Welcome to The Orange County Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• OC Farmers Markets face Double Bucks cuts.

• USC's Raesjon Davis redshirts, Riley urges eligibility changes.

• A deep-dive into the life of Mary Pickford.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"There are no facts, only interpretations."

— Friedrich Nietzsche

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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!

In which Orange County city is the "Great Wolf Lodge," a family resort with an indoor water park, located?

A) Garden Grove

B) Anaheim

C) Buena Park

D) Costa Mesa

Answer to Week 50's Trivia:

The Orange County city known for its annual "Fiesta de Solano" is A) San Juan Capistrano.

News

💼 Business

Orange County Farmers Markets Grapple With Fading Double Bucks Program. (link)

Edwards’ Critical Care Unit Remains in Irvine. (link)

🏒 Sports

Lakers already feeling structure that JJ Redick is implementing. (link)

As USC’s Raesjon Davis plans to redshirt, Lincoln Riley calls for changed eligibility system. (link)

🏦 Finance

OC Co. Buys DTLA Multifamily Property for $62M. (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

⚾ NLDS: TBA at Dodgers Home Game 3 (If Necessary)
Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
Fri • Oct 11, 2024 | (More Info)

🏉  USC Trojans Football vs. Penn State Nittany Lions Football
Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, CA
Sat • Oct 12, 2024 | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Lorna Shore
House of Blues Anaheim, Anaheim, CA
Thu • Oct 10 • 5:30 PM | (More Info)

🎶 Desert Daze Presents - Unwound
The Observatory, Santa Ana, CA
Thu • Oct 10 • 7:00 PM | (More Info)

Family

🎭 The Really Good Podcast LIVE w/ Bobbi Althoff
The Wiltern, Los Angeles, CA
Thu • Oct 10 • 7:30 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 “A smart Orange County, CA where technology seamlessly integrates into every aspect of life” 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 development of the Orange County Performing Arts Center (1986) - A significant cultural venue.

The Orange County Performing Arts Center, inaugurated in 1986, marked the dawn of a transformative era in the cultural landscape of Orange County, California. Situated in Costa Mesa, the center emerged as a beacon of artistic expression and cultural engagement, bridging the gap between the community and the performing arts on an unprecedented scale. The dream of establishing a world-class performing arts venue in Orange County was shared among community leaders, art patrons, and visionaries who saw the potential for a vibrant cultural scene. Their efforts and collaboration over years of planning, fundraising, and construction culminated in the opening of this landmark institution, setting a new benchmark for cultural infrastructure in the region.

The development of the Orange County Performing Arts Center was a testament to the power of community will and philanthropy. The Segerstrom family, prominent local philanthropists and landowners, played a pivotal role by donating the land for the center, alongside significant financial contributions that catalyzed further donations from the community and corporate sponsors. This groundswell of support underscored the community's desire for a cultural epicenter, capable of hosting world-class performances ranging from operas and ballets to Broadway shows and symphony concerts. The center's state-of-the-art facilities, including the magnificent Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall added in 2006, highlighted the community’s commitment to providing an exceptional auditory and visual experience for both performers and audiences alike.

Since its inception, the Orange County Performing Arts Center, now known as the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, has significantly enriched the cultural fabric of Orange County. It has not only attracted performances from globally acclaimed artists and companies but has also fostered local artistic talent and community engagement through educational initiatives and outreach programs. Its development underscored the importance of arts and culture in building a vibrant, connected community. As a living symbol of Orange County’s cultural ambition and achievement, the Segerstrom Center for the Arts continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the region’s cultural identity and remains a central hub for the performing arts in Southern California.

Famous People In Orange County History

Mary Pickford - Film actress and producer who contributed to the development of the film industry in Southern California.

Mary Pickford: 1892-1979

Mary Pickford, hailed as "America's Sweetheart," was an iconic film actress and producer who left an indelible mark on the landscape of Southern California's film industry. Her life story is one of talent, ambition, and pioneering spirit, from her early days in front of the camera to her later role as a studio executive.

Early Years and Entry into Acting (1892-1909)

Born Gladys Marie Smith in Toronto, Canada, Mary Pickford was drawn to the stage at a young age. She began her career in theater, touring with various productions before making her way to New York. Her transition to film came in 1909 when she was discovered by director D.W. Griffith, and she soon became a prominent figure in silent films.

Rise to Prominence in Silent Film (1910-1920)

Throughout the 1910s, Pickford's popularity soared. She was known for her roles as strong, empathetic characters, which resonated with audiences and earned her international acclaim. Her ability to captivate viewers and her entrepreneurial approach to her career made her one of the highest-paid actresses of her time.

Establishing United Artists (1919)

In 1919, Pickford co-founded United Artists alongside Charlie Chaplin, D.W. Griffith, and Douglas Fairbanks. This groundbreaking move allowed them to control their own interests, giving artists creative control over their work. United Artists was a significant development in the film industry, signaling a shift towards more artist-driven projects.

Marriage to Douglas Fairbanks and Hollywood Royalty (1920-1936)

Pickford's marriage to Douglas Fairbanks in 1920 was a union of two of the biggest stars in Hollywood, earning them the title of "Hollywood Royalty." They hosted lavish parties at their estate, Pickfair, which became a symbol of the glamor and opulence of Hollywood's golden age.

Transition to Talkies and Continued Success (1928-1933)

The transition from silent films to "talkies" was a challenge that Pickford navigated with skill. Her first talkie, "Coquette" (1929), won her an Academy Award for Best Actress, proving her versatility and securing her place in the evolving landscape of cinema.

Philanthropy and Support for the Arts (1930s-1945)

Throughout the 1930s and beyond, Pickford became increasingly involved in philanthropy and arts support. She helped establish the Motion Picture Relief Fund and was influential in the creation of the Screen Actors Guild, demonstrating her commitment to the welfare of those in the film industry.

Retirement and Focus on Production (1937-1950)

Despite retiring from acting in 1933, Pickford remained active in the film industry as a producer. She focused on behind-the-scenes roles, using her experience to guide the production of numerous films. Her work during this period helped shape the future of Hollywood filmmaking.

Connection to Orange County, CA (1940s-1979)

Pickford's influence extended to Orange County, where she and Fairbanks owned property and were involved in the development of the film community there. They contributed to the cultural and economic growth of the region, helping to establish Southern California as a center for the film industry.

Legacy and Honors (1950-1979)

In her later years, Pickford received numerous awards for her contributions to cinema, including an honorary Academy Award in 1976 for her lifetime achievements. Her legacy as a pioneer of early Hollywood and a key figure in the development of the film industry endures long after her passing in 1979.

Final Years and Death (1970-1979)

Mary Pickford spent her final years away from the public eye, living at Pickfair. She passed away on May 29, 1979, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most significant figures in the history of film. Her influence on the industry and the art of cinema remains unparalleled.

Key Achievements of Mary Pickford:

• Co-founder of United Artists, a studio that gave creative control to artists.

• Academy Award winner for Best Actress for "Coquette" in 1929.

• Pioneering figure in the transition from silent films to talkies, demonstrating versatility across film formats.

• Instrumental in founding the Motion Picture Relief Fund and supporting the establishment of the Screen Actors Guild.

• Recipient of an honorary Academy Award in 1976 for her lifetime achievements in film.

Mary Pickford's story is a narrative of groundbreaking achievements and creativity in the face of an evolving film industry. From her early days as a beloved actress to her later years as a trailblazing producer and philanthropist, she not only shaped the course of cinema but also left a lasting legacy on Southern California's cultural landscape.

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-Matthew Larsen

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