Tableau Magazine Fall 2023

TABLEAU

A JOURNEY HEALING + HOPE GUIDE TO OC'S FARMERS MARKETS

PERSPECTIVES ON AGING

SOCAL'S BEST FALL FOLIAGE

WHERE TO SEE THE SEASON'S CHANGING COLORS

FROM KITCHEN TABLE MARKETING

Photos courtesy of Palomar Mountain State Park, Alyssa Swanson Hamilton, and Krantom Kava Bar

OUR CONTRIBUTORS

Anissa Brown

Anissa is a freelance writer based in Southern California. She recently completed grad school and has written journalistic pieces for various publications and companies such as Starbucks and Disney. She is also experienced in social media, marketing and consumer insights.

Sara Hall

Sara has nearly 14 years of experience at several daily and weekly newspapers, including The Record Searchlight in Redding, The Daily Advocate in Greenville, Ohio, the Newport Beach Independent, and most recently at Stu News Newport and Stu News Laguna. Her work has included photography, writing, design and layout. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, backpacking, traveling, and spending time with her husband and pets.

Alyssa Hamilton

Alyssa is a lifelong Southern California resident. She has been writing professionally for over 20 years, primarily for health websites and magazines. She is an MFA candidate at Sierra Nevada University and is currently working on a novel. She enjoys biohacking and preventative health practices, full soil immersion in her native garden, and spending time with her two teenage sons and their black Lab named Bear.

Allison Hata

Allison Hata is a freelance writer and editor based in Southern California. She lives and breathes OC, covering food, style, design and culture around town for over a decade. A former editor for Newport Beach Magazine, Allison is passionate about telling stories that capture the fascinating people and places that shape her community. Her work has appeared locally in Modern Luxury, Pelican Hill Magazine, Design OC and more.

Anita Lau

Anita has been a food writer for almost 30 years, first in Asia, Australia and the Bay Area, before settling in Orange County, 15 years ago. Besides her blog, "diary of a Mad Hungry Woman", Anita was also an International Producer for Netflix's The Final Table, and has judged numerous cooking competitions, including Gordon Ramsay's, Hell's Kitchen. Locally, she has contributed to various publications, including Riviera, Laguna Beach and Orange Coast magazines. She is hugely passionate about giving back, and thoroughly enjoys volunteering, especially, involving underserved women and children.

Amy Senk

Amy is a CDM resident and a graduate of the Missouri School of Journalism. She has worked at the Kansas City Times, Kansas City Star, Contra Costa Times, Coast Kids and Coast Magazines, and is a regular contributor to StuNews Newport. A recent empty nester, she spends her free time with her husband and planning elaborate imaginary vacations.

Barbara Shields

Barbara Shields has three children and five grandchildren. Her professional career includes an extensive background in publishing at Harcourt Brace and McGraw-Hill. Her nonprofit experience at Old Westbury Gardens and NYU Langone Long Island encompassed the world of development, art, public relations and special events. Barbara serves on the board of the Michael Magro Foundation; she has written a weekly column for a Long Island newspaper, and articles for The New York Times. Oil painting is her sanctuary, though the Met never calls. She is married and lives in Rockville Centre, New York, with her husband and adored mini-poodle Sophie Wow-Wow.

Paige Wood

Paige is a current student at University of California, Santa Barbara heading into her senior year. She is a Communications major and is hoping to enter the Advertising or Marketing world post grad but is trying her hand at a little magazine writing! Born and raised in Newport Beach, Paige loves where she lives and loves sharing it with others, making Tableau an amazing fit. In her free time, Paige enjoys exercising, crocheting, and spending time with friends and family.

TAKE NOTE

By Paige Wood and Anissa Brown

Living Golden in the Golden State

The newest tenant at SOCO & The OC Mix adds a little gold and glamour to your shopping experience. Opened this summer, Balboa Gold is a handcrafted and permanent jewelry store offering a variety of statement pieces and elegant accessories.

It’s the first brick-and-mortar storefront for founder and CEO Savannah Kirk. As an Orange County native, the name derives from her experiences as a young adult on the peninsula off 28th Street.

“The potential for entrepreneurship and self-expression, along with the opportunity to offer unique and personalized pieces to customers, was a significant reason why I was inspired to begin in the first place,” she says.

Though each piece showcases her creativity the simple stacking rings are among Savannah’s favorites. Crafted by hand in small batches, they feature 14-karat gold fill and sterling silver.

The beautiful jewelry isn't the only thing that will make your heart melt. Her adorable 6-year-old pooch Tuna is the unofficial mascot of the brand, adding an extra dash of warmth and personality to Balboa Gold. balboagold.com | IG: @shopbalboagold

Photos courtesy of Balboa Gold, 1978 & Brooke Wesseling, and Flower Poppi

A Sewing Needle and a 16-Year-Old

At an age when most of us were struggling with geometry homework, Brooke Wesseling was stitching together her dreams. At just 16 years old, she started her entrepreneurship journey and created her own clothing brand, 1978.

“Since I was young, I would always want to play restaurant or office and pretend I owned a business,” she says. “At 12, my grandma taught me how to sew.”

After that, Brooke began making bags to sell at her grandma’s pop-up markets. She used all the money from sales, birthdays and holidays to start 1978.

The name 1978 is an homage to the year her grandparents got married. They also played a major role in her life and served as great inspiration for Brooke, who shares a passion for fashion and an entrepreneurial spirit with her grandma. She also appreciates the ’70s and the iconic fashion trends that came with the decade.

“It was such an artistic, fun and free time,” she says. “It mixed a lot of different artistic mediums.”

It’s easy to see the influence on Brooke’s designs and pieces, which she describes as “reminiscent of ’70s Americana, boho, with a little Western touch.” She recently opened her first storefront in The Lab in Costa Mesa — the perfect starting place for 1978, she says. Brooke has no plans to slow down and wants to continue growing her business online and expand to other locations in California. In the future, she hopes to host fun events and add men’s designs in the mix. shop1978.com | IG: @1978andcompany

Stop and Smell the Flowers

Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, any day — flowers are often the gift of choice to celebrate special occasions. The most difficult part is deciding where to purchase the perfect floral arrangements. In Laguna Beach, the family-owned Flower Poppi stand on Coast Highway takes the guesswork out of where to buy with its bold and fun arrangements.

In addition to one-time purchases featuring a variety of in-season, sustainably grown blooms, Flower Poppi also offers weekly, bi-weekly or monthly flower subscriptions delivered straight to your doorstep.

“I think outside the box and my customers know that if they want flowers that make a statement, no other flower shop has such a wide variety of unique blooms year-round,” says head designer Gary Samuelian.

Born and raised in Laguna Beach, Gary and his brother Spencer are the co-owners behind the blossoming business. They take pride in knowing their community well and what they love, a quality that helps their bold arrangements and whimsical designs stand out.

So, what’s the flower master’s favorite flower? “Cosmos because they are the best!” he says. flowerpoppi.com | IG: @theflowerpoppi

Home Sweet Home

Imagine strolling down charming Avenida Del Mar in San Clemente as the sun glistens on a little white shop across the street. Set slightly back from the sidewalk, the historic building’s mosaic walkway leads to a sign that fittingly reads, “The Abode.”

Over the threshold, discover multiple rooms filled with knickknacks and countless fun finds. This is anything but a run-of-the-mill gift shop. You could spend hours inside combing through all The Abode has to offer, just to find the outside lined with colorful patio decor. Owners Linda and Eric Mickelson designed the store intentionally. Kitchen items are found in the kitchen. Bathroom goods in the bathroom — and so on. Each room tells a story, and every corner is a surprise in itself. It’s less of a gift shop and more of a home tour, albeit one where everything on display can be taken back to your own abode.

There is an incredible range of products featured in the store, including many from local artists and small businesses. Linda and Eric love being a part of the San Clemente community, so they take extra care when it comes to highlighting the local talent. A hidden gem of San Clemente, The Abode is the perfect place to find everything from gifts to patio decorations to homemade jams, and so much more.

theabodesc.com | IG: @theabodesc

A Spellbinding Season

Pumpkins, potions and spells, oh my! Magic is all around at the Roger’s Gardens Halloween boutique, and this year’s theme — The Witching Hour — is sure to illuminate your seasonal spirit.

Step into a mist-enshrouded garden, where a manor casts shadows on scattered relics and a massive iron gate. The eerie glow of candles unveils walls lined with potions and mysterious books filled with enchantments.

Intrigued? Explore the boutique’s collection of curated decor and exclusive artisan pieces to transform your home into a spooky haven. The maze of themed curiosities and treasures is a Corona del Mar tradition, offering shoppers a limited chance to shop for unique Halloween home goods, planted arrangements and more.

After shopping, treat yourself to a taste of the season with fall offerings at Farmhouse, the sustainable open-air restaurant at Roger’s Garden known for seasonally inspired farm-to-table cuisine served in a beautiful garden setting. rogersgardens.com | IG: @rogersgardens

Photos courtesy of The Abode, Roger's Garden Halloween Boutique, Krantom Kava Bar, and Randy Kraft

Wellness Takes Work

Let’s face it — life is stressful, chaotic and hard. But within the chaos, there are moments of clarity, happiness and peace. The hard part is finding the tools that make these moments last. With the help of a new local business that opened this summer inside The OC Mix in Costa Mesa, that peace of mind may be within reach.

Kratom Kava Bar is a one-of-a-kind experience with a focus on helping customers understand the benefits of Kratom and how it can help their specific needs. Kratom is a natural botanical native to Southeast Asia and used for benefits such as euphoria, stress relief and as a strong sleep aid. With the help of Kratom Kava Bar’s educated team members, customers will be able to customize their selection and choose from various flavors, doses and effects.

CEO Blair Collins was inspired to create Kratom Kava Bar following her journey with something that millions deal with — anxiety and depression. After being introduced to Kratom by a friend, she realized that this was a life-changing alternative to prescription medication.

Blair began conducting ample research and was able to open her first store five years ago. Today, she has six locations across California. At Kratom Kava Bar, products undergo extensive testing to ensure that everything is 100 percent organic with no fillers.

“People appreciate this as well as the information we provide,” Blair says. “That’s why we are a trusted name in the industry.” kratomkavabar.com

The Pursuit of Happiness

How do I define my life? What will I leave behind? How do I deal with the challenges of aging? These are some of the themes in Randy Kraft’s third novel “Off Season.”

“It’s about coming to the other side of what you’ve built in life and making the most of the downside of that arc,” Randy says. “The focus of this story is what happens to relationships as we age.”

Set in the months leading up to the pandemic lockdown, the main characters Sharon and Red are in their 60s. Divorced six years after a 30-year marriage, there’s more affection than acrimony between them. When Red invites Sharon to join him on a threemonth retreat to Laguna Beach, the intent of the trip is not to rekindle their romance but to salvage their long standing relationship. To both their surprise, she says yes — a decision that will have an irreversible and unexpected effect on their personal story.

Not enough fictional works speak to seniors, Randy says. She hopes that “Off Season” inspires readers with thoughts of their own about what it means to be devoted to the people we love and how we come to terms with aging.

“We are constantly in construction mode,” she says. “Constructing a life in school, in careers, family — we are always building lives. I’ve been lucky enough to have had the blessings of friends, family and a love for what I do. Being an elder should be about reaping the rewards of our efforts.”

“Off Season” is available at local bookstores and online. Randy has plans to begin begin writing her next novel in this fall. randykraftwriter.com

DO GOOD

LINKING PASSION, EDUCATION AND CAREER

By Allison Hata

Becoming a doctor may take more than a decade, but did you know that the experts teaching surgeons how to use state-of-the-art medical devices only need a bachelor’s degree?

This was an eye-opening fact for the Vital Link academy students who toured the Edwards Lifesciences campus this summer and met with leaders across all business functions, from accounting and marketing to engineering and operations. At its core, this is what the Orange County-based nonprofit does: provides a link between education and industry, and takes kids out of the classroom for career exploration opportunities.

“If I knew that a medical device career was an option, I may not have dropped out of science!” says April Barnes, president of Vital Link.

All jokes aside, April did end up launching her career in a hospital — though not how she once imagined. Growing up in a working class community in Philadelphia, she had her heart set on getting out of town. Her solution: enrolling as pre-med at a liberal arts college in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

“To make money, you had to be a doctor,” she says, explaining her logic as a teen. “But organic chemistry broke my brain and I was like, ‘Now what?’”

Luckily, an English professor became her guiding light toward a new major in language and literature, which in turn fueled a love of theater and event planning with nonprofits. She got involved with several organizations as a volunteer over the years, but becoming a nonprofit executive was never on her radar.

“I was like, ‘Do people get paid for doing that? And then, for some strange reason, City of Hope gave me a chance,” she says.

The West Coast hospital had fundraisers all over the country, so April was tapped to work in the mid-Atlantic office coordinating events. It was the start of a nearly 20-year career in nonprofits — one that includes twists like earning an MBA in healthcare administration and a move to California before she took on leadership roles at organizations such as American Lung Association and Speech and Language Development Center.

“I share that story with all of the students that I speak with,” April says. “I did not know nonprofit executive was a job. And so, I want other kids to find that before their four to six years in college. Before they're like, ‘Hey, what is it that I'm doing here?’”

Hands-On Career Exploration

“For a very long time, we've been very focused on college being the end result, and not the job. And that’s the big disconnect,” April says. “The end result of going to college should always have been the career you were going to have. There was a good decade or more where that really wasn't.”

Having a passion and an education often isn’t enough to propel aspiring professionals into a fulfilling career. This is what drives the Vital Link mission. By giving students hands-on, experiential learning opportunities through events put on with the help of industry partners, the nonprofit is opening their eyes to new — and sometimes less conventional — career prospects.

Last year, Vital Link partnered with 25 SoCal school districts, including all 15 in Orange County, to provide

career exploration programming to more than 34,000 students. The team hosts anywhere from 50 to 65 events a year, including skills workshops, niche academies for drone operation and solar energy, exhibit and pathway days, industry competitions and more.

The events are adapted based on each district’s needs. Sometimes that could look like a tour of companies like Medtronic or Providence, where students may walk the halls and realize they envision a career in forensics instead of nursing. There are also workshops on how to become an entrepreneur or write your resume, all led by Vital Link’s industry partners so students gain exposure to different fields while advancing their soft skills.

Every event has some sort of connection to career exploration, down to the prizes awarded for its student competitions in fields like culinary, digital media arts and robotics. Instead of gift cards or scholarships, Vital Link offers some sort of career experience to the top winners, from facility tours to internships and professional mentorship.

“Our mission is career exploration — it's not getting a job,” April says. “ I've had kids that … want to be an engineer, and then they talk to a few and they're like, ‘I don't want to be an engineer.’ No one totally knows what all goes into it, so that’s what we’re just trying to showcase.”

A new signature event for Vital Link that achieves this goal in broad strokes is its student leadership summit. Held for the first time in 2022 for almost 700 high school students, the conference offers workshops with industry pros, career pathway exhibits, community college tables and panel sessions. A wide range of industries will be represented at the 2023 event taking place at the fairgrounds in December, from engineering and manufacturing to digital media arts and computer tech. New this year is a virtual reality component, which will allow Vital Link to showcase careers that would typically require elaborate equipment and exhibit components the venue couldn’t accommodate, such as animal science, automotive and construction.

Building a Future Workforce

While Vital Link has primarily provided programming for high schoolers, it has slowly grown the number of events offered to younger students in sixth through eighth grade. During the previous school year, the nonprofit served more than 10,000 students with its Exhibit Days, which offer an in-depth, interactive look at fields including biomedical engineering, digital photography, 3-D printing and robotics. In addition to the hands-on exhibits in high-demand fields, there is also information provided about pathways specific to students’ local feeder high schools.

“We're seeing that we need to plant the seeds sooner,” April says. “Do you want to learn about medical? Do you want to learn about design? Do you want to learn automotive, engineering? … Here are the classes you can take in high school to start getting you there.

“A lot of the eighth graders — they need to pick those classes before they get to high school,” she continues. “And if they don't know what they are, they're less likely to take those classes. So that's why we went younger.”

Another major effort is shifting programming to meet high school students where they are. As a small nonprofit, the Vital Link team can be nimble. While getting students out of the classroom and over to industry sites will always be impactful, April also saw an opportunity to bring experiential career exploration into schools.

After a pilot in two Anaheim classrooms during the 2022-23 academic year, Vital Link is ready to adapt it for other districts this fall as a six-week program with a new industry partner each session. Students will work specifically on soft skills, such as writing emails, resume writing and business communications, but learn them within the framework of how to break into a specific field like aerospace engineering.

“We joke that students are more likely to listen to a stranger than they are their own teacher or their own parents,” April says. “This concept is why we bring in industry speakers and they say, ‘This is why I have this on my resume’ — all of those pieces that every employer wants them to know, but we do it with an industry perspective.”

To meet the diverse needs of all the school districts, Vital Link’s network of industry partners needs to be vast. And it is — from accountants and real estate agents to structural engineers and IT professionals working at both small and large businesses. One thing all partners have in common, however, is a passion for Vital Link’s mission of creating an empowered workforce where students can pursue career paths that align their interests with their aspirations. And by working together, April believes they can open doors to new opportunities for youth in pursuit of dream careers they never thought possible.

“I ask every business partner that I talk to not, ‘What did you want to be when you grew up?’ — but, ‘Did you even know that the job you have right now existed when you were in high school?’” April says. “And almost 80 percent did not. People had no idea. … This is why I’m so passionate about what Vital Link does.”

Vital Link is looking for new industry partners that can provide mentorship, speak at events and offer site tours. To get involved, attend the organization’s firstever gala on Sept. 30, or join an industry advisory board, visit vitallink.org for more information.

TO ORDER TO MARKET, TO MARKET

By Anita Lau

In Orange County, there are farmers markets available almost every day of the week. Collectively, you’ll find more than 30 scattered across the county any given week, from the large market at Mariners Church in Irvine on Saturdays to the small one outside of Fermentation Farm in Costa Mesa on Thursdays — plus, a special shout-out to the Santa Monica Farmers Market, which operates on Wednesdays and Saturdays and is the largest, most comprehensive in the L.A./O.C. area. Here’s your guide to shopping for farm-fresh produce in Orange County, with a look at what makes each market a must-visit destination.

SUNDAYS

Garden Grove

Operated by Local Harvest Garden Grove Certified Farmers' Market, this market offers fresh certified California-grown fruits and vegetables, along with a variety of gourmet specialty foods. Besides produce, there are also arts, crafts and jewelry from local area vendors. 12976 Main St., Garden Grove, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Tustin

Start your Sundays off with freshly brewed coffee and pastries, then take a stroll to see the in-season fruits, vegetables and eggs from local farmers, as well as prepared foods such as salsa and guacamole. Other vendors include those selling oils, nuts, sauces and much more. The District at Tustin Legacy, 2411 Park Ave., 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Irvine

Fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables, including those grown at the Great Park Farm + Food Lab, are offered each week at the Great Park Certified Farmers Market. There are also handcrafted artisan products, live music, entertainment and a selection of gourmet food trucks should you wish for a bite to eat. Orange County Great Park, Parking Lot 2, 8000 Marine Way, Irvine, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. (weather permitting)

Ladera Ranch

Find trucks and craft vendors selling great food and small-batch products not available at stores. The produce at this market, much of which is organic, is grown locally using sustainable methods to reduce climate impact. 28275 Avendale, Ladera Ranch, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Laguna Niguel

Farmers at this Orange County Farm Bureau certified farmers market sell fruits, nuts and vegetables directly to the public. Every farmer who sells at a certified market is inspected by the county agricultural commissioner to make sure they actually grow the commodity being sold. Plaza de la Paz Shopping Center, 27271 La Paz Road, Laguna Niguel, 8 a.m. – noon (rain or shine, with limited vendors during inclement weather)

Newport Beach

This market, just a stone’s throw from the Dory Fleet Fish Market, beachfront shops and restaurants, is a staple for locals and tourists alike. Make your Sunday a leisurely expedition by exploring the selections of exotic fruits, seasonal vegetables, eggs, honey and nuts, as well as specialty foods like small-batch breads, Mediterranean dips, vegan salsas, cold-press juices, teas, handmade jewelry and art. Newport Beach Pier, 1 Newport Pier, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

San Clemente

The Old Town San Clemente Farmers Market offers an incredible array of fresh fruits and vegetables, plus baked goods, sausages, smoked meats, nuts, dried fruits, old-fashioned popcorn, jellies, honey and jams. Learn cooking tips at food demonstration tables where various recipes are offered to help you create the best meals in your own kitchen. There is also a garden technology section where hydroponics and upside-down vegetable gardens are sold for you to grow at home. 200 block of Avenida del Mar, San Clemente, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. (rain or shine)

TUESDAY

Placentia

This certified farmers market brings approximately 30 unique and exciting vendors to Placentia Town Center. A free shuttle bus to and from the market is available from five different locations around town. Placentia Town Center, 130 E. Yorba Linda Blvd, 3-7 p.m.

Orange

This Orange County Farm Bureau-affiliated certified farmers market is small but features a solid lineup of vendors selling fruits, vegetables and nuts. Enjoy free admission to Irvine Regional Park when you drive through the gates for the farmers market. Irvine Regional Park, 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. (rain or shine, with limited vendors during inclement weather)

Seal Beach

This small market is conveniently located for the Leisure World residents who live nearby. Seal Beach Village, 13904 Seal Beach Blvd., 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Huntington Beach

Surf City Nights is downtown Huntington Beach’s Tuesday night community street fair and farmers market. Within the first three blocks of Main Street, you’ll find around 90 vendors presenting unique handcrafted goods along with locally grown fruits and vegetables, fresh flowers, fish, bread, dried fruits and more. There are also activities for your kids and displays of original artwork, handmade candles, clothing, and other unique gifts and collectibles. Main Street, between Pacific Coast Highway and Orange Avenue, Huntington Beach, 5-9 p.m. (open until 8 p.m. during the winter season)

WEDNESDAY

Fullerton

Said to be the oldest farmers market in Orange County, the Fullerton Certified Farmers Market is renowned for the freshness of its produce and a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, plants and flowers — many of which cannot be found at local supermarkets. Fullerton Community Center, 340 W. Commonwealth Ave., 8:30 a.m. – noon

Irvine

Open year round and to the general public, the Irvine Towers Certified Farmers' Market features a wide variety of food vendors and locally farmed sustainable produce. 18400 Von Karman, Irvine, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Lake Forest

This market features a variety of fruit and vegetable vendors, plus crafts and street food. Lake Forest Sports Park and Recreation Center, 28000 Rancho Parkway, 4-8 p.m. (weather permitting)

Tustin

Stop by Old Town Tustin for your pick of produce, as well as vendors selling coconut milk, Italian pastas and sauces, artisanal bread, and more. Corner of El Camino Real and Third Street, Tustin, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. (rain or shine, with limited vendors during inclement weather)

THURSDAY

Fullerton

Fullerton Market offers farm-fresh produce, flowers and fresh-baked breads, plus live entertainment, an outdoor beer garden, arts and crafts, and activities for children. In addition to the traditional favorites, new vendors are added each week. The market is free to attend, but only runs between April through August. Fullerton Downtown Plaza, between Wilshire and Pomona avenues, 4-8:30 p.m.

Costa Mesa

An Orange County Farm Bureau certified farmers market, it features farm fresh eggs, fruits, flowers, vegetables and a handful of prepared food vendors such as a Polish sausage maker and a Spanish vendor selling tortilla de patatas. OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. (rain or shine, with limited vendors during inclement weather)

Anaheim

The Downtown Anaheim Certified Farmers Market features local California farmers, international foods, and a craft fair. Center Street Promenade and Lemon Street, Anaheim, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Costa Mesa

Every Thursday, Rosewood Farms and Sunny Cal Farms set up shop outside Fermentation Farm to offer visitors beautiful fruits and vegetables. Rosewood Farms is a family-owned operation that focuses on certified organic, bio-diverse, and boutique farming with year-round cultivation in both Fountain Valley and Santa Maria, while Sunny Cal Farms grows the freshest, pesticide-free fruit for each season and offers a wide variety of roasted almonds and housemade cold-pressed pomegranate juice. Visitors are encouraged to sample everything sold at the market. Fermentation Farm, 1125 Victoria St., Costa Mesa, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

FRIDAY

Fountain Valley

Besides produce vendors, this market also features prepared food vendors, artisans, entertainment and gourmet food trucks. Freedom Hall at Mile Square Regional Park, 16801 Euclid St., Fountain Valley, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Laguna Hills

This farmers market offers a vibrant array of produce, as well as prepared foods such as Bolivian empanadas and roasted peanuts. Laguna Hills Mall parking lot, 24155 Laguna Hills Mall, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. (rain or shine, with limited vendors during inclement weather)

Anaheim

This small but adequate market is located across from the medical office parking structure. Kaiser Permanente Anaheim Medical Center, 3440 E. La Palma Ave., 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

San Juan Capistrano

The family-owned Christmas tree farm and certified farmers market offersr top quality produce, baked sweets and treats, coconut milk, almond butter, artisanal breads, and small-batch foods. Also available are a variety of handmade crafts and goods. Farmakis Farms, 29932 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

SATURDAY

Buena Park

This busy market runs year round and offers farmfresh fruits and vegetables, free=range eggs, raw honey and baked goods. Visitors may also enjoy a variety of hot, made-to-order foods. There’s plenty of parking nearby at the Buena Park Downtown Mall lot. Corner of La Palma and Stanton, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Cypress

This market features fresh fruits and vegetables, a variety of prepared foods including fantastic tamales and barbecue, and artisanal vendors selling items such as fresh breads, hummus, honey and handmade soaps. 4505 Katella Ave., Cypress, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Los Alamitos

The Sunset Saturday Night Market is held the second Saturday of each month. Besides the farmers market, enjoy an evening of food, craft, games and a beer garden. 10902 Pine St., Los Alamitos, 4-8 p.m.

Orange

The Orange Home Grown Farmers & Artisans Market is a Saturday certified farmers market operated by the nonprofit Orange Home Grown. The market features a large selection of fruits, vegetables, nuts, mushrooms, honey, free-range eggs, grass-fed beef, poultry, milk, and seafood. 303 W. Palm Ave., Orange, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Costa Mesa

Located in the SOCO parking lot, this farmers market is the perfect place to spend a Saturday afternoon. It features local farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, raw honey, fresh almonds, eggs, meat and poultry, and you can also bring your knives to get them professionally sharpened while you do your shopping. SOCO and The OC Mix, 3323 Hyland Ave., Costa Mesa, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Irvine

One of the biggest and most popular in Orange County, this farmers market in the parking lot at Mariners Church features Asian produce vendors, gorgeous seasonal fruits, several egg and poultry vendors, grass-fed beef, and sustainably caught seafood, as well as cottage vendors and arts and crafts. Mariners Church parking lot, 5001 Newport Coast Drive, Irvine, 8 a.m. – noon (rain or shine, with limited vendors during inclement weather)

Corona Del Mar

This farmers market is ideal for those living nearby as there is limited street parking. Open since 1996, look for prepared foods, honey, fresh fish, flowers and lots of fruits and vegetables from premier growers often not seen at other markets. 3201 East Coast Highway, Corona Del Mar, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Mission Viejo

This market offers seasonal mushrooms, a variety of eggs and more, on top of fresh fruits and vegetables. Enjoy a handmade craft section as well as familyfriendly games and music. 25282 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Aliso Viejo

This small farmers market has great produce, arts and crafts, and a handful of prepared food vendors. Aliso Viejo Town Center, 26701 Aliso Creek Road, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Laguna Beach

Find just-picked produce, flowers, local honey, homemade delicacies and more from over 40 vendors and farmers. 521 Forest Ave., Laguna Beach, 8 a.m. – noon (ends at 11 a.m. in July and August; rain or shine, with limited vendors during inclement weather)

Dana Point

The Dana Point Farmers Market sells a variety of produce, flowers, breads, fish, pita, honey, nuts, hot sauces, hummus, pickles, coffee, Indian food, mushrooms and more. In addition to local, organic produce and unique products from local businesses offered weekly, arts and crafts vendors join in the fun every second Saturday of the month. La Plaza Park, 34111 La Plaza, Dana Point, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

OF INTEREST

PHOTOGRAPHER ANNE WATSON AND THE GIFT OF A LIFE TURNED UPSIDE DOWN

By Amy Senk

At the Watson Ranch and Watson Ranch Vineyards in northern San Diego County, a mother and son share orderly lives filled with contradictions and quirks. The roosters and pigs battle with the practicing of Metallica guitar riffs. Winegrower Anne Watson tends the vines but will rarely take a sip, and shoots tail-to-nose cookbook art as a practicing vegetarian.

The sorrow that not long ago filled their home has shifted, turning into light and energy and healing and hope.

Photos courtesy of Anne Watson

“I’m at a place in my life now where I can very comfortably say that going through the hardest years of my life — which were my husband being diagnosed with terminal stomach cancer in 2019 — those were some of the best experiences of my life because it shifted everything,” Anne says. “There is like Anne Before and Anne After.”

The Anne Before was 50 pounds heavier, depressed without realizing it, numbed with alcohol and lacked any spirituality. Then her husband, Tim, was diagnosed with stomach cancer, admitted to the ICU and given days to live. Her family took their young son, Russell, and Anne returned to her empty home. Stressed, exhausted and wired, she went outside and walked in circles in her garden, chanting words she can no longer remember. It was 4 a.m. and her world was falling apart. That is the moment when she discovered Reiki, a Japanese energy healing method.

“I suddenly saw light coming out of the palms of my hands,” she says. “It was like I was hallucinating. I started shining this light coming out of my hands at parts of my house where there had been kind of yucky energy. It was almost like cleansing our house. And I kept thinking, ‘What is happening?’ I had no idea.”

A week later, she told her therapist about the experience, and the therapist mentioned Reiki. Anne Googled “Reiki near me,” found a practitioner and began learning all she could, continuing through the pandemic with Zoom sessions. She used what she learned to help her husband as he fought the cancer that had attacked his stomach and brain and liver and lungs. Tim died at age 57 in February 2021, and Anne believes that Reiki helped keep him alive longer than doctors had expected.

She is now herself a Reiki master with a fully certified practice called Watson Wellness, which Tim wanted for her, and she offers healing to clients in her home’s healing studio, which Tim had built for her before he died. She has used Reiki on parts of her own home that need positive energy and light, and even on the vines, which she considers part of Tim’s legacy.

“Some people told me, ‘You’re crazy, your husband died, you should sell off the vines because that was his business,’ and instead, I’ve taken it on,” she says. “There are days that I think I’m completely nuts for

doing it. But the wine is now becoming my legacy and not just his, and that feels tremendous.”

Anne considers Tim’s diagnosis a moment when her life’s trajectory shifted, when she realized nothing was guaranteed.

“When all plans go straight out the window, you realize that’s a gift in and of itself,” she says. “I needed to reach very deep within myself and also very wide outside myself. Like there are forces outside my control in charge of the trajectory of my life, so I need to surrender to that.”

Earlier in her life, the changes in Anne’s trajectory came from personal choices. After attending four years at Pepperdine University, she moved to Boston to take a job as a line cook earning minimum wage. Later, she drew from her father’s love of vintage cars and photography and had a career in public relations and marketing in the automotive industry. Part of that job was to coordinate events at the right restaurants.

“Food was always there,” she says. “I have always felt drawn towards it.”

She and Tim married in 2010, and she worked as her own wedding coordinator. She was such a pro that their caterer, 24 Carrots, offered her a job.

“My husband always teased me that I did such a good job bossing everybody else around at our wedding that I ended up getting a job offer out of it,” she says. “I loved working with the caterer. I loved planning menus. I loved helping brides select their beverage pairings. All that stuff was right in my wheelhouse.”

The caterer asked if she could shoot a few photos of some dishes, knowing that she was a photography nerd — think high-schooler hanging out in the darkroom.

She took the photos, and the caterer was impressed. “They said, ’Hang on, you’re actually pretty good at this,’” she says. “They started hiring me to take photos at events, and it completely snowballed. The chef and the caterer knew another chef who needed some food photos. It was all word of mouth.”

Anne Watson Photography formally launched in 2012 after a couple of years of informal work. For a decade, even after they moved from Santa Ana to the five-acre property and had their son, she did on-site shoots for restaurants and magazines.

These days, as a single mom, Anne’s food photography takes place in a home studio. She also works from home on recipe development, including a collaboration with friend Audra Wilford on a MaxLove Project anti-cancer cookbook titled “The Fierce Foods Kitchen: Healing Through Culinary Medicine.”

The book, published earlier this year, sold out and is on its second reprint.

“Every day is different,” she says. “I don’t have a specific structure other than I know I need to wake up with the sunrise and go have my practice. A day when I miss meditating and yoga is like a whole day that is wonky. I do my sadhana in the morning, and I’m just going to be open to what comes.”

On this particular day, after her meditation, Anne fed the dogs and chickens and pigs, made sure the vines were watered and that the irrigation was working. Then she drove Russell, now 9 and a budding guitarist, to the School of Rock in Temecula for a day of music. She returned home for four hours of cookbook photography, returned to School of Rock for pickup, did emails at home and spent family time over dinner.

“I’m usually pretty wiped out and done by 9,” she says. “I go to bed early.”

Bonding with her son over heavy metal music has been a delight, Anne says, and they are excited about the Power Trip Festival this October in Indio. Metallica, Iron Maiden, Guns N' Roses, Tool, AC/DC and Judas Priest are all part of the lineup. Russell inherited the metal gene from both mother and father, Anne says.

“It’s funny,” she says. “I am a very yin-yang person. I have a retreat center. I am a Reiki master. But I also am a huge metalhead. I absolutely love it. I grew up listening to that music. It’s something that my husband and I have in common. So, I figured that my son and I listen to music, and it keeps us connected to my husband, too. It is a family thing.”

Anne, who turns 45 in September, says she has learned to accept and respect the things that might surprise or throw off other people, like taking photos of liver meatballs as a vegetarian or drinking her own wine for work when she is a non-drinker.

“I drink it and treat it like it’s sacred,” she says. “There is an art and beauty and connection to Mother Earth that is just deeply meaningful when it’s treated as sacred.”

When she sends the vines Reiki energy, it’s another example of how the different parts of Anne’s life overlap and create a sensible and beautiful picture.

“This is what I’m realizing,” she says. “The work I’m doing with the food, the work I do with my wine, and the work I do with Reiki and meditation, it’s like they sound like they’re all completely different things, but they are completely related. Like there is a thread throughout all of it. I guess it’s me.”

Photos courtesy of Anne Watson

AGES + STAGES

OU SONT LES NEIGES

By Barbara Shields

Nostalgia is having a day. Barbie. Hip-hop. Yoko Ono. 1945? Not so much.

It was VE Day in Europe. World War II ended. Allied forces marched into France. It was an era of global celebration. But not for this baby boomer.

Caught in the matrix of my birth year, I discovered that a 78-year-old woman with a substantial body of corporate and nonprofit work dating back to 1966 hasn’t got a prayer in the job market.

Having my position “eliminated” after a 30-year stint at a renowned New York healthcare institution, I found myself confronted by internet job applications, requiring date of birth and/or school graduation. Foiled again!

After several polite, online rejections, I began to imagine an in-person interview with a potential employer: Interviewer: Good morning. Ohhh! Be careful. Don’t fall. That chair swivels.

Photo courtesy of Barbara Shields

Me: I’m fine. Thank you.

Interviewer: I see from your resume that you graduated from college 57 years ago. (Deep breath.) Do you drive, and do you know how to use a computer?

Me: Of course I drive. And I’m proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Interviewer: What about the internet?

Me: Yes. But no Tiktok, Twitter or Tumblr.

Interviewer: (Laughs nervously.) Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

Me: The family plot in Greenwood Cemetery. It’s in Brooklyn. Have you been there?

Interviewer: (Horrified.) No. (Pauses.) Normally, we do background checks on our candidates, but in your case, I don’t think our system goes back that far.

Me: Are you sure?

Interviewer: (In a huff.) Yes, I’m sure. We’ll keep your resume on file. Good luck in the future.

Now what?

I’d like to reach back to a time when I called someone in my family and they didn’t ask, “Who’s dead?” Back to the Eisenhower administration when my life was much simpler. White gloves, pearls and bangs. The only thing I had to worry about was how Lucy and Ethel were going to escape the chocolate factory with their pride intact.

I cling to fond, chaotic memories of raising three children amid the colorful backdrop of Manhattan’s publishing world. How lucky I was to sit across the room from trailblazing writers like Germaine Greer or to hold my daughter’s hand on Sept. 12, 2001, as she sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” at a Long Island historic site.

Then there was my favorite hospital where we brought hope to so many and found comic relief gossiping about the “grandes scandales” and love affairs happening between shifts. We never missed an opportunity to reach out to our crew of down-andout regulars whose “maladies imaginaires” usually landed them in the ER as the lunch trays were arriving.

But sequences like the anguish of sprinkling rose petals on my young sister’s coffin, releasing balloons

at a pediatric patient’s funeral and grieving at friends’ gravesites have shattered my heart. Alas, they have to become part of the existential mist if I am to survive and face my life today.

Armed by the past, I resent being dismissed as “elderly” and lumped into a demographic that makes me — and those I care about — invisible.

Why aren’t I a suitable job candidate? Because I’m 78? Surely, I’ve retained a few active brain cells. Will no one realize that I still have value, that I can touch a life, help someone in need, and continue my quest to learn everything I can while I’m still on this side of the hydrangeas?

Happily, there’s an entrepreneur in my town who didn’t blanche at the thought of hiring a senior citizen. In fact, when I walked into her gourmet food shop and referenced her help wanted email, this lovely woman didn’t even ask to see my resume. She just said, “Can you start Monday?” (I did.)

Thanks to her, I’m having a retail moment. The cash register screen is like the wall on Jeopardy. And I find myself in Double Jeopardy quite often. Not my comfort zone, but I’m learning a unique business and wrapping my head around a fabulous menu of British-themed foods. This Churchill groupie is thrilled to inventory the likes of Cornish fare, Scotch eggs, shepherd’s pies and Irish marmalade. My goal is to hear my boss say, “You done good today.”

I’m grateful to have lived this long. There’s a theory that age brings wisdom. While I’m fortunate to have retained a few active brain cells, I’m not so sure about that. I can’t speak for everyone in my demographic, but I wouldn’t take my advice about your love life, Medicare or getting separate checks if you’re at dinner with someone who consumes large quantities of alcohol.

I have a carousel of children and grandchildren, and cherished girlfriends who’ve supported me all my life with uncompromising patience and fortitude … in good times and bad. I want them to remember me on the best days I've ever had.

So don’t give up. In the end, we are our choices. You have time. Build yourself a great story.  I’m still working on mine.

MIDLIFE GRAD SCHOOL

By Alyssa Swanson Hamilton

Looking back on my university days, I recall vaguely wanting to get my Master of Fine Arts in creative writing, after I graduated from UCLA with a degree in English and an incomplete minor in creative writing.

It was 1991, there was a recession, and many of my fledgling writer friends were avoiding the job market and applying to programs. I procured a letter of recommendation from my mentor at the time: the poet, novelist and Native American scholar Paula Gunn Allen. She had so many requests for recommendations that she made us write our own, submit them to her, and she’d sign them. I felt dumb writing glowing things about myself and it was painfully obvious that it was a 21-year-old’s voice. She signed it anyway.

I couldn’t bring myself to apply. The idea of two to three more years of intense schooling sounded depressing and lifeless, even if I'd be doing what I purported to love. Instead, I got a summer job at an advertising agency and saved enough money to get as far away from my parents as possible by flying with my best friend Karin to New Zealand.

We worked as WWOOFers (Willing Workers on Organic Farms, now named Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms) and lived mostly outside and

barefoot in the wilds of forests with prehistoric ferns and mountains of unparalleled beauty. I learned more in six months there than I learned in all of my years at university, proving my point to myself that I didn’t need more school.

Still, upon our return home, Karin and I decided to take the GRE just for kicks. We bought the prep manuals. She studied, I didn’t. When the time came to take the test, I might as well have created a surfboard or a dinosaur picture out of my filled Scantron bubbles. It was a total bust. My scores, delivered to me by mail, were abysmal. Karin, who also happens to be a genius, aced hers, and eventually went on to Bastyr to study acupuncture.

Armed with my dunce-level GRE score, I could not apply to the MFA programs that I really desired, such as UC Irvine and the University of Iowa. Plus, these were the best programs in the country — was I even of that caliber? Not likely. I tucked away my half-dream and went on to work in communications, ending up in my late 20s, funnily enough, at UCI.

Photo courtesy of Alyssa Swanson Hamilton

I joined writers’ groups and took creative writing extension courses at UCI and UCLA. I got married and had two babies back to back. I quit my job in favor of full-time motherhood. I continued to write and submit my work sporadically, but after multiple rejections I gave up. The one thing I held on to was my fierce need to be a student. It saved me, and kept me from completely atrophying as a writer.

Several years later, my marriage began to unravel and I started spending summers at Esalen in Big Sur at author Cheryl Strayed’s Writer’s Camp with Pam Houston, Samantha (Sam) Dunn, Steve Almond and many others. I was encouraged by Sam to apply to Pam’s Writing by Writers Draft program.

I submitted a car crash of a manuscript, linked essays I’d written at Esalen detailing my life as a wife, mother, and the trauma and aftermath of my divorce. The stories were breathless and salacious and lacked clarity and white space, but there were a few sparks within the pages.

After two years of intense nurturing in the powerful Writing by Writers program, where I learned how to write and edit on a deeper and more polished level, I became fixated on the idea of applying to an MFA program — at 49 years old. My string of essays was growing into a memoir. This time around, there were more MFA programs to choose from, including lowresidency ones intended for adults with jobs and/or families that were still highly respected and boasted impressive faculty rosters.

I landed on Sierra Nevada University (now University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe) largely because of faculty such as Alan Heathcock, who also taught at Esalen and had recommended SNU, and the highly esteemed author Lidia Yuknavitch, whose magical Corporeal Writing workshops in Portland, Oregon, transformed my understanding of what it meant to be a writer. At SNU, there were five total nine-day residencies over two-and-a-half years, and the rest would be remote with an assigned faculty mentor. It felt doable; I knew I would be in good hands.

Once I was in, I’ll be honest — I was terrified. My first semester was the summer of smoke and fire in Lake Tahoe, and I arrived to find I’d be sleeping in a dorm room just as I would have as an 18-year-old undergrad. There were no special accommodations

for “adult” students. That first residency, I had a hard, jail-type mattress and a stiff pillow. The carpet was crunchy in places. My view of the fragrant tall pines outside softened the blow, but not much.

We had a welcome dinner with a lovely, friendly group of faculty and new and returning students, but Lidia and Alan were not on campus that semester. I didn’t know a soul. The director of the program, the poet Brian Turner, saw me sitting by myself and forced me to join another new student introvert, Jamie, who was also solo at her own table. We made small talk, to the best of our ability, and met with our creative nonfiction teacher for the upcoming residency. As the teacher talked to us about craft and expectations for the class, I felt a growing sense of panic. When I got back to my room, I called my 76-year-old mother and told her I’d made a mistake.

“I can’t do this,” I sobbed. “I think I need to come home.”

Suddenly, I was a child again, wanting to be picked up early from the slumber party.

“No,” my mom replied. “You were born to do this. Just get through the next few days, and then reassess.”

“I’ll try one day,” I said.

I tossed and turned on my prison mattress that night, hitting my head on the scuffed wooden headboard, convinced I’d fail before I even started. I didn’t know what I was doing. Were people going to think this was a midlife crisis? How would I ever fit in with all of these accomplished people? Who was I, this aging manic pixie dream girl/crone walking around campus with my space buns and backpack and 1.5-strength reading glasses and stiff ankles?

That first residency was a challenge. My creative nonfiction class was heavy on craft theory and elements I had never heard of. I was intimidated by the assignments. However, I found myself blooming in the in-class exercises: studying poetry for inspiration, playing with language, sharing little snippets of our work each day. Even as smoke from nearby wildfires hung heavy and toxic over the campus and some students and faculty left early and joined us via Zoom, I persevered. By the end of the residency, I was relatively certain I could maybe pass my classes and take on a few more.

The next two-and-a-half years, I found myself reading more books in a short period of time than I thought possible, and writing on a level I had never before attempted. I hadn’t entirely factored in what being in school would entail with the added weight of two teenage boys and working 40-plus hours a week as a divorced parent. I read my assigned books late into the night and wrote in random intervals: at my desk at lunch, at 1 a.m., on weekends. I found myself turning down social invitations and concerts. I deleted my dating apps (not a big loss). My boys and I did our homework together sometimes at the kitchen table. I didn’t have an office, so I wrote at a small desk across from the stove. It wasn’t ideal, especially if the kids were watching “Breaking Bad” reruns in the other room, but we made it work.

My body of work grew, and I learned how to mold it into a manuscript, which would become my 120-page thesis. Although I was often near exhaustion, I also found myself dissolving into a deep well of joy with the work I was doing. It expanded me and took on new dimensions as I began to examine my story from fresh angles, bringing in themes that made my story less about me and more about our shared experience as human beings. Reliving trauma from divorce and other life events on the page is harrowing, but also cathartic. I found release and forgiveness, most of all for myself, as I unearthed my stories. I found dark humor, glimmering on the edges. I found compassion.

The camaraderie I found on campus was entirely unexpected. We ranged in age from 23 to over 60, and we all hung out. We went to our favorite dive bar The Paddlewheel at night, and on our day off we hung out on the beaches of Lake Tahoe. We had dance parties and late night cram sessions. We read each other’s work and offered thoughtful feedback. The nature of writing itself is so highly personal that it bonds you with your fellow authors in a manner I’ve never experienced in any other setting. You become a family.

During my fifth and final semester, it was time to defend my thesis. Even though I was told it would be a friendly conversation rather than a firing squad, I was terrified. What if I forgot my influences, my craft choices, my themes? What if they asked me questions about where my manuscript was headed and I just blacked out? Lidia was on my panel, along

with the writers Gayle Brandeis and Peter Mountford, all of whom I had worked with one-on-one during mentorships.

When my time came, I arrived at the table with a vague awareness that my underwear felt loose. I imagined it sliding off before I sat down. My mouth immediately went dry. As I began to talk, Lidia wordlessly handed me her water bottle with the top removed. I looked at her dumbly, and she gestured pointedly to the bottle. I drained half of her water and launched into my introduction.

I was aware of what I was saying, but also separate from it. As I listened to myself, my confidence grew and I found myself answering their questions and even laughing with them. I shared that I wanted my writing to be an act of service at this stage in my life — that this was perhaps an advantage to being an older student. It was no longer about ego, as it surely would have been when I was in a different stage of my development.

We concluded our talk, and they sent me out of the room to discuss my work. When I was invited back in, they welcomed me as a Master. I worried I might break Lidia when I hugged her with my whole being. That same week, we all read sections of our manuscripts during an open mic on campus. I'm always nervous reading in front of a group, and this was no exception. The response I got when I finished shocked me: People were emotional, engaged, wanting more. I even received compliments from faculty I had not personally worked with, which was gratifying. It made me believe I might have something of value to share with the world — that I hadn’t waited too long; it wasn’t too late.

A week later, I graduated with my highly talented peers: creative nonfiction, poetry, fiction and young adult writers. My two teen sons were in the audience cheering me on, my eldest just having graduated from Newport Harbor High School two months before. I scanned the room, trying to take it all in, to hold this energy, to remind myself that this was not an ending, but rather the beginning of a new part of my life. I’m inspired to keep growing as a writer and a human being, to ignore numbers and stereotypes that don’t represent me, and continue to live my weird and wonderful life.

21 IS A FASCINATING AGE

By Paige Wood

Twenty-one is such a fascinating age. It holds a captivating allure, being associated with alcohol, parties and fun. It’s getting to live with your best friends. It’s swapping clothes every time you go out to find the perfect outfit. It’s reuniting and catching up with high school friends when you’re home.

However, 21 is also an age when you’re faced with many pivotal decisions — adulthood is creeping just around the corner. You may never live with all your best friends again. It’s “investing” in clothes for the long haul instead of buying another cheap, cute going-out top. Catch-ups with friends now revolve around post-grad life and who’s doing what.

Twenty-one is a whirlwind.

Twenty-one is still relying on my parents but grappling with adult responsibilities like bills and taxes. It’s yearning for old friendships but making exciting plans

with others. It’s hearing of so many people doing amazing things, yet I still can’t seem to remember the date of graduation. Conversations fade in and out of topics, both lighthearted and profound. One moment I’m chatting with a friend about their day; the next, we’re discussing career goals and living plans.

Twenty-one is the age where some are off amassing fortunes, as actors, professional athletes or influencers, while some are getting married and starting their family. Others, including myself, are heading into our last year of college, still wondering what lies ahead.

Photos courtesy of Paige Wood

Don’t get me wrong, 21 proves to be a very fun year. I agree with the notion of 21 being filled with excitement; I have had my fair share of good times and am enjoying the new independence that comes with it. But little attention is brought to the tough parts: the constant comparison, the anxiety of growing up and moving on, the end of a childhood and the conclusion of college life.

Growing up, I dreamed of the day I would turn 21. The glamour of big parties, legally drinking, new independence going to a bar or club, celebrating with all my friends. Little did I know that amidst all the exhilaration comes an equal number of new fears, worries and difficulties.

I asked my friends, “What’s one word you would use to describe this stage of life?”

The most common response? Scary. Followed by words like unpredictable, growth and complicated.

Twenty-one is scary — it’s the first time we realize we cannot be carefree college kids forever. Questions of the future become more frequent and the pressure to have an answer intensifies. Twenty-one feels like a last hurrah before true adulthood and real responsibility creeps its way in. Twenty-one is holding on dearly to the days we have left while trying to outrun the inevitable moment we have to grow up.

Constant comparison plagues 21. It’s not new at this age but simply becomes more pronounced in different ways, adding careers, internships and future plans to the comparison of looks, grades, status and intelligence that we know so well. There is a new pressure to not just have a plan, but an impressive one that aligns with expectations.

The anticipation of the imminent future is like a continuous chill before the storm. There’s no rain or lightning yet, but a sense of foreboding looms. I’m so worried about the storm that I can't enjoy the sunny days. I am continually tempted to look ahead, to anxiously just wait for the rest of my life.

Twenty-one is quite the paradox. It’s envisioned as a joyous year of final freedom, yet you can feel trapped by the numerous changes and the approaching weight of adulthood. Paralyzed by this, you can feel

unable to fully be present in a year that should be so enjoyed and remembered. We are letting the opportunity of being young slip out from under us.

But as I’ve come to learn that 21 is different than I imagined, I’ve also found a new appreciation for this age.

Twenty-one is so special. I get to live with my best friends in my little beach college town. Aside from attending my classes, taking care of my house and graduating, my responsibilities remain relatively limited. I am lucky enough to receive help from my wonderful parents and family, and although graduation looms and it feels like I will be all on my own, I know they are not going anywhere.

Each stage of life brings new challenges and excitements. Twenty-one is merely another stage. Another stage to laugh, cry, love and, most importantly, grow. A stage I want to truly enjoy, to live in the moment. I’m determined to live 21 to the fullest while I still can. I am incredibly grateful for where I am and while I’m uncertain about the future, I’m at peace with my uncertainty for now.

I shouldn’t know what I’m doing for the rest of my life right now.

Twenty-one is such a fascinating age.

FINDING FALL COLORS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

By Sara Hall

As autumn arrives, West Coast residents often look longingly to the east at the sweeping scenes of hills covered in vibrant yellows, oranges and reds. But don’t book your flight to New England just yet. There are plenty of places to find fall foliage in Southern California — you just have to know where to look.

Fall in California has a lot to offer across the Golden State. While many head to the Sierra Nevada or Shasta Cascade mountains to see the most vibrant autumn colors, Orange County residents who aren’t up for a longer road trip can still find a number of local spots a short drive away.

As the days become shorter, certain trees will slow and then stop producing chlorophyll. This causes the green color to fade from their leaves, and the carotenoids and anthocyanin that create autumn-hued pigments are unmasked. Most of the trees in Southern California that go through this process — such as maple and oak — have large, broad leaves. However, the region is also home to some smaller-leaved trees that change color, like cottonwoods and aspens. Poison oak also changes color as the vine turns from green to red leaves. While it can look beautiful, it can still cause a rash if touched. Remember: Leaves of three, let it be.

Photos courtesy of Visit Big Bear and Michele Hernandez

The best leaf-peeping is usually late October through November, though it depends on the type of tree, area elevation and weather. It’s always a good idea to call the park, ranger station, garden or visitors center beforehand to ask about conditions. There are also some resources to help you track the changing leaves, the best fall foliage report is the California Fall Color website, which includes a map.

When you’re ready to hit the road, look past the palm trees and you’ll find forests of deciduous trees growing in the mountains surrounding SoCal. Or head inland to see the various shades of autumn in our own ranges, specifically to the San Gabriel, San Bernardino and San Jacinto mountains.

From the riparian canyons in Angeles National Forest to magnificent maples lining small town streets and even an aspen grove near Big Bear Lake, here are the best places to find fall colors in Southern California.

Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

One of the best places to view the fall foliage in Southern California is Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, just east of San Diego. With 24,700 acres and more than 100 miles of trails, there’s plenty to explore and autumn is a great time to visit. The lovely meadows and creeks offer a respite from the surrounding dry landscape. In fall, the changing trees transform the park into a colorful scene.

State park interpreter Michele Hernandez recommends visiting the northern section of Cuyamaca for the best places to see fall color. The Marty Minshall and Stonewall Mine trails are good for those who would enjoy a short hike to see the black oaks and choke cherries as they change color and

get ready for fall, she says.

Just below the top of Cuyamaca Peak, which is the second highest point in San Diego County at 6,512 feet, is another great place to enjoy fall color for those who wouldn’t mind a more challenging hike, Hernandez adds. The sweeping views from this hike also give park visitors the opportunity to see where there is color around the park, along with glimpses of the Pacific Ocean toward the west and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park to the east.

Finally, some of the best color is right along Highway 79, again in the northern part of the park. Those who don’t hike can easily enjoy the color without getting out of their cars, Hernandez notes.

Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake is a great local getaway in any season. Fall is often overlooked in this popular summer and winter destination, but it’s the perfect time to visit.

“Big Bear Lake is a magical place in fall. There’s no better place to see the fall colors in Southern California,” says Visit Big Bear Chief Marketing Officer Monique Rangel. “It’s a time when the valley’s natural beauty really shines but there’s also a ton to do in and around town highlighted by our Oktoberfest, which is one of the largest and longest running in California.”

Evergreen trees help highlight the warm colors of the cottonwoods, dogwoods, maples and oaks found on the nearby trails and in town. A few good options to explore: Castle Rock Trail, which has steep uphill climb in the first half-mile but rewards hikers with

incredible views of the lake; Woodland Trail, a familyfriendly loop that starts at the Big Bear Discovery Center; and Pineknot Trail, which is a moderately challenging hike with a shady canopy and access to Grand View Point.

Big Bear is also home to the southernmost grove of quaking aspens in California, which is one of only two groves in the state that grows outside of the Sierra Nevada mountains (the other is in the Modoc Plateau area in northern California). The trees’ silver dollarsized leaves turn gold in fall, which makes the Aspen Grove Trail a popular path in late September and early October; a free day use permit is required and officials recommend reservations in autumn.

Angeles National Forest

Simultaneously celebrate the first day of autumn and National Public Lands Day on Sept. 23 by searching for fall colors in Angeles National Forest. With more than 700,000 acres of scenic wilderness, the area is home to some woodlands where oak, maples and walnut trees grow — proving there is fall foliage in Los Angeles. You’ll also find the more common evergreen pines and firs.

Bear Canyon is a great trail for leaf-peeping in Southern California and showcases dramatic mountain views, a small waterfall and a hike-in

Photos courtesy of Visit Big Bear, Sara Hall, and

campground. Start off at the Switzer Picnic Area (an Adventure Pass or America the Beautiful Pass is required for parking) and hike west along the Gabrielino National Recreation Trail, which features a lovely tree canopy and follows a creek. The path does start going up a ridge, so it’s not advised for those with a fear of heights.

At the junction you’ll want to veer off Gabrielino trail and head down Bear Canyon Trail to see Switzer Falls. Keep in mind the water flow may be a trickle by autumn, depending on rainfall and temperatures earlier in the year. For even better fall foliage and colorful leaves — and if you want to make it an overnight adventure — keep following Bear Canyon along the creek to a primitive trail camp.

Some other Angeles National Forest options that feature fall colors are: Icehouse Canyon, for hiking along a creek under a colorful tree canopy; Stoddard Peak, for a moderately challenging trail with stunning views near Mount Baldy; and the nearby Silverwood Lake, which offers a variety of recreational opportunities.

Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden

For a cultivated garden experience, there are several facilities that showcase fall colors in Southern California, including the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden.

The garden features 127 acres of plants and trees from around the globe. There are several colorful classics like red maple, black walnut and red oak, along with other spectacular color-changing trees like the crape myrtle, ginkgo, eastern redbud and Japanese maple. Viewing the colorful foliage is so popular, the arboretum has a map for visitors to enjoy

a self-guided fall color walk.

Elsewhere in the region, there are several other garden options to choose from for fall colors. At Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge, a highlight are the ginkgo trees that turn bright yellow and gold. Visitors to Fullerton Arboretum can wander through 26 acres of plants and trees, including a deciduous woodland. In Pasadena, the Huntington Library has a spectacular weeping willow that gracefully turns yellow in autumn.

Julian and Oak Glen

For both apple-picking and fall foliage, the most popular mountain towns in Southern California are Julian and Oak Glen.

Julian, a historic gold mining town about an hour-and-a-half east of San Diego, provides visitors with the quintessential autumn experience: picking apples from an orchard, fresh-baked pie, a cozy and charming atmosphere, and vibrant oaks and vineyards. The 1.65-mile Canyon Oak Trail in William Heise County Park is an easy lollipop loop with a lot of autumnal charm.

Find more apple orchards in Oak Glen, along with the colorful leaves from black walnut and oak trees. Tucked away in the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains, this small town has everything needed for the perfect day trip. The Oak Glen Preserve has trails spread out over more than 900 acres and is home to the Southern California Montane Botanic Garden, the Children’s Outdoor Discovery Center, and Los Rios Rancho Apple Farm. Don’t miss the Oak Glen Apple Butter Festival in November!

Idyllwild

Nestled in the San Jacinto Mountains, Idyllwild is a less crowded option if you’re seeking a small-town atmosphere for autumn leaf-peeping. Mount San Jacinto State Park is the best spot in Idyllwild to see all the spectacular fall colors that nature has to offer, along with some more challenging hikes. Meanwhile, Idyllwild Nature Center has family-friendly fall foliage options, as well educational programs that focus on mountain ecology, habitats, history, flora and fauna, and Cahuilla culture.

Get the best of both on Deer Springs Trail, which starts near the nature center and heads into the state park. Along the way, see colorful cottonwoods creating a golden yellow canopy. It’s a steady incline and after 10 miles and more than 5,000 feet in elevation gain, you’ll reach San Jacinto Peak.

Photos courtesy of Oak Glen photo courtesy of Daniel Jerez/Unsplash, and Idyllwild photo © California State Parks, all

Palomar Mountain State Park

Also in San Diego County, just south of Temecula, Palomar Mountain State Park features 1,862 acres full of panoramic vistas, black oaks and bracken fern meadows, which turn a rich, golden brown in autumn and stand out against a forested background.

Officials say the park has a “Sierra Nevada-like atmosphere,” with about 11 miles of trails through oak forests, chaparral, grassy meadows and majestic woodlands. Doane Valley Nature Trail will take you along a seasonal creek underneath a dense forest, which provides vibrant pops of color in the fall.

Whittier Narrows Recreation Area

To see fall foliage in a manicured park instead of the mountain wilderness, visit one of the largest parks in Los Angeles County: the 1,492-acre Whittier Narrows Recreation Area in South El Monte. The 2.2-mile Legg Lake Loop Trail is an easy path that nature lovers will enjoy.

Within the park, the natural area and Whittier Narrows Nature Center is a 400-acre sanctuary of riparian woodland featuring four lakes and many plants and animals. A 3-mile walking trail will take you by black walnut, toyon berry, cottonwood, California sycamores and Chinese elm trees showcasing a colorful autumn palette. The multi-use park space also has sports fields, bike tracks, boating areas and a community garden.

LAST LOOK

Puamana, Lahaina, Waking Up, 2022

Joli Beal Oil on Board

Based in Del-Mar, California, Joli Beal is a plein-air artist that has been participating in plein air invitationals and winning awards for over two decades. Beal can often be found on the rocky cliffs by the sea, deep in the backcountry of the Sierra Nevada Range, or painting by the beach in Hawaii. Enquire at Kennedy Contemporary by visiting this exhibition at https://kennedycontemporary.com/exhibitions/17-rising-from-ashes-a-joli-bealcollection-benefitting-maui/overview/, emailing info@kennedycontemporary.com or calling/texting 714.519.6297.