If we compare the 1920 census figures with 1990 census figures, it looks
like Orange County(1920), population-wise, could be comparable to Kern
County(1990) or San Joaquin County(1990). This makes a certain amount of
sense, since we know James Irvine II had to put in Irvine Lake because
of depleting the ground water supply for extensive orange crops during that
period.
My grandmother tells an amusing story: she recalls visiting Laguna Beach
as a small child with her parents. At the time, not being particularly
interested in lots which had been platted, but lacked niceties such as actual
road access, they decided to press on and investigate the more promising
opportunities(?) in Temecula poultry operations.
-Dave