🌱 Casa Romantica News + Hero Landscapers + Arrest Over School Threats

Welcome back, Orange County! Today’s National Chocolate Ice Cream Day; did you know that the first recorded mention of this treat goes back to 1692 in Naples, Italy? I'm here with what's going on around the community. Today's issue includes news about:

• ⚠️ An attempted follow-home robbery.
• 🏒 Hockey in the OC.
• 🥇 Shoutout to Sgt. Matt Anderson and Deputies Derek De Caro and Evan Sanchez.

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🌥️ But first, today's weather:

Low clouds, then some sun. High: 72 Low: 59.

⛽ Three of the Cheapest Gas Stations Across Orange County

• Sam’s Club at 17099 Brookhurst St. in Fountain Valley, $4.29
• Berri Brothers at 1234 N. Main St. in Orange, $4.37
• VP Racing Fuels at 8971 Katella Ave. in Anaheim, $4.39

📰 Here are the top stories today in Orange County:

1. A Fullerton homeowner’s landscapers are heroes for helping fight off a group of suspects who had followed their customer home. The suspects then attacked the man with pepper spray. However, he fought back, and his landscapers came to the rescue. We have no word yet on any arrests, despite the incident being caught on a number of surveillance cameras. (Fox)
2. We have a suspect in a number of threats made to Orange County schools. Police arrested a 29-year-old San Rafael resident and “booked (him) into the Orange County Jail on suspicion of crimes including criminal threats, false report of a bomb and false report of an emergency.” Threats began in December after a football game. Reportedly, Laguna Hills High School beat Bellarmine College Preparatory 28-27. Threats involved false reports of shooters, fake bomb threat calls, and mailed death threats. Some of the threats were directed at student athletes. (Patch, Marin Independent Journal/paywall)
3. Casa Romantica Update: The San Clemente hillside is sliding again. Authorities closed the Metrolink and Amtrak Pacific Surfliner train tracks on Monday – after reopening them on May 27. Reportedly, there “appeared to be another significant movement of dirt on the hillside overlooking the tracks, just below the Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens.” Amtrak assisted passengers with buses, and Metrolink gave its customers $50 Uber vouchers. Casa Romantica operators have been in contact with the city and “will remain open to the public in the approved portions of the estate during its regular hours.” (Patch, Times of San Diego, Casa Romantica)
4. In July, Sgt. Matt Anderson and Deputies Derek De Caro and Evan Sanchez were dispatched to the Mission Viejo Mall. A woman was threatening to jump off the parking structure. They worked together to find a connection with the woman and talk her – literally – off the ledge. Now, they were awarded the “Medal for Lifesaving at this year’s Medal of Valor” event. (Orange County Sheriff’s Department)
5. How does Orange County rank for hockey fans? Stanley Cup insiders looked around to see what cities would be great for fans and ranked then. Boston, Massachusetts, is in No. 1 while Burlington, Vermont ranks last at No. 75. Anaheim represents Orange County in No. 15. Other California cities mentioned are San Jose as No. 22 and Los Angeles as No. 23. (WalletHub)

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📆 Today in Orange County:

Wednesday, June 7

• Online Financial Fitness Workshop for small business owners with the Fountain Valley Chamber of Commerce (9 AM)
• The OC WORKFORCE Mobile Unit is at the Huntington Beach Adult School (9 AM)
• ESL Conversation Group meets at the Stanton Library (10 AM)
• 19th Annual Scholarship Luncheon Benefiting the Orangewood Foundation at the Balboa Bay Resort in Newport Beach (11 AM)
• Business Networking Group with the Orange Chamber of Commerce at Zito's Pizza in Orange (11:45 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:

• "Three-month-old Austin has his eye on you! He is an adorable fluffernutter combination, probably with husky and shepherd. He has a soft, thick coat and a very easy-going demeanor. Austin loves to play with dogs of all sizes, and he is equally happy to lie in the sun and relax." (German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County via Facebook)
• "🎉 Congratulations to our GSOC Outstanding Senior Girl Scout recipients: Darby, Abbie, Ani, Meghan, Alexis, Suhani, Natalie, and Nikki! Girl Scouts of Orange County would also like to congratulate all Girl Scouts from the class of 2023 for all of their achievements!" (Girl Scouts of Orange County via Facebook)
• "🎓 Grad season is here and GSOC is proud to celebrate Dr. Vikki Shepp’s recent graduation from the University of Southern California, Rossier School of Education, with her Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (EdD)." (Girl Scouts of Orange County via Facebook)
• "“You’ve Got the EDGE!” Congratulations to Bianca Cannavo, Speech & Language Therapist at Imperial Elementary School, and Richard Snooks, Sr. Maintenance Specialist/Repair & Construction, our June 2023 Employees of the Month. 👏 At last week’s board meeting, Bianca and Richard were honored for exemplifying one or more of the District’s core values of Integrity, Equity, Respect & Excellence. Thank you for all you do!" (Orange Unified School District via Instagram)
• "Would you like to make a difference in the community? Our awesome partners at the Trauma Intervention Program of Orange County are looking for compassionate individuals to join their team of dedicated community volunteers who provide emotional first aid and practical resources to those who are emotionally traumatized in emergency situations." (Orange County Fire Authority via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• The 3 Keys to Ignite Your Inner Artist (June 8)
• The Three Keys to Ignite Your Inner Artist (June 8)
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• Father's Day Lunch Harbor Cruise with Tacos & Beer (June 18)
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That's it for today! See you all tomorrow morning for another update.

— 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