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Good morning, Orange County. You’re reading Thrive OC, your weekly guide to the best local spots, happenings, and hidden gems across the coast and beyond. Here’s what’s on deck:

• Anaheim taco favorite

• Line dancing nights

• Art shows & candlelight tributes

• Monster trucks & trivia nights

• Park upgrades & open spaces

Let’s dive in.

— Dave Berry

🍽️ Restaurant of the Week: Puesto (Anaheim)

If you’re anywhere near Disneyland, the Convention Center, or Katella, Puesto Anaheim is an easy “yes.” This family-owned spot sits on the grounds of The Westin Anaheim Resort and does a modern, ingredient-forward take on traditional Mexican food. Think award-winning tacos, strong margaritas, and a polished interior that feels like a night-out spot, not a quick bite.

Where: 1040 W Katella Ave, Anaheim | Phone: (714) 294-0362

📅 Upcoming Events 🎉

Trivia Night at THE LOT Fashion Island (Jan 13)

Tuesday night trivia with Pop Quiz Trivia, prizes, and social-hour energy. Themed nights. Entry includes a welcome margarita. 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM | THE LOT Fashion Island, 999 Newport Center Dr, Newport Beach | Event Info

Bingo Night at Green Cheek Beer Co., Orange (Jan 14)

Low-key midweek plans with Bingo and brews, hosted by the Orange Chamber of Commerce. 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Green Cheek Beer Co., 2294 N Batavia St., Suite C, Orange | Event Info

Clara Woods “Unmuted” Art Show at Rogue Collective, Newport Beach (Jan 15)

An artist showcase kickoff event featuring Clara Woods’ collection “Unmuted,” plus light snacks and casual mingling. The work stays on display through January. 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Rogue Collective, 858 Production Place, Newport Beach | Event Info

Wine & Wagyu at Fogo de Chão Huntington Beach (Jan 15)

A tasting-style night featuring Wagyu Ribeye and Bone-in Ribeye, paired with VIK wines and bar bites. 6:30 PM | Fogo de Chão, 7901 Edinger Ave, Huntington Beach | Event Info

Oak & Ember Holiday Speakeasy, Huntington Beach (Now–Jan 15)

A holiday pop-up speakeasy on the Treehouse rooftop bar at Paséa: themed cocktails, cozy cabin vibes, lounge seating, and little surprises. Speakeasy tip: use code “WHISPER” at the door. Evenings; check venue schedule | Treehouse on PCH, 21080 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach | Event Info

Surf City Artisan Fair, Huntington Beach (Jan 16–19)

A big pier-side artisan event with handcrafted goods and a community vibe built around gathering, giving, creativity, and learning. 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Huntington Beach Pier Plaza, Huntington Beach | Event Info

Fairview Park Planting Day, Costa Mesa (Jan 17)

Help plant native species and support a restoration site focused on habitat and protected species. 9:00 AM | Fairview Park, Costa Mesa | Event Info

Candlelight Concert, Dana Point (Jan 17)

A string quartet performance of Adele favorites in a candlelit setting. It’s one of those “different than your usual Friday night” experiences. Select times (choose in ticket selector) | Pacific Promenade Ballroom, The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel | Event Info

Country Music Night Market, Mission Viejo (Jan 17)

Country music, food, beer garden, makers, local artists, and line dancing. 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM | 25282 Marguerite Pkwy, Mission Viejo | Event Info

Corona del Mar Farmers Market (Jan 17)

A classic Saturday market stop for produce, snacks, and an easy morning walk. 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM | 3201 E PCH, Corona del Mar | Event Info

DJ at Treehouse on PCH, Huntington Beach (Jan 16–17)

Live DJ sets with an oceanfront rooftop backdrop. Fri & Sat 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM | Treehouse on PCH, 21080 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach | Event Info

Monster Jam at Angel Stadium, Anaheim (Jan 17–18)

Big trucks, big stunts, and a full show format including racing and freestyle. Pit Party passes are separate if you want early access. Jan 17 at 4:30 PM, Jan 18 at 2:30 PM | Angel Stadium, Anaheim | Event Info

🏄 Local News You Should Know

Laguna Niguel launched a new Interactive Open Space Map

If you hike, walk, or just like exploring trails and green pockets around South OC, this is genuinely useful. Laguna Niguel now has an interactive GIS map where you can see parks, vegetation areas, and natural open spaces, and also whether each area is public, private, or shared management. In other words, it helps answer the question: “Can I actually go there?” before you drive over. Explore it here: cityoflagunaniguel.org/gis

Santa Ana finished $2.8M in improvements at Santiago Park, with more coming

Santa Ana completed Phase 2 upgrades at Santiago Park (about 34.5 acres, alongside Santiago Creek), funded by the California State Coastal Conservancy. New improvements include refreshed picnic areas, Santiago Creek overlooks, lighting, updated landscaping and irrigation, plus new pedestrian and bike connections that link into the regional trail network. Phase 3 is expected to begin in 2026, focusing on the portion east of the Lawn Bowling Center toward the 22 Freeway.

Heads Up: Coyote Breeding Season Is Approaching

As we move into late January through March, coyote breeding season begins across Orange County. During this time, coyotes tend to travel farther and be more visible as they search for mates and food, which can lead to increased sightings in neighborhoods, parks, and open spaces.

A few simple ways to reduce unwanted encounters:

• Trim back dense vegetation that could provide hiding spots

• Pick up fallen fruit and avoid leaving food scraps outside

• Secure trash bins and keep lids tightly closed

• Always supervise pets outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk

🌟 OC Trivia: Did You Know?

Katella Avenue in Anaheim gets its name from Kate and Ella Rae, two early community leaders, combining their names to create “Katella” as a tribute to their civic contributions.

Think you know OC? Reply with your best trivia, and we might feature it next!

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🎶 Live Music This Weekend

Looking for live tunes? Here’s what’s happening:

Friday, Jan 16:

1. Alza Italian Kitchen (Rancho Santa Margarita) – Jason Bohen, 6:00 pm

2. Barnoa Wine Company (San Clemente) – Felisha, 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm

3. BeachFire Bar & Grill (San Clemente) – Andrew Corradini, 4:00 pm

4. Bigshots Billiards Bar & Grill (Lake Forest) – The Trip – Rock/Pop Fridays, 10:30 pm

5. Bricco Cucina & Wine Bar (Laguna Niguel) – Rebel Robbie, 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm

6. Carlos Mexican Restaurant (Dana Point) – Randall Winvick Quartet, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

7. Bayside (Newport Beach) – Ron Kobayashi & Friends, 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm

8. Biergarten (Huntington Beach) – Flux Capacitors, 8:00 pm – 11:30 pm

9. Bogart’s Coffee House (Seal Beach) – Paul Inman, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

10. Cafe Sevilla (Costa Mesa) – Colombian Latin Soul, 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm

11. Campus JAX (Newport Beach) – Turn the Page (Bob Seger Tribute), 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm

12. Spaghettini (Seal Beach) – Pretzel Logic (Steely Dan Revue), 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

🌦️ 7-Day Weather Forecast

🌅 Sunrise & Sunset in OC

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