INSIDE ART: “ Views of Orange County ” story on page 18
YOUTHFUL MARINERS – SOUTH LAGUNA
by Duncan Gleason (1881-1959) / c. 1930s / Oil on Canvas
Van & Diane Simmons Collection
Old Towne Orange PLAZAREVIEW
From the Publisher
Summers used to be a bit slower and more sedate in Old Towne Orange. But in recent years, thanks to the area’s many amenities, July and August tend to be bustling here in our quaint community.
In this issue of the Old Towne Orange Plaza Review, we share with you some perks that make our city a favorite place to be. Visitors and residents alike enjoy the many unique destinations Old Towne has to offer, such as The Hilbert Museum of California Art. In this issue, find out all about the one-ofa-kind museum’s current exhibition: “Same Place, Another Time: Views of Orange County” (pgs. 18-19). The Inside Art piece pictured on the inside front cover from the exhibition is reminiscent of carefree days spent on the beach as children.
Another reminder of summer are toys—especially vintage ones, which you’ll find at Tiddlywinks Toys & Games. Read all about the store’s move to a new, bigger and better location in the Plaza on pages 20-21.
If you’re looking for a fun night out, consider attending this summer’s Concerts in the Park series (pg. 22) and Tablao Flamenco’s monthly shows (pg. 4). When dining is on the menu, check out some of the new eateries in town, including Cali Dumpling (pg. 7) and R & B Tea (pg. 8).
Those considering some home improvements this summer will find plenty of expert inspiration and assistance in our Know the Neighbors column (pgs. 10-12). Learn all about how Big Y Yardage, Expert Lamp Repair & Restoration and Sloan Co Design can help you create your dream home.
With all there is to see and do in our wonderful city, it’s bound to be a fun, fulfilling summer in Orange.
Sincerely,
Mike Escobedo
134 South Glassell St. / Orange, CA 92866 714 - 743 - 6919
Mike@OrangeReview.com
What’s Happ e ning
JULY 2024
Wed / Jul 3 / 6 - 9 pm
City of Orange 3rd of July Celebration
Celebrate Independence Day as Orange salutes the Red,White & Blue. Grijalva Park 368 North Prospect St. 714-744-7278 / www.CityOfOrange.org
Thu / Jul 4 / 10 - 11 am
Orange Park Acres 4th of July Parade Enjoy this year’s 57th Parade “Generations Celebrating Independence” 6500 East Santiago Canyon Rd OrangeParkAcres.org
Fri / Jul 12 / 8 am - 1 pm Sat / Jul 13 / 8 am - 3 pm
First United Methodist Church of Orange
2nd Annual Flea Market
Fabulous fun & goodies galore, individual vendors. Call to obtain a vending spot. 151 South Orange St. 714-633-1203 / FUMCO.org
Sat / Jul 13 / 9 - 10 am
Orange Home Grown Floral Arrangement Class
Learn to craft beautiful arrangements. 356 N Lemon St / OrangeHomeGrown.org
Thu / Jul 18 / 6 - 9 pm
Orange Chamber of Commerce
Board Installation Dinner Gala Celebrate our board members, featuring Magician & Mentalist Brady Glen. The Villa 510 East Katella Ave 714-538-3581 / OrangeChamber.com
Mon / Jul 22 / 5:30 - 7 pm
Orange Community Historical Society General Meeting
Learn more about the origins of Orange. www.HistoricalOrange.org
Tue / Jul 23 / 6 - 7:30 pm
Woman’s Club of Orange
New Member Interest Meeting
Learn about the Woman’s Club, make friends & serve the community. Free, with light refreshments. Register by July 15. Clubhouse Gardens: 121 South Center St WomansClubOfOrange.org
Sat / Jul 27 / 6 - 10 pm
Relentless Pro Wrestling
Wrestling at the Legion
An evening of hard-hitting, high flying, smash-mouth pro wrestling action. American Legion: 143 South Lemon St instagram.com/relentless_pro_wrestling
www. Orange Review .com
Around the Plaza!
AUGUST 2024
Sun / Aug 4 / 7 pm
Musco Center “Symphony in the Cities” Pacific Symphony hosts this free outdoor concert, featuring popular classics, pop & patriotic favorites. Aitken Arts Plaza 415 North Glassell 714-755-5788 / PacificSymphony.org
Sat / Aug 17 / 6 - 9:30 pm
OHG Farmers Market-to-Table Dinner
A multicourse, al fresco meal featuring ethically harvested seasonal foods. Chapman University One University Dr OrangeHomeGrown.com
Sat / Aug 17 / 7:00 pm
Musco Center “La Cultura Colorida” Concert featuring Mariachi Santa Monica, & honoring the rich traditions of Mexico. 415 North Glassell St / 714-997-6812 MuscoCenter.org
Sat / Aug 24 / 7:30 pm
Fairhaven Memorial Park
Movie Night: “Guardians of the Galaxy” Enjoy this FREE movie under the stars. 1702 Fairhaven Ave, SA 714-633-1442 / FairhavenMemorial.com
SUMMER SERIES
Wed / through Aug 7 / 6:30 - 8 pm
City of Orange Concerts in the Park
Enjoy free community concerts under the stars! Article on page 22.
Thu / 2 - 4 pm
Orange Public Library Foundation
FREE “Summer Family Film Fest”
Jul 11 Trolls Band Together
Jul 18 Wonka
Jul 25 Legos 2
Aug 1 Migration
407 East Chapman Ave
714-288-2420 / OPLFoundation.org
Thu / 5 - 8 pm
OC Parks Summer Concert Series
Jul 18 A Thousand Horses
Jul 25 No Duh
Irvine Regional Park: 1 Irvine Park Rd
714-973-6835 / www.OCParks.com
Fri / 6 - 10 pm
OC Parks Sunset Cinema Series
Aug 2 Frozen II
Aug 9 Napoleon Dynamite
Irvine Regional Park: 1 Irvine Park Rd
714-973-6835 / www.OCParks.com
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 farm projects. 356 N Lemon / OrangeHomeGrown.org
Every Sat / 9 am - 1 pm
Orange Home Grown Farmers Market A great way to begin your day, with quality produce & fresh healthy foods.
1st Sat Knife Sharpening
2nd Sat Free Cooking Demo
3rd Sat Kids Club / Seed Lending 303 West Palm / OrangeHomeGrown.org
3rd Sat / 7:30 pm
Naranjita Flamenco Tablao Flamenco Improvised Flamenco performances by a rotating cast of professional artists. 301 East Katella Ave / 714-400-2939 NaranjitaFlamenco.com
2nd & 4th Tue / 6 - 8 pm
City of Orange City Council Meeting
Keep informed about our city. Agendas are available the prior Thursday. Orange City Hall: 300 East Chapman Ave
2nd & 4th Wed / 6 pm / Final
Plaza Patriots Flag Lowering Ceremony
Final two lowerings July 10 & 24, 2024 Honoring our veterans, active duty, soldiers and their families.
Plaza Park, Old Towne Orange
Publishing Team Jul / Aug 2024
Publisher Mike Escobedo MikeEsco@OrangeReview.com
Editor/Writer Julie Bawden-Davis julie@juliebawdendavis.com
Writer Karen Anderson 123karen@earthlink.net
Writer Yuki Klotz-Burwell klotz105@mail.chapman.edu
Writer Nathan Carter nathan.travis.carter@gmail.com
Writer Marianne Lauren MarianneLauren.ga@gmail.com
Writer Sheri Ledbetter sledbetter@socal.rr.com
Writer Melissa Pinion-Whitt
AuthorMelissaWhitt@gmail.com
Writer Mary Platt platt@chapman.edu
Writer Arely Valenzuela arelyhernandez9895@gmail.com
Photographer Kristin Smetona info@smetonaphoto.com
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
Towne Orange P LAZA R EVIEW
by Yuki Klotz-Burwell
Adding to the Summer Buzz
This summer, Orange is welcoming three new exciting newcomers to the neighborhood: Cali Dumplings, R&B Tea and Restoration Dental. Keep reading to learn more and see how they’re adding to the summer buzz.
Cali Dumpling
Starting this summer, neighbors can go on an around-the-world culinary adventure without leaving Orange at the newly opened Cali Dumpling. The fast-casual eatery, which officially opened in early July, began in 2021 as a local and online delivery venture. It grew into a thriving e-commerce business, supplying restaurants and grocery chains, and now has its first brickand-mortar location in the Plaza.
Founder Allan Tea and his team had extensive culinary experience, but they wanted to open a restaurant that felt completely new in their industry.
“When I looked at the dumpling space, I saw a lot of restaurants serving traditional dumpling menus,” he says. “There’s definitely a demand for the classic taste, but we wanted to do something extremely unique.”
Cali Dumpling delivers on that promise. Its menu has 10 sauces, each inspired by California’s diverse cultural landscape. Diners can choose from any homemade sauce, such as a tangy Tikka Masala, a Spicy Korean gochujang-based topping or a barbecue sauce.
“Areas like Little Saigon, Chinatown and Olvera Street have these great cultural backgrounds, and I wanted to represent them,” says Allan. “All of our sauces draw inspiration from different cuisines and are paired with our delicious crispy pork, chicken or vegetable potstickers.”
One standout combination has been pairing the organic chicken potsticker with the “Holy Mole,”
NOW OPEN!
Founder Allan Tea and Head Chef Stefanus Susanto pose at Cali Dumpling in Old Towne, which was originally slated to be in Pasadena. “We did a complete 180 on our plans when we saw availability here because we really believe in the city of Orange,” Tea says.
Cali Dumpling’s Mexican-inspired homemade mole sauce with chilis, corn, chocolate and pico de gallo, topped with crispy onions and cilantro.
“We’ve been sampling our dumplings at the Orange Home Grown Farmers & Artisans Market (OHG) recently, and I can’t even tell you how many people have told us they don’t typically like mole but love it on our dumplings,” says Allan. “That blew our expectations away.”
The Cali Dumpling team has
been selling their dumplings at OHG for almost three years, and they’re eager to engage with more Orange residents.
“With our first location, we hope that we can make a positive impact within the community with our delicious food and great service to build some meaningful connection s,” says Director of Corporate Strategy and Business Development Kelly Tea, who is Allan’s niece. “I’m excited to meet the rest of the community and hear what everyone thinks
about our new concept.” Beyond introducing Orange to new dumpling combinations, Allan hopes to expand the snack food category in general to include dumplings. “The usual party food suspects are chicken wings, tacos, pizza and hamburgers, but dumplings should be on that list,” he says. “There are surprisingly many people who have never tried dumplings, so I encourage everyone to sample our menu. I guarantee you’ll love it.”
Cali Dumpling
Adding to the Summer Buzz
R&B
Tea
R&B Tea, a chain known for its high-quality boba tea, has opened a new location in Orange. This new franchise location, which opened in the Plaza in March, is the second store owned by Vivian Ninh, who also operates R&B Tea Long Beach.
Ninh decided to expand to Orange to meet the growing demand for boba tea and Asian fusion cuisine among college students and younger customers in the area.
“Orange is a great location with many students who love boba and fun drinks,” she says. “I wanted to bring R&B Tea here to offer them something fresh and exciting.”
In the restaurant, customers will find a variety of beverages and popular Asian food items. Drink options include traditional teas such as classic milk teas and herbal-based drinks, as well as unique coffee choices with flavors including coconut and ube. The menu also features fruit-flavored Yakult-based drinks, which incorporate the popular Japanese probiotic dairy drink known to be tangy and sweet.
One of the well-loved specialty drinks is the Strawberry Stormy, a
sweet and icy blended fruit drink.
“The Strawberry Stormy is definitely my favorite, and it’s my go-to whenever I’m getting a drink during my shift,” says R&B Tea Orange Barista Stephanie Martin.
Showcasing their restaurant’s Asian fusion and drink menu items are (from left) R&B Tea Barista Stephanie Martin, Chef and Partner Hal L, Owner Vivian Ninh and Barista Stephanie Espindola. Behind them sits the eatery’s “Lucky Tree,” filled with hopeful messages and wishes from customers.
as well as some Thai-inspired dishes, including Tom Kha, a classic flavorful spicy and sour soup mixed with coconut milk.
Ninh designed the atmosphere at R&B Tea Orange to be fun and welcoming. She introduced a new feature she calls the restaurant’s “Lucky Tree,” which allows customers to write wishes or messages on pieces of paper and hang them on a tree in the shop.
The tree has quickly become a favorite among customers, which Ninh says has created a sense of community and connection between her team and regular customers.
To complement their drinks, diners can order from the food menu, which features popular Asian fusion dishes. Quick snacks like popcorn chicken, calamari and spring rolls are on the menu,
“I wanted to create a space where people can come, relax and make new memories,” she says. “The Lucky Tree is a special part of that experience. It’s amazing to see all the wishes and notes people leave.”
The rest of Ninh’s staff are excited about meeting new customers in Orange as well. “We’re excited for more people to come in and try our delicious menu,” says Martin. “I encourage everyone to make the trip out to R&B Tea and find a new favorite.”
Restoration Dental
Restoration Dental understands that going to the dentist isn’t anyone’s favorite activity. That’s why this new Orange-based business is dedicated to creating a friendly and enjoyable dental experience.
“When I looked at the dental space, I knew I wanted to create an environment that was welcoming and different from the typical dental office,” says Founder Dr. Ronald Pham. “Most people don’t like visiting the dentist or being in a dental office, so I wanted to break that barrier.”
He compares his office, which opened in January, to the atmosphere of a hair salon, a service space that feels less sterile. His team designed the interior to be warm and welcoming.
Dr. Pham spent his dental career working in offices across Southern California but he always knew he wanted to start from scratch and open his own practice. He dedicated time to finding the perfect location and set his sights on Orange, a central spot for patients across the county. His wife is also a dentist working in Newport Beach, making Orange County an ideal location for them to settle down.
So far, Dr. Pham and the Restoration Dental team have been impressed by how easily they’ve integrated into the community.
“Everyone in Orange has been very welcoming, and we’re happy
to be here,” says Office Manager Karina Vega. “It’s been hard as a startup, but it’s a great adventure. The neighbors have really helped us out by being so welcoming to having us join their city and community.”
Patients can schedule a wide range of services, including everything from dental surgery and implants to root canals, veneers and professional tooth whitening. Though many patients are daunted by their checkups and dental work needed, Vega says Dr. Pham approaches his practice differently.
“We treat every patient like a family member, so they feel comfortable coming in and find they’re actually excited to be here,” she says.
The team’s dynamics also contribute to the modern atmosphere at Restoration Dental.
“We’re always joking around and having fun because we have a positive relationship with each other, and that gives off positive energy,” says Dr. Pham. “I think
patients can feel that too. Having a good patient and team culture is important to me, and I want to continue building that here.”
Dr. Pham also finds the job rewarding and is proud when he sees the positive impact on his patients’ lives and their new smiles. “This has really been a dream come true,” he says. “I’m up every morning excited to help out my patients.” •
Frank Cardiel (left), Office Manager Karina Vega and Owner Dr. Ronald Pham highlight where they serve patients in their new, modern dental space. The team has already found a home in Orange and joined the Chamber of Commerce.
by Sheri Ledbetter
Inspiring Home Improvements
Summer is often a time to tackle home improvement projects. In this issue, we visit with three Orange establishments that can help. In business since 1962, Big Y Yardage knows a thing or two about drapery and upholstery. Expert Lamp Repair & Restoration moved in next door to Victor’s Lighting and has those hard-to-find parts. And Sloan Co Design opened in 2020, servicing interior design projects from a single room to a full renovation. Read on to find inspiration for the project you’ve been putting off.
Big Y Yardage
A mainstay in Orange since 1962, Big Y Yardage has furnished the upholstery and window covering needs of countless homes in the area. Originally founded by Larry and Norma Lefler, Hal Saldarini purchased Big Y in 1985.
Draperies are a big part of the business, along with Roman shades, valances and decorative bedding pillows. Outdoor cushions are a specialty. Updating fabric and foam are the primary reasons people come in for upholstery.
“Upholstery is a mainstay,” says Saldarini. “In the last 20 years blinds had kind of taken over, but now people are going back to traditional window coverings, including Roman shades and valances.”
Big Y has upholstery and drapery fabrics on site and does the upholstery and Roman shade manufacturing on premises.
“We buy the fabric from mills,” says Saldarini. “We are one of the leading distributors of Sunbrella fabric, the foremost outdoor fabric, well-known for its years of durability, ease to clean and—most importantly—fade resistance.”
Saldarini notes that many of their customers have begun using the outdoor fabric on indoor pieces, as the new textured fabrics and designs look like they also belong inside.
“It’s easy to care for, and they have some really nice fabrics,” he says. “It’s durable, the grandkids can jump on it, you could spill
Owner of
says Saldarini, pictured here with Manager Leslie Cooper. “You’ll save money if you can find a fabric you like on the floor at Big Y.”
wine on it and clean it up. If it was a regular cotton or polyester fabric, you would have to get a steam cleaner.”
Manager Leslie Cooper has been with Big Y Yardage for nine years and notes that upholsterers don’t want to upholster anything 10 years new.
“The quality of furniture being made today is not nearly the quality that it was in the past,” she says. “The frame and everything is better on a 25-year-old sofa than what you get now.”
Eighty percent are repeat customers who have come to know Saldarini, Cooper and Reuben Sanchez, a craftsman who has been with Big Y Yardage from the beginning when Big Y Yardage started on Main St. across from CHOC. Longtime decorator Diane Vela is their inhouse consultant.
“What’s cute is every customer wants to share how they’ve been using Big Y since ‘whenever’ and they tell us their story,” says Cooper. “Every day is a new day with new projects and fun people to meet.”
New Leaf Interiors owner Kathy Hobbs, who does interior design for model homes, has been using Big Y Yardage for 40 years.
“Hal is wonderful,” says Hobbs “He’s always on time and does a beautiful job and works within the budget. He’s like an old sailor but he has a heart of gold.”
Steve & Ruthe Shafer
An engineer by trade, Hal Saldarini,
Big Y Yardage, designed computer systems for a large corporation that made bedding, draperies, sleeping pillows and mattress pads, before striking out on his own. “Our big secret is we can buy great fabrics mill direct at great pricing,”
Expert Lamp Repair & Restoration
After 26 years in La Habra, Expert Lamp Repair & Restoration moved to Orange two years ago.
“We repair lamps, from antique to modern, do lamp shade restoration, specialize in stained glass repair, and do chandelier repair and cleaning,” says Owner Eugene Ramos.
The most common lamp repairs are electrical, changing the cords and the sockets. All the repairs are done on site.
Something that many people don’t know is that you can’t put a regular bulb in a three-way socket. “We’ve had people come in who have burned up their lamps for that reason,” he says. “We can repair that, but we keep a demo of a burned-out socket in the shop to show people.”
They also reproduce antique sconces and hanging lamps, as well as do plating, noting that trends come and go. “The last few years, people wanted bronze and now brass is really hot,” he says.
Ramos also specializes in chandelier repair and restoration, from antique to a brand new Schonbek. Chandelier services include new wiring, arm repair, replacement parts and cleanings.
They also specialize in stained glass lamp repair. “If it’s broken, we’ll put the glass back in and match it,” says Ramos. “Not too many people do this.”
Lamp shade restoration is a specialty only they offer in Orange County, according to Ramos.
“Often people will toss out an old lamp shade and buy a new one,” says Ramos. “But if you have a shade that fits your lamp perfectly and you love the shape, we will recover the shade, put in new lining and refurbish it.”
Ramos, who has a degree in engineering and had a career in aerospace, fell into lamp restoration as a hobby.
“My mother had these old lamps in the house. I think that is the reason why I love old stuff,” says Ramos, whose own lamp collection focuses on high-end ones, like Tiffany studios, Handel and Bradley & Hubbord.
He began frequenting Expert Lamp Repair & Restoration seeking hard to find parts and befriended the owner. Around the time Ramos was looking to retire, the owner offered him the opportunity to buy the shop.
“I was fascinated by his shop,” says Ramos. “I began working with him on Saturdays to try it out, and in 2010 I bought the store.”
Ramos has never looked back.
He has done museums in Orange County, the Nixon Library, the Nirvana Hotel in Hollywood and the Van Nuys mansion. Ramos also sells lamps in the shop that date back to 1910.
“People want to restore their family treasures,” says Ramos. “You never know what’s going to walk in the door. It could be a $200,000 Tiffany lamp or it could be a $10 lamp. We repair them all.”
Expert Lamp Repair & Restoration 1630 West Chapman Ave. / 714-773-0733 / ExpertLampRepair .com
When the rent increased at their shop in La Habra, Eugene and May Ramos, Owners of Expert Lamp & Restoration, relocated next door to Victor’s Lighting in Orange. “I’ve known the owner of Victor’s Lighting for a long time,” says Eugene. “He suggested we move to Orange, and it has been great.”
Inspiring Home Improvements
Sloan Co Design
When interior design firm Sloan Co Design takes on a project, they design everything from the wall paint to the cushion fabric to the knobs on the drawers. Founded in 2020 by Amanda Sloan, Sloan Co Design does a wide range of projects.
“We are a full-service interior design firm, meaning that we take a project from conception all the way through to that very last book on the shelf,” says Sloan.
About 70 percent of Sloan Co’s work is referral based and the rest comes from web search or Instagram.
“We want to understand why a client is making changes to their house, what’s not working for them, and how they need their home to function better,” says Sloan. “We also ask for inspiration they’ve collected on their own to get a better sense of their design aesthetic.”
Next, a design concept and budget are presented for approval. “Then we’re off to the races in making the selections. Anything attached to a wall, a ceiling or a floor we make recommendations for,” says Sloan, who likes to work local and refer industry partners.
Sloan Co renders the concept using 3D modeling to help the
client visualize the design, along with a spec book providing all the technical information needed by contractors and tradesmen.
“This is not a hand off,” says Sloan. “Part of our full services are regular site check ins, which miti-
gates change orders and errors.”
When the Sloan Co team presents their furniture selections, it’s an exciting time. The clients begin to see the full vision of their home coming to life.
“There is so much information and imagery at our fingertips when it comes to home design that oftentimes decision fatigue can set in for homeowners, causing them to hold off on starting projects,” says Amanda Sloan of Sloan Co Design. “Our goal is to take care of the details along the way so the process is exciting, instead of daunting.”
Fred and Alma Freeman of Villa Park were one of Sloan Co’s early clients. “Originally, we were just doing the kitchen but ended up redesigning the whole downstairs and three bathrooms,” says Fred.
“I prefer neutrals and Fred likes a lot of color, so Amanda had her hands full with us,” says Alma. “She has great taste and we trust her. She helped us create a beautiful home.”
Regular projects for Sloan Co include full home remodels, new builds and furnishings. In trends, she notes that gray tones have been big for a while but warmer color palettes are returning.
“We’re also seeing a lot of arches in doorways, cabinetry and furniture, like rounded edges and softer line s,” says Sloan, who notes that people often want to copy what they see. “Your house should be authentically you,” she cautions. “It should be a reflection of you and your family’s rhythm and style. Our slogan is ‘love coming home,’ because you really should love coming home.” Sloan Co Design
Finding Inspiration from Nature
Creativity abounds at the home of Robert and Diane VonGerichten, whose design style showcases an eclectic mix of English Arts & Crafts and French Art Nouveau, exemplified by an amazing collection of art, period bric-a-brac and antiques.
Longtime residents of Old Towne since 1988, the couple first lived for nine years in a Craftsman bungalow on Shaffer Street just four blocks from where they reside today. Built in 1907, their single-gable, two-story home on the corner of East Palmyra and Center Street features simple architectural lines that made it a blank canvas for the couple to easily accommodate any interior style.
The VonGerichtens met the granddaughter of the original owner/builder when their home was featured on the Old Towne Preservation Association’s home tour in 2000. The elderly descendent, Arlene Davis, recalled that her grandfather was a naturalist
who kept specimens under glass that fascinated her as a child.
“It was interesting to watch her reaction as she walked from room to room,” says Diane. “Her stories about his collections reminded me of the art and curiosities we display on our piano.”
For many years, Diane has enjoyed a career as an independent interior designer and lately has branched out into garden design. Among her several Old Towne clients, she has worked for current Mayor, Dan Slater, to design his home’s interiors.
She and Robert (who has a degree in art history) share a similar aesthetic that informs their own garden design and interiors.
“We feel an affinity for the Bohemian tastes of the English Pre-Raphaelite movement in the latter part of the nineteenth century,” says Diane. “Their credo was ‘art for arts sake.’ The founder of the movement, William Morris, inspires our design philosophy. He was a poet, artist and designer
who said: ‘have nothing in your home that you don’t believe is beautiful or useful.’ Great advice for anyone.”
Their entire property, in fact, pays homage to an English sensibility due in part to Diane’s mother being British. Her parents met during wartime when her father was in the Army stationed outside of London.
“My mum instilled in me a love of nature and flowers,” says Diane. “She was a true English gardener. I helped her plant sweet peas and she taught me how to make snapdragons ‘talk’ as a child.”
After purchasing the home in 1997, the VonGerichtens embarked on a major renovation project that addressed some of the problems previously created by a spec buyer who had remodeled the
The VonGerichten’s 1907 “Farmhouse-style” Victorian is pictured here flanked by two Crepe Myrtle trees planted 27 years ago. Diane and Robert designed the custom iron gazebo, which was built and installed by B.O.M. Ironworks.
Robert and Diane enjoy their ever-present companion, Banjo.
Photos by Kristin Smetona : www.smetonaphoto.com & Diane VonGerichten
Robert and Diane designed and remodeled their nostalgic kitchen in just seven weeks. Additions include a copper ceiling, a period leaded-glass window and a custom dish rack. The seating area features a sloped beadboard ceiling and crackled-glazed tile countertops with an “egg-and dart” motif on the backsplash. The cabinetry is embellished with turned wood. An English antique buffet and a coppertop pub table add charm and utility.
Finding Inspiration from Nature
property in the 1980s. Before they moved in, they replaced all the flooring with period-correct narrow oak planks. Outside, they built a graceful, inverted-arched fence topped with lattice that gave them more privacy than the previous iron fence. They also planted ficus trees, crepe myrtles, jacaranda and podocarpus—all thriving 27 years later.
They completed an impressive remodel of the previous IKEA-
style kitchen, transforming it into a showplace more in keeping with the era of the home. In addition to period leaded-glass windows, they added custom cabinets and crackle-glazed counters, as well as an embossed copper ceiling after restoring the previously lowered ceiling to its original 9’4” height.
Throughout the home, Bradbury & Bradbury block-printed period reproduction wallpaper graces the interiors.
“For the wallpaper in the living room, I had the company customize the primary paper, replacing the dull-brown craft paper with a lustrous antique-gold,” says Diane. “The Bradbury wallpapers showcase softly metallic highlights in the patterns. They softly glint and reflect light as you move through the room. It’s a subtle effect, something like candlelight. The living room is definitely a nighttime room. I prefer to utilize a lot
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.
May 11:
1 Certificates of appreciation were given to Orange High and El Modena High student liaisons.
2 Postponed demolition of Old Fire Station 1 on South Grand, pending a future neighborhood meeting and exploring additional options for use of the property after demolition.
3 Appropriated funds for the rehabilitation of eight streets.
4 . Received our first citywide Sustainability Plan, created at no cost by Chapman University graduating seniors.
of small ambient light sources. Most all of the lighting is old, except for a few quality reproductions.”
Old Towne is the perfect fit for the VonGerichtens, who have purchased many pieces from local antique stores, including Summerhill, Ltd., as well as the former George’s II, It’s About Time Antiques and Tony’s Architectural Salvage. Because people naturally con-
5 Approved a cooperating agreement with Anaheim for the widening of the Orangewood Ave. bridge over the Santa Ana River and for a new Orange water transmission line under the bridge.
6 Received a report and took public input on the proposed 2024/2025 budget.
May 28:
1 Approved a new 48 single family, 2-3 story small lot subdivision to replace the abandoned AT&T building at 901 East Katella Ave. (NE corner of Katella and Cambridge).
Mayor Dan Slater (center) with (clockwise from top left) Mayor pro tem Arianna Barrios and Councilmembers Jon Dumitru , Kathy Tavoularis , Dennis Bilodeau , Ana Gutierrez and John Gyllenhammer
Old Towne
out What’s Happening in towne at:
Offering comfort and vintage style, the living room is the heart of the home. The fireplace is original to the house. The corner tiles were found at a flea market, while the matching green tiles were found on a trip to Tennessee in an antique warehouse. The field tile is crackle glazed to look old. The period tiles replaced the 1970s-style tiles installed by the previous owner.
gregate in the kitchen, the couple decided to give their spacious remodeled kitchen a comfortable “living-space” look with the addition of a large English buffet for storage and for displaying a collection of antique pitchers. A copper-topped antique iron pub table presents a delightful conversation piece that can be moved to provide dancing space for a twostep, another activity that Robert and Diane enjoy.
The couple recently celebrated their 37th anniversary. Robert is Operations Manager for The Aerospace Corporation in Los Angeles. He enjoys cooking, playing guitar and studying baseball history. Among her many hobbies and creative pursuits, Diane takes flamenco lessons at Naranjita Flamenco Studio on Katella in Orange. In addition to two-step dancing, they play music together.
When they are not walking their best pal “Banjo,” an Australian shepherd, around town or along nature trails, Diane and Robert host small get-togethers with friends and neighbors. Robert is always the chef. They dine outside in their lush gardens as much as possible.
Resplendent with roses, hydrangeas and colorful foliage, their English country garden is a haven for bees, butterflies, hum-
The 1920’s-era piano came from Diane’s parents who acquired it when she was a child. Diane recalls that her “mum” played by ear.
This Art Nouveau acquisition came from Summerhill Ltd. in Old Towne on a hot tip from a former client. The beautiful and highly unusual French piece is known as a “compactium” (a hybrid of armoire and buffet).
mingbirds and visiting guests. Diane has created engaging vignettes and destinations in the yard. Special niches offer different experiences for tranquil retreats or for dining, like the quaint arbor housing a bistro table perfect for sipping ice tea on a hot summer day.
Through the years, they’ve held birthday parties and house concerts, hosting up to 45 people in their intimate backyard. Robert
2 Approved a private contract for “parking on street sweeping days” enforcement officers that will help keep the streets cleaner and bring in $1.5 to $2 million in annual revenue.
3 Declared the two homes at 171 and 177 North Cypress St. as “surplus” and authorized the sale of the properties.
4 . Voted to add approximately $4.2 million in revenue enhancements to our proposed 2024/2025 city budget.
June 11:
1 Voted to make approximately $4.1 million in cuts to the proposed 2024/2025 city budget.
2 Accepted $3,000,000 in grant funding for the HUB Homeless Resource Center (near the police station), courtesy of State Senator Tom Umberg and State Assemblyman Avelino Valencia.
3 Held discussion and gave direction to staff on proposed sales tax increases to possibly be placed on the November ballot.
4 Adopted a new ordinance to address new neighborhood permit parking areas.
June 25:
1 Voted to increase ground ambulance transportation rates to match those of the county.
2 Voted to approve the annual update to the city’s Statement of Investment Policy for fiscal year 2024/2025.
3 Appointed new members to the city’s Traffic, Planning and Design Review Committees.
4 Heard a presentation of the new Experience Orange Shop Local Rewards Program.
5 Approved a new ordinance allowing the transfer of development rights.
This has the potential of adding more parks and open space to the city.
6 Passed the fiscal year 2024/2025 city budget.
7 Held discussion on a proposed sales tax measure for the November ballot. No consensus was reached.
8 Renewed the contract for nighttime security services at all city parks.
City Council Meetings
2nd & 4th Tuesday / 6 - 8 pm Agendas are available the prior Thursday. www. CityOfOrange .org
Bradbury and Bradbury hand-blocked reproduction wallpapers grace the home’s interiors. The living-room wallpaper pictured here showcases subtly shimmering custom-colored antique gold “ground.”
Finding Inspiration from Nature
hired the Wimberley family’s bluegrass band for two of Diane’s landmark birthday parties.
“They are great kids,” says Robert. “They all graduated from Chapman. We’ve watched them grow up to become talented
musicians and performers.”
Robert and Diane continue to find inspiration from nature, savoring the enchanting surroundings they’ve created and cultivated with tender loving care through the years. Next year, the
VonGerichtens will once again be participating in the Mary Lou Heard Memorial Garden Tour, a self-guided charity event held in May.
“For us, our yard is a sort of a grown-up fairyland and a retreat,”
says Diane. “Our greatest reward is when passersby occasionally call out, ‘love your house; love your garden!’ It really warms our hearts when young people in particular walk by and actually stop and smell the roses!” •
An old, iron church window and antique Art Nouveau figural fountain emerge from a tiny pond to create a serene vignette.
A vintage French cast-iron bench (from Tony’s Architectural Salvage) graces the backyard.
Proud “townies” enjoying a peaceful moment in the backyard with their Australian shepherd, Banjo, as always, near their feet.
A Deep, Historic Relation with Our Land
It would be difficult to argue that the modern world is healthier than days gone by. While sciences in sanitation and medicine have granted many longer lives, health problems linger and can crop up suddenly, drastically shortening or reducing a person’s quality of life.
Regardless of what you may pin the bulk of the issue on, Douglas Kent’s new book, Regenerating Essential Goods and Services in Urban Landscapes: Sustainability Through Ecological Design, offers a variety of solutions.
Since age 14, Kent has spent much of his life in the garden. He became an educator, teaching classes at Lyle Center for Regenerative Studies at Cal Poly Pomona, UCLA Extension Horticulture and USC’s School of Architecture and Urbanism, holding an MS, MLA in Ecological Land Management. As such, he often studies figures regarding urban planning and human metrics, and he doesn’t like the trends.
“Every metric is plummeting,” Kent says. “Whether it's carbon dioxide, public health and well-being, the count of sperm in men; every measure is worsening, and we’re propping these measures up with more industrial sources of care.”
Kent is careful not to vilify the process, though. He believes more research and better practices must be devised to create and sustain a better ecology for humans to live in, and that more action needs to be taken by those wanting to do something about it.
“The one thing we haven’t figured out is what is the ecology that will sustain your health and well-being, your bone density, your respiratory health, and your kids?” says Kent. “We know far more about gardening for butterflies than about gardening for the ecological health of our family, and more about the ecology in California from the 1700s than we do about the bone density, respiratory health and fertility of our future families.”
The book touches on a wide variety of subjects, discussing everything from simple changes to make at home like driving less and growing plant species that can be used for natural textiles, fragrances and medicines, to processes that would require engineering degrees to complete, such as converting biomass into electricity.
Several photos and examples of places in Orange already using ecological design techniques are included in the book. Chapter four highlights the Orange Homegrown Education Farm, a place Kent says has been a wonderful testing ground for some of his techniques.
“What this book really celebrates is humanists,” he says, “and how to bring that humanness into our landscapes and create those rich, deep, historic relations we have always had, until recently, with the land. What makes it so exciting is the message that caring for us cares for us all.”
Regenerating Essential Goods and Services in Urban Landscapes: Sustainability Through Ecological Design is Kent’s eighth book on California’s urban landscapes. Available at: Anfractus.com •
Jeff
Nauta President/Broker
Jeff Nauta at ( 714 ) 858-9059 or UREGCA@Gmail.com 2811 East Katella Ave #100, Orange, CA 92867 www. UnitedREG .com/real-estate-services
Kati Bye Dresmal
by Julie Bawden-Davis
For Kati Bye Dresmal, one of the best things about her days is that no two are alike. As the Executive Assistant to the Vice President of Facilities Management at Chapman University, Bye wears a lot of hats—and shoes.
“My job is extremely fast-paced and never boring,” says Bye. “With facilities management, there is always something happening. There could be a power outage or flooding, which means it’s not all high heels and dresses for me. I’ll find myself in rainboots during a rainstorm checking for leaks, and I’ve worn plenty of construction boots and hardhats.”
She also completes a lot of important behind-the-scenes tasks each day. “I do a good deal of information gathering, calendaring and scheduling,” says Bye, an executive assistant for 24 years, who has worked for two executives at Chapman, including her current boss Rick Turner, Vice President of Facilities Management.
“Executive assistants are the eyes and ears on the ground and help those they report to know and understand much more than they could on their own,” says Bye. “I am the first person my boss speaks to in the morning regarding his responsibilities at Chapman. He relies on me for the information that he needs for the day.”
According to Rick Turner, Bye is excellent at her job. “Kati is more than an executive assistant to me,” he says. “She is the go-to person for the department for all our special needs. She is the cheerleader for the organization when things get crazy and we need our spirits lifted. She never says no to a new challenge, even if that challenge is out of her comfort zone. That’s an absolute must for me and the organization she supports.”
Kati Bye Dresmal
Homegrown Talent
Born at St. Joseph Hospital and raised in Orange, Bye has spent her life enjoying the many amenities the community has to offer. She attended Cambridge Elementary and Yorba Middle School and graduated from Orange High School in 1993.
“I was a cheerleader in high school, and I still have my core group of girlfriends,” says Bye, who lives in Old Towne. “I enjoy going to the farmers market every Saturday, meeting friends for happy hour and attending local events like the Street Faire and the Tree Lighting Ceremony. I have a huge support system here, and everything about my life revolves around community.” Bye even met her husband, Todd, who she married last October, at King’s Fish House in Orange.
Bye also enjoys giving back to the community by volunteering for local causes. She is a member of the Orange Elks Lodge and currently co-chairs their Fire Support Dog Committee dedicated to raising funds for training expenses for the fire department’s support dog, Ember.
Road to Chapman
After graduating from high school, Bye went to work for a residential architecture firm as an executive assistant—a job she held from 2000-2012. She left that position due to the recession and then joined Chapman. “At the time, I was a big fan of then President Doti and his work, and I was happy to come full circle and join the university,” she says. “When I came onboard, there were many exciting things happening at Chapman, including breaking ground for the Musco Center.”
In her position at Chapman, Bye enjoys honing her various talents, including planning, scheduling and networking. She has used her skills at connecting to form an alliance with other executive assistants, which has helped them all become even better at their jobs.
“There is a group of us who interact on a regular basis and share tips and information,” she says. “We are a support system for one another, and often give each other advice that helps us get our jobs done more effectively.”
Jessica Bean is Executive Assistant to the VP, Dean of Enrollment Management and has known Bye since 2012. “Kati is an asset to Chapman as an executive assistant,” says Bean. “She is extremely knowledgeable and efficient in being in a support role to high level administrators. Her position as support for the VP of Facilities Management and her knowledge of how things ‘work’ on campus and how things are implemented is invaluable. Both professionally and personally, I can talk to her about anything. She has been a constant support to me and provides logical direction and feedback, no matter the subject.”
People Make the Place
For Bye, whether she’s at work or in town, it’s all about the people. “I have so many great friends in Orange,” she says.
“Kati knows or is connected to a lot of people in several different arenas,” says Bean. “I can hardly go anywhere in the Orange Plaza without her running into people she knows. I have recently moved to Orange, and whenever I have questions about what’s going on in the city, if something happened, what the local laws are, etc., I know I can ask Kati. She will either know the answer or refer me to someone who can give me the answer.”
Turner agrees. “Kati has a heart of gold. Her city support through various volunteer venues and her passion in her actions to please those she loves within the community is second to none. She loves the City of Orange and all its community members. Her dedication to supporting Orange is admirable and rises to levels that most residents would never understand or see. Working for Chapman is just icing on the cake for someone so committed to being a part of Orange and its community.” •
Same Place, Another Time:
The beauty of Orange County and the essence of its people, places and particularities are in focus in the current exhibition
“Same Place, Another Time: Views of Orange County” at the Hilbert Museum of California Art at Chapman University. The show, one of 10 exhibitions currently on view at the museum, will run through September 7.
Curated by California art expert Gordon McClelland, “Same Place, Another Time” features oil and watercolor paintings by some of the best-known California artists, including Barse Miller, Kerne Erickson, Roger Kuntz, Bradford J. Salamon, Phil Dike, Rosemary Vasquez Tuthill, George James, Phil Dike and many more. The paintings date from the 1930s to recent (in the case of Erickson’s “California Gold – Villa Park,” commissioned by museum founder Mark Hilbert and completed just a few months ago).
“I curated this selection of
paintings so that the show is kind of a walk-through time in OC, or a time capsule,” says McClelland. “Each one depicts a different facet of our social history, from 90-year-old paintings of downtown Laguna Beach and the area that was to become Irvine to more contemporary scenes of harbors, farms, beaches, and even Disneyland.”
And people, McClelland adds; the paintings always include people. “These paintings are all part of a genre known as California Scene painting, which encompasses scenes of everyday life and people at work, at play and in repose.”
An example is Duncan Gleason’s “Youthful Mariners, South Laguna,” a 1930s oil on canvas on loan to the museum from collectors Van and Diane Simmons, shown on the inside front cover of this issue. Gleason, best known for his compelling marine scenes of people in boats
Old Irvine General Store – Irvine
Ben Abril (1923 - 1995) / O/C
The Hilbert Collection
Laguna Crystal Cove
Ray Roberts (b. 1954) / O/C, 2017
The Hilbert Museum of California Art
Views of Orange County
wrestling with wild wind and waves, presents here a more peaceful depiction of our neighboring Pacific Ocean. In the painting, a flock of children gather at a spot easily recognizable to Orange Countians as Three Arch Bay, near Laguna Beach. The artist used his own two daughters as models as they played on the beach with friends.
Barse Miller’s stunning oil “Regatta, Newport Beach,” also from the 1930s and on loan from Peter and Gail Ochs, showcases a variety of eye-catching triangle
shapes, from the boats’ sails to the perspective in which we see the town layout, moving back to the Balboa Pavilion. Miller was an avid sailor in the 1930s. Although he lived inland, he regularly traveled to sail out of Newport Harbor.
“Old Irvine General Store,” a 1950s oil by Ben Abril, is painted in the artist’s inimitable style, using quick swatches and dabs of paint. This building, well-known in its day, was the only structure of its kind in the Irvine Ranch area, and was considered to be “downtown Irvine” before there
was such a thing. “The little store was located on the way to Laguna Beach, across from a bean-packing plant and next to railroad tracks,” says McClelland.
Two newer works in the exhibition also showcase the unique beauty and culture of Orange County. “Laguna, Crystal Cove” by Ray Roberts is a contemporary view of a timeless scene: the beloved, colorful beach houses at Crystal Cove State Park. Roberts, a Signature Artist member of the Laguna Plein Air Painters Association, has a keen ability to quietly observe his surroundings, to then translate what he absorbs to canvas.
Contemporary painter Bradford J. Salamon has several works in
the Hilbert Collection, but his oil on canvas “Disneyland, Vintage 1960,” painted in 2017 based on an old Disney postcard view, is one of the most popular. The piece depicts the original Disneyland entry sign so fondly remembered by locals, back in the days when a pack of E-tickets would get you aboard the Submarine Voyage, the Matterhorn Bobsled, the Rocket to the Moon and much more.
McClelland also curated two showcases full of interesting OC paper memorabilia for the show, from old postcards of past attractions and restaurants no longer with us, to surfing ephemera, Jesus People pamphlets, and 1960’s and 1970’s rock posters. •
The Hilbert Museum of California Art at Chapman University is open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm. Admission is free. Pre-registration online at www. HilbertMuseum .org is recommended but not required; walk-ins welcome.
Call 714-516-5880 during open hours for more information.
Regatta (aka Sails) – Newport Beach Barse Miller (1904 - 1973) / O/C, 1930s Peter & Gail Ochs Collection
Disneyland Vintage 1960 – Anaheim Bradford J. Salamon / O/C, 2017
The Hilbert Collection
by Melissa Pinion-Whitt
Bringing the Fun to a New Location
If the Game of Life had custom spaces to represent her life as an entrepreneur, for Jeanie Viveros they would say things like: “find a community like Orange,” “develop friendships with longtime customers” and “watch families and children grow.”
The reward for landing on these spaces? Priceless.
Viveros, co-owner of Tiddlywinks Toys & Games , reopened the store at a new and larger location at 169 North Glassell St. in March. The ribboncutting ceremony drew the Orange Chamber of Commerce and a wide range of community supporters.
“We were so surprised and touched by the number of customers, community leaders and friends there to celebrate with us,” Viveros says. “It was truly such a special day for us.”
The new location provides space for an extended library and has allowed Viveros and her husband, Gil, to host birthdays, classes and other events. Viveros hopes to eventually expand to more locations.
Toys are about reclaiming fond memories of childhood, and today’s children developing memories they will remember well into adulthood, Viveros says.
“Tiddlywinks is a store that brings so much joy to everyone. You are greeted with friendly smiles and warm conversation and you can’t help but feel at home.”
Leanne Sargeant, customer
Tiddlywinks opened in 2012 in Old Towne, bringing the community a place to experience new and vintage toys. Selling jump ropes, board games and wind-up toys, to mini scooters, baseball sets and aero drones, there’s a wide variety of toys for children, as well as adults.
The pandemic forced the closure of the physical store in 2020, but the owners quickly pivoted to an online presence to continue serving the community. It was important not to close up shop completely, because a toy is so much more than a toy to the owners.
WELCOME TO ORANGE’S MOST EXPERIENCED AND ADVANCED
DENTAL OFFICE SPECIALIZING IN:
Dental Implants
Crowns & Bridges Root Canals
Prophylaxis (Cleanings)
Gums & Periodontal Treatment
Cavities & Composite Fillings
Cosmetic Veneers
Dentures & Partials (Prosthetics)
Tooth Extractions
Teeth Whitening
“When we both think back to childhood, it’s always summer,” Viveros says. “Playing jump rope, riding bikes, playing marbles and jacks. There would always be a friend in the neighborhood to play with. We played from sunup to sundown, with the rules being we had to be home and inside by the time it was dark.”
In 2016, a family of four having a baby girl came in to Tiddlywinks to purchase a pink baby doll to surprise their two young boys right in the store.
“It was a very secretive shopping mission,” says Viveros. “I wrapped it in generic-looking gift wrap, and they both unwrapped it to reveal the dolly.”
Leanne Sargeant first discovered the store in 2014 shortly after she
Circle in the Square by
Kirk Sivertsen
purchased a home in Orange. She was pregnant at the time and wandered the aisles, reliving her own childhood and imagining the toys she would buy for her baby.
It became a regular stop for Sargeant and her daughter, Juliette, when they would walk through the Plaza. Juliette now has a collection of Jellycat stuffed toys from the store.
“Tiddlywinks is a store that brings so much joy to everyone,” Sargeant says. “You are greeted with friendly smiles and warm conversation and you can’t help but feel at home.”
Longtime customer Sandy Taylor agrees. Taylor and her husband came to the store when it first opened to purchase gifts for their nieces and nephews.
Tiddlywinks Toys & Games
“Everything was hands-on and you were encouraged to touch, play and experience all the sweet details that made Tiddlywinks shine above so many other spots locally,” Taylor says.
When the couple adopted two daughters, Viveros continued to give them the personal touch they needed for their children’s gifts. Even during the pandemic, the owners put together Easter baskets with the perfect gifts for the children receiving them.
Taylor says Viveros treats her like a friend, rather than a customer. “She has always made me smile and feel so loved, and made our daughters feel like true kids in a candy shop—except they were living their dreams as kids in Tiddlywinks, the best toy store in town!” says Taylor. •
169 North Glassell St. / 714-997-8697 / TiddlywinksOC .com
C OUPON W INNER
The Greenish Thumb
by Marianne Lauren
Born into a third-generation family from Orange, coupon winner Brandie Burns-Adams ’ maternal great-grandparents settled in Anaheim and ran an orange grove blocks from what became Disneyland.
“I love the small town feel of Orange, its activities, and how the university fortifies it,” says the Chapman alumnus, who lives with her husband, four children, ranging from 10 to 20, and her maternal grandmother.
“My husband and I appreciate how babies and young children are naturally happy,” she says. “The ‘Choose Happy’ sign in our living room reminds us happiness is a choice.”
When not tending to her family, Burns-Adams dedicates time to her gardening passion. “My community service project is growing and propagating plants and sharing them with the world.”
Burns-Adams labels the containers with her custom “The Greenish Thumb” stickers and
places them in front of Crystal’s Hair Studio and Pa-Kua Orange, where a sign reads: “Need a plant? Take a plant. Got a plant? Leaf a plant.”
Recycling is also important to her. When she’s out with her dog, Chili, she picks up trash and recyclables to help erase her carbon footprints.
Burns-Adams and her family will use their coupon at Ojai Burger . •
A DVERTISER
Enjoy New Sounds Every Week.
by Arely Valenzuela
School is out and so is the sun, which means it’s time for Concerts in the Park. A long-standing tradition in Orange, these free weekly summer concerts have brought joy and entertainment to community members for about 20 years.
This year the Community Services Department is hosting eight family-friendly concerts in city public parks on Wednesdays from 6:30 - 8 pm. Every week, a new music group with a distinct sound rocks out and entertains a crowd of hundreds of people. Audiences bring blankets, lawn chairs, picnic baskets, friends and family to enjoy a new sound every week.
Wilson Automotive Group saves the music by stepping in to keep the Concerts in the Park series alive this summer after City budget cuts.
• • •
As a music lover and musician, Dr. Alex Romero of Orange Circle Optometry takes his family every year. They walk around and find friends and community members set up in their usual spots.
“For me, it’s fun seeing all the people,” says Romero. He and his son are partial to the rock groups like Superlark, who have performed in past concerts.
City of Orange Concerts in the Park
Hart Par k, 701 South Glassell St.
Jul 10 The Latin Soul Band Latin, Soul & R&B Dance Hits
Jul 17 Wiseguys Big Band Machine Big Band, Swing
Jul 24 Soul3Sixty Motown, 50’s & 60’s
Jul 31 90’s Rock Show 90’s Hits
Grijalva Par k, 368 North Prospect St.
Aug 7 Stone Soul Soul, R&B & Motown
For more information: www. CityOfOrange .or g/Home/ Components/Calendar/Event/1114/16
“He likes watching the bands,” Romero says about his son, who like his father, is already a musician at the age of six.
The Romeros aren’t the only ones who come for the rock music.
“These concerts aren’t just events,” says Shannon. “They add value and make our community more wholesome and family oriented.”
Every year, you can find the Tuckers running the Kiwanis stand selling burgers, hot dogs and refreshments to concert attendees. If you think you’re tasting something deliciously familiar, it’s because the bread is donated by OC Baking Company based in Orange, which often donates bread for the club’s fundraisers.
The Kiwanis Club is grateful not only for the opportunity the concerts create to fundraise, they’re also happy to offer Orange high school students community service hours. Every year, the Kiwanis Club also donates money to the Community Services Department as a way of giving back to the city that creates opportunities for them.
“We’re out in the community, we’re meeting people, we’re enjoying the music, and our members love it,” says Shannon.
PG ADVERTISER / ADDRESS / PHONE MAP
ANTIQUES & COLLECTABLES:
9 Antique Depot 13 155 South Glassell St (714) 516-1731
9 Antique Station 15 178 South Glassell St (714) 633-3934
1 Country Roads Antiques . . 22 216 West Chapman Ave (714) 532-3041
10 Orange Circle Antique Mall 19 118 South Glassell St (714) 538-8160
11 Summerhill Ltd 20 110 South Glassell St (714) 771-7782
ARTS & CULTURE:
19 Marinus Welman - Artist D 2402 N Glassell (714) 998-8662
4 Naranjita Flamenco F 301 East Katella Ave (714) 400-2939
AUTOMOTIVE:
21 Titan Automotive K 939 West Chapman Ave (714) 997-2311
24 Villa Ford of Orange G 2550 North Tustin St (877) 585-3090
DINING & PUBS:
8 O’Hara’s Pub 4 150 North Glassell St (714) 532-9264
1 Ojai Burger . . .
. . . . . . . 23 238 West Chapman (657) 221-0619
1 Rutabegorz Restaurant 6 264 North Glassell St (714) 633-3260
When the classic tunes get going, one can find a fan or two head banging among the seated audience, singing along with the band. Those who aren’t seated are dancing up front, many with young children who express themselves freely as they watch the crowd do the same.
Along with live entertainment, you can find the Kiwanis Club of Orange every year selling food and refreshments to raise funds for projects and scholarships.
Shannon Tucker, third time President of the Kiwanis Club of Orange, and her husband Frank, have attended the concerts since they became members of the Kiwanis in 2007. The club itself has participated for longer.
This year’s lineup has showcased music spanning more than 70 years of hits, including The Wiseguys Big Band Machine, 90s Rockshow and The New Romantics, a Taylor Swift tribute band.
Highschooler Ashley Ramirez and her friends attended the first concert at El Camino Real Park. They were so impressed that they came back to see The New Romantics.
Whether you’re a Swiftie, an 80’s fan, or a Motown lover, the Concerts in the Park have something for everyone to enjoy. If you find yourself free on a warm Wednesday night, take the family to the park for one of the summer’s most anticipated events. •
5 Zito’s New York Style Pizza 156 North Glassell St 5 2026 North Tustin St H 1716 West Chapman Ave P
EVENTS / ORGANIZATIONS:
7 Fairhaven Movie Night T 1702 Fairhaven Ave, SA (714) 633-1442
22 I Heart Old Towne Orange 16 146 South Glassell St (949) 307-5907
20 OC Catholic Schools Holy Family .
14 La Purisima . .
.
. . . . . O St. Norbert E 19 Orange Farmers Market 303 West Palm Ave 1 www.OrangeHomegrown.org
HEALTH,
I NDEX & M AP
HEALTH, FITNESS & BEAUTY:
1 Orange Circle Optometry 9 227 East Chapman Ave (714) 538-6424
20 Restoration Dental Q 725 West LaVeta #200 (714) 400-0075
JEWELRY
12 Rambling Rose Jewelry 18 118 South Glassell St (714) 538-6305
11 Renée Jewelers 3 138 North Glassell St (714) 538-1956
REAL ESTATE: 3 Caliber Real Estate Group 17 134 South Glassell St (714) 988-6339
1 Lionheart Pride M (714) 745-7318 www.LionheartPride.com
C HAPMAN U NIVERSITY
PG ADVERTISER / ADDRESS / PHONE MAP
REAL ESTATE:
16 North Hills Realty Angie: (714) 702-4119 Rick: (714) 225-5520
9 OC Pro Property Manage C 202 West Lincoln Ave (714) 202-8100
1 Orange Realty N 1537 East Chapman Ave (714) 997-0050
16 Real Estate Establishment . 10 550 East Chapman Ave (714) 744-5711
17 United Real Estate Group I 2811 East Katella Ave (714) 858-9059
SERVICES: 5 Experience Orange www.CityOfOrange.org/our-city/ experience-orange
10 Galla-Rini Roofing (714) 244-6567 www.GallaRiniRoofing.com
6 Jadtec Security Services A 1520 West Yale Ave (714) 282-0828
18 Old Towne Plumbing 11 532-6274 / OldTownePlumbing.com
10 Shafer Plumbing . . . . . . . . . B 1307 West Trenton Ave (714) 974-9448
8 Shannon Family Mortuary L 1005 East Chapman Ave (714) 771-1000
SPECIALTY RETAIL:
8 Army Navy Store 12 131 South Glassell St (714) 639-7910
12 Big Y Yardage R 320 South Tustin St (714) 744-9052 x 6
8 Matoska Trading Company 8 123 North Glassell St (714) 516-9940
7 Paris in a Cup - On-line (714) 538-9411 www.ParisInACup.com
20 Stamp Fever . . . . . . . . . . . . . S 388 South Tustin St (714) 974-3553
11 Tiddlywinks Toys & Games 7 129 North Glassell St (714) 997-8697
TOURISM:
12 Orangeland RV Park J 1600 West Struck Ave (714) 633-0414
6 PUBLISHER: Mike Escobedo Design Mike@OrangeReview.com www.OrangeReview.com (714) 743-6919
Old Towne Orange P LAZA R EVIEW