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VEA Newport Beach Debuts Holiday Hideout Lounge for the Season

11.09.26

VEA Newport Beach is kicking off the holiday season on Thursday, Nov. 19, with the debut of its Holiday Hideout.

The Holiday Hideout is a festive reimagining of the resort’s signature lounge, reveal. It officially opens for the season on Friday, Nov. 20, and will welcome guests every Friday and Saturday from 6 p.m. to midnight. Expect handcrafted holiday cocktails, immersive seasonal décor and plenty of photo-worthy moments in a winter wonderland-inspired setting.

The resort’s annual Tree Lighting Celebration also takes place Thursday, Nov. 19, at 5:30 p.m. A longtime favorite for Newport Beach and the greater Orange County community, the celebration features live entertainment, sweet treats, visits with Santa Claus and the lighting of the resort’s dazzling 85-foot Christmas tree. Admission is free, and guests are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy to benefit Toys for Tots.

VEA Newport Beach, A Marriott Resort & Spa, is located at 900 Newport Center Drive in Newport Beach.

Image Courtesy of Vea Newport Beach

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Blog

Join Me for Authors Night in Orange

11.08.26

I’ll be joining five local authors for the Orange County Historical Society’s Authors Night on Thursday, Nov. 12, at 7:30 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church in Orange. We’ll share the stories behind our books, answer questions and sign copies.

The evening brings together a range of Orange County stories, from Southern California’s theme parks and early pioneers to the artists and visionaries who have shaped our community. Here’s a look at the authors and their books:

Ken Stack, “Stack’s Liberty Ranch Collection”
A theme park historian who has spent more than 60 years preserving artifacts, Stack shares previously unpublished photographs and stories from Southern California attractions. His latest volume features Universal Studios Hollywood in the 1960s and ’70s, along with Lion Country Safari, Newport Harbor Buffalo Ranch and Jungleland.

Rosemary Vasquez Tuthill, “The Boy Who Painted the Barrio”
Tuthill tells the story of her father, artist and muralist Emigdio Vasquez, through family history, personal memories and his artwork. The illustrated biography follows his childhood in Orange’s Cypress Street Barrio and the experiences that shaped his art.

Timothy Zierer, “Civil War Veterans of Tustin”
Zierer profiles 33 Civil War veterans, 30 Union and three Confederate, who later called Tustin home. Their stories connect the war to the early days of Tustin and Orange County, where many became civic leaders.

Greer Wylder, “Born in OC: The Artists, Entrepreneurs & Visionaries of Orange County”
My book shares the stories of 50 remarkable people who have helped shape Orange County. After more than three decades covering this community, I wanted to take readers beyond the accomplishments and into the lives of the artists, chefs, entrepreneurs and philanthropists behind them.

Mike Stockstill, “Irvine Ranch Fulfilling the Vision 1977-2025”
Stockstill explores the Irvine Company’s development under Donald Bren, including Newport Coast, open space preservation and Irvine’s growth. The book also covers UC Irvine and the transformation of the former El Toro Marine Corps Air Station into the Great Park.

Colleen Fliedner, “Fascinating True Tales from Old California”
Fliedner brings together more than 50 stories of famous and lesser-known Californians from 1542 to 1940. Her subjects include fortune seekers, Chinese immigrants and Biddy Mason, whose lives offer a broader look at California’s past.

Books will be available to purchase, and some authors will also bring earlier titles. Bring cash, as not everyone will accept credit cards or Venmo.

The public is welcome. I’d love to see you there!

Thursday, Nov. 12, at 7:30 p.m.
Trinity Episcopal Church
2400 N. Canal St., Orange

For more information, visit orangecountyhistory.org.

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