Page 3 Foothills Sentry MARCH 2026 https://bit.ly/HawksFlight2026 Left to right: Tom Loughrey, Councilman Denis Bilodeau, Brandy Romero, Guy Hinrichs, Rob Boice, Councilwoman Arianna Barrios, Mayor Dan Slater, Councilman John Gyllenhammer, Sandy Quinn, Councilwoman Kathy Tavoularis, Diana Zdenek, Councilman Jon Dumitru, Shandra Wilson, Mark Wallace, Donnie DeWees. Old Towne Preservation Association marks 40 Years By Diana Zdenek Old Towne Preservation Association (OTPA) is celebrating 40 years of dedicated service to preserving Old Towne Orange— its historic homes, architectural character, and distinctive sense of place. This anniversary year is especially meaningful as Rob Boice, OTPA’s current president and one of its founders, was honored alongside the organization when the City of Orange presented a proclamation recognizing OTPA’s 40 years of service at the Feb. 10 city council meeting. Founded in 1986 by concerned residents determined to stop the demolition of historic properties, OTPA has grown into a volunteer-led nonprofit that continues to advocate for thoughtful preservation and responsible change. One of its most significant achievements came in 1997, when OTPA successfully petitioned for Old Towne Orange to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places, making it the largest contiguous residential historic district in California. Over the years, OTPA has played an active role in shaping preservation policy, supporting design standards, participating in city processes and promoting education through workshops, service projects, historic plaques and long-standing preservation awards. To celebrate the milestone, OTPA will host a 40th Anniversary Gala on Sunday, May 17, at the historic Woman's Club. The event will bring together longtime supporters, community leaders and preservation advocates to honor four decades of stewardship— and to look ahead to the work still to come. OTPA remains committed to protecting the history that makes the neighborhood unique. For more information about the anniversary celebration or OTPA’s work, visit otpa.org. Photo by Doug Redding City of Orange considering zone change from commercial to residential The site of the former Best Buy at 2375 N. Tustin Street has been purchased by a developer who is asking the city for a zone change and general plan amendment to enable the construction of 71 single-family homes. The city’s general plan currently describes the property as “general commercial” and the zoning is designated "limited business." Media Homes is asking the city to change the General Plan land use designation to medium density residential and the zoning to residential multiple family (r-3). The proposed development would consist of three-story small lot homes, with roof decks on the units that do not abut existing residences. In addition to the General Plan and zoning changes, the city must adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration (exempting the project from environmental review), approve a tentative tract map, conduct an administrative design review and provide ministerial approvals for all necessary permits. The project’s MND is currently in review. Public hearings will be scheduled at a later date. Meanwhile, across the street at the former Village of Orange site, property owners are asking the city to change that commercially zoned property to mixed use. That alteration is part of the “Meats to Heim Specific Plan,” designed to revitalize the mall site and set a framework for future development. That land use change was presented to the public at an open house, Feb. 26. Residents have been asked to complete a survey at myinput. com/meat-heim-sp. Emblem Club President Laurie Padilla, standing left, welcomes volunteers to the club’s Appreciation Luncheon. The luncheon is held for the volunteers who have helped the club over the last year. This year’s menu was homemade tomato bisque soup and grilled cheese sandwiches, made by member Gary Dobereiner. From left, Elk Jeff Cruikshank, Antler Tyler Collins, Elks Kelley Martinez, Brian Lawrence, Linda Lawrence, Christine Grosso, Adrian Ober, Antler Seth Lawrence, John Mesdea, Antler Nick Mesdea, Garrett Hamblin, Antler Victoria Vega, Gary Doebereiner and Antler Neilani Ito. Antlers donate to the Purple Pig The Elks’ Purple Pig is the fundraising arm of the California- Hawaii Elks Association Major Project, Inc. (CHEMPI). Since 1950, the California-Hawaii Elks have raised over $140 million to address the needs of children with disabilities by developing a program of supporting services to aid these children at no cost to their families. Every donation to the Purple Pig helps the children “Walk, Talk, See and Play.” The Orange Elks Antlers, a group of youth between 12 – 20, combined leadership, fun and friends in organizing a Pinewood Derby Race Night as a fund raiser to benefit the Purple Pig. The Antlers presented Adrian Ober, Purple Pig Chairman, a check for $1,180. Orange Elks member Jeff Cruikshank added to the fund. Commercial property between Tustin Street and the 55 Freeway may be rezoned for dwelling units.
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