Yorba Linda, known as the “Land of Gracious Living,” has produced an unexpectedly wide range of well-known names. From the world of drag racing to the entertainment industry, and even the presidency, the city has shaped people who went on to leave a mark far beyond Orange County. Here’s a countdown of the most notable individuals born in Yorba Linda.
#10 Eric Friedman (1984– )
Eric Friedman, born in Yorba Linda, is a guitarist who worked his way into the national rock scene. He has performed with Creed and Tremonti, adding his sound to some of the most recognizable hard rock acts of the 2000s and 2010s. While not a frontman, Friedman has built a respected career in the rock community.
#9 Nathan Choate (1979– )
Nathan Choate was born in Yorba Linda and is now the head baseball coach at Washington State University, a role he took in 2023. Previously, he built programs at Loyola Marymount and gained a reputation for player development. His career centers on building strong teams and preparing players for the next level.
#8 Dylan Moore (1992– )
Born in Yorba Linda, Dylan Moore broke into Major League Baseball with the Seattle Mariners in 2019. Known for his versatility, he filled roles across the infield and outfield and became a fan favorite for his clutch hitting. In mid-2025, he moved on from Seattle and signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers, looking to extend his professional career.
#7 Chris Pontius (1974– )
Chris Pontius was born in Yorba Linda in 1987 and went on to become a standout player in Major League Soccer. After playing college soccer at UC Santa Barbara, he joined D.C. United in 2009, where he quickly became known for his attacking presence. Over his career, he also played for the Philadelphia Union and the LA Galaxy, earning MLS Best XI honors in 2012 and winning the league’s Comeback Player of the Year award in 2016.
#6 Sabrina Bryan (1984– )
Sabrina Bryan was born in Yorba Linda and rose to fame as part of Disney’s The Cheetah Girls, one of the defining pop groups of the 2000s. She became a familiar face on the Disney Channel, starred in TV movies, and later appeared on Dancing with the Stars. For many millennials, Bryan remains a nostalgic reminder of Disney’s golden era.
#5 Ashley Force Hood (1982– )
Ashley Force Hood, another Yorba Linda native from the Force racing dynasty, made a name for herself in NHRA Funny Car competition. She was the first woman to ever defeat her father, John Force, in a national event. Though she stepped away from racing to raise her family, her competitive legacy lives on within the sport.
#4 Courtney Force (1988– )
Courtney Force, also born in Yorba Linda, became the winningest female driver in NHRA Funny Car history before stepping back from racing. Known for her fierce competitiveness, she expanded the visibility of women in drag racing and carried the Force family name forward.
#3 Brittany Force (1986– )
Brittany Force, born in Yorba Linda, is one of drag racing’s biggest stars. She competes in NHRA Top Fuel and became world champion in 2017 and 2022. Known for her skill in drag racing’s fastest class, she has secured her place as one of the sport’s most dominant female drivers.
#2 Marcus Mumford (1987– )
Marcus Mumford was born in Yorba Linda while his parents were working in Southern California before the family moved back to England. He became the lead singer of Mumford & Sons, the Grammy-winning folk rock band that shaped much of the 2010s music scene. Mumford has also pursued solo projects, further cementing his influence.
#1 Richard Nixon (1913–1994)
Richard Nixon was born on a small citrus farm in Yorba Linda in 1913 and went on to become the 37th President of the United States. His presidency included historic foreign policy breakthroughs such as opening relations with China, but it ended with his resignation after the Watergate scandal. Today, the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum in Yorba Linda stands as both a monument and a reminder of his controversial legacy.
Last Updated on August 4, 2026 by F.E.M