🌱 Berm Camera + Pacific Surfliner Cuts + Shoutout To Joshua Conger

Good morning, friends! Today’s World Softball Day; did you know that it was invented in 1887 as an indoor sport? I'm back with your fresh edition of the Orange County Patch newsletter. Today's briefing includes news about:

• ⚠️ An arrest of 10 robbery suspects.
• 🍜 A taste of Japan.
• 🌊 The Aliso Beach berm in Laguna Beach.

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🌤️ But first, today's weather:

Clouds breaking for sun. High: 73 Low: 60.

⛽ Three of the Cheapest Gas Stations Across Orange County

• Berri Brothers at 14501 Red Hill Ave. in Tustin, $4.29
• Mobil at 2500 E. Lincoln Ave. in Anaheim, $4.29
• Mobil at 16001 Beach Blvd. in Huntington Beach, $4.39

🏖️ Vacation Poll!
Are you traveling this summer? What is your favorite type of vacation? So far:

• 20 percent each choose a camping trip, cruise, or road trip
• 13.4 percent each opt for a staycation or local trip
• 6.7 percent each favor a national park trip, beach or island trip, or Jeep trip

📰 Here are the top stories today in Orange County:

1. Authorities say an Anaheim criminal street gang is allegedly connected to at least “13 robberies (that) occurred between June and Dec. 2022 in several cities including Anaheim, Buena Park, La Habra, Orange, Placentia, Santa Ana, and Stanton.” The Anaheim Police Department’s Gang Unit collaborated with Placentia police to arrest 10 suspects, nine of whom are juveniles. Searches revealed “two firearms, narcotics, and stolen property.” (KTLA)
2. Who’s digging sand out of the Aliso Beach berm in Laguna Beach? Is it skimboarders who like the creation of a standing wave? Lifeguards are planning a camera installation to catch those digging in the act. The berm “helps prevent water from Aliso Creek – and any contaminants that may have washed to the coast – from gushing to the ocean and into the protected marine habitat.” (The Orange County Register)
3. Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner announced Monday that its run from San Diego to Irvine would be reduced from five to three round daily trips. Billed as a cost-cutting measure, the reduction of trips also comes with no café, BizClass, and baggage service. “The move comes just a week after another landslide in San Clemente forced closures from North County to Irvine -- the third time this year.” (NBC)
4. A shoutout to 12-year-old Joshua Conger of Chino! Drawing on his own experience with frequent hospitalizations, he wanted to make sure that children in his position would have toys “so they don’t have to feel sad.” Working with his family, he launched a toy drive – while being hospitalized himself multiple times – that allowed for the donation of around 1,800 toys to patients at Children’s Hospital of Orange County. (NBC)
5. A taste of Japan is coming to the STC Anaheim Gardenwalk this weekend. Look forward to Japanese food and pop culture, cosplay, and street eats. Besides that, there’ll be “Japanese drummers, martial artists, anime, and also special events such as Yokocho Fest, Goodie Bag, Lucky Raffle!” Festivities begin Friday at 4 p.m. and Saturday at noon. Admission is free! (Taste of Japan)

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📆 Today in Orange County:

Tuesday, June 13

• Ad Hoc Residential Crime & Burglary Advisory Committee Meeting in Newport Beach (7:30 AM)
• Tustin Economic Development Meeting via Zoom (9 AM)
• Yoga, Meditation, & Journaling at Crystal Cove State Park (9 AM)
• Preschool Storytime at the Irvine University Park Library (10:30 AM)
• Tech Tuesday computer help at the Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Library (11 AM)

In partnership with T-Mobile:

Do you know an Orange County dad whose texts make you smile? This Father’s Day, celebrate him with a shoutout on Patch. Just fill out this simple form and we’ll do the rest!

🖊️ From my notebook:

• "Always at the ready, OCFA is constantly training, ensuring our skills and equipment match and exceed any potential threats to our communities. That is especially true as we approach the peak months of fire season." (Orange County Fire Authority via Facebook)
• "Donate at the Placentia donor center one last time! Donate blood between June 12- July 18 and receive FREE vintage LifeStream swag! Become a hero to someone in need. Donate on select days and get FREE lunch + FREE swag!" (LifeStream)
• "Calling all LGBTQ+ owned businesses in Orange County! The LGBTQ Center OC is creating a directory for members of our community to find and support local queer owned businesses. If you are interested in being added, contact our Director." (LGBTQ Center, Orange County, via Facebook)
• "Model/Actriz comes to our Constellation Room on July 29. Grab your presale tickets with code DISCO on Tuesday at 10am before the general on sale on Friday at 10am. 🎟️ https://livemu.sc/3NnZLxC" (The Observatory Orange County via Facebook)
• "Bring color to your life! 🌈 Discover the vibrant magic of colorful pieces and add a splash of joy to your everyday style and home at OC Goodwill!" (Goodwill of Orange County via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• 5th Annual Summer Suds Brewfest (June 17)
• ☀️ Summer-time Shop N’ Shine! Let’s Shop & Have a Blast!!! (June 17)
• Father's Day Lunch Harbor Cruise with Tacos & Beer (June 18)
• Add your event

Featured announcements:

• Drug Rehabs San Diego Accept Most Health Insurances (Details)
• Add your announcement

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

— 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