Cover Story

Editor’s Note: OC Family Magazine’s first Cover Story, in June 1998, “Where We’re Going: Orange County Families Prepare for the New Millennium,” featured the Perrella family, then of Lake Forest. We have tracked down all the families we’ve needed for this special anniversary issue, except for them. An original contributor, who wrote the story, recalls our very first big topic. What follows are thoughts from Kimberly A. Porrazzo, who later became editor of our sister publication, OC METRO Business Magazine, through late 2007.

I was honored to have been selected to chronicle the state of Orange County family life at the turn of the century. I really felt the weight of responsibility to get the story right, knowing that somewhere down the line, people would be referring to it for historical perspective.

When I wrote the story, the 1997 OC Survey revealed that people were bullish on the local economy. The new South County village of Ladera Ranch was about to be unveiled. Stay-at-home dads were a novelty, as parents struggled to define roles.

In my interviews with families and community leaders, there was clearly a heightened sense of anticipation for what lay ahead. Many were regrouping for whatever the millennium would bring. Some were forecasting needs and trends, and trying to prepare for a growing population, increased traffic – many things we wrestle with today.

But regardless of what was happening as the new millennium arrived, moms knew instinctively that some things never change. They’d still be packing lunches, helping with homework and carpooling. And they were right. Then the moment came. And went.

When I wrote the story, my boys were 10 and 12. Little League was the most important thing in their world. Today, my oldest, now 22, is making decisions about his career path. Over the last decade, loved ones have died and babies have been born. Moms are still packing school lunches, and an-other Little League season has just about ended.

Looking back after 10 years, the world HAS changed. But the constant has been family. fam

Kimberly A. Porrazzo is the chief content officer for Churm Media.