Orange County Tapestries
Description: Orange County is often divided into just two regions, North and South County. South County is typified by gated, master-planned communities. North Orange County, on the other hand, is a collection of vibrant, highly diverse, post-World War II communities. I made this map and a primer of the region for my series, "California Fool's Gold." https://ericbrightwell.com/2012/12/05/california-fools-gold-a-north-orange-county-primer/
Description: Irvine is a master-planned community in South Orange City. It is famous for being one of the safest cities in the country. It's less boring than one might expect, however, due to the presence of the University of California, Irvine. I explored in a borrowed car (there's zero emphasis on walkability) in 2013. https://ericbrightwell.com/2013/01/13/california-fools-gold-exploring-irvine-orange-countys-city-of-innovation/
Description: Orange is a city in North Orange County. Unlike most of Orange County, it boasts a variety of attractive homes built in several eras and architectural styles. It is particularly notable for its Eichler tracts. I explored it for my series, "California Fool's Gold," in 2010. https://ericbrightwell.com/2010/12/07/california-fools-gold-exploring-orange-orange-countys-plaza-city/
Description: Fullerton is a suburb of North Orange County widely recognized as the birthplace of several major punk bands, including Social Distortion, Agent Orange, and the Adolescents. I explored for my series, "California Fool's Gold," in 2010. https://ericbrightwell.com/2010/10/25/california-fools-gold-exploring-fullerton-the-education-community/
Description: San Clemente is the southernmost suburb of South Orange County. At its core is a charming, Spanish Colonial Revival planned community that would be walkable were there more sidewalks -- which were intentionally left out in areas in order to help keep out riff-raff like me. I nevertheless mapped and explored it for my series, "California Fool's Gold," in 2013. https://ericbrightwell.com/2013/10/11/san-clemente-the-spanish-village-in-oc/
Description: Santa Ana is the county seat of Orange County. It's known as "Orange County's Downtown" and is one of the few cities in that county that can truly be characterized, in part, as urban. I explored it for my series, "California Fool's Gold," in 2010. https://ericbrightwell.com/2010/08/11/california-fools-gold-exploring-santa-ana-downtown-orange-county/
Description: Garden Grove is a suburban city in North Orange County. It's home to Little Seoul, part of Little Saigon, and Little Arabia. I explored it in 2010 for my series, "California Fool's Gold." https://ericbrightwell.com/2010/11/22/california-fools-gold-exploring-garden-grove-the-city-of-youth-and-ambition/
Description: A black background features a cartoon roadrunner in red and yellow, smoking a cigar with a lit end. The roadrunner has an angry expression and is depicted in motion with streaks behind it. Above the roadrunner, in white gothic lettering, reads "Orange" on the top line and "County" on the bottom line. A white outlined star is located below the roadrunner.
Description: Based in Anaheim, Orange County Speed Shop opened its doors in 1949 as the post-war hot-rod craze was gaining momentum and quickly became one of the top sources for go-fast goodies on the west coast. They not only had a full-service retail business, but were quick to get into mail order and wholesale as well, distributing all the top brands to shops throughout the SoCal area.
Description: This scene displays an active coastal lifestyle in Orange County. It features figures playing volleyball on the sand and basketball on a court near the oceanfront. Tall palm trees, a long pier extending into the water, and urban buildings line the shoreline under the sun. The composition highlights local outdoor recreation and the atmosphere of a seaside location.
