Old Towne Orange Plaza Review | Issue 126 | Mar-Apr 2025
“
The Los Angeles River, An Unexpected Beauty ”
Article on page 20
Alterado (Spanish for Altered) by John Kosta
2024 / Oil on Canvas / 30” x 30”
The Rodgers Center for Holocaust Education | The Stern Chair in Holocaust Education Fish Interfaith Center
Fish Interfaith Center | Chapman University
April 22, 2025 | 7 p.m.
Musical Tributes and Lighting of Candles
Cantor Chayim Frenkel
Kehillat Israel Reconstructionist Congregation, Pacific Palisades
Accompanied by David Kamenir
Saving the Jewish Heritage of Eastern Europe and Russia
Jonathan Brent, Ph.D.
Executive Director and CEO, The YIVO Institute for Jewish Research
Special Performance
Niv Ashkenazi
Artist-in-Residence, Violins of Hope
Performing on a Holocaust-Era Violin of Hope
Reservations Required. For more information about reserving tickets and registering for parking, visit Tickets.Chapman.edu/Online/article/ holocaust-remembrance-25
Admission Free. An informal reception will follow the event.
Old Towne Orange PLAZAREVIEW
From the Publisher
As we head into warmer weather, it’s a pleasure to share in these pages of the Old Towne Orange Plaza Review the many opportunities to experience our one-of-a-kind community. In this issue, you will see a variety of enjoyable events during our upcoming spring season.
Such activities include an Easter Egg Hunt at St. John’s Lutheran Church of Orange on April 19 (pg. 21) For parents seeking something for their kids to do this summer, there is Summer Camp for kids 5-12 at Youth Centers of Orange (pg. 3). For musically minded youngsters, check out Chapman University Music Summer Camps in June and July (pg. 7).
Of course, warm weather brings opportunities to experience the great outdoors and picturesque area gardens. This includes the Woman’s Club of Orange’s 86th Annual Spring Flower Show on Saturday, April 26 (pg. 7). Our neighboring communities are also taking advantage of the spring weather, including the Floral Park Home & Garden Tour on April 26-27 (pg. 24) and the West Floral Park Open Garden Day on May 10 (pg. 20)
If you’re looking to spruce up your home and garden this spring for your own backyard festivities, consider visiting Le Potager in historic downtown Fullerton (pg. 23)
As I’ve often mentioned, the Plaza Review wouldn’t exist without our many advertisers. This includes Blessings Senior Care, where they offer quality assisted living, including memory care (pg. 22). If you’re looking to get in shape for the warm weather ahead, check out Better Way Fitness (pg. 9). And if you need to get your car into shape for a spring road trip, take it into Titan Automotive right here in Orange (pg. 14).
Wishing you a wonderful spring season filled with fun activities.
Sincerely,
Mike Escobedo
134 South Glassell St. / Orange, CA 92866 714 - 743 - 6919 Mike@OrangeReview.com
What’s Happ ening .
MARCH 2025
Thu / Mar 6 / 11:30 am
Town & Gown Lunch at the Forum “Social Social Media: Bringing Back the Social to Social Media” presentation by Professor Niklas Myhr, Ph.D. Chapman University, Beckman Hall 714-744-7608 / Chapman.edu/tglatf
Mon / Mar 10 / 7 - 9 pm
Orange Art Association Monthly Meeting Demonstration by Watercolorist Hyun Kim. 395 South Tustin St / 714-538-8069 www.OrangeArtAssociation.org
Sat / Mar 15 / 10 am - 2 pm
OC Farm Supply’s Festival de Tomates
More than fifty types of tomatoes, amazing vendors, knowledgeable speakers & more! 1826 West Chapman Ave www.facebook.com/OCFarmSupply 714-978-6500
Through Mar 20 / 2 pm
Orange Unified Public School Foundation 2025 Car Sweepstakes Win a 3-Year Lease on a brand-new Nissan Rogue, while supporting the OUSD. OUPSF.org / 657-221-5412
Sat / Mar 22 / 10 am - 1 pm
Friends of Orange Public Library
Spring “Bag of Books” Sale
Fill a bag with books for $5 or bring your FOPL bag to fill for $4 Orange Main Library: 407 E Chapman 714-288-2424 / www.FOPLca.com
Sat / Mar 22 / 10 am - 5 pm
Country Roads Antiques & Gardens
Spring Garden Party A day of fun, celebrating spring & green: paints, candles, plants, décor & more! 216 W Chapman Ave / 714-532-3041 CountryRoadsAntiques.com
Sun / Mar 23 / 7:30 - 11 am
OC Model A Ford Club
62nd Annual Pancake Breakfast Pancakes, Sausage, Eggs, Juice, Hot Cocoa, Hot Coffee, Cars & Large Raffle Selection. Hart Park: 701 South Glassell St 714-615-5751
Tue / Mar 25 / 8 - 9 am
Orange Chamber “Eggs & Issues” Join this month’s special guest, Orange City Fire Chief Sean deMetropolis. Orange Cafe Bistro 1608 East Mayfair 714-538-3581 / OrangeChamber.com
www. Orange Review .com
Around the Plaza!
Wed / Mar 26 / 5:30 - 7 pm
Orange Community Historical Society
Inside the Orange Plaza Masonic Lodge
Join us for a rare entrance & historical presentation inside the Masonic Lodge. 71 Plaza Square / HistoricalOrange.org
Thu / Mar 27 / 6:30 - 8 pm
Woman’s Club of Orange
Lost Landmarks of Orange County
Join author & storyteller Chris Epting for a look back in time to explore iconic landmarks that once defined OC. 121 South Center St / 714-836-5919 www.facebook.com/groups/Womans ClubOfOrangeCA
Sat / Mar 29 / 9 am - 1 pm
Orange Home Grown Spring Plant Sale
A great selection of plants from the California Organic Gardening Club. 356 N Lemon / OrangeHomeGrown.org
Sun / Mar 30 / 11 am - 1 pm
Orange Home Grown
Sunday Brunch on the Farm
An unforgettable farm-to-table brunch led by Chef Dave Mau, a master of West Coast flavors & creative storytelling. 356 N Lemon / OrangeHomeGrown.org
APRIL 2025
Sun / Apr 13 / 9 am - 3 pm
Orange Plaza Rotary Plaza Car Show
Nearly 400 pre-1976 Custom Classics. Old Towne Orange Plaza Square www.facebook.com/OrangePlazaCarShow
Thu / Apr 17 / 6 pm
Old Towne Preservation Association
State of Old Towne Forum
Presentations by the Mayor, City Manager, Chief of Police & Chapman University. Council Chambers: 300 East Chapman 714-639-6840 / OTPA.org
Sat / Apr 19 / 10 am - 2 pm
St. John’s Lutheran Church
Community Easter Egg Hunt
A fun-filled morning of egg hunts, treats, games, scavenger hunt, crafts and more! 175 South Shaffer St / 714-288-4400 www.StJohnsOrange.org/easter
Tue / Apr 22 / 7 pm (ad on page 4)
Rodgers Center for Holocaust Education
An Evening of Holocaust Remembrance
Words of reflection, Musical tributes, & Lighting of Candles of Remembrance. Fish Interfaith Center: One University Dr
Fri & Sun / Apr 25 & 27
Hall-Musco Conservatory Spring Opera
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
Opera by Will Todd with libretto by Maggie Gottlieb, commissioned by Opera Holland Park. 415 North Glassell St 714-997-6812 / MuscoCenter.org
Sat / Apr 26 / Noon - 4 pm
Woman’s Club of Orange
86th Annual Spring Flower Show
Enjoy plants, floral arrangements & more 121 South Center St / 714-617-0203 WomansClubOfOrange.org
Sat & Sun / Apr 26 & 27
Historic Floral Park Home & Garden Tour Tour this curated selection of historic homes & gardens. (See ad on page 24) FloralParkHomeTour.com
Sun / Apr 27 / 9 am - 2 pm
Cambra Speed Shop
Good Times Block Party Car show with prizes, cacklefest, live music, food trucks & good times. 726 West Angus Ave www.facebook.com/CambraSpeedShop
Digital Artist Clyde San Juan CrookedTrails@hotmail.com
Web Developer Chase Higgins chasehiggins@me.com
Printed by Reed Printing Estella@reedprinting.com
Processed by Mailing Pros, Inc. MPI@MailingProsInc.com
Distributed by the US Postal Services www.usps.com
by Yuki Klotz-Burwell
Old Towne’s Growing Dining Scene
Old Towne’s dining scene is growing this spring with three new businesses opening their doors. Read on to meet the latest eateries making Orange their home: Long Dog Coffee and Treats, L’Orange Cafe and Tea Modern Chinese.
Long Dog Coffee and Treats
The newly opened Long Dog Coffee and Treats is fetching a fresh take in Old Towne, where the dachshund-themed coffee shop replaced Sweetheart Cafe and has been serving humans and their furry friends since November.
Founder Steven Capizzi, who has almost two decades of coffee shop experience, recently moved to Orange to open the cafe.
“I’ve always had the weiner dog brand in the back of my mind because the breed makes me laugh,” he says. “There’s something about the brand that attracts a really fun, laid-back clientele.”
The cafe specializes in handcrafted treats and beverages for two-legged and four-legged customers. Humans can indulge in French macarons, lemon bars and tiramisu, alongside classic coffees and specialty drinks like the maple spice latte. Dogs get their own menu of treats.
Drawing from his extensive background as a baker and a barista, Capizzi creates everything in-house, and his hazelnut latte highlights this dedication. He roasts and grinds the hazelnuts before steeping them in simple syrup, a time-sensitive process that Capizzi says is worth the exceptional flavor.
Long Dog marks Capizzi’s first business venture, a step he took after years of gaining experience in baking, coffee-making and management. For him, the work has culminated in a job where he
feels rewarded every day.
“I love my regulars who come in the morning for a coffee and a pastry, and then a treat for their dog,” says Capizzi. “It’s nice to know that I can be a little piece of their routine, and then they’ll continue doing amazing things in their day.”
His approach has earned praise from both customers and
neighboring business owners.
“When my wife and co-owner, Gretchen, and I first walked into Long Dog, we immediately fell in love with the vibe and the atmosphere,” says Steve Molina, Founder of the nearby Groovy Ghost Vintage. “Steven is very personable and supportive and it feels like a win-win to have him in the community.”
Though he’s new to the neighborhood, Capizzi has developed a deep appreciation for Old Towne and its character.
“The charm of Old Towne is magical and it reminds me of the cobblestone alleys I saw studying abroad in Florence,” he says. “There’s something about this location that captured my imagination, and I’m grateful that people here are rooting for small businesses.”
Long Dog Coffee and Treats Founder Steven Capizzi shares a coffee drink surrounded by several of his loyal dog-loving customers. After spending nearly 20 years working in coffee shops, Capizzi learned to create an atmosphere open for feedback and menu changes. “I’ll listen to what the team and my customers like, and then give my employees creative space to try new things,” he says.
L’Orange Cafe
Husband-and-wife duo Oscar and Patty have joined Old Towne’s community of family businesses with L’Orange Cafe. The business owners recently opened their spot in October, taking over the space previously home to Pandor Bakery.
“Patty and I were long-time customers of Pandor, so when we saw an opportunity to take over the ownership, we were very excited,” says Oscar. “As members of this beautiful community, this is a great chance to do something local.”
Although the eatery is primarily a cafe, Oscar encourages customers to explore beyond the morning coffee and pastries. The menu also features soups, sandwiches and crepes, along with specialty dishes like the Saumon Fumé, a smoked salmon eggs benedict, and the Parisien sandwich, crafted with imported jambon ham, cheese and cornichons.
“We’d love to make more people in Orange aware of the cafe and what we offer,” says Oscar. “L’Orange has a welcoming atmosphere and we want to be known as a good hangout spot with good food for the community. We’re working on enhancing the building’s interior while preserving its historical style.”
In their first few months as cafe owners, Oscar and Patty have found their rhythm in Orange and are already loving their work.
“We’re in such a great location
that we even take strolls around Old Towne in the afternoon,” says Oscar. “It doesn’t feel like work because we’re so happy to be here.”
For Patty, her favorite part of the day-to-day work is spending time with her family and the crew they kept on from Pandor.
“My daughter also works part-time here, so it feels like a small family business,” she says. “My son will stop in on breaks from his own business so it feels like a
traditional Old Towne business that’s small and inviting.”
Next on L’Orange’s roadmap is to offer new food options, drinks and pastries to the menu.
“We have a lot changing, but we want customers to know we’re always open to feedback,” says Patty. “It’s so great to hear directly from customers, and we encourage everyone to approach us directly
and have open conversations.”
The casual feedback between customers and owners creates exactly the neighborly atmosphere Oscar hopes will define L’Orange.
“It all goes back to this sense of community that gets built here; whether it’s with family or customers, it’s just special in Old Towne,” he says.
L’Orange Cafe 106 North Glassell St. / 714-912-4007 / LOrangeCafe .com
Showcasing customer favorite menu items at L’Orange Café are (Back row from left) Oscar Manjujano, L’Orange Owner Patty, Amber Ambrosia, Owner Oscar, Emmanual Toscano, (front row, from left) Raquel Bautista, Nathalie Duran and Aneles Rios. Along with a full roster of pastry and sandwich options, Oscar and Patty say the many flavors of gelato continue to be a popular hit.
Tea Modern Chinese
The end of 2024 marked a turning point for Cali Dumpling’s owners, who transformed the fast-casual spot into Tea Modern Chinese, an elevated Chinese restaurant. The eatery is in the same spot Cali Dumpling stood on Glassell, but has been completely reimagined into a new offering from husband-and-wife founders Allan and Candace Tea.
Allan grew up working in his family’s restaurant, Capital Seafood, where he developed an extensive knowledge of Cantonese cuisine. He’s still running Cali Dumpling as a frozen dumpling venture found in markets like 99 Ranch Market and Erewhon, but he rebuilt the storefront to work on a new challenge.
“I wanted to take these classic recipes that many are familiar with and add my own touch and new types of presentation,” he says. “You’ll taste the authentic flavors of Cantonese cuisine, but with high-quality ingredients that are interpreted in a new way.”
An example of a menu item Allan reimagined is the ting-ling long beans. Unlike traditional stir-fried garlic long beans, he serves them whole—sometimes braided and stretching out to 20 inches long—with a Szechuan peppercorn sauce.
“I’m really proud of that dish, and it’s a lot of fun to make and to serve,” says Allan. “We’ve been
Modern Chinese
getting such a great response and want to continue providing delicious Cantonese food in a comfortable, family-friendly environment.”
The restaurant, interior and menu have switched up from Cali Dumpling, but Allan continues to work with Chef Stefanus Susanto to lead the kitchen.
“I present the menu vision to Chef Stefanus, and he takes the time to create a few options,” says Allan. “We then figure out how it’s going to taste, how it’s going
to be plated, and how we want to present it to customers.”
Another new concept the Tea Modern founders have added is an afternoon tea service, run by Candace.
“I like to do a lot of lunch dates with my friends, and we always like to find something new and interesting and that inspired our tea service,” says Candace. “I’m excited to bring this new type of afternoon tea, with Asian flavors, to Orange County.”
The service is only available on weekends and gets quickly booked out almost two months in advance. Customers can choose from 14 tea options like an orchid oolong with floral flavoring, a masala chai, or a nutty Dragonwell green tea. The tea is paired with an elegant pre-fixe menu of nine pastries made in-house, including sweets like the yuzu meringue tart and the black sesame hazelnut choux, and savory choices like a quiche potsticker and an egg salad sando. •
Tea Modern Chinese Head Chef Stefanus Susanto and Founder Allan Tea cheer the opening of their new restaurant, a new concept replacing Tea’s previous Cali Dumpling storefront. “The atmosphere of Tea Modern is very mature and elegant,” says Tea. “It feels like a fully new space and restaurant.”
by Sheri Ledbetter
Guiding the future of Orange!
Take a peek behind the curtain into the inner workings of the City of Orange and meet three individuals leading change.
Community Development Director Russell Bunim is initiating a digital transformation to streamline the applicant experience in planning and development.
Leslie Hardy, as Community & Library Services Director, shares some exciting updates coming to Orange’s parks. And Aaron Schulze is the Economic Development Manager and reveals what Orange has planned in the city that connects to Anaheim’s OC Vibe development.
Russell Bunim
Russell Bunim, Community Development Director for the City of Orange, is spearheading a digital revolution in city operations. Born in Orange and with a background in urban planning and public administration, Bunim brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles in Newport Beach, Santa Monica and Laguna Beach before arriving in Orange in 2023.
The Community Development Department that Bunim oversees consists of 35 staff who encompass planning, land use and development, building and safety, housing and code enforcement. The team takes applicants through design review, planning commission and environmental review of their projects. This includes residential, commercial and industrial—any type of land use.
“If you’re thinking about opening a business in town, the planning division is a great place to start because it allows you to have a conversation with the professional staff that can help you get from the starting line to your grand opening,” says Bunim.
Community development has the largest front counter at city hall. “This means we interface with the most people,” says Bunim. “Customers come to us because they’re excited about a project. A lot of times, it’s a person’s first time coming to city hall. We want that first connection of customer service to be positive.”
Bunim is leading an initiative to transition from a paper-based to a digital department. The transformation involves implementing a new online portal allowing residents and businesses to submit plans, make payments, and navigate the
Russell
“Striving
entitlement and building permit processes digitally. This shift promises to streamline operations and improve efficiency for both staff and applicants.
“Another benefit is data,” says Bunim. “We’ll know what people
W. Bunim, AICP, Community Development Director 714-744-7220 / www. CityOfOrange .org
Steve & Ruthe Shafer
The City of Orange’s Community Development Director Russell Bunim oversees planning and development for residential, commercial and industrial land use. He is currently leading the effort to transform the department from paper-based to digital, affording applicants the ability to navigate the process digitally through an online portal.
are coming in for, such as building division or planning division. We’ll see what kinds of questions they have—the data will show us real time what our customer base is here for. This will help us to better allocate resources.”
“Something I value is that Russell really understands the customer experience and does what he can to improve that,” says Arlen Beck, an Associate Planner with the city, who has worked with Bunim since 2021. “It is important to him how the applicant experiences our processes.”
“In the future, we’d like to have a map on our website for customers to see the zoning for their property,” says Bunim. “They’ll be able to click a parcel on the map and see the parcel’s permit history.”
Bunim’s vision extends beyond mere digitization.
“As far as urban planning goes, Orange makes a job like mine very fulfilling,” he says. “The city has diverse neighborhoods, culture, a walkable downtown, economic development opportunities, and historic districts.”
Towne Orange! ”
Guiding the future of. Orange!
Leslie Hardy
Leslie Hardy, Community Services Director for the City of Orange, has recently become the Community & Library Services Director.
“We have 22 parks that we operate,” says Hardy. “Whether it’s maintenance, a capital improvement project or programs, they all fall under us. We also have three libraries in the city that we operate.”
The parks span across the city, from Hart Park on the South Side, all the way up to Eisenhower Park, and as far east as Fred Barrera Park, to a new park being planned for near the west side of town near the 57 and 5 freeways. The recreation programs include youth and adult sports, classes, summer camps, aquatics programs and facility rentals.
“I love my role because there is never a traditional day,” Hardy says. “There's always something new. I like being a resource to figure out how to make things happen for the community.”
One of the most anticipated projects under Hardy’s leadership is the construction of 10 lighted pickleball courts at Hart Park. The courts are slated to open in 2026 and will be located near the Orange Grove. Another major
project Hardy is overseeing is the building of a skate park at Grijalva Park, which is also slated to open next year.
“2026 will be a big year for us,” notes Hardy, who is particularly excited about the $2 million in federal funding secured for the pickleball project through
Congressman Correa’s office. Hardy’s vision extends to improving existing facilities, as evidenced by the rehabilitation of Handy Park. Her department also played a crucial role in the recent
As Community & Library Services Director, Leslie Hardy oversees Orange’s 22 parks, three libraries and recreation programs. Currently, she is overseeing the installation of pickleball courts and a skate park in the city.
restoration of the historic fountain in Plaza Park. She emphasizes the importance of community engagement, particularly through social media @ OurOrangeRe c and @ OrangePublicLibrary
“Leslie is the G.O.A.T.,” says Holiday Zimmerman, CEO of the HUB OC, who partners with the city to end homelessness. “She wants the best for the city and its residents. She does it with such grace and character and is easy to work with. She unifies the city—you’d want her on your team.”
Hardy came to Orange in 2018 as Assistant Community Services Director after eight years with the City of Newport Beach.
“At that time, my husband and I were also buying a house in Orange,” she recalls. “I got the job, and we got the house. What I love about Orange is there’s something for everyone here, whether you’re an outdoor person, you like shopping, you’re a foodie, or you like the historic side of things. When you tell people you live (or work) in Orange, they respond with, ‘I love that city.’”
Aaron Schulze
Aaron Schulze, Economic Development Manager for the City of Orange, is at the forefront of transforming the city’s economic landscape. With 17 years’ experience working in various facets of city government, Schulze brings a wealth of knowledge to his role. His responsibilities span a range, from business attraction and retention to workforce development and infrastructure planning.
“The most exciting thing we are working on right now is creating a vision for development in what we call the West Katella Area, which is the Stadium Promenade and the properties around that,” Schulze explains. “This initiative is driven by the nearby OC Vibe development in Anaheim, presenting a unique opportunity for Orange to create a complementary district.”
There is another development next to OC Vibe called OC River Walk where they’re looking at damming up part of the river to keep water in it year-round where people could kayak. There’s a website: OCRiverWalk.com with renderings, including proposing a pedestrian bridge from OC Vibe to the Stadium Promenade property.
Schulze is also focused on revitalizing other areas of Orange, such as the Mall of Orange, Sears
and Best Buy, as well as Hoffman Radiator in Old Towne. “Sears has a 90-year lease signed in 1964 that goes until 2054, so we’re working with the property owner on what can go in there,” he says.
Schulze and his team also look at what residents would consider desirable.
“Costco is what I like to call the white whale of economic development in Orange. We’ve been trying for 30 years to get a Costco, and we’re still working on it,” says Schulze. “A big wish list
Economic Development Manager
Aaron Schulze has 17 years with the city and is currently working on creating a vision for development in the West Katella Area to create a complimentary district to OC Vibe on the Orange side of the Santa Ana River.
item for a lot of Old Towne residents is to have a nice market.”
With a business degree from California State University, Fullerton, Schulze worked in the cities of Santa Ana, Huntington Beach and Garden Grove before coming to Orange.
“The best city government is one that people don’t have to think about, where everything just works,” says Schulze.
Schulze is also working on tourism promotion and hotel development to bring people to Orange as a way of helping local businesses, hotels, restaurants, shops and the city itself.
“Aaron contacted me about the visions he has for bringing more interest to the city, and I said, wow, I want to be part of that,” says Mark Hilbert, Founder of the Hilbert Museum. “He does a great job of coordinating different interest groups to galvanize a direction to advance the city of Orange.”
Adds Schulze, “I really enjoy working for the city because there is just something so satisfying about working on something and seeing it improve the lives of people.” •
One morning last October, the doorbell rang unexpectantly at Adam and Gina Carr’s historic cottage on South Grand in Old Towne. The surprise visitor turned out to be a woman named Joyce whose father had grown up in the house during the 1940s-1950s and recently passed away. She was traveling from North Carolina with
her husband, and stopped by Orange to see the area her dad had always spoken so fondly about.
“We gave her a tour of the house and she was ecstatic,” says Adam. “She recalled that throughout his entire life, he told stories of living here and the community that he grew up in. We gave her
one of the vintage wallpaper scraps we discovered under the old wall paneling. She was tearful and could feel the connection.”
Fast-forward to February 2025 when Joyce returned to Old Towne with three of her sisters (Kimberly, Catherine and Joanne) to make an official family pilgrimage in
honor of their father, Tommy Meadows. The Carrs welcomed the sisters to the home for an extended visit, connecting the dots about the home’s history, including that Tommy’s father worked in Old Towne in the citrus industry. The
Homeowners Adam and Gina Carr walk their dogs, Piper and Kona, in front of their historic cottage in Old Towne Orange. The couple planted hibiscus and plumeria in front to pay homage to the Hawaiian Islands where they got married.
Written by Karen Anderson
historical research the Carrs had begun at the Orange Library came into clearer focus.
“Joyce told us that her family put homemade pies in the windowsills for the neighbors,” says Adam. “Most of our windows are large enough to hold a pie, but we assume it’s the window that our dog looks out of every day. We
found several news articles about pinocle and canasta parties held here. The families that lived here clearly liked to entertain. The legacy of entertaining continues to this day, because Gina and I love to host parties and gatherings.”
Built in 1917, the hip-roof cottage features a front porch supported by wood posts. The
entry is flanked on either side by original double-hung windows. According to historical records, it’s one of the few properties in town where the original owner was a woman. Her name was Allie Winslow, and her family was scattered throughout Old Towne.
Having previously lived in Anaheim Hills in a 3,000-square-
foot home, the Carrs had long wanted to move to Old Towne and were ready to downsize. They searched for five years but never found the right place. When the cottage on South Grand near Hart Park came on the market in 2022, they knew it was the perfect fit. Now totaling 1,853 square feet, the three-bedroom home
Adam and Gina like to have friends gather around the firepit in their front yard for cocktails. On Halloween, neighbors join them passing out candy while hanging out around the firepit.
Photos by Kristin Smetona
The front room is where Adam and Gina start each day with their morning coffee. Favorite pieces on display include framed scraps of the original wallpaper from circa-1917 when the house was built. There’s also an antique ladder they purchased in 2015 that came from an abandoned farmhouse in Texas.
Remembering Old Towne
was added onto in the 1950s and again in the 1990s.
“The house looks small from the front yard, but once you walk inside, it’s much more spacious because of the additions,” says Adam. “Each addition extends lengthwise toward the back, which gives the house a really nice flow from front to back.”
When they first moved in, everything was sporadically dated, says Gina, who recounted how each room had different
floors, be it wood, linoleum or carpet. The couple also removed the dated paneling on the walls and painted the interior white.
“We found two layers of wallpaper under the paneling; one was probably from the 1950s and the other looks like the home’s original wallpaper,” says Gina.
“The quality was amazing, like a sturdy canvas, with depictions of horsedrawn carriages and Victorian-style houses. We kept portions of it framed inside the
O UR C OUNCIL C ARES
Have you ever wondered what goes on at Orange City Council meetings?
Important decisions to better our city and announcements about our community are made at these meetings. In this column provided by Mayor Dan Slater, we look at the highlights of recent meetings.
Mayor Dan Slater (center) with (clockwise from top left) Mayor pro tem Dennis Bilodeau and Councilmembers Arianna Barrios , Jon Du m itru , Kathy Tavoularis , Ana Gutierrez and John Gyllenha mm er
wall to pay homage.”
A financial advisor with his own firm, Modern Wealth Design, Adam works in Old Towne just a half mile from the house. They loved the area so much that Adam moved his business into the downtown district four years ago, first on South Glassell, and now on South Olive Street. Active in the business community, he is the incoming chair of the Orange Chamber of Commerce.
Gina is the longtime director of
sales for Patina Restaurant Group, organizing major hospitality events for the PGA Championships, Ryder’s Cup, SAG-AFTRA Awards, and the upcoming NFL Draft 2025, to name a few.
The couple got married on Maui. The tropical plants in their yard reflect the Hawaiian Islands, such as the flowering plumeria trees and the red banana leaves that grow along the fence as a privacy screen. The backyard includes a pizza oven, as well as a
January 14:
1. Approved moving ahead with a project to synchronize signals on Glassell Street. Funding is predominantly from countywide Measure M.
2. Considered requests from Councilmember Gutierrez for a citywide audit and annexation of county “islands” within the city’s boundaries. City Manager asked to report back.
3. Approved an agreement with the Orange International Street Fair, Inc. to produce the annual Street Fair in 2025, and through 2030.
4. Approved first reading for an Ordinance and Resolution setting up rules for
the sale of Safe and Sane fireworks (second reading approved January 28).
January 28:
1. Accepted a $20,000 donation from the Orange Public Library Foundation.
2. Authorized the purchase of two new motorcycles for the Orange Police Department and a new truck for the Public Works Department, replacing vehicles long past their useful life.
3. Approved temporary street closures for approved special events.
4. Made two additional appointments, bringing the Citizens Audit Committee to the authorized seven members.
The Carr’s dog Piper peers through the front window where in the 1950s, the Meadows family placed homemade pies in the windowsill for neighbors to enjoy.
The dining room opens into the kitchen and living room beyond. Potted plants impart pops of color throughout the home, which is outfitted in a mix of classic and modern décor.
pergola that Adam built from scratch. In the front yard, the couple often gathers around the fire pit with friends.
Inside, the décor combines classic and Midcentury Modern influences. In the kitchen, the couple replaced the old cabinets with classic Shaker cabinets and added a replica vintage oven. Adam built and installed custom panels on the fridge and dishwasher.
Their favorite room of the house, the front room is filled with
natural light. As it turns out, the massive fireplace in the adjacent living room was built in the 1950s by Reuben Meadows.
“Reuben was our dad’s dad,” says Kimberly Jones, daughter of Tommy Meadows who grew up in the house. “He was well-known in Old Towne for saving the life of a child who was trapped in a drainage portal at Hart Park. Our dad was the ballboy for the championship Lionette’s girls’ softball team at Hart Park. The
star of the team was Bertha Ragan Tickey, a famous athlete of the era.
“Dad told us he delivered newspapers on his bike and liked to climb a big, beautiful tree in Hart Park. Now that I’ve seen Old Towne, it’s like Americana and apple pie. He died of Alzheimer’s and mostly remembered four things at end of his life: Mom, the Navy, God and Old Towne.”
As for the Carrs, they cherish living in Old Towne surrounded by neighbors young and old they
meet when walking their two dogs, Piper and Kona.
“The best part of being in Old Towne is our close relationship with our neighbors,” says Gina. “We’ll sit on the porch and chat with neighbors, or walk to the Plaza for dinner or drinks and meet up with friends. We just love promoting and patronizing local businesses. It’s so much fun to build community when you live in a place as wonderful as Old Towne.” •
5. Approved the first reading of an ordinance approving paid parking in the 8-block commercial core of the downtown Plaza (second reading approved February 25).
6. Adjourned the meeting in memory of former Orange Mayor, Mark A. Murphy.
February 11:
1. Considered a request from Mayor Slater to develop an evacuation plan for horses and animals in Orange Park Acres.
2. At the request of Councilmember Barrios, considered weighing in on SQMD proposed rules regarding residential furnaces and small water heaters.
3. Considered a request from Councilmember Gyllenhammer to study solar initiatives for city buildings.
4. Approved administrative adjustments to the Orange Municipal Code.
February 25:
1. Extended the “tolling agreement” with Milan for 3 months.
2. Approved annual pavement maintenance for various streets throughout Orange.
3. Requested the City Manager report back on the issuance of street sweeping tickets on holidays.
4. Request from Mayor Pro Tem Bilodeau
to make a few practical alterations to the city’s ordinance regarding backyard chickens.
5. Made appointments to fill vacancies on the city’s Traffic Commission and the County’s Vector Control Board.
6. Gave direction to the City Manager to have our Citizen Audit Committee review city budgets dating back to 2008 and issue a report.
7. Direction given to the City Manager to conduct an organizational assessment.
8. Approved employment terms for an Interim City Attorney.
9. Received a quarterly update on our Citywide Strategic Plan.
City Council Meetings: 2nd & 4th Tuesday / 6 - 8 pm Agendas are available the prior Thursday. www. CityOfOrange .org
Meet the Mayor:
Every Wed & Thu / 5-7 p m
Call to schedule a 30-minute meeting with Orange Mayor Dan Slater to discuss issues that are important to the city.
Orange City Hall: 300 East Chapman Ave. CRivas@CityOfOrange.org 714-744-2219
Adam and Gina sit below their gallery wall in the front room.
Pictured above (from left) are four of Tommy Meadows’ daughters, Joyce, Kimberly, Catherine and Joanne. Tommy lived in the house in the 1940s-1950s. After his recent passing, they came to visit the home he fondly remembered and spoke about.
The enormous fireplace in the living room was built in the 1950s by hometown hero Reuben Meadows. Reuben’s son, Tommy, grew up in the house and is pictured (right inset) in a 1946 photo taken in front of the original wallpaper.
Improving the Architecture Across the Country
The nation’s highest architectural honor has come home to Orange County, where Irvinebased LPA Design Studios—a firm that began in a spare bedroom in Old Towne—received the 2025 American Institute of Architects (AIA) Architecture Firm Award. The award celebrates a legacy that began with founder Leason Pomeroy III, whose journey from local paperboy to novel architect has shaped Orange County’s landscape for more than six decades.
Born and raised in Orange, Pomeroy’s connection to the city runs deeper than his architectural legacy. As a boy, he delivered papers for the Orange Daily News, which now houses Starbucks and is one of many Plaza properties he owns today. After 34 years of running LPA, he sold it in 1999 but spun out a one-man design firm focused on Orange Countybased projects.
“The architecture of Old Towne is unlike any other,” says Pomeroy. “Though companies have come and gone here, there is
still so much history and a great mix of old and new architecture that makes this city different.”
Those early morning Old Towne routes and prepping papers in what was once known as the Plaza’s Newsboy Alley, right outside the Orange Daily News building, shaped his work drive. Pomeroy set a solid example for leadership in his
chops as an intern at various companies, Pomeroy was ready to start his own firm.
“One of the first substantial projects I worked on was the Orange County International Raceway,” says Pomeroy. “Years later, the development of the county was starting to boom, and I was able to get some great commissions across the area, so we grew and grew.”
His portfolio expanded to include landmark projects like the Thomas F. Riley Terminal at John Wayne Airport. Under his leadership, LPA grew beyond Orange County, achieving more than 300 design awards and establishing offices in Taiwan, Seattle, and the San Francisco Bay Area.
family, even inspiring his two younger brothers to follow his path into architecture and join the firm.
His natural artistic talent led him to pursue a fine arts degree from Arizona State University after serving in the military, followed by an architecture degree from the University of Southern California. After earning his
“The way our company was, we were very close-knit, which was integral to our success,” he says. “That bond built our design culture and inspired many of our employees to establish their own successful practices across Orange County.”
That culture continues at LPA today.
Pictured here are LPA Design Studios Founder Leason Pomeroy (left) with business partner Robert Egan, who ran the LPA Taiwan office, and brother Lynn Pomeroy (right) in a photo from 1978. For more than 60 years, Leason has dedicated his work to improving the architecture across Orange County and the country.
“Leason created a firm with an amazing culture and a passion for design, but also a company that cares about its people,” says current LPA Chief Executive Officer Wendy Rogers, who started with the firm as an intern in Old Towne
37 years ago. “I look at how the firm has evolved, and we have built on this foundation where design matters.”
The modern LPA expanded to an integrated firm with more than 400 engineers, landscape architects, interior designers and
planners. They’ve maintained deep local roots through projects like the Villa Park High School campus and the expansion of Irvine’s Hoag Hospital.
For Pomeroy, the greatest reward of his work is not the myriad of awards or prestigious commissions he has secured but the tangible impact.
“It’s so special to walk through Orange and see buildings that started as sketches on my desk,” he says. “That feeling is irreplaceable.”
Not one to retire after selling his firm, Pomeroy now focuses on private residences and local commercial buildings, including a 30,000-square-foot home he designed for bestselling author Dean Koontz in Newport Beach. He also partners with local broker Al Ricci to purchase and renovate Old Towne properties.
Pomeroy’s architectural fingerprints are everywhere in the county. If you’ve ever visited The Courtyard in Old Towne with Zito’s Pizza and the newlyopened Long Dog Coffee, or CHAAK Kitchen in Tustin, you have also seen his designs come to life. •
Building Character
Andrew Jordan, PhD
by Julie Bawden-Davis
Andrew Jordan tells students trying to determine their course in life that 90 percent of finding their path boils down to figuring out what they’re good at and like to do. This tactic worked well for Chapman University’s Kennedy Chair in Physics and Co-Director, Institute for Quantum Studies.
“When I was young, I discovered I was good at science and interested in it,” says Jordan, who grew up in Dallas, Texas. He started by taking chemistry, then discovered that he particularly liked physics.
The son of a church minister father and mother who taught history and later became a school principal, Jordan considered following in his father’s footsteps. But with his interest in how physics can explain why certain things happen in the world around us, he decided he was best suited to academia. Today, Jordan is well known for his work in theoretical physics, with research in theoretical Quantum Physics, Condensed Matter Physics and Quantum Optics.
“In college, I gravitated toward theoretical physics and in particular the philosophical aspects of the field that ask the big questions, such as why are we here, and what makes us and the universe tick,” he says. “I chose the field of theoretical physics because it is able to shed light on many of those deep questions from a scientific perspective.”
Academic Achievements
Jordan’s time in college was an “eye-opening, world-expanding period of self-discovery” as he explored the world of physics. He earned his bachelor’s in Physics and Mathematics in 1997 from Texas A&M University and his PhD in Theoretical Physics in 2002 from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
Today’s LPA CEO Wendy Rogers reviews design plans with senior leaders. Pictured (from left) are Jeremy Hart, Director of Civic + Cultural; Wendy Rogers, CEO and CTO and Rick Wood, formerly Director of Healthcare (retired 2021).
Andrew Jordan, PhD
“I had applied to several graduate schools, and was really happy to get into UC Santa Barbara, because it is one of the best physics graduate schools in the country,” says Jordan. “I was fortunate to have really good teachers and challenging classes, and I fell in love with California.”
After graduating with his PhD in 2002, Jordan married his wife, Marian, who he met the last year of his time at UC Santa Barbara. He then took a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Geneva, where he and Marian stayed from 2002-2005 while he studied under Professor Markus Büttiker. During that time, they welcomed into the world the first two of their four children.
“Of all the people I had worked with up until that point, Büttiker had the biggest scientific impact on me,” says Jordan. “He showed me how to be an active and engaged scientist with a healthy curiosity and the importance of using one’s intuition.”
Joining the University of Rochester
When he finished his fellowship, Jordan applied to several universities. “It’s extremely hard to find a fulltime tenured tract position, and many of my attempts to get hired were unsuccessful, until I got an email from the University of Rochester in New York,” he says. “The position they hired me for in 2006 as an assistant professor and general theorist fit me well and is essentially what I do today.”
Jordan thrived at Rochester, where he taught, did research and published, moving up the ranks and becoming a full tenured professor.
John Howell, currently a Professor of Physics at Chapman University, originally met Jordan when Howell was on the hiring committee at the University of Rochester.
“After just a short time working with Andrew, I knew we had made a special hire,” says Howell. “He is a Bonafide genius with the ability to integrate his theoretical skills with experimental applications. He can learn a subject very rapidly and quickly push the boundaries of that field in new and surprising directions. I have given him the nickname of ‘Andrew Dangerous Jordan’ because he loves to break commonly held physics rules that may not actually be rules.”
Howell and Jordan, who became fast friends, have published scientific papers together. Thanks to a journal article, Jordan was asked to speak at Chapman in 2010. Eventually, he became an affiliate scholar of the university while still at Rochester. This entailed visiting Chapman on a regular basis and writing research papers with faculty members, including Jeff Tollaksen.
“I would escape the harsh New York winters and come do physics with the folks at Chapman,” say Jordan, who also became friends with Chapman’s President Daniele Struppa when he was Provost.
Joining Chapman
“Daniele asked me if I would be interested in joining the physics faculty and eventually asked if I’d like to be co-director of the Institute for Quantum Studies,” says Jordan. “While I could have stayed at Rochester until the end of my career, directing the Institute seemed like a logical next step. I also liked the idea of returning to California.”
Struppa recalls being impressed with Jordan when he learned about his research at Rochester. “I thought he was the perfect person to add to our Institute for Quantum Studies,” he says. “I have always built our strengths through hires that allow us to move quickly and aggressively when we find the right person. I knew he was the right person for us because of his track record and his specific interests. He is a top-quality scientist and a spectacular physicist. His leadership has been key in securing two additional great hires and obtaining new and major external funding. As we move the Institute to its new space, Andrew has played a key role in designing the space itself.”
The new space Struppa mentions is Chapman University’s
by Mary Platt
John Kosta’s Paintings
are an Ode to an
The Los Angeles River has been a vital lifeline for the City of Los Angeles and its region, shaping the city’s development and culture. Historically, the natural river and its ebbs and flows served as a crucial water source for indigenous communities and early settlers. However, its unpredictable flooding led to significant challenges. In response to devastating floods in the early 20th century, the river was channelized and lined with concrete, transforming it into a controlled waterway. This engineering feat, while mitigating flood risks, also sequestered the river from the urban landscape, altering its natural course and ecology.
Amidst this backdrop, California artist John Kosta embarked on a mission to rediscover and reimagine the LA River through his art. His “Los Angeles River Series” is a multi-
year project that captures the river’s essence, portraying its beauty and resilience. In the exhibition “John Kosta: A Love Letter to the LA River,” on view March 22 through August 9 at the Hilbert Museum of California Art at Chapman University, museum visitors can witness the power, the unexpected beauty and even the romanticism of the now-tamed waterway—and try to envision a time in its past when it flowed without concrete boundaries, wild and free.
Kosta’s paintings focus on the beauty found in often-overlooked places. For example: do you ever think of the LA River as you barrel over a bridge that spans it, barely looking out the side windows at the ugly cement embankments below? Kosta does think of it, and he thinks about it afterward—and he wants you to do so as well.
Puddles , 2022 Oil on canvas
Main Street Bridge , 2024 Oil on canvas
Overlooked River
“My works delve into the interplay of light and shadow, the juxtaposition of nature and urban infrastructure, and the river’s evolving relationship with the city,” says the artist. Through his works, he says, he invites viewers to see the river not just as a concrete channel, but as a living entity with a rich history and potential for renewal—despite its often-gritty urban setting. “The paintings showcase the ‘beautiful ugly’ of the river—its nature, its neighborhoods, its people and its architecture,” Kosta adds.
Kosta’s paintings focus on the beauty found in often-overlooked places.
“John’s work fits perfectly with the mission of the Hilbert Museum, which aims to tell the history of California through human interactions and human infrastructure s,” says Mark Hilbert, founder of the Hilbert Museum. “In these paintings, he’s offering a fresh perspective by capturing the river’s many moods and angles, encouraging art enthusiasts to appreciate the river’s unique place in the Los Angeles urban landscape.”
In “Alterado,” the painting fea-
tured on the inside cover of this issue, Kosta portrays a segment of the LA River in the Arroyo Seco that is encased in concrete. “The egret is flying down to look for frogs or other food, but of course it will have to fly on, as the food pickings here are slim,” says Kosta. “It’s really a story about the nature of the river and what man’s geo-engineered impact on it has been. But it’s also a story of hope—that there are still opportunities to revitalize the river.”
Kosta’s dedication to this subject matter has brought renewed attention to the Los Angeles River, inspiring conversations about its past, present and future. His art serves as a bridge between the river’s storied history and the ongoing efforts to revitalize and reintegrate it into the fabric of the city. By capturing the river’s many moods and angles, Kosta offers a fresh perspective, encouraging Angelenos and art enthusiasts alike to appreciate the river’s unique place in the Los Angeles landscape.
In essence, John Kosta’s work not only celebrates the Los Angeles River’s enduring spirit but also challenges us to envision a harmonious coexistence between urban development and natural waterways. As he says, “I want people to know that the LA River is worthy of restoration, rediscovery, and yes, even worthy of fine art.” •
More information about the art and artist: www. JohnKosta .com
The Hilbert Museum of California Art at Chapman University is located at 167 North Atchison St. in Old Towne, across from the train station. The museum is open Tue-Sat 10 am to 5 pm, and admission is free. To save time checking in, pre-register online at www. HilbertMuseum .org More information: 714-516-5880 during open hours.
J foorafun-filledmorning of egg hunts, cotton candy, popcorn, games, scavenger hunt, face paint, craf foood, balloon animals, snow cones, churros and so much more!
Interchange , 2022 Oil on canvas
Good Morning San Gabriels II , 2020 Oil on canvas
Andrew Jordan, PhD
Lydia D. Killefer School, a historic building that was recently renovated to house the Institute for Quantum Studies and the state-of-the-art Advanced Physics Laboratory.
“One of my first major tasks when I joined the University in 2021 was to participate in the planning for the Killefer building,” says Jordan. “It has been exciting and a lot of fun to contribute to the project and great to see it all come together.”
Collette Creppell is Vice President of Campus Planning and Design at Chapman and worked closely with Jordan on the building project. “I met Andrew three years ago as we began the programming and pre-design phase of the Killefer project. He brought rigorous questions and delightful imagination to the process of creating the new home for the Institute. Beyond the quiet internal spaces of work and research, Andrew thought carefully about the communal spaces, both internal and external, which allow for gathering and the exchange of ideas. One of my favorite moments was watching his delight in knowing the historic black slate chalkboards would be salvaged and returned throughout the historic Killefer building for him and his fellow researchers to use in their fascinating and endless calculations in white chalk on those very boards.”
In addition to his participation in the creation of the new building and co-directing the Institute, Jordan has also enjoyed teaching and continuing to conduct his own research at Chapman.
“Chapman is a great university, and I’m really grateful to everyone I’ve met along my career path who has helped me get to this position,” he says. “The campus is gorgeous, and the administration is 100 percent supportive and engaged. I also love Old Towne. It’s a charming place, and I’m really thankful to be here.” •
Blessings Senior Care
2019.
by Nathan Carter
An Orange Harvest
While the state of California still produces nearly a third of the nation’s citrus, the City of Orange was once the citrus capital of America. In 1975, then Mayor Robert D. Hoyt decided to honor that era by writing an order to have an orange grove planted at Hart Park.
Fifty years later, the orange grove still stands, and is now under the care of Orange Home Grown (OHG) through a community partnership. The City of Orange owns the property, while OHG volunteers give their time and support through a community partnership with annual harvesting and minor maintenance.
“We started partnering with the city to pick the orange groves five years ago,” says OHG Director Megan Penn. “We pick about 10,000 pounds of oranges every citrus season.”
According to Penn, the vast majority of the trees are orange varieties, with a handful of lemons and a tangerine tree sprinkled throughout the grove. They organize to pick fruit several times throughout the season.
“Last Thursday, we went over there with about 20 people and did our first pick of the season,” says Doug Turner, OHG Board Member and OHG Education Farm Manager. “We can usually pick about five times throughout the season, and we can pick about 2,000 pounds of oranges at a time, because that’s all that will fit in my truck.”
OHG makes sure all the citrus gets to good causes, including local food pantries, church groups, local nonprofits, community centers and so much more.
“The city gets a lot of calls when they see citrus on the ground,” Penn says. “The point is to make sure all that produce doesn’t go to waste. Hopefully people know there are residents
going in and picking it to support our city.”
The orange picking events are also a good way to organize large groups of volunteers. Penn says volunteer groups and businesses approach her looking for volunteer hours and events.
“While we have opportunities for small groups to volunteer at the weekly farmer’s market and OHG Education Farm, the fruit harvesting is a great way to accommodate bigger groups,” says Penn. “For example, last year we partnered with the Marriott Hotels when they had a conference at the Anaheim Convention Center. We hosted more than 75 Mariott employees in the grove harvesting fruit, trimming trees, cleaning up debris, and clearing out waterways.”
Smaller local businesses also become involved in fruit harvesting, such as Elevance (known as Anthem of Blue Cross), where regular volunteer Matt Low has organized the Costa Mesa office’s attendance for the last three years.
“I show up with 10 people once a year, and we barely put a dent in the crop,” says Low. “We fill up the truck in probably two hours.”
In addition to picking the oranges, Elevance employees clean up the trees and the area around the grove. For Low, the event is now a tradition, and his personal way of celebrating Chinese New Year.
“Anytime you can be outside with people in nature creates a magical environment,” says Penn. “This is especially the case when you can be out there in the orange groves and they’re blossoming. It smells amazing.”
OHG will have more orange picking opportunities in the coming months. For more information, reach out to Penn at info@ OrangeHomeGrown .org. •
Caring for Our Creek
The Santiago Creek is a natural waterway that runs about 34 miles long through Orange County. Home to a variety of wildlife and rich with history, the Creek offers a space for community members to stay active. Few Orange County citizens are aware of all the waterway has to offer, but luckily the Creek has gained more advocates through the Santiago Creek Commission.
by Arely Valenzuela
Established in the Fall of 2023, the commission was created to advise the Orange City Council on matters concerning the Santiago Creek area, including preservation and enhancement, developing and supporting relationships with other agencies and considering community input. Seven members were appointed by Mayor Dan Slater, who personally interviewed all commissioners, noting their goals and vision for the future of the Santiago Creek.
The commission, which had its first meeting in April 2024, is an instrument for planning, says Vice Chair Pamela Galera. At that first gathering, they reviewed documents to create a new plan for the Creek.
Galera first became involved with the Creek as a park planner, where she helped with multiple park improvements, such as the implementation of bike paths. She serves as President of the Santiago Creek Greenway Alliance (SCGA), a non-profit organization dedicated to improving public use and enjoyment of the Creek since 1991. Although the Santiago Creek Commission is relatively new, Galera has more than 30 years of experience with the Creek and hopes to further the progress of the commission.
Commission member Robert Baca says the Santiago Creek Commission has made significant progress. They have worked through previous planning records and will continue to set out a vision for each segment of the Santiago Creek.
“It is up to us to find the resources to do the footwork,” says Baca, who was drawn to the commission because of his interest in the Creek’s history. As a previous member of the Orange Barrio Historical Society, he thought his Hispanic background could offer a diverse perspective.
Historically, the Santiago Creek served as a major water source for Native American tribes and was the site of Spanish expeditions. Many artifacts were discovered there, and some continue to be found. Baca sees the future of the Creek being determined by its history.
It is not just its history that decides the Santiago Creek’s fate. The commission is hoping for more input from the community on ways to improve the Creek. One community member, Ron Newcomb, is out on a regular basis surveying people who enjoy the Creek’s recreational spaces and attends commission meetings with a packet filled with concerns from the community.
“He is so devoted to the creek,” says Baca.
Newcomb, a director for the SCGA, tries to attend every commission meeting with fresh input from the community. “The Creek is a gem,” he says. “It absolutely should be utilized by everyone.”
After retiring, Newcomb found himself visiting the Creek often. Now on any given day, you are likely to find him around one of Orange’s parks holding signs to promote an upcoming meeting or engaging with community members to note their opinions on the Creek. He is currently working on creating a neighborhood watch for the Yorba Park area of the Creek, which he has found is of main interest to the community.
While Newcomb is out there serving the community through surveys and creek cleanups, the commission is hoping to get more community members to voice their concerns. The Santiago Creek Commission meets quarterly, and community members are encouraged to participate in their next meeting on April 23 . You can also join the SCGA for creek cleanups on the second Saturday of every month.
“Now is your chance to have your voice be heard,” says Newcomb. To get involved, follow the Santiago Creek Greenway Alliance on Facebook, or visit their website at www.SantiagoGreenway.org
Circle in the Square
by Kirk Sivertsen
C OUPON W INNER
What’s Happening
ONGOING
Every Fri / 9 - 11 am
Orange Home Grown Educational Farm
Volunteer Farm Friday Plant, harvest, mend soil & more, as new & seasoned volunteers work together on the farm. 356 N Lemon / OrangeHomeGrown.org
Every Sat / 9 am - 1 pm
Orange Home Grown Farmers Market
Begin your day with fresh healthy foods.
1st Sat Knife Sharpening
2nd Sat Free Cooking Demo
3rd Sat Kids Club / Seed Lending
303 W Palm / OrangeHomeGrown.org
2nd Sat / 9 - 11 am
Volunteer Opportunity
Santiago Creek Clean-Up
Join in to help keep the creek clean. SantiagoGreenway.org
2nd & 4th Tue / 6 - 8 pm
City of Orange City Council Meeting
Keep informed about our city. Agendas available the prior Thursday.
Orange City Hall: 300 E Chapman 714-744-2225 / CityOfOrange.org
3rd Tue / 6 pm
Orange Elks Flags Over the Plaza
Honoring our veterans, active duty, soldiers & their families.
Plaza Park, Old Towne Orange
1st Wed / 6:30 pm
ALO Orange Blossoms Auxiliary
Monthly Membership Meetings
Engage with the community & explore volunteer opportunities for Women ages 20-40.
Chapter House, 124 South Orange St AssistanceLeague.org
Finding Random Treasures
by Julie Bawden-Davis
For this month’s coupon winner, Sabrina Rhodes, Orange is the ideal place to raise a family. The young mother of two lives in Old Towne with her husband, Mason, and their two young children, and takes advantage of all the area has to offer.
“The community has familyfriendly activities and is so walkable,” says Rhodes, who grew up in Garden Grove. “One of my favorite things to do is walk with the kids to the library and then to the fountain in Plaza Park and Tiddleywinks.”
When she’s not exploring Old Towne, from February to May, Rhodes is an assistant track and field jumps and hurdles coach at her alma mater, Garden Grove High School. “It’s a lot of fun to watch the kids grow in the sport and get excited about competing,” she says.
Rhodes also enjoys making handmade, useful items. “I like to crochet things like blankets, sweaters, scarves, beanies and stuffed animals. I’m also working on
improving my sewing,” she says. For her coupon, Rhodes chose Country Roads Antiques & Gardens . “It’s a really cute place, and I love running across random treasures, like the geography board game from the 1980s that interested me. My major in college was Geography.” •
A DVERTISER I NDEX & M AP
PG
ADVERTISER / ADDRESS / PHONE MAP
ANTIQUES & COLLECTABLES:
10 Antique Depot 15
155 South Glassell St (714) 516-1731
10 Antique Station 16 178 South Glassell St (714) 633-3934
1 Country Roads Antiques . . 23
216 West Chapman Ave (714) 532-3041
8 Orange Circle Antique Mall 20 118 South Glassell St (714) 538-8160
13 Summerhill Ltd 21
110 South Glassell St (714) 771-7782
ARTS & CULTURE:
7 Chapman Music Camps 7 (714) 997-6871
Music@Chapman.edu
27 Marinus Welman - Artist F 2402 North Glassell St (714) 998-8662
18 Naranjita Flamenco G 301 East Katella Ave (714) 400-2939
AUTOMOTIVE:
14 Titan Automotive L 939 West Chapman Ave (714) 997-2311
28 Villa Ford of Orange H 2550 North Tustin St (877) 585-3090
DINING & PUBS:
27 Café Zócalo 136 South Glassell St 17 (714) 538-3764
12 O’Hara’s Pub 4 150 North Glassell St (714) 532-9264
1 Ojai Burger 24 238 West Chapman Ave (657) 221-0619
1 Rutabegorz Restaurant . . . . 5 264 North Glassell St (714) 633-3260
EVENTS / ORGANIZATIONS:
24 Floral Park Home Tour S Corner of North Park & Benton (714) 721-0508
4 Holocaust Education 6 One University Dr Chapman.edu/holocausteducation
20 Open Garden Day R West Floral & Jack Fisher Park www.OpenGardenDay.com
18 Orange Farmers Market 303 West Palm Ave 1 www.OrangeHomegrown.org
21 St. John’s Easter 13 185 South Center St StJohnsOrange.org/Easter
EVENTS / ORGANIZATIONS:
7 Woman’s Club Flower Show 12 121 South Center St (714) 836-5919
