A People's Guide to Orange County

More about the book

At first glance, Orange County may seem like a car-dependent sprawl, reminiscent of the "Geography of Nowhere," primarily designed for capitalist consumption. However, it is rich with stories that reveal its complexity beyond promotional slogans. Writers Lisa Alvarez and Andrew Tonkovich, residents of Modjeska Canyon, describe the county as a landscape shaped by human development and enduring wild places. Essayist D. J. Waldie emphasizes the importance of locating oneself within "habitats of memory," connecting local areas to broader themes. This guidebook aims to awaken the untold stories of the streets, inspired by previous works like A People's Guide to Los Angeles. Organized by regional chapters and alphabetically within cities, it highlights significant sites and recommends nearby restaurants and attractions. Readers can explore geographically or through thematic tours in the appendix, which cover topics like environmental politics and LGBTQ spaces. Unlike many local histories that focus on a few prominent figures, this book centers on marginalized voices, including workers and people of color. While it cannot encompass the entire county, it sheds light on lesser-known struggles that have shaped its landscape. This diverse political history challenges the sanitized narratives often promoted by those invested in a more traditional view of Orange County. The book encourages readers to delve deeper into the area's rich past