🌱 Beach Plane Crash + Iconic Watson's Closes + Gas Prices Plummet

Hey, friends. It's me, Paula Constance, your host of the Orange County Daily — here to share everything you need to know that's happening locally. Follow along for the latest.

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First, today's weather:

A pleasant day with clouds and sun. High: 79 Low: 63.

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Here are the top 3 stories today in Orange County:

1. Old Town Orange will be saying goodbye to the iconic Watson’s soda fountain. They have been serving malts and burgers for more than a century. When they close their doors, they will be ending a historic chapter for the restaurant in the Orange Plaza. The iconic soda fountain is set to close its doors in a few weeks due to the "rising costs of rent and doing business," said owner Billy Skeffington He's looking to move into a mother space in Old Town with a simpler 1950s shake and burger eatery. (Orange County Register via Facebook)
2. Gas prices continue to plummet for the 39th consecutive day, officials said. The average price of gas dropped to $5.70 for a gallon of gas on Saturday—the lowest price since March 9. "Los Angeles wholesale gasoline prices have dropped by about $1.50 since their highest point in early June and are now at their lowest level since Feb. 28," said Doug Shupe, the Automobile Club of Southern California's corporate communications manager. (Patch)
3. A small plane crashed into the Pacific Ocean in Huntington Beach, startling beachgoers. Daniel Pino and his nephew were swimming at Huntington State Beach on Friday when Pino saw a small plane dropping extremely low to the water, that suddenly crashed into the waves, flipping over. The pilot was able to climb out of the cockpit of the sinking aircraft. Lifeguards raced to the pilot's rescue. (O.C. Register)

Today in Orange County:

• Legislative Breakfast 2022 - Fountain Valley Chamber of Commerce. (7:30 a.m.)
• Toddler Stories & Playtime at East Anaheim. (11:30 a.m.)
• Creativity Corner In-Person - Huntington Beach Public Library. (1 p.m.)
• Bilingual Family Storytime! at Central Library. (4 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County: "Suzy and Scooter are in desperate need of help!" (German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County via Facebook)
• Orange County Sheriff's Department, C.A: "Today is a great day to head over to the OC Fair! If you are visiting the fair with children, remember to talk to them about what to do if they become separated from you." (Orange County Sheriff's Department, CA via Facebook)
• Orange County Pit Bull Rescue: "How can we save Louie’s life!? Maybe he can crash with you? We pay for literally EVERYTHING!!! All he needs is a place to stay." (Orange County Pit Bull Rescue via Facebook)
• Orange County Fire Authority: "Thank you Angels baseball for honoring and welcoming Handcrew Firefighters Dylan Van Iwaarden and Phi Le onto the field last week and inviting 600 of their firefighter family to share in an amazing night." (Orange County Fire Authority via Facebook)
• O.C. Parks: "We're seeing blue on this #ScenicSaturday with breathtaking water views at Dana Point Harbor in Dana Point. 🎣 Once called "The only romantic spot on the coast," by author Richard Henry Dana, who landed here in the 1830s." (OC Parks via Instagram)

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You're caught up for today. I'll see you soon!

— Paula Constance

About me: Paula is a freelance writer, author, and award-winning media producer. She is committed to media projects that empower, engage, and help make the world a better place. You can find her on Instagram and Twitter.

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