Foothills Sentry - December 2024

Page 5 Foothills Sentry DECEMBER 2024 JOHNSON MOTORCARS 34 Years of Specializing in the Service and Repair of Mercedes-Benz Gary Johnson 714-997-2567 982 N. Batavia # B13, Orange, CA 92867 gary@johnsonmotorcars.com @ ramblingroseoc Field of Valor celebrates vets in two solemn ceremonies The 10th annual Field of Valor, hosted by the Community Foun- dation of Orange, displayed its traditional 1,176 American Flags honoring veterans past and pres- ent. It opened Nov. 9 with a cer- emony featuring music, a color guard, remarks by Col. Wayne Scott, and a distribution of Chal- lenge Coins to all vets in atten- dance. That opening wave was fol- lowed, Nov. 11, with a Veterans Day Ceremony, which had for- merly been held at Orange Depot Park and sponsored by the city. With the city unable to fund it this year, the Community Foundation, along with sponsorships from vet- erans’ groups and service organi- zations, stepped up to continue the city’s salute to veterans at the Handy Park Field of Valor. The Field of Flags, recognizing vets from the Civil War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq, remained open to the public until Nov. 15. Volunteers who preserve Tustin’s past are applauded in the present The annual meeting of the Tu- stin Historical Society celebrat- ed the volunteers who keep the organization moving and gave members a reminder of historical highlights and a glimpse into the city’s future. Society President Rick Nelson emceed the event, which includ- ed talks by Tustin Mayor Austin Lombard and volunteer Historian Guy Ball. Ball presented a brief history of the city, beginning with its creation by carriage-maker Co- lumbus Tustin, who set aside 840 acres in 1872 to host, what he hoped would be, a burgeoning municipality. “Tustin City,” as he called it, competed with Santa Ana to get the area’s first railroad station, but lost. It eventually got a train station in 1890, but its founder had died a disappointed man in 1883. A horse-drawn trolley connect- ed Tustin with Santa Ana and Or- ange. While Santa Ana was grow- ing a business community, Tustin was thriving with agriculture, in- cluding walnuts, apricots, citrus and berries. The first schoolhouse was built in 1875. The Tustin Ho- tel at Third and D Streets served as the city center, hosting events in its heyday. A major influence on Tustin’s growth was the Air Station, es- tablished in 1942. It attracted jobs, businesses and, with many service men and women staying in the area, residents. Mayor Lombard reported that Tustin continues to respect and preserve its history. He refer- enced the city’s support of the Mills Act, commendations for preservation, virtual walking tours and a GIS-based map of historic resources and the annual Preservation Week. “Development,” he said, “is most unpopular to preservation, but, sadly, the future is moving toward more housing.” He cited state mandates to build housing, and its erosion of local control over land use decisions. The state has required Tustin to add 7,000 housing units over the next eight years, and it intends to comply without “throwing high den- sity into Old Town or neighbor- hoods.” Lombard explained that the city is working with developers at Tustin Legacy to get more done there, and quickly, before the state imposes more requirements. As the Local Reuse Authority for the Air Station property, which closed in 1999, the city has gained $475 million in sales from portions of the site and is spend- ing that money on infrastructure. Those infrastructure improve- ments will include three bridges (across Armstrong, Warner and Tustin Ranch Road), making it possible to walk or bike in that portion of the city without having to cross a major street. The bridg- es are expected to be finished in nine years. Improvements in Old Town – wider sidewalks, more trees and parklets – are on track to be completed by 2026. The rumored destruction of Enderle Center to accommodate 400 housing units was dispelled by the mayor and confirmed by residents who attended a recent meeting with the center’s new owners. The housing footprint now stands at 100; those units will be built on undeveloped property adjacent to the center. The prop- erty owner does not plan to tear down the shopping center, but redo it to attract more commercial users. Current business owners are reportedly meeting with the owner, but those negotiations are not being discussed publicly. Rick Nelson advised the mem- bership that the Tustin Area His- torical Society is solvent, bol- stered by the annual home and garden tour and a donation from the Pankey family. Highlights of 2024 include the popular Night at the Museum, an enhanced news- letter and website and new board members. Goals for 2025 include an oral history video project, gar- den parties, continued develop- ment of the learning center and a lecture series. Nelson acknowledged that the organization’s accomplishments rest on volunteers, who were giv- en certificates of recognition. Tustin Mayor Austin Lombard of- fers an update on the city. Robyn Fry, Shawn and Jeff Post, Doreen and Ed Corwin enjoy snacks and libations at the Tustin Area Historical Society annual meeting. Volunteers were recognized for their contributions to the preservation of Tustin history; from left, President Rick Nelson, Irene Jones, awardees Carole Watson, Ken Higman, Cooper Mayhew, Pete Beatty, Kurt Ben- sworth, Elaine Dove and Kathy Hanson. Special recognition was awarded to, from left, Laurie Lovett, Guy Ball, Doreen Corwin and Joyce Miller. Recipient Joe Sprekelmeyer is not pictured. Tina Dunneback escorts Dudley the Riderless Horse, Nov. 11, symboliz- ing fallen soldiers. Boots are traditionally placed in stirrups backwards so the spirit rider may view the troops a final time. Berkenda Cantrol and Moira Singer rang bells 21 times, as Master of Ceremonies Gary Remland acknowledged the sacrifices of veterans and their families during the Nov. 11 event.. Veterans attending Field of Valor ceremonies on Nov. 9 or 11 were given Challenge Coins from the Community Foundation to commemorate their service. These vets received coins, Nov. 9 Photos by Tony Richards Photos by Tony Richards Photo by Aaron Jacoby