Monique McArthur has lived in Villa Park for 20 years and has written about it for years, here and on Enjoy Orange County. Her kids went to Villa Park Elementary. Her son's at Villa Park High now, and her daughter went to Orange Lutheran. Along the way she was a Little League team mom, ran the VPLL snack bar, worked with the VPHS baseball boosters, helped run the Villa Park Halloween event and was a homeroom mom at Villa Park Elementary. These days she runs through town almost every day, shops the Town Center and Ralphs, and grabs a bite at Bagel Me or The Post, so she usually knows what's opening, closing or changing before most people do.
Her husband's family has been here since 1978. He and his four siblings went to Villa Park High and Orange Lutheran, and his parents still live in town, so a lot of what she knows about Villa Park's history, and how it's changed, comes straight from them.
Have a tip or a correction? Reach her through our Contact Us page, or connect on LinkedIn.
Monique McArthurChapman University’s Winterfest and Doy’s Holiday Tree Lighting is Wednesday, November 18, 2026, in the Attallah Piazza on Chapman’s campus in Orange. Winterfest is a free community celebration of the winter holidays, and everyone is welcome. Holiday songs and activities start at 5:00 p.m., followed by the Winterfest program at 5:30 p.m. Drivers can register … Read more
Past event: The 2026 Troop 850 open house was held Tuesday, October 20, 2026, and has passed. Next date: TBD 2027. Villa Park Scout Troop 850 held its 2026 open house on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at Cerro Villa Middle School. The open house gave prospective Scouts and their families a chance to learn about … Read more
The 55th annual OPA Fall Barbecue and Dance was held Saturday, September 19, 2026 from 5:30 to 10:00 p.m., celebrating 96 years of Orange Park Acres. The 2027 date is TBD 2027. Orange Park Acres Fall Barbecue & Auction OPA Fall BBQ & Dance2026 location: Home of Mark & Julie Sanford Next date: TBD 20272026 … Read more
Past event: The 2026 Taste of Santa Ana was held Saturday, October 17, 2026, and has passed. Next date: TBD 2027. The 2026 Taste of Santa Ana took place Saturday, October 17, 2026, with VIP entry at 5:00 p.m. and general admission from 6:00 to 11:00 p.m. at MainPlace Mall. The Santa Ana Chamber of … Read more
The Villa Park Fourth of July Parade is an annual community tradition that brings residents together to celebrate Independence Day. Families and neighbors decorate bikes, scooters, wagons, skateboards, strollers and other entries, then join or watch the procession through Villa Park. Latest Villa Park Fourth of July Parade Information 2027 Villa Park Fourth of July … Read more