🌱 Angry Tweets From Travelers + Paratransit Drivers Return + K-9 Pax

Hello, friends! Today’s International Red Sneakers Day; did you know that it raises awareness of food allergies by remembering an 11-year-old boy with a tree nut allergy? It's Sylvia, your host of the Orange County Patch newsletter — here to tell you everything, including news about...

• 🧑‍⚖️ Burglars targeting the OC.
• 🩺 A new assisted living facility is opening.
• 🐶 A peer support K-9.

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🌤️ But first, today's weather:

Low clouds, then some sun. High: 75 Low: 60.

Are you a real estate agent in Orange County struggling to get leads in the current housing market? It's tough out there, but there is a way to stand out from the crowd and attract new clients. Our exclusive sponsorship in the Orange County newsletter can help you do just that. Click here to learn more and discover how you can take your business to the next level today.

⛽ Three of the Cheapest Gas Stations Across Orange County

• ARCO at 1935 E. Katella Ave. in Orange, $4.29
• PS Fuel at 12491 Haster St. in Garden Grove, $4.37
• World at 8972 Adams Ave. in Huntington Beach, $4.39

🍷 Hobby Poll Results
Everybody has hobbies. We asked: If time and money were no object this summer, which new hobby would you like to learn or take up? You answered!

• 20.6 percent - traveling
• 7.8 percent - flying
• 5.9 percent - ballroom dancing, line dancing
• 2.9 percent - fly-fishing, crocheting, Mahjong, basket making, dog training & showing, surfing, watercolor, pickleball, pottery, reading, horseback riding, wine collecting, car collecting, playing guitar, kickboxing, golf, roller skating, woodworking

Thank you for participating!

📰 Here are the top stories today in Orange County:

1. Who are the folks burglarizing Orange County? District Attorney Todd Spitzer said Wednesday that some belong to South American crime rings. His office charged more than 140 suspects over the last year. Of these, 24 reportedly are “part of five different burglary crews.” Spitzer described the operations of the various suspects and groups as “watching our every move, and when they think the timing is just right, they are smashing their way into our lives – and carrying out whatever cash, jewelry, and other expensive items they can find.” However, the prosecution can be frustrating. For example, the Chilean government refuses to cooperate when its nationals are involved. (Patch, ABC)
2. Santa Ana’s John Wayne Airport gets frequent Twitter mentions – but not in a good way. Researchers determined that 62 percent of tweets mentioning the facility were angry about delays and security issues. Insiders mention “unexpected California taxes and fees, limited take-off and landing times, and extended luggage wait times” in addition to long lines at the TSA and car rental counters. (Business Traveler)
3. Sunrise of Orange opened its assisted living facility near Eisenhower Park. The venue welcomes residents requiring memory care and accommodates “monthly wellness visits by licensed on-staff nurses.” Staff is available around the clock for the safety and convenience of residents. (Multi Housing News)
4. The county’s paratransit drivers have ended their two-week strike. A total of 250 drivers walked away from their jobs, leaving an anticipated 3,500 trip orders per day unfilled. Those affected were neighbors with disabilities and the elderly who no longer drive. The drivers had worked without a contract since the end of last year, and negotiations broke down on May 3. Everything should be back to normal by Monday. (CBS)
5. Have you met Pax? Since he’s a working pup, its official title is K-9 Pax, and the employer is the Orange County Fire Authority. This dog is the agency’s first-ever peer support K-9 “who is fully trained to support first responders in the wake of crisis situations.” The dog, and his handler, Firefighter Wade Munson, visit the fire stations and assist staff members as needed. And, no offense to Firefighter Munson, Pax gets all the attention everywhere he goes. (Orange County Fire Authority)

📆 Today in Orange County:

• Brunch & Yoga at Açaí Republic in Fullerton (8 AM)
• Free Compost Giveaway Event at Estancia High School in Costa Mesa (8 AM)
• Free Book Giveaway at the Haskett Branch Library in Anaheim (8 AM)
• Free Home Buyer Fair at the Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center (9 AM)
• 'Touch a Truck' Event at the Balboa Pier in Newport Beach (9 AM)

🖊️ From my notebook:

• "German Shepherd Rescue of OC needs emergency funds! We are getting overwhelmed by requests to help dogs and puppies that are in imminent danger. Your donation in ANY amount allow us to respond quickly when a life is on the line." (German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County via Facebook)
• "Did you know that Old Towne Orange offers a ghost walk? 👻 Led by Haunted Orange County, the Old Towne Orange Ghost Walk lasts about 1.5 hours and leads you to some of the most haunted locations in the Orange Plaza - including our event space." (OC Guide 🍊 Orange County events via Instagram)
• "Summer just got better! ☀️ Our annual OC Sunset Cinema series returns every Friday starting June 9 - September 8. Your favorite films will be on the big screen with exciting pre-show entertainment starting at 6 p.m. and movies around sunset." (OC Parks via Instagram)
• "🎓 Graduation season is here, and we couldn't be prouder of our students at Orange County Rescue Mission. Thanks to your kind support, our neighbors who are struggling with homelessness are accessing life-changing opportunities." (Orange County Rescue Mission via Facebook)
• "REGISTER TODAY! Every girl who renews by May 31 will receive a free registration to attend this year’s Fall Kickoff event. Plus, every girl and troop leader renewed by June 15 will receive an exclusive National Membership Patch!" (Girl Scouts of Orange County via Facebook)

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• Add your business here

Featured events:

• Free Home Buyer Event (May 20)
• 2023 San Clemente Garden Tour (May 20)
• Spring Garden Art Faire at Sherman Gardens (May 20)
• Armed Forces Day Celebration with Haley Reinhart, Ashley Gutermuth and Dogs on Deployment (May 20)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (May 22)
• Bello Welcomes Winemaker Chase Carhartt (May 24)
• Sounds of Summer Concert Cruise Featuring Surf's Up (May 27)
• OCBCAF Family Day Event (June 11)
• Add your event

Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll see you back in your inbox Tuesday with your next update.

— Sylvia Cochran

About me: Christ follower. Wife. Book dragon. Proud supporter of the Oxford comma.

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