Germany moves to relax rigid family name system

• April 12, 2023

Associated Press

BERLIN — Germany’s justice minister on Tuesday launched plans to relax the country’s strict restrictions on family names — for example, allowing couples to take double-barreled surnames and pass them on to their children.

The current system “is about as up-to-date as a coal stove and as flexible as concrete,” Justice Minister Marco Buschmann said in a statement as he published the draft legislation.

As it stands, one partner in a married couple — but not both — can add the other partner’s name to his or her surname, but their children can’t carry both surnames.

The reform will allow both partners to take on a double surname, with or without a hyphen, and for their children to take that name too. Even if the parents both keep their original names, they will be able to give their children a double-barreled surname, regardless of whether they are married. The new system still won’t allow names that are more than double-barreled.

Buschmann also foresees making it easier for stepchildren or children of divorced parents to change their family names. And he wants to allow the use of gender-adjusted forms of surnames for people with names from languages in which that is common — a change that would, for example, benefit the Sorbs, an indigenous Slavic minority in parts of eastern Germany.

The legislation, which is supposed to take effect at the beginning of 2025, still requires the approval of the Cabinet and Parliament.

It is one of several social reform projects that Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s socially liberal three-party governing coalition agreed to embark on when it took office in December 2021.

​ Orange County Register 

Irvine will buy controversial asphalt plant for $285 million

• April 12, 2023

Irvine will pay $285 million for the controversial All American Asphalt Plant on Jeffrey Road, the focus of recent litigation and complaints from nearby residents about odors.

The first payment for the plant of $28.5 million — which is nonrefundable —  is expected to be made by the city on June 15, according to a payment plan Irvine officials outlined on Tuesday, April 11.

The asphalt plant must cease all production activity by Nov. 15 to receive the second payment of $228 million. Then, escrow is expected to close on Feb. 1, 2024, with Irvine making the final payment of $28.5 million the previous day.

In February, city leaders announced that funding for the purchase of the plant is set to come from a “concurrent deal” the city made with Irvine Company. According to that deal, Irvine Company will give the city approximately 475 acres of land, with about 80 acres (worth about $330 million, according to city documents) allocated for housing development.

The sale of the properties is expected to cover the cost of purchasing the asphalt plant.

The development will include 400 to 450 single-family homes and possibly condominiums, said Councilmember Larry Agran, a member of Irvine’s All American Asphalt subcommittee.

In addition to the housing community, Irvine is creating the Gateway Preserve, an approximately 700-acre open space preserve with hiking and biking trails on and around the land where the plant sits. The project is designed to include expansive green spaces, native gardens and outdoor classrooms, according to a video presented at Tuesday’s City Council meeting.

The land for the Gateway Preserve will include the 11-acre asphalt site, which will be incorporated into the preserve and replaced with a park, interpretive area and staging ground for hikes in the open space. The preserve will also comprise 191 acres dedicated by Irvine Company as well as city-owned preserved land.

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Irvine announces plan to buy, close asphalt plant and make a preserve
As options to relocate Irvine asphalt plant loom, residents voice frustration, concern

The preserve will connect to the Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve, Black Star Canyon and the Cleveland National Forest, according to the presentation.

The City Council unanimously voted Tuesday to move ahead with purchasing the asphalt plant. The project, Councilmember Tammy Kim said, is “an amazing legacy that this council will be leaving behind.”

A representative for All American Asphalt did not speak at Tuesday’s meeting, and a spokesperson was not immediately available for comment.

The asphalt plant has been open since the early 1990s and predates development in Irvine’s northern area. But in recent years, residents have complained about odors emanating from the site. Irvine filed a public nuisance lawsuit in 2020 exploring options for relocating or even condemning the plant.

Because of the lawsuit, the asphalt plant team, City Manager Oliver Chi said, was concerned Irvine wanted to gain access to the site to do testing and bolster its case; therefore, it was opposed to Irvine assessing the conditions of the land ahead of a sale, Chi said.

So the purchase agreement, which councilmembers signed off on Tuesday, is considered “as-is,” meaning the city unable to “perform complete due diligence analysis” or an “in-depth on-site investigation.” Irvine will purchase an insurance policy — with a cost between $400,000 and $1 million, according to city documents — that covers the asphalt plant site, to cover the city in case there is “a large cost associated with cleanup or mediation,” Chi said last week.

Councilmembers also unanimously approved taking $500,000 from Irvine’s general fund for engineering surveys, design, site planning, utilities planning, market study and traffic analysis on the land donated by the Irvine Company plus the asphalt plant site.

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​ Orange County Register 

Dodgers’ self-critical Mookie Betts not happy with ‘inconsistent’ start

• April 12, 2023

SAN FRANCISCO — Mookie Betts was asked Monday afternoon to assess his start to the season.

“It’s been trash,” Betts said, leaning his head back for emphasis. “It’s been (expletive) terrible, bro.”

And then he went out and led off the game with a home run, the first of three hits, two RBIs and three runs scored in the game.

“Mookie said that?” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.

“It’s typical of Mookie, man. It’s like (long-time college football coach) Lou Holtz, where he was always the underdog, everyone’s better and he’s just gonna try hard. Mookie’s always trash. He knows he’s the best player on the field every day.”

Monday’s three-hit game raised Betts’ batting average to .293 with a .945 OPS – hardly trash. But the disparity between his pregame assessment and his results Monday night is reflective of what Betts sees as lacking in his game so far this season.

“It’s been consistently inconsistent. Consistently inconsistent,” he said, identifying his main self-criticism. “That’s part of the game, right?”

A year ago, Betts was hitting .190 in late April and acknowledged beating himself up over it at the time, eventually emerging from his poor start with a scalding May (a .345 average, 1.157 OPS and 12 home runs).

“Last year, I didn’t have a clue. Last year, I was just lost,” Betts said. “I just didn’t know what I wanted to do. I was going and just wasn’t sure of myself, wasn’t sure of what I wanted to do in the box and the mechanics I wanted to work on. Now I’m a lot more sure. This year is a lot better than last year obviously from the beginning. I’m more sure, more confident. Plus J.D. (Martinez) is here. That’s my dude. He keeps me in line.”

Betts said he has also continued a practice he started last year of listening to inspirational or self-help books on tape, giving him better tools to handle the mental challenges of the ups and downs that come with a baseball season.

Roberts has his own philosophy about Betts’ start.

“I think he’s gotten off to a fine start,” Roberts said. “Out of the gates, you just want to kind of hold serve. If you can get out of the gates and then you can kind of find your footing. What you don’t want to do is dig yourself a big hole and chase the whole year.”

LOCAL HERO

Rookie outfielder James Outman grew up in Redwood City, just south of San Francisco, as a Saan Francisco Giants fan. His return to play at Oracle Park sent a parade of local media to Outman’s locker before the games Monday and Tuesday.

Outman’s friends and family, however, have not swamped him with ticket requests for the games. The rookie said he has only had to leave about eight tickets a day for friends or relatives.

Why not more?

“I don’t think they can bring themselves to wear Dodgers gear,” Outman joked.

MUNCY MASH

After his two-home run, seven-RBI game Monday, Max Muncy was asked to explain his history of success at Oracle Park – nine home runs, a .590 slugging percentage and 1.013 OPS in 36 games. The ballpark by the bay is not known as a hitter’s park, particularly for left-handed hitters.

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“It’s a weird place to hit,” Muncy said. “The wind is blowing in your face all the time. It’s cold. It was raining all night tonight. The acoustics are really weird. When you hit the ball square, it doesn’t sound very good here. It’s something to do with the air and the wind blowing all the time.

“So I really don’t have an answer for you. Because mentally it’s not a great place to hit. And then when you look out there to right field, you see how big it is. It’s kind of like, ‘Oh man.’ But maybe that’s part of it for me. Seeing right field and you see you don’t really want to hit it there. So that allows me to stay within myself, stay in the middle part of the field. Maybe that’s it.”

Muncy was not in the Dodgers’ starting lineup Tuesday. Roberts told him before the San Francisco series that he would get the middle game off with the Giants starting left-hander Alex Wood. Muncy has never hit Wood well (2 for 9 with four strikeouts) and Wood was the pitcher who hit Muncy in the hand during summer camp in 2020, leaving Muncy with a fractured finger.

UP NEXT

Dodgers (LHP Clayton Kershaw, 1-1, 3.75 ERA) at Giants (RHP Alex Cobb, 0-1, 2.53 ERA), Wednesday, 6:45 p.m., SportsNet LA, 570 AM

​ Orange County Register 

Robinhood to pay as much as $10.2 million for technical failures

• April 6, 2023

By Steve Dickson | Bloomberg

Robinhood Markets Inc. will pay California and six other states as much as $10.2 million in penalties for operational and technical failures after an investigation by state securities regulators that was sparked by outages in 2020.

The settlement involves “deficiencies at Robinhood in its review and approval process for options and margin accounts, weaknesses in the firm’s monitoring and reporting tools, and insufficient customer service and escalation protocols,” the North American Securities Administrators Association said in a news release Thursday.

“Robinhood repeatedly failed to serve its clients, but this settlement makes clear that Robinhood must take its customer care obligations seriously and correct these deficiencies,” Andrew Hartnett, the association’s president, said in the release.

The settlement stems from an investigation by state securities regulators in Alabama, Colorado, California, Delaware, New Jersey, South Dakota and Texas.

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“We are resolving this matter with the states and are pleased to put it behind us,” Lucas Moskowitz, Robinhood’s deputy general counsel and head of government affairs, said in a statement. “The settlement relates to past issues that Robinhood has since invested heavily in improving, including the launch of 24/7 chat and phone support, expanding our library of educational materials and strengthening the way we supervise our technology.”

California’s  Department of Financial Protection and Innovation said it found no evidence of willful or fraudulent conduct by Robinhood, and that the company cooperated with the investigation.

​ Orange County Register 

Former 49ers running back Jarryd Hayne is found guilty of rape in Australia

• April 6, 2023

Former Australian rugby and SF 49ers running Back Jarryd Hayne has been found guilty of raping a woman in 2018.

According to CNN affiliate 7News, a jury returned a unanimous verdict in the New South Wales District Court on Tuesday afternoon.

CNN has reached out to Hayne’s lawyers.

It is the third time Hayne has faced a jury for the incident. In his first appearance, a retrial was ordered after it ended in a hung trial. He was then tried a second time and, in March 2021, Hayne was found guilty of two counts of sexual intercourse without consent.

The court found that he had traveled to the woman’s house on September 30, 2018, and while his taxi waited outside, Hayne assaulted the woman while she told him “no” and “stop.”

Jarryd Hayne enters NSW District Court on March 15, in Sydney, Australia. The former Australian rugby and NFL player has been found guilty of raping a woman in 2018.(Don Arnold/Getty Images)

According to the court’s findings, Hayne’s “actions were forceful and rough.” The victim was said to have “felt overwhelmed by the physical disparity and the speed with which the offender assaulted her.”

As a result of Hayne’s actions, the victim suffered injuries and bleeding in her groin area, according to the court.

At the time, he was sentenced to five years and nine months in prison, with a minimum time served of three years and eight months before being eligible for parole.

After Hayne had spent nine months in prison, an appeals court overturned his convictions and ordered a third trial.

But on Tuesday, after seven days of deliberations, Hayne was again found guilty of rape. He will be sentenced at a later date, according to 7News.

Hayne has indicated that he would appeal the decision.

Outside court, Hayne maintained his innocence “100 percent.”

“I never lied to the police. I never deleted evidence. I never hid witnesses,” he said, per 7News.

Hayne is one of the National Rugby League’s most famous players, having won numerous awards for his success on the field.

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​ Orange County Register 

Anaheim Hills briefs: Celebrate Earth Day with Canyon Hills Library

• April 6, 2023

Canyon Hills Library will open its doors on April 22 to host a special Earth Day Celebration from noon until 4 p.m., and the community is invited to attend the all-family event.

This library-wide event will include STEAM activities, crafts, special guests and storytime. A beautiful butterfly release is scheduled for 2 p.m. There is no charge to attend.

For additional information contact the branch at 714-765-6444.

New at the library

The Canyon Hills Library also has a new children’s librarian, Jenn DeBaun-Holm. Prior to joining the staff at Canyon Hills, DeBaun was a children’s librarian assistant at the Yorba Linda Public Library, while earning her master’s degree in library and information science at University of Washington.

DeBaun is excited to be part of the Hills community and share her performance and outreach experience through several new programs planned for Canyon Hills. Come meet Miss Jenn at her new Family Storytime that she will lead on Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m., for kids of all ages. In addition to stories, this fun after-school program includes wacky puppet shows and fun songs.

Also happening this month at Canyon Hills, is a poetry contest open to kids in first through 12th grades. In celebration of National Poetry Month, the Young Adult Council at Canyon Hills is assisting with the event and will accept poetry submissions through April 30 for a chance to win a special gift card prize.

This is a great opportunity for students to express their creativity.

Those interested should visit Anaheim.net, branch calendars/Canyon Hills and scan the QR Code to submit their poetry. Call the branch at 714-765-6444 for questions.

Be fashionable with the Women’s Club

If you would like to join members of the Anaheim Hills Women’s Club for its April 19 luncheon and fashion show at the Anaheim Hills Golf Course, make your reservation by April 10.

This fun, social event is open to all women in the community, beginning at noon, and will include an exciting fashion show presented by coordinator Eileen Gerber, featuring beautiful clothes and accessories.

Cost to attend is $35 per person and anyone who would like to attend should call Karon Kelleher at 714-912-4907.

Fundraiser aces helping youth organization

A record-breaking sum of more than $180,000 was raised during the recent Ace of Clubs Casino Night hosted by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Anaheim-Cypress at The Ranch Restaurant & Saloon in Anaheim.

Mayor of Anaheim Ashleigh Aitken was the event’s honorary chair, with Henry DiCarlo of KTLA Channel 5 serving as the evening’s celebrity emcee.

Festivities included a delicious dinner, exciting live and silent auctions, casino games, live entertainment. Anaheim Police Chief Jorge Cisneros and Cypress Police Chief Mark Lauderback took their turn on the stage for a “friendly competition” participating in the “Fund A Need Paddle Raise” part of the evening’s program.

One of the evening’s special highlights was a surprise presentation of the club’s JMAC Scholarship to Joecelyn Soria. In addition to the $2,500 scholarship, Soria is also the 2023 Youth of the Year Award Recipient for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Anaheim-Cypress.

Funds raised from this year’s event will help support many of the club’s free and low-cost after-school and summer programs that foster academic achievement, health, build character and improve lives; while offering kids a safe environment. The Anaheim-Cypress Club is very active with more than 1,000 kids and teens daily participating in its programs.

“This event was an extraordinary night, as we raised critical funds for the next generation of game changers, trailblazers and history makers,” said Anne Hertz-Mallari, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Anaheim-Cypress.

Visit www.theboysandgirlsclub.org for additional information about programs and services.

Share your library stories

Congratulations to the Anaheim Public Library, which was recently named among the 30 finalists for the National Medal for Museum and Library Service and as one of six institutions in California being considered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

In celebration of this prestigious honor, the Institute of Museum and Library Services is encouraging the community to share special stories, memories, pictures and/or videos reflecting the impact the Anaheim Public Library has had on the community.

Share your input on social media using hashtags #ShareYourStory and #IMLSmedals and engage with the Institute of Museum and Library Services on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Visit www.imls.gov for additional information.

Sharon Hlapcich writes about events and happenings in the Anaheim Hills area. Reach her by phone (714-998-4604 or e-mail ([email protected]).

​ Orange County Register 

Orange County SC advances to US Open Cup 3rd round

• April 6, 2023

Orange County Soccer Club advanced to the third round of the U.S. Open Cup thanks to Wednesday’s 5-0 win over Capistrano FC.

Emil Nielsen and Bryce Jamison scored in the first half.

Milan Iloski added a pair of goals in the second half with Thomas Amang also scoring.

Alex Villanueva had a pair of assists.

Capo FC is based in San Juan Capistrano won the inaugural NISA Nation Southwest Division in 2022 and will play in the USL League Two this season. It defeated Ventura County Fusion 4-1 in the first round.

“I thought Capo tried to do what they needed to win the game and I respect that,” OCSC coach Richard Chaplow said. “I think these games in the Cup are nice for the community because our people are here, and Capo is local so it’s a little bit more of a family affair if you will.

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“You know, and as an organization representing professional football in Orange County, it’s nice to have anyone local come to town and play against us and this was a local game, so it was nice to have them here.”

OCSC will learn its next opponent for the third round during a draw Thursday. The club returns to USL Championship play Saturday on the road against El Paso Locomotive FC.

​ Orange County Register 

Looking for Easter brunch? Hop on over to these Orange County restaurants

• April 6, 2023

On Sunday, April 9 numerous restaurants around Orange County will present festive menus inspired by Easter. Some places will serve brunch, others will use the occasion to premiere specialty spring-inspired dishes, and many will assemble opulent buffets for families and friends. If you haven’t made plans yet, don’t fret. There are still numerous options available. This is a roundup of Easter-themed eats from fine dining to family-friendly takeaway meals. There are tasty options for everyone.

1. Driftwood Kitchen and Stateroom Bar

Chef Rainer Schwarz hosts a seaside Easter brunch buffet with an iced seafood station, made-to-order omelets, and various selections of sliced-to-order meats including roasted Double R Ranch prime rib, and baked honey ham. Driftwood Kitchen offers a full bar with signature cocktails, wines by the glass, and by the bottle. Brunch buffet is $95 for adults; $25 for children. Reservations suggested via opentable.com/driftwood-kitchen. 619 Sleepy Hollow Lane, Laguna Beach; 949-715-7700; driftwoodkitchen.com

2. The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar

The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar is hosting brunch at both its Tustin and Newport Beach locations on Sunday, April 9 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Executive Chef Yvon Goetz has created a spring-inspired, prix-fixe menu and guests can enhance their dining experience with a seafood tower or endless mimosa service. Prices and menus vary by location. (Beverages, tax, and gratuity separate.)For reservations, call the restaurant.  2647 Park Ave., Tustin; 714-258-7600; 3131 W. Coast Highway, Newport Beach; 949-999-6622; thewineryrestaurants.com

Handmade desserts are among the offerings for Easter Brunch at Knife Pleat in Costa Mesa (Courtesy of Knife Pleat)

3. Knife Pleat

Michelin-starred chef Tony Esnault created an Easter-inspired Saturday Afternoon Tea Service. On Saturday, April 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Knife Pleat presents its exquisite tea service. A selection loose leaf teas from La Maison du Thé teas are paired with a tower of scones and sandwiches, elegantly composed with Persian cucumbers, beet-cured salmon, and breakfast radishes, along with other savories like free-range chicken tartlets, Maine lobster eclairs, black winter truffle brie on brioche, and estate caviar topped deviled eggs. Handmade desserts like lemon curd and meringue-filled cream puffs complete the tasting experience. A supplemental caviar service is offered. Reservations are encouraged. 3333 S. Bristol St., Costa Mesa; 714-266-3388; knifepleat.com

The Great Maple at Fashion Island will be serving truffled deviled eggs as part of its Easter Brunch. (Courtesy of the Great Maple)

4. The Great Maple

Enjoy an Easter meal with the family at Great Maple. Through April 9, Great Maple will offer seasonal dishes including housemade strawberries & Cadbury cream doughnuts and truffled deviled eggs. Fashion Island, 1133 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach; 949-706-8282; thegreatmaple.com

5. Haven Craft Kitchen + Bar

Easter Brunch at Haven Craft Kitchen + Bar, located in historic Old Towne Orange, is available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 9. The menu includes Haven favorites such as the duck confit chilaquiles, bread pudding-French toast, and chicken & waffles. “Brunch-y beverages” include bottomless mimosas with fresh orange juice, Irish Coffee, and the Haven bloody Mary. Make reservations or place orders, by calling the restaurant. 190 S. Glassell St., Orange; 714-221-0680; havencraftkitchen.com

6. Hendrix Restaurant & Bar

Hendrix Restaurant & Bar presents its Easter brunch buffet on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The experience includes stations with brunch favorites such as eggs Benedict, lemon ricotta pancakes, made-to-order omelets, and a rotisserie carving station with Double R Ranch prime rib and honey baked, mustard glazed ham. Bottomless mimosas for an additional $18 per guest (two-hour limit). This buffet is $79 for adults, $19 for children (13 and younger), and free, 6 years and younger. Reservations recommended. 32431 Golden Lantern, Laguna Niguel; 949-248-1912; hendrixoc.com/our-menus#menu=easter-buffet

Fable & Spirit in Newport Beach will serve Easter Brunch from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on April 9. (Courtesy of Fable & Spirit)

7. Fable & Spirit

On Easter Sunday, Fable & Spirit executive chef David Shofner will serve elevated takes on classic brunch favorites. Wood-fired shakshuka with baked eggs, Moroccan-spiced tomato, crème fraiche, and queso fresco, served with naan; house-smoked salmon on toasted pumpernickel, with everything bagel spices, citrus-infused red onion, dill crème fraiche, and crispy capers. Brunch will be offered from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 3441 Via Lido, Newport Beach; 949-409-9913; fableandspirit.com

8. Georgia’s Restaurant

Easter Sunday brunch is available at both Georgia’s locations, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Georgia’s Anaheim Packing House and from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Georgia’s Long Beach Exchange. Georgia’s Restaurant is known for its traditional soul food set in a casual family-friendly environment. On Easter, adults may order specially priced brunch cocktails, including peach sangria ($5), mimosas ($5), hard lemonade ($5), and bloody Marys ($7). 440 S. Anaheim Blvd., #209a, Anaheim; 714-906-1900; georgias-restaurant.com

9. Sushi Roku

Sushi Roku offers a non-traditional Easter dining experience. With a menu that combines Japanese cuisine and global flavors with California’s seasonal bounty, Sushi Roku serves high-quality, fresh fish sourced from around the globe. Reservations for April 9 are recommended. 327 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach; 949-706-3622; sushiroku.com/menus/newport-beach

Vanilla bean crème brûleé with berries will be among the dessert options for Easter Brunch at Citrus City Grille in Orange. (Courtesy of Citrus City Grille)

10. Citrus City Grille

The Easter 3-course prix fixe menu ($45) includes the choice of Avgolemono, a Greek lemon chicken egg soup, or an organic greens salad with caramelized pecans. Entrée selections include honey-glazed ham with sweet mashed potatoes or butternut squash ravioli with mushrooms in a fennel bourbon cream sauce. For dessert, selections are the flourless chocolate cake with chocolate panna cotta or the vanilla bean crème brûleé with berries. 122 N. Glassell St., Orange; 714-639-9600; citruscitygrille.com

The Confit de Canard at OEB Breakfast Co. in Newport Beach is served with poached eggs and duck fat-fried herb potatoes. (Courtesy of OEB Breakfast Co.)

11. OEB Breakfast Co.

The brunch hotspot will serve its full menu for Easter. Popular dishes include the photo-friendly French Toast Trifle, brioche bread layered with lemon curd and topped with torched pavlovas, fresh berries, and pistachios. Savory breakfast dishes are elevated with French-inspired twists. The Confit de Canard is served with poached eggs and duck fat-fried herb potatoes. The Holy Crab Benny with wild blue crab is served on a croissant with brown butter hollandaise, and herb potatoes fried in beef tallow. Lacto-ovo-vegetarian-considerate dishes include Forestière Toast, rye bread topped with wild and cultivated mushrooms and poached eggs with lavender fleur de sel and microgreens. OEB Breakfast Co., 1104 Irvine Ave., Newport Beach; 949-438-7337; us.eatoeb.com

12. CUCINA enoteca

Executive Chef Cesar Sarmiento’s brunch specials at CUCINA enoteca’s two OC locations are infused with California-Italian flavors. At Newport Beach, blueberry pancakes are accompanied with grand marnier whipped mascarpone. Where in Irvine, the sweet pancakes are swapped for a savory New York steak with fried eggs, parmesan potatoes and béarnaise sauce. Both locations offer a version of avocado toast, smoked salmon potato hash and a poached egg, vegetable gnocchi. 951 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach; 949-706-1416; 532 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine; 949-861-2222; urbankitchengroup.com

13. Billy’s at the Beach

Easter prix fixe brunch at Billy’s at the Beach is full of options. Start with one of the three wine pairings ranging from Candoni Prosecco to Veuve Clicquot. For the first course, choose from Maui onion soup with caramelized onions, Billy’s style clam chowder, a Caesar, or a burrata salad with heirloom tomatoes. The second course includes either 8-ounce Angus beef patty loco moco with eggs over jasmine rice, Hawaiian French toast with coconut meringue, the miso-marinated Mahi Mahi, the grilled Barramundi filet with chimichurri sauce, or a prime steak sandwich on a parmesan sourdough roll. Finish with dessert, which is a choice of key lime pie or Hawaiian-style doughnuts with raspberry coulis, chocolate, and Haupia dipping sauces. Brunch starts at $60. Reservations are recommended. 2751 W. Coast Highway, Newport Beach; 949-722-1100; billysatthebeach.net

14. Tanaka Farms

Farm-to-table hilltop lunches at Tanaka Farms in Irvine begin with a tractor ride up to the buffet where visitors can select from ham, tri-tip, chicken, house-made sweet and smoky glazed vegan ham, along with grilled seasonal vegetables and dessert. The experience includes a visit with the Easter bunny and an egg hunt. The brunch is $79 for adults, $49 for children (4-12 years old), and free for children 3 and under. 5380 ¾ University Dr., Irvine; 949-653-2100; tanakafarms.com/hilltop-luncheons

15. Seasons 52

Seasons 52 will offer an à la carte Easter brunch menu and an Easter Green Box for takeout. Brunch entrées include crab and cheddar quiche, upright French toast with fresh blueberry compote, wood-grilled shrimp and grits, and apricot-glazed ham with French green beans and sweet potato mash, along with maple-pecan streusel. The Easter Green Box, which serves 4-6 people and needs to be warmed at home, offers a choice of apricot-glazed spiral ham, a side of cedar plank-roasted salmon, or wood-grilled beef tenderloin, along with choice of salad, two side dishes, and six mini indulgences desserts for $145. Make reservations at opentable.com. South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., Suite #2802, Costa Mesa; 714-437-5252; seasons52.com/menu/all-day

16. The Capital Grille

The Capital Grille opens early Easter Sunday. The restaurant’s full dinner menu, as well as four brunch dishes and sparkling mimosas, will be served. Brunch entrées include lobster frittata with butter poached lobster tails, bone-in dry-aged NY strip steak and eggs, and filet mignon, all served with white cheddar hash browns. The new dish is a smoked salmon and caviar topped blini and white cheddar potato cake. Brunch dishes will be available 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa; 714-432-1140; thecapitalgrille.com

17. Morton’s the Steakhouse

Morton’s presents a three-course filet and lobster menu available Friday, April 7 through Sunday, April 9. First-course choices include a Caesar, artisan goat cheese salad, or lobster bisque. The entrée is a center-cut filet mignon (filet comes 6, 8 or 12-oz) served with a cold-water lobster tail.  Dessert selections are key lime pie, crème brûlée or the hot chocolate cake. Morton’s full menu is also available. Price for the Easter three-course menu starts at $79, depending on filet selection. Easter hours are 1-9 p.m. 1641 W. Sunflower Ave., Santa Ana; 714-444-4834; mortons.com/santaana

18. Outpost Kitchen

The Aussie-inspired restaurant with an organic-sustainable philosophy will serve a three-course Easter brunch prix fixe menu for $59 per person (tax and gratuity not included). There are two seatings for this brunch experience, starting at 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., and a children’s menu for kids under 12 is available. Reservations suggested. 3420 Bristol St., Costa Mesa; 714-852-3044; Outpostkitchen.com

19. Mah Jong’s by Chef Mike

Celebrate Easter with a tiki-style brunch at Mah Jong’s by Chef Mike at the Collage Culinary Experience, a global dining collective located at Bloomingdale’s South Coast Plaza. Available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Tiki brunch menu offers cocktails inspired by the Hawaiian Islands and ten brunch entrées ranging from pulled pork pancakes and shrimp cake Benedict to grilled fish tacos. 3333 Bristol St, Costa Mesa; 949-295-3841; mahjongsbychefmike.com

20. Cocoa Parlor

Cocoa Parlor has created 3 vegan, organic chocolates for Easter: white chocolate bunnies ($15) made with freeze-dried raspberry powder, dark chocolate peanut butter filled bullfrogs ($6), and a dark chocolate boxed bunny ($32) made with vegan, organic, and ethically sourced dark chocolate. 31161 Niguel Road, Unit A, Laguna Niguel; 949-877-9549; cocoaparlor.com

21. Gracias Madre

Gracia Madre’s executive chef Diana Briscoe created a plant-based, Mexi-Cali-inspired Easter Sunday brunch. Set on the restaurant’s patio, guests will sample specials such as the Ensalada De Primavera ($18) with haricot vert, roasted spring onions, pepitas, queso fresco, pea tendrils, and spinach pesto, or the Enchiladas De Hongos Silvestres Poblano Y Queso ($15) made with cashew corn poblano sauce, or the Crispy Jackfruit Taquitos De Deshebrada ($16). Beverage director Sean Stewart created a Conejo Loco ‘Silly Rabbit’ alcoholic cocktail made with Ensemble mezcal, passion fruit, cacao, and garnished with shaved dark chocolate. 1617 Westcliff Drive, Newport Beach; 949-386-8100; graciasmadre.com/location-newport-beach

22. Cafe Gratitude

On Easter Sunday, Cafe Gratitude offers a plant-forward brunch. A new spring menu by executive chef Dreux Ellis includes dishes such as the ‘I am Hospitable’ gluten-free chick’n waffles ($18.75), ‘Yo Soy Vida’ machaca Mexican breakfast hash ($17.75), and the ‘I am Vivid’ acai superfood bowl ($17.75). Reservations are encouraged. 1617 Westcliff Drive, Newport Beach; 949-386-8101; cafegratitude.com/pages/newport-beach

23. Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens

Easter brunch at Farmhouse at Roger’s Garden highlights locally sourced breakfast favorites by Executive Chef Rich Mead. The brunch menu includes a seasonal frittata with shiitake mushrooms, roasted butternut squash, and carmelized onions, the citrus marmalade French toast; or the baked shakshuka with spinach, eggs, and potatoes in a tomato cumin sauce. Brunch is served 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. 2301 San Joaquin Hills Road, Corona del Mar; 949-640-1415; farmhouserg.com

Läderach at South Coast Plaza is offering limited-edition Easter-inspired chocolates decorated by artisan chocolatiers in Switzerland. (Courtesy of Läderach)

24. Läderach

Limited-edition Easter-inspired chocolates decorated by artisan chocolatiers in Switzerland are available at Läderach inside South Coast Plaza. Bunny Cleo almond milk chocolates are studded with caramelized almond bits and ears decorated with edible glitter dust. The Grand Cru dark chocolate Cleo bunny is made of single-origin 70% dark chocolate from Ecuador. Other Easter creations include hazelnut FrischSchoggi eggs made with Swiss milk chocolate mixed with whole caramelized hazelnuts from Piedmont, Italy. 3333 Bristol St., #2814, Costa Mesa; 949-594-2280;laderach.com/us-en/

RESTAURANTS IN RESORTS

1. The Waterfront Beach Resort, a Hilton Hotel

Enjoy Easter by the ocean with the family-friendly Beachside Easter Brunch at The Waterfront Beach Resort, a Hilton Hotel, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 9. Feast on a spread of oysters, snow crab claws and jumbo shrimp. The experience includes maple sugar-glazed ham and prime rib carving stations, made-to-order omelets and eggs, waffles dressed up with blueberry compote and fresh fruit, and a crepe station. Healthier menu options such as chia almond milk elixirs, vegan, gluten-free parfaits, and build-your-own-acai bowls. The Easter entertainment includes live music, photos with the Easter Bunny, custom balloon animals, a petting zoo, and air-brush body art. The Waterfront Beach Resort’s Easter Brunch is $149 for adults and $79 for children, 12 and under (includes service charge & tax; excludes EventBrite fees). Space is limited and reservations must be made via Eventbrite. 21100 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach; Waterfrontresort.com

Aveo Table + Bar at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club will host an Easter buffet from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 9. (Courtesy of Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club)

2. Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club

Easter at Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club includes views of the Pacific Ocean paired with spring-inspired menus at the resort’s restaurants. On Sunday, April 9, Aveo Table + Bar will host a breakfast buffet, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Chef David Kasparian will serve breakfast favorites and Latin-inspired dishes at several action stations. Made-to-order omelets and eggs benedict. Stations will offer guests meat carved upon request including sea bass and herb-roasted leg of lamb, a selection of caviar, sushi and ceviche along with a station for pastas, and seasonal fruit and yogurts. The brunch buffet starts at $154 for adults, $84 per child, ages 5-12, and $44 per child, ages 2-5. waldorfastoriamonarchbeach.com

Bourbon Steak

On April 9 from 2-8 p.m., chef Christopher Sanchez will serve a specialty a la carte menu for Easter at Bourbon Steak, a Michael Mina restaurant. In addition to the holiday menu, regular offerings will be available such as prime cuts of beef, fresh seafood, and an extensive wine list. Reservations should be made by calling 949-234-3900. 1 Monarch Beach Resort N, Dana Point; waldorfastoriamonarchbeach.com/dine

3. Lido House, Autograph Collection

Celebrate Easter near the marina at The Mayor’s Table at Lido House. The family-friendly brunch, starting at $68, is served from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The three-course dining experience includes several choices. For the first course, choose from the spring vegetable frittata or a Garden of Eden local greens and shaved spring vegetable salad. The butter poached lobster salad with lemon vinaigrette can be supplemented for an additional $25.  For the second course continue on with the house-made pasta with English peas and parmesan foam, or the wild halibut with green mole and nasturtium sauce. Supplement the course with herb-roasted rack of lamb with rosemary and garlic roasted potatoes for $25. The dessert course is a choice between comforting lemon ricotta pancakes with fresh berries and brown sugar whipped cream or the creative avocado chocolate mousse with caramelized raspberry puree and popping candy. Brunch reservations should be made on resy.com. 3300 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach; 949-662-6160; lidohousehotel.com

4. Marriott Irvine Spectrum

Situated as a social hub at the Marriott Irvine Spectrum, Heirloom Farmhouse Kitchen, the property’s full-service restaurant, will offer a special Easter brunch buffet on Sunday, April 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Breakfast classics will be served alongside a shellfish bar, a custom omelet station, and prime rib carved to order. The buffet is $89 for adults and $29 for kids (12 and under). Reservations should be made with resy.com. 7905 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine; 949-880-2420; heirloomfarmhousekitchen.com

5. Surf & Sand Resort

Celebrate Easter Sunday with a view of Laguna Beach’s shoreline. At the Surf & Sand Resort. The property’s restaurant, Splashes, will offer an Easter brunch from noon to 3 p.m. The three-course prix-fixe brunch features ocean-inspired cuisine. Highlights include the local bass aqua, seared branzino, beef wellington, foraged mushroom toast, and desserts such as carrot cake and chocolate pecan eggs.  Reservations are suggested and should be made by calling 888-579-8544. 1555 S. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach; surfandsandresort.com

6. Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa

Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa is a Victorian-style resort perched on a bluff overlooking Dana Point Harbor. The California beach-style respite is serving Easter Brunch at Outer Reef by Celebrity Chef John Tesar on Sunday, April 9 from 8a.m. to 2 p.m. The Easter Bunny is co-hosting this luxe breakfast buffet. (Diners also have the option to order from an a la carte brunch menu.) Festivities include photos with the Easter Bunny and treats on the Vue Lawn. Reservations available via Opentable. 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point; 949-487-7555; outerreefoc.com

7. VEA Newport Beach

VEA’s VIEW Restaurant & Lounge launches its brunch service on Easter Sunday, April 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Menu items by executive chef Andrew Arndt include fried chicken & waffles, egg white frittata, short rib breakfast potatoes, and buttermilk French toast. ) Guests can order Champagnes along with brunch cocktails including sangria, raspberry mules, and the “Good Morning Newport” cocktail with tequila blanco, grapefruit, Campari, and Firestone 805.  Reservations are suggested at opentable.com. 900 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach; 949-640-4000; Viewatvea.com

8.The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

The resort’s annual Easter brunch includes a variety of tasting stations and specialty bars with caviar, smoked fish, sushi, dumplings, and a raw bar. Traditional breakfast food includes waffles, French toast, an omelet bar and Indian cuisine by chef Sanjay Rawat. The New Delhi-native chef helms the resort’s culinary program dedicated to South Asian weddings. The brunch is $250 per person and should be reserved on Tock. Festive photo opps include giant Easter eggs displayed throughout the property and a floral installation surrounding the RAYA restaurant. 1 Ritz-Carlton Drive, Dana Point; 949-240-2000; ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/california/laguna-niguel

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