From the Publisher 104

One of my favorite things to do in the early summertime when the weather is mild, is open my office window overlooking the Plaza. As I work, it puts a smile on my face to hear the laughter of passersby and smell the tempting aromas of delicious food wafting from the Plaza’s many fine restaurants.

This year I find it especially refreshing to feel the enthusiasm in the air as diners enjoy eating alfresco at the Plaza Paseo. There’s a renewed energy to Old Towne, evident as you walk the streets and visit the shops and restaurants.

In the following pages, we share that excitement, such as on pgs. 9-11 with enthusiastic new business owners Randy Nguyen of Tabu Shabu, doctors Michelle Cho and Edward Tran of Hello Optometry and Mike Looney with Anchor Bar.

As the world reopens, Orange is no exception. You can look forward to many events this summer in Old Towne, including the Musco Center’s Free, COVID-safe outdoor Pacific Symphony Orchestra Concert (p. 20). The Hilbert Museum of California Art has reopened and will feature the California Art Club’s 110th Annual Gold Medal Exhibition (p. 24).

During the pandemic, the City of Orange responded by opening the Plaza Paseo so diners could safely eat outdoors in Old Towne. As of press time, whether the city will continue the Plaza Paseo is undecided. To share your thoughts on the topic, email CCPublic Comment@cityoforange.org, or call the City Council at 714-744-2234.

You may also be wondering about the Orange International Street Fair. The committee is currently striving to make it a reality this summer, so stay tuned on our Facebook page!

No matter where we meet this summer, I know it will be enjoyable. It’s always fun in Old Towne.

Sincerely,

Mike Escobedo