🌱 California Best For Women Businesses + 279 More Homes + New Eatery

Hello and happy Thursday! I'm back in your inbox this morning to walk you through the most important things happening in Orange County today. Let's do this.

First, today's weather:

Areas of low clouds, then sun. High: 82 Low: 66.

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Here are the 4 top stories today in Orange County:

1. Way to go, California! The Golden State is at the top of the list as the best state for women-owned businesses, according to a study by Clarify Capital. The number of women-owned businesses has grown to almost 13 million, according to the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council. The recent study found that some states are better for women-owned businesses than others. California, Colorado and New York topped the list! (CNBC)
2. The California Pizza Kitchen announced they will be opening its first CPK franchise restaurant in Canada on Aug. 1. The new restaurant in Edmonton, Alberta, will be Canada's first. The growing Costa Mesa-based franchise has almost 200 restaurants across eight countries with plans to ramp up franchise growth in the U.S. (Subscription/Orange County Business Journal)
3. If you're looking for new construction, Rancho Mission Viejo will have 279 more homes. The Orange County sprawling new home project in the southern foothills is building its third village, Rienda, which opened for sale this spring. Rienda’s first construction phase by Lennar builders was 671 homes in seven neighborhoods. Now, four more communities are underway. The starting price for a new, single-family home? Just over $1 million. (OC Register)
4. A new restaurant with South-of-Border flair opened right across from Disneyland. Calaca Mamas Cantina is right across the street from the entrance to Disneyland on Harbor Boulevard. The Mexican restaurant, which opened in May and is themed around the Mexican Day of The Dead, was founded by experienced restaurateur sisters Angela and Mariam El Haj. The new eatery has become popular with locals and visitors. (Orange County Business Journal)

Today in Orange County:

• Harry Potter Day — Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach. (All Day)
• Safety Officer Stop the Bleed Training In-Person. (9 a.m.)
• Teen Yoga In-Person — Huntington Beach Public Library. (2 p.m.)
• Movie Day at Euclid Branch — Anaheim Public Library - Children's Programs. (3:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• O.C. Parks: "How nostalgic will the upcoming #OCSunsetCinema be? The limit does not exist! Join us for a showing of the classic 2000s comedy 'Mean Girls' this Friday, July 22, at Yorba Regional Park in Anaheim." (OC Parks via Instagram)
• German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County: "Available for adoption. Hey everyone, my name is Frankie. I'm a 5-year-old guy, friendly and kinda laid back. I like to hang out with the other dogs — we play and have fun. Well, as long as the dogs aren't too small." (German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County via Facebook)
• Orange County Register: "Spectators lined the sand as early as daybreak on Tuesday, July 19, as word spread that big waves were showing up this week, touted as the largest so far this summer season, if not the entire year." (Orange County Register via Facebook)
• Orange County Sheriff's Department, C.A.: "Visiting the beach? Remember to limit how many valuables you take with you." (Orange County Sheriff's Department, CA via Facebook)
• Orange County (NC) Recreation: "It's back! Registration open now for Youth Fall Soccer! Register by Aug. 19." (Orange County (NC) Recreation via Instagram)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning with a new update.

— 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