The Barn Featured In Los Angeles Times

Corey's barn is featured in the Los Angeles Times!
Barbara Thornburg wrote a great article.
Says Barbara:
"Where many see junk, Corey Gash envisions design possibilities. The window display artist convinced his family to leave its comfortable, two-bedroom town house in Orange last year for a run-down barn in Costa Mesa that once housed chickens and, later, a boat-building operation."

Corey has worked with me on my occasions and is very talented....I am very happy for his success!
See whole article HERE

1.7 Ocean-A Few Years Later

I visited 1.7 Ocean for the first time in a while and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised!

The whole site has aged very well and I especially like the vine-covered "carports", the ultimate in a green parking spot.
The place looks great.

Get Happy!!

Get Happy Hour
Thursday, March 26th
5:30-7:30
wine beer food community

this month's location:
Generic Youth 1609 Pomona Avenue Costa Mesa 92627!!!
Check out the fine stylings of the relentless Jeff Yokayama!
Come join us for the first in a monthly series of roving GET HAPPY hours, located in a new cool place each month.
Let's get together, get some wine, get a beer, get some yummy snacks, and GET HAPPY!

In the face of all of this worrying about the future, we say GET HAPPY and meet some new people, check out a new space, and just hang out with a community of positive, forward-thinking individuals like yourself.
This is a not-for-profit gathering.
a suggested donation of $20 will be collected and each month we will donate the proceeds to a LOCAL charity in need.
We will "green" each event by recycling wine and beer bottles and by using recycled paper products.
We are counting on you to forward this to all of the cool people you know, to those who you maybe haven't seen in awhile, and especially the people you know could use a little HAPPY....

e mail Brian Dobbin (bdob@sbcglobal.net) with comments, questions, or just to let us know you are comin'!

bettershelter Green Awards!

bettershelter is having an Orange County Green Awards party Thurs, Dec 4!
The purpose for this is to recognize and acknowledge people, places and things that have made a positive impact in Orange County for all things "GREEN".
We have 7 categories:
1. Interior design
2. Landscape design
3. Architectural design
4. Retail design
5. Products
6. Individuals
7. Companies

You are invited and encouraged to submit for a green award in any of the above areas!
The cost to enter? FREE! No charge!
Award entry form can be found on bettershelter website:

All of this will coincide with the launch of our newest development, 12@ELDEN, the latest, greatest in green design and all around awesome development!
The party will take place at 12@ELDEN in Costa Mesa.
Thurs, Dec 4
6-8pm
2379 Elden Ave
Costa Mesa 92627
Any questions email to: info@bettershelter.com.
May the GREEN prevail!!

Masquerade Ball At Mesa Restaurant

Mesa is having a masquerade ball Thursday, October 30. Should be fun.
714-557-0700

KCRW In OC This Weekend

On Saturday, October 11th join KCRW in Orange County for Uptown Underground OC -- a special night of music, art and dance on the plaza at the Orange County Performing Arts Center.
After a hugely successful turnout for Uptown Underground in Downtown LA last year, KCRW is bringing the party south! KCRW DJ Jason Bentley will offer up a mix of urban beats and hypnotic rhythms in a live DJ set that will serve as the soundtrack to David Michalek's outdoor art installation Slow Dancing -- larger-than-life, hyper-slow-motion video portraits of famous dancers from around the world that will be projected onto the east façade of the Center’s Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall above the community plaza. This free party under the stars is open to the public and will be open from 10pm to midnight.
bettershelter says: DO IT!

Like-Minded People Sticking Together....

You probably will not see many McCain posters at either 1.7 Ocean or 12@ELDEN.....
Another reason to live in a bettershelter community.
GO OBAMA.

The Hidden Kitchen Is Good

Jeff Dobkin and wife Julie Thompson-Dobkin have transformed the Rooster Cafe into The Hidden Kitchen. The 3 course fixed price ($35) menu features local produce prepared bistro style, simply prepared and satisfying. The wine list includes an eclectic mix of wines from France, Italy, Spain, and of course Thompkin Cellars All are offered by the glass, half or full bottle, nothing exceeds $45.
Says Julie: "Wine and food combined becomes art. Friends and folks complete the experience."
I am happy to report the food is delicious and the whole experience was amazing.
Kudos to The Hidden Kitchen.
This type of dining experience is something I am surprised to find in Orange County and I urge you to support it.
A great addition to the city of Costa Mesa.
The Hidden Kitchen is located very close to 12@ELDEN, another piece of the puzzle completed to make for an awesome community!
bettershelter says: EXPERIENCE IT!

TIKI!FREAKoout! Sat July 19th

The Light Gallery
440 E 17th St
Costa Mesa
714-642-7899 INFO
7pm- Midnight
A group art show afterparty with A Summer psychedelic mix of Sun, Tiki & Polynesian influences. An experimental cross pollination of cultures.
DJ Big TIKI Dude in the mix > All Vinyl Exotica, Lounge, Tribal Treats.
See you there.