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 McArthurA collection of reader opinions, representing a range of perspectives on current issues. We encourage you to submit letters that share your opinions on issues of interest to residents in our community. Letters may be edited for length and clarity. Letters can be submitted via our Contact Us page. Smith Basin (the pit)/Flood Re-zone Would … Read more
Villa Park’s 2021–2029 Housing Element is the City’s plan for accommodating housing needs across all income levels during California’s 6th housing cycle. Villa Park received a Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) of 296 total housing units. This does not mean the City must build 296 affordable homes; RHNA requires the City to plan for sufficient … Read more
Cold and flu season is coming, free flu vaccines will be given at the Villa Park City Hall from 3:30 pm to 7:00 pm. 2022 Dates TBA. Nurses from CHOC hospital will be on hand to administer flu vaccinations provided by the OC Health Department. Vaccinations will be provided on a first-come first-serve basis so … Read more
The County of Orange is seeking to lease 2.4 acres of land and a 1,585 sf Single-Family Residence above the Villa Park Dam. This property previously served as the former dam keeper’s home and is now available to lease. The Property is very private and features scenic views of the foothills and Santiago Creek. There … Read more
Update: September 2026 This post is kept as a record of the 2019-2020 debate over the Trails at Santiago Creek. On Nov. 3, 2020, Orange voters rejected Measure AA, the referendum on the council’s approval, with 63.1% voting No. In July 2021 the City Council rescinded its certification of the project’s Environmental Impact Report. On … Read more