Readers’ Choice Awards 2016

Once again, Parenting OC readers rose to the challenge of carefully considering all the aspects of OC life and giving their honest and heartfelt feedback on who deserved the winning ribbon. This year’s voting in 90 categories brought in our biggest voter response in the history of the awards; with 56,992 nods to the hard work of Orange County businesses. Voters told us their picks came from feeling a sense of community, of being welcomed when arriving kid-in-tow rather than merely being tolerated. A common theme was that of service being key in what makes a true winner, with emotional ties to many of the categories which directly affect the way we and our children experience the world and our beautiful home.

This year, we had some tight races. So much so, that we have added a special Honorable Mention segment to our full online results guide at www.ParentingOC.com. We also felt, upon perusing comments and suggestions by the readers, that some areas of the voting were under-represented. So we included a handful of standout Editor’s Choice picks for organizations and venues who deserved recognition, but because of the niche nature of their biz, either didn’t warrant the creation of an entire voting category or were overlooked.

Keep this issue throughout the year, tuck it in your kitchen drawer for inspiration on a rainy day, or a sunny day that demands to be enjoyed in the beautiful environment that we are lucky enough to live in. Here’s our, or rather, your 2016 guide to the best of the best!

By Sascha Zuger and Linda Vujnov