Welcome to The Orange County Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming BoyWithUke performance

• Upcoming Anaheim Ducks home game

• A deep-dive into the life of Gwen Verdon

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will."

– Suzy Kassem

Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

Which Orange County city hosts the annual "Swallows Day Parade," celebrating the return of the swallows to Mission San Juan Capistrano?

A) Dana Point

B) Laguna Niguel

C) San Juan Capistrano

D) Irvine

Answer to Last Week Trivia: The Orange International Street Fair, celebrated in the city of Orange's historic plaza, featuring food, crafts, and music from around the world, is traditionally held in C) September.

News

💼 Business

A new Cambria hotel with 117 rooms is set to be built in a suburb of West Orange County, Orlando. (Link)

Orange County residents are being consulted on what they desire from a proposed transportation sales tax. (Link)

Workers across 34 hotels in Southern California, including notable ones like the Anaheim Hilton and Irvine Marriott, will receive a $10 hourly wage increase under new labor agreements. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Santa Margarita climbed to No. 1 in Orange County's baseball rankings after defeating Orange Lutheran twice last week. (Link)

Shohei Ohtani publicly denied ever betting on sports or intentionally paying off gambling debts. (Link)

Scores and stats from Monday's high school sports in Orange County were released, highlighting the performance of local teams and players. (Link)

The Michelle Carew Classic is showcasing top Orange County softball teams like Pacifica, Orange Lutheran, and Los Alamitos, promising an exciting tournament with numerous storylines. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Tiddlywinks, a beloved toy store in Old Towne Orange, has reopened in a new location just a few doors down in the space formerly occupied by Woody's Antiques. (Link)

A controversial antitrust lawsuit has been filed against Apple by the U.S. Department of Justice and 16 state attorneys general, including California, challenging the company's market practices. (Link)

Iva Lee’s, a notable venue in San Clemente known for its live music and dining experience, is closing, with plans for a new Detroit-style pizza restaurant to take over the space. (Link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

🚶 Walk MS
475 Anton Blvd, Costa Mesa
Saturday, April 6, 2024 | All Day | (More Info)

🏅 Athlete Registration
Los Cab Sports Village, Orange County, CA
Sunday, Apr. 1st | (More Info)

🏒 Seattle Kraken at Anaheim Ducks
Honda Center, Anaheim, CA
Thursday, Apr. 5th | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Offset - Set It Off Tour
House of Blues Anaheim, Anaheim, CA
Sunday, Apr. 1st | (More Info)

🎵 BoyWithUke
House of Blues Anaheim, Anaheim, CA
Thursday, Apr. 5th | (More Info)

🎵 Headshine at Reggae Boat Cruise
Dana Point, CA
Sunday, April 7,2024 | 1:00 PM | (More Info)

Family

🎤 Kidstock: Family Music and Arts Festival
Pretend City Children’s Museum, 29 Hubble, Irvine, CA
April 3-7 & 10-14, 2024 | Varies | (More Info)

🐾 South County Pet Expo
Lake Forest Sports Park, 28000 Rancho Pkwy, Lake Forest, CA
Saturday, April 6, 2024 | 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM | (More Info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Spaceport integrated into Orange County, CA's central hub” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Orange County Historical Events

Flood of 1938 - A devastating flood that prompted significant changes in flood control measures.

In late February 1938, a catastrophic weather event unfolded in Southern California, leaving a particularly devastating mark on Orange County. After a prolonged drought that had parched the region, an intense Pacific storm descended on the area. Over a span of just a few days, the relentless rain transformed creeks into raging torrents and rivers overflowed their banks with unprecedented volume and force. Notably, the Santa Ana River, swollen beyond capacity, wreaked havoc across much of Orange County. The floodwaters uprooted homes, washed away bridges, inundated farmlands, and claimed dozens of lives, causing immense property damage and altering the landscape irreversibly.

The Flood of 1938 laid bare the inadequacies of existing flood control measures, prompting swift and significant action from federal, state, and local authorities. In the aftermath of the disaster, it became abundantly clear that a comprehensive approach to flood management was urgently needed to prevent future calamities of a similar scale. This recognition led to the formation of the Flood Control District, and the federal government, through initiatives like those of the Army Corps of Engineers, began to play a pivotal role in developing and implementing robust flood control strategies. The projects initiated encompassed the construction of dams, levees, and catch basins designed to regulate river flows, contain floodwaters, and protect the burgeoning communities within Orange County.

The Flood of 1938 stands as a turning point in the history of Orange County and the broader Southern California region. It triggered a fundamental shift in how flood risks were managed, leading to the extensive development and continuous refinement of flood control infrastructures that remain critical to safeguarding lives and property. This event underscores the evolving relationship between human settlements and the natural environment, highlighting the importance of preparedness, resilience, and innovation in facing the challenges posed by extreme weather conditions. Today, the flood control systems that were initiated in response to the 1938 disaster continue to play a vital role in protecting the region against the threats posed by seasonal rains and potential flood events.

Famous People In Orange County History

Gwen Verdon (1925-2000)

Gwen Verdon, hailed as Broadway's brightest star, left an indelible mark on the world of theater with her unparalleled talent as a dancer and actress. Born in Culver City and raised in Orange County, Verdon's journey to stardom is a testament to her dedication, resilience, and extraordinary skills.

Childhood and Early Influences (1925-1940)

Gwen Verdon was born in Culver City, California, but her formative years were spent in Orange County. Diagnosed with rickets as a child, she took up dance upon medical advice, a decision that sparked her lifelong passion for performance. Verdon's early experiences with dance in Southern California laid the foundation for her future in entertainment, showcasing her innate talent and drive from a young age.

Rising Star on Broadway (1940s-1950s)

Verdon's Broadway debut came in 1953 with "Can-Can," a performance that earned her the first of her four Tony Awards. Her remarkable flexibility, expressive face, and indomitable spirit quickly made her a favorite among Broadway directors and choreographers. It wasn't long before she became the muse of famed choreographer Bob Fosse, who would play a significant role in her career.

Iconic Roles and Awards (1950s-1960s)

The 1950s and 1960s saw Verdon at the peak of her career, starring in hits like "Damn Yankees," "New Girl in Town," and "Sweet Charity." These roles showcased her versatility as a performer, earning her critical acclaim and multiple awards. Her partnership with Fosse, whom she married in 1960, led to some of the most memorable performances in Broadway history, cementing her status as a theater legend.

Connection to Orange County, CA (Lifelong)

Despite her Broadway success, Verdon always maintained a connection to her roots in Orange County, California. She often credited the supportive arts community and the vibrant dance scene in the area for helping her cultivate her talents. Verdon's journey from a small-town girl to a Broadway sensation thus serves as an inspiration to aspiring performers everywhere, especially those from her hometown.

Transition to Film and Television (1960s-1970s)

Verdon's talent translated seamlessly to film and television, where she delivered memorable performances in movies like "Damn Yankees" and appeared on various TV shows. Her screen work further demonstrated her versatility and helped introduce her to a broader audience, though she always considered Broadway her true home.

Collaborations with Fosse (1960s-1980s)

Verdon and Fosse's collaboration both on and off the stage was a defining aspect of her career. Together, they redefined Broadway's visual and narrative aesthetics, with Verdon often serving as Fosse's muse, lead actress, and uncredited choreographer. Their partnership, albeit complex, produced some of the most innovative works in theater history.

Late Career and Mentorship (1980s-1990s)

Even as she stepped away from the spotlight, Verdon remained active in the theater community, mentoring young performers and ensuring the preservation of Fosse's legacy. She was instrumental in the establishment of the Verdon Fosse Legacy Project, aimed at educating and inspiring future generations of dancers and theater artists.

Retirement and Legacy (1990s-2000)

Gwen Verdon passed away in 2000, leaving behind a legacy that transcends her Broadway achievements. She is remembered not only for her unrivaled talent and contributions to theater but also for her role as a mentor and advocate for the arts. Her influence continues to be felt by performers and audiences alike, ensuring her place in the pantheon of Broadway legends.

Remembering Gwen Verdon (2000 and Beyond)

Verdon's passing was a profound loss for the theater community. Tributes poured in from around the world, reflecting the deep respect and admiration she garnered throughout her career. Her legacy lives on, not just in her iconic performances but in the countless artists she inspired.

Key Achievements of Gwen Verdon:

• Four-time Tony Award winner for her roles in "Can-Can," "Damn Yankees," "New Girl in Town," and "Redhead."

• Iconic collaborations with Bob Fosse, producing groundbreaking theater works.

• A pivotal role in advancing dance and performance arts, both on Broadway and in film and television.

• Lifelong mentorship and contribution to the preservation of dance and theater arts.

Gwen Verdon's story is one of resilience, passion, and dedication to the performing arts. From her early days battling health issues in Orange County to her rise as Broadway's most beloved star, her journey is a testament to the power of hard work and talent. Verdon's impact on the theater world remains unmatched, making her an enduring symbol of excellence and inspiration for generations of performers.

Connect With Me

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I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/matthewblarsen

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