🌱 Coastal Fire Update + COVID-19 Variant Protection + Mobile Vet

Good morning, Orange County!

Let's catch up to start this day off on an informed note. Here's everything worth knowing today in town.

First, today's weather:

Sunny and very warm. High: 89 Low: 62.

Shoutout to our premier local sponsor:

Injured in a car accident? Ryan Cooper is a local attorney at Fielding Law, a client-focused law firm that specializes in personal injury cases stemming from car crashes, trip-and-falls, and dog bites. Ryan has been named a Rising Star by Super Lawyers and has a perfect 10/10 rating on Avvo.com. He is easy to talk to, passionate, and ready to fight for you. You deserve Orange County’s best — contact Ryan today.

Want to see your business featured in this spot? Click here to get started.

Here are the top stories today in Orange County:

1. Thousands of Orange County residents had to evacuate as the Coastal Fire destroyed at least 20 homes. The Coastal Fire started in the Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park on Wednesday at about 2:45 p.m. The flames rapidly spread to Laguna Niguel, destroying mansions along hillside streets in one of California's wealthiest neighborhoods. The fire has already burned 200 acres. With the area's ongoing severe drought, and wind gusts of up to 30 mph fueling the flames, officials wonder if it may be a sign of things to come. You can read the full story here: (Orange County Patch)
2. Saturday is "Clean California Dump Day" in Fullerton. On Saturday, May 14, from 9 a.m. to noon bring unused bulky items and appliances to the Fullerton Park & Ride (Lot 9 & 10) at 3000 W. Orangethorpe Ave. Orange County Caltrans staff will be on-site to collect bulky waste items, and Goodwill of Orange County will also be there to receive gently used items and keep them from heading to the landfill. The event is free and will run until noon, or until they reach full capacity (whichever is first). Do not bring hazardous materials, concrete, dirt, rocks, brick, asphalt, sand, treated wood, or tires. Questions? Email christianne.smith@dot.ca.gov.(Facebook)
3. Just when we were getting tired of COVID-19, cases are rising in Orange County. There were 1,728 new cases and eight more deaths as of May 10. According to County data, 83.2 percent of those hospitalized are unvaccinated, but some vaccinated people are also getting COVID-19. What can you do to protect yourself and your family? Andrew Noymer, an epidemiologist and UC Irvine professor of population health and disease prevention told City News Service on Friday that new variants are more contagious, but vaccines are still the best way to protect against severe illness and hospitalization. Noymer also said he "highly recommends" wearing a mask to stores and indoor events as well as outdoor events with large crowds. You can read more about this story here: (Orange County Patch)
4. A shout out to Healthcare & Emergency Animal Rescue Team (H.E.A.R.T.), an Orange County non-profit that travels by mobile unit and is "On the Road, Saving Lives." They bring low-cost healthcare services to pets, including mobile tooth care, vaccines, microchips, lab tests, and more. They also have a "Safe Haven Program" that helps those who are homeless to remain together with their pets while entering emergency shelters, and during hospital stays. You can find out more here: (Heart4Pets)

From our sponsor:

Today’s newsletter is brought to you in part by Ring, a Patch Brand Partner. Whether you're working from home or streaming your favorite movies, the new Ring Alarm Pro gives you an internet connection you can count on — while simultaneously keeping your home safe and secure.

To learn more about the innovative security system, or to build your own custom system, you can visit Ring here.

Today in Orange County:

• Library Travelogue! — Huntington Beach Public Library. (All Day)
• Instrumental Pops Concert in the Performing Arts Center. (All Day)
• Government Affairs Committee Meeting. (7:30 a.m.)
• ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH: Asian Pacific Islander. (9 a.m.)

From my notebook:

• Healing Garden Opens: At City of Hope in Orange County. (FOX 11 Los Angeles)
• Five Open Houses: In and around Orange County. (Orange County Patch)
• Orange Counter Offering $2,500 Grants: For small business owners. (Orange County Patch)
• German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County: "Happy German Shepherd Day! These are just some of the great dogs available for adoption at GSROC." (Facebook)
• YMCA OF ORANGE COUNTY: " (Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Storage Valet — (Visit website)
• Segerstrom Shelby Event Center — (Visit Website)
• Add your business here

Events:

• 3-D Theatricals Presents Disney's NEWSIES, A Musical Based on the Disney Film — May 13-29. (May 13)
• San Clemente Award-winning Annual Garden Tour. (May 14)
• Girl Scouts Slime Time Party! (May 14)
• Balboa Island Artwalk. (May 15)
• Balboa Island Artwalk. (May 15)
• Taxes in Retirement Webinar. (May 17)
• Make New Friends with My Little Pony! (May 18)
• Taxes in Retirement Webinar. (May 23)
• Make New Friends with My Little Pony! (May 26)
• [Free Masterclass] Increase Your Website Sales & Leads Using SEO. (May 28)
• Add your event

Job listings:

• Caregiver (Details)
• Add your job listing

Love the Orange County Daily? Send a friend or neighbor this link so they can subscribe for free.

You're officially in the loop for today. I'll see you around!

— 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.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Orange County Daily? Contact me at orangecounty@patch.com