This week in OC history: 2003

Below is a sampling of headlines and summaries of stories that ran this same week in the OC Register five years ago.

OC real estate data, for the 22 business days ending Feb. 7, 2003
Median: $365,000 (up 21.7%, year over year)
Sales volume: 3,405 (down 0.7%)
4-week home payment for SFR at average 30-year interest rate: $1,487 (up 6%)

Size matters, or does it? Parents and teachers fight to save the state's class size reduction program amidst budget issues. "Several studies on smaller classes, including four years of research on California's 20-1 program, have failed to make the case that improvements are due to smaller class sizes alone. "

PacSun's rise falls to girls. "At a time when many retailers are struggling because of the soft economy, 791-store Pacific Sunwear is on a hot streak...Pacific Sunwear's focus on building its girls business is the single biggest reason for the turnaround..."


Job cuts deeper than thought. A revised report showed the county's job losses were nearly 20,000 more than estimated. "The county averaged 19,800 fewer jobs than initially estimated based on an annual revision...For the year, the county lost 10,700 jobs, the first time in a decade the job market did not grow on an annual basis. The best the usually optimistic (Chapman University economist Esmael) Adibi could say about the numbers is that the worst appears to be over." (click to enlarge chart)

Kohling all shoppers. Kohls opened 28 stores in Southern California, including 8 on the same day, attracting a frenzy of shoppers. "They have good products at good prices," said Tina Viray, 51, of Huntington Beach. "It's crowded with long lines, but I'm sure it will die down when the grand opening is over."


County budget cuts coming. County supervisors committed to cutting $25 million from the 2004 budget. Areas seeing reduced support: affordable housing, health and adoption programs and the promotion of business, arts and tourism. "The cuts were decided upon as supervisors wrestled with uncertain finances, increasing costs of providing services and the belief that the county will suffer as the state considers solving its budget troubles." Click on the image at the right to enlarge.

Gas tops $2 mark. The average price of a gallon of gas broke through the $2 barrier, and experts warned it could go as high as $3 by the summer. "Orange County's gasoline was up nearly 34 cents from a month ago and nearly 67 cents from last year. 'It's time to look for additional ways to conserve,' said Jeffrey Spring, a spokesman for the Automobile Club."