🌱 County Can't Capture The Rain + Help Damaged Wildlife Center

Hello again, everybody! It's Paula Constance, your host of the Orange County Daily. Keep reading, for everything you need to know that's happening in O.C. today. In this edition, you'll find these stories and more:

• County is beyond its rainwater storage.
• OC wildlife center has a damaged electrical system.
• Amtrak repairs delayed by coastal storms.
• Former insurance agent arrested for allegedly stealing from elderly client.

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny and nice. High: 67 Low: 52.

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Here are the top stories in Orange County today:

1. The Orange County Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center needs your help. The OC wildlife center in Huntington Beach rehabilitates about 6,000 animals from oil spills, and says it is "on the verge of baby season," but has major damage to its electrical system from the recent storms. Executive Director Debbie McGuire said the electrical problem is "a safety issue" and is not covered by insurance. McGuire and the rest of the center’s staff hope the public will donate "to help keep the center open." Find out how you can help here: (KTLA Los Angeles)
2. A former Huntington Beach insurance agent was arrested for allegedly stealing more than $90,000 from an elderly client. Orange County Adult Protective Services and the Orange County Public Guardian represented the elderly victim. The insurance agent, Sally Nava Kanarek, 76, of Huntington Beach, was arrested "on multiple felony charges" after a Department of Insurance investigation found that her elderly client "did not have the capacity to consent to her actions." (Sierra Sun Times)
3. Recent storms are further delaying the repair of train tracks between Orange County and San Diego. Repair crews have been working since the fall to shore up an eroding cliff under the San Clemente coastal tracks. The train route was scheduled to reopen in February 2023, but with recent storms, crews say "it will likely be March" before the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner and Metro Orange County lines will reopen. (CBS Los Angeles)
4. All of the rain we had this week boosted Orange County's water supply beyond its capacity "to capture all that rain." Officials said with more rain coming this weekend, "some of the captured water will actually have to be released briefly into the Pacific Ocean." (KABC-TV)

Today in Orange County:

• Teen Anime Alliance - Rancho Santa Margarita Library (3:30 PM)
• Open Application End Date - Magnolia Science Academy- Santa Ana (4:00 PM)
• The Home Gardening Series at Central Library for Adults - Anaheim (5:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Did you visit the Helena Modjeska Historic House? "❄️ Did you get a chance to visit the Helena Modjeska Historic House and Gardens this winter? If so, you might have noticed the home decorated in the spirit of Polish traditions, an ode to Polish actress Helena Modjeska." (OC Parks via Instagram)
• Disneyland will transform French Market: "Disneyland will transform the French Market restaurant in New Orleans Square into Tiana’s Palace starting on Feb. 17." (Orange County Register via Facebook)
• Adoption event Saturday: "🐶 J O I N U S ! 🐶 Join GSROC and some of our fabulous dogs this Saturday for our adoption event and bake sale at Centinela Pet Supply. Our dogs are excited and eager to meet you! 📍 Centinela Pet Supply 📆 Saturday, Jan. 14 🐶." (German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County via Facebook)
• Sheriff's Department promotions: "OC Sheriff promotes two Assistant Sheriffs and four Commanders. You can view the full press release at OCSheriff.gov" (Orange County Sheriff's Department, CA via Facebook)
• Covered Wagon motel purchase: "The city of Anaheim red-tagged the Covered Wagon motel in March and completed a $6.6 million purchase of the property last month." (Orange County Register via Facebook)

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Events:

• New Date NOW FEBRUARY 4 DUE TO RAIN. Same Time AND Place! (January 14)
• Crossing Over With Psychic Medium John Edward (Live)! (January 20)
• Shop Small Saturday on Saturday, Feb. 4th, 2023. (February 4)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Friday! See you all tomorrow morning.

— Paula Constance

About me: Paula is a contributing writer, author, and producer. 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