Orange County Almanac
One of the biggest manhunts and shootouts in Orange County history involved the so-called Tomato Springs Bandit in 1912.
The bandit, later identified as Joe Matlock of Medford, Ore., had tied a 16-year-old girl to a fence post after being denied employment at the bean ranch where the girl lived.
Matlock then fled. He was sought by sheriff’s deputies and National Guardsmen in the El Toro area. Matlock shot and killed one deputy in an all-day shootout at Tomato Springs, near what is now Costa Mesa.
The siege ended when Matlock committed suicide by shooting himself in the head.
Today
Fashion, music and the challenges of working women will be explored at lunch with the Christian Women’s Club of Laguna Niguel.
The nondenominational group is open to all women in the region.
The program includes a fashion show from Revelation Dresses of Irvine and a performance by vocalist Jack Whitaker. A free preschool nursery is provided during the lunch, which begins at noon at the Laguna Hills Holiday Inn, 25205 La Paz Road.
Information: (714) 240-3493.
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