🌱 Can 40 Whales Keep Water Clean + Horses Skip Parade + Ukraine

Good morning, Orange County!

Here's everything you need to know today to start your day.

The OC Daily brings you highlights of top stories and events in the OC community to start your day. Please share The Daily with neighbors and friends if you see something they may be interested in or may like to know.

First, today's weather:

Windy with plenty of sunshine. High: 72 Low: 45.

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Here are the top stories in Orange County today:

1. Whales will be swimming through Orange County to celebrate Earth Month, but not in the way you may think. Huntington Beach artist Dave Reynolds created 40 colorful 8-foot-long flat whale statuettes made with a tapestry of colors. Look for them throughout Orange County to raise public awareness about keeping trash and harmful chemicals out of our marine waterways and watershed. "Water pollution affects us all," Orange County Municipal Water District General Manager Rob Hunter said in a statement. You can read the full story here: (The Los Angeles Times)
2. The annual spring Swallows Day Parade in San Juan Capistrano will be on March 12 after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, but the parade will be missing a prominent feature — its horses. For the first time in its 62-year history, the San Juan Capistrano, a city known for its equestrian culture, will feature classic cars and wagons due to an outbreak of a very contagious equine virus in Southern California that veterinarians say could have a devastating impact on horses. The 1.6-mile route typically features 400 to 500 horses, but Jim Taylor, president of the Fiesta Association which puts on the city’s annual Swallows Day Parade, said new plans ready to go, adding, “the crowd will not be disappointed.” You can read the full story here: (The OC Register)
3. Businesses in Orange County are collecting donations to help refugees fleeing from Ukraine which is besieged by Russia. Americans with ties to Russia and Ukraine are collecting diapers, warm clothes, and other items as the country continues fighting off Russian soldiers. You can find out more about how you can help here: (KABC-TV)

Today in Orange County:

• Jazz Jam at The Falls Lounge — Arts and Culture Events in Orange County. (9 p.m.)
• International Women's Day — Garden Grove Chamber of Commerce. (All Day)
• Dealing with Disobedience in Spanish. (All Day)
• Ambassador Meeting — Anaheim Chamber of Commerce. (7:30 a.m.)

From my notebook:

• German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County: "Happy ending! So much in the world right now is not happy. So, we wanted to bring you a truly happy item." (Facebook)
• Orange County Register: "Up for grabs at $22.95 million is a sprawling 1,225-acre ranch 7 miles northeast of San Juan Capistrano." (Facebook)
• The Observatory Orange County: "Tonight's a fun one — Joan is here in the Constellation Room with Sawyer." (Facebook)

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Events:

• Taxes in Retirement Webinar. (March 14)
• Taxes in Retirement Webinar. (March 14)
• Make New Friends! (March 16)
• St. Patrick's Day Pub Crawl & Block Party! (March 17)
• The Elephant Man Play & Heartfelt Fundraiser for Eddy Newton! (March 18)
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• Retired Public Employees Association Membership Brunch. (Details)
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Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll see you tomorrow morning with your next update.

— Paula Constance

About me: I am a freelance writer, author, and media producer. I am committed to media projects that empower, engage, and help make the world a better place. One of my favorite jobs? Working with Imagineering for The Walt Disney Company.