🌱 Dana Point $100M Marina Makeover + Sidewalk Parklet Permits

Good morning, friends. It's Saturday in Orange County and I'm back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening in O.C. Keep reading for the latest.

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• A nice night for the "Starry Starry Zoofari" Gala this weekend.
• Parklet permits are popular among downtown restaurants and businesses.
• How will $100 million change the Dana Point Marina?

📣 Our readers love to celebrate good news! You can now shout out your big announcement at the top of the Orange County Daily newsletter. Whether it's a grand opening, new product for sale, birthday, anniversary, engagement, wedding or new baby, let everyone celebrate alongside you! Submit your announcement here.

First, today's weather:

Periods of sun. High: 83 Low: 68.

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Here are the top 3 stories in Orange County today:

1. More than 400 guests are expected to attend the black-tie "Starry Starry Zoofari" Gala on Saturday, Aug. 20. The gala in Prentice Park will benefit the Santa Ana Zoo, "that is home to more than 260 animals, including some of the most interesting and engaging animals and endangered species," Zoo officials said in a press release. The parking, park and grounds are wheelchair accessible. You can find out more about this event here: (Orange County Patch)
2. Downtown Fullerton restaurants are applying for parklet permits to keep outdoor seating on the sidewalk and Wilshire Avenue. Businesses that extended seating onto the treelined street and sidewalks during the pandemic can now apply for a permit to continue using the outdoor space — and many restaurants and businesses are enthusiastic about the idea. The promenade now has a bike path in the center of the road, where bikers are asked to "walk their bikes" through the outside seating and walking area. The pilot program will be offered through June 30, 2024. (Orange County Register via Facebook)
3. The marina at Dana Point will have a $100 million makeover. The five-year marina overhaul is part of a $400 million renewal of Dana Point harbor. Nearly $310 million in funds for the project is coming from a grant from the new infrastructure bill approved last November. The Dana Point project qualified for federal funds as it will "capture, store and recycle more water in the drought-ridden West," Interior Secretary Deb Haaland said at a Thursday press conference in Irvine. (Orange County Register via Facebook)

Today in Orange County:

• Youth Leadership America — Anaheim Convention Center. (All Day)
• Summer Bird Walk — Crystal Cove Conservancy. (8 a.m.)
• Teen Volunteer Orientation: Rancho Santa Margarita Library. (10 a.m.)
• Free Citizenship Class In-Person — Huntington Beach Public Library. (10 a.m.)
• BBQ Music Fest — Aug. 19-21. (Noon)

From my notebook:

• German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County: "Smiling Cosmo is eager to please." (German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County via Facebook)
• Girl Scouts of Orange County: "🌊 🏆 Name the seal contest! Each year, Girl Scouts has a special mascot for our product programs. This year’s Fall Product Mascot is the Hawaiian Monk Seal!" (Girl Scouts of Orange County via Facebook)
• Big Rig Catches Fire | Fatal Crash: "OC Traffic Digest." (Orange County Patch)
• California Regulators: "Probe County Land Deal Next to Santa Ana College." (Voice of OC)
• Orange County Register: "There's already $1 million set aside to convert the old Cypress Fire Station into a new PAAL center." (Orange County Register via Facebook)

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Events:

• OC ParaCon Oct 1-2. (August 20)
• BBQ Music Fest — Aug. 19-21. (August 20)
• How to Successfully Navigate the Divorce Process — Vesta Irvine, California Hub. (August 23)
• CHOC Adventure in the Park presented by Disneyland® Resort. (August 27)
• Wonderful World Soirée with the Pageant of the Masters. (August 27)
• Lake Forest Martial Arts School Grand Opening. (September 10)
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Housing:

• Converting Home Equity to Cash & Creative Purchases (Details)
• Add your listing

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday off right! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow with a new update.

— Paula Constance

About me: Paula is a contributing writer, author, and award-winning media producer. She is committed to media projects that empower, engage, and help make the world a better place.When she's not writing, you can find her hiking or watching the fireflies in the sultry moments before sunset. You can follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Orange County Daily? Contact me at orangecounty@patch.com