Foothills Sentry Page 2 DECEMBER 2025 Learn more at eocwd.com Learn more at eocwd.com Antepasado Park opens in Orange A new pocket park in the City of Orange celebrated its grand opening, Oct. 29, with a ribbon cutting, Mexican food and free succulents for all in attendance. Located in the Cypress Barrio alongside the city’s newly minted Well 28, the park is named Antepasado, the Spanish word for "ancestor" to honor the past and present residents of the historic neighborhood that has flourished, despite decades of adversity. The park is marked with plaques celebrating the neighborhood and its contributions to the city. The Cypress Barrio was originally populated by Mexican American farm workers, who’s families remained in the community for generations. It was, for much of the 20th century, the only place in Orange where a person of Mexican descent could buy a home. Councilwoman Arianna Barrios reports that a city map, circa the 1920s, called the area “Mexican town.” “I’m proud of this little park,” she told the audience at its dedication. “This park will remind us forever that there was a culture here and that those who came before us made us who we are today.” Mayor Dan Slater recalled an early threat to the neighborhood when the city rezoned it r-4. Developers tore down the older homes and replaced them with fourplexes. A city councilman at the time, he was petitioned by residents to stop the destruction and protect their neighborhood’s history and culture. The best outcome at that time, however, was merely reducing the zoning to r-2. Robert Baca of the Orange Barrio Historical Society grew up in the neighborhood and has been a force behind the city’s recognition of the historic community’s resilience and rightful place as a protected resource. Paul Guzman noted that his family has lived in the barrio for more than 100 years. As a member of the ribbon cutting team, he said his hope is that Antepasado Park will open the hearts and minds of Orange and that in looking back, we can all look forward. City of Orange Well No. 28: A multi-benefit project By Denis Bilodeau, President, Orange County Water District, and Mayor Pro Tem, City of Orange The City of Orange recently celebrated the completion of Well No. 28 — a milestone project that reflects what can be achieved when local government, regional agencies and community partners work together for the common good. Located at Maple Avenue and Lemon Street, Well No. 28 is a vital addition to Orange’s water system. At 1,000 feet deep, it is the City’s deepest and most productive well, equipped with a 600-horsepower motor capable of producing 3,000 gallons of water per minute. When operating at full capacity, the well will provide about 14% of the City’s total water production — enough to serve roughly 20,000 residents. This project was made possible through collaboration and innovation. The Orange County Water District (OCWD), which manages the groundwater basin supplying up to 85% of the drinking water for 2.5 million people across north and central Orange County, helped fund the project with grant dollars from the Santa Ana River Conservation and Conjunctive Use Program. OCWD also funded the design and installation of an advanced treatment system at the site to remove PFAS, ensuring our water meets all state and federal drinking water standards. Although the City of Orange did not cause the PFAS issue, we remain committed to solving it. Working with OCWD and our regional partners, we continue to invest in treatment solutions that safeguard public health and sustain our local water supply. The story of Well No. 28 is also a story of creative land use and community benefit. Originally, the city had designated a different site for this well near Chapman University’s Panther Village student housing. When Chapman expressed interest in that parcel, the city and the university reached a mutually beneficial land swap. The exchange provided Chapman with the land needed to expand student housing while giving the city a better site for its new well — a true win-win for both education and infrastructure. Adding even more value for the community, the city built Antepasado Park in front of the well site. Though small in size — less than 5,000 square feet — this pocket park carries deep cultural and historical meaning. “Antepasado,” meaning “ancestor” in Spanish, honors the nearby Cypress Street Barrio. Well No. 28 represents the best of Orange—innovation, collaboration, and respect for our community’s heritage. By combining a reliable local water source, advanced treatment technology, thoughtful land use, and meaningful cultural recognition, this project delivers lasting benefits that go far beyond water infrastructure. Antepasado Park celebrates the culture of the Cypress Barrio. Well 28’s grand opening was celebrated with a flourish. A state-of-the-art filtration system separates PFAS contaminants from the well water before it is piped into a storage facility. The well, over 1,000 feet deep and powered by a 600-horsepower motor, is the city’s most productive. Residents add to the new park's ambiance with a game of checkers. Robert Baca shared stories of the Barrio's culture and history and his efforts to help preserve it. The Barrio Historical Society lined the streets adjacent to the park with vintage autos in recognition of the neighborhood’s rich past. Photos by Tony Richards Photos by Tony Richards
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