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Welcome to The Orange County Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• OC Business Journal: Toshiba Best Workplace.

• Upcoming Los Angeles Angels game

• A deep-dive into the life of Artemus Ward.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

- Martin Luther King Jr

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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 city is renowned for its world-class equestrian facilities, hosting international horse shows and events?

A) San Clemente

B) Irvine

C) Laguna Hills

D) San Juan Capistrano

Answer to Week 23's Trivia:

The name of the Orange County harbor that serves as a popular spot for dining, shopping, whale watching, and water sports is A) Dana Point Harbor.

News

💼 Business

Orange County Business Journal Names Toshiba a 2024 Best Place to Work. (link)

A Spotlight on Future OC Business Leaders. (link)

🏒 Sports

Swanson: Dalton Knecht, Bronny James journey into Lakers’ spotlight. (link)

Mission Viejo football defeats Mater Dei to win South County passing tournament. (link)

🏦 Finance

Orange County Pet Adoption Fees to be Paid by Local Business. (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

⚾ Texas Rangers at Los Angeles Angels
2000 E Gene Autry Way, Anaheim, CA
Wednesday, Jul 10th | 6:38 pm | (More Info)

⚾ Baseball - WAITLIST IS FULL
701 S Glassell St, Orange, CA
Monday, Jul 8th | 10:00 am | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 DJ Snowden: Sound Burned
2200 E Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA
Wednesday, Jul 10th | 7:00 pm | (More Info)

🎶 80s Rock Camp
530 E 1st St, Tustin, CA
Monday, Jul 8th | 9:00 am | (More Info)

Family

🎨 Arts on the Move Community Display
2002 N Main St, Santa Ana, CA
Wednesday, Jul 10th | 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 celebrating a futuristic international festival” 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

Mission San Juan Capistrano founding (1776) - A crucial part of the region’s Spanish colonial history.

Mission San Juan Capistrano, founded on November 1, 1776, by Spanish Catholic missionaries under the leadership of Father Junipero Serra, encompasses a significant era in the span of California’s history. This Mission, the seventh of twenty-one Spanish missions in California, was established as part of Spain’s effort to bolster its colonial presence on the Pacific Coast, aiming for both the spread of Christianity among the Native American populations and the consolidation of Spanish territorial claims. Named in honor of Saint John of Capistrano, a 15th-century theologian, the site was chosen for its strategic location and fertile land, ideal for sustaining a self-sufficient community.

The founding of Mission San Juan Capistrano marked a profound transformation in the region’s social and economic structure. It became a vital center for agriculture, education, and religion. Indigenous peoples from the local Acjachemen tribe were integrated into the mission system, renamed "Juaneños" by the Spanish. While the mission aimed to convert them to Christianity and assimilate them into Spanish colonial society, this contact also resulted in significant cultural and demographic changes for the native population, often with devastating effects due to disease and displacement.

Despite facing various challenges, including raids, a devastating earthquake in 1812 that destroyed the grand stone church, and a period of decline following Mexico’s secularization decree of 1833, Mission San Juan Capistrano stands today as a poignant symbol of California’s multifaceted history. It is renowned for its stunning architecture, including the ruins of the Great Stone Church and its lush gardens. The Mission's annual return of the swallows, a migratory event celebrated with a festival each March, underscores its enduring place in the cultural landscape of Orange County and its ongoing significance as a historic landmark and center of community life.

Famous People In Orange County History

Artemus Ward - Early humorist and writer who spent time in Orange County, influencing American literature.

Artemus Ward: Early American Humorist (1834-1867)

Early Years and Rise to Prominence (1834-1858)

Charles Farrar Browne, better known by his pen name Artemus Ward, was born in Waterford, Maine. From humble beginnings, Ward quickly displayed a knack for wit and a flair for the eccentric. His early career involved a series of odd jobs, but it was his talent for writing and humor that set him on the path to fame. In the mid-1850s, Ward began writing under his now-famous pseudonym, choosing the name from a Revolutionary War general. His early works, mixing dry humor and satire, caught the eye of readers and editors alike, laying the groundwork for his ascent in the American literary scene.

National Acclaim as a Humorist (1858-1861)

In this period, Ward achieved national recognition through his humorous sketches, which were published in newspapers around the country. His writing, characterized by misspellings and a distinctly deadpan style of humor, resonated with the American public. Ward's popularity soared as he developed his persona—a naive and perpetually bewildered observer of contemporary life and politics.

The Civil War Chronicles (1861-1865)

During the Civil War, Artemus Ward's contributions took on a more poignant tone, without relinquishing his trademark humor. He toured the speaking circuit, offering comic relief to a nation embroiled in conflict. His lectures and written work during these years, including observations from visits to the battlefront, highlighted his profound ability to find humor in hardship.

Connection to Orange County (1864)

One of the lesser-known chapters in Ward's life was his time spent in Orange County, California. In search of new material and perhaps a respite from his hectic schedule, Ward visited the west coast in 1864. Though he stayed in Orange County for only a short period, the area's landscape and burgeoning communities provided fresh fodder for his sketches. This trip illustrated Ward's ongoing quest for inspiration and his ability to draw humor from a wide array of experiences.

London and International Fame (1866)

The latter part of Ward's career saw him taking his humor abroad to England, where he enjoyed considerable success. British audiences were charmed by his unique brand of American humor, and Ward found himself at the center of London's literary circle, alongside figures like Charles Dickens. His performances and writings during this time solidified his reputation as a transatlantic humorist.

Final Years and Lasting Legacy (1866-1867)

Artemus Ward's health declined rapidly during his time in England, and he passed away in 1867 at the age of 32. Despite his brief life, Ward left an indelible mark on American humor and literature. His pioneering approach to satire and the comic lecture circuit paved the way for future generations of humorists.

Key Achievements of Artemus Ward:

• Became one of the first widely recognized American humorists, using the pen name Artemus Ward.

• His writing style, characterized by deliberate misspellings and deadpan humor, greatly influenced American literature and comedy.

• Played a significant role in elevating the status of the humorist in American culture, touring the country and later England with his lectures.

• Left a lasting impression on Orange County, CA, by incorporating the region's scenery and culture into his body of work, despite a brief visit.

• Received acclaim in London, securing his place as a transatlantic literary figure and paving the way for future American writers abroad.

Artemus Ward's journey from a small town in Maine to international fame is a testament to the power of humor to connect people across different cultures and experiences. His ability to find comedy in the trials of life, whether on the American frontier or in the midst of civil war, speaks to the enduring nature of humor as a tool for resilience and connection. Ward's legacy lives on, not only in his writings but in the pathway he blazed for satirists and humorists who followed in his footsteps.

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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