Welcome to The Orange County Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Growing demand for millennial housing projects in Orange County

• Upcoming Orange County flag gootball group event

• A deep-dive into the life of Cordelia Knott

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“If you can’t yet do great things, do small things in a great way.”

―Napoleon Hill

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 annual event in Orange County is known for its large, colorful hot air balloon displays and carnival attractions?

A) The Orange County Fair

B) The Great Park Balloon Festival

C) The Irvine Global Village Festival

D) The Tustin Tiller Days

Answer to Last Week's Trivia: The Orange County beach famous for its annual surf competition and vibrant surf culture is C) Huntington Beach.

News

💼 Business

Cherry Tree's executive Chris Marsh focuses on millennial housing projects in Orange County, aiming to meet the growing demand​​. (link)

UST, a prominent tech company, expands operations to Australia and New Zealand, showcasing Orange County's global business reach​​. (link)

Boldyn Networks appoints Jeannie Weaver as U.S. Chief Marketing Officer, signaling strategic marketing shifts from its Orange County base​​. (link)

CalOptima Health expands beyond insurance, catering to a third of Orange County's population with innovative health solutions​​. (link)

🏒 Sports

Orange Lutheran's CIF Title in Basketball: Orange Lutheran claimed the CIF Southern Section Division 2AA boys basketball championship. (link)

Sage Hill's CIF Basketball Championship: Sage Hill's boys basketball team secured the CIF Southern Section Division 3AA championship​​. (link)

Servite's CIF Wrestling Championship Success: Servite High School's wrestling team showcased their talent by winning the CIF-SS Masters Meet​​. (link)

🏦 Finance

American Healthcare REIT's valuation soars to $1.7 billion, reflecting the robust health of Orange County's real estate investment sector​​. (link)

UCI Health announces a $975 million acquisition of four hospitals, marking a significant expansion in Orange County's healthcare landscape​​. (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

🏀 WestCoast Prep Athletic Conference Finals
Orange, CA
Thursday, Mar. 1st | (More Info)

🏈 Orange County Flag Football Group (Weekly Pickup)
Westminster, CA
Friday, Mar. 2nd | (More Info)

🏈 Huntington Beach Flag Football
Huntington Beach, CA
Friday, Mar. 2nd | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎧 Valentino Khan
Costa Mesa, CA
Saturday, Mar. 2nd | (More Info)

🎶 K?D
Time Nightclub
Thursday, Mar. 1st | (More Info)

🎸 Damage Inc
House of Blues Anaheim
Thursday, Mar. 1st | (More Info)

Family

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Kids Club - Bella Terra
Huntington Beach, CA
Monday, Feb. 26th | (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 within a giant biodome” 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 Valencia Orange Boom (Early 1900s) - The introduction and cultivation of the Valencia Orange spurred significant economic growth.

In the early 20th century, Southern California experienced an agricultural revolution that significantly transformed its economy and landscape, largely owing to the introduction and cultivation of the Valencia orange. This variety, originally from Valencia, Spain, proved exceptionally well-suited to the climate and soil of Orange County, CA. Its success was not immediate, but by the 1920s, the region was amidst an unprecedented agricultural boom. The Valencia orange, with its thick skin, making it ideal for shipping, and its ability to be harvested in late spring and summer when few other oranges were available, quickly became a lucrative cash crop for local farmers.

Orange County's transformation into a vibrant agricultural hub was marked by vast orchards of Valencia oranges that painted the landscape with their lush greenery and bursts of vibrant orange. This agricultural expansion did not only facilitate economic growth through the selling of oranges but also spurred the development of related industries, including canning, packaging, and transportation. It brought about investments in irrigation systems and the expansion of the Southern Pacific Railroad, further integrating Orange County into broader markets. Such developments fostered a surge in employment opportunities and attracted a wave of new residents, contributing to the urbanization of the region.

The Valencia orange boom of the early 1900s significantly shaped the identity and growth of Orange County, establishing it as a key player in the agricultural sector of California and the United States. Beyond the economic impact, the orange groves became symbolic of prosperity and were instrumental in marketing the region as a picturesque place of abundance, thus appealing to both settlers and investors. Although the prominence of orange cultivation has since diminished with the rise of urban development, the legacy of the Valencia orange boom continues to be a pivotal chapter in the history of Orange County, reflecting a period of transformation driven by agricultural innovation.

Famous People In Orange County History

Cordelia Knott (1890-1974)

Cordelia Knott, co-founder of Knott’s Berry Farm, played a pivotal role in transforming a simple berry farm in Buena Park, California, into a beloved amusement park. Her humble beginnings and entrepreneurial spirit, alongside her famous boysenberry pies, left an indelible mark on American culture.

Early Life and Marriage (1890-1920)

Cordelia Hornaday was born in Missouri and later moved to California, where she met Walter Knott. They married in 1911, laying the foundation for what would become a fruitful partnership in both life and business. Initially struggling financially, they never lost sight of their dreams.

Beginning of the Berry Empire (1920-1930)

The Knotts began their agricultural venture by leasing land in Buena Park, California, to grow berries. Cordelia’s culinary skills complemented Walter's farming acumen, especially through the Great Depression, as they found innovative ways to sustain their business.

The Birth of the Boysenberry (1930-1940)

The 1930s marked a turning point for the Knotts with the introduction of the boysenberry, a fruit hybrid that Walter promoted and Cordelia incorporated into her pies. These boysenberry pies quickly became sought after, laying the groundwork for their future enterprise.

Opening of Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant (1934-1940)

To attract more customers to their berry stand, Cordelia opened a small tea room that eventually evolved into Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant in 1934. Her mouthwatering recipes, especially the fried chicken and boysenberry pie, drew crowds, significantly contributing to the farm’s popularity.

Expansion and the Creation of Knott’s Berry Farm (1940-1950)

As the restaurant’s success grew, the Knotts began adding attractions to entertain waiting guests, inadvertently setting the stage for Knott’s Berry Farm. What started as a small berry farm had evolved into an early theme park, blending education, entertainment, and culinary delight.

Innovations in Farming and Culinary Arts (1950-1960)

Cordelia continued to pioneer in both culinary and farming practices. Her innovations further cemented the boysenberry in American cuisine, while the farm introduced new attractions, combining the Knotts' love for history, education, and nature.

Philanthropy and Community Engagement (1960-1970)

The Knotts didn’t just build a business; they contributed to their community. Throughout the 1960s, they supported various charitable causes and played an integral part in Orange County’s development, showcasing a commitment to giving back.

Connection to Orange County, CA

Orange County was not just a location for the Knotts but a community they helped shape. Through their business, philanthropy, and dedication to historical preservation, they played a significant role in the development of Buena Park and Orange County at large, transforming it into a destination for families across the nation.

Retirement and Legacy (1970-1974)

Cordelia Knott passed away in 1974, but her legacy lived on. Knott’s Berry Farm continued to grow, becoming one of the most visited theme parks in North America, a testament to the enduring appeal of her culinary creations and the family’s entrepreneurial spirit.

Remembering Cordelia Knott (1974 and Beyond)

After her passing, Cordelia Knott was remembered not only as a pioneer in the theme park industry but also as a beloved figure in American culinary history. Her boysenberry pies and contributions to family entertainment have left a lasting legacy, celebrated by generations.

Key Achievements of Cordelia Knott:

• Co-founder of Knott’s Berry Farm, pivotal in transforming it from a berry farm to a renowned theme park.

• Creator of the famous boysenberry pie, which played a key role in popularizing the boysenberry across the United States.

• Pioneer in the restaurant industry with the successful establishment of Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant.

• Contributor to the development and philanthropy of Orange County, significantly impacting the community and its growth.

• Remembered as an iconic figure in American culinary history and the theme park industry.

Cordelia Knott’s life journey from a farmer’s wife to a respected businesswoman and community leader exemplifies dedication, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to family values. Her boysenberry pies and the creation of Knott’s Berry Farm have cemented her place in American culture, ensuring her legacy continues to be celebrated by millions of visitors each year.

Connect With Me

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

-Matthew Larsen

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