Orange Coast is an American lifestyle magazine focusing on the Orange County, California region. Established in February 1974, it is the oldest continuously published lifestyle magazine in the area. The magazine covers the region's people, places, cuisine, fashion, home design and décor, and events.[1]
History
Orange Coast was founded in February 1974 to highlight the lifestyle and culture of Orange County. Over the decades, it has chronicled the region's growth and transformation, becoming a staple in local media.[2]
The magazine underwent significant redesigns in June 2008[3] and August 2017 to modernize its aesthetic and editorial approach. In 2024, it celebrated its 50th anniversary, marking half a century of storytelling and community engagement.[4]
Content and Features
Orange Coast offers in-depth coverage of various topics, including:
- People: Profiles of notable Orange County residents, from entrepreneurs to artists.
- Cuisine: Explorations of the local dining scene, featuring restaurant reviews and chef interviews.
- Fashion: Insights into regional fashion trends and local designers.
- Home Design and Décor: Showcases of distinctive Orange County homes and interior design tips.
- Events: Comprehensive guides to local events and festivals.
Special Editions and Recognitions
Throughout its history, Orange Coast has produced special editions focusing on various themes, such as:
- Best of Orange County: An annual issue highlighting the finest dining, shopping, and services in the area.
- Icons of O.C.: Features on enduring institutions and personalities that have significantly impacted the county's culture and identity.[5]
Community Events
Orange Coast magazine actively engages with the local community by organizing and sponsoring various events throughout the year. Notable events include:
- Kickass Women Luncheon: An annual luncheon celebrating influential women in Orange County, recognizing their contributions across various fields.[6]
- Best of 2024 Party: An event honoring the finest in dining, shopping, and services in Orange County, celebrating local businesses and their achievements.[7]
- Whiskey Festival: A gathering for whiskey enthusiasts to explore and taste a variety of premium whiskeys, often featuring educational sessions and entertainment.[8]
- Charitable Events: The magazine sponsors and promotes numerous charitable events, such as the NEGU Golf Classic, supporting local causes and nonprofit organizations.[9]
Through these events, Orange Coast fosters a sense of community, supports local businesses, and contributes to philanthropic efforts within Orange County.
Circulation and Readership
Orange Coast boasts a diverse readership, appealing to both long-time residents and newcomers interested in the region's lifestyle. Its circulation figures and audience demographics reflect a commitment to delivering content that resonates with a broad spectrum of readers.
Ownership and Leadership
Previous owners of the publication include Emmis Publishing, which acquired it in July 2007,[10] and Hour Media Group, which purchased it in 2017.[11]
In December 2022, Los Angeles–based criminal defense attorney Mark Geragos and civil rights lawyer Ben Meiselas acquired Los Angeles magazine—and its affiliated regional publications, including Orange Coast—from Hour Media through a new entity, Engine Vision Media, LLC.[12] In April 2023, Christopher Gialanella was appointed president and publisher of Engine Vision Media, overseeing Los Angeles, Orange Coast, Pasadena, and So Cal Design magazines.[13] As of 2023, Tina Borgatta serves as editor-in-chief of Orange Coast, and Andrew Curry is vice president of digital.
References
- ^ "Orange Coast Magazine". Orange Coast Magazine. Retrieved March 21, 2025.
- ^ "Celebrating 50 Years of Orange Coast". Orange Coast Magazine. Retrieved March 21, 2025.
- ^ "Orange Coast Relaunches With New Look, New Editor, and a New Perspective". Science Letter. June 17, 2008. Archived from the original on September 24, 2015. Retrieved May 27, 2012.
- ^ "50 Years of Orange Coast". Orange Coast Magazine. Retrieved March 21, 2025.
- ^ "Icons O.C.: Celebrating Orange County Entities That Have Thrived for Half a Century". Orange Coast Magazine. Retrieved March 21, 2025.
- ^ "Kickass Women Luncheon". Orange Coast Magazine. Retrieved March 21, 2025.
- ^ "Best of 2024 Party". Eventbrite. Retrieved March 21, 2025.
- ^ "Whiskey Festival". Eventbrite. Retrieved March 21, 2025.
- ^ "Charitable Events". Orange Coast Magazine. Retrieved March 21, 2025.
- ^ "EMMS: Acquisition of Orange Coast Magazine in Orange County, California". Knobias. July 26, 2007. Archived from the original on October 15, 2013. Retrieved May 27, 2012.
- ^ Peltz, James F. (March 2017). "Top editors let go after Los Angeles magazine is sold to Hour Media Group". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved March 21, 2025.
- ^ Tinoco, Armando (December 6, 2022). "Los Angeles Magazine Sells To Attorneys Mark Geragos And Ben Meiselas; Formed Engine Vision Media". Deadline. Retrieved March 21, 2025.
- ^ "Engine Vision Media Hires Chris Gialanella as President & Publisher". PR Newswire (Press release). March 17, 2023. Retrieved March 21, 2025.