🌱 Bill To 'End Offshore Drilling' in OC + You Can Live At The Mall

Good morning, friends! It's Paula Constance, your host of the Patch newsletter. Here's everything you need to know that's happening in Orange County today, including:

• You can now live at the Mall!
• Orange County Fire Authority Open House is coming to Irvine.
• Bill would end offshore drilling "in state waters."
• More rain this week.

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny with a shower. High: 55 Low: 47.

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Here are the top stories today in Orange County:

1. It's a dream come true for shoppers. You can now live at the mall! It's true. O.C. malls will now "be places to live as well as shop." Malls in Orange County "are being redeveloped into mixed-use developments" that will have both shopping and apartments to help increase the region's need for housing. Find out more here: (Los Angeles Times)
2. In just one week, see live fire demonstrations, dog arson detection and rescue demonstrations, and vehicle extractions at the Orange County Fire Authority's Open House 2023, which will take place at OCFA headquarters, 1 Fire Authority Road in Irvine, Saturday, March 4, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Find out more here: (OCFA via Facebook)
3. A proposed bill would "end offshore oil drilling in state waters." The law would require officials "to negotiate with companies that own the leasing rights to the last three of those platforms." All three oil drilling platforms are off the coast of Orange County. (Orange County Register via Facebook)
4. More rain is heading to Orange County on Monday, but it will be nothing like the powerful storm that brought rain, snow and strong winds to Southern California last week. The rain will arrive Monday morning and "is expected to last through Wednesday." Orange County can expect "light rain, with a high temperature of 56 degrees." (ABC7)

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Today in Orange County:

• Drop-in Tech Help at the Laguna Hills Technology Library (10:00 AM)
• Nature Storytime: Rancho Santa Margarita Library with IRC (10:30 AM)
• Crafts for Adults with Developmental Disabilities - Garden Grove Main Library (11:00 AM)
• ESL Conversation Group - Laguna Beach Library (11:00 AM)
• Gardening Club at Canyon Hills Branch (11:30 AM)

From my notebook:

• Happy ending after broken leg: "HAPPY ENDING! Hey, it's me...HART. Remember me? I came in with a broken leg after being left at a shelter. I was so scared! That shelter is a noisy place. GSROC put me in a foster home. Well, I took one look around and knew it was where ..." (German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County via Facebook)
• Tips to stay warm safely: "Is it cold enough for you? If it is & you’re thinking of using a space heater, here are a few tips to stay warm & safe: ✅ Plug the device directly into a wall outlet. ✅ Keep it at least 3’ away from anything that can burn. ✅ For more tips..." (Orange County Fire Authority via Facebook)
• Congratulations on Youth Winter Basketball Season: "Congratulations to players, parents, and coaches on a successful 2022-23 Youth Winter Basketball Season. We loved seeing all the improvement, teamwork, and fun! Hope to catch you all back on the court soon! #ocncrec Orange County..." (Orange County (NC) Recreation via Instagram)
• Extra COVID-19 benefits end: "In March, extra benefits offered during coronavirus emergency will cease, reducing the benefits provided through the state's CalFresh program by at least $95." (Orange County Register via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• What Happens to the Home in Divorce? (March 1)
• The Beatles vs The Stones show! (March 2)
• Urban Farm School (March 4)
• 2023 Youth Football and Cheerleading In-Person Registration (March 4)
• Add your event

For sale:

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Monday. I'll see you around!

— Paula Constance

About me: Paula is a contributing writer, author, and media producer. When she's not writing, you can find her hiking or watching 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 Patch newsletter? Contact me at orangecounty@patch.com