Lost Landmarks of Orange County

Chris Epting is the author of 45 books, including It Happened Right Here (Santa Monica Press), Roadside Baseball (Santa Monica Press), and Bingo! (Ralph Lawler’s memoir) (Santa Monica Press). He is also an award-winning travel writer and has contributed articles for such publications as the Los Angeles Times, Westways, and Travel + Leisure magazine. In addition, Epting is a veteran music journalist and co-wrote the Doobie Brothers’ memoir Long Train Runnin’ and Change of Seasons (John Oates’ memoir) (St. Martin’s Press). He served on the Orange County Historical Commission and co-created and co-hosts the PBS TV series The OC History Hunters.

“Complete with rare photos, the book is both a love letter to O.C. and a guide of sorts to beloved and curious places that no longer exist. Epting recalls former theme parks such as Newport Beach’s Buffalo Ranch; theaters like Orange’s Cinedome; restaurants such as Karam’s on Balboa Island; and even racetracks like the Orange County International Raceway.”—Westways magazine“A gem of a book about the forgotten gems of the OC. Lost Landmarks of Orange County recalls the days when alligators, buffalo, movie stars (in wax), and rock stars (in progress) dotted the landscape all across the area from Brea to San Clemente. . . . Epting’s writing (and research) is engaging and far-reaching; his prose is composed with a twinkle in his eye. For those who might think of the OC as a bland land of pink stucco condos and never-ending freeways, here is the antidote to point out that Orange County has long had its quirky corners.”—Orange County Tribune“For those of us who remember 20th century Orange County, this guide by Chris Epting is a terrific nostalgia trip!”—Larry Mantle, host, AirTalkAuthor and historian Chris Epting documents long-gone Orange County treasures in his book, a detailed narration with copious prints and photos. . . . He gives readers a surprise at every turn of the page. Who knew that Buena Park once had an alligator-and-snake show, Santa Ana a legal drag strip and Santiago Canyon a working coal mine? Epting’s three years of research to create this 300-page, hardcover collection of stories included documenting tales from people who had personal connections to these lost landmarks.”—The Coast News“If you grew up in Southern California, Epting’s work will bring smiles and tears of nostalgia for simpler times in the Southland.”—True West magazine