I loved reading this! it is so interesting how different my view is of living in the OC and LA for so long. I am not a native, but lived there for 15 years. My list would be so different, but i avoid the OC completely but i like anaheim hills, some amazing restaraunts there! I also love Westminster for the vietnamese food! I used to live in huntington beach but never actually went to the beach.
I always avoid San Diego i never liked it haha! Ok i dont like the OC, as you probably can tell. I love love love DTLA ha, and the rougher neighborhoods. I lived on the wrong side of the 405 in the south bay, and it was amazing.
I love the desert tho, the yurt looks soooo fun!!! I also worked in almost every hospital in the OC i can tell you where not to even take a breath or they might kill you hahah..