🌱 Dana Point ADUs + Shoutout To Girl Scout Troop 8542 + It Is Groot

Hello, everybody! Today’s National Iced Tea Day; did you know that while recipes for the beverage go back to the 1870s, it was the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis that made it popular? I'm back with your fresh copy of the Orange County Patch newsletter. Here is what's happening locally. In today's briefing, you'll read about these stories and more...

• 🏬 A coworking space comes to San Juan Capistrano.
• 🚲 Laguna Beach Unified focuses on e-bike safety.
• 🤖 A Groot audio-animatronic robot.

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☁️ But first, today's weather:

Spotty drizzle in the morning. High: 70 Low: 60.

⛽ Three of the Cheapest Gas Stations Across Orange County

• Berri Brothers at 14501 Red Hill Ave. in Tustin, $4.29
• ARCO at 2646 W. 1st St. in Santa Ana, $4.41
• US Gas at 2502 Harbor Blvd. in Costa Mesa, $4.55

🏖️ Vacation Poll!
Are you traveling this summer? What is your favorite type of vacation? So far, 37.5 percent choose a camping trip, while 25 percent favor a road trip or staycation, and 12.5 percent opt for a cruise.

📰 Here are the top stories today in Orange County:

1. The Dana Point city council is considering amendments to rules for accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Initially approved in 2021, the Department of Housing and Community Development asserts the ADU rules aren’t following state laws. One possible change is reducing the site development permit fee from $7,594 to $3,680. Another would simplify the application process. (Dana Point Times)
2. A shoutout to Mission Viejo’s Girl Scout Troop 8542! It’s the only troop in the OC “that connects through American Sign Language.” The troop’s leadership includes girls with varying hearing impairments or deaf parents. “During outings, the troop leaders teach the girls new words to sign according to their surroundings.” Besides that, it’s all about making friends, having fun, and being adventurous. (Voice of OC)
3. TailoredSpace is doubling down on coworking locations by building its latest project in San Juan Capistrano. Scheduled to open in September, the 27131 Calle Arroyo project will be the “first fully amenitized coworking operation in the city.” These campuses are ideal for professionals working from home but needing privacy, a professional setup, or collaboration spaces. (Connect CRE)
4. Electric bikes are becoming a big deal, and the Laguna Beach Unified School District is working with its students on safety. Reportedly, Thurston Middle School spearheaded the program, and some 120 students have already signed up, gone to classroom lectures, taken a written exam, and were “evaluated for riding skills.” In return for participating, these students may park their e-bikes on campus. (Government Technology)
5. Is Groot coming to Disney California Adventure’s Avengers Campus? Scuttlebutt says a Groot robot will debut at the Guardians of the Galaxy dance party. A “Young Groot audio-animatronic robot” walking about has already been glimpsed occasionally since 2021. It looks like park visitors will see more of the lovable character that is programmed to make you see it as a real character rather than a robot. (The Orange County Register/paywall)

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📆 Today in Orange County:

Saturday, June 10

• 'Star Wars' Day 2023 at the OC Zoo in Orange (10 AM)
• Gout Educational Community Event in Irvine (10 AM)
• OC Dreamer's Market hosts a TRADE Marketplace in Irvine (11:30 AM)
• The Knitterati Crafting Group meets at the Villa Park Branch Library (2 PM)
• Gospel Voices Of OC presents a Juneteenth Concert at the Musco Arts Center in Orange (7 PM)

🖊️ From my notebook:

• "Last week, our Research & Development (R&D) team participated in Home Aid OC's annual diaper drive, which supports families experiencing homelessness in Southern California. They built a replica of Duke, named Duke Jr., and filled the structure with diaper boxes to bring awareness to the growing need families have for diapers, wipes and other essential baby items." (Orange County Sheriff's Department, CA via Facebook)
• "This is NeeCee and her best friend, Oso. They are looking for a home together! If they could, they would be holding hands." (German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County via Facebook)
• "🎉 Congratulations to Mary Shipma for receiving the Thanks Badge! Throughout the years, Mary has taken on and dedicated herself to many roles which have included: Community Service Coordinator, Service Unit Cookie Manager, President’s Volunteer, Service Award Certifier, Gold Award Advisor, and the Founding Advisor for OASIS (Outstanding Activities for Sisters in Scouting)." (Girl Scouts of Orange County via Facebook)
• "You don’t have to leave your best friends at home! Pets are welcome at the OC Parks Summer Concert and Sunset Cinema film series on a leash no longer than six feet. It’ll be a paw-sitively good time for all! 🐶" (Orange County Parks via Facebook)
• "We’re hiring Hand Crew Firefighters! 🚒 🛠️ Think you’ve got what it takes? Click the link to apply now ▶️ https://bit.ly/JOINOCFA" (Orange County Fire Authority via Facebook)

🤝 The OC Weekend Charity Corner!
Are you looking for a way to volunteer, donate, or become involved in your community? We’ll get you started!

• Illumination Foundation in Stanton serves the homeless and has several ongoing donation drives.
• SpoofDawg to the Rescue in Orange is looking for volunteers.
• ABC Hopes works in the OC to better the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities and needs sponsors.

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Storage Valet — (Visit website)
• Uptown Cheapskate — (Visit Website)
• Tablerock boarding kennels — (Visit website)
• The Au Pair Expert — (Visit website)
• Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys, LLP — (Visit website)
• Michael Hinderberger, Realtor — (Visit website)
• Add your business here

Featured events:

• Palomar Gem, Jewelry and Mineral Show - June 10 & 11 (June 10)
• 5th Annual Summer Suds Brewfest (June 17)
• Father's Day Lunch Harbor Cruise with Tacos & Beer (June 18)
• Add your event

Featured announcements:

• Drug Rehabs San Diego Accept Most Health Insurances (Details)
• Add your announcement

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Saturday. I'll see you around!

— 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