Good morning, Orange County. This is Thrive OC, where spring arrives not with blooming flowers, but with festivals, food, and (apparently) residential bees. Here's what's buzzing (pun intended) this week in OC:

• Mouthwatering tacos and craft cocktails in Anaheim

• Backyard beekeeping gets the green light in Costa Mesa

• San Clemente Pier becomes bike-friendly

• Experience Japan without leaving OC

• Important pet food recall alert

• Ducks vs. Rangers showdown at Honda Center

Let’s dive in.

— Dave Berry

🍽️ Restaurant of the Week: Craft by Smoke and Fire (Anaheim)

More than a restaurant, Craft by Smoke and Fire wants to feed your soul with dishes and cocktails that hit differently. Located in the heart of Anaheim’s Center Street Promenade, it's all about craft—craft dishes, craft cocktails, and even craft entertainment.

Insider tip: The short rib or brisket tacos are incredible. And if you're truly taco-obsessed, rep it proudly with our “Will Work for Tacos” tee.

📍Find it: 195 W Center Street Promenade, Anaheim, CA 92805

🏄 Local News You Should Know

🐝 Costa Mesa’s Sweet New Buzz: Backyard Beekeeping is Now Legal

Starting this year, Costa Mesa residents can officially keep beehives in certain residential neighborhoods—provided you grab a city-issued permit first. Whether you're after fresh honey or helping boost OC’s bee populations, this is a sweet win for local sustainability.

🚲 San Clemente Pier Gets a Bike-Friendly Upgrade

Cyclists rejoice: The San Clemente Pier now sports brand-new bike racks, accommodating up to 56 bikes. Huge shoutout to the PierPride Foundation and the city’s Police Services Team for this much-needed upgrade. Time to pedal down and enjoy the views.

🐱 Pet Alert: Savage Pet Food Recalls Raw Chicken Meals Due to Bird Flu Concerns

Heads-up pet parents: California-based Savage Pet Food has recalled frozen raw chicken cat food that might be contaminated with the bird flu (H5N1). Two cats fell ill after eating the product, prompting the recall.

Check your freezer: Recalled products have the lot code 11152026. Watch pets closely for symptoms and reach out to a vet immediately if you suspect illness.

📅 Upcoming Events 🎉

🎌 OC Japan Fair (April 4-6)

Experience Japan without leaving OC at the biggest Japanese festival in SoCal, featuring food, performances, music, and unique Japanese products. Early bird tickets are available now.

Hours:

• 4/4 (Fri): 4:00pm-10:00pm

• 4/5 (Sat): 12:00pm-10:00pm

• 4/6 (Sun): 11:00am-7:00pm

📍OC Fair & Event Center: 88 Fair Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

🏑 Ducks vs. Rangers (March 28)

Get your jerseys ready—Anaheim Ducks take on the New York Rangers at Honda Center on March 28th at 7pm. Seats start at $45, with affordable season-ticket memberships available for die-hard fans.

📍 Honda Center: 2695 E Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA 92806

🥧 Knott’s Boysenberry Festival Returns (March 28 - April 27)

Knott’s Berry Farm’s signature Boysenberry Festival is back, bringing creative boysenberry-inspired dishes, craft beverages, live music, and entertainment to Buena Park. Happening daily from March 28 - April 27.

📍 Knott’s Berry Farm: 8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620

🌟 OC Trivia: Did You Know?

Before it became the "Happiest Place on Earth," Disneyland’s land was mostly orange groves and walnut trees. When Walt Disney began buying parcels in Anaheim, he did so secretly to avoid inflated land prices—a move that certainly paid off.

Think you know OC? Reply with your best trivia, and we might feature it next!

🎉 VIP Shoutouts!

A big welcome to our newest Thrive OC VIPs—Jessie H., Connor, and Katrina! Thanks for being part of the community—we’ve got some exclusive perks coming your way! 🚀✨

🎶 Live Music This Weekend

Looking for live tunes? Here’s what’s happening:

Friday, March 28:

• Avec Moi (Dana Point) – Jackie Pember, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

• Bad to the Bone BBQ (San Juan Capistrano) – Eric Gorsuch, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

• Cook's Corner (Trabuco Canyon) – Blue Henrys Band, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

• Knuckleheads (San Clemente) – Matterhorn & The Lonely Eyes, 8:00 PM - 11:55 PM

• The Cliff Restaurant (Laguna Beach) – Phil Gough, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

• The Coach House (San Juan Capistrano) – New Wave 80's Party with Generation Idol & More, 9:00 PM

• Biergarten (Huntington Beach) – Kiss, Queensryche, & Dios Tribute (Ticketed Concert), 7:30 PM - 11:00 PM

• Campus JAX (Newport Beach) – Yachty By Nature, 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM

• Chain Reaction (Anaheim) – Once A Week, Code Metro, Gill Freely, Empress, Valentina, Optical Blindness, 7:00 PM

• La Santa (Santa Ana) – Emo Prom, 9:00 PM

• Spaghettini (Seal Beach) – DW3: A Tribute to The Legends of Music, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

• Time Nightclub (Costa Mesa) – Time Machine, 9:30 PM

🌦️ 7-Day Weather Forecast

🌅 Sunrise & Sunset in OC

🙌 Rep OC & Support Local

Thrive OC is more than just your source for local happenings—we're also curating the best in beauty, wellness, and unique OC-inspired essentials. From premium skincare products to locally inspired merch, we’ve got everything you need to look great, feel amazing, and celebrate Orange County in style. Plus, every purchase supports this newsletter, so you can shop and support local at the same time. FREE shipping on all orders—always! 🎉

💛 Want to support but don’t see anything you like? You can still help keep Thrive OC going! Donate here.

Or, take your OC experience to the next level—join Thrive OC VIP for exclusive discounts, VIP event access, and insider perks while supporting local businesses!

Your support means the world—thank you for being part of the Thrive OC community! 🙌

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