🌱'Barbie' Jeeps + Toxic Algae Beaches Sea Lions +Asphalt Plant Moving

Hi all. It's me, Paula Constance, your host of the Orange County Daily. Here's everything you need to know today in Orange County.

• What's the story with O.C's "Barbie" jeeps?
• Toxic algae blooms spark hundreds of concerned calls about beached sea lions.
• Will Irvine condemn a troublesome asphalt plant?

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First, today's weather:

Low clouds, then sun. High: 82 Low: 67.

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Here are the top 3 stories in Orange County today:

1. What are those crazy "Barbie Jeeps" you see driving around Orange County? KTLA’s Samantha Cortese, Andy Riesmeyer and Bobby Gonzalez discovered them on a road trip to O.C. looking for fun activities. The "Barbie Jeep" has an actual name — it's a MOKE. The colorful oversized buggy is an electric car — technically an electric LSV (Low-Speed Vehicle that is "street legal" that has a top speed of 25 mph "and can travel up to 40 miles on one change," according to Newport Beach Electric MOKE Car Rentals. Check out MOKE's and other fun things to do in O.C. here: (KTLA)
2. Toxic algae blooms are causing hundreds of very ill sea lions to wash up on SoCal beaches that could signal "a rough season ahead." Marine mammal veterinarians in Laguna Beach and San Pedro "are paying close attention" to toxic algae bloom off the Ventura County coast that is "sickening hundreds of sea lions with domoic acid exposure." Officials at the Channel Island Marine and Wildlife Institute in Santa Barbara are rushing to help mostly adult sea lions who are very ill on beaches, they said they are "fielding as many as 100 calls a day." (OC Register)
3. An Irvine City councilman has "floated the idea" of condemning an asphalt plant emitting fumes that have been violating air quality standards. The idea is to use an eminent domain to condemn the plant so it can be used for the greater good of the community. The discussion Tuesday will be at a time when a "settlement that would relocate the plant is imminent." The idea of potentially launching condemnation proceedings that would allow the city to achieve the goal of shutting down the plant more quickly and use the land for public use will be discussed at the request of Councilman Larry Agran at the City Council meeting. (Orange County Register via Facebook)

Today in Orange County:

• Net Zero Conference 2022 — ASLA Southern California. (All Day)
• Senior Advisory Board Meeting — City of Lake Forest. (10 a.m.)

From my notebook:

• German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County: "Introducing Rio, age 7 months and eager for a fresh start!" (German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County via Facebook)
• Orange County Register: "The Los Angeles Times owner is a minority owner of the Lakers and once tried to partner to buy the Dodgers in 2012." (Orange County Register via Facebook)
• Philharmonic Society of Orange County: "🎉 CD & TICKET GIVEAWAY: We’re giving away Sheku Kanneh-Mason's new album 'Song' as well as four tickets to our Opening Night concert." (Philharmonic Society of Orange County via Facebook)
• YMCA OF ORANGE COUNTY: "A special thank you to all of our amazing sponsors, volunteers, staff, vendors, and attendees that made our 2022 Fullerton Family YMCA Crab Feast a success! It was a great evening filled with food, fun, and fundraising for local youth." (YMCA OF ORANGE COUNTY via Facebook)
• Orange County Register: "The annual three-day festival will celebrate its 15th anniversary April 28-30, 2023, at the Empire Polo Club in Indio. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Sept. 16." (Orange County Register via Facebook)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow morning with your next 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