From the Publisher 103

After an uncertain and challenging year, it puts a smile on my face to see people out and about enjoying Orange and its many amenities. Most businesses have reopened and welcomed back neighbors, friends and visitors.

I am as always impressed with the indomitable spirit of our city. In many ways, Orange and Old Towne have picked up where we left off prior to the pandemic. We had established the Plaza as a historic antique destination and go-to spot for fun, fashion and fine dining, and none of that has changed. We can now add the COVID-inspired Plaza Paseo to our inviting mix of hospitality. Outdoors in the Plaza, diners enjoy fresh air, good food and lively conversation.

In this edition, read about businesses new to Orange. Ready to make their marks are Full Circle Meaningful Marketplace, Kiki’s Corner and O SEA (pgs. 9-11). We also share stories of longtime Orange businesses and how their courageous owners and employees persevered through the pandemic. Read the stories of CocoRose Boutique, Paris in a Cup, SunSpark Yoga (pgs. 13-15), Country Roads Antiques (pg. 28) and Carolyn Cavecche’s Orange micro-flower farm, Flowers from the Thicket (pg. 23).

We’re also celebrating milestones in this issue like the 10-year anniversary of our beloved Farmers & Artisans Market and the opening of facilities designed to assist and inspire the community. These include a 60,000-square-foot mental health and wellness facility (pgs. 20-21) and an expanded Hilbert Museum of California Art. Spearheading the latter project is Chapman University’s Vice President of Campus Planning, Collette Creppell, featured starting on pg. 21.

Wishing you a fantastic spring filled with fun, friends and adventures.

Sincerely,

Mike Escobedo