Q. I still do work in Anaheim, where I grew up, but now live in Yorba Linda. In my neighborhood, we have a lot of streets named Cedar, Evergreen, Lakeview and the like. Boring. Could be Anywhere U.S.A. Anaheim, which has a real history, has a reason behind many of its street names, like Katella, right? What are some of the others?

– Jennifer Bauer, Yorba Linda

A. Well, Jennifer, while some of your neighbors in “the Land of Gracious Living” might take exception to your characterization of that city as a bit bland, Mr. Anaheim’s got your back if an argument ensues.

And we’ve got some pretty cool facts to stand on.

You’re right about Katella, as documented in a previous column. Katella – which is both a street that borders Disneyland and a prominent high school that helped educate many successful Anaheim youth such as U.S. Rep. Loretta Sanchez – is named after Kate and Ella Rae, daughters of a prominent Anaheim rancher. Each made major contributions to the local community themselves through the Red Cross and the library, respectively.

Take a drive downtown and you’ll find some great turn-of-the-century houses (that’s turn of the 20th Century for some of those in Yorba Linda who might consider a home built in 2000 to be vintage) and you’ll find other streets named after great women of Anaheim’s past, including pioneers such as Adele, Alberta, Claudina, Emily, Mavis, Paulina and Whilhelmina. (When’s the last time you’ve heard a proud papa introduce his newborn daughter as Whilhelmina? That’s a name with real history.)

According to “A Brief History of Modern Day Anaheim,” on the city’s website, anaheim.net, there are many more. They include, Clementine and Helena streets, which are named for Clementine Langenberger, among Anaheim’s pioneers, and Helena Modjeska, the famous Polish actress. And, in a sweet gesture as the history points out, the two streets are located next to each other in honor of their namesakes “to symbolize their close friendship.”

Sure Anaheim has its share of seemingly generic “Sycamore” and “Ohio” streets, but even those streets have a lot of history because generations of families walked along their sidewalks and have grown up there.

Kroeger and Zeyn streets were named after early Anaheim mayors.

And want a tie to Anaheim’s railroad history? Look no further than streets named Atchinson, Santa Fe and Topeka.

Plenty of history all around, whichever road you take, Jennifer.

Q. I saw something advertised called the FitExpo. I thought it might be a chance to jump start my fitness routine since I really need it. But then a friend told me it’s a competition. I’m certainly not looking to compete. Can you give me more information?

– Marilyn James, Anaheim

A. I can see the confusion, Marilyn, but the best answer is that both you and your friend are correct. It’s a fitness competition and it’s open to the public – including those of us who would have trouble doing one pull up or bench press.

The FitExpo Anaheim (there are also other versions in Los Angeles and Chicago, among other cities) comes to the Anaheim Convention Center on Aug. 22-23, starting at 10 a.m. both days. The cost to the public is $25 for either day ($40 for both), and that gets you admission onto the convention center floor, where dozens of fitness companies will be selling products and services related to health and fitness. It also includes several free seminars each day.

Separate from that, but included in the admission price, is entry to view any of several fitness competitions. You won’t see Mr. Anaheim in any of those competitions either, but based on the promotional materials for the expo, you’ll see plenty of hulking biceps and well-defined sets of abdominal muscles.

There are strongman, arm wrestling and powerlifting competitions, as well as a fitness model search, a fashion show and activities for children. Kids 6 and under get in for free.

For more information, check out thefitexpo.com.

Eric Carpenter, or Mr. Anaheim to his Bulletin readers, was a longtime Register news reporter and is now an Orange County Transportation Authority spokesman.