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The City of Orange, with a present population estimated at 127,600, is situated in central Orange County, approximately 32 miles southeast of Los Angeles. The City’s land area is 24 square miles, with a "sphere of influence" area of 55 square miles. The City of Orange was incorporated in 1888. However, Orange dates back to 1869 when Alfred Chapman and Andrew Glassell, both lawyers, accepted 1,385 acres of land from the Rancho Santiago de Santa Ana as legal fees. Soon thereafter, the men laid out a one square mile town with ten-acre farm lots surrounding a forty acre central town site. The center of the town site became known as the Plaza, which has become the symbol of the community. Today, the Plaza and the original one square mile town site contain many homes and buildings dating to the early days of the City and the site is registered on the National Historic Register. The City is fortunate to be located in the center of Southern California. As such, the City has become home to many leading businesses, hospitals, and commercial centers. In addition, the City has excellent educational opportunities from preschool through post-graduate programs, including Santiago Canyon College and Chapman University and its Law School. The City is served by the Orange Unified School District, which provides elementary, middle and high schools throughout the City. The City provides a full range of services for its citizens. These services include police, fire, paramedic, library, recreation and parks, planning and development, street improvements and lighting, and general administration. The City also operates a water utility and provides for refuse collection and sanitation. In addition, the City provides aid to its citizens in the form of residential and commercial rehabilitation loans and economic development programs.
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