Welcome to The Orange County Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Corona del Mar defeated Marina

• Upcoming OC Marathon Running Festival

• A deep-dive into the life of Louise Booth

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"The greatest barrier to success is the fear of failure."

- Eriksson

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!

What is the name of the Orange County beach known for its historic pier and active surf culture, often hosting surfing competitions?

A) Bolsa Chica State Beach

B) Newport Beach

C) Huntington Beach

D) Dana Point

Answer to Last Week Trivia: The annual Orange County event that celebrates the local citrus industry with carnival rides, exhibits, and citrus-themed contests is C) The La Habra Citrus Fair.

News

💼 Business

A new health department building is set to be constructed in Orange County near the existing facility. (Link)

In Orange County softball rankings, Orange Lutheran and Pacifica have secured their league titles as the regular season approaches its conclusion. (Link)

San Clemente is ready to restart its sand replenishment project to prepare for the upcoming summer season. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Orange Lutheran and Pacifica clinched league titles in Orange County softball as they prepare for postseason play. (Link)

In Orange County high school baseball, Corona del Mar defeated Marina with a strong performance by pitcher Stevie Jones. (Link)

La Mirada and Gahr are set to compete for the Gateway League title in baseball, while Millikan makes gains in the Press-Telegram rankings. (Link)

Orange Lutheran tops the Orange County high school baseball rankings as the regular season concludes. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Mullen Automotive Inc. saw a significant 41% increase in stock price, reaching $3.86 with a market cap of $25 million as of April 24. (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

🏇 Los Alamitos Race Course Night Races
Los Alamitos Race Course, Los Alamitos
Friday, May 3rd | 7:00 PM | More Info

🏃 OC Marathon and Half Marathon
Starts at Newport Beach, ends at OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa
Sunday, May 5th | 5:30 AM (Marathon), 6:30 AM (Half Marathon) | More Info

Music & Concerts

🎶 Kenny Mason 
The Constellation Room, Santa Ana
Thursday, May 2nd | 8:00 PM | More Info

🎸 P.O.D.
The Observatory, Santa Ana
Monday, April 29th | 7:00 PM | More Info

🎵 Helmet 
The Observatory, Santa Ana
Tuesday, April 30th | 8:00 PM | More Info

Family

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 CSUF Spring Concert
Fullerton Betty, Fullerton
Saturday, May 4th | Time TBA | 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 “Orange County, CA with wildlife corridors and roaming animals..” 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

1978 Proposition 13 impact - Major property tax legislation had significant effects on local government funding.

In 1978, California witnessed a watershed moment in its governance and economic landscape with the passage of Proposition 13, a law that significantly altered the state's property tax system. This piece of legislation, formally known as the People's Initiative to Limit Property Taxation, drastically reduced property taxes by assessing property values at their 1975 level and restricting annual increases to no more than 2% until a property changed ownership. For Orange County, one of California's most populous and economically vibrant regions, the impact was profound and multifaceted, particularly in the domains of local government funding and public services.

Before Proposition 13, local governments in Orange County relied heavily on property taxes as a primary source of revenue, enabling them to fund public schools, law enforcement, fire departments, and other crucial services. The sudden and significant reduction in property tax revenues compelled these governments to make tough choices, leading to budget cuts, reduced public services, and an increased reliance on other forms of taxation and fees to fill the gap. The legislation also shifted more fiscal responsibility from local governments to the state, changing the almost century-old relationship between these entities. As a result, the way public services were funded and delivered in Orange County was fundamentally altered, impacting the quality and availability of education, public safety, and infrastructure developments.

Over the years, the impact of Proposition 13 has been the subject of considerable debate in Orange County and throughout California. Proponents argue that it has kept housing affordable for many homeowners, prevented people from being taxed out of their homes by rising property values, and stimulated the real estate market. Critics, however, contend that it has created disparities in property taxes, underfunded public services, and contributed to the state's housing crisis by discouraging the sale and turnover of properties. Despite these debates, Proposition 13 remains a pivotal moment in California's fiscal history, continuing to shape the economic and social landscape of Orange County and the state at large.

Famous People In Orange County History

Louise Booth (1900-1981)

Louise Booth, alongside her husband Walter Knott, was a pivotal figure in the creation and success of Knott’s Berry Farm, an iconic theme park located in Buena Park, California. Her life story is one of entrepreneurship, innovation, and resilience amid the challenges of the 20th century.

Early Life and Meeting Walter (1900-1920)

Born in the early 1900s, Louise Booth grew up in a period of rapid change and innovation in the United States. Coming from a modest background, she possessed a strong work ethic from a young age. Louise met Walter Knott, a like-minded individual with dreams and aspirations, during her youth. Their shared values and visions for a future formed the foundation of a lasting partnership.

The Birth of a Berry Empire (1920-1934)

After marrying, Louise and Walter embarked on their journey by leasing land in the Orange County area of California. Their early struggles were mitigated by Louise's unwavering support and ingenuity. It was during this time that they began cultivating various fruits, including the berry that would define their legacy—the boysenberry. Louise's role in packaging, marketing, and selling these berries was crucial to their early success.

Knott’s Berry Place (1934-1940)

The 1930s brought about the transformation of their roadside berry stand into a tea room, where Louise's home-cooked meals began attracting more visitors. As the demand for her cooking and their berries grew, so did their business. This period marked the transition from a simple farm to a destination as more facilities were added, including a chicken dinner restaurant famously initiated by Louise.

Expansion and Innovation (1940-1950)

During the 1940s, Louise continued to play a significant role in the development of what was becoming Knott’s Berry Farm. Her influence extended beyond the kitchen to shaping the guest experience. The couple's innovative spirit led to the introduction of a replica ghost town, an attraction that hinted at the future direction of the farm.

Knott’s Berry Farm Becomes a Theme Park (1950-1960)

The transformation of Knott’s Berry Farm into a fully-fledged theme park was a gradual process, with Louise and Walter at the helm. Louise's attention to detail, understanding of hospitality, and vision for a unique family experience were instrumental in this period of significant expansion.

Cultural and Community Contributions (1960-1970)

Beyond the park's attractions, Louise Booth was deeply involved in cultural and community-oriented activities. Her efforts in preserving and showcasing American heritage, especially that of the Wild West, enriched the theme park’s cultural significance.

Transition and Legacy (1970-1981)

As the 1970s dawned, Louise began transitioning responsibilities to her children, ensuring the continuity of their life's work. Despite stepping back from day-to-day operations, her impact remained evident in every corner of Knott’s Berry Farm and its operations. Louise Booth passed away in 1981, leaving behind a legacy interwoven with the fabric of Orange County and the amusement park industry.

Connection to Orange County, CA

Louise Booth's life is deeply rooted in Orange County, where she and Walter contributed significantly to the local economy and community. Starting from leased farmland, they created a landmark that embodies the spirit of American entrepreneurship and ingenuity, making Knott's Berry Farm synonymous with Buena Park and Orange County.

Key Achievements of Louise Booth:

• - Co-founder of Knott’s Berry Farm, playing a pivotal role in its growth from a small berry farm to a world-renowned theme park.

• - Integral in the development and popularity of the boysenberry, contributing to the agricultural heritage of Orange County.

• - Pioneered the farm's transformation into a theme park with a focus on family-oriented attractions and experiences.

• - Championed cultural preservation through the establishment of the park's Ghost Town, enriching the historical narrative of the American West.

Louise Booth was a visionary entrepreneur whose contributions went beyond the cultivation of berries and expansion of Knott’s Berry Farm. She shaped guest experiences, championed cultural preservation, and impacted her local community in Orange County, CA. Her legacy is a testament to the power of innovation, dedication, and hard work in creating lasting impressions on both the land and in the hearts of those who visit Knott’s Berry Farm.

Connect With Me

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

-Matthew Larsen

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