Orange County Newsletter (October 3rd)

Your news, upcoming events, AI art, historical facts and more!

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Welcome to The Orange County Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

  • UST reports 76% AI technician shortage.

  • Kawhi Leonard limited for training camp.

  • A deep-dive into the life of Rudolph Boysen.

  • And more…

Quote of the Week

"Success is stumbling from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm."

— Winston Churchill

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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 "Irvine Ranch Historic Park" is the site of the original 19th-century ranch headquarters of which early California business magnate?

A) James Irvine

B) Henry Huntington

C) Charles Chapman

D) George Fullerton

Answer to Week 48's Trivia:

Orange County was officially established in B) 1889.

News

💼 Business

Firms Report 76% Shortage in AI Technicians: UST. (link)

Cheri Tree: Blends ‘Art and Science’ to Boost Sales. (link)

🏒 Sports

Clippers star Kawhi Leonard will be limited to begin training camp. (link)

USC’s Bear Alexander still working to crack the starting lineup. (link)

🏦 Finance

Kimberly Taylor New CEO of Irvine-Based JAMS. (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

🏒  USC Trojans Womens Volleyball vs. Michigan Wolverines Womens Volleyball
Galen Center, Los Angeles, CA
Fri • Oct 04 • 7:00 PM | (More Info)

Mission Viejo High School vs. Long Beach Poly High School
SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA
Fri • Oct 04 • 7:00 PM | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Edwin Raphael
Constellation Room, Santa Ana, CA
Thu • Oct 03 • 7:00 PM | (More Info)

🎶 Sub-Radio
Roxy Theatre-CA, West Hollywood, CA
Thu • Oct 03 • 9:00 PM | (More Info)

Family

🎭 Jeff Wittek
The Bourbon Room 6356 Hollywood Blvd, 2nd Floor Los Angeles, CA
Thu Oct 3 2024 8:00 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 “High-tech Orange County, CA with a focus on robotics and automation” 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 founding of Chapman University (1861) - A key educational institution with a long history in the county.

Chapman University, a beacon of higher education with its roots deeply embedded in the fabric of Orange County, California, was originally founded in 1861. Its journey began as Hesperian College in Woodland, California, far from its current location in the city of Orange. This makes it one of the oldest institutions of higher learning on the West Coast. The founding of the university was motivated by a commitment to providing a comprehensive education grounded in the liberal arts tradition, aiming to cultivate knowledgeable and ethical leaders.

In its infancy, Hesperian College faced numerous challenges but managed to establish a reputation for academic excellence and community engagement. The college was initially affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), a connection that has influenced Chapman's values and mission throughout its history. Despite its promising beginning, the shifting dynamics of education and the growth of the state necessitated a strategic move. Thus, in 1934, the institution relocated to the city of Orange and was renamed Chapman College in honor of Charles C. Chapman, a prominent Los Angeles businessman and benefactor who played a crucial role in the college's early development.

Since its re-establishment in Orange, Chapman University has undergone a remarkable transformation, expanding both its physical campus and its academic offerings. Today, it stands as a prestigious, independent, coeducational university, boasting a diverse and dynamic community of students and faculty. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines, including the arts, science, business, and law. Chapman's commitment to innovation, global citizenship, and personalized education continues to attract students from all over the world, making it a key educational institution with a long and storied history in Orange County.

Famous People In Orange County History

Rudolph Boysen - Horticulturist who developed the boysenberry, closely associated with Knott’s Berry Farm.

Early Years and Horticultural Beginnings (1895-1920)

Born into a family of horticulturists in Anaheim, California, Rudolph Boysen developed an inherent passion for plants and gardening from a young age. He spent his childhood in the fertile landscapes of Orange County, where he was constantly surrounded by agriculture. This environment sowed the seeds for his future contributions to the world of farming and fruit cultivation.

A Pioneering Experiment (1921-1923)

In the early 1920s, Boysen, now a farmer and horticulturist by profession, embarked on a groundbreaking experiment. He aimed to create a new berry by crossbreeding different varieties of blackberries, raspberries, and loganberries. His dedication and innovative approach to hybridization led to the development of a large, juicy, and uniquely flavored berry, which would later become known as the boysenberry.

Struggles and Initial Setbacks (1924-1932)

Despite the boysenberry's initial cultivation success, Boysen faced considerable challenges in bringing his new berry to the market. The berry's delicate nature made it difficult to transport, and it was not well-known outside of local circles. Faced with these difficulties, Boysen eventually abandoned his boysenberry fields to focus on other endeavors, leaving his remarkable berry to languish in obscurity.

A Fortuitous Partnership with Knott’s Berry Farm (1933-1940)

The boysenberry might have remained forgotten had it not been for Walter Knott, a fellow farmer and the owner of a small roadside berry stand. Walter learned about Boysen's berry through agricultural circles and, intrigued by its potential, obtained some of the original vines from Boysen's abandoned farm. With care and cultivation, Knott successfully grew the berries on a commercial scale. He then introduced the boysenberry to the American public at his berry stand, where it quickly became a sensation.

The Rise of the Boysenberry (1941-1950)

Thanks to Walter Knott's efforts, the boysenberry gained national recognition throughout the 1940s. Its popularity spurred demand across the United States, turning the Boysen-Knott collaboration into a horticultural success story. Boysen, although not directly involved in the berry's commercial rise, remained a crucial figure in its development and success.

Connection to Orange County, CA (Throughout Life)

Throughout his life, Rudolph Boysen maintained a deep connection to Orange County, where his horticultural journey had begun. This region’s agricultural heritage and supportive community played a significant role in Boysen's endeavors, from experimental crossbreeding to the widespread acclaim of the boysenberry. Orange County's fertile land and innovative spirit were indispensable to Boysen's achievements.

Later Years and Recognition (1951-1960)

As the boysenberry continued to grow in popularity, Boysen's role in its creation began to receive the recognition it deserved. Horticultural societies and agricultural organizations acknowledged Boysen's contributions, celebrating him as a pioneering figure in the field of berry cultivation. He spent his later years witnessing the fruits of his labor become a beloved part of American cuisine and culture.

Passing and Legacy (1960-1966)

Rudolph Boysen passed away in 1966, but his legacy lived on through the boysenberry, which had become a symbol of innovation, perseverance, and success. His work not only introduced a new fruit to the world but also showcased the potential of horticultural experimentation and crossbreeding.

Key Achievements of Rudolph Boysen:

  • Developed the boysenberry by crossbreeding blackberries, raspberries, and loganberries.

  • Faced and overcame significant agricultural and commercial challenges to introduce a new berry to the market.

  • Formed a successful partnership with Walter Knott, leading to the widespread popularity of the boysenberry.

  • Received recognition from agricultural and horticultural societies for his contributions to berry cultivation and innovation.

  • Left a lasting impact on American agriculture and cuisine through the introduction of the boysenberry.

Rudolph Boysen's story is a testament to the power of innovation, hard work, and collaboration. As the creator of the boysenberry, he overcame numerous setbacks to introduce a fruit that would become an integral part of American culinary history. His legacy is not just in the berry that bears his name but in the inspiration he provides to horticulturists and farmers everywhere.

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

-Matthew Larsen

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