



















“ Picturing Paradise ” article on page 18


“ Picturing Paradise ” article on page 18
As we begin 2025, I am more grateful than ever to be a part of our one-of-akind, vibrant community here in Orange. We are blessed to have access to many high caliber venues and business establishments, which all add to the rich fabric of our community.
In this issue, we share a variety of new and established merchants and venues sure to give you the opportunity to explore and enjoy Orange this winter. In our New to the Neighborhood column (pgs. 6-8), we welcome to the community business owners excited to share their offerings. Check out Filo Dessert Co, Nonahme Vintage and Stich and Feather.
Of course, we all want to have an inspired, healthy and happy year ahead. The folks in our Know the Neighbors column are glad to help make that a reality. Read all about Better Way Fitness, Hit the Mark Fitness and Simply Skin by Heidi (pgs. 9-11).
If you’re looking for a fun and i nformative outing, consider visiting Old Towne’s Hilbert Museum of California Art’s exhibition. “Picturing Paradise: Gordon McClelland’s Orange Box Labels” shares for the first time these colorful, eye-catching labels (pgs. 18-19).
History buffs will be glad they attended the Orange Community Historical Society’s annual dinner to be held January 23. The event will feature a special presentation unveiling Al Capone’s hidden agenda when he attempted to buy a large part of Orange County back in 1927 (pgs. 16-17).
In addition to this printed edition of the Old Towne Orange Plaza Review, we also offer a wide variety of articles and events from current and past issues on our website at OrangeReview .com
I wish you much happiness and success in 2025 and look forward to seeing you around town!
Sincerely,
Mike Escobedo
South Glassell St. / Orange, CA 92866 714 - 743 - 6919 Mike@OrangeReview.com
JANUARY 2025
Sat / Jan 11 / 10 am - 12:30 pm
Miss Orange Scholarship Pageant “Little Cuties”
A non-competitive program for girls 1st-6th grades. Meet 2025 Miss Orange contestants, enjoy a craft activity, perform an on-stage fun dance & more. $50 includes a crown & t-shirt. MissOrange.squarespace.com/little-cuties
Thu / Jan 16 / 6 pm
Old Towne Preservation Association
39th Annual Membership Meeting
Welcome remarks by Mayor Dan Slater, Mayor Pro Tem Barrios, with Annual, Financial & Nominating Reports, followed by complimentary refreshments & social.
Son Light Christian Center: 172 North Glassell St / OTPA.org
Sat / Jan 18 / 6 - 8 pm
Orange Chamber of Commerce
Miss Orange Scholarship Pageant
Support these worthy young ladies, enjoy the pageant & see who will be crowned Miss City of Orange 2025. Chapman University Memorial Hall 321 East Palm Ave / MissCityOfOrange.com
Sat / Jan 18 / 6 pm
Hilbert Museum of California Art Lecture: Orange Crate Labels
Learn about historic, eye catching labels currently on exhibit. (article on pg 18) 167 North Atchison St 714-516-5880 / HilbertMuseum.org
Sat / Jan 18 / 7 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
Thu / Jan 23 / 5:30 - 9 pm
Orange Community Historical Society
Bootlegger’s Bash - A Roaring Twenties Party, Buffet Dinner & “Al Capone in O.C.” presentation. (article on pg 16). The Villa: 510 East Katella Ave HistoricalOrange.org
Sat / Jan 25 / 10 - 11 am
Orange Home Grown
Winter Foraging Southern California
Learn about the most commonly found edible greens, fruits, flowers & more. 303 West Palm / OrangeHomeGrown.org
Orange Review .com
Sat / Jan 25 / 7:30 pm
Musco Center for the Arts
Los Lobos “Disconnected”
Enjoy the deep & soulful Mexican & Latin American sounds from East L.A. 415 North Glassell St. MuscoCenter.org / 714-997-6812
Tue / Jan 28 / 8 - 9 am
Orange Chamber “Eggs & Issues”
Join this month’s special guest Chapman University Vice President of Community Relations,Alisa Driscoll. Orange Cafe Bistro 1608 East Mayfair 714-538-3581 / OrangeChamber.com
Wed / Jan 29 / 6 pm
Hilbert Museum of California Art Lecture with Michael Brown, Ph.D. Curator of European Art, specializing in painting from Spain & the Hispanic Americas before 1900. 167 North Atchison St 714-516-5880 / HilbertMuseum.org
Through Jan 31 / Mon-Fri
Orange Art Association Member Art Show
View the finest selections of art, created by members of the Orange Art Association. Tustin Senior Center 200 South C St
Sat / Feb 1 / 2 - 4 pm
Orange Home Grown
& Orange Public Library Foundation
Movie Screening - “Six Inches of Soil”
View the story of three new farmers on the first year of their regenerative journey to heal the soil and help transform the food system.
Orange Main Library: 407 East Chapman OrangeHomeGrown.org
Thu / Feb 6 / 11:30 am
Chapman University
Town & Gown “Lunch at the Forum” “Why is Hate So Appealing” with Professor of Sociology Dr. Peter Simi, who will share some of his experiences trying to understand the dark side of human nature.
Beckman Hall #404 One University Dr Chapman.edu/tg / 714-744-7608
Sat / Feb 8 / 10 - 11:15 am
Orange Home Grown
Canning/Food Preservation Class
A FREE class to learn about food safety & preserving your own food. Educational Farm: 356 North Lemon St OrangeHomeGrown.org
Mon / Feb 10 / 6 pm
Schmid College Science on Tap
A casual & free public science talk. “Beyond the Wrapper: Exploring the Sensory Magic of Chocolate” with Chapman Assistant Professor of Sensory Science, Uyen Phan Chapman Crafted 123 North Cypress St Chapman.edu/science
Sat / Feb 15 / 5 - 9:30 pm
Orange Chamber Duke of Orange Showcasing the wonderful men of Orange.Win prize money for an Orange non-profit of your choice, while supporting the Orange May Parade. Woman’s Club of Orange 121 South Center St OrangeChamber.com/the-duke-of-orange
Sat / Feb 15 / 8 pm
Orange County Guitar Circle
Featured Artist Concert: Carlos Bedoya, a complete musician who excels in all range of styles
Chapman University
Salmon Recital Hall
One University Dr / www.OCGC.org
Thu / Feb 27 / 7:30 pm
Musco Center for the Arts
Juilliard String Quartet
Enjoy the unparalleled artistry & enduring vigor of this classical music string quartet. 415 North Glassell St. MuscoCenter.org / 714-997-6812
Publishing Team Jan / Feb 2025
Publisher Mike Escobedo MikeEsco@OrangeReview.com
Editor/Writer Julie Bawden-Davis Julie@JulieBawdenDavis.com
Writer Karen Anderson 123kKaren@earthlink.net
Writer Yuki Klotz-Burwell Klotz105@mail.chapman.edu
Writer Nathan Carter Nathan.Travis.Carter@gmail.com
Writer Sheri Ledbetter SheriLedbetter@outlook.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
by Yuki Klotz-Burwell
As we bring in 2025, Old Towne is also welcoming a trio of new businesses to join the community. Discover the stories behind Filo Dessert Co.’s Middle Eastern-inspired treats, NonahmeVintage’s curated clothing finds and Stitch and Feather’s boutique offerings.
Old Towne just got a little sweeter. Filo Dessert Co., which opened in June, is bringing Middle Eastern ice cream and pastries to the neighborhood.
“We did a lot of market research trying to figure out where a place like Filo would fit and be welcomed,” says Founder Mo Abusham. “And then Old Towne just felt right. It feels like a place I would want to come spend time in and be a part of the community.”
Mo is now joining the community in more ways than just becoming a local business owner —he’s also moving to Old Towne.
For years, Mo dreamed of making his mark with a restaurant that shared the rich traditions of Middle Eastern desserts with his community. He dedicated himself to mastering the craft, training for more than a year with a friend whose family has crafted ice cream for more than a century.
“As a second-generation Arab American, I’ve always felt drawn to sharing these flavors from my heritage,” says Mo. “I want to bring these authentic tastes to people who might never have the chance to travel to countries like Turkey and Lebanon.”
The main showstopper at Filo is “booza,” or the Arabic word for ice cream, in flavors ranging from pistachio to coffee. The menu also features Knafeh, a traditional
Middle Eastern dessert with shredded pastry dough, sweet cheese and flavored simple syrup.
Despite Mo’s initial market research suggesting limited familiarity with Knafeh, Filo customers have made it one of their most requested items.
Another specialty is the “BoozaLava,” a homemade creation of ice cream inside of baklava.
While experimenting with new dessert offerings brings Mo joy, working alongside his family makes the business especially meaningful.
• Signature Brand Teas and French Imports. • Gourmet Goods from Near and Far
• Exclusive Tea Wares • Exquisite
Filo Dessert Co., family is central to the business. Pictured here showing off their signature offerings are family members (from left) Jude Abusham, Emtyaz Abusham, Mo Abusham, Rasha Besharat (employee) and Joulene Abusham. “I’ve gotten a lot closer to all the family I work with,” says Jude, son of Mo, Filo’s Founder. “We all have a stronger bond now. They’re people I can 100 percent rely on.”
He brought his children and extended family to join Filo.
Mo’s son Jude Abusham expressed the same gratitude and loves learning both the business and kitchen elements from his father.
“It has been my dad’s dream for the longest time to open a place like this in the culinary world, and I’m so immensely proud of him,” says Jude. “It’s also really rewarding for me to see customers enjoying the desserts we worked so hard to make for them. I love being able to see them taste the effort and love we put into the creations.”
There’s more to be proud of ahead. Not only is Mo opening a second Filo location in Anaheim in 2025, he’s also working with three major grocery chains to stock his ice cream.
Piero Graham’s vintage clothing journey began at antique malls in Old Towne as a teenager. Now, just a few years later, he has transformed that early experience into his own storefront: NonahmeVintage, which officially opened in October.
His path started with a booth at Antique Depot, where he built his initial customer base. As his collection and dedication grew, Graham expanded to other locations like Antique Station and the Orange Circle Antique Mall, quickly becoming one of the top sellers. When the opportunity for his standalone store presented itself, the timing felt right.
“I love learning about clothes and the other sellers in the vintage community. We’ve got such a great community of sellers and business owners here in Old Towne.”
Graham got his start in the business accidentally after discovering how much he loved thrifting clothing for himself. What began as a search for distinctive pieces for his wardrobe soon evolved as his collection outgrew his closet. After listing some pieces online, he found his niche and began building his business.
Today, he curates and sells Tshirts, crew necks and hoodies
from the 1980s to the early 2000s.
Graham also features rarer items like NASCAR racing jackets with bold patterns, which he says have been favorites for both customers and Graham himself during the shopping experience.
“It’s always exciting to sell one
of those jackets and see who’s going home with it,” says Graham. “I get to watch them try it on beforehand, and seeing the reactions to the jacket is fun and rewarding.”
NonahMe Manager and Social Media Coordinator Sophia Ramirez (left) and Owner Piero Graham highlight items from the shop’s carefully curated thrifted collection. After selling in several antique shops in Old Towne, Graham is excited to keep learning from other small businesses in the area to build out his storefront.
his work, and he shows up to work each day eager to share his finds.
“At the end of the day, it is a passion of mine, so I don't see this shop as work,” he says. “It’s fun for me and just feels like an extension of shopping.”
The shop’s success stems from this genuine enthusiasm, which has been clear to those closest to the business since its earliest days.
“This all started with the passion from a 16-year-old boy who liked to thrift locally, who manifested and put in the work to make NonahmeVintage a reality,” says Graham’s girlfriend, Sophia Ramirez, who serves as the shop’s Manager and Social Media Coordinator.
Looking ahead to the new year, Graham hopes to extend the store’s offline and online community to host events and expand his customer offerings.
Graham’s natural love for vintage clothing shines through in NonahmeVintage 142 North Glassell St. / 714-589-0407 / www.instagram.com/ NonahmeVintage
Stitch and Feather
Stitch and Feather, a beloved Orange County clothing boutique, has found its newest home in Old Towne Orange. Owner Candi Anderson opened Stitch and Feather’s sixth location in August, marking nearly a decade of growth since launching her first shop in Seal Beach in 2013.
“Since we started expanding our locations, Orange has always been on our list,” she says. “We tried for a few years before finally landing in Old Towne, and we couldn’t be more excited.”
After seven years running a marketing company where she built promotional products for clients like Lionsgate Films—including making pins for the Hunger Games movies—Anderson wanted a new challenge that would blend her creativity with her passion for connecting with people.
“It started as a hobby, but it turned into so much more,” she says. “I wanted to change the face of retail.”
After seeing stores like Anthropologie with great inventory but prices beyond many shoppers’ reach, Anderson had a vision for creating Stitch and Feather. The company’s mission is “rich experience, affordable price,” and Anderson is proud to live up to that mission and provide quality,
trendy fashion that doesn’t break the bank for her customers.
“We’re a small but mighty team who cares about nailing the customer experience, whether that’s our signature flower on top of gift-wrapped items or just making
conversation with customers,” she says.
At Stitch and Feather, customers will find a collection of primarily women’s clothing, as well as gift items like journals, candles and jewelry.
Stitch and Feather
129 North Glassell St. / 657-221-0464
www. StitchAndFeather .com
have built a store that welcomes everyone,” says Anderson. “I love hearing from customers who say they’ve been able to shop for themselves and bring in their mom and grandmother.”
“We get new products weekly and keep up with current trends so we can be the go-to for your styling and gifting needs,” says District Manager Tanya Guerrero. “We have something for everyone and curate our pieces for all ages.”
The team has also curated the Old Towne store to have a new atmosphere from the boutique’s other locations, incorporating decor from the Plaza’s vintage shops to honor the neighborhood’s historic character.
“We appreciate that everyone has been so gracious and welcoming to us,” says Anderson. “It’s a different experience in Old Towne than in any other neighborhoods our stores are in.”
The warm welcome complements Stitch and Feather’s focus on building connections in the communities they join.
“Customer experience means a lot to us at Stitch and Feather,” says Guerrero. “We want everyone who walks through our doors to feel welcomed and like a guest in our home.” •
by Sheri Ledbetter
January is often a time to set new goals for the year. In this issue of Know the Neighbors, we’ll learn about three places in Orange offering unique and personalized ways to achieve self-improvement goals. Better Way Fitness features strength building opportunities to people who haven’t historically gone to or don’t enjoy the traditional gym experience. Hit the Mark Fitness is a boot camp-style group exercise program focused on physical fitness and building community. And Simply Skin by Heidi provides personalized treatment for all skin types and conditions and for all ages.
Better Way Fitness is redefining the traditional gym experience. Co-owners Brian Nielsen and Diane Varga ventured into the fitness industry in April 2021. Their vision was clear: create a space where people who have never felt at home in a gym could find their path to wellness.
Better Way Fitness specializes in slow-motion strength training, a niche form of exercise that emphasizes controlled movements to build muscle mass and improve overall health. Sessions are all one-on-one and last 30 minutes.
“This method focuses on lifting and lowering weights slowly to fatigue muscles effectively within a short time frame,” says Nielsen.
It’s an approach that resonates with their primary clientele— individuals aged 40 and up who are often new to regular exercise. The studio is not your typical gym. It offers a semi-private environment where clients receive personalized attention without the intimidation of large crowds or rows of treadmills.
“You don't have an audience here,” Varga explains. “It’s about working one-on-one to achieve personal goals.”
Their clients come with diverse goals, from improving bone density to simply being able to carry luggage onto a plane. The studio’s unique approach has also attracted those preparing for surgeries, as they collaborate with doctors to provide prehabilitation exercises to condition muscles for
optimal recovery.
Lydia Bouwmeester has been a client for the past year. “I’m 70 and my husband had passed away. My motivation was agility and strength to carry on doing the things he normally did like vacuuming and lifting boxes,” she says.
Steve & Ruthe Shafer
“This has given me the independence I need, and I’m able to help my friends who do not have the same mobility. Coming out of grief and going to Better Way Fitness was one of the most important things I have done for myself. It has been wonderful.”
“Our emphasis is on slow-motion strength training,” says co-owner Brian Nielsen. “It’s not really a gym, it’s more like a semi-private fitness studio environment, where we can work one on-one with people,” adds other co-owner Diane Varga, standing with Nielsen and clients Dr. Susan Debin (front) and Laura Darling.
Nielsen’s and Varga’s backgrounds in aerospace engineering uniquely equip them to understand the mechanics of the human body. Combined with getting certified in personal training, they ensure that each workout is tailored to the individual’s needs, emphasizing safety and precision.
“We view the body as a system that can be tuned and adapted, applying principles of resistance and balance training to help clients reach their goals,” says Nielsen.
Beyond strength training, Better Way Fitness offers balance training, flexibility exercises, and corrective exercises to address postural issues. They also offer massage therapy and assisted stretching.
Better Way Fitness offers a trial experience—two free sessions to explore their methods without pressure.
“All you need is a goal,” Varga says. “We take care of the rest.”
“We want every client to live their best life,” adds Nielsen.
Better Way Fitness
Founded by Mark Gonzalez, Hit the Mark Fitness (HTMF) celebrates 15 years in Orange. The gym has grown from a small boot camp originally in the Woman’s Club to a thriving fitness hub on Tustin St., known for its unique blend of exercise and community spirit.
“Hit the Mark Fitness is a group fitness program that guarantees results, offering 45-minute workouts comprised of a variety of fat burning, strength training and endurance type exercises,” says Gonzalez. “The workouts are led by a friendly and encouraging coach in a fun and enthusiastic manner and alongside a friendly, supportive and welcoming tribe of health-minded individuals.”
Participants of all ages and fitness levels exercise alongside supportive peers. The average class size is 25, with several of the 45-minutes sessions available each morning and afternoon.
The gym’s philosophy extends beyond physical fitness. “Fitness is the vehicle, but our objective is to have a positive impact in people’s lives daily,” Gonzalez explains.
This is reflected in the community formed at the gym, where members are more than just workout partners—they are friends and family. Stories like that of Sara
and Kyle Marko, who met at Hit the Mark Fitness, illustrate the deep connections formed at the gym. They took their engagement photos there and named a child in tribute to HTMF.
Gonzalez, a kinesiology graduate from California State University, Fullerton, was inspired to create a space where people could better themselves through fitness. HTMF has about 400 members, with their photos covering the gym’s walls.
Sharon Pultorak has been attending HTMF for 11 years and has since run three half marathons. “My husband signed
Hit the Mark Fitness is a results guaranteed group fitness program in Orange. “We help a lot of people regain their lives, their love for themselves, their love for fitness, and I like to think we are one of the best things in people’s lives,” says Founder Mark
me up,” she says. “I was 59 and going through menopause and was grouchy and fat. I stuck with it and now I am 70. It was the best gift he ever gave me and the best gift I gave myself by sticking with it.”
The staff, led by head trainer Zeny Bartolone, embodies the fast-paced energy and passion that Gonzalez has instilled in the gym.
“If you want to get back in shape, get in shape for the first time in your life, or experience a social group not centered around eating or drinking, our door is wide open for you,” says Gonzalez.
HTMF is offering readers $100 off any program, plus 50% off a month for mentioning this article (for new members).
In the heart of Orange, Heidi Baker has been transforming lives one face at a time. With more than 25 years of experience as an esthetician, Baker has built a reputation for her personalized approach to skincare and beauty.
“In my business, I take a customized approach with my clients and their unique needs,” Baker explains. “Whether it’s their skin, eyebrows, or a particular problem they’re coming to me for, it’s personalized to what they need.”
Baker’s passion for her work is evident in her philosophy. “I just like helping people feel better about themselves,” she says.
Specializing in facials and eyebrow services, Baker offers a range of other treatments, including airbrush tanning, lash lifts, peels, brow lamination and treatments for specific conditions such as acne. Her expertise in natural brow design has helped countless clients achieve their desired look.
“Just like with curly hair, you get a haircut that works with it. The same thing applies to your eyebrows,” Baker explains. “If you work with them naturally, you can get where you don’t have as much maintenance to keep them looking really good.”
Baker’s approach to skincare is inclusive, catering to clients of
all ages. She recalls a client who was 80 when she started with Baker.
“She had sun damage, and we made significant improvements in her skin texture, says Baker. “Her confidence was boosted, and she felt better.”
Education is
cornerstone of
practice. She believes in empowering her clients with knowledge to make informed decisions about their beauty and wellness, even through virtual consults.
“On skin care, the nice thing about aesthetics is it’s literally for any age,” says esthetician Heidi Baker, owner of Simply Skin by Heidi. “I treat young people with acne, and I have 90-year-old clients who come in for facials. So you can see results at all ages.”
“Think of it like we are a personal trainer for your skin,” she says.
A prevention pro tip Baker highly promotes is sunscreen. “If you’re wondering if you should put on sunscreen, then you should put on sunscreen,” she says.
With an estimated 1,000 clients served over her career, Baker has witnessed the transformative power of her work.
Cindy Amezcua and her sister have been with Baker for 15 years. “She really caters to our skincare needs and keeps us young— everyone compliments our skin,” says Amezcua. “She is really good about not just your outer beauty but your inner beauty as well.”
Baker loves how Orange is friendly to small businesses. “Orange has this quaint, cozy, small town feel with the advantages of a big city,” she says. “It’s the best of both worlds. And the name is really cute—I love Oranges.” •
Skin by Heidi
33 Years in Orange,
Known for the Pirate-themed extravaganza on display in her front yard every Halloween, Jackie Hanson’s historic Craftsman bungalow on East Maple Ave. showcases an undeniable charm every month of the year.
Built in 1911, the home— affectionately dubbed the Pirate House—has had just two owners
in its entire 113-year history. In fact, when Jackie and her late husband, Lou, bought the property in 1970, the original owner’s sister was still living there.
Located in Old Towne’s Historic District, the three-bedroom, one-bath bungalow includes a garage that, according to Jackie, was a meeting place for a rogue
motorcycle group in the 1950s. The spacious backyard offers a fenced-in lawn and BBQ area perfect for family gatherings.
“We originally bought this house for Lou’s parents to live near us when we lived in Orange,” says Jackie. “We didn’t move in until 2001 after we sold our other home to our youngest
daughter, Susan, and her husband, Gabe. I love this house and its many memories and the fact that I have great neighbors.”
When Lou passed away in 2014, Jackie, now 90, continued to live at East Maple, staying productive professionally and creatively, as well as being active in the community. She is close
Written by Karen Anderson Photos by Kristin Smetona : www.smetonaphoto.com
to her four adult children, Judy, John, Scott and Susie, three of whom live within 15 minutes of her. She has 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Never too old to enjoy life to the fullest, Jackie met her current partner, former Olympic track star Bob Soth, age 91, via a dating app for seniors.
“We met in our late 80s,” says Jackie. “The kids had no idea I did online dating!”
According to Jackie, her 1911 Craftsman bungalow was a mail-order kit home delivered in pre-cut parts by Sears/Roebuck. The beautiful hardwood floors are original to the home, as are most of the windows. The original
pocket doors divide the living room and the dining room, where a beautiful built-in redwood china cabinet is set flush to the wall. Beneath a lovely chandelier, the dining table opens up to accommodate 12 people.
“The fireplace in the living room is closed off but we have electric logs,” she says. “The
windows on either side of the fireplace bring a nice cross breeze inside during the summer.”
Jackie’s interiors feature many consignment pieces she obtained with the help of a decorator friend. More than 100 years old, the curved hardback chair came from someone who was related to Wild Bill Hickok and had it
stored under their house in Wisconsin.
Volunteering with the First United Methodist Church of Orange since 1970, Jackie just retired from serving on the board for four years. She helped to start the preschool there, coming full circle from when she and her husband opened a business selling playground equipment, park benches and outdoor fitness stations for parcourses.
“It was successful for 30 years,” Jackie says. “We started in our
laundry room, got a small office, and then moved to a bigger location with a warehouse and crew. We still see a lot of the park benches in various towns, and some of the old playground equipment. When Lou retired, I worked for a construction company and got my contractor’s license. I’m also a notary. You have to keep your mind going and not rely on your laurels!”
Speaking of minds, the mastermind behind the annual Halloween pirate décor is Jackie’s
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 Arianna Barrios and Councilmembers Jon Dumitru , Kathy Tavoularis , Dennis Bilodeau , Ana Gutierrez and John Gyllenhammer
son Scott, a retired construction superintendent and a Habitat For Humanity volunteer. Not only does he help with repairs to the centuries-old house, he has crafted the ever-evolving Halloween pirate décor for the last 18 years and counting.
“This is such a great neighborhood for trick-or-treating, so when my kids were younger, we did our first displays,” says Scott. “Through the years, my imagination just started taking over. We added cannons that light up and a car
November 12:
1. Approved an agreement with Chapman University in which they would install and pay for a new signal at the intersection of Walnut and Orange Streets, to better manage traffic in and out of their underground parking garage.
2. Accepted $121,699 from Orange County Board of Supervisors Don Wagner and Vicente Sarmiento to supplement the city’s crossing guard program.
3. Approved citizen requested permit parking for Fairway Dr., Young Cir. and Greenview Dr.
across the street that lights up simultaneously. I built the pirate ship and got creative with the ‘mayor’s house’ that includes a dunk tank that dunks him when the wife opens and closes the shutters. The decorations have a dozen motors, half-a-dozen stereos, two laptops, cannons on sleds, and smoke coming out from windows. I’ve gotten help from the more than a dozen retired or active Disney imagineers who I’ve met along the way. They are such a fun group of people. It’s just a
November 26:
1. Awarded a contract for lighting replacement at Grijalva Park (poles have rusted).
2. Adopted a notice of completion for the synchronization of signals the length of Tustin St., which is now allowing traffic to flow more smoothly.
3. Adopted an ordinance requiring graffiti on private property to be removed within 24 hours.
4. Authorized the overdue replacement of 13 city vehicles.
fun Halloween gathering time with friends and family.”
Meanwhile, Scott’s partner Cheryl, is HR director for Kaiser Hospital. Jackie’s other son, John, is a licensed contractor and owner of a construction company. He and his wife, Susan, raise three bee hives and several chickens that keep them busy with delicious honey and fresh eggs. Jackie’s daughter Susan is a Chapman graduate who currently works as a resource teacher at Palmyra GATE Magnet, while her husband,
Gabe, is a CHP officer. Her other daughter Judy lives in Joshua Tree with her husband David (retired from Boeing Aircraft) where they are renovating their new home.
These days whenever the family gets together, everyone enjoys hearing Bob’s stories of his days as a long-distance runner at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome and other elite events. Not only did he break the American record
for the six-mile run, he won the Bronze Medal in the 10K at the 1959 Pan American Games and finished fourth in the 5,000 Meters in 1956 and 1960.
“We like to travel and go on short cruises together,” says Jackie. “We go to the Elks Club in Santa Ana, and also go to concerts. We recently attended the Hot Air Balloon Festival in New Mexico and it was an outstanding trip.”
Jackie’s favorite pastime is
The last family photo taken in 2011 before Jackie’s late-husband, Lou, passed away in 2014.
are all of Jackie’s adult children and spouses, plus her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
having all the family together for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, or just sitting on the front porch admiring the scenery and chatting with neighbors who walk by.
“We refer to Old Towne as our little piece of Mayberry because the people here are so great and friendly,” says Jackie. “My family being so close is a true joy, and I am so proud of all of them.” •
5. Appointed six qualified Orange citizens to the reformulated Orange Audit Committee.
6. Approved citizen requested permit parking on portions of Trenton Ave., Meats Ave. and Cambridge St.
7. Adopted a 2025-2030 Strategic Plan for Orange.
8. Approved a 3% cost of living adjustment (COLA) for executive and senior management employees.
December 10:
1. Adopted an ordinance requiring a mandatory shopping cart retrieval plan and containment system for all retailers with shopping carts to further discourage removal of shopping carts from retail sites.
2. Adopted an ordinance prohibiting the sale of bicycles and bicycle parts on public property, parks and Santiago Creek.
3. Declared final election results for the November 5, 2024 election. Measure AA (to allow sale and use
of Safe and Sane Fireworks in Orange) passed: 61% to 39%.
4. Measure Z (to approve a half cent sales tax increase) failed: 50.43% no, to 49.57% yes.
5. The Oath of office was administered to Mayor Elect Dan Slater, Councilmembers Elect Jon Dumitru (District 2), Kathy Tavoularis (District 3) and Ana Gutierrez (District 5), City Clerk Elect Pamela Coleman and City Treasurer Elect Garrett Smith.
6. Councilmember Denis Bilodeau was chosen to be Mayor Pro Tem.
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 pm 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
Melissa Pinion-Whitt
A 1931 Liberty Magazine article set historian Chris Jepsen on a mission to prove an obscure tale: that mobster Al Capone tried to purchase a large part of Orange County in 1927. For 12 years, Jepsen researched and discovered evidence that the man known as “Scarface” likely tried to acquire Rancho Santa Margarita. He chose the area, which included much of South Orange County and all of Camp Pendleton, almost certainly for the purposes of smuggling booze.
“As a historian, I love digging up stories—like this one—that literally nobody knew before. It took me about 12 years to put this puzzle together, and it was very rewarding,” says Jepsen, who also serves as President of the Orange County Historical Society.
This historical tale is the topic of the Orange Community Historical Society’s annual dinner to be held from 5:30 to 9:00 pm January 23 at The Villa in Orange. Tickets are available for purchase on our website at www.HistoricalOrange.org
People attending the event will be encouraged to dress in 1920’s fashion.
“Our theme of ‘Bootleggers Bash’ is an excuse to dress up as a gangster or a flapper, or in other 1920’s garb, peruse our fun assortment of silent auction finds and connect with friends old and new,” says Lisa Ackerman Baldwin, Vice President and Programs Chair for the historical society.
Jepsen’s tale features a color-
ful cast of characters, including Capone’s real estate broker, the ranch manager, Charles Hardy, and the padres of Mission San Juan Capistrano.
The story includes a face-off between Monsignor St. John O’Sullivan with Capone inside Serra Chapel. “Notably, it was Capone who blinked first,” Jepsen says.
Jepsen’s sleuthing to connect Capone to Orange County included reaching out to the curator of the museum for the Mission San Juan Capistrano.
The curator found Capone’s name in a 1927 log and called Jepsen with the good news. Jepsen features an image of Capone’s signature in the book on his blog “O.C. History Roundup.” He says this kind of discovery is part of what makes being a historian so fulfilling.
“I also enjoy talking with
other historians, archivists and descendants of the historical figures involved in order to learn more of the context,” Jepsen says.
The Roaring Twenties party is the latest presented by the Orange Community Historical Society, which hosts a variety of events that celebrate the area’s rich heritage.
Another recent historical society event was the premiere of a documentary by Eric Vogelvang on the Pixley Mansion, a Queen Anne-style Victorian home once owned by businessman and banking president Dewitt C. Pixley.
Vogelvang presented the video to the historical society at the Orange Public Library in November.
“Once I started the research, it became more apparent that this house was lived in by many important people who have
shaped Orange in one way or another. Not only were the house and the people highlighted, but also a vast part of Orange history,” Vogelvang says.
Ackerman Baldwin, who works as an antiques dealer, said her passion for connecting with more residents of Orange eventually led her to the Orange Community Historical Society. Her own childhood memories
fueled her passion for the history of the city and county.
“I remember going to Villa Park Packing House with my mom as she selected a case of oranges for our morning juice. I loved the creaky floors and the smell of citrus,” she says.
Ackerman Baldwin added that featuring Jepsen’s findings on Al Capone provides history afficionados with a story that reads like a Hollywood film script.
“Local history informs where we came from and fosters better understanding of what others in our community have lived through,” she says. •
Those interested in joining the Orange Community Historical Society may learn more at www. HistoricalOrange .org/join .
Tickets for the January 23 dinner at The Villa, 510 East Katella Ave., Orange, can be purchased at www. HistoricalOrange .org/store /p/2025-celebration . Information also available by emailing info@ HistoricalOrange .org or calling 714-202-7570.
This past holiday season, your generosity helped us bring joy to children through our Olive Crest toy drive. Together, we made a difference!
But our mission doesn’t stop there. Whether we’re helping families settle into their dream homes or giving back to those in need, we’re here to support our neighbors every step of the way.
With our concierge-level real estate services, we make moving effortless: packing, repairs, movers, staging, and more.
Let’s build something great together.
by Julie Bawden-Davis
When Melissa Rowland-Goldsmith (Dr. RG) was young, she wanted to be a physician. Chapman University’s Professor of Biological Sciences and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology pretended her stuffed animals had broken legs and would apply casts made of tissue and give them popsicle stick crutches.
In 7th grade, she saw firsthand how contributing to medical advances could make a significant difference. A fellow classmate got leukemia, and other students were unkind to her.
“We had to change into PE clothes, and one day her wig fell off and exposed her bald head,” says Rowland-Goldsmith. “The other girls laughed, but I felt terrible for her. I ended up befriending her, and I will never forget her absence during the 8th grade class photo. She had recently passed away. I decided that day I wanted to be a doctor specializing in cancer.”
Though Rowland-Goldsmith ultimately didn’t become a physician, she has contributed to advancements in cancer through her research, which centers around pancreatic cancer inhibition and treatments with various agents, including pomegranate extract and caffeine.
She has also made vast contributions to science education and science communication. Since 2003, she has served as a full-time faculty member at Chapman, impacting the lives of countless students—many of whom have gone on to become physicians, medical research scientists and other medical professionals.
Journey to Teaching
Rowland-Goldsmith, who grew up in Diamond Bar, started her college career at Chapman in 1985. At the time, the college was much smaller than today and had the type of atmosphere she needed. “I was very shy,” she says. “Though I had been accepted to
Melissa Rowland-Goldsmith, PhD
other colleges, I realized a small school would be best for me.”
She was initially on the premed track with a split major in biology and chemistry, but that focus changed when she volunteered at UCI Medical Center and discovered she feared the sight of blood.
“My junior year, I had a professor doing molecular biology research with human cell culture, who changed my trajectory,” says Rowland-Goldsmith. “She pulled me aside and said she saw something in me she didn’t see in many people—that I could be a good professor and researcher. At the time, I thought the idea was crazy, since I’d always wanted to be a medical doctor.”
It wasn’t until she graduated from Chapman in 1989 with a BS in Biology/Chemistry and decided to take a gap year that Rowland-Goldsmith discovered the instructor had been right.
“I worked in an industrial lab in Orange doing food and water testing,” she says. “Because of my fear of blood, I knew I was at a crossroads. I took a step back and realized what the professor said was correct about me being a teacher and biomedical researcher.”
She responded by applying to the University of California, Riverside’s Biochemistry PhD program and was accepted, earning her PhD in Biochemistry in 1997, followed by serving as a Postdoctoral fellow at UCI under esteemed endocrinologist and pancreatic cancer researcher Murray Korc, MD. Pancreatic cancer interested Rowland-Goldsmith, because her good friend’s mother had died of the disease, and it was a field of research that needed further insight.
Joining Chapman
In 2003, Rowland-Goldsmith began working at Chapman, since then guiding many students in the sciences and making significant impacts on their academic careers.
“I took Dr. RG’s Introduction to Molecular Biology class during the spring semester of my freshman year in 2016, even though I heard it was tough,” says Chapman’s first Rhodes Scholar, Vidal Arroyo, who is currently a PhD student in biophysics at Stanford. “I went to her office to ask how I could do well in the course, and she became my mentor. That class was perceptually the hardest of my academic career, because she taught higher-level cognitive skills. In that course, you can’t just memorize information. You are forced to become a problem solver and to understand the subject matter at a deep level. That resulted in me developing an amazing critical thinking and problem-solving skillset.”
Jeremy Hsu, PhD is Assistant Professor of Biology, Schmid College of Science and Technology at Chapman. “Melissa is a supportive and thoughtful instructor who cares deeply about her students and their growth,” he says. “I’ve talked to many students who are so appreciative of her guidance and mentorship. She is also a leader in the field of science education and science communication. She serves on the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology’s Science Outreach and Communication Committee and has led multiple iterations of an “Art of Science Communication” course blended into the Cancer Biology class at Chapman that she co-teaches with Marco Bisoffi, PhD, Associate Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Her students rave about the transformative impact this class has for them. I’ve seen firsthand how she has helped guide students to effectively communicate complex concepts about cancer biology and molecular genetics to the general public.”
The course Hsu refers to includes a final presentation to cancer survivors and caregivers, who then evaluate the presentation, as well as a compassion in medicine project that pairs students with cancer survivors. Survivors tell their stories and suggest how students can become better, more compassionate doctors. The students must take a high-level concept learned in class and present the information in a way understandable to nonscientists. For Rowland-Goldsmith, the germination of this focus to consider the human side of cancer stems from a significant experience she had meeting cancer survivors and their caregivers through the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. “I saw firsthand
by Mary Platt
Back in the 1880s, if you were a middle class or wealthy person on the East Coast or in the Midwestern United States, you were probably a new customer for a sweet, golden bounty suddenly flowing by train from California: citrus fruits.
With the construction of the Southern Pacific and Santa Fe railroads in the late 1870s and early 1880s, combined with the development of new refrigerated train cars, fruit growers on the West Coast could send their produce east without fear of spoilage. Oranges had been cultivated in California since the late 1700s, brought in from Mexico, but in those early years the fruits were grown mainly for local consumption.
With the new shipping possibilities, the Southern California growers were faced with challenges: how to pack, identify and advertise their products to people in the rest of the country. One handy solution was to design brightly colored, attractive paper labels for the wooden crates the fruits were shipped in.
These colorful, eye-catching labels are the focus of one of the current exhibitions at the Hilbert Museum of California Art at Chapman University. “Picturing Paradise: The Art of California Orange Box Labels” was curated by author and California art historian Gordon McClelland, who began collecting labels in the 1960s and was one of the earliest aficionados of the art form. The labels in the show are from his collection and that of fellow collector Tom Spellman. Many have never been seen in a museum or book before.
“These paper labels became standardized at about 11 inches by 10 inches, which fit the ends of the standard rectangular wooden shipping crates,” says McClelland. “Their purpose was to rapidly catch the attention of prospective customers.”
In the hands of a good artist and graphic designer, the orange box label became an elegant small poster, containing an easily understood and remembered message. “Specifically, this is an exhibition focused on the art and the artists who created the labels,” says McClelland. “No other exhibition we’ve done has spotlighted the artists. Usually, we’ve focused on the history of the labels.”
The artists who created the labels between 1885 and 1920 were trained in the last half of the 19th century, and almost all these early labels included Victorianstyle design elements in their portrayals of flowers, orange groves, cowboys, Native Americans, animals, women and other subjects. “It was detailed, eye-catching representational art, on a par with the paintings of the era,” says McClelland.
These artists were also very aware of the great poster artists in Europe, such as ToulouseLautrec, Cheret, Steinlen and Mucha, and were influenced by their artistic styles, according to McClelland. “Many of these lithographic artists actually came to the U.S. from Europe, mostly from France, Germany and England.”
McClelland’s fascination with fruit crate labels began when he was 7 or 8 years old. He would
spot them at the produce market and ask if he could have them. Later, as a teenager who made extra money by creating posters for rock groups in Orange County, he began studying and appreciating the graphics and lettering of the old fruit labels.
In the hands of a good artist and graphic designer, the orange box label became an elegant small poster, containing an easily understood and remembered message.
“Then, between ages 16 and 18, I drove everywhere in the U.S. collecting fruit and vegetable labels. I knew cardboard boxes had changed the game suddenly in 1955, and companies now printed directly on the boxes. All the old paper labels were either stockpiled and half-forgotten at packing houses, shipping companies or printing companies, or were in danger of being thrown out. I visited places where labels might be stored, and they would often just give me stacks of hundreds of them, or I’d buy them for a nominal fee.”
In the late 1960s, there was virtually no market for these beautiful old labels, but McClelland and a few dedicated collectors saw their intrinsic beauty and saved thousands of
them from destruction. Along the way, he became friends with Jay T. Last and got to know him as a shy, very knowledgeable fellow label collector. Last was also a famed American physicist, co-creator of the first silicon circuit chip, and one of the pioneering founders of Silicon Valley.
Last and McClelland coauthored several books, including California Orange Box Labels and Fruit Box Labels, now sold at the Hilbert Museum. (Last died in 2021 at 92 and gifted his collection of more than 185,000 original paper lithographs, including more than 1,000 citrus labels, to the Huntington Library in San Marino.) McClelland took his labels on tour to Europe in the 1970s and 1980s, with shows at various arts centers and museums.
“We discovered Europeans really loved and appreciated them as art,” he says.
Today, the crate labels have become very desirable and collectible, with some commanding high prices—and you can see why. Bold, historical designs like “Chapman’s Old Mission Brand” label on the inside front cover shared space with the Muchainspired “Emerald” brand, and the action packed “Bronco” brand, while “Orange Queen” celebrates romantic feminine beauty and “Yosemite” extolls the wonders of California. At the Hibert exhibition, you’ll see these and dozens of others, and gain new understanding of the history and the artists who created this very California graphic art form. •
McClelland will lecture on the orange crate labels on Saturday, Jan. 18 at 6 pm at the Hilbert Museum, 167 North Atchison St. Tickets $10, Tickets. Chapman .edu
OWNE
by Nathan Carter
For more than 100 years, the Woman’s Club of Orange has hosted events and organized projects that have beautified, engaged and connected the City of Orange and its people.
One much anticipated event is the club’s annual flower show held since 1916. While breaks have been taken over the years due to two global wars, the tradition was always revived after each break.
The show’s success is in large part due to the work of people like Flower Show Chair Pietra Gaw, who says planning for the next year begins shortly after the event wraps up. This allows the club to plan for obstacles such as scheduling conflicts with other events, and can take nine to 10 months to complete.
Woman’s Club of Orange members are responsible for how beautiful the roses look in Old Towne public gardens, including the club’s garden, which you can see at their April 26th Flower Show.
“The challenge this year is rescheduling to a Saturday from a Thursday,” says Gaw. “This year’s 2025 Flower Show is the first time ever, to my knowledge, that the show is to be held on a Saturday.” The intent of changing the day from a weekday to the weekend is to allow for more people to attend the event, which last year helped bring in more than $9,400 for local charities.
In addition to raising funds over the years, the Woman’s Club has cared for local public rose gardens. In 1940, the Club was asked by then Mayor Boice to aid in the beautification of Hart Park, and club members took over that job for many years. They were also in charge of the roses at Plaza Park until the 1960s when interest faded.
More recently, interest in taking care of public rose gardens has been rekindled, says Annie Mansell, Lead Rosarian for the Woman’s Club. She explains that during the 2023 Flower Show, Mayor Dan Slater attended and toured the Woman’s Club rose garden. During the tour, he asked the Woman’s Club to take care of the roses at Hart Park and the Plaza Park rose beds.
Now Mansell and a crew of eight other members regularly show up to work the rose gardens every Monday and Thursday at Hart and Plaza Parks.
“A lot of people see us every single week and thank us for caring for the roses,” Mansell says. “I actually had one person ask what I did to have to do this as community service every week, and I had to laugh.”
When asked how they get the roses looking so good, Mansell replies with their secret recipe. “We fertilize every six to eight weeks, and there is actually a method to our madness. We fertilize with coffee grounds from a couple of coffee houses we pick up from. Then we put chicken manure on the soil and mulch on top of that, and then feed them with Liquinox Grow and Bloom.”
The Woman’s Club of Orange is accepting community entries for the April 26th Flower Show, as well as looking for new members. If you would like more information about the Flower Show, please contact Pietra directly at 714-617-0203, or visit our website at www.WomansClubOfOrang e.org •
* Special thanks to Woman’s Club Historian, Kathy Thomas, for historical information used in this article.
how cancer affects lives, and that taught me so much,” she says. “I took what I learned into my daily life and what I teach students.”
In addition to making a difference for Chapman students, Rowland-Goldsmith has also helped the organization Higher Ground (HG), a nonprofit family resource center that provides services and support to underserved youth and their families in Orange County.
Founder of Higher Ground, Joe Baldo, recalls meeting Rowland-Goldsmith in 2016 after the screening of a documentary about an HG family. “It was a moving film about a mother of four trying to manage while her husband served prison time,” he says. “At the end of the screening, Melissa and her husband, Glen, said they were moved by the film and have been committed to supporting our mission ever since.
“Melissa introduced me to some of her associate professors at Chapman University, which opened doors for HG to receive more visibility and support, and she allowed me to speak with her students to explain Higher Ground’s mission,” continues Baldo. “With Melissa’s support, Vidal Arroyo created a group of students, calling them STEMtors, who would come to HG and mentor our youth on a weekly basis. She was also responsible for the donation of equipment that resulted in creating a stem lab on our campus in downtown Anaheim.”
During his time at Chapman, Arroyo was not your average student. “I come from a low-income Hispanic family,” he says. “I walked around with a lunchbox and spent an hour taking the train to and from campus each way. Dr. RG was blissfully ignorant of my background, and I say that in the best possible way. She has the rare quality of not judging a book by its cover, which is probably the strongest trait an educator can have—to see the ability in every student. She’s an incredible human being dedicated to helping people, and I am so grateful for her mentorship.” •
by Arely Valenzuela
They say it takes a village to raise a child, but where can mothers find that village? The Mom Walk Collective of Orange has been helping moms build their village by offering free events where moms and kids can get out of the house to stroll and socialize.
For more than two years, moms from the Orange community have met twice a month with their young children for walks, coffee and connection. Although the Collective encourages fresh air and health through its main initiative, The Mom Walk Co. offers much more. It is a community for moms to build relationships, gain parenting tips and gain support.
“We get moms telling us how they’ve been looking for something or someone to connect with,” says Desiree Wagner, mom of two, who has been co-hosting the Orange Collective for about a year. “Often, first-time moms are so afraid to leave the house.”
Alex Amendola, mom of two and co-host of the Orange sector, says many first-time moms join the walks to find that it is the first activity they’ve done alone with their kids, which reassures them that the group is creating a welcoming environment.
“They’re coming to a safe place,” says Amendola, who after discovering The Mom Walk Co. of Newport, on Instagram, reached out to Founder Jamie Easton to become an ambassador for Orange. Amendola co-founded The Mom Walk Co. of Orange and has been leading it ever since.
Together, Amendola and Wagner make space in their sometimes-hectic mom schedules to guarantee two walks a month that are always free and kid friendly. Walks typically start at a coffee shop, so that moms are nice and energized, followed by new member introductions and icebreakers. The walks are often through Old Towne, ending at the Plaza Park fountain, which offers kids a chance to play with each other while the moms mingle.
Amendola and Wagner keep the community informed about walks through social media. They make sure to reach out to local businesses to sponsor events, giving moms yet another reason to keep coming. Moms can find themselves getting discount codes to stores or winning great prizes, like the recent hairstyling and product giveaways from mom of three, Liz Gress.
“It’s really cool to be able to give back and do what I love,” says Gress, a hairstylist for 25 years. She wanted to give back to the community that helped her through the toughest of times. After the loss of her eldest daughter, Gress found herself struggling with the birth of her second daughter and needed to find a support group. She considered joining other groups, but then found The Mom Walk Co. and realized all she had to do was show up.
“I showed up and kept showing up, and I made a lot of really good friends that way,” she says. Now Gress preaches to anyone she can
IT'S
LIKE I
COULD REACH
UP AND
PLUCK IT FROM THE SKY.
Kirk Sivertsen /
Every Fri / 9 - 11 am
Orange Home Grown Educational Farm Volunteer Farm Friday
Plant, harvest, compost, mend soil & more. All ages are invited, 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 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
More events listed on-line at: www. OrangeReview .com/events
find about the Collective that helped her build her village.
Gabrielle Paredes, mom of five, met Gress at The Mom Walk Co. when in search of a group after birthing twins. Paredes found not only a friend, but a mom who changed her life. Gress was an inspiration to Paredes, who soon found herself on a weight loss journey. Paredes is very thankful for Gress and the great experience with The Mom Walk Co. of Orange, which, alongside her family and commu-
THE MOON! I'll GIVE IT TO YOU FOR VALENTINE'S DAY.
LET'S JUST LEAVE IT UP THERE, SO WE CAN ALWAYS FIND IT.
nity, make up her village.
Amendola and Wagner agree that it’s important for moms to give themselves grace and take help where they can get it.
“Moms who might not have their village, or family here, or friends…we’re helping them build their village,” says Amendola.
To check out upcoming walks in Orange, visit www.instagram .com/ TheMomWalkCo .Orange For more information about the Collective: www. TheMom Walk Collective .com •
by Julie Bawden-Davis
Kathy Eckstaedt ’s roots run deep in Orange. In fact, just about every area of her life is tied to the hometown she loves. This includes her 101-yearold mother, Vi Brelje, who also lives in Orange.
“My mother moved to Orange in 1943 and became a teacher at St. John’s Lutheran Church and School,” says Eckstaedt. “She met my father in choir at St. John’s, and my uncle, her brother, owned the Friedemann building in the Plaza.”
Eckstaedt has many fond memories of growing up in Orange. This includes attending St. John’s Lutheran School, playing under a giant avocado tree in front of her grandmother’s house and buying candy at Palm Market.
“On the way to school, we would pick up soda bottles people left on the sidewalk and traded them for change, so we could afford the candy,” she says.
Eckstaedt stayed in Orange, where she and her husband, Jim, of 47 years, got married at St. John’s and raised their two kids. Today, the couple is retired and enjoys living an active lifestyle that includes traveling, outdoor activities and dining in the Plaza. She chose Rutabegor z to spend her coupon winnings because she loves the fresh produce they serve. •
ANTIQUES & COLLECTABLES:
8 Antique Depot 13
155 South Glassell St (714) 516-1731
8 Antique Station 14
178 South Glassell St (714) 633-3934
1 Country Roads Antiques 21
216 West Chapman Ave (714) 532-3041
6 Orange Circle Antique Mall 18
118 South Glassell St (714) 538-8160
11 Summerhill Ltd 19
110 South Glassell St (714) 771-7782
ARTS & CULTURE:
5 Hilbert Museum of Calif Art 2
167 North Atchison St (714) 516-5880
23 Marinus Welman - Artist D
2402 North Glassell St (714) 998-8662
16 Naranjita Flamenco E
301 East Katella Ave (714) 400-2939
AUTOMOTIVE:
12 Titan Automotive I
939 West Chapman Ave (714) 997-2311
24 Villa Ford of Orange F
2550 North Tustin St (877) 585-3090
DINING & PUBS:
20 Café Zócalo
136 South Glassell St 15 (714) 538-3764
23 Citrus City Grille 4
122 North Glassell St (714) 639-9600
10 O’Hara’s Pub 6
150 North Glassell St (714) 532-9264
1 Ojai Burger 22
238 West Chapman Ave (657) 221-0619
1 Rutabegorz Restaurant 7
264 North Glassell St (714) 633-3260
13 Wazabi Sushi
240 West Chapman #102 23 (714) 602-7375
HEALTH, FITNESS & BEAUTY:
7 Better Way Fitness H 4398 East Chapman Ave (714) 716-2177
7 Circle City Barbers 3 133 West Chapman Ave (714) 453-9765
HEALTH, FITNESS & BEAUTY:
1 Orange Circle Optometry 9 227 East Chapman Ave (714) 538-6424
4 Restoration Dental M 725 West LaVeta #200 (714) 400-0075
WCO Flower Show 11
South Center St (714) 836-5919
JEWELRY
12 Rambling Rose Jewelry 17 118 South Glassell St (714) 538-6305
8 Renée Jewelers 5 138 North Glassell St (714) 538-1956
REAL ESTATE:
17 Caliber Real Estate Group 16 134 South Glassell St (714) 988-6339
1 Lionheart Pride K (714) 745-7318 www.LionheartPride.com
7 OC Pro Property Manage C 202 West Lincoln Ave (714) 202-8100
1 Orange Realty .
. L 1537 East Chapman Ave (714) 997-0050
10 Real Estate Establishment 10 550 East Chapman Ave (714) 744-5711
SERVICES:
11 Galla-Rini Roofing (714) 244-6567 www.GallaRiniRoofing.com
3 Jadtec Security Services A 1520 West Yale Ave (714) 282-0828
9 Monte Vista Landscape (714) 434-7336 MonteVistaLandscape.com
9 Shafer Plumbing B 1307 West Trenton Ave (714) 974-9448
SERVICES: 10 Shannon Family Mortuary J 1005 East Chapman Ave (714) 771-1000
SPECIALTY RETAIL:
13 Army Navy Store 12 131 South Glassell St (714) 639-7910
13 Big Y Yardage .
. N 320 South Tustin St (714) 744-9052
11 Matoska Trading Company 8 123 North Glassell St (714) 516-9940
6 Paris in a Cup - On-line (714) 538-9411 www.ParisInACup.com
TOURISM:
12 Orangeland RV Park .
. G 1600 West Struck Ave (714) 633-0414
PUBLISHER: Mike Escobedo Design Mike@ OrangeReview .com www. OrangeReview .com (714) 743-6919
(714) 998-8662 MarinusWelman.com