Notes from a Neighbor Articles

Urban Visionary

81 - May / Jun 17

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 over the last three decades served a pivotal role in... Read More →

Don Cribb The way arts activist Don Cribb...

4th Street Market

with Ryan Chase

78 - Nov / Dec 16

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 in newer suburban areas. Fast-forward five decades, however, and the... Read More →

In Central Orange County during the late 1950s,...

Benjie's Delicatessen

with Lloyd Weinstein

72 - Nov / Dec 15

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 venerable eating establishment now owned and operated by Stan’s son,... Read More →

Among famous and landmark restaurants in Orange County,...

Cherie Kerr

and the Santa Ana Art's Scene

67 - Jan / Feb 15

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 in the emergence of Santa Ana as a legitimate player... Read More →

Cherie Kerr A founding member of the famed...

Randy Au

Artist at Large

56 - April 2013

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 artist produces work that is collected from coast to coast.... Read More →

Randy Au One of Orange County’s most prolific...

Memphis Cafe

with Diego Velasco & Dan Bradley

55 - Jan/Feb 13

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 one whitewashed wall. Fresh-cut flowers adorned each table, and an... Read More →

Memphis Cafe When the Santa Ana’s Artists Village...

Harveys Seatbelt Bags

51 - May / Jun 12

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 come with seat belts then), Santa Ana resident Dana Harvey... Read More →

When it comes to handbags, women speak of Harveys...

The Playground

50 - Mar / Apr 12

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 recently opened its doors to crowds of expectant fans. The... Read More →

Showcasing the finest and freshest ingredients, every meal...

Café Chiarini

47 - Sep / Oct 11

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 the task of finding a new location, and he discovered... Read More →

The name “Chiarini” was associated with high–quality workmanship...

Santa Ana Zoo

46 - Jul / Aug 11

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 Argentina, the majestic Andes Mountain range and Brazil’s spectacular Amazon... Read More →

If you haven’t been to the Santa Ana Zoo at...