🌱 CalFresh Pays For Groceries + New Rabid Bat Alert + $1M For Autism

Good morning, friends! It's Paula Constance, your host of the Orange County Daily — here with everything happening today in Orange County, including news about:

• New CalFresh program for grocery bills.
• Second rabid bat in Orange County.
• $1M windfall for autism program.

But first, today's weather:

A shower and thunderstorm. High: 72 Low: 64.

🏡 Attention, real estate pros in Orange County! We're now offering an exclusive sponsorship opportunity for an agent interested in attracting local clients and standing apart from the competition. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top stories today in Orange County:

1. CalFresh is helping OC families offset higher food costs. Officials said the new CalFresh program provides a possible benefit of more than $900 a month to help with a family’s grocery budget. How do you qualify? Individuals who earn$18K or less, or a family making $38K or less should apply for the program. CalFresh is spreading the word, as many families who qualify haven't applied for the free program! (NBC Southern California)
2. Officials have issued a warning for Orange County after finding a second rabid bat. The Orange County Health Care Agency (OC HCA) said that "two bats discovered in OC in September tested positive for rabies." Health officials warn people and their pets to avoid contact with all wild animals and make sure that pets are vaccinated against rabies, among other precautions. “Do not approach bats, wildlife, or other mammals seen exhibiting odd behavior,” health officials said. "To report a bat in your home or an animal bite, contact OC Animal Care at (714) 935-6848." (New University)
3. A $1 million state windfall is helping Easterseals Southern California launch expanded services to help more children with autism. The funds will help children "who may develop severe behaviors that can isolate them in school and the community." (Orange County Register via Facebook)

Today in Orange County:

• Forever Footprints' Annual Walk to Remember (7:15 a.m.)

From my notebook:

• Roctoberfest Reunion: "Look who stopped by at the annual ROCTOBERFEST reunion! It's Zeus--one of our more recent adoptees! Zeus loves his family and is entertaining the notion of adding a buddy to his pack one day soon." (German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County via Facebook)
• Goodwill grand reopening celebration: "📣 SAVE THE DATE 📣 We are excited to reopen our flagship Santa Ana store and debut a refreshed and modernized thrift shop. Join us for the grand reopening celebration!" (Goodwill of Orange County via Facebook)
• Irvine Regional Park's 125th anniversary: "🎈 Irvine Regional Park's 125th anniversary celebration was filled with fun for the whole family!" (OC Parks via Instagram)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Storage Valet — (Visit website)
• Au Pair Childcare USA — (Visit Website)
• Newport Academy — (Visit website)
• The Pumpkin Factory at Westminster Mall — (Visit website)
• Tomii healing & wellness — (Visit website)
• Add your business here

Events:

• Harvest Boutique (October 22)
• Urijah Faber's A1 Combat #6 Talbott VS Jimenez - Live Pro MMA! (October 22)
• Art for a Smile: Paintings by Hue Nguyen (November 12)
• Add your event

You're all caught up for today! See you all tomorrow morning for another 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 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