As usually happens when you meet a new acquaintance, they ask where you live. The conversations goes like this:

• Me: “Hi, nice to meet you.”
• Acquaintance: “Nice to meet you as well, are you from around here?”
• Me: “Yes, I’ve always lived in Orange County. I grew up and still live in Santa Ana.”
• Acquaintance: “Oh. Really?? (Insert incredulous look of surprise here. End conversation about residences.)”

Santa Ana gets a bad rap. Just like any suburban/urban city, Continue reading →