards impeccably
“Every third Wednesday, Queer Traffic takes over the back patio of 4th Street Market.”
well, and usually have special seasonal items like my all-time favorite: the Espresso Cola.
www.hopperandburr.com
FRIDAY • Frida Fridays, duh. The Frida Cinema is one of the best things we have going for us in Orange County. It’s an indie art house theatre with fantastic programming. www.thefridacinema.org
SATURDAY • If it’s the first Saturday of the month, definitely hit Artwalk in the evening. I highly suggest you give yourself the whole night to wander around as aimlessly as possible. www.dtsaartwalk.org
SUNDAY • [I start with] a late morning walk through the DTSA farmers market, and hopefully I remember to stock up on eggs from Electric City Butcher instead of remembering when they’re closed. @dtsafarmersmarket www.electriccitybutcher.com
A NAME BRAND CO. www.anamebrand.co @anbco Photoshoot Location: SANTA ANA
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LOCALENDAR MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR THESE SANTA ANA EVENTS WRITTEN BY: AMEIHIA TURINGAN
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LIONS, MUSIC, BEERS, OH MY! July 7 and 21
• The Santa Ana Zoo brings live music, beertasting, carousel rides, craft tables and animals together for a fun-filled evening. The can’t-miss Sunsets at the Zoo goes from 5:30-7:30 p.m. www.santaanazoo.org
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SWAY TO REGGAE August 31
• Morgan Heritage, Arise Roots and Jemere Morgan will be performing at The Observatory. The Grammy Award-winning band will make sure you soak in the island vibes! observatoryoc.com
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November 16
October 19
LIGHT UP THE NIGHT • Start the holiday season right by watching the tree lighting at Plaza Calle Cuatro from 5-8 p.m. With food, entertainment and a Santa visit, Plaza Navideña brims with festive holiday magic. www.ci.santa-ana.ca.us
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JOURNEY TO THE PAST October 19
• Step back through time with the Santa Ana Historical Preservation Society and learn about local figures. See history come alive by touring the Fairhaven Memorial Park and Santa Ana Cemetery. www.santaanahistory.com/ cemeterytour.html
GO THE DISTANCE • Lace up those running shoes and get ready to pace yourself in the Santa Ana 5K run. Pound the pavement and join the fun from 8-10 a.m. www.ci.santa-ana.ca.us
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PATCH IT UP December 1
• Patchwork Show: Modern Makers Festival is a free-to-attend, biannual festival that offers artisan food, DIY crafting and music, all while showcasing local artists, crafters and designers.
www.dearhandmadelife.com
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REACH FOR THE SKY September 13
• Head to the heart of downtown Santa Ana at the Yost Theater for an explosive performance by Explosions in the Sky—it’ll be a night to remember! www.yosttheater.com
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August 8-11
• The Santa Ana Summer Festival brings together the Hispanic community around Southern California. Admissions are free, so you get to enjoy bountiful food and rides! www.fiestadecarnival.com
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September 15-16
Ends September 8
JOIN THE FIESTA • Celebrate Mexican independence at the Fiestas Patrias Festival. At the corner of Flower St and Civic Center Dr, this cultural celebration offers fun entertainment, tasty food, games, art exhibitions, a parade and an El Grito ceremony.
www.gandcproductions.com/ fiestaspatrias
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SAVOR AND SAMPLE October 5
• Calling all foodies! Discover Santa Ana’s culinary scene and try the city’s best food and drinks at the 6th annual Taste of Santa Ana. Bring your appetite to Main Place Mall at 6 p.m. www.tasteofsantaana.org
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DEFEND JUSTICE • Join the Justice League at the Discovery Cube for the DC Superheroes: Discover Your Superpowers Exhibit, an immersive experience where you get to save the day! www.oc.discoverycube.org
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DAY OF THE DEAD November 2
• Remember loved ones by building an altar at the annual Noche de Altares event. See the beautiful ways that the community honors family while enjoying performances and delicious food. www.nochedealtares.org
Photography Provided By: Lisandro Orozc
EAT, DRINK AND BE MARIACHI
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FACES OF SANTA ANA 224 N Bush St Santa Ana, CA 92701 786.543.7787 merch.facesofsantaana.com
ALIVE
Never Lose Face
Photoshoot Location: THE ORCHARD APARTMENTS 2151 E First St Santa Ana, CA 92705 657.245.3137 mercyhouse.net
THIS NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION CHANGES PERSPECTIVE ON HOMELESSNESS THROUGH ART WRITTEN BY: ANNIE KIM PHOTOGRAPHED BY: HUNTER COLE
You witness the people in front of you silently walk by a man asking for some change, wearing tattered clothing covered in filth and a face bearing years of wrinkles formed by the beatings of harsh UV rays and cold nights. And then, maybe, you do the same. We’re all guilty of it. For Brian Peterson, an artist from Miami currently residing in Santa Ana, he stops and asks homeless individuals about their life goals and if he could paint their portraits.
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“My artistry serves people,” says Peterson. Sometimes Peterson paints the portrait on a regular-sized canvas; sometimes it’s several faces on a 150-foot mural with his partner, Santa Ana street artist Damin Lujan. What began as an act of love four years ago for a neighbor who was experiencing homelessness, has transformed into Faces of Santa—a nonprofit organization committed to using the power of creativity and art to tell and share the stories of Santa Ana’s homeless community. “As an artist, I tell the narrative of the times that
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I live in and...the time of my city; the elephant in the room,” Peterson explains passionately. “All I’m doing is [using] my gift and telling the story of the invisible people.” Through art, Faces of Santa Ana aims to humanize homeless individuals, and through the creative process, Peterson hopes to provide the subjects with hope. “Our goal is really to remind them and say, ‘You are worthy. Take a second look at yourself. Look at this painting and see who you actually are. You are way more than your circumstances. Let’s start working on your identity,’” shares Peterson. Although Peterson believes that housing is the solution to ending homelessness, that is not the goal—it’s about building one-on-one relationships. “Deeper than that, my motivation out here is actually to love the homeless,” says Peterson. “If our focus is to love them, helping them will, in turn, come from loving them.” He hopes to inspire people and other creatives to do the same—to love unconditionally regardless of circumstance.
BRAN CHING OUT • Peterson’s first mural, The Orchard, is his favorite. “We just saw things start to shift in their heart,” says Peterson.
“If our focus is to love [individuals experiencing homelessness], helping them will, in turn, come from loving them.” —Brian Peterson
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Kidding Around WHERE TO PLAN YOUR NEXT FAMILY OUTING IN SANTA ANA WRITTEN BY: RAPHAEL MADRID PHOTOGRAPHED BY: ED VISIONS
Skip the long lines with the Mouse, leave your passport at home and put $10 toward the gas tank because a fantastic family staycation is just located right around the corner! Santa Ana is the destination, and all sorts of fun adventures await for kids (and adults) of all ages.
I NF RE Q U E NT F LY ERS • Be sure to check out one of the airshows that Lyon Air Museum puts together throughout the year—one in May and another in October.
S ING L IKE (A L MO ST ) NO O NE’S WATC HING • Rent one of Round1’s spacious karaoke rooms for parties...or just for when you really want to hit those high notes.
IT’S OK TO BE SQUARE • The Discovery Cube is more than just a sight to behold off the freeway—it’s a place of wonder for everyone. Prepare to blast off as your whole family learns and experiences all things space at their Boeing Rocket Lab. Don’t worry, it’s for the kids at heart, too! DISCOVERY CUBE ORANGE COUNTY 2500 N Main St Santa Ana, CA 92705 714.542.2823 www.oc.discoverycube.org
HEAD IN THE CLOUDS • Take a trip back in time to the Lyon Air Museum to discover a marvelous history of aviation past. Their rare collection of aircraft is not only a sight to behold, but also a great exhibition for the whole family to learn about the United States’ role in shaping our modern world. LYON AIR MUSEUM 19300 Ike Jones Rd Santa Ana, CA 92707 714.210.4585 www.lyonairmuseum.org
PLAY ALL DAY • Round1 is the neighborhood arcade you wish you had as a kid; it has everything you can think of! Hundreds of arcade games, epic prizes, bowling, billiards, karaoke—all under one roof. It will be a wonder if your family will be able to do it all in one day. ROUND1 AMUSEMENT CENTER MainPlace Mall 2800 N Main St, Ste 1100 Santa Ana, CA 92705 714.619.6840 www.round1usa.com
GET IN SOME SCREEN TIME • Do you have what it takes to rumble with the best of them? The ESports Arena is the Mecca for gamers of all ages to spectate and compete in the world’s most popular, head-tohead video games. They hold daily competitions (open to the public), for popular games like Street Fighter, Fortnite and Super Smash Bros. ESPORTS ARENA ORANGE COUNTY 120 W 5th St Santa Ana, CA 92701 714.462.5592 www.esportsarena.com
Photoshoot Location: DISCOVERY CUBE ORANGE COUNTY 2500 N Main St Santa Ana, CA 92705 714.542.2823 www.oc.discoverycube.org
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Lofty Ideas REALTOR® STACEY MAY SHARES 7 TIPS ABOUT SANTA ANA’S LIVE/WORK LOFTS PHOTOGRAPHED BY: HUNTER COLE
EXPERT: Stacey May CREDENTIALS: REALTOR®, Orange County Lofts & Nook Real Estate
FUND-AMENTALS • I always recommend buyers get pre-approved with a lender who specializes in funding live/ work properties. Many lenders are unfamiliar with dual-zoned (commercial/ residential) units and it can cost buyers valuable time. MIND YOUR BUSINESS • Each loft HOA has their own restrictions on the types of businesses that can be operated within them. Always ensure that any business is approved before making an offer. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION • Interior versus exterior location within a loft community is key. Consumer-driven businesses would thrive with an exterior unit. Private, interior spaces are usually preferred for residential or B2B ventures. WALK THIS WAY • When looking at loft communities, it’s best to consider each of its various features to know which works best for one’s lifestyle. If you are a frequent commuter, the Santiago Lofts would
provide the quickest access to freeways and the Santa Ana Train Depot, whereas the Downtown Santa Ana Lofts have better walkability to many restaurants, bars and galleries. IT’S THE INSIDE THAT COUNTS • No loft interior is the same—that's part of what makes them so cool! It’s important to know if you're looking for a creative project or something move-in ready. PARK IT • While there is ample street parking and parking garages for visitors, be sure to check out the loft’s attached garage prior to making an offer as not all garages can accommodate multi-car buyers. LOVE WHERE YOU LIVE/WORK • Working with a live/ work specialist such as myself will ensure all items aforementioned are prioritized and made part of the search process. We often have inside information about units that are coming onto the market.
ORANGE COUNTY LOFTS | SANTA ANA 949.302.2414 www.orangecountylofts.com NOOK REAL ESTATE 19600 Fairchild Rd, Ste 150 Irvine, CA 92612 888.220.6665 www.nookrealestate.com Photoshoot Location: SANTA ANA
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It’s a Date WE’VE GOT YOUR NEXT NIGHT OUT IN SANTA ANA COVERED WRITTEN BY: RAPHAEL MADRID PHOTOGRAPHED BY: ED VISIONS
Dinner? Perhaps. Drinks? That's typical. While pasta and wine pairings are great options for a date night, there isn’t much originality in that. Sure, Santa Ana has fantastic fine dining and such, but there are also great options for you to showcase some originality. We’ve tackled the task and put together some great ideas for your next great date.
FOR THE CREATIVES • The Bowers Museum boasts a large collection of Native American, PreColumbian and Asian art that represents many regions and cultures around the world. With over 93,000 square feet of gallery and patio space, Bowers is a subtle date night getaway, perfect for those intimate “getting-to-know-eachother” moments. BOWERS MUSEUM 2002 N Main St Santa Ana, CA 92706 714.567.3600 www.bowers.org
FOR THE FITNESS BUFFS • Think back to your grade school days spent at the jungle gym. Sender One is exactly like that, except a lot more challenging.
T HAT ’S T HE S PIR IT • For lovers of the mysterious and macabre, the Santa Ana Ghost Walk through the hauntingly beautiful city is for you!
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Make no mistake, after a couple of hours here, you and your date will leave feeling quite accomplished. This grownup jungle gym is like if you took your outdoor adventures inside. SENDER ONE 1441 S Village Way Santa Ana, CA 92705 714.881.3456 www.senderoneclimbing.com
FOR THE FILM ENTHUSIASTS • If you and your date are looking for more film quotes to weave into your daily life, look no further than The Frida. Located in the heart of Downtown Santa Ana, The Frida Cinema is Orange County’s only “year-round film festival” showcasing films new and old of every genre
and time period every single day of the year. THE FRIDA CINEMA 305 E 4th St, Ste 100 Santa Ana, CA 92701 714.285.9422 www.thefridacinema.org
FOR THE ADVENTURE SEEKERS • If your idea of a great date includes being trapped in a room while looking for a way out, a visit to Detectives Society will be your best bet to accomplish that. After all, the best way to test your communication and teamwork is to put your “lives” on the line, right? DETECTIVES SOCIETY ESCAPE ROOMS 1526 Brookhollow Dr, Ste 82 Santa Ana, CA 92705 949.203.2492 www.detectivessociety.com
Photoshoot Location: THE FRIDA CINEMA 305 E 4th St, Ste 100 Santa Ana, CA 92701 714.285.9422 www.thefridacinema.org