Moocher Monday, Because We Love You OC

Randy Newman wrote it. Orange County, you've got a friend in us.

Bogart said it. OC, this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

Rod Stewart sang it. OC, have we told you lately that we love you?

To all of our readers, fans, advertisers, writers, photographers, and supporters, THANK YOU! We do it for you and our shared love for this great county of ours. In a small way, we are giving back to YOU, our local community, starting this Monday, and continuing every Monday, with a little treat we're calling "Moocher Monday." << Get excited! >>

On Mondays, we will be offering all sorts of different giveaways from concert tickets to restaurant gift cards from local venues and businesses. Buy, shop, save local. All you have to do is keep up with us on our Facebook page, and comment or "like" the respective giveaway post to enter for a chance to win. Check back each week for different prizes. (We might even throw in a few bonus giveaways throughout the week!) Stay connected friends; it will serve you well.

The OC Gazette on Facebook

Also - hot off the presses - check out the August issues of the magazine. Just to give you a slight glimpse at what you will find: Amy speaks with the legendary Buzz Aldrin (try to fill his moon-walking shoes), there are babies riding alligators (seriously), and if that weren't enough, we found 58 free August events, happening in your very own hometown. This issue is of biblical proportions. Just ask Moses.

TGIF. Keep on truckin' OC,
Sara

P.S. Did any of you see Aerosmith last night at Verizon? How EPIC was that show? Our very own TourBusLive.com was there! Jill and Gary are actually in this video... can you find them?

Why Todd Norman Loves OC

featuring TODD NORMAN

I know it's not the month of February any more and we shouldn't be doing the "Why We Love OC" special, but we got a hold of an upstanding OC citizen and he gave us such a good quote we decided to extend it. Todd Norman is the owner of the training facility, Cutting Edge Sports Training in Lake Forest. You might recognize his name because he is the trainer of Mission Viejo's very own Mark Sanchez, the Jets' rookie QB. Todd is currently teaming up with Mark Munoz among others to start Reign Training Center. The grand opening is tomorrow and  you're invited!  The party starts at 1:00 and goes until 5. Among the hundreds of guests that will be in attendance don't miss UFC super stars Mark Munoz, Urijah Faber, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and many many more. There will be food from Boneheads (ooo baby), giveaways and autographs from your favorite MMA fighters. A good time will be had by all. Well without further ado, here is Todd Norman on why HE loves OC:

[Todd Norman]

"I love the OC because it’s my home, where I grew up, and where I always want to be.  I have traveled to many places around the world, but always want to come home.  The weather is always nice, the neighborhoods are new and clean, and athletics is a huge part of mostly everyone who lives here.  Our community is so supportive of athletics, and the parents, teachers, and coaches in the area are very passionate about providing kids the best opportunities possible.  Take a look at Founder’s Park in Ladera Ranch on any given weekend, or any other popular sports complex in OC and you will see hundreds of kids playing and having fun.  I also love the ocean being so close, a nice lunch or dinner in Laguna Beach, maybe a quick morning surf down at Old Man’s in San Onofre, or even for me sometimes I train teams down on the beach at Salt Creek.  My favorite restaurant is Javier’s because I love Mexican food, and my favorite location is where else but my incredible training center in Lake Forest!"


- Todd Norman, M.S. Kinesiology
Certified Strenth and Conditioning Specialist and Owner of Cutting Edge Sports Training


Here are some more details about tomorrows event:


MARCH 13TH 1-5 PM
REIGN TRAINING CENTER, 
22600 LAMBERT ST. BLDG. F #1201
LAKE FOREST,CA 92630
949-916-9898
TRAIN2REIGN.COM

[Click to make bigger]

Why Ryan Heuser Loves OC

featuring RYAN HEUSER

The next installment of our month-long love letter to Orange County (entitled Why We Love OC) spotlights Ryan Heuser, co-founder/president of Paul Frank Industries. (Does the wide-grinned, famous face of Julius come to mind?) Heuser is a true visionary who combined inspiration drawn from his surroundings, a Chapman marketing/communications degree and fashion industry knowledge (after working in public relations for Mossimo, Inc.) to build the locally and globally favored company, Paul Frank. Heuser's job combines the best of the creative and business worlds, and he even makes time to restore homes and run marathons on the side. Paul Frank started in 1995 inside a small Huntington Beach garage when a group of artistically inspired friends gathered to create whimsical, bright colored gifts. After incorporating in 1997, Paul Frank took off in the fashion industry. In 2001, Brandweek Magazine recognized the company as "Marketers of the Next Generation." Today, the company has 18 stores worldwide from Southern California to Malaysia - they refer to their own growth as "creating smiles all over the globe." 

Without further ado, Ryan Heuser on why he loves OC:

[Ryan Heuser]

"In the past decade, Orange County has emerged as a creative force showcasing many globally recognized success stories in the music, art, film and fashion industries. When you really look at what we have to offer in terms of quality of life, weather and talent pool, the only thing Orange County is missing is the 'HOLLYWOOD' sign."

- Ryan Heuser, Co-founder/President of Paul Frank

[Paul Frank's famous character Julius]

View our collective "Why We Love OC" in the current print issue of the magazine. Find out where to pick up a copy here.

Why Richard Kaufman Loves OC

featuring RICHARD KAUFMAN

Our next installment of our month-long love letter to Orange County (entitled Why We Love OC) spotlights Richard Kaufman, the Principal Pops Conductor of the Pacific Symphony. Kaufman is a crown jewel of the Orange County arts scene: As a violinist he performed on such film scores as Jaws and Close Encounters of the Third Kind; As a conductor he has conducted such iconic performers as Diana Krall, the Beach Boys and Art Garfunkel; He has recorded with artists such as Ray Charles, The Carpenters and Neil Diamond; As music coordinator at MGM Studios he received two Emmy nominations, one for Outstanding Original Song, and one for Outstanding Music Direction and Composition; He has coached some of the greatest actors of our time for musical roles in film such as Jack Nicholson, Susan Sarandon and Tom Hanks; He has also conducted numerous musicals and is celebrating 19 years with the Pacific Symphony - a gig he began and the ripe young age of only 14! I could go on and on, but I think you get the general point - this guy is a seriously talented musician and conductor who has chosen to be a part of the flourishing Orange County art scene. That is quite a compliment. 

Without further ado, Richard Kaufman on why he chose OC.

[Richard Kaufman in his native environment of the Renee & Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall]

"When I'm asked about my 19 years as Principal Pops Conductor of the Pacific Symphony (I was 14 when I started!!), the music and musicians aren't the only things that make me smile as I think about my years conducting one of the world's great orchestras. Every time I arrive in O.C., it's like a "breath of fresh air."  Now don't laugh, but to me, the sky in O.C. actually feels bigger and bluer than other places. And to say that the ice cream at Han's in Costa Mesa is the best on the planet may be a gross understatement. Above all, the greatest O.C. experience for me is having the extraordinary opportunity to make music in the magnificent Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall for our audiences, which are simply the most enthusiastic and welcoming anywhere."

- Richard Kaufman, Principal Pops Conductor of the Pacific Symphony

Stay tuned for more installments throughout the month of February! 

-Amy 

On my iPod: Nat King Cole's "Stardust"

Why Paul Tran Loves OC

featuring PAUL TRAN

Our next installment of our month-long love letter to Orange County (entitled Why We Love OC) spotlights Paul Tran, local Anaheim native and jack of all trades. This guy's got his fingers in more pies than Sweeney Todd. He's a restauranteur (he founded the famous Cajun Corner restaurant in Westminster and will be opening another restaurant in mid 2010), he's an advisor on wealth management and franchise developement (he was recently featured in MSN Money) he's got a heart the size of Texas (not only is he one of the friendliest and encouraging people you'll ever meet, he's the co-creator of ConnectOC, a non-profit group bringing OC's businesses, government and community leaders, and charitable organizations together to help others), and despite being a workaholic with all these projects, he somehow finds time to also be a knight in shining armor to his girlfriend Jennifer Ho. He should start a motivational speaking program to let us in on his secret if you ask me! So without further ado, Paul Tran's witty and poetic list of reasons why he loves this great county of ours. 

"BLOOD IS THICKER THAN WATER: 

All of my family members are here. Yay for free babysitting!

THE "GOLD RUSH" NEVER LEFT: 

This is where I built my wealth and business - The Cajun Corner restaurant in the city of Westminster and Focal Point Financial in Anaheim. Our economy rocks!

SOCIALIZING IS PART OF HUMAN NATURE: 

The nicest, most hard-working people live here. I'm proud to associate with them.

LOVE CONQUERS ALL: 

This is where I met the girl of my dreams!

SAFETY & EDUCATION ARE PARAMOUNT TO ME: 

This is where I'm raising my future kiddies.

STAYING YOUNG IS THE KEY TO LIVING FOREVER: 

Disneyland and Knotts Berry Farm make it easy

HEALTH IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN WEALTH: 

We have the healthiest and most active lifestyle here.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION: 

Mr. Sun likes hangin' out with us and we're close by to everywhere we want to be.

In short...I LOVE ORANGE COUNTY TO REESE'S PIECES!"

- Paul Tran - Wealth Strategist, Franchise Owner & Developer, & vampire (because I don't sleep enough at night)

Stay Tuned for more entries throughout the month of February!  

Why Maxim Eshkenazy loves OC

To cap off the week I bring you another installment of our Why We Love OC special featuring Maxim Eshkenazy, Pacific Symphony's Assistant Conductor. With the growing young generation of conductors (Gustavo Dudamel anyone?), Maxim is fast separating himself as a rising star. The LA Times called him "charistmatic and exciting." How many symphonic conductors can you say that about? There's nothing like throwing passion and a young spirit into such an age old classic entertainment as a symphony. Without further ado, I present to you Maxim Eshkenazy on why HE loves Orange County:

"I'm originally from Bulgaria--so O.C. is my new musical home--and I love it.Even the name is musical: "Ohhhh C!" The C is like the music note C, you see. I love my new musical family at Pacific Symphony where I have the great privilege to lead amazing musicians playing the greatest music ever written. I also love the not-so-bad traffic conditions and I especially enjoy living close to the ocean. What's not to love?"

- Maxim Eshkenazy, Pacific Symphony's Assistant Conductor

Why TourBusLive.com Loves OC

featuring TOURBUSLIVE.COM

Our next installment of our month-long love letter to Orange County (entitled Why We Love OC) spotlights Jill & Gary, the power duo known as TourBusLive.com. TourBusLive.com is a website created by Jill and Gary, two Southern California residents who take advantage of the unbeatable local concert calendar. With more than 60 shows a year, they know the ins and outs of getting what they want out of a show- music, memorabilia, and just plain old fun. The website was originally created to share their incredible photos with other fans, but then it took on a life of its own. Check out their latest adventures on their website, add to their fan forum, and get a glimpse at the lives of two music junkies!
Jill and Gary have been important monthly contributors to The Gazette - a friendship that started 18 months ago. Every month they give us amazing photos and tales of their concert adventures to print in the magazine for you readers. Be sure to check out TourBusLive.com's feature on the NAMM show in this month's issue of The Gazette Magazine. 


Here's what Gary & Jill (she's the one shooting the sign of the horns in the photo below) had to say about Orange County:

"What do we love about Orange County? EVERYTHING. What's not to love? Even Ozzy loves The OC!"

-Jill & GAry, Music Aficionados & Concert-Goers Extraordinaire

of TourBusLive.com

Ozzy Osbourne was signing his new book at the Huntington Beach Barnes & Noble on 2/3/10

Stay tuned for more OC lovin' right here on the Gazette blog!

Why Janice Arrington Loves OC

featuring OC FILM COMMISSIONER JANICE ARRINGTON

Our next installment of a month-long love letter to Orange County (entitled Why We Love OC) spotlights Janice Arrington, the woman who has single-handedly been heading up the OC Film Commission for over ten years. The OC Film Commission serves to facilitate filming and media production throughout our county. There's been quite a lot of filming in Orange County over the last several years-- from commercials to television episodics to blockbuster films like Iron Man, Transformers, and Ocean's 11, Janice has been the bridge between Hollywood directors and OC film spots. She was also kind enough to give us an inside look for our article on the History of Film in Orange County in this month's issue of The Gazette Magazine. 


Here's what Janice had to say about our lovely county:

“What awes me most about Orange County is its sheer physical beauty.  There is an openness—the sweep of the beaches, rolling hills, wide streets in front of shining buildings.  It is very beautiful and diverse.  That’s what also makes it a great place to film and photograph.”

-Janice Arrington, Orange County Film Commissioner

Stay tuned for more love letters from your favorite local celebs, professionals, athletes and more right here at The OC Gazette blog!

Why Dan Byers Loves OC

featuring DAN BYERS & DADDY CAKES®

Our tenth installment of our month-long love letter to Orange County entitled Why We Love OC features Dan Byers, one of the masterminds behind Daddy Cakes International, the OC based bakery that is winning over hearts and minds everywhere with their way-WAY-too-good-to-be-instant-pancake, waffle, and cupcake mixes. Daddy Cakes® is a line of "Just Add Water" mixes made with quality ingredients like real fruit, whole grains, organic flour and a lot of fun! The business started as just a fun pancake breakfast of family and friends, and now there are ten out of this world flavors of pancake mixes that you can buy at Whole Foods Markets, Central Markets, online and at independent markets all over. Daddy Cakes is to the pancake world what California Pizza Kitchen is to the pizza world - a new world of endless possibilities. Here's the best part: all of the mixes are vegetarian/vegan, and three of the mixes are 100% organic. I told you Dan Byers was a mastermind. 
- Amy


So without further ado, Dan Byers' personal love letter to Orange County for being the inspiration that started it all:

[Dan proudly wielding a package of Daddy Cakes mix.]

"Each Daddy Cakes variety reminds me of Orange County:


Boomerang Banana:  Our collaboration with PAUL FRANK INDUSTRIES, a fellow OC brand, keeps our peeps coming back for more.


Sensuous Strawberry Sensations: OC's rich history of families, strawberry patches, and active lifestyle are all deeply connected


Witty Whole Wheat:  OC is a global maternity ward for witty people, ideas & creations that resonate through the roots of societies around the world.


Vivacious Vanilla:  Home to some of the most vivacious housewives ever - most are too real and classy to actually do a pseudo-"Reality Show.”

Bountiful Buckwheat Buttermilk: A crowned jewel - OC is a bountiful and plentiful blend of classic substance and buttery smooth living.

Sinful Cinnamon:  Unique and a little spicy, OC offers so many pleasures that our only sin is feeling a little guilty for how wonderfully delicious it is.


Blueberry Bonanza Blast: Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farms, and Wild Rivers, the OC is bonanza of "blastful" destinations.

Better Batter Buttermilk:  Where do we start?  OC is ripe with achievements that exponentially improve traditional designs - remember the Miata?

Glamorous Gingerbread:  The Pageant of the Masters, OC Performing Arts Center, South Coast Plaza & Fashion Island - OC knows glamour.

Criminal Chocolate Chip:  Playful lifestyles of parks, beaches, and baseball diamonds is sweet enough to have many opting to be locked behind the "Orange Curtain.”

"JUST ADD WATER":  Many of OC's brands like HURLEY, Quicksilver and VOLCOM have their roots started in OC waters - it's our special blend that defines our uniqueness."

- Dan Byers, Co-Founder of Daddy Cakes® and Creative Chef


You can find Daddy Cakes on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest news!

Stay tuned for more love letters from your favorite local celebs, professionals, athletes and more right here at The OC Gazette Blog!

Why Wayne Baglin Loves OC

featuring WAYNE BAGLIN

The ninth installment of our month-long love letter to Orange County entitled Why We Love Orange County features Wayne Baglin, President of the Laguna Beach Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters. He is the enthusiastic leader of one of our most treasured, local art venues that steals our hearts and stimulates our imagination each summer season. Our hat goes off to Wayne for his time and dedication to "encouraging the appreciation, study and performance of the arts." As a Laguna Beach resident (since 1969), a Festival of Arts member (since 1981), and an avid art collector, he fits the bill with ease. For more information about this local, annual masterpiece, read one of our favorite archived stories on Pageant of the Masters, the summer art show that captivates the Laguna Canyon here.

And now, Wayne tells The OC Gazette why he loves Orange County:

 

[ Wayne Baglin ]

"Growing up in the Los Angeles area, Orange County to me was the land of fun and adventure. Cradled between mountains and the sea, it offered a sense of place quite unique to California. It was a vacation destination that could be enjoyed in one day. Early on, that day was often spent at Knott's Berry Farm with relatives visiting from Canada. Opening in the mid 1950s, Disneyland became the ultimate one day vacation adventure. During the summer, early morning arrivals and late afternoon departures gave us day vacations at Huntington, Newport and Laguna beaches.

As an adult, living in Orange County since 1969, I continue to enjoy Orange County's fine weather, exceptional beaches and scenic mountains. There is a relaxed way of life in Orange County that begins with early arrivals at social functions, casual dress, a growing cultural arts scene, a diverse population, excellent schools, spirited lifestyle and yes, continuing joy from many, old and new, day vacation destinations. Orange County is a wonderful place to live."

- Wayne Baglin
President, Laguna Beach Festival of Arts/Pageant of the Masters

Coming Soon! The Festival of Arts
California's Premier Fine Art Exhibition
July 5th - August 31st
Open Daily 10:00am - 11:30pm

Coming Soon! 2010 Pageant of the Masters
 "Eat, Drink and be Merry"
July 7th - August 31st
Performances Nightly at 8:30pm

Stay tuned for more love letters from your favorite local celebs, professionals, athletes and more right here at The OC Gazette Blog!

Why Kyle Krone Loves OC

featuring KYLE KRONE

Our eighth installment of our month-long love letter to Orange County, the 2nd Annual "Why We Love OC," features Kyle Krone, lead singer of one of the best bands to come out of Orange County, The Shys. If you've ever been a victim of their live show, then you know the power. Every stage Kyle walks onto is soon taken seige, he at the helm of the coup d'etat. Traveling from dim lit music hall to dim lit music hall, Wayfarers in place and mic clenched firmly between white knuckles, he fearlessly leads the crowded masses of our teenage wasteland, luring them into his insurrection. Like rats under the spell of the pied piper, none within earshot of his rebel cry, earnest and melodic, can withstand the call. Mutiny and rebellion soon prevail, the rest of the world is forgotten, and rock n' roll reigns raw and undefiled. Call me a sensationalist if you will - I'm just a member of the cause! It's something you just have to experience, so join the insurrection. Kyle and the rest of The Shys are well-rooted in the Orange County music scene, and are always playing local shows. Check out their facebook or myspace for updates. Viva la rock n' roll and VIVA LA SHYS! 

- Amy

And now a word from your fearless leader on why HE loves this great county of ours:

[Mr. Kyle Krone]

"I feel very fortunate to have called San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano home my whole life and I think it has served me well as a songwriter. There has been no shortage of inspiration here at home but I think what I enjoy most is how it always feels so warm and welcoming to come back from being out of town.To return home and have this peaceful and beautiful place to write and relax with minimal distractions is something that's been very important for me. This place is sunshine. I adore it."

- Kyle Krone, Lead Singer of The Shys

www.theshys.com

Stay tuned for more love letters from your favorite local celebs, professionals, athletes and more right here at the OC Gazette Blog!

Why Boutiquing.com Loves OC

featuring APRIL, ERIN & ERICA

Our seventh installment of our month-long love letter to Orange County entitled Why We Love OC features the lovely ladies of Boutiquing.com. Co-founders April Madigan and Erin Hall, along with recent edition Erica Hahn are the master minds behind Boutiquing.com, a site dedicated to helping shoppers find unique boutiques, and vice versa, helping boutiques to get an internet presence so that shoppers can easily find them. Boutiquing.com work their manicured fingers across their keyboards and iPhones daily to bring readers daily boutique reviews, boutique listings by city, current boutique sales, trunk shows, fashion shows, and their own Boutiquing®Shopping Events. They even have a facebook giveaway every friday for fans of their boutiquing.com facebook page. Yours truly won an Alexander Wang tee, (which has been put to good use), all for just being a fan! (I know, I'm pushing for something similar for The OC Gazette fan page.) These ladies are not just fashionistas, they are passionately dedicated to promoting local businesses in Orange County, a plight close to the heart of The OC Gazette. April is constantly emailing me with new events promoting local Orange County boutiques and the importance of shopping local in these hard times to support the little guys on "main street." You couldn't find a trio of women with better hearts, or a better closet. 

- Amy

And now, April, Erin and Erica of Boutiquing.com on why they love Orange County:

 

"With 360 days of sunshine, 

we get to dress for fun not function."

- Erin Hall, April Madigan & Erica Hahn

Boutique Experts of Boutiquing.com

Stay tuned for more love letters from your favorite local celebs, professionals, athletes and more right here at the OC Gazette Blog!

Why The Angels Love OC

featuring TORII HUNTER & MIKE NAPOLI

Our sixth installment of our month-long love letter to Orange County entitled Why We Love OC features Torii Hunter and Mike Napoli. That's right, your ANAHEIM Angels (we're still in denial that they're the LA Angels. They'll always be Orange County's team in our hearts!) Let me give you the run down on these two Angels veterans. 

[Torii Hunter showing why he won the 2009 Silver Slugger Award.]

Torii Hunter: Center fielder and powerhouse slugger. Last season won his 9th consecutive gold glove award on top of a silver slugger award, named # 44 on the Sports News list of the 50 greatest current players in baseball in 2009, and was selected to represent the Angels in the All-Star game (his third career appearance). When Torii hits the field with his balls-out playing style, things happen. And on top of all of this, he's got a heart of gold. Torii is always giving back to our local community in Southern California through his program the "Torii Hunter Project Education Initiative," and other charities promoting education and the funding of sports programs. Just in 2008, he helped fund a baseball field for kids in Placentia. It's no wonder why he won the Branch Rickey Award last year, an award given to MLB players who show excellence in charity work. 

[Mike Napoli hard at work behind the plate.]

Now for Mike Napoli: Catcher and powerhouse slugger. Started out right here in SoCal with the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes before moving up eventually to the majors and joining the Angels. With much hard work, Napoli soon became the starting catcher. Napoli batted better than .270 for the second season in a row and is so strong on offense, he sometimes fills in as DH for Vladi. 

With the Angels re-working their roster for the upcoming season, Torii and Mike are going to be among the remaining veterans the new young talent will be looking to as leaders to help the team to grow and rebuild - hopefully all the way to another World Series title! 
Without further ado, here is why these two love this great county of ours:

“I love Orange County because…we have the best fans in the league”

– Mike Napoli, Angels catcher

“I love Orange County because….I can always work on my tan”

- Torii Hunter, Angels center fielder (and always the comedian)

Baseball season will be upon us soon - but until April, check up on the Angels website for all the latest on the roster and signings. For the illustrious history on the Angels and their local beginnings, checkout our article here! Did you know Gene Autry, the singing cowboy, was the one who bought the franchise and renamed them the Angels? When I say illustrious, I mean illustrious!

- Amy

Stay tuned for more love letters from your favorite local celebs, professionals, athletes and more right here at the OC Gazette Blog!