It is the Brea 8K Classic Race/Walk. This year it begins at 8 a.m. on Feb. 25, and is a USATF certified course.  The 8K takes place rain or shine. Go to www.brea8K.com to register. Do it soon, too.

This is the 31st year of the 8K Classic that began with 68 participants. This year, 2,000 runners and walkers from all over SoCal are expected to hit the pavement for the 5.1-mile race through Brea streets.

Race Director Elizabeth Fuchs said net proceeds from the 8K Classic, including entry fees, sponsorships and donations, benefit Brea Olinda High School’s instrument music programs, choir and color guard.

The 8K Classic has three events. The biggest is the race for runners, walkers and even a wheelchair division. There is a virtual race for those who rather run or walk without others, and a Fun Run for kids age 10 and younger. The youngsters’ race has its own course and goes from 10 to 10:30 a.m. And like all the other racers, the Fun Runners will receive an official Brea 8K Classic T-shirt and a finisher’s medal. Pretty cool.

Register for the race as an individual or a team. Maybe get some friends to join as a team, or sign up your family to run/walk as a team. To save 10% on your race entry, register by Feb. 14 at www.brea8K.com.

Just put in the coupon code 24HEART to receive the discount. Happy Valentine’s Day.

Mayor Christine Marick said, thanks to her teenager, their family races every year.

This year is a bit different since she is mayor. “I’ll be officially kicking off the race, and we have a busy day of events already planned,” Marick said.

Councilmember Steve Vargas said he’s run the race for years with his neighbor, Kenny Suierveld, and will again this year.

Councilmember Cecilia Hupp said she and her husband, Scott, have participated in the 8K many times and probably will this year. Most of the school board will be in the race, including board president Paul Ruiz.

Just don’t include Fido in your team. Fuch noted that due to insurance coverage changes, except for service dogs, dogs are not allowed in the race. Strollers are still allowed.

The race course starts on East Birch Street, by the Brea Mall, and takes participants over Brea streets, including Associated Road, Lambert Road, Kraemer Boulvard to East Birch Street, and State College Boulevard to the finish line at the Brea Mall.

Come cheer on your friends and family in the race.

According to Fuchs they need approximately 500 to 700 volunteers along the race route to help keep non-participants off the race course, hand cups of water to runners and walkers and other easy duties. Or volunteer to work at the registration table or wherever extra hands are needed that day. Email volunteers@brea8K.com to be a race day volunteer.

Beyond the finish line, in the mall parking lot, the weary racers will find the 8K food court with snacks, food samples and beverages from several area restaurants, and all for free, but for racers only. Your racer’s bib is your entry ticket to the 8K food court.

As in years past, the Brea Mall is the presenting sponsor and other returning sponsors include Snail’s Pace Running Shop, FIT Design, Sheila Buonauro Team, Alex Horowitz Group, Brea Chamber of Commerce, 7-Eleven and many others including the City of La Habra – La Habra Races.

Sponsorships are available until Feb. 14. Go to website for sponsorship information.

The awards ceremony will be near the food court and corporate sponsor area.  Trophies will go to the fastest male and female, top three male and female runners and to the biggest team.

Want to win? Be a runner or walker in the 31st Brea 8K Classic.

Terri Daxon is a freelance writer and the owner of Daxon Marketing Communications. She gives her perspective on Brea issues twice a month. Contact her at  daxoncomm@gmail.com.

“It is with heavy hearts that we must inform you of the permanent closure of Corazon. This decision was not made lightly, and we are truly saddened to share this news with you,” Romero said in an emailed statement. “While this chapter may be closing, we are excited to embark on a new adventure.”

Romero went on to say he will pivot into catering, noting, “We will be shifting our focus to full-service catering and private chef experiences for any events you may have. We are dedicated to bringing the same level of passion, quality, and flavor to your special occasions, creating unforgettable culinary experiences for you and your guests.”

SEE ALSO: After 27 years, Salt Creek Grille in Dana Point to close its doors

Opening in 2019 in downtown Fullerton, Romero moved his eatery to Brea in 2021. In addition to landing on Yelp’s Top 100 Restaurants of 2023, Corazon received a rave review from Orange County Register food critic Brad Johnson.. In his review, Johnson noted, among other things, the horchata (“It will likely be the best horchata you ever drink,” he beamed), the fish and shrimp ceviche, mole enchiladas, chicken taquitos and carne asada tacos (“all of which are excellent”).

Although the Yelp page reads that Corozon is “scheduled to reopen on June 1, 2024,” the restaurant has closed indefinitely.

“When we moved here, Baskin-Robbins was the show in town. And then there was a Pinkberry and a Golden Spoon. I couldn’t find the kind of ice cream I grew up eating.”

Spurred by her love of ice cream, as well as a mid-life escape from the corporate grind, Kim and her husband, Chris, opened Blue Scoop Creamery, named in tribute to the Bluegrass State, in Yorba Linda in 2020. “I went to college, got my master’s degree in business, and then worked in corporate marketing for over 20 years,” she said. “I joke that ice cream might be my midlife crisis, but I was working really, really hard for someone else — and I wanted to work really hard for myself.”

After their first store proved a success despite opening in the midst of a roaring pandemic — and due in large part to the couple’s focus on making quality, housemade ice creams and desserts with a Southern bent (think banana pudding) — the Rhodes officially opened their second location in Brea on Wednesday, Jan 24.

Nearly everything at Blue Scoop Creamery, from the ice cream and cakes to the cookies and sauces, are made from scratch in-house. Menu highlights at Blue Scoop Creamery include such dairy-laced divinity as Twin Mint, PB Situation (peanut butter ice cream with chocolate and peanut butter-covered feuilletine flakes), Peppermint Stick, Movie Munchies (packed with sundry snacks you’d find at your nearest cinema), Grape Nuts, Candy Cane Cookie Cheesecake and Almond Chip (vegan).

Of course, such stalwart flavors as vanilla, strawberry, mint chip and chocolate are featured (given the high-quality of ingredients used at Blue Scoop Creamery, returning to the classics is worth it), but other flavors like Nana’s banana pudding, blueberry cheesecake, salted caramel, lemon sorbet and cookie butter are worth a second and third return visit.

“A lot of our stuff is inspired by my background like our bourbon ball ice cream. I grew up in Kentucky and every holiday there was a plate of bourbon ball candy,” she said. ‘”We also do specialty sundaes every now and then like banana pudding or Kentucky butter cake. We really lean into that Southern flair.”

Most notable  is the Honey Almond Brittle ice cream that uses honey sourced from a Yorba Linda beekeeper. Since landing on the menu, the flavor has amassed a loyal following. Keeping the locally-sourced theme going, the milk and cream used for their ice creams are sourced from cows in the San Jacinto Valley, which aren’t treated with bovine growth hormones like rBST.

As for vegan flavors, Blue Scoop Creamery always has Cookie Butter on its menu, with three other flavors that rotate every two to four weeks.

“We’ve gotten great feedback on our dairy-free ice cream at our Yorba Linda location, which has become a nice destination for people who can’t or choose not to eat dairy,” she said.

In addition to churning out choice ice cream, the Rhodeses want Blue Scoop Creamery to be more than just a brick-and-mortar space where customers robotically get in, grab grub and go like so many big-chain eateries as of late. Kim hopes the Brea location, like the Yorba Linda one, becomes a viable third space — i.e., a social area that is separate from home and work.

“For us, we’re really into making really great ice cream but just as important to us is bringing community together. One thing that kind of distinguishes us from our competition is that we have a welcoming dining room. And there’s actually space for people to come in and hang out — a third space, if you will,” she explained.

Kim Rhoes goes on to note that maintaining a family-friendly atmosphere is also a priority for her Brea shop. “We just had really good success integrating with the community. And Brea is also very community driven. [Chris and I] live in between the two cities because it’s important for us to be able to see, touch, feel and be really involved with our two shops.”

Find it: 391 S State College Blvd Suite O, Brea

National restaurant chain The Cheesecake Factory and some of its contractors have paid $1 million to settle a major California wage theft case, in which state labor officials accused the companies of stiffing hundreds of janitors of overtime pay and breaks.

Janitors at eight Cheesecake Factory restaurants in Orange and San Diego counties were forced to work as many as 10 extra hours a week without being paid overtime, the state’s Labor Commissioner’s Office said in a 2018 citation.

Also see: At Southern California Cheesecake Factories, 559 janitors were cheated out of $4.57 million in wages, labor commissioner charges

“When we were working long nights cleaning the kitchen and the dining room of the restaurant, we knew the employer and the restaurant owner were taking advantage of us,” Naxhili Perez, one of the former San Diego janitors, said in a press release.

The state’s Labor Commissioner’s Office planned to formally announce the settlement and hand out checks to former workers at an event in San Diego on Tuesday. The office is now hoping to get the attention of other ex-employees who may qualify for a payout for unpaid work they did between 2014 and 2017.

The agreement, reached last fall, marks a long-delayed resolution in one of the state’s most significant cases alleging wage theft. To persuade workers to cooperate with the state, the Labor Commissioner’s Office worked with the Maintenance Cooperation Trust Fund, a workers’ advocacy center that employs former janitors to investigate conditions in the industry.

Such partnerships are one of the state’s recent strategies to bring wage theft cases against large employers in the hopes of sending a message across their industries. The trust fund’s director at the time of the citations, Lilia García-Brower, is now the state’s labor commissioner.

And the citations were one of the office’s first uses of a 2015 law that holds companies that hire janitorial contractors jointly responsible for workplace violations.

Also see: 3 Thai restaurants in Los Angeles area cited for more than $1 million in wage theft

For years, workers’ advocates have complained that with the rise of contracting and subcontracting in the janitorial industry, it was easy for smaller employers to close up shop, declare bankruptcy or change names when accused of wage theft, while building owners or other companies that hired them escaped liability.

In the Cheesecake Factory case, the company contracted with the national Americlean Janitorial Services Corp. to clean its restaurants. Americlean in turn subcontracted the work in the eight southern California locations to a cleaning company called Magic Touch, according to the state.

Though Magic Touch directly hired the janitors, the state said in 2018 that Cheesecake Factory managers kept workers from going home at the end of their eight-hour, overnight shifts. The managers would inspect the restaurants and assign additional tasks to the janitors before they were allowed to leave, without paying overtime, the labor commissioner said. 

During the state’s investigation, Magic Touch changed its name, but the state said both businesses were liable for back pay. Owner Zulma Villegas filed for bankruptcy in 2021.

Villegas’ attorney Roxana Verano, reached by phone today, declined to comment on her client’s behalf. An attorney for Americlean did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

In the end, The Cheesecake Factory agreed to pay the bulk of the settlement — $750,000 — while the rest was split between Villegas and Americlean, according to the agreement.

As part of the settlement, none of the companies admitted fault. But both Villegas and Americlean will provide a written apology to workers. Villegas’ apology, included in the settlement, states she “did not fulfill my obligations under the law as an employer, some of which were out of my control,” while Americlean notes it “could have overseen Magic Touch better” and said it no longer provides cleaning services to the restaurant chain.

For the next two years, the restaurant chain has agreed to require any contractors bidding to provide janitorial services at its California restaurants to disclose whether the state has ever found them liable for wage theft. It will also require its current and future California contractors to provide their janitors information on labor laws in English and Spanish, and submit to audits if workers have future complaints, according to the settlement. But the agreement says the apology by Villegas and Americlean won’t be distributed at any Cheesecake Factory restaurants.

A spokesperson for The Cheesecake Factory did not immediately respond to written questions this afternoon.

“It’s a message to all brand names out there,” Yardenna Aaron, executive director of the Maintenance Cooperation Trust Fund, a janitorial workers’ advocacy group, said in a press release. “If you don’t ensure your contractors comply with laws protecting workers, there are very real consequences.”

But the case also shows the hurdles for enforcing California’s strict labor laws in low-wage industries employing mostly immigrant workers.

When the state cited the companies in 2018, it calculated the total amount in unpaid wages and damages owed to more than 500 workers to be nearly $4 million.

The Cheesecake Factory and its contractors appealed, which is common for employers in such citations. For the next two years, the proceedings became mired in evidentiary disputes and scheduling conflicts, appeals documents previously obtained by CalMatters show.

Then the pandemic hit, and the appeal was put on hold until January 2021. Settlement talks were underway by August 2022 and the agreement was signed in September 2023 — for only one-fourth of the initial citation amount.

Now, the state and the Maintenance Cooperation Trust Fund are looking for the company’s former janitors to receive payments for unpaid work they did as long as nine years ago. They’re in touch with about 60 former workers, the trust fund said in a press release, but believe about 500 more may be eligible.

Janitors who worked at Cheesecake Factory restaurants in Brea, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Mission Viejo, Escondido and San Diego between Aug. 31, 2014 and Aug. 31, 2017 are asked to call 619-213-5260.

The settlement stems from an investigation that began in 2016 regarding alleged wage and hour violations at Cheesecake Factory restaurants in San Diego County.

The janitors were employed by companies that were contracted and subcontracted by the restaurant chain, according to the Maintenance Cooperation Trust Fund, a statewide watchdog group that investigates allegations of law violations in the workplace.

MCTF said the state Labor Commissioner’s Office found workers were often logging up to 10 hours of unpaid overtime every week, with some failing get proper meal or rest breaks.

Representatives with The Cheesecake Factory could not be reached for comment.

Naxhili Perez, who previously worked at a Cheesecake Factory restaurant in San Diego, said businesses sometimes think they can hire a contractor and avoid responsibility — but that’s not the case.

“If the law is being broken inside your company, you are responsible,” Perez said in a statement. “Now the Cheesecake Factory understands there are no shortcuts when it comes to workers’ rights.”

Cheesecake Factory restaurants targeted in the investigation:

120 Brea Mall, Brea

600 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine

7871 Edinger Ave., Huntington Beach

1141 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach

42 The Shops At Mission Viejo, Mission Viejo

7067 Friars Road, San Diego

789 W. Harbor Dr. C-1, San Diego

200 E. Via Rancho Pkwy Suite 370, Escondido

Janitors who worked at those locations between Aug. 31, 2014 and Aug. 31, 2017 are advised to call the Labor Commissioner’s Office at 619-767-2039 because they may be entitled to wages and damages as part of the settlement.

“This settlement is a result of our effort to use enforcement tools which increase compliance, levels the playing field and recovers owed wages for workers,” California Labor Commissioner Lilia García-Brower said in a statement.

California strengthened its laws to remove loopholes that allowed businesses to subcontract services and avoid responsibility to ensure workers are paid what they are owed, she said.

MORE: Read all the candidate responses in our Voter Guide

Name: Dave Obrand

Current Job Title: Deputy County Counsel, Orange County

Political Party Affiliation: Democrat

Incumbent: No

Other political positions held: None

City where you reside: Tustin

Campaign website or social media: www.obrandforassembly.com

Gov. Newsom has been front and center lately in global affairs, from a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping discussing climate action to a trip to Israel where he met with victims of the Hamas attack. Aside from the governor’s trips, what do you see as the role California should play when it comes to foreign affairs?

California is a top-five economy in the world with some of the most innovative industries and companies headquartered in the state. While the difficulties here at home are the primary priority, California has the ability to influence global and national politics. By pursuing priorities of equity, workers’ rights, healthcare and environmental protections, California can set a standard for other states and nations to follow.

This is not a political message — California has not only an ethnically diverse population but because of its population size, California also represents an incredibly diverse political population. That is especially true here in Orange County. With that sort of influence, it is incumbent upon the leadership of California to participate in foreign affairs for the benefit of all Californians and, as a result, of the world. I am proud to have been born and raised in this unique and influential state.

There have been recent efforts at the local level to change voting requirements — from a proposed voter ID requirement in Huntington Beach to an effort to open up voting to noncitizens in Santa Ana. What changes, if any, should be made to California’s voting laws?

I am in favor of greater participation by all eligible voters in California.

That means, first, automatically registering all citizens at age 18 who are not barred from voting. Of course, anyone can opt out of registration or otherwise not utilize the privilege. I also believe strongly that the policies enacted today will affect our youth the most so lowering the voting age to 16, when our high schoolers begin to drive and enter the workforce, is appropriate. They pay taxes; they should have a say in how that money is used. Also, there should be a clear pathway to reinstate voting rights for former felons who have served their time and are now contributing members to our society.

The latest state budget projections show California’s deficit has swelled to a record $68 billion, leading to calls for spending cuts. Give us two specific ways California could address the deficit.

– Ensure the wealthy and large corporations pay their fair share of taxes, including imposing a wealth tax on the top 1% who have built fortunes on the work of their employees.- Focus on building our green/clean energy infrastructure to create jobs and boost the economy as well as to make a clean energy transition seamless and ensure those working in traditional fossil fuel industries have a natural transition to similarly good paying jobs when California does transition to clean energy.

Speaking of the budget, what are your top three budget priorities?

– Improve funding for public education and ensure all public schools have adequate resources for students to thrive.- Ensure everyone has adequate healthcare coverage which will not put them into bankruptcy if they are injured or become sick.- Ensure the wealthy and large corporations pay their fair share of taxes.

The legislature garnered national headlines when an effort to increase penalties for child sex trafficking initially stalled. How would you, in the legislature, balance criminal justice reform with public safety concerns?

There needs to be a move away from improper incentives for policing and incarceration, primarily eliminating private prisons which prioritize profits over service.

Second, and specifically with regard to policing in our communities, there needs to be a change to how law enforcement agencies report data; it must be made consistent and mandatory across all agencies. Due to the fact that agencies provide data only on a voluntary basis, the best efforts to address both agency and citizen concerns on law enforcement can only be so certain. With mandatory reporting, experts can better assess current issues and propose changes that directly address them.

Lastly, I believe in tremendous transparency and accountability for all public service agencies, but especially for the leadership. I propose community/police oversight boards that review certain misconduct and agency management issues while being mindful of protecting personal information to protect officers against any unnecessary risk.

Homelessness continues to be a concern for Californians. While there is no simple solution, what is one proposal you have that could reduce homelessness in our communities?

I am a big proponent for social housing initiatives that would provide subsidized housing for mixed-income families and individuals. I prefer this approach to traditional affordable housing initiatives that often are only built in already underserved communities and limit the options for people who move into them. Social housing, on the other hand, will provide housing for a wider range of people from different socio-economic backgrounds and should provide a pathway to creating housing options in more communities and provide residents access to more opportunities and services.

The governor recently signed a law that set a first-in-the-nation minimum wage standard for healthcare workers. Should minimum wage standards vary by industry? Why or why not?

Yes, varying industries should have different minimum wage standards. This recognizes the truth that some industries may pose greater risks to workers and that workers in some industries depend on that work for full-time careers versus part-time work. Nonetheless, I believe the minimum wage should be standardized at a minimum to allow a person to afford the costs of daily living and rent for anyone who works 40 hours per week.

What is one environment or climate policy you’d champion if elected?

I am focused on building the infrastructure for future energy transition, including building out a sufficient electric grid as the state moves away from fossil fuels. This not only will make the transition to clean and renewable energy more seamless, but it will also create more jobs and bolster the economy.

What is one capital improvement project you’d like to see financed and completed in your district?

I would like to improve public transportation and establish a comprehensive light rail system connecting all parts of Orange and San Bernardino counties to the business hubs in central Orange County and the Chino Valley. With the Santa Ana Streetcar project well underway, it is important to capitalize on the opportunity to expand clean public transportation.

The state recently began rolling out the CARE Court program in some counties, the state-funded effort that allows first responders, family and other designated people to petition a court to have someone with untreated severe psychotic disorders receive treatment and services. What other ways can the state prioritize mental health care for its residents, including those with less severe disorders?

Mental health is severely under-addressed in our current healthcare model. The state must mandate that health insurance cover mental health to the same extent as physical injuries. This includes preventative care wherein medical providers recommend mental health screenings when an issue is suspected.

Similarly, training should be provided to teachers to identify potential mental health disorders in their students for assessment. Teachers should also be trained on strategies to support students who exhibit behaviors consistent with mental health. By identifying and treating mental health early in life, students will be better equipped to thrive after they graduate. Finally, police should be further trained on how to address calls involving people with mental health and funding should be reallocated so that mental health professionals and/or social workers respond to appropriate mental health-related emergency calls so that proper support can be referred and provided.

Describe your political philosophy in 10 words or less.

Lead with principles. Work hard. Do good.

What is your go-to campaign trail snack or drink?

Sweet and spicy beef jerky, always.

MORE: Read all the candidate responses in our Voter Guide

Name: Phillip Chen

Current Job Title: State Assemblymember

Political Party Affiliation: Republican

Incumbent: Yes

Other political positions held: Walnut Valley Unified School District, Board of Trustees

City where you reside: Yorba Linda

Campaign website or social media: Website: www.phillipchen.org; Social: @PhillipChenCA

Gov. Newsom has been front and center lately in global affairs, from a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping discussing climate action to a trip to Israel where he met with victims of the Hamas attack. Aside from the governor’s trips, what do you see as the role California should play when it comes to foreign affairs?

California is the fifth largest economy in the world. Many global companies choose to do business here, and that is wonderful. However, our state has many problems from the rising cost of living, crime and a budget deficit that deserve our attention. We must place the needs of hardworking Californians first.

There have been recent efforts at the local level to change voting requirements — from a proposed voter ID requirement in Huntington Beach to an effort to open up voting to noncitizens in Santa Ana. What changes, if any, should be made to California’s voting laws?

I support safe and secure elections.

The latest state budget projections show California’s deficit has swelled to a record $68 billion, leading to calls for spending cuts. Give us two specific ways California could address the deficit.

Stop the high-speed rail boondoggle. Audit statewide homelessness spending, and end programs that waste our tax dollars.

Speaking of the budget, what are your top three budget priorities?

– Public safety.- Infrastructure.- Mental health funding.

The legislature garnered national headlines when an effort to increase penalties for child sex trafficking initially stalled. How would you, in the legislature, balance criminal justice reform with public safety concerns?

I was proud to support and help pass into law SB 14 in the legislature to combat child sex trafficking. As a former reserve deputy sheriff, the safety of our communities is my top priority. We need to repeal AB 109, Prop 47 and Prop 57 which have lowered the penalties for criminals and tied the hands of the justice system.

Homelessness continues to be a concern for Californians. While there is no simple solution, what is one proposal you have that could reduce homelessness in our communities?

Mandatory substance abuse and mental health services in addition to housing are needed to combat the homelessness epidemic in our state.

The governor recently signed a law that set a first-in-the-nation minimum wage standard for healthcare workers. Should minimum wage standards vary by industry? Why or why not?

It should be up to the free market to decide.

What is one environment or climate policy you’d champion if elected?

My office is a strong proponent of protecting and expanding our open spaces for current and future generations to enjoy. I am proud to have co-authored legislation to grow and safeguard Chino Hills State Park.

What is one capital improvement project you’d like to see financed and completed in your district?

The 59th Assembly district is a bedroom community and commuter district. My office is proud of our work with Caltrans, OCTA and our local partners to grow our infrastructure to meet future needs along the 55, 57, and 91 freeways and important thoroughfares like Imperial Highway and Carbon Canyon Road.

The state recently began rolling out the CARE Court program in some counties, the state-funded effort that allows first responders, family and other designated people to petition a court to have someone with untreated severe psychotic disorders receive treatment and services. What other ways can the state prioritize mental health care for its residents, including those with less severe disorders?

We need to build on the CARE courts program with mandatory mental health and substance abuse services for homeless individuals.

Describe your political philosophy in 10 words or less.

Hope, opportunity and freedom.

What is your go-to campaign trail snack or drink?

Girl Scouts’ Samoas cookies.

The dedicated food week will feature deals and prix-fixe menus ranging from $15 to $25 for lunch, and $25 to $45 for dinner, a date-night lineup and even luxury menus offering a more tony experiences for $60 to $120.

New to this year’s lineup include Irvine’s Benny and Mary’s, Bloom Restaurant and Bar in San Juan Capistrano, Le Shrimp Noodle Bar in Costa Mesa, Mission Viejo’s Dizzy Bird and Oliver’s Trattoria in Irvine, to name a few.

This year’s week-long event will also highlight family-friendly dining, which is a great way at getting kids to learn about cuisine and dining out, and vegetarian dining, ideal for those who either eschew a carnivorous lifestyle or yearn for a more vegetable-forward menu.

The annual event is put on by the Orange County Restaurant Association. Diners can find participating restaurants’ menus and prices at www.OCRestaurantWeek.com.

This year’s restaurants are as follows:

1886 Brewing Company – Orange

399 Vietnamese Kitchen – Tustin

Anaheim White House – Anaheim

Angelina’s Pizzeria – Irvine

AnQi Bistro – Costa Mesa

Apola Greek Grill – Yorba Linda

Aria Kitchen – Irvine

AVEO Table + Bar – Dana Point

Avila’s El Ranchito – San Clemente, Santa Ana

Benchmark – Santa Ana

Benny and Mary’s – Irvine

Billy’s at the Beach – Newport Beach

Blaze Pizza – Newport Beach

Bloom, Restaurant + Bar – San Juan Capistrano

Bluegold – Huntington Beach

Bodega Laguna – Laguna Beach

Bottega Angelina – Laguna Niguel

Brio Italian Grille – Irvine

BRU Grill and Market – Lake Forest

Brunos Italian Kitchen – Brea

Cabo Wabo Beach Club – Huntington Beach

Cafe Sevilla Spanish Restaurant and Tapas Bar – Costa Mesa

Cambalache Grill – Fountain Valley

Cappy’s Cafe – Newport Beach

Casa Ramos – Santa Ana

Cha Cha’s Latin Kitchen – Brea

Cha Cha’s Latin Kitchen – Irvine

Chapter One: the modern local- Santa Ana

Chelas Mexican Kitchen – San Clemente

Churriño – Costa Mesa

Citrus City Grille – Orange

Citrus Fresh Grill – Aliso Viejo

City Cruises Anchored by Hornblower – Newport Beach

Congregation Ale House – Santa Ana

CUCINA enoteca – Irvine, Newport Beach

CUCINA enoteca – Newport Beach

Descanso – Costa Mesa

Dizzy Bird – Mission Viejo

Eureka! – Irvine

Falasophy – Irvine

Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens- Corona Del Mar

Fermentation Farm – Costa Mesa

Five Crowns – Corona Del Mar

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar – Newport Beach

Fly N Fish Oyster Bar and Grill – Newport Beach

Gracias Madre – Newport Beach

Great Maple – Anaheim

Great Maple – Newport Beach

Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken – Santa Ana

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ – (Huntington Beach, Tustin)

Haagen-Dazs – Irvine

Habana – Costa Mesa, Irvine

Hammer Burger – Santa Ana

Harborside Restaurant – Newport Beach

Hatam Restaurant – Mission Viejo

Haven Craft Kitchen + Bar – Orange

Henry’s Coastal Cuisine – Huntington Beach

High Horse Saloon – Fullerton

HoléSmokes – Costa Mesa

Il Fornaio – Irvine

Il Sole La Nuova Cucina – RSM

Indigo | Modern Indian Bistro – Huntington Beach

Ironwood, Cellar. Craft. Cook. – Laguna Hills

Izakaya Osen – Irvine

JA Jiaozi Authentic Dumplings- Irvine

Jars Sweets & Things – Laguna Niguel

Khan Saab Desi Craft Kitchen- Fullerton

Le Shrimp Noodle Bar – Costa Mesa

Left Coast Brewing – Irvine

Lido Bottle Works – Newport Beach

Lighthouse Cafe – Newport Beach

Little Sister – Irvine

Lola Gaspar – Santa Ana

Luciana’s Ristorante – Dana Point

Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que- Brea, Lake Forest, Orange, Tustin)

Lumberyard Restaurant – Laguna Beach

Luna Rossa – Tustin

Maldon’s Bistro – Irvine

Market Broiler – Huntington Beach, Orange

Mayor’s Table at Lido House – Newport Beach

MESA – Costa Mesa

Mickey’s Irish Pub – Fullerton

Morton’s The Steakhouse – Santa Ana

Mozambique – Laguna Beach

Mr. D’s – Placentia

Muldoon’s Irish Pub – Newport Beach

Native Son – Santa Ana

Newport Landing – Newport Beach

NOVA Kitchen and Bar – Garden Grove

O Fine Japanese Cuisine – Irvine, Laguna Beach

O SEA – Orange

Oak – Laguna Beach

OC Fish Grill – Irvine

Offshore 9 Rooftop Lounge – Huntington Beach

Olea, Cellar. Craft. Cook. – Newport Beach

Oliver’s Osteria – Laguna Beach

Oliver’s Trattoria – Irvine

Pacific Catch – Tustin

Pacitas Modern Filipino Kitchen – Anaheim

Paradise Dynasty – Costa Mesa

Paul Martin’s American Grill– Irvine

Perla Mexican Cuisine – Santa Ana

Pieology The Market Place – Irvine

Pita Feast – Huntington Beach

Playa Mesa – Costa Mesa

Plums Cafe – Costa Mesa

Pressed – Newport Beach

Prime Cut Cafe – Orange

Pub Thirty-Two – Mission Viejo

Puesto – Anaheim

Puesto Los Olivos – Irvine

Puesto Park Place – Irvine

RA Sushi – Tustin

RAKKAN Ramen – Tustin

Rancho Capistrano Winery – SJC

Rangeen Kitchen – Laguna Niguel

Red O Restaurant – Newport Beach

Robata Wasa – Irvine

Rockin Baja Lobster – Newport Beach

Romano’s Macaroni Grill – Irvine

Rub Red’s BBQ – La Habra

Rumari – Laguna Beach

Sapphire, Cellar. Craft. Cook. – Laguna Beach

Scratch Bakery Cafe – Laguna Hills, Scratch Bakery Cafe

SideDoor – Corona Del Mar

Silver Trumpet Restaurant and Bar- Costa Mesa

Simply Fish – Costa Mesa

Skyloft – Laguna Beach

Starfish – Newport Beach, Laguna Beach

StillWater Spirits & Sounds- Dana Point

Summit House Restaurant – Fullerton

Sundried Tomato American Bistro & Catering – SJC

Sweetgreen – Irvine, Tustin

Taco Rosa – Irvine, Newport Beach

TACOMPADRE – Santa Ana

Tacos TJ Style – Santa Ana

Tangerine Room – Anaheim

Taste of Beauty – Fountain Valley

Tea Maru – Irvine, Santa Ana

The Bungalow Restaurant – Corona Del Mar

The Country Club – Costa Mesa

The Crack Shack – Costa Mesa

The Peel Craftbar & Kitchen – Orange

The Pizza Press – Santa Ana

The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar – Tustin

The Yellow Chilli Tustin – Tustin

Thirty Four Bar & Bistro – Irvine

Vacation Bar – Santa Ana

Villa Roma – Laguna Hills

Vine Restaurant & Bar – San Clemente

Whitestone Restaurant & Bar – Dana Point

Wild Goose Tavern – Costa Mesa

Woody’s Wharf – Newport Beach

Ysidora Restaurant and Lounge – SJC

Zabb Thai Cuisine – Newport Beach

ZOOD – Newport Beach

Around 11:25 a.m., police responded to the 1400 block of West Whittier Avenue after someone inside the residence fled to a neighbor’s home and called 911, stating they heard a gunshot upon leaving the house. Officers stopped a car leaving the area and determined the driver was involved in the shooting, authorities said in a statement.

Shortly after, police entered the home and found a man suffering from what appeared to be a fatal gunshot wound. Details on the suspect and the victim, as well as the relationship between the two, were not released.

No additional information was immediately available. Police believe all involved have been identified and there is no ongoing threat to the community.

From ubiquitous wood accents to exceedingly tasteful subway tile walls, long gone are the days of dusty coffeehouse maximalism that allowed every neighborhood its own Central Perk-like space.

Or so it might seem: Breaking free from the shackles of the mundane are a handful of themed cafes that place emphasis on kitsch — from emo rock and Hello Kitty to ’80s horror flicks and tattoos — so that your klatch can try something truly unique.

Here are 15 themed coffee shops to try out in Southern California.

Los Angeles County

Crumbs and Whiskers

Hours: By appointment only Wednesday-Monday

Where: 7924 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles

More info:  323- 879-9413 or crumbsandwhiskers.com/appointments-la

This café rescues cats from shelters and houses them at their Melrose coffee shop. So come get some coffee, pet a few cats, and if you find one you love, you can adopt it for a fee.

Library Coffee House 

Hours: 6 a.m.- 11p.m. daily

Where: 3418 E. Broadway, Long Beach

More info: 562-433-2393 or thelibrarycoffee.com

Guests can come sit down, grab a coffee and read a book at this library-themed shop. It resembles an old vintage library with chandeliers, vintage couches and shelves filled with all sorts of books. And since it’s a library, people can take books home as well. It’s all on the honor system, so no need for a library card.

Horror Vibes Coffee

Hours: 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Friday; 9 a.m.- 7 p.m. Saturday-Sunday

Where: 5251 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood

More Info: 818-824-3282 or horrorvibescoffee.com

Terror meets coffee at this horror-themed spot that’s decorated with old horror movie posters, props and original artwork. Try drinks like the Frankenstein’s Latte and Nightmare on Maple Street Latte or the Candyman, which is a white chocolate mocha. “Everything here is inspired by horror films. Ranging from the classics like ‘Frankenstein,’ to more recent films,” said Omaira Mahan, owner of the coffee shop. “And horror and coffee both really bring people together.”

Sirens Java & Tea

Hours: 6:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 6 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday-Sunday

Where: 402 W. Seventh Street, San Pedro

More info: 424-477-5370 or sirensjavahouse.com

The motto at this popular San Pedro coffee shop is “Where Coffee & Tea meet the Sea.” The shop is decorated in ocean colors and siren motifs with original hand-painted murals of mermaids adoring the walls and small statues throughout the airy space. Try drinks like the Mermaid Kiss, a raspberry white chocolate latte.

Supersweet Tattoos and Coffee

Hours: 7:30-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 9 a.m.- 9 p.m. Sunday

Where: 1345/1347 Glendale Blvd., Los Angeles

More info: 213-315-5062 or supersweettattoo.com

Ink and beans is what this tattoo-themed shop is all about. The coffee shop is combined with a tattoo parlor, so you can get a latte and some fresh ink. Tattoo appointments are recommended, but walk-ins are also welcome.

Orange County

Burnt Umber Coffee featuring Petals & Poison Tea Room

Hours: 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m. daily

Where: 12752 Valley View Street, Suite Q, Garden Grove

More info: instagram.com/burnt.umber.oc

A family-owned Victorian café that dabbles in Gothic aesthetics, Garden Grove’s Burnt Umber features ornamental décor, like a fireplace with carved mantle, vintage settees and black cabinetry. (The dark yet chic vibe prompted Searchlight Pictures to contact the owners, a sister-sister team, to host a promotional “Poor Things” party that saw lines stretching out the door). In addition to coffee and tea drinks, they also sell era-themed teapots, intricate tea strainers or other Victoriana. An upcoming reservation-based tearoom is in the works for later this year.

Hello Kitty Grand Café

Hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday

Where: Irvine Spectrum Center near the Giant Wheel, 860 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine

More info: 949-536-5357 or instagram.com/hellokittycafeirvine

Dedicated to Sanrio’s iconic feline and her band of gleeful friends, the Hello Kitty Grand Café, which opened in 2018 at the Irvine Spectrum, offers guests espresso drinks, teas (iced, hot or milk), lemonades and fresh donuts. But it’s the Hello Kitty vibe saturating the space, replete with pink-hue overload and images of the world’s second-most recognizable cat (Garfield being the first), that keeps people coming back for more.

“We see all ages of people who come here,” says Tiffany Trough, social media manager of Hello Kitty Grand Café. “We see a lot of children, obviously, but also adults well into their eighties. It’s a very diverse customer base.” The café also has a speakeasy-esque Bow Room, a hidden, reservations-only space for high tea that turns into a cocktail lounge come nightfall.

Melted Vinyl 

Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday

Where: 580 South Brea Blvd., Brea

More info: 714-485-5640; meltedvinyl.coffee; instagram.com/meltedvinylcoffee

“It’s not a phase, mom,” reads the black spray painted graffiti below the cash register at this Brea coffee house dedicated to all things emo rock. In addition to espresso and coffee drinks (the house-made cold brews and syrups are especially popular), patrons can don their finest emo-era shirts, fishnets and eyeliner to leap back in time admiring the cafe’s band posters, records, vintage clothing and even an annual emo prom party.

The Night Owl

Hours: 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday

Where: 200 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton

More info: 714-525-0305; tnofullerton.com; instagram.com/thenightowlfullerton

This Fullerton café harkens back to the days of coffeehouses of the ’90s where bands routinely performed, comics tested out material and bohemian cognoscenti gathered over a cup of joe. The venue also features an open-mic poetry night the last Sunday of each month. Can you dig it?

Requiem Café

Hours: Noon-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; Noon-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday

Where: 280 S. Clementine Street, Anaheim

More info: 714-844-2245; requiemcafe.com; instagram.com/requiemcoffee

“Requiem is a place to heal from your childhood trauma,” said owner Kris Irons, who opened his gamer-themed coffee house in 2019. Its concept, a queer space where people can come play video games, card games or have a beverage with like-minded ilk, came about during his years as a homeless teen when he sought refuge inside coffee houses. The eye-popping space – a fantasy of forest, castle and space-ship décor – allows guests to plug in their consoles while enjoying a host of beverages, including themed lattes, and waffles.

Riverside County

4 Paws Coffee Co.

Hours: 6:30 a.m.-3 p.m. daily

Where: 2500 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite A5, Palm Springs

More info: 760-832-8021; 4pawscoffeeco.com

Dogs are welcome, humans are tolerated at this establishment on the north end of Palm Springs. It serves breakfast, pastries and sandwiches as well as a wide selection of caffeinated drinks, with a portion of the proceeds going to help local animal shelters, according to its website. It’s filled with canine art and ornaments, some of them for sale.

Frisky Business Coffee Shop

Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday-Thursday

Where: ​4781 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite F, Palm Springs

More Info: 760-464-0303

This is a cat café is on the southeast end of Palm Springs. It includes a room where customers can visit with about 10 felines, and there is adoption information posted on the “purr-sonnel.” The rate is $10 for 20 minutes, and $22 for 45 minutes and a 16-ounce drink. The human menu includes coffee drinks and sandwiches, and cups of cat treats cost $2.

Gré records & Coffee

Hours: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday-Sunday

Where:  278 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Unit C, Palm Springs

More info: 310-409-8849; grecoffeehouse.com

This snug boutique is tucked in the back of a shopping arcade near the heart of Palm Springs. Its business is mainly vinyl, but it serves $3 espressos and inexpensive coffees. Prices aren’t bad for the used LPs either. Other inventory includes funky jewelry, lurid crime paperbacks from the 1950s and vintage Playboy magazines.

San Bernardino County

Rad Coffee

Hours: 6 a.m.-midnight daily

Where: Multiple Locations: 232 N. Second Ave, Upland; 145 N Citrus Ave., Covina; 3502 Atlantic Ave. Long Beach; 3952 University Ave., Riverside.

More info: rad.coffee

Skate, punk and a little bit of horror-rockabilly come together at this small, Upland-born coffee chain. The shops are brightly decorated, they have vintage and original horror posters and flyers plus pinball machines and spooky-themed drinks like the Bonesbrew espresso and The Wolf iced latte. They’re served in cups adorned with the slick skull logo. “People love the uniqueness of these shops and people love horror and punk so they feel a lot of nostalgia here,” said Indy De Los Santos, a shift manager at the Long Beach location.

Roast the Dead

Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily

Where: 12764 California Street, Suite A, Yucaipa

More info: 909-372-1153; instagram.com/roast_the_dead_coffee

This three-year-old coffee house plays homage to ’80s horror movies like “Halloween” and “Friday the 13th.” The interior is so dark and filled with sinister memorabilia that only eight customers are allowed in at a time. The menu includes coffee drinks and “the fogs,” trendy cold brews named after scary characters such as Freddy Krueger from the “Nightmare on Elm Street” franchise. “Booista” designs include writing the word “murder” backwards in red syrup on top of cold foam in honor of “The Shining.”