As in years past, the cadets marched in uniform about three-quarters of a mile from their school to the Elks Club on East Chapman Avenue for the birthday celebration where local officials met them. There, they helped carry out the ceremony and provided the color guard.

Col. Mark Tull and Master Sgt. Carlos Mata — both retired Marines who are instructors with the ROTC program — also assisted with the afternoon’s events.

The JROTC program helps students learn leadership skills and build character in and out of the classroom, the school says. According to Orange High, it is designed to help students become ready for college.

The Marine Corps was established on Nov. 10, 1775, to aid in the Revoluntary War.

Sheriff’s officials did not disclose the identity of the woman, who was described only as being in her 30s.

The woman was at the maximum-security jail to visit an inmate on Saturday and was directed to a public visiting area for the barracks section of the facility, confirmed sheriff’s spokesperson Carrie Braun.

Braun said the inmate the woman wanted to see was unavailable and she fell asleep in a visiting booth while waiting. No one noticed the woman when the area was closed at 5 p.m. She was not discovered until the area was reopened the next morning at 8 a.m.

Braun said the woman was immediately treated for a laceration to her hand, but she would not disclose how the woman sustained the cut.

Security cameras inside the waiting area can only be monitored from the guard station inside the room, which was not manned overnight, Braun said. There is no phone inside the visiting waiting area. The woman was not allowed by state law to bring her cellphone into the jail.

The woman was in an area not freely accessible to inmates.

An internal investigation is underway to determine how the woman was locked inside and whether any procedures or policies need to be changed, Braun said. One immediate change has already been made — a supervisor must check the area at least once during overnight hours.

Additionally, an emergency phone will be installed in the waiting area.

“This unfortunate incident should never have occurred,” Braun said. “The department is committed to fully investigate and ensure this never happens again.”

Theo Lacy has a maximum capacity of 3,442 inmates, according to the sheriff’s website.

The first event will take place on Saturday, March 16 at Oak Canyon Park in Silverado and the group will spend St. Patrick’s Day proper on Sunday, March 17 at the Las Vegas Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

And they’re not raising a frosty pint alone, Flogging Molly will be joined by Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls, Buzzcocks, Face to Face, Amigo The Devil, NOBRO, Gen and the Degenerates and additional artists which will be announced in the coming months.

Tickets for the all-ages show go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 10 at shamrockrebellion.com. General admission starts at $69 and VIP starts at $149. VIP admission provides access to designated areas with shade, upgraded restrooms and VIP bars.

Shamrock Rebellion is produced by Orange County-based Brew Ha Ha Productions (Punk in the Park; OC Brew Ha Ha; Brew Hee Haw) and will also feature craft beer tastings and other offerings from local and regional breweries for those 21-and-older from noon to 3 p.m. Participating breweries include Brewery X, Rad Beer Co., Artifex, Radiant Brewing, Tarantula Hill, Stone Brewing and more.

Serving transit from Los Angeles, the Inland Empire and San Diego, the Orange station features 20 Metrolink Orange County Line stops each weekday (11 northbound and 9 southbound). Weekend service consists of 4 trains (2 in each direction) on both Saturday and Sunday running in each direction in the morning and evening. The station is also served by 14 Metrolink Inland Empire-Orange County Line trains (7 in each direction) each weekday, with weekend service consisting of 4 trains (2 in each direction) on both Saturday and Sunday. OC Bus routes 54, 56, 59 and 453, as well as a Chapman University shuttle stop here as well.

Built in 1938, the Orange train station, which is recognized as one of Orange’s historic landmarks, acts as a hub for roughly 750 passengers each weekday. From 1971 to 1993, the Santa Fe Railway closed the stop for more than 20 years citing high costs and reduced patronage. Fittingly, a restaurant now occupies the station’s Mission Revival-style building.

Keep in mind that selected dining options throughout the series are each within a reasonable distance of their stop, whether on foot or by wheelchair, with no major thoroughfares or freeways to cross. This list doesn’t cover every single Orange bar and restaurant in the area; consider this a guide to our favorites near the station, or a jumping off point for your layover.

Afters Ice Cream: With flavors like cookie butter, milk and cereal, jasmine milk tea and salty Oreo, this contemporary, Southern California ice cream chain features flavors that go above and beyond your average frozen dessert joint. 117 N. Glassell St. (at Chapman Avenue), Orange

Avila’s El Ranchito: Since 1966, this family-owned restaurant empire has featured such Mexican dishes as crispy carnitas, Shrimp Mojo de Ajo and fresco chile relleno. Mamá Avila’s soup, brimming with chicken, rice, avocado, tomato, cilantro and served with warm tortillas, is a particularly soothing highlight. 182 S. Orange St. (at Almond Avenue), Orange

ALSO SEE:  The Orange County train-station dining guide: San Clemente stops

Big Al’s Pizzeria: A pizza and wings joint that features pies like barbecue chicken, Lebanese garlic chicken, carne asada and smoked beef brisket. Wing options include buffalo, habanero, spicy Jamaican and more. Don’t miss out on the cheesecakes, which come in flavors like cinnamon crunch, dulce de leche, red velvet and strawberry Oreo. 396 W. Chapman Ave. (at Cypress Street), Orange

Bosscat Kitchen: With an arsenal of more than 300 bottles of whiskey, this restaurant specializing in American comfort food is mercifully only 7 minutes from the train station, making it an ideal place to eat should you plan on imbibing with abandon. 118 W Chapman Ave. (at Olive Street), Orange

Bruxie: A Southern California chain specializing in fried chicken waffle sandwiches. What more do you need? How about the buttermilk fried chicken sandwich or the spiced mac and cheese studded with bacon and chives? Another bonus: This place has an abundance of patio seating. 292 N. Glassell St. (at Palm Avenue), Orange

Butaton Ramen: Shoyu, tonkotsu, spicy tsukemen and other ramens await at this Japanese eatery. “The tonkotsu broth here is straightforward and fairly light, not heavy or rich like some of the others on this list. And when mixed with their spicy miso paste it becomes something truly special,” wrote former Orange County Register food critic Brad A. Johnson, who also gave high marks to the chashu (braised pork belly). 10 Plaza Square, suite 101 (at East Chapman Avenue), Orange

ALSO SEE: The Orange County train-station dining guide: San Juan Capistrano

Citrus City Grill: For over 25 years, this family-owned restaurant has made a name for itself serving such upscale fare as grilled octopus, charred edamame, prime rib, stuffed chicken breast, Chilean sea bass and other elegant dishes. Open for brunch, lunch and dinner. 122 N. Glassell St. (at Plaza Square), Orange

Chapman Crafted: Part beer hall, part coffeehouse, this community-driven place specializes in two types of brews: micro-craft beer and specialty coffee roasted on the premises. 123 N. Cypress St. (at West Chapman Avenue), Orange

Contra Coffee and Tea: Small-batch coffee and tea house offers jolt-inducing drinks like a horchata with espresso, Vietnamese-style iced coffee and coffee with oolong milk tea. Also on the cafe’s roster are iced shaken specials like toasted black sesame, caramel vanilla oat milk, ube, and brown sugar latte. An ideal spot for working on your laptop or reading one of the many books available from its library. 115 N. Orange St. (at East Chapman Avenue), Orange

Felix Continental Cafe: If you’re craving Cuban or Spanish food, this place has you covered, from croquettes to empanadas. The tamal Cubano, a mix of cream of corn and pork cooked in a Cuban sofrito and baked, is particularly noteworthy. 36 Plaza Square (at Glassell Street), Orange

The Filling Station: Named in honor of its past life as a gas station, this breakfast and lunch spot serves pancakes and omelets galore, as well as even heartier fare like biscuits and gravy or a breakfast burrito. Bonus: Plenty of outdoor seating under colorful umbrellas. 201 N. Glassell St. (at Maple Avenue), Orange

Finney’s Crafthouse: This corner restaurant features a dizzying menu of more than 50 items, including bacon deviled eggs, cheesesteak egg rolls, an onion ring tower, salads, pizzas, hot wings, sandwiches, burgers, tacos and more. Phew. 204 W. Chapman Ave. (at Olive Street), Orange

Gabbi’s Mexican Kitchen: Gabbi Patrick’s gorgeous restaurant (from the brickwork to the wooden bar to the glass pieces adorning the wall, don’t forget to take it all in) specializes in standout Mexican food. Highlights include mole tostaditas with shredded Jidori chicken; and cabbage, queso fundido con chorizo featuring Oaxacan cheese, shiitake mushroom and red chorizo; and carnitas norteñas with braised Berkshire pork, pico de gallo, guacamole and chicharrones. For private parties, book the underground cellar that offers private dining for 8 to 12 guests. 141 S. Glassell St. (at Almond Avenue), Orange

ALSO SEE: The Orange County train-station dining guide: Santa Ana

Hanano Ramen: Ramen iterations like dan dan men, red garlic, vegan or even build-your-own can be found here. Same goes for spicy pork fried rice, eggrolls, dumplings, tempura and mochi bites. 161 N. Glassell St. (at Maple Avenue),Orange

Haven Craft Kitchen: A brunch-lunch-dinner spot that specializes in indulgent gastropub fare, including black truffle mac and cheese, Spanish confit baby artichoke, pork belly tacos, grilled octopus, ribeye, pappardelle pesto, Basque cheesecake and (arguably one the greatest dessert ever created) sticky toffee pudding. 190 S. Glassell St. (at Almond Avenue), Orange

Hector’s On the Circle: Lively chips-and-salsa spot that serves seafood and Mexican fare. Enchiladas, chile relleno, flautas, tacos galore, and hearty entrees, like ribeye steak or carne asada, can be found at this spot right off the Plaza Square roundabout. 116 E. Chapman Ave. (at Orange Street), Orange

Mi Casa Authentic Mexican Food: A choice spot to go for quick Mexican food, this exceedingly charming spot features interiors with loads of Western memorabilia and an enclosed patio displaying model revolvers, cowboy hats, old tools and horse tack. Serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Guests can order to-go, or eat inside at a handful of tables. 1231 W. Chapman Ave. (at Jewell Place),Orange

O Sea: Cleverly named, subtly chic seafood spot just announced a new executive chef and partner, German Mejia, a Le Cordon Bleu graduate who honed his skills at South Coast Plaza’s Water Grill. Open for lunch and dinner, fall menu highlights include sea bass al pastor, fish tacos, wild-caught spiny lobster with furikake butter and Alaskan black cod with sweet potato puree and charred broccolini. The salmon ceviche, replete with coconut leche de tigre, habanero oil and taro chips, is also another standout. 109 S. Glassell St. (at Chapman Avenue), Orange

Oiio Cafe: Bubble tea shop offers Instagram-worthy swirled drinks like matcha blast, black strawberry banana and brown sugar tiger milk tea.162 N. Glassell St., suite #A (at Maple Avenue), Orange

Omega Drive-In: Just like the same suggests, a classic drive-in joint serving up burgers, fries and onion rings (don’t forget a side of ranch!), shakes, sodas and more. 309 W Chapman Ave. (at Lemon Street), Orange

Ostioneria Siete Mares: For more than 38 years, this Orange staple has served Mexican food with a seafood bent. Highlights include fish tacos; a molcajete moreliano with 12 grilled shrimp, ribeye steak, grilled chicken, sausage, grilled cactus and more; shrimp aguachile, oysters, abalone, scallops and more. Bonus points here for the patio seating. 540 W. Chapman Ave. (at Pixley Street), Orange

ALSO SEE: The Orange County train-station dining guide: Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo, Irvine, Tustin

Pandor Bakery: Charming eatery dishing out omelets, sandwiches, salads (like niçoise, salmon, caesar), banana-pudding french toast, paninis, quiche and more. Being a bakery, it also specializes in a bevy of bakes, including mille-feuille, eclairs, macarons, and tarte tropezienne. 106 N. Glassell St. (at Plaza Square), Orange

Philz: San Francisco-based coffee shop does pour-over brews like no other. Don’t forget to grab a bag of beans and some choice grub while you wait for your coffee order to drip to rich, nutty perfection. 202 N. Glassell St. (at Maple Avenue), Orange

The Pie Hole: A sweet-and-savory pie shop first made popular in downtown Los Angeles, Among it many pies, one of its best is the Earl Grey tea pie, which features a layer of tea infused dark chocolate ganache, salty pistachios, tea-infused white chocolate mousse, house-made vanilla whipped cream and topped with pistachios. 177 N. Glassell St. (at Maple Avenue), Orange

The Pizza Press: Branded with newspaper industry-themed dishes, like the Herald (topped with white sauce, mozzarella, chicken breast), the Times (olive oil, chicken, red onion, barbecue sauce), the Tribune (red sauce, pepperoni, sausage, kalamata olives, ricotta), or the Jr. Editor (small pizzas for kids 12 and under), this national pizza chain is open seven days a week. 155 N. Glassell St. (at Maple Avenue), Orange

Play Coffee: Play Coffee’s delightfully contrasting architecture, located inside the old Wells Fargo Bank in Old Towne’s plaza, is reason enough to pay this coffee spot a visit. Design excellence notwithstanding, the coffee and espresso drinks at this cafe, which uses beans by local roasters, are some of the best in town. 101 E. Chapman Ave. (at Plaza Square), Orange

Renata’s Cafe: Red-sauce Italian joint serving more than 20 types of pasta, seafood, steak, and poultry. The expansive wine list is impressive. 227 E. Chapman Ave., suite F (at Grand Street), Orange

Smoqued California Barbecue: Comfort food galore can be found at this barbecue spot, featuring avocado fries, “420 mac” (a cannabis-free concoction of Cornbread, mac and cheese, Texas chili, pork, bacon, corn, tomatoes, onions, cheese blend, sour cream, BBQ sauce and caramelized onions), burnt ends, brisket plates, pork plates, pulled-pork sandwiches and more. 128 N. Glassell St. (at Maple Avenue), Orange

Snooze, an A.M. Eatery: Breakfast-brunch chain restaurant with all the usual suspects: bloody marys, omelets, pancakes, and sandwiches. 240 W. Chapman Ave., suite 101 (at Lemon Street), Orange

Streamliner Diner: Located inside the old Orange train station, a visit alone is worth checking out the architectural history. Dine right by the tracks on spicy fried cauliflower, fish and chips, grilled ribeye, more than 10 burgers, hot dogs, tacos and suds on tap. 186 N Atchison St. (at Chapman Avenue), Orange

Super Antojitos: This family-owned Mexican restaurant, going strong since 1985 when it opened its first location in Santa Ana, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The extensive menu features favorites like carne asada, tamales, barbacoa de res, burritos, seafood galore, tortas, ceviche and much more. 642 W. Chapman Ave. (at Parket Street), Orange

Two’s Company Cafe: Quaint little eatery offering breakfast sandwiches (egg, bacon and cheddar or egg, ham and cheddar), BLTs and panini sandwiches like pesto chicken, roast beef, chicken chipotle, or turkey cranberry. 22 Plaza Square (at Glassell Street), Orange

Urth Caffe: A boutique chain of Southern California restaurants known for choice coffee, organic menus, settings in historic locations (this one is inside a 1888 building smack dab on the plaza). The 5,000-square foot, 250-seat space with indoor and outdoor seating is perfect for noshing on latkes, green tea pancakes, caramelized banana pancakes, Nutella buns, prosciutto and cheese panini sandwiches and more. 100 W. Chapman Ave. (at Plaza Square), Orange

Wahoo’s Fish Tacos: This taco chain (more than 40 locations nationwide) serves tacos, bowls, soups, salads, nachos, quesadilla, burritos and more. 234 W. Chapman Ave. (at Lemon Street), Orange

Zito’s Pizza: This Orange County-born slice joint (with three Orange locations and one in Anaheim) offers pizzas, calzones, salads and sandwiches. 156 N Glassell St. (at Maple Avenue) and 1716 W. Chapman Ave. (at Feldner Road), Orange

UPDATE: An earlier version of this story featured The Wall on Plaza Square, but the alehouse has recently closed.

Fans filed in early to take in sets by The Gringoz, Deviates, A Wilhelm Scream, Rotting Out, Death By Stereo and Greg Antista & The Lonely Streets. Those that were 21 and older also enjoyed tastings from dozens of craft breweries like Modern Times, Artifex, Harland, Nectar Creek, Alesmith, Ace Cider, Radiant and more, which were offering a variety of stouts, lagers, hard seltzer and kombucha and mead from noon to 3 p.m.

ALSO SEE: Punk in the Park blends music, craft beer and pro skating for its third fest

Now in its third year, Punk in the Park partnered with Costa Mesa-based skate shoe and apparel company Vans to bring in its vert ramp and several pro skateboarders and BMX riders including Steve Caballero, Christian Hosoi, Bucky Lasek, Lizzie Armento and Josh Borden. Throughout the day, these athletes put on a show of their own, catching the attention of the masses with impressive high-flying moves on the narrow and steep ramp.

Later in the day, Scowl, Drain, Suicide Machines, Guttermouth, Narcoleptic Youth, The Dickies and GBH got the crowd fired up for evening sets by Circle Jerks and day one headliner, Pennywise.

Sunday’s Punk in the Park lineup includes Descendents along with Goldfinger, Buzzcocks, Lawrence Arms, The Dwarves, The Queers, Throwrag, Elvis Cortez, The Side Eyes, Teenage Bottlerocket, The Casualties, The Defiant and more.

“It makes a difference in how people feel, how they look at themselves,” Woods, an ally, said. “We’re a huge community, so why not do something for somebody else?”

Like Woods, many hair stylists and salons across Southern California are leading the charge in centering LGBTQ+, nonbinary and gender-nonconforming people, at a time when these communities’ rights and gender-affirming care are being challenged nationwide.

Gender-affirming care — which includes medical care, mental health, social and even cosmetic services — can include any care or approach people get to transition themselves, and their bodies, to fit with their gender identity.

In 2023, states like Florida, Texas, and at least 15 others have passed laws that either restrict or outright ban gender-affirming care for transgender youth, and severely limit the rights of LGBTQ+ people, according to a tracking map by the Human Rights Campaign. At least 35% of transgender youth live in states that have passed bans on care. Over 70 anti-LGBTQ laws have been enacted this year; 15 of which banned gender-affirming care for trans youth.

Advocates hope people in these diverse communities know that there are resources available, especially if they are a person of color, queer or trans — groups that are historically underserved in health care and within the beauty industry, they say.

Woods, who owns her own salon in Loma Linda called BeUti 4 Ashes, took part in a recent event in the Inland Empire that provided free gender-affirming haircuts and styles for college students.

The second annual Queer Cuts, held at Cal State University San Bernardino on Oct. 18, brought in local stylists to provide gender-affirming haircare, in a safe environment, for free.

“I always say, ‘We always start with our crown’,” said Woods, who styled braids, locs — different from dreadlocks — and silk presses for natural hair, at the event. “So you start with your hair and if your hair looks good and feels good to you, everything else will fall in place.”

Lee Stovall, the coordinator of Cal State San Bernardino’s Queer and Transgender Resource Center, founded Queer Cuts on campus in 2022, where nearly 80 students received free haircuts, braids or locs. Stovall, who uses she and they pronouns, said the goal is to give students a “space where they can come and get essential services in a space that feels gender-affirming.”

Gender-affirming services, which are most often associated with transgender and nonbinary people, can include hormones or surgeries, such as top surgery, which aligns people’s bodies with their gender identity. Stovall said that someone getting a haircut and wardrobe that “feels more them” can help a lot with their sense of self, and is less permanent for those who want to “explore gender,” but don’t yet want surgeries.

Gender-affirming services are also not exclusive to the LGBTQ+ community, Stovall said. For example, a cisgender woman waxing her facial hair can be seen as gender-affirming.

At this year’s Queer Cuts, 32 students — of which 23 identified as trans, nonbinary or gender-nonconforming — were given haircare services, according to Stovall. Many who attended said they felt both valued and seen.

Ariz Martinez, a fourth-year liberal studies major, said she had been stressed with balancing school, her job and social activities, and hadn’t had time to get her hair done or practice self-care in a year. She said it was “meant to be” that the Queer Cuts event happened when it did.

“I feel like life has gotten to me lately,” Martinez said. “I feel so much better, I feel happy I brought myself today… The stylist was really nice, which made me feel better because I was really nervous about coming.”

Stovall said that getting services can be “really tough,” especially for queer and transgender people, because “just doing things that align with your gender identity can be really scary for folks.”

But removing any financial, psychological and emotional barriers is important to ensure overall comfort and safety, especially for youth, Stovall said. Having inclusive amd accessible events — like on a college campus — that advocate for these communities, while celebrating and affirming them, is essential.

“It’s a scary time to be queer and trans right now,” Stovall said.

Like Stovall, many LGBTQ+ people and allies worry about safety, especially with the recent influx of laws they say explicitly discriminate against them.

Over the summer, the Supreme Court ruled that a religious web designer in Colorado can’t be forced to create wedding websites for same-sex couples under the First Amendment. The ruling outraged many LGBTQ+ communities and allies, worrying that it could set a new legal precedent.

In response to growing anti-LGBTQ legislation reported around the U.S., California Gov. Gavin Newsom endorsed several laws that protect LGBTQ+ students and their privacy. They include AB 233, the Transgender Youth Privacy Act, which protects the privacy of minors applying to legally change their gender or sex identification by sealing those court records. Newsom also signed SB 345, which protects insurance providers against the enforcement of other states’ laws that criminalize or limit reproductive health care services or gender-affirming health care.

This past summer, L.A. County officials created a new LGBTQ+ Commission to expand gender-affirming care and programming.

Psychologists and health experts say that, while not a one-size-fits-all approach, finding gender-affirming care — particularly for many vulnerable transgender and nonbinary people — can save lives.

In California, 44% percent of LGBTQ youth seriously considered suicide in the past year, including 54% of transgender and nonbinary youth, according to The Trevor Project’s most recent survey on LGBTQ+ Youth Mental Health. Gender-affirming care is associated with positive mental health and overall well-being, and reduces overall suicide risk, researchers said. Major medical associations – including the American Medical Association, the American Psychiatric Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics – concur that gender-affirming care is clinically appropriate for children and adults.

“Gender-affirming care is healthcare,” said Madia Lopez, executive director of ProjectQ, an L.A.-based nonprofit that specializes in providing free gender-affirming haircare and community resources.

“When it comes to trans folks, we have we have a bit more of a struggle because we’re not only having to fight against the external view of who we are and how we show up in the world,” Lopez said, “but we also have to struggle with the internal.”

Breaking the binary

Hair stylists around Southern California said they felt proud to be a part of a community that helps people feel safe — while helping them step into and become more themselves on the outside.

Tustin resident and stylist Brenna McCarthy, who works at Studio Cru in Orange, has always made it a goal to provide a safe, open space for queer, trans and gender-nonconforming clientele. McCarthy said that can be challenging when options are “limited.”

“People are looking for specific queer stylists within Orange County, and there’s not a lot of spaces for that,” McCarthy, 30, said. “The biggest thing I love about my job is being able to help people match their outside appearance with the way that they feel on the inside.”

McCarthy said she’s often one of the first — and sometimes only — stylists to ask clients their pronouns, an effort to normalize using gender-neutral language and avoid assumptions.

With inclusive salons or programs like Queer Cuts or ProjectQ, “people come to you because this is the safest spot that they can be in,” she added. “They’re being so vulnerable with you and trusting you with their appearance.”

Stylist Bec Farrell, who works at Gray Area in Riverside and uses they and them pronouns, said that an important part of providing a safe environment is working at a shop that is accepting of gender-nonconforming people. Some barber shop environments, they said, “can be very intimidating and toxic for queer people.”

But Farrell believes that getting a haircut, where one usually connects with their stylist, can be equivalent to a therapy session.

“Hair holds trauma, in my opinion,” Farrell said. “Anytime I felt like I needed to start anew, I’ve shaved my head and that helps me embrace a new chapter in life. I wanted to really break the binary in hair, because hair doesn’t have a gender.”

“Whether you decide to have a gender or not, your hair has nothing to do with it. It’s just an extension of you expressing yourself and how you want to present yourself to the world,” Farrell said.

Fighting transphobia

Each year, more LGBTQ-owned entrepreneurs and allies are advertising as such, and research shows that their businesses are thriving.

In L.A., LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs contribute around $1.24 billion in funding, according to the latest State of LGBTQ Entrepreneurship report from nonprofit StartOut, which supports LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs.

Providing gender-affirming services not only creates safe, inclusive spaces, they can also drive the economy and are overall beneficial for LGBTQ+ communities.

Some stylists, who have shared their experiences with hate, are finding ways to empower their communities — one hairstyle at a time — at a time when people need it most.

Longtime stylist Jessie Santiago has experienced incidents of homophobia, racism and transphobia at her business, Salon Benders near downtown Long Beach. The salon has been targeted repeatedly with hate mail and vandalism, Santiago said.

“For the past five years, we have been infiltrated by a ton of hate. I’ve had restraining orders put out against people. I’ve had to basically keep my doors locked during business hours at all times,” Santiago, 40, said. “It’s just gotten to the point that I just don’t feel safe anymore.”

With Salon Benders, Santiago wanted to provide a safe and “revolutionary” space for queer, trans and gender-nonconforming people. She identifies as queer and has a trans partner.

In October, Santiago closed Salon Benders for security reasons. She plans to open a new private salon, the Benders Collective Art Studio, in Long Beach before 2024. She also hopes to start a podcast where participating clients can share their experiences and stories while getting their hair done.

One of the things that Santiago felt made her business stand out was the salon’s consultation style and “trauma-informed” approach, created with the help of a trained and licensed trauma therapist. Providing gender-affirming haircuts was something she focused on in her salon and required training from all her stylists.

“It involves understanding the person holistically, not just their hair,” she said. “It has to do with understanding what their gender identity is, and how we could help support that through their hair and wellness. It’s not just asking clients for a photo of what they want.”

Gender-affirming haircuts was something Santiago prioritized in her business.

“Providing affirmation as a person is so incredibly important, especially to younger folks, because they need to see themselves reflected in this world,” Santiago said. “For us, it was just really important to create more representation, more reflection of our community out in the world.”

Here are salons and resources in Southern California that provide gender-affirming haircare and services. They include:

• Gray Area: 3750 Main St, Riverside, 951-370-4145
• Bishops Cuts/Color: Various locations including Pasadena, Lake Forest and Irvine, bishops.co
• Studio Cru: 665 N Tustin St Suite A-114, Orange, 714-453-7741
• Benders Collective Art Studio: Private salon in Long Beach, opening in 2024
• BeUti 4 Ashes: 25051 Redlands Blvd., Loma Linda, 909-674-3046
• Strandsfortrans.org is a global network of hair, beauty and wellness organizations that seek to create safe, gender-affirming experiences
• ProjectQ: 4709 Fountain Ave, Los Angeles, 323-407-6676
• Bang Bang L.A.: 4511 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, 310-893-9856

Staff writers Beau Yarbrough and Allyson Vergara contributed to this report. 

The existing restaurant in Orange’s outdoor shopping center has been demolished and construction workers are clearing the lot at 3520 C The City Way East.

Demolition of the 11,463-square foot sit-down restaurant and construction of a new 3,885-square foot drive-thru was approved in December, according to the city. The new building would have indoor and outdoor seating and a double-stacking lane to accommodate 30 vehicles.

The project is still very early in the development process, according to Mike Abbate, assistant vice president of real estate and development for In-N-Out, which is based in Irvine.

In-N-Out applied for a conditional use permit for the property in August 2020.

It’s not unusual for restaurants to spend years in the planning and permit stage or for plans to appear on city planning agendas long before In-N-Out announces them. The chain usually adds restaurants to the “opening soon” page of its website when projects are at or near the construction phase. Construction typically takes eight to 10 months.

That page currently lists two Southern California restaurants that are underway, in Perris and San Juan Capistrano.

Judging from news reports, residents of Meridian, Idaho, are closely watching for the Gem State’s first In-N-Out to open there soon. It will be the eighth state to have In-N-Out, after California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Texas, Oregon and Colorado.

The chain has nearly 400 restaurants and celebrated its 75th anniversary last month.

“Skateboarding and punk rock have always gone pretty much hand in hand,” pro skater Steve Caballero and guitarist for Carlsbad-based punk band Urethane said during a recent phone interview. Caballero has played the Punk in the Park festival in the past, but this year will be hitting the Vans vert ramp for demos with other skating and BMX superstars.

ALSO SEE: Punk in the Park: Set times announced for Pennywise, Descendents, Circle Jerks, Goldfinger and more

“I wish I was playing this year, too, but maybe I’ll jump on stage with Pennywise for a song,” he said with a laugh.

Skater punks

During the festival, Caballero will be joined by fellow pro skaters Christian Hosoi, Bucky Lasek, Ruby Lilley, Lizzie Armanto, Josh Borden, Omar Hassan, BMX rider Rick Throne and more on the Vans vert ramp.

“I listen to all kinds of music, but growing up at the skate park I feel like I listened to so many of the bands that are performing (at Punk in the Park),” Armanto said during a separate phone chat. “I grew up skating with an older generation of bowl skaters and they listened to Circle Jerks, Descendents and even Goldfinger from the soundtrack to Tony Hawk’s pro skater video games — those are all such like classic skate bands.”

Both Caballero and Armanto were featured skaters on the summerlong Vans Warped Tour at some point in their careers. The beloved traveling music festival, which was helmed by Southern California promoter Kevin Lyman and ran from 1995 to 2019, brought on Vans as a sponsor and the skate ramp and demos were as big of an attraction as any of the music on the stages.

“I spent 10 years on Warped Tour and doing that all over the world was amazing,” Caballero said. “I saw it grow from eight bands to close to 100 bands a day. It’s really cool that Punk in the Park is adding a skate element this year and we’ll see what the fans think of it.”

“I miss that,” Armanto said. “Back in the day, Warped Tour was just such fun vibes and I feel like right now with nostalgic ’90s trending again, it’s kind of a perfect time to bring a little of that back.”

Punk in the Park and Brew Ha Ha Productions founder Cameron Collins said he never set out to create a Warped Tour-style event, but the combination of punk rock and hardcore music and skating and BMX all came together organically.

“It’s all just a part of this lifestyle and this punk and hardcore music is the soundtrack that most of these skaters were listening to and many of them still are,” Collins said.

It’s entirely possible that Hawk, one of the most recognized and highly decorated pro skaters of all-time, could show up to the event, too. He’s been hopping on stage to perform the song “Superman” with Goldfinger, which plays the festival on Sunday, more recently at a show at House of Blues Anaheim earlier this year and at the When We Were Young music festival in Las Vegas a couple of weeks ago.

“I hope he does show up,” Armanto said. “That would be fun for everyone and he’s a great guy.”

Brand new kicks

Steve Van Doren, vice president of events and promotions at Vans, said this partnership was all possible thanks to a phone call from his longtime friend Fletcher Dragge, guitarist of punk rock band and day one Punk in the Park headliner Pennywise.

“Fletcher called and said ‘We do this show called Punk in the Park and it’s us, Descendents, Guttermouth and all of these other bands and we’d like to have the Vans ramp out there like in the old days of Warped Tour’ and I got really excited and just said ‘Let’s do it,’” Van Doren recalled during a recent phone interview.

He said that though he got his fill of concerts doing Warped Tour for 24 years out of its 25-year existence, he really hasn’t been to a show since and he’s stoked to be bringing his brand to the event, as well as curating the talent on the vert ramp.

“I’m looking forward to seeing a lot of familiar faces and getting back inside the merch booth to say ‘Hi’ to people and give out some free stuff,” he said. “It’s like a big family. The music industry is a big family and it will be great to get that feel for music and skating again.”

Van Doren said Vans was also inspired to create special limited edition Punk in the Park shoes, which come in two styles and will be sold exclusively at the event. A few dozen fans were able to score some of the only 500 pairs during a Punk in the Park pre-party at Rad Beer Company in Anaheim on Oct. 14, but once they’re gone, they’re gone.

“No where else on Earth can you get these shoes, you can only get them if you come to Punk in the Park,” he insists. The designs were inspired by the 2023 Punk in the Park artwork, that features a punk rock jungle vibe.

“I would have never, in my lifetime, believed that at any point in my life that Vans would be doing not one, but two, custom shoe designs for one of my events,” Collins added.

Craft beer and more

Since Brew Ha Ha Productions also specializes in craft beer events, there will be beer, cider, mead, kombucha and seltzer tastings from noon-3 p.m. daily for all of those 21 and older.

Participating breweries include 2 Towns Ciderhouse, Alesmith, Artifex, Brewery X, Modern Times, It’s Alive Kombucha, Nectar Creek Meadery, Wild Barrel and more. Fans can also try the new Punk in the Park West Coast IPA, a collaboration between Rad Beer Co. and Stone Brewing, that will be available for tastings and for purchase alongside Stone’s Buenaveza Salt & Lime Lager in tall cans at the bars.

Cell service and WiFi have notoriously been an issue out at Oak Canyon, however Collins & Co. made an investment for additional infrastructure at the festival grounds to allow fans to access free WiFi to be able to text, call and use social sites. Onsite parking will be available, too, but they’ve also setup a free shuttle with roundtrip service to the Tustin Metrolink Station for those using ride share or public transportation.

Crossing generations

While the Punk in the Park stages boast some of the icons in punk rock music and the Vans vert ramp will feature big names in skating, both the stages and the ramp will also highlight fresh faces within each scenes.

“That’s exactly in line with what the festival is doing,” Collins said of the up-and-coming skate talent like 16-year-old Ruby Lilley and newer bands on the roster like Drain and Scowl. “We have these absolute legends and then we have a bunch of the next generation of legends.”

“It’s always awesome to introduce new talent,” Caballero added, though he said he’s a bit jaded with the bands since he grew up with so many of these punk musicians, he did say he’ll be going to check out some of the newer acts at the festival this year. As far as skating goes, he said the up-and-coming pros “keep us inspired, motivated and literally on our toes more than anything.”

Punk in the Park

When: Noon on Nov. 4-5

Where: Oak Canyon Park, 5305 Santiago Canyon Road, Silverado

Tickets: $64-$94 Saturday-only passes; $57-$77 Sunday-only passes; $159-$209 single-day VIP passes; $100-$120 Weekend all-ages passes (without craft beer tasting); $120-$160 Weekend general admission passes (with beer tasting); $300-$370 Weekend VIP passes; Kids ages five and under are admitted free with paid adult. All passes are available at punkinthepark.com.

Here is a list of some (but not all) bakeries and markets in Orange County where you can get your hands on pan de muertos for the annual holiday, which falls on Wednesday, Nov 1 and Thursday, Nov. 2.

Anaheim: Brizuela’s Bakery (1721 W. Katella Ave., suite R), La Reina Market (508 N. East St., Anaheim), Max’s Baked Goods (3414 W. Ball Road, suite J), Northgate Market (929 S. Euclid St.), Panaderia La Pequena (888 W. Lincoln Ave.), Panaderia Los Volcanes (2659 W. Lincoln Ave.)

Buena Park: Panaderia Indio (8204 Commonwealth Ave.), Porto’s Bakery (7640 Beach Blvd.), Northgate Market (1120 S. Bristol St.)

Costa Mesa: La Espiga De Oro (805 W. 19th St.), Panificadora Bakery (2200 Harbor Blvd., suite E120)

Dana Point: Buena Vista Market (34065 La Plaza)

Fullerton: Panaderia Y Pasteleria (2230 W. Orangethorpe Ave.)

Garden Grove: Estrella De Mexicali (12859 Chapman Ave.)

Huntington Beach: Chelos Panaderia (18029 Beach Blvd.)

La Habra: La Central Bakery (764 W. La Habra Blvd.), My Bakery (350 N. Harbor Blvd.), Northgate Market (1305 W. Whittier Blvd.), Panaderia y Pasteleria la Mexicana (1951 E. La Habra Blvd., suite 1A)

Lake Forest: Efren’s Bakery (24601 Raymond Way, #7), El Molino de Oro (23532 El Toro Road)

Orange: El Molino De Oro (728 N. Tustin St.), La Espiga De Oro Panaderia Carniceria (East Wilson Avenue), La Reina Market (909 N. Tustin St.), La Poblana (604 W. Chapman Ave.)

Placentia: Mil Hojas (642 W. Chapman Ave.)

San Juan Capistrano: El Molino De Oro (31886 Plaza Drive), Mercado El Rey (32252 Camino Capistrano) and El Campeon Bakery (31921 Camino Capistrano, #14)

Santa Ana: Cafe Cultura (324 W. Fourth St.), El Gallo Giro (1442 S. Bristol St., #1A), El Metate Panaderia (1338 W. First St.), El Panadero (1818 S. Standard Ave.), La Rancherita Bakery (2709 Westminster Ave., suite B), Northgate Market (230 N. Harbor Blvd., 1120 S. Bristol Street, 1010 South Main St.), Panaderia La Mejor (1331 E. First St.), Panaderia Paloza (1701 E. McFadden Ave.), Rosas Pasteleria Y Panaderia (1009 S. Fairview St.), Tlaxcala Bakery Panaderia (1208 S. Standard Ave.), Soy Concha Bakery (709 N. Bristol St., suite J)

Stanton: Leobardo’s Bakery (11841 Beach Blvd.), Panaderia Cortez (7506 Cerritos Ave.)

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  Maria Jimenez of Orange dances to the music of Tropic Starr during the Halloween costume party and luncheon put on by Meals on Wheels Orange County and the Orange Senior Center on Friday, October 27, 2023 at the Orange Senior Center in Orange. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)

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  Lorraine and Jerry Hensen of Orange attend the Halloween costume party and luncheon put on by Meals on Wheels Orange County and the Orange Senior Center on Friday, October 27, 2023 at the Orange Senior Center in Orange. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)

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  Seniors dance to the music of Tropic Starr during the Halloween costume party and luncheon put on by Meals on Wheels Orange County and the Orange Senior Center on Friday, October 27, 2023 at the Orange Senior Center in Orange. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)

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  Carol and Charlie Painter of Anaheim dance to the music as approximately 150 seniors gather for the Halloween costume party put on by Meals on Wheels Orange County and the Orange Senior Center on Friday, October 27, 2023 at the Orange Senior Center in Orange. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)

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  Rosemary Clark of Irvine, sits at a table during lunch as approximately 150 seniors gather for the Halloween costume party put on by Meals on Wheels Orange County and the Orange Senior Center on Friday, October 27, 2023 at the Orange Senior Center in Orange. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)

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  Jessie Flores, 96, of Santa Ana makes her way around the Halloween costume party and luncheon put on by Meals on Wheels Orange County and the Orange Senior Center on Friday, October 27, 2023 at the Orange Senior Center in Orange. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)

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  Bernie Budzyn of Orange dances to the music as approximately 150 seniors gather for the Halloween costume party put on by Meals on Wheels Orange County and the Orange Senior Center on Friday, October 27, 2023 at the Orange Senior Center in Orange. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)

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  The duo of Nina and David Nomura of Orange who make up the band, Tropic Starr, play music for the Halloween costume party and luncheon put on by Meals on Wheels Orange County and the Orange Senior Center on Friday, October 27, 2023 at the Orange Senior Center in Orange. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)

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  Seniors dance to the music of Tropic Starr during the Halloween costume party and luncheon put on by Meals on Wheels Orange County and the Orange Senior Center on Friday, October 27, 2023 at the Orange Senior Center in Orange. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)

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  Bernie Budzyn of Orange dances to the music as approximately 150 seniors gather for the Halloween costume party put on by Meals on Wheels Orange County and the Orange Senior Center on Friday, October 27, 2023 at the Orange Senior Center in Orange. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)

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  Seniors gather for a group photo during the Halloween costume party and luncheon put on by Meals on Wheels Orange County and the Orange Senior Center on Friday, October 27, 2023 at the Orange Senior Center in Orange. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Dressed in everything from a ghoulish monster mask to a Little Red Riding Hood cape, some 150 seniors gathered for a Halloween costume party Friday, Oct. 27, put on by the Orange Senior Center and Meals on Wheels Orange County in Orange.

Witches danced with pirates and pumpkins with other pumpkins as local duo Tropic Starr played hits such as “Thriller” and “Y.M.C.A.,” before lunch was served.

Rosemary Clark of Irvine, wearing a colorful wig with gold necklaces draped around her neck, sat at a table taking it all in, “I always come here, it’s so much fun.”

Jessie Flores, 96, of Santa Ana, held a wand in her hand and wore a pumpkin shirt along with a black mask as she pushed her walker between the tables looking to make sure everyone seated received a meal.

“I’ve been coming here for 20 years and I help volunteer,” she said. “I love it.”