Irvine is a great city for anyone involved in the comic book industry to live, as both San Diego Comic Con and Los Angeles Comic Con are only an hour away. Also, WonderCon, the annual comic book, sci fi and film confab, and D23, the official Disney Fan Club, takes place in Anaheim at the Convention Center each year as well.

From nerd lifestyle brands to innovative collectibles, the comics business continues to thrive throughout Orange County as well. Irvine Weekly talked to industry experts in the area to hear how business is going and how they deal with the myriad of challenges.

Todd Nauck, comic book artist 

“Business is going great!” enthused Todd Nauck, a successful comics artist. “I’ve been working consistently with Marvel Comics since 2006 on various titles like Spider-Man, Deadpool and Thor. I also just recently drew the comic book adaptation of the Netflix series, Mystery Science Theater 3000 for Dark Horse Publishing.

Nauck has a busy schedule, with a myriad of design projects. 

“I am currently working on a new Spider-Man spin-off series called Gwen Stacy, she was one of Peter Parker’s first loves he meets at college. It’s kind of like Veronica Mars set in the early Stan Lee/Steve Ditko era of Amazing Spider-Man. Marvel just announced the series and issue number one debuts in February 2020.”

In addition, the veteran artist is drawing three comic covers for deserving real-life young heroes in the new Disney Plus streaming television show, Marvel’s Hero Project. 

Nauck has also been making appearances at numerous Cons and other events. “I was a guest speaker on Disney Cruise Lines’ Marvel Day at Sea, for a ‘Meet the Marvel Masters’ panel. That was an honor and a fun gig!” he quipped. 

“The biggest challenge for me is comic book deadlines and comic convention travel. I’m either spending my days at the drafting table or traveling across the U.S. to appear at Comic Cons. It takes a lot of time management and discipline to make sure I hit deadlines and make it out to see the comic reading public.”

Locally, you can often find Nauck at his favorite comic book shop, Alakazam Comics.

“I do comic book signings at their store from time to time. They have been big supporters of my career over the years.”

(Courtesy of Hero Within)

Tony Kim, founder/owner of geek fashion/comics store, Hero Within

While business has gone well for Irvine’s Hero Within, there are still many highs and lows, owner Tony Kim admits:

“It’s been very challenging as a young company. Fortunately, interest in subtle geek fashion has never been higher as well as passion for pop culture. It was an amazing year with all of the success of Marvel and we are now turning our attention to DC and Star Trek.”

Kim, who also is a blogger, designer and pop culture expert, continued: “Inventory and cash flow are always the biggest challenges with young companies. I have to stay focused on trying to stay ahead of the demand as well as help shape trends. It’s a balancing act.”

Kim loves being based in Irvine, finding the area a “very inspirational” place to be. “Besides all the local resources, the diversity and creativity here fuels me. Plus, I do much of my business in Los Angeles and San Diego, which makes Irvine perfectly located for those commutes.”

Now that he and his company finished a busy season of traveling to Comic Cons all over the United States, they are focusing on online sales. “As we prepare for the holidays, we have some new Batman and Star Trek items on the horizon, which is exciting.”

Patrick Wang, Icon Heroes 

As a community, Irvine is an incredible place to be — safe, lots of good places to eat, well maintained, etc. — noted Patrick Wang, vice president of Icon Heroes. 

“We have been in business since 2009, manufacturing licensed collectibles, toys, action figures, trading pins, bobblehead dolls, gifts and novelties,” he said. “Most of our products are sold online such as [on] Alpha XR and through major brick-and-mortar retailers like GameStop.”

Since they do not have a store, the conventions provide a great opportunity for Wang to interact with their customers. “To gain more exposure, we also sell exclusive merchandise and showcase new products at conventions such as San Diego Comic Con.”

Icon Heroes’ licensed properties include Archie Comics, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, DC Comics, The Golden Girls, Harry Potter, The Karate Kid, ABC’s Once Upon a Time, Robotech, Street Fighter, Terminator: Dark Fate, Top Gun, Top Gun: Maverick and Star Trek.  

We also have several new and exciting properties which we are announcing soon,” Wang added. “There are some upcoming movies and video game properties.”

With the holiday rush, Wang’s big challenge is making sure their products are developed and shipped on time, especially for retailers. “There are many stages to development and production so we have to meet certain checkpoints along the way. We typically try to plan products about a year out.”

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting Irvine Weekly and our advertisers.

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“I love working with the players and showing the positive impact this team can have on a community,” enthused head coach Russell Turner, who just completed his ninth season at UCI.

“They are competitive, unselfish and are willing to sacrifice. They have learned that playing at a high level of competition is fun and demanding.”

After the UC Irvine men’s basketball team wrapped up its most successful season in program history, the Anteaters are now back at the university. Irvine Weekly caught up with the team as they reflected on their journey.

Photo courtesy of UCI Athletics

Question: What do you love about your team and UC Irvine?

Robert Cartwright (Graduate student, Guard): I loved the resiliency of this team. On multiple occasions in both the regular and post-season, our team fought back from significant deficits in some of our biggest games and found ways to stay together and win. This was a testament to our mental toughness.

Jonathan Galloway (Graduate student, Forward): The competitive energy on the team was contagious. We would grind every day in practice with one another. More importantly, I believe our team played together as a unit. As coach Turner would say, our team “bought in” and that made our relationship special. Whether it was the student-trainers, our strength coach or our managers, everyone played their role.

Tommy Rutherford (Junior, Forward): I love how together our team is because we don’t just see each other as teammates and coaches, but we are family. Our coaches demand heart and success at all levels (basketball, school, and being a young man). UCI is a great community and really houses a variety of students, which makes our campus so accepting of people from all backgrounds.

Collin Welp, (Freshman, Redshirt Forward): I think my favorite part about the team is the connection and camaraderie that we have both on and off the court. We spend a lot of time on the court together, but off the court we hang out together a lot as well. I believe that bond we have has helped us be successful on the court and build relationships off the court.

Photo courtesy of UCI Athletics

Q: How has being on the team changed your life?

Cartwright: I have dreamt of playing in the NCAA tournament since he was a child. The opportunity to live out that dream was the most fun I’ve ever had playing the game of basketball.

Galloway: I’ve been able to make progress as a young man throughout the past five years and I give much of the credit to being a part of this team. Every person on this team has some sort of positive impact on me. Our program has continued to improve the family atmosphere. I will cherish many of the relationships within our team for the rest of my life.

Rutherford: Being on the UCI team has changed my life by helping me shape into the person that I want to be. The demands, but also the support, will better me in the future as I feel that I will be successful in whatever I do since I have the coaches and people in athletics helping me be successful in all aspects of life.

Welp: It has given me a family of teammates that I can count on being my friends for life. I know that they can always count on me for anything they need and vice versa.

Q: What do you like about living in Irvine?

Cartwright: Irvine is a beautiful city with great weather and in close proximity to beautiful beaches. It has also a blessing to be so close to home and my family as well.

Galloway: Over the years, I’ve come to love and appreciate the city of Irvine. It has so many different attractions. It isn’t too far from other popular cities in the area and the beaches are right down the street. And let’s not forget the weather — that’s probably the most popular thing that people mention when I tell them where I go to school.  

Rutherford: Irvine is an amazing place to live as it is so similar to my home in San Diego. Irvine has all of things needed for entertainment: beach, movies and great food.

Welp: My favorite part about living in Irvine is the weather. Being from Seattle, where it’s rainy most of the year, the sunshine is always nice.

Photo courtesy of UCI Athletics

Q: How was the experience of being a part of March Madness?

Cartwright: When the buzzer sounded at the end of the Kansas State game, there was such a sense of pride and joy of the history the team had made for UC Irvine. We knew from the outset of the season that we believed we could win both the conference championship and conference tournament, and advance in the NCAA tournament, all of which we accomplished. I have played in many high level games in my basketball career, but the bright lights of March Madness created an intensity that was unlike any other.

Galloway: The experience of being in March Madness was priceless. Especially being on a team that made history in so many different ways. Our team was truly grateful for all of the love and support we received from the beginning to the end of the season.

Rutherford: Being a part of March Madness was an experience I will never forget and has made me appreciate all the work and sacrifice that I have given to the game of basketball. My love of the game could not be any higher than it is right now and I appreciate every moment I get to play basketball.

Welp: It was my favorite basketball experience so far in my career, no doubt. Obviously, I grew up watching the tournament every year and filling out brackets, but there is nothing like actually being part of it. From Selection Sunday to being on the court, to playing in front of thousands of people, it really was a great experience to be able to play in the tournament so early in my career. I hope I have the opportunity to go back and do it all over again.

Q: What’s the biggest challenge you have dealt with as a player?

Cartwright: I have had to overcome many obstacles during my collegiate career. The most significant likely was when I suffered a severe arm injury that required 3 separate surgeries on my right arm and elbow — and cost me my sophomore year at Stanford. However, this one year at UC Irvine is one I will be forever grateful for and always cherish.

Galloway: One of the biggest challenges I faced as a player was being patient and waiting for my time to come. When I first arrived on campus, the idea of redshirting was something I had no intention of doing. I refused the opportunity to redshirt numerous times. As the 2014-15 season approached, I trusted my coaching staff and made the decision to redshirt. I used the opportunity to get better for my first season of play.

However, I expected more success during my freshman year. Coming off the bench and receiving limited minutes was something I did not envision. So, I just kept working on and off the court to put myself in the best position possible. Now looking back on my career at Irvine, I’ve been able to leave my mark on the program just as I planned years ago.

Rutherford: The biggest challenge of being a player is putting the game in perspective. Knowing that when mistakes are made, the next play is there to make up for it. Also, understanding that the practice that is put in will make you improve even if you don’t always see it right away.

Welp: One of the biggest challenges for me coming to college as an athlete was learning all the things that really go into every day. Getting proper treatment in the training room, eating right or getting good rest are all things I knew were important as an athlete, but they are magnified as a collegiate athlete. However, I have learned to manage it over time and my teammates and coaches have been great in helping me as well.

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting Irvine Weekly and our advertisers.

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And with the expansion to 1 million square feet of exhibit space, the Anaheim Convention Center is the perfect place to hold the four day music conference. “For the past 40 years, the NAMM Show has called Anaheim ‘home,’” said Joe Lamond, the nonprofit organization’s president and CEO.

“Each January, our annual gathering welcomes over 100,000 members from 130 countries, 2,000 exhibitors and over 7,000 music products, pro audio and event technology brands to the Anaheim Convention Center and surrounding hotels, businesses and entertainment attractions. We are grateful to the city, and to the many community members who continue to warmly welcome our organization and its members.”

Irving Weekly’s Susan Hornik talked with a number of O.C.-based exhibitors about their NAMM plans and industry trends they are seeing.

Quilter Performance Amplification

1700 Sunflower Blvd., Suite A
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Website: www.quilterlabs.com

Why attend: For CEO Christopher Parks, NAMM is very much like a family reunion. “We attend the show as a means of connecting directly with our many dealers, distributors, channel partners, and of course, our treasured customers to share new ideas, talk about how the business is going, and all in all, just shake hands and see each other.”

Attending NAMM is more important than ever before, acknowledged Parks: “The music industry has seen many punishing blows over the last several decades. The de-funding of public music instruction and the tragic devaluation of creative artistry first by pirating and now by mega corporations that profit enormously by selling the artist’s lifelong work for many thousands of times less than pennies.”

Parks continued, “Music manufacturers are feeling the effect, as they see the rapid decline of interest in making music resulting in music becoming a hobby for a few. Nevertheless, the good news is it’s a hobby shared by many.” 

That said, fretted musical instruments are at all-time highs in terms of raw dollar sales.

New products: At this year’s NAMM, Quilter Performance Amplification is featuring the InterBlock 45, which represents a new direction in guitar amplification.

“This focuses on the nexus of integration between typical guitar equipment such as speakers all the way through PA systems and Digital Audio Workstations,” said Parks. “The InterBlock 45 excels on all fronts and empowers the guitarist to connect to anything, anytime, anywhere.”

O.C. roots: “We love Orange County and Costa Mesa. QSC, our founder’s other company, got its start back in 1968 but found its home there in the 1970s and has spent many years growing up in this idyllic wonderland and musical oasis,” explained Parks.

“We are truly a California company with a mission and a vision to not just accept things the way they are but to find a way to move forward.”

Trends: Parks is thrilled to see more women interested in playing guitars.

“Perhaps the proudest feeling I have personally,” he said, “is that we have seen the objectification of women thankfully ending in our industry and the friendship and support of many, many women guitarists growing.”

One of Quilter’s competitors showed in an industry report that nearly half of all beginning guitarists are female today. “This might go far in explaining why our market is growing. It is amazing what happens when we cease marginalizing half of our population.”

Yamaha Corporation of America

6600 Orangethorpe Ave.
Buena Park, CA 90620
Website: usa.yamaha.com

Yamaha, the world’s largest musical instrument manufacturer, will be bringing more than 80 new products to NAMM, said Roger Eaton, chief marketing director.

New products: While the roster of brand new products that will be unveiled at NAMM is still very hush-hush until the first day of the show, the recently launched MODX synthesizer, TransAcoustic TA2 family of pianos, Bösendorfer 185VC concert grand piano, P-121 compact digital piano, Recording Custom/Tour Custom wood snares,
DZR loudspeakers with Dante integration, Steinberg Cubase 10 digital audio workshop software and Steinberg Dorico 2.2 music notation software will be making their NAMM debut.

Kyle Yeung

O.C. roots:  Yamaha set up shop in Orange County in 1960, noted Eaton: “This was because it was, as it is now, an excellent commercial environment that is situated in and around a longtime American cultural and musical hot spot. Southern California offers us access to some of the finest artists and performance spaces, helping us keep our finger on the pulse of modern musical tastes and trends. It’s this proximity and attention to the heart of the music world that has helped make and keep us the world’s largest manufacturer of musical instruments.”

Trends: One ongoing trend in the industry Eaton is seeing is the use of cutting-edge technology to help people make richer, more intricate music with instruments that are easier to pick up and learn. “The melding of high tech with traditional instruments has the dual effect of making the creative process both more interesting and less intimidating.”

Yamaha also creates concert events like the NAMM Night of Worship, headlined by Grammy-winning Christian musicians Matt Redman and Ellis Hall; the All-Star Concert on the Grand, and the Junior Original Concert, featuring performances by remarkable Yamaha music students.

Fullerton’s Kyle Yeung is one of the 10-year-old kids who will be performing.

“I am very excited to be at the NAMM show!” said Yeung. “I have never performed at a convention before! I have seen pictures of other students performing there, and they look like they were really enjoying it.”

Ultimate Ears

3 Jenner Street Suite 180
Irvine CA 92618
Website: pro.ultimateears.com

Ultimate Ears will have their complete lineup of custom in-ear monitors, said Brian Geller, sales manager. “So no matter the instrument you play or role you have in the industry, we have an in-ear monitor that suits you.”

Photo courtesy of Ultimate Ears

New product: This year, the company will have a new flagship, Ultimate Ears LIVE, which they launched earlier this year. “This is the ultimate option for stage performers,” Geller enthused.

“It is ideal for musicians playing festivals, arenas and stadiums, incorporating one of the most complex and powerful acoustic systems we’ve ever developed. It feels like you have the PA system right at your ears.”

Plus, now each of their monitors come with a new IPX Cable System, also launched in the spring.

“We know musicians, especially those who are on the road, put their in-ear monitor cable through a lot, from sweat, dance, makeup, hairspray, humidity and more,” Geller tells us. “The Superbax cable and IPX connection system can handle the rigors of touring. In fact, this roadworthy cable is strong enough to carry a 12-pound barbell, but it’s so lightweight and transparent that it disappears on stage.”

At NAMM a few years ago, Ultimate Ears introduced industry-pioneering digital ear scanning as a way to have your ears fitted for custom in-ear monitors.

“This has been huge for us, as well as a highlight of our NAMM booth,” said Geller. “Prior to digital ear scanning, people had to exclusively be fitted through an ear molding process by an audiologist. Now, through digital ear scanning, people can be fitted for in-ear monitors in only a matter of minutes.”

O.C. trends: Geller has been excited by how strong business has been: “Being strategically located between Los Angeles and San Diego gives bands on the road the opportunity to visit our corporate office in Irvine on a weekly basis. This, coupled with the ever-growing Houses of Worship market in the O.C., makes Irvine the ideal location.”

“Irvine is a fantastic place to be based,” he added, “It’s an international city with people from all over the world, with diverse perspectives. The music industry takes place all over the globe, but nearby Los Angeles is certainly a major hub. It’s important that we’re close to the pulse, right down the road.”

QSC, LLC

1675 MacArthur Blvd.
Costa Mesa, CA  92626
Website: www.qsc.com

QSC is presenting their many Live Sound products and solutions, including the newly released CP Series Compact Powered Loudspeakers. Also featured at NAMM will be a preview of new, advanced capabilities for their TouchMix Series of digital mixers.

“The NAMM Show, as the definitive music products industry trade show, is conveniently located just a few miles up the road,” noted senior director of global marketing, Ray van Straten. “Of course, that not only makes it logistically friendly for us, but more importantly, allows a number of our employees an opportunity to experience the live sound aspect of our business first-hand, in context with other brands in our space and within the industry as a whole.”

Straten said employees always come back from the show excited about their company and “energized by the passion” customers have for their brand.

Fender

1575 N Gower St., Suite 170
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(though their offices were originally based in Fullerton)
Website: www.fender.com

While Justin Norvell, EVP of Fender Products, can’t give away too much prior to the exhibit floor opening, the company will be debuting new products across every category at NAMM, including their new American Performer Series of electric guitars and basses.

“This series, which replaces our American Special line, was built to provide solutions for performers,” said Norvell. “We put a lot more into these than prior iterations, including all-new Yosemite pickups and patent-pending DoubleTap humbucking pickups. As music changes and people record and play differently, as sound evolves, we re-voice our instruments for optimal performance.”

Industry trends: The archetype of the “guitar god” in music and culture has evolved and musicians are playing guitar now more than ever, said Norvell. “According to The Music Trades magazine, in 2017, the industry saw an 8.9 percent increase in the fretted instrument market, which includes acoustic and electrics guitars, ukes, amps, effects and strings.”

O.C. roots: “Fender was born and raised in Orange County, so winter NAMM is always a homecoming of sorts for us,” Norvell explains. “We continue to support artists and bands in the area, like Young The Giant, Cold War Kids and so many more, because our roots are here.”

Bad Cat Amps

1515 West Alton Ave
Santa Ana, CA 92704
Website: badcatamps.com

Bad Cat is bringing two new amplifiers, the “USA Player Series Hot Cat” and the “CUB IV Legacy Series,” said president, John Thompson.

Trends: “The gear business is rapidly changing,” said Thompson. “There is a huge upheaval going on right now. … There is a push toward direct sales to consumers by manufacturers. Many of the dealers and distributors are fighting it, but the market is moving toward direct to consumer. The validity of doing the NAMM show is diminishing greatly.”

O.C. roots: “I was born and raised in the O.C., so this is my home. I like the proximity to Los Angeles. I have to deliver amps to many of the L.A.-based TV shows.”

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting Irvine Weekly and our advertisers.

The post Local Companies Well-Represented at Upcoming NAMM Show appeared first on Irvine Weekly.

Finding the right pitch, having all the financials in place, showing charisma and confidence – these are just some of the factors that will cause one or more of the Sharks to “bite”, or invest in the contestant’s idea.

In some instances, things like showing the ability to work tirelessly for their company and having a compelling backstory helps drawn in the Sharks as well.

“I think Shark Tank attracts entrepreneurs from Orange County because that area is becoming known for several start-ups,” said casting supervisor, Mindy Zemrak.

“With the rise of Silicon Beach spreading amongst West Los Angeles, it’s only natural that start-ups and entrepreneurs are starting to pop up in Irvine and Orange County. Irvine has become a hotspot for tech start-ups and I have no doubt that we will continue to see more companies come from O.C. on the show.”

Irving Weekly’s Susan Hornik checked in with several O.C. companies to see how they are doing since their “Shark Tank” episode aired.

The Bouquet Bar, Irvine

www.bouquetbar.com

Photo courtesy of Shark Tank

Description: Launched in January 2017, The Bouquet Bar is an upscale, customized gifting experience company. On the website, you can choose one of their attractive boxes, adding in chocolates, flowers, candies or teas.

The Deal: Mark Cuban offered $150,000 for 20 percent of the company.

Latest News: The business has been doing really well since Bouquet Bar’s launch, said Sal Aziz, chief marketing officer and co-founder. “We have grown 10x every year and are continuing on that path. Plus, we have expanded our product offerings to over 47 gifting items and introduced our two-piece box called the Shot Box.”

Life lesson learned from being on “Shark Tank”: “Make sure you are ready for anything. Everything from media outlets to overwhelming fan support and orders. Luckily we have an amazing team and were prepared for the orders, but we were a little overwhelmed with the amazing fan support in the form of calls and emails.”

Working with their Shark: “Mark Cuban is an amazing person! Very direct and honest. We love working with him and his team because they have helped us open so many doors and have really assisted us in our growth process and future planning.”

Guardian Bikes, Irvine

https://guardianbikes.com

Photo courtesy of Shark Tank

Description: A kids bike brand equipped with Guardian Bikes’ patented SureStop braking technology, which ensures a very safe ride.

The Deal: Mark Cuban gave co-founders Kyle Jansen and Brian Riley $500,000 for 15 percent of the business.

Latest News: Since the show, Jansen and Riley stopped licensing the SureStop technology and put their focus on making safer children’s bikes using their technology. “Before the deal with Cuban, the company was making $300,000 in sales per year and now we are on track to hit $2 million in revenue,” said Riley.

All of their sales are through eCommerce, which they believe is a better experience for families. “In August, with Cuban’s help, we launched a partnership with Amazon to make Guardian Bikes the destination for safer bikes,” Riley said.

What was it like being on the show? “It was everything you could imagine – exciting, scary, thrilling, funny, but mostly it was intense. When you have five Sharks with strong personalities and 8 million people watching you pitch them, it’s not your typical investment pitch,” Riley said.

“The amount of great questions they asked and how fast they dissected our business was also impressive, since they don’t know anything about you before you walk in. It was definitely an amazing experience that we will never forget.”

Life Lesson Learned: “That investors can have completely different viewpoints on the best business model for a company. When Kevin O’Leary offered us a deal, he wanted us to completely stop selling Guardian Bikes and focus all of our attention on licensing our SureStop technology,” remembered Riley.

“At one point, he even said he wanted to ‘take Guardian out back and shoot it.’ On the other hand, Mark Cuban completely saw our vision with Guardian Bikes, because as a parent with young kids, he understood how much parents care about keeping their kids safe. It was hilarious watching them fight back and forth with each other. In the end, we got Mark Cuban as a partner, who was the Shark we wanted all along.”

Working with their Shark: “The question everyone wants to know! In your mind, you think someone like him wouldn’t have enough time for someone like me, but you can tell that he actually cares about the companies he’s working with,” added Jansen.

“One of the things we appreciate most about that is that he cares about learning and being involved,” Jansen noted. “He sees so many similar situations that can be applicable to a whole other company.”

“I remember one time Brian emailed him a question after midnight, Mark responded in two minutes, then asked a follow-up question at 6:30 in the morning. Either he didn’t sleep, or he was dreaming about Guardian Bikes!”

Shark Wheel, Lake Forest

https://Sharkwheel.com

Photo courtesy of Shark Tank

Description: The Shark Wheel is the reinvention of a skateboard wheel, which offers a faster ride and better traction on all kinds of terrain.

The Deal: Kevin O’Leary, Mark Cuban and guest Shark Nick Woodman of GoPro invested $225,000 for 7.5 percent equity (with a 10 percent royalty until the Sharks get their money back).

Latest News: Shark Wheel is working with multiple industry leaders in a variety of industrial markets. “The company is exploding,” enthused David Patrick, chief technology officer, who was awarded “Innovator of the Year” by the Orange County Business Journal.

“We are releasing products in the luggage space with partners like Harley Davidson. We also have incredible agriculture wheels that are over four feet in diameter, which won us a National Science Foundation grant for $225,000 and are up for a phase two amount of $750,000.”

Also, an industry leader in the multi-billion dollar materials handling world is releasing Shark Wheels on their products, Patrick said, “for which we expect to dominate the marketplace.”

What was it like being on the show? “This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that put us through every conceivable emotion,” said Zack Fleishman, COO and co-founder. “It was a whirlwind experience that continued long after we aired.”

Life Lesson Learned: “I learned that over-preparation before filming is critical to performing well in front of the Sharks,” acknowledged Fleishman. “It’s also critical to performing well when your episode airs and the business begins rolling in.”

Added Patrick: “I didn’t know if I had it in me to go in front of millions of people with an idea for a square wheel and risk being ridiculed. I was amazed how easily I handled it and have become a much more confident public speaker because of it.”

Working with their Sharks: “The Sharks were amazing from the first day we met them while filming,” according to Fleishman and Patrick. “Just from appearing on the show, we have been overwhelmed by the amount of industries we are being asked to enter into.”

Locker Board, San Clemente

https://www.lockerboard.net

Photo courtesy of Shark Tank

Description: At the age of 11, Carson Kropfl created the only non-folding, sustainable skateboard on the market that can fit inside a backpack.

The Deal: Guest Shark Sir Richard Branson invested $65,000 for a 20 percent stake in Kropfl’s business.

Latest News: Locker Board has grown over 300 percent since being on “Shark Tank,” said an excited Kropfl, now 13 years old. “We are in several retailers and just launched a store on Amazon that is doing really well.”

Richard Branson’s investment allowed Kropfl to hire one of the best skateboard manufacturers in the world, PS Stix, to make his sustainable line of skateboards.

“I’m collaborating with the lead of sustainable innovation at Nike, Noah Murphy-Reinhertz, on new ideas, and recently did my first TEDx Talk,” said Kropfl. “It’s been an incredible year and I can’t wait to see what happens in 2019.”

What was it like being on the show? “Being on ‘Shark Tank’ is something I will never forget,” said Kropfl. “Preparing to be on the show made me a better business person. I had to think through things I never had before. I couldn’t believe it when I was selected for my Locker Board skateboards out of 40,000 people to be on the show. I felt lucky, grateful and nervous all at the same time.”

Life Lesson Learned: “I learned to seize the moment, never give up and believe in myself,” Kropfl told us. “People don’t realize it took me four years to get on the show. I bumped into one of the executive producers in an elevator when I was on a family vacation and gave him an elevator pitch when I was seven years old!”

He added: “[The producer] told me I wasn’t ready for the show and I kept in touch with him for four years. If I hadn’t seized the moment and given him that pitch, I wouldn’t be here today. You have to believe in yourself and your ideas to have success.”

Working with his Shark: For the pint-sized entrepreneur, Branson is an amazing partner and mentor.

“He’s taught me how to delegate and has given me several opportunities to write blogs about my experiences that have appeared on Virgin.com,” Kompfl shared. “He’s assigned a team of people at the Virgin Group to help me with my business. He invites me to events, too. I recently saw him receive his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.”

“I have so much respect for him because he’s a family man and gives back. We both love the ocean. I’ve become an ocean activist and donate a portion of proceeds from Locker Board to Ocean Unite to help with ocean conservation. I want to be just like him when I grow up!”

Shed Defender, Irvine

https://sheddefender.com

Photo courtesy of Shark Tank

Description: A lightweight onesie for dogs that controls and contains pet hair and dander. It also helps with skin conditions, allergies or anxiety issues.

The Deal: $250,000 in exchange for 25 percent of the company. [Deal did not close]

Latest News: Shed Defender has been growing rapidly, enjoying a large and steady sales spike since their episode aired in October, according to Tyson Waltes, CEO and founder.

“We are on track to reach 60 percent year-over-year growth from 2017 to 2018 and have sold nearly 38,000 units to date. In 2019, we’re expanding our product line with two new versions of our core product and have a few other exciting updates in the works.”

What was it like being on the show: “‘Shark Tank’ was an amazing, difficult and terrifying experience all at the same time. From the application process to the filming, there’s a lot more to it than what you see on television,” explained Waltes, who’s team spent hours preparing for their time in the Tank.

“I think it paid off, because we were confident when we walked in that we would have the answers to the questions thrown at us. Once we got to the filming portion though, it finally began to really sink in: This is happening … I am finally going on the show of my dreams with the company I started.

“I had never been so nervous in my life, but I had my brother and my dog by my side, so I shook it off and went for it. It’s something we will never forget and always be thankful for.”

Life Lesson Learned: “Preparing for ‘Shark Tank’ was a great exercise for us as a company,” said Waltes. “It forced us to do a deep dive into our numbers and look at the business through an investor’s lens, which is something we hadn’t really done before.”

It also forced Waltes to work on his presentation skills and learn how to be more clear and concise when talking about his business. “On a different note, I learned that there’s so much more that goes into filming a TV show than I would have ever thought, which makes it even more nerve-wracking when you finally walk into the Tank.”

Working with their Shark: “The deal with Lori Greiner fell through on the back end, so we’re no longer working with her, but we think it’s the best outcome for both parties. We spoke to Lori several times, though, and she was great to work with and we plan to keep in touch!”

Slyde Handboards, San Clemente

https://www.slydehandboards.com

Photo courtesy of Shark Tank

Description: Handboards for bodysurfing.

The Deal: Mark Cuban and guest Shark Ashton Kutcher split a $200,000 investment for a 22 percent stake in the company.

Latest News: Slyde Handboards just had their Shark Tank update that aired and business is booming, said Angela Watts, chief ryde officer. “We have sold over $1.6 million in product, have launched into Dick’s Sporting Goods, and have a global community of ambassadors and team riders. We sponsor handboarding competitions around the world, but our favorite is our Slyde Charity Handboard Competition that happens in our hometown, San Clemente, every June.”

What was it like being on the show? “Being on ‘Shark Tank’ is the most incredible and whirlwind experience in the world for any entrepreneur,” Watts told us. “It is the biggest opportunity for any company to get, so of course it is a bit nerve wracking while you are preparing to pitch to the Sharks.

“We prepared like we would prepare for an exam – flash cards and all! Steve and I were both so nervous, but knew we did the best we could. Once we gave our initial pitch, we could tell we had them interested, because everyone had a huge smile on their face – even Mr. Wonderful.

Watts and her husband knew they wanted Cuban and Kutcher as partners. “But when both Kevin and Robert offered us the money for only 15 percent of our company and Mark and Ashton wanted 25 percent – it was a really hard decision to make. But in the end, giving up an extra 7 per cent for Mark and Ashton was so worth it!”

Life Lesson Learned: “We learned to never give up on something you are passionate about. My husband Steve and I applied to be on ‘Shark Tank’ three times before being accepted. We got turned down by banks and investment groups, racked up credit card debt and thousands of dollars from family.”

“We had some really hard financial times, but after being on ‘Shark Tank’ we learned that we just needed to keep going until we found the right partners that believed in our company and us.”

Working with the Sharks: “Talk about two powerhouses! These two guys are the most awesome and supportive investors a company could ask for. The money they put into the business was great, but having those two on our team has propelled Slyde in ways that would not have happened with just any investor.”

Watts was happy to see Kutcher and Cuban give their time and resources for the company. “But they also care about our well-being as well. I remember when I was talking to Mark a week before I was due to have our daughter, he said, ‘Don’t worry about the business, it will still be here. Just enjoy the time with your family and take care of yourself.’

“That really meant a lot to me and shows you what type of person and investor he is.”

Nui Foods, Irvine

https://eatnui.com

Photo courtesy of Shark Tank

Description: A company specializing in low carb, low sugar cookies.

The Deal: Guest judge Alex Rodriguez offered $300,000 for a 25 percent stake in the business.

Latest News: Business has been growing fast since Nui appeared on the show, said Victor Macias, co-founder. “We hit an all-time sales goal during the first 24 hours after airing. It’s amazing what happens after you’ve been on the show. We’ve seen opportunities open up that were not available before the episode broadcast. Our goal is to keep the momentum going for as long as possible.”

What was it like being on the show? “It was an amazing experience, like taking our biggest hopes, dreams and fears and rolling them all into one. We knew this would be a once in a lifetime opportunity and we wanted to maximize it. That’s why we practiced a lot before the show. My partner and I would drink shots of espresso and do sprints around the office to raise our heart rate. The goal was to practice while feeling anxious. We did not want to leave any room for error!”

Life Lesson Learned: “We learned the value of going for the ‘home run.’ It’s actually how we’ve grown Nui so fast. We plan for the long-term but still swing for the fences when opportunities arise.”

Working with your Shark: “While we can’t disclose many details, getting Alex to make a deal was a dream come true. We resonated with Alex’s immigrant backstory. He knows what it’s like to create something from nothing. We understand that it takes hard work and vision to accomplish something great. We feel that Alex is the perfect example of those values.”

“Shark Tank” is currently airing its 10th season on ABC.

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting Irvine Weekly and our advertisers.

The post Shark Tank Takes a Bite Out of Irvine! appeared first on Irvine Weekly.

It’s been like that for decades. Last year, the dynamic group – remarkably still together since day one – celebrated its 40th year in music when “X: 40 Years of Punk in Los Angeles” premiered at the Grammy Museum.

Pretty impressive, considering many of their punk peers – Johnny, Dee Dee and Joey Ramone, Joe Strummer, Lux Interior, Sid Vicious, David Bowie, Johnny Thunders, Stiv Bators, etc. – are no longer amongst the living.

This is a busy month for X, who are currently on their “A Los Angeles Story” tour with Los Lobos, performing Dec. 7 at Novo and Dec 27-28 at the Observatory in Orange County.

John Doe – Photo by Rick Nyburg

Doe attributes X’s staying power to “good fortune, good genes, good health, and forgiveness.” Not to mention a love of performing.

“It is just what we do. Young and old can come to enjoy and maybe get inspired. Performing and playing music keeps you young and is good for the soul,” explains Doe.

The enigmatic Doe has also been writing, working on his second book, “More Fun in the New World,” profiling L.A. punk rock history from ’82-87. It is a non-fiction follow-up to his punk history bestseller, “Under the Big Black Sun.”

“This is the sequel to the book we wrote in 2016 and deals with 1982-87. We used a similar format by having several people write chapters about subjects they are experts in,” the singer-bassist said.

Doe is one of those rare writers that doesn’t let himself get distracted: “I write anytime, anywhere, anyhow and often times that’s not convenient. If you hear something, stop what you’re doing and write it down.”

In “Big Black Sun,” which was nominated for a Grammy in the Best Spoken Word Album category, the punk rock historian discussed the punk scene in the O.C.: “The outdoor life that young people of the time grew up with made the O.C. scene much more physical and sometimes violent. We only experienced it when we played there, which was much less often than the L.A. area.”

When he’s not playing with X, Doe is involved in a myriad of projects, including executive producing the podcast “Beyond + Back,” collaborating with Particle Kid and playing folk music with the John Doe folk trio.

Comparing the two music styles, the singer/songwriter said that while punk is “decidedly louder and faster,” folk may require more finesse. Still, “the subject matter and honesty of both is surprisingly similar.”

Recently, Doe was in Oklahoma at the Woody Guthrie Center, discussing Bob Dylan’s latest album and performing some of his songs.

“Looking at his 3″x 5” memo notebooks was like looking at most other journals/notebooks, but it carried a lot more weight,” said Doe. “There were parts of his well-known songs scribbled down in whole chunks. It reminded me to continue a constant work ethic.”

Since Doe has acted in more than 50 films and television productions – and with Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” film being so successful – maybe the next band to have their life story told on screen could be X!?

Exene Cervenka – Photo by Rick Nyburg

“I don’t think there will be a movie about X any time soon,” quipped Cervenka. “Maybe someday, who knows?! We don’t think about that kind of thing much.”

Cervenka is very “grateful and stunned” that the band has stayed together all these years.

“We worked hard, went through some great and some hard times, stayed alive somehow and still love playing shows,” the singer acknowledged. “But really, it’s because people still come out to our shows and support us.”

The band is heading back into the studio in January, working with Fat Possum Records. “We’re getting ready to record some old songs that never made it onto our albums, plus a few new ones, and at least one cover song,” she shared. “We will see how far we get but there are five or six songs we want to rehearse and work out. It’s really exciting.”

Cervenka is ageless, with a charismatic, youthful spirit. Recently, she wrote a song with Kelli Mayo from Skating Polly. A song that Doe and her co-wrote with Garbage, “Destroying Angels,” was just released for Record Store Day.

Perhaps the key to X’s success is the desire to keep things feeling fresh.

“You can think that every time on stage may be your last; or you can feel like it’s all brand new,” noted Cervenka. “I’m always motivated to play shows. It never gets old to me though it can be physically grueling for sure.”

Cervenka has her eye on a few O.C. bands. “The May Company is a cool band that reminds me of The Cramps with a woman guitarist/singer. They are very moody and spooky. I also like The Hurricanes, Big Sandy; the more rootsy music a lot.”

The veteran punk icon has always been intrigued by creating poetry, fiction and short stories, spending her down time writing.

“For a long time I wasn’t motivated; feeling I had done it all before,” she said. “Writing is fun when you are inspired, but there’s a lot of work to do after that. Now I am going to workshops and applying myself. So I’m very content with all of that.”

Cervenka writes mostly from her home in Orange. “But I can do it anywhere; I really like Downtown Santa Ana; the Frida Movie theater, the new shops, the artwalk.”

Photo by Rick Nyburg

Cervenka was thrilled X’s music has sparked the muse for a young adult writer named Camille A. Collins, whose first book, “The Exene Chronicles,” debuted in September.

“I really loved the book and communicated with the author,” she enthused. “It is so cool!”

Rick Nyburg, who often photographed the band, was just as much attracted to Cervenka’s words as he was their music.

“I told Exene early on, it was her poetry that kept me devoted to the band,” Nyburg reminisced. “That is how it started. My best friend from college was Jay Jenkins, who met Doe and Cervenka at the Beyond Baroque poetry workshop in Venice, CA. When they decided to form a band in 1977, he became their manager.”

Jenkins asked Nyburg to be the band photographer.

“I was on the permanent guest list from that time on … from ’77 until they passed their peak around ’87. What always impressed me at every show was the incredible energy in the room, the devotion of the fans, and the raw power from the band onstage.”

Occasionally, Nyburg would go to Cervenka/Doe’s house for dinner, and would bring a slideshow of images he had shot to that point.

“Watching X perform was truly an exhilarating experience,” Nyburg explained. “They were making music with a power and message that I had never heard, and that was contagious!”

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting Irvine Weekly and our advertisers.

The post X to Perform at the OC Observatory December 27th and 28th appeared first on Irvine Weekly.

“10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 … HAPPY NEW YEAR!”

Very soon, we will be counting down to a 2019! If you are looking for some fun parties where you can dress up to the nines on this very special night, read on to see what Irvine Weekly recommends for you:

New Year’s Uncorked at Red Bar and Lounge

Photo courtesy of Hotel Irvine

Hotel Irvine
17900 Jamboree Road
(949) 225-6757

From 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
$65 cover charge

Check out Hotel Irvine’s Red Bar and Lounge, which will have a sophisticated New Year’s Eve party highlighted by champagne and cocktails, party favors, the festive sounds of a local DJ, and VIP booths available with bottle service for up to 10 guests. Advanced ticket purchase suggested.

“There’s fun and festivities nearly every minute for overnight guests who partake in Hotel Irvine’s New Year’s Eve celebration,” said general manager, Jeroen Quint. “From a DJ’d lavish party with champagne and party favors to a gorgeous night’s sleep only an elevator away, and then a ‘morning after’ brunch, these will be the best 15 hours anyone could ever have to ring in 2019!”

Bistango Restaurant

19100 Von Karman Avenue
(949) 752-5222

Live music until 1:30 a.m.
Seating at the bar or restaurant

For the past 31 years, Bistango has been the place to be on New Year’s Eve if you ask proprietor John Ghoukassian:

“A landmark in Irvine, we love to celebrate the New Year in style with an elegant three-course menu crafted by executive chef Javier Montoya, a complimentary champagne toast at midnight, party favors and an unrivaled ambiance. Come dance the night away to a six-piece live band and ring in the New Year with us!”

Tracy and Friends will be performing for New Year’s Eve at Bistango with a six-piece band. Lead singer Bob Dorman will croon alongside sax-man, Adrian Tapia. They join guitarist Greg Morgan, along with Dave Kaplan on the bass. Drummer Steve Aschoff will hold it down with Tracy playing the piano.

“We’re looking forward to singing, playing and carrying on – just all around having a great time with everyone on New Year’s Eve at Bistango!” added Tracy Longstreth.

Angelina’s Pizzeria Napoletana Funky Town Disco Party

Photo Courtesy of Angelina’s Pizzeria Napoletana

Los Olives Marketplace
8573 Irvine Center Drive
(949) 536-5200       

$150, four course meal (Starts at 9 p.m.)
or
$50 champagne toast and small bites (11 p.m. – 1 a.m.)

If you love 70’s music, Angelina’s is the place for you. “This will be our 3rd Annual NYE Party since we opened our doors,” said owner Sho Fusco. “This year’s theme is ‘Funky Town Disco’ and similar to our past events, it will be an evening filled with a colorful balloon drop, four course menu with a pairing, live music and lots of bubbles and sweets! We never cut corners when it comes to providing a memorable customer experience!”

The Lemon Drop Club Party

Hilton OC Airport
18800 MacArthur Blvd

7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.   
3 course buffet w/ dessert bar, coffee bar and Champagne toast
Wine corkage fee: $10

The Lemon Drop NYE party features live music with The Vertikals plus DJ John playing ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s music. “When I moved to O.C. in 2000 from Las Vegas, my friends and I just could not find a NYE party that provided almost everything, that was an event that you would not soon forget,” acknowledged promoter Stephen Hearne.

“Our idea of celebrating our successes from the previous year, and sharing an evening with friends, family or with that someone special – that deserves more than just dinner out at a fancy restaurant,” he said. “It takes a celebration, and that is what we have built at the Hilton with our New Years Eve party. We make sure you have everything and anything you need to make your night memorable and affordable.”

NYE SoCal White & Gold Party

Photo Courtesy of AMG Media

The Nursery by Southwinds, Irvine
7000 Marine Way

$55
Starts at 9 p.m.
Live music and performances

A landscape supply store is being converted into an elegant mega party for New Year’s Eve. “We are thrilled to bring this one of a kind New Year’s Eve event to Irvine,” says promoter Jennifer Dunn, AMG Media.

“Having created a plethora of sensory-filled events throughout Los Angeles, we felt Orange County would be a great location to showcase just what AMG Media is all about. We are confident guests will enjoy our host venue, The Nursery by Southwinds, an indoor/outdoor space that will transport patrons on a magical journey throughout the evening inside its beautifully designed gardens,” she said.

“With surprises around every corner, live music and performances, delicious bites and themed cocktails, this event is sure to be one for the books.”

Find something beautiful to wear for this event, as white and gold attire is encouraged!

Hive & Honey Rooftop Bar

Photo Courtesy of Hive and Honey

Marriott Irvine Spectrum Hotel
7905 Irvine Center Drive

$40
8 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Includes a complimentary glass of Veuve Clicquot
VIP Packages $1,000 – $5,000

Ring in 2019 in elegant style – complete with a Gatsby-themed gala, delicious food, champagne and your friends at Hive & Honey! Expect lots of dancing to the live music, and a champagne toast at midnight to the year ahead! The bar offers lovely views of Irvine too.

Hive & Honey is also offering bottle service at a private fire pit for a minimum of 8-10 guests for $1,200, which includes a bottle of Ketel One + 2 bottles of Veuve Clicquot.

Heading to a hotel party is perfect, because if you find yourself a wee bit too tipsy, you can always take a room at the hotel and enjoy brunch on New Year’s Day!

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

Napa Rose Restaurant
1600 South Disneyland Drive
Anaheim, CA
(714) 635-2300

$140 early dinner party 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
$300 – Dinner and gala 8:15 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Additional fee for wines

If you are looking for a family-friendly activity, spend the day at Disneyland! Then take them over to Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa to Napa Rose restaurant for an early four course, wine country dinner seating, created by chef Andrew Sutton. Your kids will love all the silver and black balloons and holiday New Year’s Eve décor.

Or get a babysitter and head to the hotel for a late-night dance party, with live music, party favors and champagne. Enjoy the five-course tasting menu with an assortment of wines too.

Winter Fest O.C.

Photo Courtesy of O.C. Winterfest

O.C. Fair & Event Center
88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa

SoCal’s largest winter celebration will host special New Year’s Eve celebrations, not once, but twice, with a special countdown Orange Ball drop, fireworks and an unforgettable 3,000-balloon drop at 6 p.m. and midnight. Rock the night away with Katy Perry, P!NK and Journey tribute bands live until 1:00 a.m. of the New Year.

The all-new interactive SoCal Dicken’s village is Winter Fest’s newest addition, offering a taste of Victorian England during the holidays, featuring meet-and-greets with Charles Dickens, Scrooge, Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future, and more. Nightly tree lighting ceremonies begin at 5:30 p.m.

Wishing you all a very happy new year!

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting Irvine Weekly and our advertisers.

The post Top 8 Local Spots to Ring in the New Year! appeared first on Irvine Weekly.

Executive produced by Robert Redford, the documentary shows the close-knit bond that top athletes Kelly Slater, Rob Machado, Shane Dorian, Taylor Knox, Benji Weatherley, Kalani Robb, Ross Williams, Pat O’Connell and surfing filmmaker, Taylor Steele, formed, back when they were punk-rock-loving teens surfing in Hawaii, living under the same roof.

LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 05: (L-R) Bill Simmons, Peter Nelson, Casey Bloys, Richard Plepler, Kalani Robb, Kelly Slater and Max Kellerman arrive at the Los Angeles Premiere Of Momentum Generation From HBO on November 5, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by FilmMagic/FilmMagic for HBO)

Many of these pro surfers came from broken, neglected homes and were searching for a sense of community that was missing from their lives. Propelled by their close friendship, the group became known as the “Momentum Generation,” winning world titles and breaking records while being featured in Steele’s iconic surfing films.

Irvine Weekly talked exclusively to Knox, Steele and O’Connell about this riveting documentary and O.C. surf culture.

Irvine Weekly: We get a real bird’s eye view of surf culture in the 1990s. How has it changed?

Taylor Knox: Surf culture is different in a lot of ways and the same in a lot of ways. The sport itself has grown so much in a more professional manner when it comes to contests and surfers training and being focused at a really early age.

Twelve-year-old kids are just ripping and doing stuff that 30 years ago, would’ve never been thought possible! And it’s still the same, in the fact that when you are surfing for fun, it is truly a unique art. So much of your style is a representation of your personality.

I feel like, on a progressive level, the sport is moving at a breakneck speed. But there is still a large population of surfers that really enjoy just getting in the powerful thing called the ocean.

Pat O’Connell: Surf culture hasn’t changed much really. The idea of getting in the water, riding a few waves as a way of exercise, social stimulation and a mental reset are the same today as they have been for a long time. What seems different today is the broad group of people who are surfing on a regular basis.

Taylor Steele: The surf culture has always been about enjoying the moment and having fun. From the early ‘90s when I started until now, it’s been the same. The only difference is how people perceive surfers. In the ‘80s, surfers were viewed as losers and drop-outs. Sort of like Jeff Spicoli from “Fast Times at Ridgemont High.”

Now surfers are almost viewed as “evolved” since they live in the moment. Plus, surfers are everything from doctors and politicians to kids surfing with their grandparents.

IW: How did the documentary come about?

Steele: One of the producers, Justine Chiara, knew Rob Machado and Kelly Slater and felt their story was inspiring. As she formed the filmmaking team, they dug deeper into the story and realized that a group of friends working together was the secret to our success.

Photo by Mike Balze

IW: As a group who have known each other for decades, and experienced the highs and lows of friendship, what was it like to watch this film and see yourselves onscreen?

O’Connell: Funny, one of the big takeaways for me was I felt like I had time traveled back to the ’90s. It was crazy to see and feel. The stories and images brought me back. Honestly, the team did such a good job rebuilding that time of our lives. Some of it was hard to see, some makes you smile but it was pretty real and honest.

Steele: It was really surreal to watch it. I cried, laughed and was transported back in time. It was nice to see someone else’s view of our group of friends. I donated all my footage, which was about 4,000 hours of raw footage. I don’t even know what is on most of the tapes. Then I did an eight-hour interview.

Knox: Watching it for the first time was emotional … really every time has been emotional. It was a big part of our lives and in how we turned out as we grew up in a fast way. We were lucky to have people like Todd Chesser (a surfer who was killed navigating huge waves) and (pro surfer) Brock Little to guide us the right way.

It was definitely the longest interview I have ever done though (nine hours), but they had a lot of back stories that I didn’t think they would have, which was good.

IW: Why do you think you guys became so close growing up?

O’Connell: Very good question. It’s a special group. We all had similar goals, ideas about what we wanted to do and what was needed to get there. The passion for surfing was a huge part of that bond. We all had different family backgrounds, some good and others not but that stuff never really came out until much later. We all just loved to surf together and have fun as any other kids would. We just had a more talented crew.

Steele: We all had the same desire to have a career in the surf world. We were all each other’s family on the road for nine months out of the year. We are all still very close.  

Knox: I think we were all finding our way in life and at the same time changing the sport. It was all happening so fast. It really helped to have those friendships to keep us on track.

IW: Tell us about your memories hanging out in Irvine/Orange County.

O’Connell: I have a million memories. Every summer this same crew would stay at my parents’ house in Dana Point. We’d all go and surf, hang at the house and enjoy summers together. We would compete together, stay together and travel together. They were really good times. Very simple: surf, sleep and surf more … and sometimes chase girls.

Knox: I grew up going to watch contests in Huntington Beach and then probably did a couple hundred contests in Orange County. It seems like I was up there every other weekend. There is a large concentration of surf industry there, maybe the most of anywhere. Each country has an area where a lot of the surf companies congregate and that seems to be the spot in the U.S.

Photo Courtesy of HBO

IW: Mr. Steele, you created surf films with punk music, which were shown in O.C.

Steele: We had some crazy premieres in Irvine with (punk bands) Pennywise and Sprung Monkey that were 2,000 people large. A massive mosh pit sticks out. Besides that, many surf sessions were in Newport and Huntington Beach. Growing up in San Diego, it’s a quick trip up the coast to go surf or hang out in that area. Nothing but good times there.

IW: Are you working with any surf brands in O.C.?

Knox: I am working with a couple companies in Orange County right now. On A Mission sponsors me for traction pads, leashes and board bags. I’ve been with them for over 20 years, which is super cool, considering it’s rare to be with a company that long. I also just got a new sponsor – the Murf Electric Bike company in San Clemente. Having one of those is kinda a game charger!

O’Connell: I work for Hurley, based out of Costa Mesa. I manage our sports marketing department, working with up-and-coming athletes. Orange County is definitely one of the top places in the U.S. to surf. Surf culture is strong here, with a ton of brands and great waves. The industry has grown a lot since we were kids. The modern-day surfboard was created in Dana Point. There are a ton of surf spots in Huntington Beach, plus Quiksilver is in Huntington Beach, and Volcom is in Costa Mesa. It’s a place we all like returning to.

Steele: I have a lot of friends who run some of the biggest surf brands today. Those are all based out of Orange County. Like Billabong and Hurley.

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting Irvine Weekly and our advertisers.

The post Legends of the Sport Weigh in on O.C. Surf Culture appeared first on Irvine Weekly.

The queen of burlesque lives a full life, traveling on a whirlwind Europe tour with her burlesque revue and designing her latest lingerie collection, which is on sale in Bloomingdale’s and Nordstrom.

“I’ve created a show called ‘The Art of the Teese,’ which we have toured with successfully all over the United States, Canada and Australia,” Von Teese told the Irvine Weekly. “While performing in Europe, I have been working with some of my cast members on their new acts for the New Year’s Eve Gala.”

You can catch Von Teese on the small screen too, as she recently appeared as a ghost named Vivienne on Netflix’s goth baking series, “The Curious Creations of Christine McConnell.”

Photo by Jennifer Mitchell

Lucky for Irvine Weekly readers, Von Teese is back in Southern California to host her annual New Year’s Eve gala, held in downtown Los Angeles at The Orpheum Theatre.

The burlesque icon works on every aspect of her epic performances, everything from the sets and costumes, to the overall production, music and lighting. Describing her vision for this year’s gala, Von Teese admitted she’s always fantasized about a mythical New Year’s Eve that evokes the Golden Age of Hollywood.

“Last year’s event created a stunning atmosphere of opulence, with the sold-out audience dressed to the nines, creating that New Year’s scene I always dreamt of!” she said excitedly.

“This year, I decided to up the ante, so I chose one of the most glamorous theaters in the entire country for the 2019 gala. The Orpheum has a rich showbiz past, a stage made for vaudeville and burlesque shows, so it’s especially exciting to invite the audience into this historic space. It’ll be a night you’ll tell your grandkids about!”

With her delightful visual stimulation, Von Teese takes great pleasure in planning her glamorous shows.

“It’s a lot of fun to build a new show for New Year’s Eve. I usually create a couple of brand-new acts,” she said. “And sometimes, I really like to pick something from my older repertoire that I don’t perform that much anymore. I like to think of ways to make the performances bigger and better.”

People that have been asking when she would do a burlesque performance again are excited to see it onstage, Von Teese enthused. “Also, people that didn’t go to my shows five to 10 years ago, get to watch something they’ve only seen in photos or video.”

When she’s not on tour, Von Teese spends time looking for new talent to put in the show.

“I enjoy doing the auditions and seeing what other types of variety acts we can add to the lineup. I often like to visit the Magic Castle and their secret little off-site members-only theatre, which puts on shows that are for performers only,” she said.

Her most recent audition announcement on Instagram back in August attracted over 80,000 likes.

“We are seeing dancers of all abilities, from professional dancers, burlesquers, to strippers and variety acts,” Von Teese wrote in the post. “One of the things that I find compelling when I am watching a performer is not necessarily fancy footwork; I honestly love performers that convey sensuality and elegance, and a certain kind of ease.”

She continued: “Not being able to follow choreography doesn’t discount anyone for me. In fact, some of my favorite performers are not technical dancers. … Truth be told, even at the height of my ballet dancing, I was just a flower or a snowflake in the back, just trying to keep up! But where there’s a will there’s a way, and here I am, burlesque dancer.”

The Savvy Marketeer

Von Teese is one smart cookie, extending her brand outside the theatre space.

In addition to her renowned, live burlesque shows, Von Teese is a self-styled fashion legend, always on best-dressed lists all over the world. Featured on Vanity Fair’s International Best Dressed List 2013, she has expanded into her own distinctive brands. Her lingerie collection debuted exclusively with Bloomingdale’s in the U.S. in March 2014, and has expanded to other iconic retailers such as Nordstrom, barenecessities.com, the designer lingerie company, Journelle, glamuse.com and the Australian fashion retailer, Myer.

She has a luxury gloves collection, a signature hosiery line and launched the world’s first-ever striptease candle as well as her latest fragrance, “Scandalwood.” Recently, DITA Eyewear announced they were collaborating with Von Teese on an classically styled eyewear line.

“The cat-eye is a well-worn style, a silhouette that rarely transcends the era in which it was created,” she explained. “My goal was to keep within the spirit of the 1950s, but to craft our version in a slick, new way as a secret weapon for the modern Femme Totale,” she said.

Von Teese has worn some exquisite costumes during her decades of performing. An array of Von Teese’s own haute couture, Swarovski-embellished costumes from designers like Catherine D’Lish, Jenny Packham and Elie Saab, will be showcased at the theatre.

“I’ve been putting some of my most extravagant costumes on display in the lobby, so people can have a look at them up close. Some of them weigh more than 65 pounds, and have hundreds of thousands of Swarovski crystals on them, so they’re quite something to see up close!”

Photo by Frank Guthrie

While performing at a sold-out show recently, Von Teese had one of those unforgettable, career-defining moments. On Instagram she posted: “Last night in London was one for the books! This is what I worked my whole life for! I met someone last night that saw me feather fan dance at a strip club in North Dakota more than 20 years ago. Every single show, big and small, is what led me to this moment; so grateful for this ride, all of it!”

For $20 a month, supe-fans can sign up for the Dita Von Teese Archives, which has over 30,000 studio and performance pictures, personal scrapbook pictures, videos and interviews from her decades-long career.

Writing and Music

Von Teese is also a prolific writer. Her New York Times bestselling book, “Your Beauty Mark: The Ultimate Guide to Eccentric Glamour” (Dey Street Books/Harper Collins) is 400 pages long and has been printed in numerous languages. It’s a delicious read for any fan.

“I think that writing my books has helped me to have a voice. It means a lot to me to be able to inspire others to embrace their sensuality and beauty,” mused Von Teese.

“I enjoyed writing about the things that first sparked my love of glamour, the reasons why I became a pinup girl and burlesque star. Finding my confidence is something I always wanted to share, in hopes that it could inspire others.”
She is currently working on her next book, to be published in 2019.

Von Teese’s alluring vibe attracted the attention of a French musician. Earlier this year, Von Teese’s self-titled debut album was released via the Parisian label, Record Makers. A collaboration with singer/composer Sébastien Tellier, the album conjures up a modern-day Brigitte Bardot and Serge Gainsbourg feel.

“I’m not a professional singer. In fact, I’m quite uneasy about recording my voice,” she noted in the album bio. “But I do enjoy the thrill of doing things that are outside of my comfort zone, so in the past, I’ve collaborated with artists I admire that have invited me, such as Monarchy and Die Antwoord.

But nothing compares to this project with Tellier, she acknowledged. “Having been a fan of his music for a long time, I would go to see him play live in California. And when I performed for the first time at the Crazy Horse in Paris, I invited him because I was such a fan, not daring to imagine that someday he would compose an entire album for me.”

When the duo began recording, he offered to let Von Teese write some lyrics.

Photo by Dylan Rives

“But I preferred the feeling of letting go, of making a Sébastien Tellier record. … To describe the album is difficult; perhaps it’s me with less make-up. At times, there’s a certain vulnerability which stands in contrast to my stage image of a confident and glamorous woman. I would never dare say such things in real life.”

Tellier has long imagined creating music for a woman. “I was looking for someone both beautiful and unique. When I saw Dita dance to a piece of music I had written for her, I had a feeling that her physical presence and her personality were a perfect fit with my music and I started to compose only for her.”

Tellier said that Von Teese reminded him of Snow White, because she has the “freshness” of a cartoon character.

“But when I saw her arrive at the studio in her black Mercedes, I understood that she was a ghost. Observing her, always smiling, available, I thought of mermaids, shells, mother of pearl objects and of marble. My wife, Amandine de la Richardière, wrote some sexy pop lyrics to balance the melodrama of my tragic vision that love always ends – in my songs – in bitterness and regret.”

After having worked with her, Tellier describes Von Teese as a fantasy factory, “In the sense that when you think that you’ve finally pierced her mystery, she turns out to be more than ever, a creature of dreams, totally out of reach.”

Orange County Memories

Born Heather Sweet in West Branch, Michigan, Von Teese grew up enamored by the Golden Age of Cinema, pin-up imagery and vintage lingerie. This naturally blond, mid-western gal redesigned herself into a glamour girl, similar to those women she adored.

Performing striptease since 1992, Von Teese is the biggest name in burlesque in the world since Gypsy Rose Lee and is greatly admired for bringing this vintage artistry back into the spotlight, with a new sense of style and inventiveness.

Dita Von Teese’s lifelong dream has been to be the next Bettie Page, a well known, 1950s burlesque model.

“When I saw the pinup pictures of Page with her jet-black hair, pale skin and classic ’50s style, I was enamored,” she told InStyle. “Even when she was filming something really risqué, she always had an air of playfulness and fun about her.”

Teese owns a pair of Page’s fetish heels.

Photo by Jennifer Mitchell

Bet you didn’t that know that Teese once lived in Orange County!

“When I first moved from Michigan at age 12 with my family, we lived in an little apartment in (Irvine’s) Woodbridge. My mother began working as a manicurist at a beauty salon in a shopping center. I would spend a lot of time in that mini mall, and became enamored with a lingerie store there.”

Eventually at age 15, Teese began working there. “That was where my knowledge of lingerie came from,” she said proudly.

Von Teese went to Lakeside Middle School, and then later, to University High School in Irvine, where her older sister went.
“It was all a shock for me,” Von Teese acknowledged. “Arriving in California for the first time ever, and straight to Irvine! I remember a lot about living there. It wasn’t easy for me at first. … California girls my age were so much more advanced compared to me, a dishwater blonde from a farming town in Michigan.”

For several years, Von Teese just kept to herself, took ballet classes and had a high school sweetheart for four years. After living in Irvine for almost seven years, she was ready to move.

“When I was 18 years old, I moved to various areas of Orange County, from Buena Park to Huntington Beach, and then to Costa Mesa, which is where I lived for several years before heading to Los Angeles in 2001,” she said.

Most of the places Von Teese really enjoyed going to in the area — like the legendary Sid’s Steakhouse in Newport Beach — are all gone now.

“I have very fond memories of the swing dance scene in the ‘90s, and weekends at Disneyland. Back in those wonderful days when the lines for rides were never long, you could just simply park in the Goofy section,” she reminisced.

Of course, Von Teese owned a vintage car: a 1939 Chrysler New Yorker.

“I used to drive that beautiful classic car all over Newport Beach and Costa Mesa. It was my very first vintage car, and I would dress up in my vintage clothes and take it out to the swing dance clubs. Swing dancing and posing for pinups was my entire life back then; I’d dress in head to toe 1930s and ‘40s clothing, and go to all the big dances from the Brown Derby, to the beautiful deco era ballroom on Catalina Island.”

She added: “It was a really wonderful time. … I was getting a lot of recognition as well, appearing in music videos for bands like Green Day, and becoming noticed for my burlesque shows that I was performing at strip clubs and fetish parties.”

Von Teese still keeps a couple of her vintage cars in Orange County, but her family has left the area. “Only my immediate family lived there, and everyone relocated to different states.”

#metoo

With the #metoo movement, one might wonder if this vintage theatrical entertainment has been impacted by recent events.

“I certainly can’t speak for everyone, but it’s hard to think of the ways that it has affected burlesque from my point of view. Unlike burlesque of the 1930s and ’40s, the neo-burlesque world isn’t it really driven by men, so I think the industry of burlesque isn’t really subjected to the same kind of issues as, say, the movie industry,” she noted.

“Men aren’t the most powerful icons in burlesque anymore; that’s just one reason why the revival is much different than it was in the old days. Women are in charge in modern burlesque! That’s not to say that they might not be in #metoo situations stemming from women in power.”

Von Teese is a fearless feminist; she once spoke at the Oxford Student Union in England, where other elected speakers have included the Dalai Lama, Mother Teresa, Tony Blair and Anna Wintour.

An advocate in the fight against HIV and AIDS, Von Teese was MAC Viva Glam Spokesperson from 2006-2008 and in 2009, and participated in the H&M/Fashion Against AIDS t-shirt campaign. She has also performed and appeared at several events for AmfAR and was honored with their Award of Courage in 2008.

“I am still with AmfAR and the MAC AIDS Fund occasionally,” said VonTeese. “Being a spokesperson, it was amazing to see what a difference their work has done in the fight against AIDS. So whenever they ask me to be present for something, it’s a pleasure to be involved.”

What’s next for Von Teese? “I’d like to take more vacations. Right now, at the top of my list is a nice tropical holiday, on the beach, under a big hat, with a coconut drink in my hand!” she quipped.

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting Irvine Weekly and our advertisers.

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The area offers a quiet respite in the heart of Orange County’s bustling urban environment. Nearly two-thirds the size of New York’s beautiful Central Park, the Marsh is actually one of Southern California’s most significant freshwater coastal wetland habitats, with more than 300 acres of lovely views, framed by willow, alder and cottonwoods. Not to mention impromptu visits by more than 200 species of birds!

Wendy Haase, senior director, Destination Irvine, describes the sanctuary as a little “oasis” in the middle of the city. “As a runner, I’ve incorporated the two-mile route into my workouts as a way to escape traffic. It’s such a tranquil surrounding.”

Courtesy of Irvine Ranch Water District

Ian Swift, Irvine Ranch Water District’s natural resources manager, talked to Irvine Weekly about the array of fun activities one can do at the sanctuary as well as its history:

“Visitors can walk along 12 miles of trails, relax on benches overlooking scenic marshland, do some birdwatching, take a peek at the butterfly garden and take advantage of the many educational opportunities offered there.”

Swift manages the Natural Treatment System, which is made up of a network of small marshes located throughout our watershed.

The marsh’s Natural Treatment System process occurs in a series of ponds, many of which are configured with islands to provide a secure place for birds to build nests and lay eggs, safe from predators. The nesting islands are surrounded by “predator rings,” which are moat-like structures that remain filled with water even when the level of the main pond is lowered.

Restoration and enhancement of the San Joaquin wetlands was initiated in 1995, partly in response to the effects of fertilizer in local runoff, which had created huge algae blooms in the Newport Back Bay. The marsh restoration was completed in 1998, and the San Joaquin Marsh Campus opened in January, 2009. Nowadays, in addition to providing native habitat and cleaning local runoff before it makes its way to the ocean, the Marsh Campus serves as a historic and educational center.

The Irvine Ranch Water District restored three historic farm homes, one of which was built in 1904 by the Cook family. This was the first house in Orange County to have running water.

“You would think that with so much beauty, Irvine residents would be flocking to the sanctuary. But one of the biggest challenges is getting people to know that it’s there,” acknowledged Swift, who has worked for the sanctuary for seven years.

Courtesy of Irvine Ranch Water District

“Many people call this the ‘hidden gem’ of Orange County,” he said. “We’d like to see more people taking advantage of it and all that it offers to the community.”

The marsh is home to hundreds of insects, reptiles and mammals, including white pelicans, great blue herons, cormorants, ducks and egret. Visitors may also spot a western fence lizard, harlequin bug, raccoon, cottontail or bobcat!

Special attention is placed on the 140 nesting boxes situated throughout the marsh. Sea & Sage Audubon Society volunteers look for nesting activity and count the eggs and monitor the hatchlings. Throughout the nesting season – late spring through early fall – there could be two or three broods of eggs laid and hatched in a single occupied nesting box.

One of Swift’s favorite memories was the recent discovery of breeding Wilson’s warblers in the riparian woodlands. “This species has not been recorded in coastal Orange County since the early 1990s,” he told us.

Also, most of the plants at the marsh were selected based upon botanical records of the native plants which were historically present in Central Orange County 150 years ago, including penstemon, sage, San Diego coyote mint and buckwheat.

“A pollinator’s garden was established in 2016 to attract native bees, bumble bees, sweat bees, butterflies, moths, beetles and other indigenous insects that help plants produce seeds by transferring pollen grains from flower to flower,” he added.

The sanctuary is a unique place for families to come for a day, to learn more about the environment and animals residing in the area. Swift described the marsh as a “living laboratory” for students, teachers and the public.
“Irvine Ranch Water District, in cooperation with DiscoveryCube and Sea & Sage Audubon, offers a variety of water- and wildlife-themed educational programs and tours, including an active school field trip program that serves thousands of students a year,” said Swift.

Courtesy of Irvine Ranch Water District

In addition, Sea & Sage Audubon operates a visitor’s center at the Marsh and assists with self-guided and guided tours and educational programs for the public. Some of their scheduled programming includes birding classes, bat walks, summer camps and junior naturalist programs.

Apart from the educational and recreational opportunities available at the San Joaquin Marsh, the wetlands are a critical component of IRWD’s Natural Treatment System, which captures and cleans water runoff flowing from the San Diego Creek into the ocean, noted Swift.
“This system of ponds and native plants naturally clean urban runoff from the San Diego Creek and helps to protect the environmentally sensitive Upper Newport Bay,” he explained. “This runoff is captured in the marsh, where it interacts with the bulrush and other plants for seven to 10 days.”

During that time, up to 70 percent of the nitrogen is removed to help keep the ecosystem in balance. “The cleaner water is returned to the creek to continue its journey to Upper Newport Bay and the ocean,” Swift added.

And would you believe, a whopping 50,000 tons of sediment and 10,000 pounds of phosphorus are removed each year from San Diego Creek desilting basins that were built in the late 1990s?

The marsh is open every day from dawn until dusk, and is free to the public. Visitors should enter the marsh from Campus Drive and Riparian View in Irvine. There is a free monthly Wildlife Walk at the sanctuary on the first Saturday of the month at 9 a.m.

Volunteer naturalists share their love of nature with others to help promote an understanding and appreciation of the wetlands to both wildlife and people.

For more information, visit: irwd.com/san-joaquin-marsh or seaandsageaudubon.org/SJWS/sjws.htm

5 Riparian View, Irvine, CA  92612

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The post Irvine’s San Joaquin Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary appeared first on Irvine Weekly.

For That Busy Friend

Healthy eating is a great way to kick off 2019! Check out Anaheim’s Fresh n’ Lean, a delicious, organic meal prep service which is delivered right to your loved one’s door. This is a great gift for those busy office friends, new moms, the elderly – anyone who doesn’t have the time to cook, but wants to eat really well. Their website offers a variety of à la carte meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can order paleo, plant-based or high protein menus. I absolutely loved the Roasted Brussel Sprouts Quinoa with Salmon and the Basil Pasta Pomodoro with Ground Beef.

For The Health Conscious

If you have a friend or family member who is super into a healthy lifestyle, check out Irvine-based Youtheory, a health-themed company who creates health and beauty collagen and turmeric supplements. “We believe everyone deserves to receive the gift of wellness. We offer something for everyone on your holiday list, from collagen powder for the beauty obsessed as well as a probiotic for the health nut,” said Youtheory’s Jamie Beauchamp. The products are available at Mother’s Market & Kitchens throughout Orange County.

For That Person You’re Just Not Sure What To Buy!

If you’re still not sure what to buy, Irvine-based Thoughtfully Gifts can definitely be of help! The company has some wonderful presents to choose from.

“What makes our gifts great is that they’re more than just a product, they’re an entire experience,” said CEO Boaz Shonfeld. “Everything in a Thoughtfully set fits together cohesively, so your present tells the right story. Our gifts are beautifully packaged and designed – we put a lot of thought into what would make our gifts ‘wow’ the recipient.”

Choose from items like holiday cocoa/tea variety gift sets and global cocktail mixers!

Best of all, 10 percent of all profits go toward the Thoughtfully Initiative, which supports local, regional and national nonprofit organizations. “We are donating 1000 gift baskets to the Woolsey fire victims. This is part of our mission to enhance human connection by inspiring others to live and give thoughtfully,” explained Shonfeld.

For Your Son/Hubby

Newport Beach-based TravisMathew is a stylish boy’s and men’s lifestyle brand with lots of cool clothing for work and play, from t-shirts and hats to polos, boxers and sweaters. If your boyfriend doesn’t like to iron, check out their button down, wrinkle resistant shirt, Augustus. Also, the sleek, lightweight Scorpio jacket is perfect for Christmas Day brunch. They even have fun holiday-themed crewneck sweaters with names like “Lump Coal” and “Wise Guy.”

Fashion Island, 1059 Newport Center Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660

For The Golfer

The perfect gift for the golfer in your life, Callaway’s Rogue Driver promotes a boost in ball speed and distance by employing improved Jailbreak Technology. Golf Digest named the Rogue the 2018 Hot List Gold Medal Winner. Also, the Callaway Chrome Soft Golf Ball is a great stocking stuffer for the holidays, combining tour-proven distance and performance for faster ball speed, high launch and increased green-side spin. The softer golf balls compress more easily on off-center hits for incredible distance all over the face.

Available at:

Golftec, 18021 Sky Park Circle, Irvine, CA  92614

Rancho San Joaquin Golf Course, 1 Ethel Coplen Way, Irvine, CA 92612

For Her: Skincare

Kayla Bertagna and Lisa Ballstaedt, two Irvine women formerly from the worlds of finance and fashion, just launched Soon Skincare, a new Korean beauty collection.

They have lovely Biocellulose face masks, which feature an age-defying treatment to combat fine lines and wrinkles. There’s also a firming mask and one that helps brighten dull skin, which make great stocking stuffers.

“Korean skin care is widely regarded as some of the best in the world, and Marie Claire magazine said it is 12 years ahead of the rest of the global skin care industry when it comes to innovation,” according to Ballstaedt. “So we worked with some of the best chemists and manufacturers in Korea to create our line of authentic Korean products that are easy for women everywhere to enjoy.”

For The Pet Lover

What says “adorable” better than sipping hot chocolate by the fire in a matching outfit with your pup?! Irvine-based Zoo Supply features several cozy and fashionable designs made from lovely fabrics, including the camo hacci knit, sno-yarn jersey and baby French terry. Your pet friend and their doggy will look comfortable in their men and women’s apparel! Ridiculously cute pup-friendly styles include lightweight pullovers, athletic inspired T-shirts and custom designed graphic hoodies.Woof!

Available at Fashion Island, 1059 Newport Center Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660

For That Friend With A Sweet Tooth!

The delicious cookies from Sweets Party Treats, made by Rachele Sweetser, are a must buy! This veteran cookie artisan has been creating custom, thematic sugar cookies for everything from backyard birthday parties to celebrity galas. You can also gift private in-home baking classes to your enterprising friends who want to create something special in the kitchen!

Go to SweetsPartyTreats.com and order up some custom cookies or head over to The Dragonfly Shop & Gardens at 260 North Glassell Street in historic Old Towne Orange for one of her fun cooking classes.

For Your Little One

Choosing just the right baby doll for your child can be a bit of a quandary because, as we all know – there are so many out there! This holiday season your kids will adore Adora, the Laguna Hills-based store that offers non-toxic, handcrafted toys and dolls that can be easily cleaned in the laundry. They have many cute items like the Later Alligator Twins Gift Set that comes with 17 pieces for endless hours of fun. Or pick up one of their jewelry or wooden play-sets for creative and imaginative play.

23141 Verdugo, Suite 100 Laguna Hills, CA 92653

Also available at various OC retailers, AdoraPlay.com and Alpha XR.

For The Wine Connoisseur

In case you don’t have time to drive up to Paso Robles to visit Bianchi Winery, you can still purchase their lovely hand crafted red and white wines throughout Orange County. Headquartered in Costa Mesa, the winery will be opening a satellite tasting room in Laguna Beach next year. Its Heritage Collection, made with estate grapes including Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Syrah and Merlot, are wonderful buys for the holiday season.

Eastside Mini Mart, 1712 Santa Ana Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA 92627

Hi-Time Wine Cellars, 250 Ogle Street, Costa Mesa, CA 92627

Provisions Market, 143 N. Glassell Street, Orange, CA 92866

For The Millennial

At Irvine Spectrum Center, Tilly’s has literally any product you can possibly think of under the sun. One of the brands featured there is Others Follow, which have adorable flowing sundresses and super cute tank tops. Perfect for the gal who loves to go to cool music festivals.

Tilly’s 723 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine , CA 92618

For The Last Minute Gift

While most people know they can have their favorite Irvine restaurants delivered to their door via Postmates, what is not as known is that you can also custom order gift cards and non food items from local stores on the app. Huntington Beach’s Luna’s Boutique and Costa Mesa’s Doll Boutique + Gifts are available alongside yoga apparel store Lululemon, Urban Outfitters and many more!

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting Irvine Weekly and our advertisers.

The post Local Holiday Gift Guide appeared first on Irvine Weekly.