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Welcome to The Orange County Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming Ultimate U2 Tribute concert

• Dodgers' defense falters in Phillies' loss.

• A deep-dive into the life of Jessie Benton Frémont.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough.”

– Og Mandino

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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 town is known for its annual "Festival of Arts" and "Pageant of the Masters," where art comes to life?

A) Laguna Beach

B) Huntington Beach

C) Newport Beach

D) Dana Point

Answer to Week 26's Trivia:

The event held at the OC Fair & Event Center, featuring agricultural exhibits, live music, and carnival rides, is A) The Orange County Fair.

News

💼 Business

Orange County Convention Center $560M expansion bids. (link)

Samuelis Pay $65M For Anaheim Industrial Building. (link)

🏒 Sports

Dodgers’ defense costs them in loss to Phillies. (link)

CIF-SS boys basketball player of the year Grayson Sinek transfers from La Habra to JSerra. (link)

🏦 Finance

2024 Family-Owned Business Awards Past Event. (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

⚾ 1st Annual AAF Pickleball Tournament
11 Clubhouse Drive Newport Beach, CA
Thursday, Jul 18th | 5 - 9pm | (More Info)

🏀 Latina Golfers Beginner Golf
13717 Shoemaker Avenue Norwalk, CA
Saturday, Jul 20th | 7:30 - 8:30am | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 One More Night
88 Fair Dr, Costa Mesa, CA
Sunday, July 21st | 8:15 PM | (More Info)

🎶 The Ultimate U2 Tribute
88 Fair Dr, Costa Mesa, CA
Saturday, Jul 20th | 8:15 PM | (More Info)

Family

🎨 Laguna Art-A-Fair
777 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach, CA
Saturday, Jul 20th | 10:00 AM | (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 at night, lit by neon and holograms” 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 establishment of South Coast Plaza (1967) - Its role in making Costa Mesa a retail center.

South Coast Plaza, established in 1967, transformed the landscape of Costa Mesa from a quiet suburb into a bustling retail powerhouse in Orange County, California. The visionary minds behind South Coast Plaza were the Segerstrom family, who converted their lima bean fields into what would become one of the most lucrative shopping destinations in the United States. From its inception, the plaza was designed to attract a high-end market, featuring luxury retailers and upscale brands that were not readily available elsewhere in the region at the time. Its strategic location near the San Diego Freeway made it easily accessible to a wide audience, significantly boosting its appeal and foot traffic.

As South Coast Plaza grew, so did its impact on Costa Mesa and the surrounding areas. It played a pivotal role in turning the city into a retail center for Orange County, drawing visitors not only from local cities but also from international destinations. Its success spurred the development of surrounding areas, leading to the establishment of complementary businesses such as fine dining restaurants, chic cafes, and luxury hotels. These developments further cemented Costa Mesa's reputation as a premier shopping and leisure destination, contributing significantly to the city's economic growth.

Moreover, South Coast Plaza has played a crucial role in shaping the cultural and social landscape of Orange County. It has hosted a plethora of cultural events, fashion shows, and art exhibitions, attracting a diverse audience and enriching the cultural fabric of the community. As a major employer and taxpayer in the city, the plaza has contributed to the funding of local services and infrastructure, showcasing its commitment to the community beyond its retail offerings. Through its remarkable journey from a lone shopping center to a global retail destination, South Coast Plaza has indisputably shaped Costa Mesa into the bustling retail heart of Orange County.

Famous People In Orange County History

Jessie Benton Frémont (1824-1902) - Writer and political activist who lived in Orange County during her later years.

Jessie Benton Frémont, an influential American writer, political activist, and a pioneering woman in her own right, made a significant impact on America's political and cultural landscapes. Notably, her later years were spent in Orange County, where her presence left an indelible mark.

Early Life and Education (1824-1840)

Jessie Benton was born into a prominent political family, her father, Thomas Hart Benton, being a powerful U.S. Senator from Missouri. Her upbringing was unconventional for women of her time; she received a thorough education, fostering a love for literature and a passion for social and political issues.

Marriage to John C. Frémont (1841-1850)

In 1841, Jessie married John C. Frémont, a notable explorer, soldier, and political figure. Their partnership was not just romantic but also collaborative, with Jessie editing and assisting in the writing of her husband's reports and memoirs, which played a crucial role in his fame as "The Pathfinder".

Role in John C. Frémont’s Political Career (1850-1860)

As her husband's political career advanced, Jessie became an adept political strategist and effective campaigner. She played a significant part in his 1856 Republican presidential bid, making her one of the first women to play such a significant role in American politics.

Civil War and Political Activism (1861-1865)

During the Civil War, Jessie used her writing and connections to support the Union's cause, becoming an outspoken advocate for emancipation. Her salon in Washington D.C. became a gathering place for politicians and intellectuals discussing the fate of the nation.

Literary Career and Advocacy (1865-1880)

After the war, Jessie focused more on her writing, producing travelogues, essays, and memoirs that captured the American spirit and landscape. She also championed causes such as women’s suffrage and conservation, using her pen as her weapon.

Life in California (1880-1902)

The Frémonts moved to California, where Jessie's literary and social pursuits continued. They endured financial hardships but remained active in social and political circles, contributing to the burgeoning cultural landscape of the American West.

Jessie Benton Frémont in Orange County (Late 1890s-1902)

In her later years, Jessie settled in Orange County, where she continued to write and engage with the community until her passing in 1902. Her influence was profound, contributing to the literary and cultural development of the region.

Legacy and Influence (1902 and Beyond)

Jessie Benton Frémont's legacy is vast, spanning the realms of politics, literature, and activism. She broke barriers for women in these fields, using her intellect, creativity, and determination to influence the America of her time and beyond.

Reflections on Her Life and Work (Post-1902)

After her death, Jessie Benton Frémont was remembered as a pioneer of her times, a woman who transcended the boundaries set for her gender and left an indelible mark on American history through her work, her advocacy, and her pioneering spirit.

Key Achievements of Jessie Benton Frémont:

• Crucial collaborator and editor for John C. Frémont's exploratory reports, contributing to his fame and political career.

• Instrumental in her husband's 1856 presidential campaign, showcasing her political acumen.

• A prolific writer, producing works that captured the essence of the American spirit and landscape.

• A vocal advocate for causes like emancipation, women’s suffrage, and conservation.

• Influential in shaping the cultural and literary development of California and Orange County in her later years.

Jessie Benton Frémont's life story is a testament to her pioneering spirit, intellectual brilliance, and relentless dedication to the causes she believed in. She leveraged her position and talents to influence American politics, culture, and society, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire. Jessie’s life illustrates the impact one individual can have on their country's cultural and political landscapes, paving the way for future generations of women in writing, activism, 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

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