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 McArthurThe 2026 Orange Field of Valor runs Saturday, November 7th through Thursday, November 12th. During this week long event the Field of Valor will be open for American flag sponsors and visitation from 10 am to 8 pm daily with the exception of opening and closing day. Those hours will be as follows: The Orange … Read more
The 2026 OC Zoo Halloween Zoo-tacular took place at Irvine Regional Park on Saturday, October 24, 2026, with trick-or-treating, a scavenger hunt, spooky kids’ crafts and pumpkin treats for the zoo animals. The 2027 date is TBD 2027. Children ages 12 and under could join the trick-or-treating and scavenger hunt, with candy and prizes while … Read more
The 2026 Irvine Park Pumpkin Patch season has ended. It ran September 12 through November 1, 2026 at Irvine Park Railroad in Irvine Regional Park. Families can visit the pumpkin patch, enjoy fall activities, ride the train or wagon and take part in seasonal attractions. Weekend reservations were required September 26 through October 25, and … Read more
Orange Treats in the Streets took place at Old Towne Orange Plaza on Thursday, October 29, 2026. The free family Halloween event brought local businesses, community organizations and families together for an afternoon of costumes, candy, giveaways and seasonal activities in the Orange Circle. The 2027 date is TBD 2027. For several decades, the City … Read more
The City of Orange Concerts in the Park series are held at the Hart Park Bandshell on Wednesdays from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The events are free and open to the public. Enjoy live music with friends and family under the summer sky at the Hart Park Bandshell featuring different music each week including … Read more