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Welcome to The Orange County Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Irvine Atrium repurposed for medical.

• Sports owner offers free bicycles.

• A deep-dive into the life of Dorothy Buffum Chandler.

• And more…

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Quote of the Week

"He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life."

— Muhammad Ali

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!

Orange County’s "Little Saigon" is the largest community of Vietnamese outside of Vietnam, located in which city?

A) Westminster

B) Garden Grove

C) Santa Ana

D) Fountain Valley

Answer to Week 18's Trivia:

The Orange County city recognized for its significant contribution to the aerospace industry is A) Huntington Beach.

News

💼Business

Orange County Living Wage is closing on Dec. 31. (link)

Irvine Atrium Building Re-Entitled for Medical. (link)

🏒Sports

Back in the Game Sports owner offering free bicycles, scooters to the public in Orange County, New York. (link)

Three men file sexual assault suits against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, adding to dozens of claims. (link)

🏦Finance

District plans new $38M school in west Orange County. (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

🏀 LA Clippers v Utah Jazz
Intuit Dome, Inglewood, CA
Mon • Dec 16, 2024 • 7:30 PM | (More Info)

🏒 Anaheim Ducks vs. Winnipeg Jets
Honda Center, Anaheim, CA
Wed • Dec 18, 2024 • 7:00 PM | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Marianas Trench - The Force of Nature Tour
The Observatory, Santa Ana, CA
Mon • Dec 16 • 6:30 PM | (More Info)

🎤 Social Distortion
House of Blues Anaheim, Anaheim, CA
Tue • Dec 17 • 7:00 PM | (More Info)

Family

🎨 Cirque du Soleil: Kooza
Under the Big Top - Santa Monica, Santa Monica, CA
Wed • Dec 18, 2024 • 8:00 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 “Orange County, CA illuminated entirely by bioluminescent plants and structures” 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

1960 Laguna Beach art community - The development of a significant arts community and festivals.

In the vibrant, picturesque locale of Laguna Beach, tucked along the Southern California coast, the 1960s marked a significant period in the evolution of its now-celebrated arts community. Laguna Beach, initially a quiet beach town, burgeoned into a renowned arts haven, drawing artists, writers, and creative minds from across the nation. Its natural beauty, characterized by undulating surf and sun-drenched beaches juxtaposed against rugged cliffs, provided an inexhaustible source of inspiration for artists. This influx of creative talent laid the groundwork for what would become a thriving arts scene, integral not just to the identity of Laguna Beach but to Orange County as a whole.

The community's commitment to the arts was underscored by the development and growth of several key festivals and institutions that continue to draw visitors in their thousands year after year. The Laguna Beach Art Festival, first inaugurated in the 1930s, gained significant traction and prestige during the 1960s, showcasing the work of local and national artists in a celebration that epitomized the community's collective artistic spirit. Equally significant was the establishment of the Pageant of the Masters, a unique and mesmerizing blend of art and theater where live performers recreate classical and contemporary artworks in an open-air amphitheater, a tradition that began in the 1930s but truly flourished during the 1960s, becoming a linchpin in the community’s cultural calendar.

Furthermore, the foundation and evolution of educational institutions and galleries underscored Laguna Beach's art community's commitment to nurturing and showcasing artistic talent. The Laguna College of Art and Design, established in 1961, became a crucible for emerging artists, providing a space for education, experimentation, and exhibition. The Sawdust Art Festival, another 1960s innovation, offered a more laid-back, bohemian counterpart to the more established festivals, emphasizing the importance of local craftsmanship and hands-on art. As Laguna Beach moved through the 1960s, these festivals, institutions, and the community's open embrace of creative expression coalesced, cementing the town's legacy as a vital and enduring epicenter for the arts in Southern California.

Famous People In Orange County History

Dorothy Buffum Chandler - A major cultural philanthropist from the Buffum family, with roots in Orange County.

Early Years and Marriage (1901-1922)

Dorothy Buffum Chandler was born in Lafayette, Illinois, into a family that would eventually find their fortune in the Southern California retail industry. Moving to Long Beach, California, her family laid down roots that would intertwine deeply with the region's booming development. In 1922, Dorothy married Norman Chandler, who would later become the publisher of the Los Angeles Times, thus solidifying her position within a powerful Los Angeles family.

Rise to Cultural Philanthropy (1923-1945)

In the early years of her marriage, Dorothy Chandler dedicated herself to family and social commitments. However, her interest in cultural affairs began to surface during this period, leading her to become a prominent volunteer in local charities and cultural organizations. Her passion for the arts and dedication to community service laid the groundwork for her later achievements.

Elevating the Arts in Los Angeles (1945-1960)

After World War II, Dorothy Chandler observed a cultural vacuum in Los Angeles and embarked on a mission to transform the city into a vibrant center for the arts. Understanding the power of her social position and leveraging her extensive network, she began fundraising and advocating for the arts. Her efforts were pivotal in raising the profile of cultural institutions within the city.

The Campaign for the Music Center (1960-1964)

Perhaps her most significant accomplishment was leading the fundraising campaign to build the Los Angeles Music Center. Recognizing the need for a world-class cultural venue, Chandler galvanized community and business leaders to support the cause. Her tireless advocacy and fundraising efforts resulted in the opening of the Music Center in 1964, which became a cornerstone for the arts in Los Angeles.

Champion of the Los Angeles Philharmonic (1964-1970)

Following the opening of the Music Center, Dorothy Chandler continued her philanthropic efforts by supporting the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Her involvement helped secure the orchestra's future and ensured it had a home at the newly established venue. Her commitment to the Philharmonic highlighted her dedication to fostering musical arts in the city.

Supporting Emerging Artists (1970-1980)

In the years following her major achievements with the Music Center and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Chandler turned her attention to supporting emerging artists and ensuring that young talent had the opportunities to succeed. Her efforts helped nurture a new generation of artists across various disciplines, contributing to the cultural richness of Los Angeles and beyond.

Legacy and the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion (1980-1997)

The Music Center’s main concert hall was named the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in her honor, a fitting tribute to her contributions to the cultural life of Los Angeles. Her legacy extended beyond bricks and mortar; she had fundamentally transformed the city's cultural landscape, making high-quality arts accessible to a broader audience.

Connection to Orange County, CA (Throughout Life)

Though Dorothy Buffum Chandler's most significant contributions were within Los Angeles, her familial roots in Orange County had a lasting impact on her perspective and philanthropic approach. The entrepreneurial spirit of the Buffum family, successful in establishing one of the first major department stores in Long Beach, influenced her ambitious endeavors in cultural philanthropy, underscored by a belief in the transformative power of the arts.

Retirement and Reflections (1990-1997)

In her later years, Dorothy Chandler had the opportunity to reflect on her profound impact on Los Angeles' cultural scene. She remained a respected and influential figure in the community, with her legacy of philanthropy serving as a model for future generations. Her passing in 1997 marked the end of an era but also the beginning of a lasting cultural legacy that would continue to inspire.

Remembering Dorothy Chandler (1997 and Beyond)

Dorothy Chandler's passing was deeply felt across Los Angeles and beyond. Her vision and dedication had irrevocably changed the city's cultural landscape, setting a high bar for community involvement and philanthropy. Today, she is remembered not just for what she built but for her unwavering belief in the power of the arts to enrich society.

Key Achievements of Dorothy Buffum Chandler:

• Led the fundraising campaign to build the Los Angeles Music Center, significantly enhancing the city's cultural infrastructure.

• Instrumental in securing a permanent home for the Los Angeles Philharmonic, ensuring its growth and success.

• Advocated for the arts, fostering support for emerging artists and increasing public engagement with cultural activities.

• Honored with the naming of the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, a testament to her contributions to the cultural life of Los Angeles.

• Left a lasting legacy of philanthropy and cultural advocacy that continues to inspire future generations.

Dorothy Buffum Chandler dedicated her life to transforming Los Angeles into a cultural epicenter, leveraging her social position and passion for the arts to mobilize resources and support for this cause. Her efforts culminated in the establishment of the Music Center, a lasting symbol of her commitment to enriching the cultural landscape of the city. Chandler’s legacy is not only in the bricks of the pavilion that bears her name but in the vibrant cultural life of Los Angeles that she helped foster.

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