Giving Daybreak OC A Break

I was thrilled when I heard the news Orange County was going to have its own morning news program. I like Orange County is becoming a metropolitan city that can stand on its own-- not always riding on the back of Los Angles or San Diego.

Growing up in Huntington Beach, I remember old-school Orange County, and though I miss the fields of strawberries and The Golden Bear (don't get me started), I am happy about the recognition Orange County is now getting.

I eagerly tuned in the first day to Daybreak OC to what only can be described as a "dress rehearsal." Fumbling, incorrect tapes and poor transitions peppered the broadcast. But, they got through it and were back the next day, and the next and the next. Today, I believe they are starting to get it right.

I read a scathing article in OC Weekly Only in New Jersey, ripping the program apart. Though there was some undeniable truth in it , I think the heart of the story was missed.

I do agree Daybreak OC should focus only on local news. That is why we are watching, to see our piers, hear from our neighbors and get the low-down on the dead chickens found on the beach. Let CNN and Lehrer handle the national and world news.

No question Daybreak wasn't ready to go on air that first day and their News Director needs to get a little more obsessive. (But don't tell him I said that. I have a mortal fear of all News Directors. Will explain later, but will say it has a lot to do with me being an idiot.) But, improved they have, dumping things that didn't work and smoothing out the rough spots. These are signs of pros-- not amateurs.

And let's not forget who we are- we're Orange County after all. Have we come so far from the Sex Wax-t-shirt- wearing, big-night-out-at-Sam's Seafood, behind the orange curtain kind of people? Are we so sophisticated and luxury-drunk that we can't appreciate efforts made for our sake? Does everything we see, touch and eat have to be polished, perfect and packaged? I believe we are made of more than this.

In a way, I think Daybreak OC embodies the spirit of Orange County. Starting out a little ungraceful and rough, but eventually, through determination and hard work, coming through with heart and a personality (well almost) of its own.

I do think they need to add a little humor and whimsy to the program. They all seem so solemn. Cheer up! It's not THAT bad living in Orange County.

I'm tuning in.