🌱 Deputies Stop Inmate Escape + Meet Young Actress Kayden Tokarski​

Hello, friends! It's Wednesday in Orange County and I'm back with the most important things happening today in OC, including ...

• Meet a young OC actress with “big dreams."
• Quick-thinking deputies stop inmate from escaping.
• Enough fentanyl to kill "50 million people" seized.
• Huntington Beach sued by state over housing quotas.

But first, today's weather:

Breezy with a bit of rain. High: 57 Low: 37.

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Here are the top stories today in Orange County:

1. A young South Orange County actress with big dreams spoke with Patch about her plans and future projects. Thirteen-year-old actress Kayden Tokarski, who has already won 11 acting awards, told Patch she "dreamt of acting on the silver screen since she was four years old." Find out more about this rising star in her interview here: (Patch)

1. Quick-thinking deputies stopped an inmate who tried to escape from the Central Men's Jail in Santa Ana Tuesday morning. Authorities said deputies noticed an inmate dressed in civilian clothes in an area of the jail "where visitors enter and exit" around 6 or 7 a.m., and promptly took him into custody, said Carrie Braun, a spokeswoman for the Orange County Sheriff's Department. (City News Service)
2. Enough fentanyl to kill "50 million people" was seized by authorities in Orange County, according to U.S. Border Patrol Chief Raul Ortiz. The Orange County Border Patrol agency teamed up with the San Diego sector and local law enforcement to seize 232 pounds of fentanyl found hidden in a car during a traffic stop on a highway in San Clemente, according to Bill Melugin of Fox News. The fentanyl was "believed to be worth $3 million." (KABC-TV)
3. The "city-state housing war" is heating up in Orange County. Wealthier communities are trying to avoid the California mandate to build more condos and housing in their neighborhoods. The "not-so-wealthy Orange County city of Huntington Beach," is caught in the crossfire after saying it won’t meet the state’s demands. In response, "Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta are suing." (CalMatters)

Today in Orange County:

• Cypress College Auto Skills Challenge & Career Fair (Events) (8:15 AM)
• We Care Parent Presentation @ 8:45 in 3101A (8:45 AM)
• Tie Dye Day - Irvine Adult Transition Programs (9:00 AM)
• FOCAL Flash Sale - Anaheim Public Library - All Events (10:00 AM)
• What Happens to the Home in Divorce? (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Fall from roof: "Emergencies can occur anywhere, and sometimes they present added challenges. This morning was no exception when Engine 56 was dispatched to a medical aid in Ladera Ranch. Firefighter paramedics saw that their patient had fallen from the top roof down to the next, and subsequently injured himself." (Orange County Fire Authority via Facebook)
• Collars, leashes and toys donated! "GSROC wants to give a big THANK YOU to Max and Neo! We received this wonderful box of their products they donated to us. Collars, leashes and toys! We love their products. Please visit their website to see all of the products available. ..." (German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County via Facebook)
• Disneyland's Food & Wine Festival: "Disneyland's Food & Wine Festival returns to Disney California Adventure this Friday. Here's what's on this year's lineup:" (Orange County Register via Facebook)
• Get a free slice of cheesecake: "Find out how you can get a free slice of cheesecake from the Calabasas-based restaurant chain." (Orange County Register via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• What Happens to the Home in Divorce? (March 1)
• The Beatles vs The Stones show! (March 2)
• Urban Farm School (March 4)
• 2023 Youth Football and Cheerleading In-Person Registration (March 4)
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Featured announcements:

• Memorial Fundraiser for beloved French Valley Veteran. (Details)
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For sale:

• Sneakers, Designer Handbags, Athleticwear & more (Details)
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Featured housing:

• Open House - Sat, Mar 4 11:00 a to 3:00 p - 1647 Shire Avenue, Oceanside (Details)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Wednesday. See you all tomorrow morning!

— Paula Constance

About me: Paula is a contributing writer, author, and media 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 Patch newsletter? Contact me at orangecounty@patch.com