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Tag: Orange County

  • Mall dining: The refined guide of where to eat at Brea Mall

    In the midst of a multimillion dollar redevelopment project that promises a slew of new marquee restaurants, Brea Mall already offers a bounty of choice eats.

    Ranging from independently-owned eateries to Taiwanese favorites to chain staples, this premier retail destination keeps shoppers from North County and the nearby Inland Empire well-fed as they navigate the complex’s Italian tile walkways, vaulted skylights and fountain (no mall is complete without a fountain).

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    With over 175 shops and more than two dozen eateries, Brea Mall is already a choice spot for dining in addition to satisfying the retail-therapy itch. Though it first opened in 1977, the mall recently kicked off a multiyear expansion effort to further cement its reputation at North County’s retail destination. The overhaul will include a new 119,000-square foot outdoor streetscape featuring brands like William’s Sonoma and Rivian, and most importantly, a fresh batch of new restaurant concepts including Din Tai Fung and North Italia, to name only two.

    ALSO READ: The ultimate guide to eating at South Coast Plaza

    Until those much-anticipated spots cut their ribbons, here is your essential guide to the best dining you can grab right now. For this guide, the focus is on either locally owned eateries and/or new food and drink spots that merit your immediate attention. The bulk of the mall’s chain stores — e.g., Starbucks, Cold Stone Creamery, Panda Express, Olive Garden, Red Lobster, Red Robbin, et al. — while tasty in their own right, won’t be mentioned in this guide in favor of locally owned eateries and/or new food and drink spots.

    The Alley serves Taiwanese-style bubble tea at the Brea Mall in Brea on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

    The Alley

    Located in the newly developed area (the comparatively sleeker part of the mall), this spot serves up refreshing Taiwanese-style bubble tea. The tea beverage purveyors have become a global phenomenon for their unique flavors, especially the Brown Sugar Deerioca Milk (their take on brown sugar boba). For something a bit different, check out the Ube Taro Milk or a Passion Fruit Green Tea.

    Find it: Lower level

    "The The Taiwanese fast-casual restaurant Bafang Dumpling at the Brea Mall in Brea on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

    Bafang Dumpling

    If you’re looking for a quick and affordable yet tasty bite, this Taiwanese fast-casual spot is the place to go. Bafang specializes in freshly made potstickers and dumplings. Its classic Cabbage and Pork Potstickers are a staple, while the Kimchi and Pork offer a nice twist. Don’t miss out on a side of crispy Fried Noodles or the Beef Dry Noodle dishs.

    Find it: Upper level

    Chagee Modern Teahouse

    The first Orange County location of this popular modern tea spot, which opened in early November, uses whole-leaf tea and milks to create its signature lattes. Highlights here include a floral Jasmine Green Milk Tea, Longing Black Milk Tea and Pu’erh Black Tea. During a recent visit on a Wednesday afternoon, lines were already out the door. An airy and modernly designed teahouse that pairs perfectly with its next-door neighbor, the equally airy and modernly designed Apple Store.

    Find it: Lower level

    Kura Revolving Sushi Bar

    Simply referred to as Kura, this sushi spot is a must-visit for its sheer fun factor alone. It features an interactive dining model where sushi, side dishes and desserts constantly glide by on a revolving conveyor belt. (Especially ideal if you want to eat solo and gaze hypnotically at the Neptunian fare passing by.) Be sure to try the Seared Salmon with Japanese Mayo, the Tuna Tataki and the Salmon Skin Hand Roll.

    Find it: Upper level

    Marketplace Café at Nordstrom

    The luxury department store’s dedicated eatery, Marketplace Cafe offers guests a casual/high-end dining experience. Expect such menu items as Skirt Steak, Truffle Mushroom Pizza, Spicy Wild Shrimp Pomodoro, Wild Salmon Niçoise, Chicken Lemon Pesto Gnocchi and more. Features indoor and patio dining

    Find it: Lower level/upper level

    Philz Coffee

    Another new addition to the mall, San Francisco-born Philz Coffee, famous for its meticulous “one cup at a time” pour-overs, is the spot to go to get your brain battery jolted back to life. You can’t go wrong with its signature Mint Mojito Iced Coffee, but the Ecstatic Iced Coffee or Mission Cold Brew (my regular order when I, fittingly, lived in San Francisco’s Mission District)) are also topnotch. Of course, they serve hot coffee and tea too. Philz also offers a bevy of sandwiches and burrito options, as well as a handful of decent sweet and savory pastries.

    Find it: Outdoor lower level

    Roll & Co

    Make your own bowls and spring rolls at this food court spot. High marks go to its Shrimp Rolls and shatteringly crisp Egg Rolls. And don’t miss out on the Grown Up Chocolate Chip Cookie (care of Dough and Arrow), a small-batch cookie with dark chocolate, brown butter, espresso, wafer crunch and Maldon sea salt.

    Find it: Food court

    "A A wall of ramens at Seoul Street in the Brea Mall. (Photo by Brock Keeling, Orange County Register/SCNG)

    Seoul Street

    At this Korean convenience store concept, guests can select from an expansive wall boasting a bevy of ramens from which to choose (why, yes, they do carry the “K-Pop Demon Hunters” ramen), purchase at the register, then prepare it at an automated station. It’s as much a feast for the eyes as it is the belly. Seoul Street is currently a pop-up shop, but plans for permanent roots could possibly be in its future.

    Find it: Lower level

    Tang Bar

    Only two months old (Brea Mall has really upped its gastronomic game as of late), Tang Bar offers a dynamic, self-serve, build-your-own experience centered on hot pot and malatang dining. It’s simple: You grab a bowl and load up on fresh ingredients (like mushrooms, beef brisket, mushrooms galore, lotus root, wafer-thin wagyu and more) before choosing a soup base or savory dry sauce. It’s also ideal for customizing your preferred level of spiciness, with endless combinations.

    Find it: Lower level

    "North North Italia restaurant at the Brea Mall in Brea on Wednesday, November 19, 2025 is still under construction. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

    The next wave

    The upcoming additions to Brea Mall are poised to completely change the dining landscape in North County. Get ready for these highly anticipated openings:

    The Melt (slated to open early 2026): This fast-casual favorite will bring its comforting cheese sandwiches to Brea. Highlights include the popular Melt Burger, gooey grilled cheese sandwiches, fries and mac and cheese.

    Din Tai Fung (opening 2026): On the heels of its Downtown Disney location, this globally lauded institution is known for its Xiao Long Bao, with each soup dumplings containing 18 precise folds.

    North Italia (opening 2026): This brunch, lunch and dinner spot will offer freshly made Italian and Italian American favorites. The menu at its Irvine location includes Tortellini al Pomodoro, Braised Short Rib Lumache, Trottole Chicken Pesto, Strozzapreti, Spicy Rigatoni Vodka Bolognese, Cacio e Pepe Arancini and more.

    Kalbi Social Club (opening 2026): This upscale Korean restaurant is best known for, as its name suggests, kalbi (short ribs) alongside tableside grilling service.

    Brock Keeling

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  • Woman decapitated by a garbage truck near elementary school in Orange County

    A woman was decapitated by a garbage truck when she was crossing the street Wednesday in Orange County, according to authorities.

    Maria Rubalcava de Ruesga, 69, of Santa Ana, was crossing the street around 7:56 a.m. near Shelton and Bishop streets when she was hit by a garbage truck making a right turn on Shelton, according to a Santa Ana Police Department news release.

    Officers from the police department got multiple calls about the traffic collision and along with the Orange County Fire Authority, responded to the scene, according to the release.

    The truck had been going east on Bishop Street and making a turn on the roundabout when it hit the woman as she was crossing the street, authorities said.

    ABC7 reported that the woman had been decapitated in the collision.

    Children and families from the nearby Pio Pico Dual Language Academy were also nearby during the incident, according to the outlet.

    The Santa Ana Unified School District will be providing support for witnesses of the crash.

    The Santa Ana Police Department’s Collision Investigation Unit will be investigating the crash, according to the release. Anyone with more information has been asked to contact the Santa Ana Police Department’s Traffic Division at (714) 245-8200.

    Summer Lin

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  • Universal Orlando announces new details for 2026 Mardi Gras celebration

    ORLANDO, Fla. — Universal Orlando unveiled new details on Thursday for the return of its annual event, Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval.

    What You Need To Know

    • Universal Orlando unveiled new details for the return of Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval

    • The 2026 festivities will take place from Feb. 7 through April 4

    • The popular celebration features a nightly parade with sparkling floats, street performers and colorful beads


    The 2026 festivities will take place from Feb. 7 through April 4. The popular celebration features a nightly parade with sparkling floats, street performers and colorful beads.

    Guests can also view live performances on select nights, as well as enjoy “a diverse array of international cuisine along with mouthwatering dishes inspired by New Orleans’ iconic flavors.”

    The Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience will be available for a separate purchase, according to park officials, which includes a three-course meal on the day of visit that features one appetizer, one entrée, one dessert and one non-alcoholic beverage from one of five participating restaurants: The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar (Universal CityWalk), NBC Sports Grill & Brew (Universal CityWalk), Lombard’s Seafood Grille (Universal Studios Florida), Confisco Grille (Universal Islands of Adventure; 2-Park ticket required) and Antojitos Authentic Mexican Restaurant (Universal CityWalk; available for dinner only). Guests can then take a reserved spot on the Mardi Gras parade float and toss colorful beads to other park-goers as part of the festivities.

    The Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience starts at $94.99 plus tax per person, Universal officials stated. Universal Orlando Passholders are eligible for a 15% discount off the ticketed price of the experience. View additional information about how to purchase the package and receive the discount.

    Anna Wronka

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  • Flood and snow advisories in place as another storm hits Southern California

    After an atmospheric river brought mudslides, debris flows, toppled trees and flooding to Southern California over the weekend, another colder storm began hitting the region on Monday. Weather officials in response issued flood and snow advisories for parts of the region urging people to stay safe.

    Besides the advisories, a flash flood warning was in place for parts of northern LA County until 9 p.m. Monday including Pasadena, Altadena, Pacoima, Sun Valley, Monrovia and Azusa.

    A “pretty notable” atmospheric river landed over the region this weekend, along with some damage, bringing one to six inches of rain across Southern California, according to meteorologists with the National Weather Service.

    “For November standards, it’s not too common for us to get an atmospheric river of the potency that we got. Usually, it’s more common that we would receive an atmospheric river that would give us a few inches of rain anywhere between December and March,” said NWS Meteorologist Sebastian Westerink.

    Usually Southern California receives about an inch of rain by this point in the year. Rain levels are currently above average, according to Westerink. The amount of rain SoCal has received at this point in the fall ranges from over an inch up to five inches of rain.

    Despite flood advisories issued Monday, many areas saw only light rain, but enough to dampen streets heading into the afternoon commute.

    Forecasters said the rain would continue to fall into late Monday night, “with decreasing showers continuing into Tuesday.”

    “Behind the front (Monday night) and Tuesday, an unstable and showery pattern will prevail as the upper low drops southward,” according to the NWS. “By Tuesday evening, rainfall totals with this system are expected to range from half an inch to one inch for coastal/valley areas with one to two inches for the foothills and mountains.

    Rainfall rates through Tuesday are expected to generally be under half an inch per hour and will generate nuisance flooding across the area. But forecasters warned that isolated pockets could see rain rates of about an inch per hour, which could trigger more serious flooding and debris flows. A dusting of snow was also possible along the Grapevine stretch of Interstate 5 on Tuesday morning.

    “Along with the rain and snow, thunderstorms will be a risk … through Tuesday. As the upper low drops southward today, a cold and unstable air mass will bring a threat of thunderstorms to all areas. On Tuesday, the threat of thunderstorms looks to be confined to LA county as well as interior sections of Ventura and Santa Barbara counties,” the NWS said.

    The storm system was expected to be out of the area by late Tuesday, with the area getting a respite from the rain on Wednesday. But another storm system was expected to arrive in the Los Angeles area by Thursday afternoon.

    Forecasters said that system could drop another quarter- to three-quarters of an inch of rain.

    The National Weather Service also issued a Winter Weather advisory on Monday afternoon for the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains that will be in effect until 10 p.m. on Tuesday. Two to five inches of snow is expected to fall at elevations above 6,000 feet. Areas around 5,500 feet elevation could also see some powder. The affected towns  include Running Springs, Big Bear and Wrightwood. Drivers were advised to proceed with caution.

    Ryanne Mena, City News Service

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  • Orange County to give $1M to Second Harvest Food Bank to meet rising need



    Orange County leaders are poised to approve an extra $1 million for the region’s largest hunger relief organization this week, in light of the recent uncertainty surrounding federal food assistance and the impact of the 43-day government shutdown that ended last week.

    Most federal government employees, including tens of thousands in Central Florida alone, were furloughed for the duration of the shutdown or forced to continue working without pay for the duration of the shutdown. (The status of back pay for those workers is yet to be determined, although a document reviewed by Semafor shows the administration is working on getting payments out by Nov. 19.)

    On Tuesday, Orange County’s board of county commissioners and Mayor Jerry Demings will vote on whether to approve the extra funding for Second Harvest Food Bank, which serves seven counties (including Orange) across Central Florida. 

    Based in Orlando, Second Harvest already has a three-year $7.75 million contract with the county, approved by county commissioners in August. But after the Trump administration pretended they didn’t have the money to fund Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for millions of low-income families during the government shutdown, Mayor Demings proposed an additional $1 million investment from the county to support food assistance efforts.

    Especially since Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, unlike governors in other states, refused to step up and commit state resources for food aid.

    “One thing I like about living in Orange County is that we are a compassionate community,” Demings said at a press conference in late October, organized just days before funding for SNAP was expected to run out. “We come together when we need to during a crisis, and that’s what we’re asking us to do today, is as a community, let us come together.”

    Demings can’t approve extra funding for Second Harvest unilaterally. That’s why he’s set it up for a vote this Tuesday, in front of the full board of county commissioners.

    Although the federal government officially reopened this past Wednesday, ending the longest shutdown in U.S. history, Demings defended his proposal to provide additional support Friday when questioned by hosts of WMNF Radio’s Tampa-based news program, “The Skinny.”

    “At the end of the day, my central job is to look out for the people in my community, and we have countless federal employees who now went well over 30 days without any pay,” Demings said, when pressed on the issue. “Then we have the temporary suspension, if you will, of SNAP benefits that has impacted residents in my community.”

    “What we’re simply saying here in Orange County [is] if we have the ability to assist those who may need food, we’re going to do that.”

    Demings, a former county sheriff first elected mayor in 2018, recently launched a campaign for Florida governor. With DeSantis term-limited from seeking re-election next year, Demings will face a tough campaign ahead against Republican opponents, including the Trump-endorsed Republican Congressman Byron Donalds.

    Demings formally announced his bid for governor, setting up a Democratic primary fight next year against former Congressman David Jolly

    The federal SNAP program, formerly known as food stamps, serves nearly 42 million Americans, including 175,000 households in Orange County earning up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level. That’s equal to just over $31,000 for a single childless adult, or $64,300 for a family of four. 

    Stephanie Palacios, director of advocacy and government relations for Second Harvest, told Orlando Weekly last month that most of the people they serve are working families. Florida has work requirements in place for most adults who receive SNAP benefits.

    “These are people who are working one and two jobs, and they’re struggling with high rent and challenges at the grocery store, so they are turning to our pantry network to help fill in those gaps,” Palacios said in an interview.

    Her organization works with a network of 870 community partners across Orange, Osceola, Brevard, Lake, Volusia, Brevard and Marion counties to distribute food to those in need. Although the government has reopened, it’s still unclear when SNAP benefits will be distributed by the Florida Department of Children and Families, the state administrator of the program. U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins said Thursday that most should receive their payments by Monday, Nov. 17, at the latest.

    According to Axios, Florida hasn’t publicly released a timeline for this, unlike more than a dozen states — red and blue — that have already confirmed their release of November SNAP benefits. The Tallahassee Democrat reports that some Florida residents have started to receive their benefits or have received partial benefits for the month. Others are still waiting.

    On average, Florida SNAP recipients receive about $186 per month for food, or $6.12 per person, per day. With about 2.9 million Floridians receiving federal food assistance each month, Florida has the fourth-largest enrollment of SNAP recipients in the country.

    If you need help finding food for yourself or your family, search for your nearest food pantry through Second Harvest’s Food Finder Tool.

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    Expiring Affordable Care Act tax credits have been central to the funding fight behind the federal government shutdown

    The debt relief initiative, made possible through funds from the Biden administration, has relieved medical debt for 302,000 people.

    Nearly 3 million people are expected to lose access to the federal food assistance program





    McKenna Schueler
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  • Florida families struggle post-shutdown as SNAP backlogs persist

    ORLANDO, Fla. — The government shutdown may be over, but the aftershocks are still hitting millions of families who rely on SNAP benefits. Advocates say the delays and confusion won’t disappear overnight.

    What You Need To Know

    • SNAP delays from the shutdown left families choosing between groceries and basic bills

    • No Kid Hungry says 1 in 5 Florida children lack guaranteed meals

    • Heart of Florida United Way reported a 114% spike in 211 calls for food assistance

    • Advocates warn the surge in need may continue through the holiday season as SNAP backlogs clear


    Families are now untangling weeks of missed paychecks and backlogged SNAP benefits.

    “You know, you really saw families having to make really difficult choices,” said Sky Beard, Florida Director of No Kid Hungry. “Having to make tradeoffs about ‘am I going to pay the electric bill or am I going to make that run to the grocery store so that my children have access to food?’” 

    Beard says during the shutdown, the lapse in SNAP benefits, affected more than 40 million Americans, including 16 million children.

    She added that in Florida, one in five kids are living in homes where meals are not a guarantee. During this time, kids were hit hard, and are still feeling the ripple effects.

    “We saw over the last couple weeks how critically important SNAP is to addressing food and security across Florida, across the country. We’ve also seen really how fragile that food system is,” Beard said.

    Many nonprofits, including Heart of Florida United Way, say they’re seeing the aftermath firsthand. Calls to their 211 hotline spiked by 114% as families searched for help and answers.

    “Individuals were calling to try to find the nearest food bank, (asking) where they would be able to find a meal to put on the table for their family. Maybe even for that evening. That was a tremendous increase,” said Graciela Noriega-Jacoby, COO of Heart of Florida United Way.

    The shutdown, Noriega-Jacoby says, created far more than a gap in benefits, it created weeks of uncertainty for many families.

    “One of the things that we don’t see from the impacts of the federal shutdown is this fear, the anxiety, the stress that is put upon so many people who rely on basic needs — food, housing, even child care,” she said.

    Advocates say it could take weeks for SNAP benefits to fully catch up. The weight of playing catch-up is heightened, and the surge in need may last well into the holiday season.

    Ashley Engle

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  • Fullerton Schools, Medical Center Evacuated After Bomb Threats

    Fullerton police are investigating bomb threats at four local schools and St. Jude Medical Center, prompting evacuations and lockdowns while authorities assess the credibility of the threats

    Fullerton police are investigating bomb threats made at four local schools and St. Jude Medical Center on Thursday afternoon. The schools targeted include Sunny Hill High, Fullerton Union High, Troy High, and Fern Drive Elementary. 

    As a precaution, all four schools were placed on lockdown while police worked to verify the legitimacy of the threats. At Fern Drive Elementary, officers stayed on campus with students and staff, while parents were advised to follow evacuation protocols set by the district. 

    In a separate incident, a bomb threat prompted the evacuation of the emergency room at St. Jude Medical Center around 5:40 p.m. The evacuation lasted about 20 minutes before patients were allowed to return to the facility, according to Fullerton PD.

    At this time, the credibility of the threats remains unclear, and no injuries have been reported during the investigations.

    Melissa Houston

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  • USDA secretary: SNAP recipients set to receive food payments by Monday at latest

    ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — As states across the country scramble to issue the full SNAP benefits that nearly 42 million nationwide and 2.9 million in the Sunshine State depend upon, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins said Thursday that most recipients will receive their payments by Monday at the latest.

    Although the restoration of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) after the 43-day government shutdown will provide relief, many people are still likely to experience food insecurity afterward, according to a local nonprofit leader.

    What You Need To Know

    • SNAP recipients can expect to receive full benefits again by Monday, according to the U.S. Agriculture secretary

    • But for many, the fear of not knowing where they will get their next meal remains

    • One widowed, single mother who is dependent on SNAP says she struggled to keep food on the table for her and her 14-year-old son during the government shutdown

    • Meanwhile, the leader of one local nonprofit says that food insecurity and demand have not been so high since the COVID-19 pandemic


    Single widowed mother Jen Hall, who is a SNAP recipient, described the past month as “challenging” as she struggled to put food on the table for her and her 14-year-old son.

    Even before the government shutdown, however, Hall says her SNAP benefits were shrinking. In order to be deemed eligible for SNAP, she has to recertify every six months. But the last time she recertified prior to the shutdown, her monthly allowance dropped from around $160 to just $24 a month.

    “It was a challenge to not know when things are coming,” Hall says. “We’ve got the holidays coming up. There’s lots of things coming up, but also, every day people need to eat.”

    Hall is permanently disabled and still grieving the loss of her husband, who passed away last year because of health complications following a workplace incident in 2022.

    She says that her husband’s lack of adequate healthcare contributed to his death, which is why she firmly believes that food and healthcare are two basic human rights to which everybody should have access.

    “When we’re looking at the government shutdown, it’s important to frame that as the choice was people dying from lack of healthcare or people going hungry, and both of those are lose-lose situations, and I happen to be one of those people who sits on both sides of those,” Hall says. “My husband died from lack of adequate healthcare. I would die if I lost health insurance, and I have no idea how I am going to continue to feed my son and I.”

    Hall was in a car accident that left her permanently disabled years ago. Today, she relies on Medicare and Medicaid to get care. She says she has not been able to find a job because of the nature of her medical conditions.

    “The other concern is that if I do attempt employment, there’s a good chance I will lose my health insurance, and without my health insurance, I will die,” she says.

    During the shutdown, Hall sought help from the Hope CommUnity Center in Apopka, which provides an emergency food pantry to community members in need, including SNAP recipients like her.

    Central Florida nonprofits like the Hope CommUnity Center are still short on food donations, leaders say.

    “Food insecurity is even larger than what it was during the (COVID-19) pandemic,” Hope CommUnity Center Executive Director Felipe Sousa-Lazaballet says.

    The increase in demand was exacerbated by recent federal cuts that forced them to be entirely dependent on donations from local churches and other nonprofits, he says.

    The most demand Sousa-Lazaballet has seen comes from Social Security recipients and single mothers like Hall, he says.

    “The majority of the people that we’re supporting are actually U.S. citizens who are in incredible need, and it is incredibly sad that in the richest country in the world, people are going hungry right now,” he says.

    Sousa-Lazaballet is encouraging people to donate to local food drives or to nonprofits within their communities to help nonprofits fill the food insecurity gaps.

    Sasha Teman

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  • Surfer walks 1,196 miles to raise awareness for endangered steelhead trout

    Sean Jansen grew up surfing the waves at Lower Trestles – but little did he know, there was a struggling species in the nearby San Mateo Creek, the same river that helped create the surf break he’s enjoyed his entire life.

    The pristine beach area near his hometown of San Clemente had given him so much, he wanted to give something in return. So he set out on a quest to follow the natural habitat of the California steelhead trout, and raise awareness about why this unique fish is facing extinction, in large part due to human urbanization.

    Sean Jansen, of San Clemente, walked 86 days across Southern California to raise awareness for the steelhead trout, a struggling, endangered species that lives between rivers and the Pacific Ocean. (Photo courtesy of Jansen)

    The fish is a coastal rainbow trout, and similar to salmon, it matures in the ocean and then returns to swim upstream in the river to spawn. It repeats the cycle over and over — if it can find a way back up through freshwaters.

    “I felt guilty I didn’t know about it, at this wave I surf,” Jansen said. “And I realized this is not the only creek, throughout California, there are hundreds of creeks that have this fish.”

    He’s now working with California Trout, a group spearheading efforts to bring the species back from the brink of extinction brought on by the damming up of waterways, pollution, agriculture, climate change, the list goes on.

    Jansen said he decided to do a walkabout covering the migration patterns of the trout, from the ocean to the mountains, along rivers that meet the sea. He started in San Clemente up to Pismo Beach, then headed to the San Bernardino mountains, where he would take the Pacific Crest Trail down to the Mexico border, then back up the coast to finish where he started.

    The journey started in 2024 and happened over a total of 86 days, an estimated 1,196 miles. He took more than 2.6 million steps, burned 165,745 calories and spent 237 hours and 42 minutes walking.

    His final steps this week landed him back in his hometown of San Clemente at T-Street Beach, where his adventure started.

    “It hasn’t hit me yet,” Jansen said, as he walked up the beach trail, looking out at the waves rolling in.

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Sean Jansen, of San Clemente, walked 86 days across Southern California to raise awareness for the steelhead trout, a struggling, endangered species that lives between rivers and the Pacific Ocean. (Photo by Laylan Connelly/SCNG)

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The journey didn’t happen in one swoop, rather three separate trips that started on April 15, 2024. He left from T-Street to head up to Santa Maria south of Pismo Beach, stopping at all the rivers the trout are known to live. That segment was 340 miles, taking three weeks.

Then he looped from Santa Maria inland to Wrightwood, then Big Bear in San Bernardino Mountains, another 300 miles that took him another three weeks.

During the summer months, he serves as a wildlife guide at Yellowstone National Park, so at that point he put the trek on hold to get back to work.

He was set to pick up where he left off in the fall of 2024, but fires ripped through the region, closing down several sections of trails he needed to access to finish the journey.

A year passed before he could pick back up in Big Bear, and on Oct. 10, he got a ride up the windy road up to where he left off. And then, again, started walking, taking the Pacific Crest Trail south.

Jansen was familiar with the route, hiking the entire 2,600-mile Pacific Crest Trail, from Alaska to Mexico, in 2015.

He packed noodles and instant meals to cook on a portable stove, used a water filter to drink from streams and rivers and when his body needed a rest, he listened.

He encountered a bear once, he said, but not a big deal – as a wilderness guide, he sees them all the time in Yellowstone and clapped it away. The rattlesnake was more of a scare, he said, striking his walking stick while he traversed a remote area.

There was the mysterious rash that crept over his body, and into his eye, that lasted about two weeks. He’s still unsure what it was from.

But more memorable were all the conversations Jansen had with random people he met, a chance to educate people on the plight of the steelhead trout, the purpose behind his journey.

“For me, it’s all about giving back,” Jansen said. “Nature has given me so much, this is my effort to return the favor.”

The largest recorded steelhead trout came from the San Juan Creek, measured at 34 inches, he said. “These are big fish, they can reach the same size as a salmon.”

The last recorded population number is 170 in all of Southern California.

Jansen carried along with him a steelhead trout stuffed animal, which he named “Steely Daniela” in a nod to the ’70s rock band, and used it as a pillow along his journey.

As he wrapped up his trek, he said one thing he was humbled by was the natural terrain of Southern California’s wilderness areas.

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Sean Jansen, of San Clemente, walked 86 days across Southern California to raise awareness for the steelhead trout, a struggling, endangered species that lives between rivers and the Pacific Ocean. (Photo courtesy of Jansen)

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In the mountains, the creeks and rivers the trout can be found in are pristine, he said. But the concreted channels closer to human development are “in pretty rough shape,” he said.

“They are wilderness, protected and they are wild,” he said of the headlands. “But when they get into civilized areas, they are full of pollution and concreted. We have literally stopped the geomorphological processes.”

There have been recent efforts to help the struggling species.

Dam removal projects and stream restoration efforts have gained steam in recent years.  A $45 million proposed trail bridge in San Juan Capistrano would remove barriers in Trabuco Creek, helping the trout to travel between the ocean to their spawning grounds in the Santa Ana Mountains.

There are efforts, Jansen added, to remove dams in Ventura and Malibu to bring back natural sediment at the coast.

“How did we not know we can’t control nature?” he said of the concrete that has lined many once-natural waterways. “We tried and failed, and it costs millions of dollars to fix our problems. They are full of sediment or polluted. There’s no benefit. Some are necessary because of flood control. But some are unnecessary and going to be removed in the coming years.”

Jansen said he hopes one day the barriers will be removed and rivers can run free, as they did until the dams and channels were built.

“I hope that we are able to let them do what they do,” he said. “If they give them the chance, they will come back. My hope is the low number of fish can get into the tens of thousands, like they used to be. If we let them, they will come back, it’s that simple.”

If we don’t fix the problems humans created, he said, the next species will suffer, a domino effect that will throw off the balance of nature.

Now, comes the challenging part, he said, going through his photos and writing his experience for a book about his journey and the steelhead trout.

The educational journey wasn’t his first, nor his last. A few years ago, he paddled more than 1,000 miles along the Baja Peninsula to raise awareness for the endangered porpoise, writing “Paddling with Porpoise.” His next adventure will likely raise awareness about the rebounding wolf population in Yellowstone.

For more about his trek, go to jansenjournals.com.