Welcome to The Orange County Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Jurassic Quest in Costa Mesa

• Upcoming Anaheim Ducks home games

• A deep-dive into the life of Richard Nixon

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"He who knows others is wise; he who knows himself is enlightened."

– Lao Tzu

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 beach is famous for its annual surf competition and vibrant surf culture?

A) Laguna Beach

B) Newport Beach

C) Huntington Beach

D) Dana Point

Answer to Last Week's Trivia: The name of the iconic theme park in Orange County that opened in 1955, becoming the first Disneyland theme park ever built is B) Disneyland Park.

News

💼 Business

Newport Beach developer Cherry Tree Capital Partners launched a new townhome building project aimed at millennial housing​​. (link)

Irvine Company reported strong office leasing results for 2023, showcasing growth despite national trends​​. (link)

Orange County's largest environmental consultants saw a 6% increase in billings in 2023, reaching nearly $428 million​​. (link)

Construction began for the commercial core of Dana Point Harbor as part of its revitalization project​​. (link)

🏒 Sports

Century High School's pitcher Andy Santana threw a no-hitter in a victory over Westminster. (link)

CIF girls basketball quarterfinal playoff scores included a game, with detailed outcomes for OC teams. (link)

CIF Water Polo semifinals saw Beckman's rally fall short against Alta Loma. (link)

Bosco Tech secured a CIF quarterfinal playoff victory over Northwood in boys basketball. (link)

🏦 Finance

Orange County's fastest-growing private companies experienced a 56% revenue increase over the past two years, reaching $23.9 billion​. (link)

Irvine hosts the most number of fastest-growing companies in Orange County, claiming 14 of the top spots​. (link)

SmartFinancial, based in Costa Mesa, reported the fastest overall growth rate among companies, with a 360% increase to $92 million​. (link)

New American Funding in Tustin reported a 303% growth, reaching $1.4 billion and marking the fastest growth on the large company list​​. (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

🏒 Ducks vs. Blue Jackets
Honda Center, Anaheim
Wednesday, Feb. 21st | (More Info)

🏒 Ducks vs. Predators
Honda Center, Anaheim
Sunday, Feb. 25th | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Jeremy Jordan
Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa, CA
Thursday, Feb 22, 2024 | (More Info)

🎶 Zomboy
Time Nightclub, Costa Mesa, CA
Friday, Feb 23, 2024 | (More Info)

🎧 Dirt Monkey
The Circle OC, Huntington Beach, CA
Friday, Feb 23, 2024 | (More Info)

🎤 Headshine
Reggae Boat Cruise, Dana Point
Sunday, Feb. 25th | (More Info)

Family

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Gem Faire
OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa
Friday, Feb. 23rd - Sunday, Feb. 25th | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Fri-Sat), 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Sun) | (More Info)

🎨 Jurassic Quest
OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa
Friday, Feb. 23rd - Sunday, Feb. 25th | 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM (Fri-Sat), 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM (Sun) | (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 “Retro-futuristic 1950s style Orange County, CA with modern technology” 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

Establishment of Anaheim (1857)

Anaheim, one of Orange County, California's earliest cities, was established in 1857 by a group of fifty German families. Drawn by the promise of a preferable climate and fertile land, these pioneers were part of a larger German immigrants' movement across the United States, seeking opportunities for farming and a new life. The settlers purchased a large swath of land from Juan Pacifico Ontiveros, totaling 1,165 acres, which was then divided into plots for homes, communal buildings, and vineyards. The name "Anaheim" itself reflects its origins, combining "Ana" from the nearby Santa Ana River with "heim," a German word for home, symbolizing their new "home by the river."

The initial focus of Anaheim's agricultural community was viticulture, with the early settlers planting and cultivating grape vines on a significant scale. The effort was a flourishing success, leading Anaheim to become a thriving wine-producing region in the late 19th century. However, this first economic boom was cut short by a devastating pestilence in the 1880s, which destroyed the grape vines and forced the community to diversify its agricultural pursuits. Anaheim's settlers quickly adapted, turning to citrus farming, which proved to be exceedingly prosperous and catapulted the region into becoming a major citrus producer in California.

Anaheim's growth was further accelerated with the arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1887, linking it to larger markets and enabling the city's agricultural products to reach far and wide. This transportation breakthrough, combined with its successful shift from viticulture to citrus farming, laid the groundwork for the city's economic expansion and diversity in the years to come. As the city evolved, it continued to attract a broad spectrum of settlers and investors, shaping Anaheim into a vibrant community and a central hub of activity in Orange County. Today, while it is internationally known for attractions like Disneyland, Anaheim maintains its rich cultural heritage and historical significance, reflecting the enduring legacy of its German founders.

Famous People In Orange County History

Richard Nixon: 1913-1994

Early Life and Education (1913-1934)

Richard Milhous Nixon was born in Yorba Linda, California, to a Quaker family. His early life was marked by hardship and ambition. Despite the financial difficulties faced by his family, Nixon excelled academically, earning a scholarship to Whittier College, where he graduated in 1934.

Rising Political Star (1946-1952)

After serving in the Navy during World War II, Nixon entered politics, winning a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1946. He quickly gained national attention for his active role in the Alger Hiss case. In 1950, he was elected to the Senate, and just two years later, he became Vice President under Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Vice Presidency and 1960 Presidential Election (1953-1960)

As Vice President, Nixon undertook significant foreign policy missions, including visits to the Soviet Union and Latin America. His political career faced a major challenge in 1960 when he ran for President against John F. Kennedy. In a close and highly publicized race, Nixon narrowly lost, a defeat that many attributed in part to the first-ever televised presidential debates.

Comeback and Election as President (1968)

After losing the California governor's race in 1962, Nixon's political career seemed over. However, he made a remarkable comeback, winning the Republican nomination for President in 1968 and then the presidency, promising to restore law and order and bring an honorable end to the Vietnam War.

Domestic Policies and Achievements (1969-1974)

During his presidency, Nixon implemented significant domestic reforms, including the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the promotion of desegregation in Southern schools. He also proposed healthcare reform and welfare programs, showing a pragmatic approach to governance.

Foreign Policy and Diplomatic Successes (1969-1974)

Nixon's foreign policy achievements included the historic opening of relations with the People's Republic of China in 1972 and détente with the Soviet Union, culminating in the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT I). These efforts significantly cooled the Cold War tensions and reshaped U.S. foreign policy.

Connection to Orange County, CA (San Clemente Connection)

Nixon's profound connection to Orange County, CA, was encapsulated by his "Western White House" in San Clemente. This scenic estate was not only a personal retreat but also a venue for important diplomatic meetings, especially with leaders from Mexico and the Soviet Union, showcasing Nixon’s ongoing engagement with global diplomacy.

Watergate Scandal and Resignation (1974)

Despite Nixon's significant achievements, his presidency was marred by the Watergate scandal, a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters and the subsequent cover-up. The scandal led to Nixon's resignation in 1974, making him the only U.S. President to resign from office.

Later Years and Rehabilitation (1974-1994)

After resigning, Nixon retired to San Clemente, later moving to New York and New Jersey. He spent the following two decades rehabilitating his image, becoming a respected elder statesman and author in foreign policy until his death in 1994.

Legacy and Controversy (1994 and Beyond)

Nixon's legacy remains complex. While his presidency ended in scandal, his contributions to foreign policy and domestic affairs have received praise. The controversies of his time in office, however, continue to spark debate among historians and the public.

Key Achievements of Richard Nixon:

• Established the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

• Opened diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China.

• Initiated détente and the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT I) with the Soviet Union.

• Implemented significant desegregation in Southern schools.

• Made valuable contributions to American foreign policy.

Richard Nixon's presidency was a study in contradiction, marked by significant achievements and deep controversies. His effective domestic policies and groundbreaking foreign diplomacy reshaped American politics, but the Watergate scandal indelibly tarnished his legacy. Despite this, Nixon's connection to places like San Clemente and his post-presidency rehabilitation efforts reflect a complex figure whose impact on American history remains significant.

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-Matthew Larsen

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