WORKING -- Art Lopez

-- Story by Noaki Schwartz; photo by Thomas R. Cordova

HE IS ...

The java master.

COMMUTER COFFEE

Art Lopez spends his mornings serving up caffeinated concoctions to

jump-start Newport-Mesa commuters.

Java T’Go, a drive-through coffee hut, has been in business for three

years, catering to residents who don’t have time to brew a leisurely

morning coffee.

Despite the commuter chaos outside, the 24-year-old says the drive-up

caffeine kiosk is an oasis in the storm, providing a respite for

bleary-eyed drivers. The coffee shop even has a large selection of

pastries available.

“As far as California goes, this is going to be the future,” Lopez

predicts.

A MELLOW BREW

The mellow Lopez starts his own day with a “Red Eye,” a coffee with a

shot or two of espresso. He also throws in a bit of milk and sugar to get

going.

“A lot of regulars have Red Eyes straight up,” Lopez said, acknowledging

his taste for more mild coffee drinking.

Other community members seem to prefer the sweeter “girlie drinks,” as

they are known in the world of coffee aficionados. Lopez said the most

popular drinks are the milky lattes and chocolaty mochas.

“In the summertime, it’s the ice-blended [coffee drinks] and smoothies,”

he said.

Lopez said he has been working for various coffeehouses for the last six

years, leading to his expertise in making drinks and his well-versed

coffee vocabulary.

JUGGLING JAVA

Despite his long-running devotion to the coffee industry, Lopez sees his

future in fashion and art. He studied fashion design in Long Beach and

would eventually like to design men’s sportswear.

He enjoys working at Java T’Go because the stress-free environment

loosens up his creativity.

“I really like [the clothing line] Fresh Jive,” he said, adding that he

also likes Calvin Klein.

The Palm Springs native moved to the beach years ago to be closer to the

sports fashion industry.

“I’ve been doing it since high school,” Lopez said. He became interested

in fashion through skateboarding. These days, however, because of his

change in location, Lopez surfs.

“There’s a huge market in Orange County for sportswear,” he said. “This

is the hub because of the beach.”

JACK OF ALL TRADES

In addition to fashion and surfing, coffee drinking also provides Lopez

with enough energy to paint and play drums.

Next month, Lopez plans to exhibit his work -- a collection of geometric

designs in acrylics.

“I’m looking for a band to play with -- soul or funk,” he said.