🌱 Bomb Squad K9s Go To Huntington Beach + Deadly Tree Falls On SUV

Hi, OC! It's Paula Constance, your host of the Orange County Patch newsletter — here with everything you need to know that's happening in Orange County today. In this issue, you'll learn about these stories and more:

• Explosives Detection K9s keep Huntington Beach event safe.
• Newly hired school superintendent steps down after only a few weeks.
• Large tree falls on SUV in park, killing a woman.
• Fate of controversial Great Park amphitheater

But first, today's weather:

Cooler with clouds and sun. High: 64 Low: 46.

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Here are the top stories today in Orange County:

1. Bomb squad K9s were on hand last weekend to make sure the "@runsurfcityusa Marathon was safe and secure," the Orange County Sheriff's Department said in a recent post. The Explosives Detection K9s worked with their partners in Huntington Beach and after a job well done, the cute, capable, hard-working dogs posed as surfers in these photos. Thank you, OCSD K9s! (Orange County Sheriff's Department, CA via Facebook)
2. The Orange Unified School District interim superintendent Edward Velasquez stepped down after only a few weeks in his new position. Some parents are worried about their children's education after "former superintendent Dr. Gunn Marie Hansen was abruptly fired" at the beginning of the year. School officials reassured parents that the district "will continue to provide high-quality education." Velasquez's last day was Thursday, Feb. 16. (ABC7)
3. Without warning, a large tree came crashing down on an SUV at an Anaheim park Sunday, killing a woman inside. Police said the woman was at Pearson Park with family when the tragic accident happened at about 3 p.m. Police said they didn't know if anyone witnessed the event. The woman, who has not yet been identified, was wearing a seatbelt in the back seat of maroon SUV. Crews worked "into the night" to remove the fallen tree. (KABC-TV)
4. A decision may be made about the future of the controversial Great Park amphitheater Tuesday. The Irvine town council will have a special meeting on Tuesday, Feb 21. The Great Park community has concerns about the size and scale of the proposed amphitheater and its impact on the community. Great Park residents want a scaled-down version with a smaller footprint. (Orange County Register via Facebook)

Today in Orange County:

• LegoMania: Seal Beach Library - Mary Wilson Branch/Seal Beach Library (10:00 AM)
• Little Explorers Storytime Garden Grove Chapman Library (10:30 AM)
• Bilingual Chinese Storytime - Tustin Library (10:30 AM)
• Trash Truck Storytime: Rancho Santa Margarita Library (10:30 AM)
• Terrific Tuesdays Storytime: Westminster Library (10:30 AM)

From my notebook:

• Officer Nicholas Vella Memorial Highway: "The Officer Nicholas Vella Memorial Highway, about a three-mile stretch of Beach Boulevard in Huntington Beach, also pays tribute to the fallen officer." (Orange County Register via Facebook)
• Surfers Awareness in Lifesaving Techniques : "The unique S.A.L.T. program – Surfers Awareness in Lifesaving Techniques – helps surfers be better prepared if they encounter someone who needs help" took place in Huntington Beach this week. (Orange County Register via Facebook)
• Music and arts festival: "📣 FREE EVENTS: Join us this week, February 21-24, for our Triumph Over Adversity Festival, led by Festival Artistic Director Davóne Tines! The Festival includes one concert with Davóne as well as a Creator Roundtable at OCMA / Orange County Museum of Art with arts leaders, and a showcase featuring the works of students." (Philharmonic Society of Orange County via Facebook)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll see you soon.

— 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