July 2012

Cover Story
Best of 2012!
We shopped, we nibbled, we hung out in cantinas and concert halls—all to bring you the best of Orange County. And for the first time, we invited readers to help, so you’ll see those tips, too. Registered Orange Coast Insiders can read about our fantasy bar, which includes everything from Gulfstream’s fire pit to microbrews from Haven Gastropub. That’s here. To order a print or digital copy of the July issue with the full feature, click here!

Nailed
Orange County’s Lenny “Nails” Dykstra went from being a wealthy, audacious baseball superstar to a flat-broke con man and clumsy sexual predator. How did it come to this? Read this powerful story about Dykstra’s rise and fall here.  To order a digital copy of the July issue, click here!
by Patrick J. Kiger

Zoom! 
UC Irvine’s Salute to Donald McKayle
Society Editor Gloria Zigner’s monthly recap of the county’s charity events, including the soiree staged by the university’s Claire Trevor School of the Arts to honor the choreographer and professor. The event raised more than $107,000 for scholarships and master classes.    

Coast Lines
The Neighborhoods page explores Garden Grove’s Main Street. In Books, we review “Garbology” by Seal Beach author Edward Humes, along with recent works by two other local writers. The Perfect Getaway travel feature hits the road to Carmel Valley, and the On the Market page introduces four local homes with million-dollar markdowns. We also highlight seven don’t-miss July happenings on our Events page.

O.C. Style
The island look is here for summer in flower and palm-frond prints from Tory Burch, Dries Van Noten, and Zara, as well as shoes from Charlotte Olympia, jewelry from Wilfred Rosado, and a clutch from Jan New York.  Plus, meet the woman behind Newport Beach’s Elizabeth Charles boutique. 

Departments

Legends How Rose Espinoza of La Habra used tutoring to fight gang violence—and won

My Orange County The OC Fair as antidote to the blend-in culture of modern Orange County

Columns
Land’s End Privately celebrating our public holiday of national unity

Editor’s Letter Personal Bests

Artist Spotlight 
“Gateway” by Los Angeles artist Liz Brizzi, which is displayed at the Curbside Gallery in Santa Ana through Aug. 4.
>> Online Only Click here to browse our comprehensive events listings that will guide you to the month’s best in local arts and entertainment.

Dining
Main Course The Ranch in Anaheim

Nibbles & Bits News and notes from the local foodie scene, including three outstanding cheesemongers; the favorite restaurants of Dean Kim, Amar Santana, and Dee Nguyen; and Red Habanero Hot Sauce from Slapfish

>> Online Only Our authoritative, expanded, and searchable dining listings  

To purchase a digital copy of this issue click here.