Welcome to The Orange County Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• In March, U.S. retail sales rose by 0.7%

• Upcoming AVP Pro Volleyball Beach Tour

• A deep-dive into the life of Bill Thomas

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"Try and fail, but don't fail to try."

- Stephen Kaggwa

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 annual Orange County event celebrates the local citrus industry with carnival rides, exhibits, and citrus-themed contests?

A) The Orange County Fair

B) The Tustin Tiller Days

C) The La Habra Citrus Fair

D) The Anaheim Orange Festival

Answer to Week 12's Trivia: Orange County's "The Great Park" is located on the site of A) El Toro Marine Corps Air Station."

News

💼 Business

Donald Trump was subdued in court but vocal publicly on the first day of his trial for allegedly falsifying business records. (Link)

In March, U.S. retail sales rose by 0.7%, indicating strong consumer resilience despite rising prices and a healthy job market. (Link)

The 99 Cents Only Stores chain, once rooted in Orange County, is attracting interest from potential buyers and lessees. (Link)

This Tax Day, the IRS suggests taxpayers might see larger refunds, highlighting new promotions and benefits. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Beckman baseball team avenged last season's losses with a robust win against Woodbridge. (Link)

Canada defeats the U.S. in an intense showdown at the IIHF Women's World Hockey final, escalating their rivalry. (Link)

Orange Lutheran, Pacifica, and Canyon lead in the Orange County softball rankings as the regular season nears completion. (Link)

Esperanza's Taylor Shumaker prioritizes team victories over personal records as she approaches the Orange County home run record. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Virgin Galactic's stock fell 9.5% to 98 cents, impacting its market value during a midday stock roundup that also saw declines in electric vehicle makers. (Link)

A shocking development in the Seminole carjacking case led to the arrest of an Orange County deputy after a woman was abducted at gunpoint and later found dead. (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

🏀 Anaheim Ducks vs. San Jose Sharks
Honda Center, Anaheim
Wednesday, April 24th | 7:00 PM | More Info

🏐 AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour
Huntington Beach Pier, Huntington Beach
Saturday, April 27th | 8:00 AM | More Info

🚴 OC Gran Fondo
Orange County, Starting Location TBD
Saturday, April 27th | 7:00 AM | More Info

Music & Concerts

🎻 Pacific Symphony Orchestra: Beethoven's Ninth
Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, Costa Mesa
Thursday, April 25th | 8:00 PM | More Info

🎸 The Eagles “Hotel California” 2024 Tour
Honda Center, Anaheim
Friday, April 26th | 8:00 PM | More Info

Family

🎠 Orange County Fair
OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa
All Week | 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM | More Info

🐠 Aquarium of the Pacific: Earth Day Celebration
Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach
Saturday, April 27th | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM | More Info

🎢 Disneyland Spring Festival
Disneyland Park, Anaheim
All Week | 9:00 AM - 10:00 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 “Urban landscape of Orange County, CA with advanced public transport systems.” 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

The "Surfing Capital" (1960s) - Huntington Beach's emergence as a key location for surfing culture.

In the 1960s, Huntington Beach, a seaside city in Orange County, California, began to make a name for itself as a pivotal location in the surfing world, eventually earning the nickname "Surfing Capital." This title was no accident; Huntington Beach's miles of uninterrupted coastline offered consistent, high-quality waves that appealed to surfers of all levels. Additionally, the city's embrace of surf culture, from surf shops to competitions, solidified its status as a surf haven. The favorable weather conditions, with sunny days and mild water temperatures year-round, made it an ideal spot for both casual surf outings and professional training.

The pivotal moment in Huntington Beach's surf history came in 1959 with the introduction of the Huntington Beach Pier Surfing Championship, which would evolve into the US Open of Surfing. This event drew competitors and spectators from around the globe, significantly boosting the city's reputation in the surfing community. The competition showcased not just the athleticism and skill of surfers but also highlighted Huntington Beach's perfect surf breaks. Over the years, the US Open of Surfing became a cultural phenomenon, intertwining with the music, fashion, and lifestyle of the 1960s surf scene, further cementing Huntington Beach's identity as the epicenter of surf culture.

Beyond mere sport, surfing in Huntington Beach during the 1960s was a lifestyle that permeated the local community. Surf music bands like The Beach Boys and Jan and Dean popularized the surf rock genre, with lyrics and melodies that captured the essence of the laid-back, sun-drenched surf culture. Movies and magazines of the era also played a significant role in broadcasting Huntington Beach's surf scene to the world, inspiring a generation to take to the waves. Through these cultural expressions, Huntington Beach's identity as the "Surfing Capital" was solidified, marking it as not only a crucial locale for the sport itself but also a birthplace for the larger global surf culture that emerged during the 1960s.

Famous People In Orange County History

Bill Thomas

Early Life and Dreams of Flight (1901-1920)

Bill Thomas was born into a modest family in rural Orange County, California, at the turn of the twentieth century. From a young age, Thomas was fascinated by the burgeoning field of aviation, spending hours watching birds and imagining machines that could emulate their flight. This early interest laid the foundation for what would become a remarkable journey into aviation history.

Self-Taught Aviator and Engineer (1921-1930)

Without access to formal education in engineering or flight, Thomas was largely self-taught, relying on books, magazines, and the mentorship of local aviators. He built his first glider at the age of 20, testing his inventions in the open fields of Orange County. By the end of the 1920s, Thomas had become a competent pilot and a creative aircraft designer, driven by a blend of intuition and ingenuity.

Contributions to Early Commercial Aviation (1931-1940)

As commercial aviation began to take off in the United States, Thomas saw an opportunity to transition from hobbyist to professional. He started by offering design consultations and pilot training. By the mid-1930s, Thomas had designed a series of light aircraft that were praised for their reliability and performance, cementing his reputation as a talented engineer.

World War II Efforts and Military Design (1941-1945)

With the onset of World War II, Thomas shifted his focus to support the war effort. He collaborated with larger manufacturers in Orange County and beyond, lending his expertise in aircraft design to improve military planes. His contributions were crucial in enhancing the performance and safety of aircraft used in various theaters of the war.

Post-War Innovation and Civil Aviation (1946-1960)

After the war, Thomas returned to civil aviation with renewed vigor. He was instrumental in designing aircraft suited for the burgeoning commercial and private markets. His designs during this period were characterized by their innovative use of materials and aerodynamics, contributing significantly to the growth of civil aviation in Orange County and the broader United States.

Establishing Thomas Aerospace (1961-1970)

In the 1960s, leveraging his reputation and expertise, Thomas founded Thomas Aerospace in Orange County. The company quickly became a key player in the aerospace industry, known for its pioneering designs and Thomas’s commitment to quality and innovation. Thomas Aerospace played a crucial role in establishing Orange County as a hub for the aerospace industry.

The Golden Years and Mentorship (1971-1980)

During the 1970s, Thomas focused on mentoring the next generation of engineers and pilots. His company expanded its operations, but Thomas was more interested in passing on his knowledge. He became a respected figure, known for his contributions to aviation and his dedication to inspiring others.

Retirement and Reflections (1981-1990)

Thomas retired in the early 1980s, leaving a legacy of innovation in the aerospace industry. He spent his retirement reflecting on his career and the evolution of aviation, often speaking at industry events and educational institutions about his experiences and the future of flight.

Lasting Legacy in Aviation and Beyond (1991-2003)

Bill Thomas passed away in 2003, but his impact on aviation and the aerospace industry in Orange County and beyond continues to be felt. Through his designs, mentorship, and dedication, Thomas helped shape the modern aerospace landscape.

Remembering Bill Thomas (2003 and Beyond)

Even after his passing, Bill Thomas is remembered as a pioneer who bridged the gap between early aviation and the modern aerospace industry. His contributions to aircraft design and his role in the development of Orange County's aerospace industry have left an indelible mark on the field.

Key Achievements of Bill Thomas:

• - Self-taught aviator and aircraft designer who made significant contributions to both civil and military aviation.

• - Played a pivotal role in establishing Orange County as a hub for the aerospace industry.

• - Founded Thomas Aerospace, which became known for innovation and quality in aircraft design.

• - Mentored the next generation of engineers and pilots, leaving a lasting impact on the industry.

• - Contributed to the World War II effort by enhancing the performance and safety of military aircraft.

Bill Thomas's journey from a self-taught aviator to a respected engineer and business owner encapsulates the spirit of innovation and determination. His contributions to the aerospace industry, particularly in Orange County, have not only propelled the region to the forefront of aviation but have also left a lasting imprint on the field of aerospace engineering. Thomas remains a beacon of inspiration, showcasing the impact one individual can have on the evolution of technology and industry.

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-Matthew Larsen

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