Orange County Keeps the Good News Coming

With the news of the kidnapped young women being rescued in Cleveland, it's nice to remember that sometimes the news can report happy endings, too. With that in mind, I thought I'd highlight a couple of feel good stories happening in our own Orange County. 

Recently Dr. Ajay Setya and a group of volunteers offered
free dentist services to those otherwise unable to afford it.
(image via Patch)

Dentist Provides Free Services for a Day
Dr. Ajay Setya spent his Friday providing free dental work for those who came to his clinic in Mission Viejo.   For the third year in a row, the doctor offered his services to people who were lined up around the building since 6 a.m. that morning.

With a crew of 24 hygienists, office workers, other dentists, and two security guards who all donated their time, 110 people got the much needed care they needed for their teeth.

As patient-for-a-day Erica said, "It's good that they have these things. It's a blessing."

Single Mom of Four Boys Wins SuperLotto Plus

After accidentally buying an extra lotto ticket, Thuan Le is now $14 million dollars richer after winning the SuperLotto Plus. She purchased her ticket at the CVS drug store on Santa Margarita Parkway in Mission Viejo  (which happens to be exactly 2.8 miles from my house - yeah I Googled it. Not that I'm bitter) and when she verified she had won, she ran screaming out of the store.

Le says she plans to buy a house, travel, and visit her parents in Vietnam.

For tomorrow - back to the doom and gloom. Orange County may owe $147 million in taxes, we're supposed to have a long, hot fire season, etc etc.

Classic Hollywood Glamour Visits Laguna Beach

Rita Hayworth, photographed by George Hurrell, is one of the many images
on display at the Laguna Art Museum until May (image via the museum)

From now until May, the Laguna Art Museum in Laguna Beach is having an exhibit of famed photographer Geroge Hurrell’s works.

Entitled “George Hurrell: Laguna to Hollywood,” the display includes images of some of the most recognizable icons Hollywood ever produced: Jean Harlow, Joan Crawford and Bette Davis to name  a few. Hurrell’s technique for making stars look luminous and dramatic in black and white made him famous, and his pictures still impress today.

Jean Harlow (image via museum's Flickr page)

Ridiculously handsome Gary Cooper
(image via museum's Flickr page)

Bette Davis (image via museum's Flickr page)

Hurrell also had roots in Laguna Beach – back in the 1920s he lived in the city, working in a cottage dubbed “The Paint Box.” There he began photographing some of the local artists and soon worked his way up to working for Warner Brothers, where he photographed some of the most recognizable faces of his time.

The artist himself, George Hurrell in Laguna Beach, 1925
(image via George Hurrell website)

“George Hurrell: From Laguna to Hollywood”

Laguna Art Museum 
Now until May 19th

Mon-Tues, Fri-Sun:  11 AM – 5 PM

Thurs: 11 AM – 9 PM

Students in Santa Ana Remember Newtown

A symbol of hope for peace: Segerstrom High students
recently folded 3000 paper cranes in remembrance of the
tragedy in Newtown (image via stock.xchng)

February 14th marks the two month anniversary of the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Conn. While the occasion may be overshadowed by Valentine's Day or other news, students at Segerstrom High in Santa Ana recently honored the victims with a special art project.

Coordinated by Segerstrom High School visual arts teacher Shelby Stoew, 200 students folded 3,000 paper cranes in all the shades of the rainbow before hanging them up in one of the school's hallways. The practice of folding cranes originates from Japan and represents hope for peace. 

With Ingrid Michaelson's performance of "Over the Rainbow" playing on a loop while students walk under the display, Shelby has said they find the display as "cool, beautiful, and sad."

Speaking of the tragedy, student Daniela Sanchez explained, "We gave it importance. We didn't let it go, like any other story."

For more details on the work that went on behind this project, read the original Orange County Register article here. 

Segerstrom student Juan Luna adjusts the display
while Daniel Gonzalez watches (image via OC Register)

Segerstrom High teacher Shelby Stoew stands under the display of  paper
cranes folded by her students (image via OC Register)

"Beautiful, cool, and sad" has been the students' reaction to the
display (image via OC Register)

New Cafe in Huntington Beach is VegiLicious

Newly opened Vegan cafe, VegiLicious, offers a menu of
dishes that are all natural, organic, and of course, tasty
(image via VegiLicious)

Officially opening today, VegiLicious is a vegan restaurant in Huntington Beach that's promising to provide "great food and service which in return will bring you happiness in both mind and body."

Contrary to what you may think, vegan food goes beyond salad. The menu at VegiLicious offers a variety of dishes that include sandwiches, burgers, soups and their specialty, curry.

Their signature curry alone is reason to check it out: it's served with grilled "chicken" breast or "hamburger steak." VegiLicious combines more than 20 kinds of spices and vegetables and cook their curry for hours.

A big plus are their desserts, which are also vegan. You get a choice of strawberry or coconut ice cream, or a chocolate cheesecake.

Located in the Huntington Harbour Mall (behind Trader Joe's), it's a small distance from the beach. You might want to take advantage of the great weather while it lasts and make a day of it.

VegiLicious
16821 Algonquin St, #103
Huntington Beach

Orange County Life From The 405

"@johnwayneairport to the east my brother, to the east... 

— at John Wayne Airport (SNA)"

Food truck Dos Chinos captured this view of the John Wayne Airport - love! 

Food truck masters (and Facebook buddies) Dos Chinos recently posted this and I had to share it: anyone who's lived in Orange County has experienced this view many a time.

Dos Chinos drives all over OC serving their "Latin Asian Grub" and anyone who offers dishes like "Bolsa Roast Pork" and "Garden Grove BBQ" knows what's up about life in Orange County.

See if they'll be in your 'hood here, or catch them on Twitter.

Ocean Defenders Alliance, C’mon Down!

Ocean Defenders Alliance got a hefty donation from former
"The Price Is Right" host Bob Barker (image via ODA)

Huntington Beach nonprofit organization Ocean DefendersAlliance recently got a donation of a lifetime by none-other than animal activist Bob Barker.

The former host of “The Price is Right” gave $150,000 to the all-volunteer program that dedicates itself to cleaning the ocean floor of debris, making it safe for coral, dolphins, and divers.

Says Bob of his donation, “I have read about animals, whales, sea lions, dolphins that have become entangled and I've read how people have gone down and helped them, but I've never helped an organization that was actually devoting itself to do it.”

The group plans to use the money to upgrade to a better-equipped boat, since the one they have can only hold a couple of people at a time with no room for the supplies necessary for an overnight trip.

To read more about the organization, visit ODA’s website here. Click here to learn more about the other causes Bob’s DJ&T Foundation has supported.

Laguna Beach Kids Answer: What Is Art?

Check out the cute video of kids from the Laguna Beach Boys & Girls Club answering the question: what is art? They also offer their opinions on great artists and creativity.

The video was produced for the club’s recent Fine Art Exhibit and is guaranteed to make your heart melt just a little bit.