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OTPA 2024 OISF BOOTH
Old Towne Improvements Honored
at OTPA Preservation Awards Gala
For 27 years, the Old Towne Preservation Association has recognized significant improvements to Old Towne historic residences and other structures at its popular Preservation Awards Gala.
“This year’s awards gala attracted a full house at The Woman’s Club on a delightful Sunday evening, perfect for the pre-dinner Garden Party,” said Brandy Romero, event chair.
Guests enjoyed a wonderful dinner, created by Backstage Catering, inviting door prizes musically introduced by the Wimberley Family Blue Grass Band, and elegant centerpieces fashioned by downtown merchant, Enchanted Florist.
OTPA co-founder and current President, Rob Boice, introduced special guests including Mayor Dan Slater, a former OTPA President, and thanked Preservation Awards Event Host Chapman University for the school's continued support and sponsorship.
Carol Fox, former member of the City’s Design Review Committee, curated a deserving collection of award nominees and winners for the five award categories, all pictured below.
“This year’s awards gala attracted a full house at The Woman’s Club on a delightful Sunday evening, perfect for the pre-dinner Garden Party,” said Brandy Romero, event chair.
Guests enjoyed a wonderful dinner, created by Backstage Catering, inviting door prizes musically introduced by the Wimberley Family Blue Grass Band, and elegant centerpieces fashioned by downtown merchant, Enchanted Florist.
OTPA co-founder and current President, Rob Boice, introduced special guests including Mayor Dan Slater, a former OTPA President, and thanked Preservation Awards Event Host Chapman University for the school's continued support and sponsorship.
Carol Fox, former member of the City’s Design Review Committee, curated a deserving collection of award nominees and winners for the five award categories, all pictured below.
Event Sponsors
A very special thank you to the following event and host sponsors:
Preservation Awards Host
Orange Community Host
Orange Sponsor Hosts
STATE OF OLD TOWNE FORUM
Orange Has a Revenue Problem
OTPA President Rob Boice, foreground, poses questions. Left to right, City Manager Tom Kisela, Mayor Pro-Tem Arianna Barrios. Mayor Dan Slater, Police Chief Dan Adams.
The biggest issue facing Orange and Old Towne today is the city's budget crisis. That was the tough message delivered at the Old Towne Preservation Association's 9th annual State of Old Towne Forum on April 25 at City Hall.
Open to the public and carried live on Channel 6 — with repeat airings daily — the Forum featured Mayor Dan Slater, Mayor Pro-Tem and District One Councilwoman Arianna Barrios, City Manager Tom Kisela and Police Chief Dan Adams answering questions posed by OTPA President Rob Boice.
When Bouce asked about the city’s budget deficit, City Manager Kisela took the podium and responded with a detailed presentation on city finances, declaring “Orange doesn’t have a spending problem, it has a revenue problem."
The budget is now before the City Council for review, with a deficit of more than $19 million.
Kisela said the city must either cut services or raise revenue. Some fees such as the annual Mills Act fee, have already been significantly raised. But the big question is whether a sales tax increase will be put on the ballot for voter approval.
“The majority of our spending is on public safety, such as the fire and police departments,” Kisela pointed out. “But if the city has to make cuts, they could impact across the board community services, not only public safety, but also libraries, the Senior Center, graffiti cleanup, code enforcement, youth services and others.”
He warned against not replacing aging fire trucks and police patrol cars, essential to maintaining the city’s short level of response time.
He said the city is already behind in taking care of many needs, such as deferred maintenance and employee pay adjustments.
Mayor Slater added that the Council is reviewing the budget line by line, looking everywhere possible to make cuts.
OTPA’s State of Old Towne Forum addressed many other issues and can be viewed on Channel 6 weekdays at 3:00 pm or 7:00 pm and weekends at 10:00 am.
Open to the public and carried live on Channel 6 — with repeat airings daily — the Forum featured Mayor Dan Slater, Mayor Pro-Tem and District One Councilwoman Arianna Barrios, City Manager Tom Kisela and Police Chief Dan Adams answering questions posed by OTPA President Rob Boice.
When Bouce asked about the city’s budget deficit, City Manager Kisela took the podium and responded with a detailed presentation on city finances, declaring “Orange doesn’t have a spending problem, it has a revenue problem."
The budget is now before the City Council for review, with a deficit of more than $19 million.
Kisela said the city must either cut services or raise revenue. Some fees such as the annual Mills Act fee, have already been significantly raised. But the big question is whether a sales tax increase will be put on the ballot for voter approval.
“The majority of our spending is on public safety, such as the fire and police departments,” Kisela pointed out. “But if the city has to make cuts, they could impact across the board community services, not only public safety, but also libraries, the Senior Center, graffiti cleanup, code enforcement, youth services and others.”
He warned against not replacing aging fire trucks and police patrol cars, essential to maintaining the city’s short level of response time.
He said the city is already behind in taking care of many needs, such as deferred maintenance and employee pay adjustments.
Mayor Slater added that the Council is reviewing the budget line by line, looking everywhere possible to make cuts.
OTPA’s State of Old Towne Forum addressed many other issues and can be viewed on Channel 6 weekdays at 3:00 pm or 7:00 pm and weekends at 10:00 am.
ORANGE PRESERVES
SPRING ISSUE
BIGGEST CROWD EVER ATTENDS
OTPA 38TH ANNUAL MEETING
FEBRUARY 18, 2024: The 2024 Membership Business Meeting of the Old Towne Preservation Association featured an exclusive Sneak Preview tour of the expanded Hilbert Museum of California Art, hosted by Museum Director Mary Platt. In welcoming remarks, Orange Mayor and former OTPA President Dan Slater thanked OTPA for calling attention to the newly designed Hilbert Museum, and said it helps in making Orange the art center of the county. OTPA President Rob Boice gave the “State of OTPA” annual report and pledged a vigorous focus on preserving Old Towne’s historic character. “The unique charm of Old Towne is the reason our property value is so high,” he said. Mayor Pro-Tem and Old Towne resident Arianna Barrios excited the crowd with her passion for preserving Old Towne and encouraged everyone to become an active member. Boice reported that OTPA’s membership has never been bigger, its finances never stronger, and its community outreach never more active. |
He invited members to attend the association’s 9th annual State of Old Towne Forum in City Hall on April 3rd, and its 28th annual Preservation Awards Garden Party & Dinner Gala at the Woman’s Club on Sunday, May 19th.
The members unanimously approved the newly revised OTPA by-laws and 18 Board members for the 2024 term. Board members, officers and committee chairs are: Officers: Rob Boice, President Diana Zdenek, Vice President Sandy Quinn, Past President Meg Shields, Treasurer Jim Karras, Secretary Committee Chairs: Long Duong, Preservation Brandy Romero, Community Involvement Carrie Frisby, Membership Robert Paul, Fund Development Garrett Smith, Special Events Will Hare, Education & Research Members-at-Large: Carol Craig Wil Dee Brian Lochrie Tita Smith Mark Wallace Mignon Whiaker John Zimmerman |
OLD TOWNE LIGHTS UP FOR THE HOLIDAYS
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More homes and businesses have decorated for the holidays than ever before, with colorful displays of lights, Christmas trees, Nativity scenes, candy canes, animated reindeer, toys, stars, sleighs — and Santa himself —seen throughout the Old Towne Historic District.
“It’s wonderful to sense the spirit and see this celebration of the season," said Rob Boice, President of the Old Towne Preservation Association. The association conducts an annual Old Towne Holiday Decorating Contest and has announced winners of its 2023 event. Judging took place on Sunday, December 10. |
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OTPA ANNUAL ART OF
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How We Fulfill Our Mission
To preserve, protect and enhance California's largest Historical District
Old Towne Orange
Old Towne Orange
• Interaction with City Hall
• Advise on Public and Private Development Projects
• Members of Chapman Advisory Committee
• Education and Public Events
• Preservation Awards
• Representation at Design Review Committee Meetings, Planning Commission Meetings and City Council Meetings
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