EDITORIAL

It is obvious that Henry T. Segerstrom thinks big.

He comes from line of visionaries who turned a family farm into a

retail dynasty. In 1967, Segerstrom brought South Coast Plaza to the

community. To date, it is one of the largest -- and swankiest -- malls in

the nation.

He has been called a genius for his business leadership and acumen.

For his generosity and passion for the arts community, he should be

labeled a hero.

Segerstrom’s most recent contribution, a $40-million gift to expand

the Orange County Performing Arts Center, is only the latest in a string

of donations that helped Costa Mesa become recognized as an arts and

cultural mecca. Many are calling it the county’s largest single cash gift

ever.

The funds will be used toward building the $200-million, 2,000-seat

Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall -- named for the donor and his

late wife, who was also an avid arts patron. The expansion project is

particularly dear to Segerstrom, who has bolstered The Center since its

inception.

Around the time Segerstrom was creating the retail empire, he began

looking to the future of arts and culture in the city. The Segerstrom

family donated the land and $6 million more than 20 years ago for the

cultural center that opened in 1986 and the nearby South Coast Repertory

theater.

Henry Segerstrom also recently donated another six acres -- a parcel

valued at more than $13 million -- for The Center’s expansion.

He has been the Daddy Warbucks to the arts community’s Little Orphan

Annie.

It is a rare thing to have a philanthropist like Segerstrom -- who

also contributes to several national and local charities -- in the

community.

He might have a mind for big business, but he has a big heart to

match.