Welcome to The Orange County Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Dutch Bros coffee shop opens its first Orange County location

• Upcoming Anaheim Ducks home game

• A deep-dive into the life of Walter Knott

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"If it wasn't for failures, I wouldn't know what strength looked like."

- Byron Pulsifer

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 city is known as the birthplace of President Richard Nixon?

A) Anaheim

B) Irvine

C) Yorba Linda

D) Huntington Beach

News

💼 Business

Cult-favorite coffee shop Dutch Bros is opening its first Orange County location this week, expanding its presence in Southern California. (link)

Football Signing Day 2024 brings updates for local high schools, USC, and UCLA, highlighting the commitments of top athletes from the Orange County area. (link)

The Balboa Island frozen banana stand, which inspired the "Arrested Development" show, is now on the market. (link)

🏒 Sports

Frank Vatrano, a winger for the Anaheim Ducks, was named to the 2024 NHL All-Star Game, marking his first All-Star appearance. (link)

The Angels' bullpen received a significant boost with the signing of right-hander Robert Stephenson on a three-year, $33 million deal. (link)

The Angels signed former Yankees outfielder Aaron Hicks, creating a promising platoon partnership with Mickey Moniak. (link)

Following years of setbacks, Jo Adell is positioned for a potential breakout. (link)

🏦 Finance

Orange County Commissioners are considering using nearly $9 million from leftover American Rescue Plan Act funds to clear medical debt for residents. (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

🏈 Turtle Ridge Super Bowl Party
The Summit Turtle Ridge Club House, Irvine
Sunday, February 11 | (More Info)

⚽ 2024 USMST Physicians Soccer Summit
Orange County Great Park, Irvine
February 9–11 | (More Info)

🏒 Anaheim Ducks vs. Edmonton Oilers
Honda Center, Anaheim
Friday, February 9, 2024 | (More Info)

🎉 42nd Annual UVSA Tết Festival
OC Fair & Event Center
February 9-11 | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎸 Bailey Zimmerman: RELIGIOUSLY. THE TOUR. 2024
House of Blues Anaheim, Anaheim
Friday, February 8 | (More Info)

🎤 Thursday: War All The Time Live 2024
The Observatory, Santa Ana
Sunday, February 10 | (More Info)

🎵 D.I. And Punk Rock Karaoke 2024
Constellation Room, Santa Ana
Sunday, February 10 | (More Info)

🎹 An Evening With... Haken 2024
House of Blues Anaheim, Anaheim
Monday, February 11 | (More Info)

Family

🎉 Tet Festival at Mile Square Park
Mile Square Park Freedom Hall, 16801 Euclid Street
February 9-11 | (More Info)

🎪 Sideshow Of Horrors Marketplace
Heritage Museum Of Orange County, 3101 W. Harvard St. Santa Ana, CA 92704
February 10 | (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 with domed buildings” 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

Acquisition by the United States (1848)

The end of the Mexican-American War marked a significant turning point for the region now known as Orange County, California. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, signed in 1848, concluded the conflict and resulted in the cession of California, along with other territories, from Mexico to the United States. This acquisition was monumental, not just for the expansion of the United States, but also for the future development of California and its counties. Orange County, at the time, was a part of a larger, undivided territory that would soon undergo rapid transformation due to American settlement and economic interests.

The transition from Mexican to American governance brought about significant changes in land ownership, legal systems, and economic structures throughout California. For the area that would become Orange County, the treaty marked the beginning of increased American settlement and agricultural development. The fertile land, once part of vast Mexican ranchos, attracted settlers eager to exploit its agricultural potential. This influx of settlers laid the groundwork for the region's transformation from a sparsely populated territory to a thriving agricultural community.

Famous People From Orange County

Walter Knott (1889–1981)

Early Life and Agricultural Beginnings (1889-1920)

Walter Knott was born in 1889 in San Bernardino, California, into a family with a farming background. From an early age, Knott was immersed in agricultural life, learning the intricacies of farming and the value of hard work. This foundation would later drive his entrepreneurial ventures and contributions to California's agricultural and entertainment industries.

Establishment of Berry Farm (1920-1930)

In the 1920s, Walter Knott and his wife, Cordelia, purchased land in Buena Park, Orange County, where they established a berry farm. This venture marked the beginning of what would eventually become Knott's Berry Farm. Initially, the Knotts grew a variety of fruits, but Walter's interest in berries, particularly raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries, set the stage for his later success.

Discovery of the Boysenberry (1930-1934)

The pivotal moment in Knott's agricultural career came with his cultivation of the boysenberry, a hybrid berry developed by Rudolph Boysen. Knott propagated and marketed the berry, which quickly became a popular and lucrative crop. The success of the boysenberry helped establish the Knott family farm as a significant agricultural site in Orange County.

Roadside Stand and Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant (1934-1940)

To supplement their income during the Great Depression, the Knotts opened a small roadside berry stand. Cordelia Knott began serving fried chicken dinners in a tea room on the farm, which proved to be immensely popular, drawing customers from across the region. This venture marked the beginning of Knott’s transformation from a farm into a destination.

Creation of Ghost Town and Expansion into Entertainment (1940-1950)

In the 1940s, to entertain guests waiting for a table at the restaurant, Walter Knott began constructing a replica Ghost Town, using buildings transported from real deserted towns and others built on site. This attraction marked the transition of Knott’s Berry Farm from a simple farm and restaurant into an entertainment destination, laying the groundwork for the theme park it would become.

Knott's Berry Farm Theme Park Development (1950-1960)

Throughout the 1950s, Knott continued to expand the farm into a full-fledged theme park, adding rides, attractions, and shops. Unlike other amusement parks of the time, Knott’s Berry Farm maintained its original agricultural theme, celebrating the pioneering spirit and heritage of the American West.

Relevance to Orange County (Throughout Career)

Knott's Berry Farm's evolution from a humble berry farm into one of America's first theme parks significantly impacted Orange County's economic and cultural landscape. It attracted millions of visitors, contributing to the region's growth and development and establishing Orange County as a major tourist destination.

Philanthropy and Legacy (1960-1981)

Beyond his entrepreneurial ventures, Walter Knott was known for his philanthropy, particularly in Orange County. He donated land for schools and parks and supported various charitable causes. His legacy in the county is not just as an entrepreneur but also as a community benefactor.

Final Years and Reflections on Achievements (1981)

Walter Knott passed away in 1981, leaving behind a legacy that extended beyond the agricultural and entertainment industries. He is remembered as a visionary who combined innovation with tradition, creating a unique family destination that preserved a piece of American history.

Death and Enduring Influence (Post-1981)

The death of Walter Knott marked the end of an era, but his influence lives on through Knott's Berry Farm, which remains a beloved institution in Orange County and beyond. His contributions to agriculture, entertainment, and philanthropy continue to be celebrated, ensuring his place in the history of Orange County and the amusement park industry.

Key Achievements:

• Developed and popularized the boysenberry, contributing to California's agricultural success.

• Transformed a simple berry farm into Knott's Berry Farm, one of America's first theme parks.

• Played a significant role in the economic and cultural development of Orange County, California.

• Left a legacy of innovation, community service, and commitment to preserving American heritage.

Walter Knott's journey from a farmer to the founder of one of the first theme parks in the United States is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit, vision, and dedication. Through the development of Knott's Berry Farm, he made an indelible mark on Orange County, contributing to its reputation as a premier tourist destination. His legacy encompasses not only the theme park that bears his name but also his impact on agriculture, the entertainment industry, and community philanthropy, making him a pivotal figure in the history of Orange County and beyond.

Connect With Me

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think.

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

-Matthew Larsen

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/matthewblarsen

Poll