Welcome to The Orange County Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Midday Stocks: Rivian Declines

• OC Athlete of the Week: Evan Noonan, Dana Hills.

• A deep-dive into the life of Yen Phong

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"The unexamined life is not worth living."

- Socrates

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 annual event is celebrated for bringing a taste of New Orleans Mardi Gras to the West Coast, complete with parades, live music, and Cajun cuisine?

A) Orange County Mardi Gras

B) Fullerton Mardi Gras

C) Laguna Beach Carnival

D) Anaheim Bayou Festival

Answer to Week 15's Trivia:

The university in Orange County known for its strong programs in business, law, and film arts, located in the city of Orange, is C) Chapman University.

News

💼 Business

Midday Stock Roundup: Rivian Falls Back. (link)

An Orange County banker runs for Wisconsin Senate seat. (link)

Evolus' Sandra Beaver Named Orange County Business Journal's Public Company CFO of the Year. (link)

Owner-Users Take Top Office Sales. (link)

🏒 Sports

Orange County boys athlete of the week: Evan Noonan, Dana Hills. (link)

Ippei Mizuhara 'wired Shohei Ohtani's money to Real Housewives star Ryan Boyajian to pay off gambling debts'. (link)

JSerra joins Canyon and El Modena as Orange County softball teams to watch in 2025. (link)

Orange County SC defeated Monterey Bay FC 2-0 on Saturday, April 27 at Championship Stadium in Irvine, CA. (link)

🏦 Finance

Haynes Boone Adds Real Estate Finance Partner in Orange County. (link)

Analyzing Norwood Financial (NASDAQ:NWFL) & Orange County Bancorp (NASDAQ:OBT). (link)

Midday Stock Roundup: Rivian Falls Back. (link)

Evolus' Sandra Beaver Named Orange County Business Journal's Public Company CFO of the Year. (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

🏌️The Stage: Magic Memorial Day
1500 S. Anaheim Blvd Anaheim, CA
May 24-27th | More Info

Music & Concerts

🎤 Duranguese Fest Con Alacranes
13963 Alondra Blvd Santa Fe Springs, CA
Saturday, May 25th | 5:30 - 11pm | More Info

🎶 03 GREEDO AT INCAHOOTS NIGHTCLUB
InCahoots 1401 S Lemon St. Fullerton, CA
Thursday, May 23 | 9pm | More Info

🎼 TRAPETON PARTY @ INCAHOOTS OC
1401 S Lemon St. Fullerton, CA
Friday, May 24 | 9:30pm | More Info

Family

🎨 Family Paint Party
8425 Firestone Blvd Downey, CA
Monday, May 20th | 7 - 9pm | 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 with a blend of ancient and futuristic architecture” 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

Crystal Cathedral construction (1980) - A landmark reflecting modern architectural and religious developments.

The Crystal Cathedral, an iconic edifice standing in the heart of Orange County, California, epitomizes a unique blend of contemporary architectural innovation and religious ambition. Its construction in 1980 marked a pivotal moment in the integration of modernist architectural design within a religious context. Conceived by the visionary televangelist Reverend Robert H. Schuller, the Crystal Cathedral was designed by the renowned architect Philip Johnson, who sought to materialize Schuller’s dream of a worship space that would be welcoming to all, embracing the idea of a church without walls. This was achieved through the use of over 10,000 rectangular panes of glass, ingeniously held together by a white steel frame, a design that not only challenges traditional church architecture but also invites the surrounding Californian landscape into the spiritual experience.

The construction of the Crystal Cathedral was an endeavor of both faith and engineering prowess. It was an ambitious project, not only because of its vast scale and the use of innovative materials but also due to its symbolic aspirations. The cathedral's striking appearance, characterized by its gleaming glass facade that reflects the sky, stands as a testament to the optimism and forward-thinking of late 20th-century American Protestantism. Measuring approximately 207 feet in height, with a length of 415 feet and a width of 207 feet, the building was designed to seat over 2,000 worshippers. Its transparent walls serve a dual purpose: to visually open up the space to the outside world, thereby dematerializing the boundaries between the sacred and the secular, and to allow sunlight to flood into the interior, creating a luminous space that changes with the natural light of the day.

Beyond its architectural marvels, the Crystal Cathedral has played a significant role in the cultural and religious landscape of Orange County and beyond. It was home to the "Hour of Power," a television program that broadcasted Schuller’s messages of hope and positive thinking to a global audience, effectively utilizing the cathedral as a stage for the televangelism movement. In 2013, the Catholic Diocese of Orange purchased the building, and after extensive renovation, it was rededicated as Christ Cathedral. This transition not only reflected a change in ownership but also symbolized a broader evolution within the religious community in Orange County. The Crystal Cathedral remains a landmark of modern architecture and a beacon of religious innovation, embodying the spirit of an era that dared to reimagine the traditional concepts of worship and community space.

Famous People In Orange County History

Yen Phong - A pioneering leader in the Vietnamese community in Westminster, contributing to the establishment of Little Saigon.

Yen Phong: A Beacon for the Vietnamese Community in Westminster

The Journey From Vietnam to America (1950-1975)

Born in Vietnam, Yen Phong's early life was shaped under the backdrop of the Vietnam War. Amidst the turmoil and the eventual fall of Saigon in 1975, Phong, like many of his compatriots, sought refuge and a new beginning in the United States. His journey to America was fraught with challenges, yet it marked the beginning of a remarkable chapter in his life, one that would intertwine with the history and development of a vibrant community in Westminster, California.

Establishing Roots in Orange County (1975-1980)

Upon arriving in America, Yen Phong settled in Westminster, in the heart of Orange County, California. This period was crucial as he, along with other Vietnamese refugees, began to lay down the roots of what would become known as Little Saigon. Phong's resilience and determination to rebuild his life in a new country were instrumental in the early development of this community. Orange County, with its welcoming atmosphere and growing Vietnamese population, became the perfect backdrop for Phong's endeavours.

A Pillar in the Community (1981-1990)

The 1980s were a formative period for the Vietnamese community in Westminster. Yen Phong emerged as a pioneering leader, contributing significantly to establishing Little Saigon as a cultural and economic hub. His efforts were multifaceted; he was instrumental in setting up Vietnamese-owned businesses, cultural institutions, and community organizations. Phong's vision was clear - to create a space where Vietnamese Americans could thrive while maintaining a strong connection to their cultural heritage.

Championing Education and Integration (1991-2000)

Yen Phong's commitment to his community extended into education and promoting integration into American society. He worked tirelessly to ensure that younger generations of Vietnamese Americans had access to quality education and opportunities for upward mobility. Through initiatives like scholarship funds and language classes, Phong helped bridge the gap between two cultures, fostering a sense of identity and belonging among Vietnamese Americans in Westminster and beyond.

Advocacy and Representation (2001-2010)

Throughout the 2000s, Yen Phong became a vocal advocate for the rights and interests of the Vietnamese community in local and national platforms. His work played a crucial role in increasing the political representation and participation of Vietnamese Americans. By encouraging community members to be actively involved in civic duties and dialogue, Phong strengthened the voice of the Vietnamese American community in the political landscape.

Cultural Preservation and Promotion (2011-2020)

In the last decade, Yen Phong concentrated his efforts on preserving and promoting Vietnamese culture. Recognizing the importance of heritage in the identity of a community, he spearheaded numerous cultural festivals, exhibitions, and educational programs. These initiatives not only celebrated the rich traditions of Vietnam but also served as a bridge of understanding between different communities in Westminster and Orange County.

A Legacy of Leadership and Resilience (Post-2020)

As Yen Phong reflects on his journey, his legacy is evident in the thriving Vietnamese community in Westminster. Little Saigon stands as a testament to the perseverance, leadership, and vision of Phong and his contemporaries. Their efforts have ensured that the Vietnamese American community continues to be a vibrant and integral part of the cultural fabric of Orange County.

Key Achievements of Yen Phong:

• Instrumental in establishing and developing Little Saigon in Westminster, fostering its growth into a vibrant cultural and economic hub.

• Established educational and cultural initiatives to ensure the integration and preservation of Vietnamese heritage within the community.

• Advocated for political representation and participation of Vietnamese Americans, enhancing their influence in the local and national political arena.

• Promoted cultural understanding and exchange between communities in Orange County, contributing to a rich, multicultural environment.

Yen Phong's journey from a war-torn Vietnam to becoming a pioneering leader in Westminster, California, embodies the spirit of resilience and determination. Through his tireless efforts, he has played a pivotal role in the establishment and development of Little Saigon, ensuring the preservation of Vietnamese culture and heritage while fostering integration and representation within the larger American society. His legacy is a vibrant Vietnamese American community that continues to contribute to the multicultural tapestry of Orange County and beyond.

Connect With Me

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

-Matthew Larsen

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