Orange County Almanac

For decades, Carbon Canyon Road cut a quiet path through the foothills north of Brea. It’s lined with shrub and aging oil-extraction equipment.

But in the ast few years, the country road has become a shortcut for residents traveling from Los Angeles and Riverside counties into Orange County. During rush hour, the road is jammed with traffic. New housing developments in the Chino Hills area have aggravated the situation.

The smog and development have taken a toll on a grove of coastal redwood trees at the nearby Carbon Canyon Regional Park in Brea.

Park rangers hose down the trees several times each year to remove the grime of city life.

Today

Brownies--that all-American favorite snack--are the topic of a cooking class at the Yorba Linda Education Center.

Cooks and cooks-in-training can learn how to make breads, dumplings, pastas and other gourmet goodies at upcoming sessions.

The cooking lessons are offered by the North Orange County Community College District and cost $12 per session. The classes run from 6 to 10 p.m. at 4175 Fairmont Blvd.

Information: (714) 779-8279.