🌱 Ash Wednesday Ukraine + Magic Migration Parade + Banks Robbed

Hello, Orange County! Let's start today with everything you need to know going on in OC today.

First, today's weather:

Sunny and pleasant today. High: 71. Low: 46.

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Here are the top stories today in Orange County:

1. Ash Wednesday mass in Orange County signaled the beginning of Lent and was also a time to pray for peace in Ukraine at Christ Cathedral Campus in Garden Grove. For Christians, Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of 40 days of prayer, self-sacrifice, and acts of charity preparing for Holy Week and Easter. Ash Wednesday is a time when Christians turn back to the Lord, focus on prayer, fasting, and almsgiving "and particularly this year, to pray for what's happening in Ukraine and pray hearts will be changed," said Bishop Timothy Freyer." You can read the full story here: (KABC-TV)
2. Police are asking for the public's help to identify a bank robber called the 'Black & White Sneaker Bandit.' The white man, appearing to be in his 50s, was named for the sneakers he wore committing the crimes. At least eight Orange County banks have been hit, including banks in Fullerton, Huntington Beach, and Costa Mesa. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation Los Angeles Field Office at (310) 477-6565. You can also submit anonymous tips through the Orange County Crime Stoppers by calling (855) TIP-OCCS or by visiting their website at www.occrimestoppers.org. (County News Service)
3. The Magical Migration Parade wound through Dana Point Harbor on Saturday, March 5, with a large balloon of a gray and white whale. The ballon leading a parade celebrating the migration of whales in California was held low due to high winds as it traveled over the Island Way bridge in Dana Point Harbor. The Festival of Whales Parade in Dana Point was the 51st annual Festival of Whales. You can read the full story here: (OC Register)

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Today in Orange County:

• MOVE Laguna: 1st Mondays FREE at Art of Fitness Laguna.(All Day)
• Say Something Week - Estancia High. (All Day)
• Resume Review: On-Site - Anaheim Workforce Connection. (9 a.m.)
• Miss Maribel's Virtual Family Storytime Online. (10 a.m.)
• Identifying Career and Upskilling Opportunities: On-Site. (1 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County: "ALUMNI UPDATE! Hi everyone, it’s me Ozzie (aka Oreo)!" (Facebook)
• Orange County Register: "A $22.95 million sprawling 1,225-acre ranch 7 miles northeast of San Juan Capistrano is for sale." (Facebook)
• Orange County Register: "Universal Studios Hollywood and Six Flags Magic Mountain will no longer require visitors to show proof of full vaccination or wear face masks." (Facebook)
• Orange Unified School District: "The Angels Baseball Foundation, with support from Magical Builders and the City of Anaheim, refurbished two fields used by Anaheim Hills Elementary School and Anaheim Hills Little League." (Instagram)

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Events:

• Taxes in Retirement Webinar. (Mar. 14)
• Taxes in Retirement Webinar. (Mar. 14)
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You're caught up today! See you tomorrow for another update.

— Paula Constance

About me: I am a freelance writer, author, and media producer. I am committed to media projects that empower, engage, and help make the world a better place. One of my favorite jobs? Working with Imagineering for The Walt Disney Company.