A People’s Guide to Orange County by Campbell Inlander

Aliso Niguel High School, Wolverine Way, Aliso Viejo, CA

cinlande — 2025-07-03 20:56:34 UTC

This is where I went to high school! The name “Aliso Niguel” combines Aliso Viejo and Laguna Niguel, since students from both areas are zoned to attend this school. The student population has historically been majority white and Asian, reflecting the larger demographics of Aliso Viejo and Laguna Niguel. As Orange County has grown more diverse, ANHS’s student body has also seen gradual demographic shifts. Like many suburban schools, the school has grappled at times with cultural inclusion, racial equity, and student representation. (8/10, in my opinion)

Balboa Island, Newport Beach, CA

cinlande — 2025-07-03 21:24:05 UTC

I currently live right next to Balboa Island! In the 1920s, Newport Beach transitioned from a working port to a place for the affluent. The Balboa Pavilion (built in 1906) and the Balboa Pier (built in 1909) changed the area into more of a resort/destination area. World War II brought military personnel to the region, many of whom returned post-1945 with GI Bill loans to live in California. Orange County’s population grew a lot, and Newport Beach began to suburbanize. Like many affluent coastal communities in California, Newport Beach and surrounding areas historically used racially restrictive covenants to exclude Black, Mexican, Asian, and Jewish families from owning or renting property. (As someone who has lived near/on Balboa, it is not worth it. The traffic is really bad and you're paying like $25 for a mediocre burrito. If you're there go to Dad's Donuts, only place on the Island to still get a good deal! Would not recommend the rest of the Island 5/10).

Great Park, Great Park Boulevard, Irvine, Orange County, CA

cinlande — 2025-07-03 21:30:45 UTC

The Great Park area is where I did my student teaching and where I would coach Girl's flag football! Before the Irvine Great Park, there was the El Toro Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS El Toro). It was originally established in 1942 as a major U.S. Marine Corps air station. Orange County military bases like this one brought a surge of military personnel and civilian workers to the area. After the war, many veterans stayed and settled down, contributing to the postwar housing boom in cities like Irvine, Costa Mesa, and Santa Ana. The air station was closed in 1999 due to BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure). The site is now still preserves historical hangars and displays military aircraft, with a new Air Museum being built in the upcoming Great Park construction. (7.5/10, parking gets insane and they need more covered areas. Good food truck options though)

John Wayne Airport (SNA), Airport Way, Santa Ana, CA

cinlande — 2025-07-03 22:22:28 UTC

Probably the airport I used most frequently as a kid. The airport was first the Santa Ana Army Air Base during WWII. In 1939, Orange County purchased it and later renamed it Orange County Airport in the 1940s. On June 20, 1979, shortly after John Wayne’s death, the Board of Supervisors renamed it John Wayne Airport, to honor the actor who lived nearby in Newport Beach. Renaming advocates argue that the name and statue clash with OC’s diverse population and inclusive values. They want a return to the neutral “Orange County Airport,” or even honoring someone more representative. The name and statue remain unchanged despite ongoing calls from civic leaders and parts of the community. (7/10, super easy every time I've gone, obviously much less traffic than LAX. They definitely need to change the name though.)

University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA

cinlande — 2025-07-03 22:22:41 UTC

I went to UCI to complete my undergrad in History after my two years at community college, and I love it! UCI was officially founded in 1965 as part of the UC system’s major expansion during the 1950s and 1960s to accommodate California's growing population. Before the University of California acquired land from the Irvine Ranch to build UCI, the property’s deeds contained racially restrictive covenants. UC Berkeley Chancellor Clark Kerr, who was overseeing the UC expansion, insisted that these racist deed restrictions be removed before completing the land deal. Despite resistance from the Irvine Company, Kerr won, the covenant was struck out, clearing legal inhibitions in the area. (9/10, if my students ever asked me what UCI was like I would tell them that we don't have a football team but we have an E-sports team and that pretty much summed it up.)