#45 Corrie TenBoom (Irene)

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Corrie TenBoom told the story of her life in "The Hiding Place." She died in Cypress, California, in 1983 and was buried at Fairhaven Memorial Park in Santa Ana. Corrie and her family sheltered many Jews and resisters of Nazism in Holland during the years of the Holocaust, and they were arrested and imprisoned in a concentration camp where her father and sister died. Corrie survived, established homes for the healing and rehabilitation of WW2 survivors, and went on to travel all over the world speaking on the impact that God's love and forgiveness can have on one's life. Her simple, unadorned grave speaks to me of the of the power of an ordinary person to do what is right when called upon. I like to think of her kind and courageous heart embracing those who must visit this cemetery in the midst of grief and loss. MAP

#44 UCI (Tanya)

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UCI: “Under Construction Indefinitely,” “University of Chinese Immigrants,” or “University of Civics and Integras. ” Whatever the creative acronym of preference, the University of California, Irvine, is undoubtedly the heart of Orange County. This public ivy institution was founded in 1965 and has grown to a nationally-ranked public research university, NCAA Division I school, and will be home to southern California’s newest law school. It also plays a vital role in the Orange County economy as the second largest employer in the region. On a personal note, my undergraduate experience at UCI not only fostered a career path and introduced me to life-long friends; it cultivated my appreciation for a strong sense of community and diversity of thought. MAP

#43 Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary (Kirk)

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Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary Bird Porch: It is a wonderful place to watch hummingbirds, finches, quail, scrub jays and more visit the many feeders in front of the porch. On a hot day one can take a seat under the sheltering wisteria and relax far from the sprawl and noise of Orange County, as generations of people have been doing since the 1920's. MAP

#42 Top of the World (Sofia)

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The one place I consider to be famous in the OC is Top of The World. It is a simply breathtaking view because you can look to the west and see the coast with the ocean lapping on the shore. The you can look to the east and see inland and see all the homes and the beautiful mountains and other landscapes. Top of the World is the only place that came to mind when I heard about this project. MAP

#41 Calvary Chapel: Costa Mesa (Rick)

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If I had to pick one I would pick Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa.  Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa helped define the Jesus Movement in the late 60's and early 70's.  From its humble beginnings as a small 'country church', Calvary Chapel has grown to become a mega church with over 1300 affiliated churches worldwide. MAP
  

#40 Alibaba Motel (Jennifer)

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One of the famous/infamous landmarks along the 55 fwy heading south is the AliBaba Motel (off Newport Blvd and 22nd).   It is of significance because it was once a fine establishment to stay in when visiting Costa Mesa/Goathill back in the day, but also because it is of personal value to me.  Upon leaving my marriage with my 6 (now 16 year old daughter) from  a move to Northern California, we returned to Costa Mesa--our home.  When we were exiting the freeway, she said,  "Oh Momma, the AliBaba! We're Home!"  And every single day that I drive past, I think, "I am home."  The way the light is reflected off the gold roof is phenomenal.  The fact that teenagers now rent the rooms out for a night to party.  It has evolved as the OC has evolved and as my daughter and I have evolved.  For better or worse, it still stands and represents home to me and to her and probably to many others.  Take a look!  MAP

#39 Sunset Beach Water Tower (Jeani)

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My favorite place is Sunset Beach where I currently live.  It is where I went throughout my life as a kid and have lived there the last 8 years.  It is unincorporated, so no mailman, market, school. Volunteer fire dept.  Lots of community activities, a lot of musicians, fun people and some real kooks!  The Water Tower is known in Sunset. You can rent it monthly for, I believe $7,000 per month!  MAP

#38 San Juan Capistrano Train Station (Rik)

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My own very favorite is the Train Station at San Juan Capistrano. Of course from the Historic Los Rios side.  It's almost like someone took a giant knife and sliced it right down the middle.  One side Los Rios. The other side development.  In the 1950's I first heard the song "When The Swallows Come Back To  Capistrano."  It hypnotized me for life! It is what brought me to California from Florida.  And only part of what has kept me here all these years.  It's truly a step back in time for me - every time I go there.  MAP

#37 Huntington Beach Field Workers (Amalia)

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I'm an Orange County Native and a Social Worker.  I think that my famous hometown of Huntington Beach should definitely be in the projects. However, I would like to show a different side of the partying and surfing... it maybe the social worker in me, but I've always wanted to stop and photograph the hidden field workers that pick vegetables on the corner of Slater and Graham... The field is hidden and enclosed by a bike trail with a view of the ocean...  MAP

#36 Ramakrishna Monastery (Mary)

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This place is dedicated to honoring all religious traditions and is a place of quiet peacefulness... It is one of the few places where there is actually a medicine wheel that is used by Native Americans for prayer as well as having shrines to the Jewish, Hindu, Christian, Moslem and Buddhist traditions, etc. that are used as places of quiet prayer and meditation. I love the views there, the quiet natural peacefulness and like the drive up there through the oak lined streets. My favorite places there are the Hindu, Christian and Native American shrines... The other areas are beautiful too. You may well have your favorites once you go up there. Be sure to ring the bell when you go up there so the monks will know you are there and make sure you take of your shoes and go into the meditation cave to just be in the darkness and silence which is so potent that you can hear your own breath and heart beat.  MAP