Orange County Newsletter (September 2nd)

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

Welcome to The Orange County Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

  • Disney Resort Highlights Upcoming Attractions.

  • Dodgers' offense stalled, lose to Orioles.

  • A deep-dive into the life of Harry Chandler.

  • And more…

Quote of the Week

 “Mastery of life is not a question of control, but of finding a balance between human and being.” 

–Eckhart Tolle

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 city in Orange County is home to the annual "Strawberry Festival," celebrating the region's rich agricultural history?

A) Irvine

B) Garden Grove

C) Costa Mesa

D) Santa Ana

Answer to Week 39's Trivia:

The "Richard Nixon Library & Birthplace" in Yorba Linda features a replica of A) The Oval Office.

News

💼Business

Greenfield & Associates is Recognized in the Orange County. (link)

Disney Resort Highlights Upcoming Attractions. (link)

🏒Sports

Dodgers’ offense held in check as they lose opener to Orioles. (link)

Lincoln Riley’s offense at USC will change on his terms, not the Big Ten’s. (link)

🏦Finance

Fisher Phillips Attorneys Recognized in the Orange County Business Journal’s “2024 Leaders of Influence: Women in Law”. (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

🏓 Little Aces Tennis
13660 University St, Westminster, CA
Wednesday, Sep 4th | 5:00 pm | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Justin Curry
Hello Stranger 320 E 2nd St Los Angeles, CA 
Tuesday, Sep 3rd | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

🎤 Tycho
The Roxy Theatre 9009 W Sunset Blvd Los Angeles, CA
Wednesday, Sep 4th | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

🎶 Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue
Hollywood Bowl 2301 N Highland Ave Los Angeles, CA
Wednesday, Sep 4th | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

Family

🎭 Family Art Days
5 Crystal Cove, Newport Beach, CA
Tuesday, September 3rd | 10:30 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 “An architecturally symmetrical Orange County, CA” 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 1989 Orange County Civil Rights case - A landmark legal battle addressing racial discrimination.

The 1989 Orange County Civil Rights case stood as a significant legal confrontation in the ongoing struggle against racial discrimination in the United States, particularly within Orange County, California. This landmark case emerged in a period when racial tensions and instances of discrimination were highly prevalent, reflecting broader national struggles. The case involved a lawsuit brought against several governmental and private entities within Orange County, accusing them of systemic racial discrimination practices that affected minorities' rights to equal employment, housing, and access to services.

At the heart of the lawsuit were allegations that policies and actions by these entities created and perpetuated an environment of segregation and unequal treatment. Plaintiffs in the case argued that such practices not only violated federal and state civil rights laws but also had profound impacts on minority communities, leading to significant disparities in socio-economic conditions. The case garnered substantial media attention and public interest, serving to highlight the broader issues of racial inequity and the importance of civil rights protections.

The outcome of the 1989 Orange County Civil Rights case was seen as a watershed moment in the fight against racial discrimination in the region. While specifics of the settlement remain complex, it ultimately led to the establishment of measures designed to ensure greater equity and oversight in the accused entities' practices. This case not only marked an important victory for civil rights advocates in Orange County but also set a precedent for addressing racial discrimination through legal channels. It underscored the necessity of vigilance and legal recourse in upholding civil rights and combating systemic racism, echoing a larger national narrative on the importance of justice and equality for all.

Famous People In Orange County History

Harry Chandler (1864-1944) - Publisher of the Los Angeles Times, influenced the development and annexation of parts of Orange County.

Harry Chandler, known chiefly for his role as the publisher of the Los Angeles Times, was a defining figure in the growth and development of Los Angeles and surrounding regions including parts of Orange County. His vision and influence extended beyond journalism into real estate, politics, and water rights, shaping Southern California's landscape.

Early Life and Path to Los Angeles (1864-1882)

Born in Landaff, New Hampshire, in 1864, Harry Chandler embarked on his journey to Los Angeles in the early 1880s. With a modest upbringing, Chandler possessed a keen sense of ambition and adventure that propelled him toward the burgeoning city of Los Angeles, marking the start of what would be a momentous career.

Joining the Los Angeles Times (1883-1894)

Chandler started his tenure at the Los Angeles Times in a rather humble capacity, working various jobs from janitorial duties to ad sales. His relentless work ethic and vision caught the eye of Harrison Gray Otis, the newspaper's formidable publisher, leading Chandler to climb the ranks quickly.

Ascendancy and Marriage (1895-1903)

The pivotal moment in Chandler's life came with his marriage to Marian Otis, the daughter of Harrison Gray Otis, in 1894. This union not only solidified his position within the Los Angeles Times but also intertwined the fortunes of the Chandler and Otis families, setting the stage for a powerful publishing dynasty.

Publisher of The Times (1903-1939)

Taking the helm as the publisher of the Los Angeles Times in 1917 after Otis, Chandler fundamentally transformed the paper into a conservative powerhouse that championed the growth and development of Los Angeles. Under his leadership, the Times became one of the most influential newspapers in the country.

Real Estate Ventures and the Growth of LA (1910-1930)

Chandler's interest in real estate development was instrumental in shaping the Southern California landscape. He was involved in projects that led to the expansion of the San Fernando Valley and the construction of iconic landmarks, contributing significantly to the urban sprawl of Los Angeles.

The Orange County Connection (1920s-1930s)

Chandler played a crucial role in the development and annexation of parts of Orange County. His investments in land and his influence in the Los Angeles Times promoted the growth of suburban communities and the commercial vitality of the region, embodying his vision for a sprawling Southern California.

Water Wars and the Aqueduct (1910s-1920s)

Perhaps one of Chandler's most controversial involvements was in the California Water Wars. His advocacy for the construction of the Los Angeles Aqueduct, which diverted water from the Owens Valley to Los Angeles, was crucial in supporting the city's population boom but sparked significant environmental and social conflicts.

Political Influence and Advocacies (1920s-1940s)

Beyond his business ventures, Chandler wielded considerable political influence, supporting conservative causes and candidates. His promotion of infrastructure development, anti-union sentiments, and involvement in local and national politics underscored his vision for Los Angeles and California at large.

Legacy and The Chandler Dynasty (1939-1944)

Chandler transitioned leadership of the Los Angeles Times to his son, Norman Chandler, in 1944, marking the continuation of the Chandler legacy in media and development. His death that year closed the chapter on a life that had indelibly etched itself onto the fabric of Southern California.

Harry Chandler's Enduring Influence (1944 and Beyond)

Though Chandler passed away in 1944, his impact on Los Angeles and its surrounding areas endures. The development patterns, political landscape, and cultural ethos of 20th-century Southern California bear the marks of his ambitious, and sometimes contentious, legacy.

Key Achievements of Harry Chandler:

  • Transformed the Los Angeles Times into a leading national newspaper, significantly influencing local and national opinions.

  • Played a central role in the development of the San Fernando Valley, contributing to the urban sprawl of Los Angeles.

  • Instrumental in the annexation and development of parts of Orange County, promoting its suburban growth and economic development.

  • Advocated for the Los Angeles Aqueduct, facilitating the city's access to water and supporting its population growth.

  • Established the Chandler family as a media and real estate dynasty in Southern California, with a lasting impact on the region's development.

Harry Chandler's story is one of vision, ambition, and influence, marked by his transformative role as the publisher of the Los Angeles Times and a key figure in the urban and cultural development of Southern California. His legacy, while complex and multifaceted, underscores the profound impact one individual can have on the growth of an entire region. Chandler's contributions to the media, real estate, and political landscape of Southern California have cemented his place as one of the most significant figures in the history of the area.

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-Matthew Larsen

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