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Welcome to The Orange County Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Anduril Industries Seeks $1.5 Billion Valuation Surge

• Orange County Athletes Enter State Track Meet

• A deep-dive into the life of Jessamyn West

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity."

- Albert Einstein

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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!

The "Fullerton Arboretum" is a botanical garden located on the campus of which Orange County university?

A) Chapman University

B) University of California, Irvine

C) California State University, Fullerton

D) Vanguard University

Answer to Week 16's Trivia:

The Orange County annual event celebrated for bringing a taste of New Orleans Mardi Gras to the West Coast is D) Anaheim Bayou Festival.

News

💼 Business

Anduril Industries Targets $1.5 Billion Funding Round to Boost Valuation to Over $12.5 Billion. (link)

Orange County Halts Development Applications Until September for Code Revision. (link)

Evolus CFO Sandra Beaver Wins Outstanding CFO Award from Orange County Business Journal. (link)

Armanino Expands with Full-Floor Leases in Orange County and Century City, Totaling 46K Square Feet. (link)

🏒 Sports

Orange County athletes ready to take on CIF State track and field meet. (link)

NCAA, Power 5 conferences sign off on $2.8 billion plan, setting stage for dramatic change across college sports. (link)

Orange County volleyball all-star matches Thursday at Newport Harbor. (link)

Why Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified is embracing a new athletics-based school program. (link)

🏦 Finance

Recommended Budget of $9.5 Billion for County Includes $4.8 Billion in General Funds. (link)

Google to Block California News Sites in Search Amid Dispute Over Publisher Payment Bill. (link)

OCTA Board Ratifies 3-Year Contract with Bus Drivers, Includes 14% Wage Increase. (link)

Orange County to Develop Film Production Incentives in Central Florida. (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

🏀 Orange County SC vs Detroit City FC
Championship Stadium, Irvine
Saturday, June 1st | 7:00 PM | (More info)

⚾ Yankees at Angels
2000 Gene Autry Way Anaheim, CA
May 28, 2024 - May 30, 2024 | (More Info)

⚾ Padres at Angels
2000 Gene Autry Way Anaheim, CA
June 3, 2024 - June 5, 2024 | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 The Subaru Newport Beach Jazz Festival
Hyatt Regency Newport Beach, Newport Beach, CA
Friday, June 2-4th | (More Info)

🎶 Grupo Marca Registrada
Pico Rivera Sports Arena, Pico Rivera, CA, US
Monday, 27th| May 2-8 PM | (More Info)

🎸 Harrison Michael Music
11360 Warner Ave Fountain Valley, CA
Monday, May 27th | 3:00 PM | (More Info)

Family

🌿 Bowers Museum Reggae Festival
Bowers Museum, Santa Ana
Sunday, June 4th | 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM | (More Info)

🕊️ Memorial Day
Veterans sport park, Valencia Avenue, Tustin CA
Monday, May 27th | 9am | (More Info)

🤘 3 Mile Radius
Via Del Temecula, CA
Monday, May 27th| 2:30 PM | (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 “Futuristic sports arena in Orange County, CA hosting a new, invented sport” 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

Orange County bankruptcy (1994) - The largest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history at the time.

In 1994, Orange County, California, found itself embroiled in the largest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history at the time. This financial cataclysm was precipitated by the county's investment pool losing approximately $1.6 billion. The person at the center of this financial storm was the county treasurer, Robert Citron, whose speculative and risky investment strategies backfired. Citron's approach, which heavily relied on leveraging the county's investments with derivatives and other complex financial instruments, aimed to cash in on what he anticipated would be a stable or declining interest rate environment. However, when the Federal Reserve raised interest rates, the value of the county's investments plummeted, revealing a gaping hole in its finances.

The bankruptcy declaration on December 6, 1994, sent shockwaves through the financial community and had far-reaching impacts on local governments across the United States. Orange County's ordeal served as a stark warning of the dangers inherent in aggressive investment strategies, especially those that are not fully understood or are improperly managed. The financial debacle necessitated severe budget cuts across county departments, layoffs of government employees, and a reevaluation of how local governments managed their investment portfolios. It also led to changes in laws and investment practices to ensure greater transparency and reduce the likelihood of similar events occurring in the future.

In the aftermath of its bankruptcy, Orange County worked diligently to recover from its financial mismanagement and restore trust among its citizens and investors. The county was able to exit bankruptcy in June 1996, having restructured its debts and implemented strict financial controls. This recovery was supported by a voter-approved sales tax increase, among other measures. The Orange County bankruptcy remains a cautionary tale about fiscal responsibility and the potential pitfalls of complex financial instruments as tools for public investment. The measures taken post-bankruptcy to rebuild its financial health and oversight mechanisms have helped Orange County regain its standing and serve as a model for financial turnaround.

Famous People In Orange County History

Jessamyn West - Noted author who wrote about Quaker lifestyle and values, had connections to Orange County.

Jessamyn West: 1902-1984

Jessamyn West, a notable American writer and Quaker, has left an indelible mark on literature with her evocative portrayals of Quaker values and rural life. Her extensive body of work, which spans novels, short stories, and essays, reflects a deep exploration of human spirit, pacifism, and community.

Early Life and Quaker Heritage (1902-1921)

Born Mary Jessamyn West in Vernon, Indiana, to a Quaker family, her upbringing was steeped in the traditions and values of the Religious Society of Friends. This early exposure to Quaker philosophy would profoundly influence her writing and worldview.

Education and Early Writing (1922-1939)

West moved to California with her family in 1921, where she would later attend Whittier College, a Quaker institution. Graduating with a degree in English, she started her career as a teacher before marrying and eventually turning her focus to writing full-time.

Breakthrough with "The Friendly Persuasion" (1940-1945)

It was the publication of "The Friendly Persuasion" in 1945 that established West as a significant American author. The collection of short stories, which centered on a Quaker family in Indiana during the Civil War, was praised for its warmth, humor, and nuanced portrayal of ethical and personal dilemmas.

Continued Literary Success (1946-1955)

Following her breakthrough, West published numerous works that further explored themes of morality, individuality, and community. Her novels and short stories from this period solidified her reputation as a leading voice in American literature.

Connection to Orange County, CA (1956-1964)

Jessamyn West's bond with Orange County, where she had moved with her family and lived for many years, deeply influenced her writing. Her observations of the landscapes, people, and evolving dynamics of the area informed several of her literary works, including the richly detailed setting of her later novels.

Activism and Quaker Values (1965-1974)

Throughout her life, West was an outspoken advocate for peace and civil rights, embodying the Quaker commitment to social justice. Her activism was not only evident in her public life but also permeated her literary work, where she often tackled issues of inequality and conflict.

Later Years and Memoirs (1975-1984)

In her later years, West turned to non-fiction and memoir, reflecting on her life, beliefs, and the creative process. Her works from this period offer insight into her personal journeys and the landscapes—both internal and external—that shaped her.

Awards and Recognition (Throughout Career)

West received numerous accolades for her contributions to American literature, including the prestigious National Book Award nomination. Her influence was further recognized by her induction into the Indiana Hall of Fame for her significant cultural contributions.

Legacy in Literature and Beyond (Post-1984)

Jessamyn West's passing in 1984 marked the end of a prolific and influential literary career. Her body of work continues to be celebrated for its depth, humanity, and insightful portrayal of the human condition through the lens of Quaker values.

Remembering Jessamyn West (1984 and Beyond)

West’s legacy persists through her enduring contributions to American literature. Her exploration of moral complexities, commitment to peace, and vivid storytelling remain relevant, inspiring readers and writers alike.

Key Achievements of Jessamyn West:

• Authored the critically acclaimed "The Friendly Persuasion", which became a bestseller and was later adapted into a motion picture.

• Celebrated for her in-depth portrayal of Quaker life, pacifism, and the human spirit across her numerous novels and short stories.

• Received national recognition for her literary contributions, including a National Book Award nomination.

• Left a lasting impact on American literature through her exploration of themes related to morality, community, and individual conflict.

Jessamyn West's life and career were marked by a profound commitment to exploring the depths of the human spirit and the complexities of moral and ethical dilemmas, all rooted in her Quaker heritage. Her literary legacy, encapsulated by her nuanced portrayals of rural life and the indomitable spirit of her characters, continues to resonate with readers and writers. Her exploration of themes such as community, peace, and the individual's struggle against broader societal pressures remains particularly poignant in today's world, underscoring her enduring relevance and the timeless quality of her work.

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-Matthew Larsen

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