🌱 Ampitheater Size Sparks Controversy + Dangerous High Speed Chase

Hi, all! Paula Constance here with your fresh copy of the Orange County Patch newsletter, filled with everything that's happening in OC today. In this edition, you'll read about these stories and more:

• Concerned residents want scaled-down amphitheater.
• Hundreds attend service for public defender Elliot Blair.
• Dangerous high-speed car chase with multiple carjackings.
• California's most Instagrammable spot is in Orange County.

But first, today's weather:

Times of clouds and sun. High: 63 Low: 53.

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Here are the top stories in Orange County today:

1. Hundreds attended a ceremony at Christ Cathedral Church on Saturday for Orange County public defender Elliot Blair. The 33-year-old was "laid to rest in Garden Grove." Blair and his wife, Kimberly Williams, also a public defender, were celebrating their first wedding anniversary at Las Rocas Resort and Spa, just south of Tijuana, where Mexican police say he fell to his death from a balcony. His family doesn't believe his death was an accident. (KABC-TV)
2. One of California's most Instagrammable spots is in Orange County. It's Disneyland! The Anaheim theme park made the top 10 list "with 2.46 million hashtag uses." Where will go you go for your next Instagram shot? #Disneyland? (Patch)
3. A dangerous high-speed car chase ended in the arrest of several suspects, after a home burglary in Buena Park. Officers were called by a homeowner who interrupted burglars on Friday at 7:15 p.m. The suspects stole his car and crashed it. They then called a Lyft, highjacked and crashed that car. The suspects then carjacked an Audi and led police on a harrowing car chase through Orange and Los Angeles county's, reaching speeds up to 150 m.p.h., switching cars with a friend at an underpass. When police closed in, the suspects fled on foot and were arrested. See sky news footage here: (NBC Southern California)
4. A controversy is brewing over residents' concerns about the size of a proposed concert venue in Great Park. Live Nation could pull out of the deal with Irvine to build a large 14,000-seat amphitheater "if the city moves ahead with a proposed scaled-down venue." The permanent outdoor amphitheater would replace the temporary FivePoint Amphitheater at an estimated cost of $130 million, "with the city contributing $110 million and Live Nation $20 million." Find out more here: (Reddit)

Today in Orange County:

• Ambassador Committee Meeting - Garden Grove Chamber of Commerce (11:00 AM)
• Gardening Club at Canyon Hills Branch (11:30 AM)
• 2nd & 4th Monday Leads Group - Greater Irvine Chamber of Commerce (11:45 AM)

From my notebook:

• Look who's been adopted: "HAPPY ENDING Look who has been adopted! Our very own Jolie stole the heart of her new family. They decided they had to make her a part of their lives. She has been adopted!" (German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County via Facebook)
• Firestorm of speculation: "Disney CEO Bob Iger set off a firestorm of speculation by uttering 'Avatar' and 'Disneyland' in the same sentence. Now, Mouse watchers are wondering the same thing: Where is this new 'experience' going to be built? ... We have some ideas." (Orange County Register via Facebook)
• Books wanted: "🚨 BOOKS WANTED! Every 76 books donated equals 2.5 hours of programs and services to place people into new jobs and careers in Orange County. Find your nearest store location or donation center:" (Goodwill of Orange County via Facebook)
• Mickey’s Toontown debut March 19: "Mickey’s Toontown will now debut on March 19 at the Anaheim theme park instead of the previously announced March 8 opening date." (Orange County Register via Facebook)
• Transgender inclusion policy: "Heated debate follows the World Surf League's recently released policy of transgender inclusion; the Santa Monica-based WSL says it's aligning with the International Surfing Association, the governing body for surfing in the Olympics." (Orange County Register via Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Monday. I'll see you around!

— Paula Constance

About me: Paula is a contributing writer, author, and media producer. When she's not writing, you can find her hiking or watching 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 Patch newsletter? Contact me at orangecounty@patch.com