🌱 Extreme Heat Flex Alert + The 20 Best Pizzerias In O.C.

Hello and happy Thursday. I'm back in your inbox this warm morning to walk you through everything happening in O.C. today. Let's do it.

• Millions asked to set thermostats to 78 degrees in extreme heat to avoid power outage.
• These O.C. cities broke triple digit heat records on Labor Day.
• Discover the 20 Best Pizzerias in Orange County.

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First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and very warm. High: 95 Low: 78.

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Here are the top 3 stories in Orange County today:

1. These are the 20 best pizzerias in Orange County in 2022, according to O.C. food critic Brad A. Johnson. He noted that Orange County pizza "has come a long way in the past 10 years." We may have lost Pizza e Vino, Jinny’s, Settebello and Ortica, but O.C. has gained a lot of "excellent" pizzerias. 2145 Eats in Costa Mesa topped the list, followed by Kuro Artisanal Pizza and Folks Pizzeria also in Costa Mesa. Next on the list was Loosie’s Pizza in Santa Ana and Brick in San element. Find all the places that made the top-in-pizza list here: (Subscription/OCRegister)
2. Millions of California residents are urged to set their thermostats to 78 degrees to conserve electricity and avoid power outages. The intense heat wave prompted officials in California to urge residents to slash their energy consumption for the second day in a row to avoid overtaxing the electrical grid. The California Independent System Operator, which manages 80 percent of the state's grid, issued a Flex Alert asking residents to limit their use of electricity between the hours of 4 and 9 p.m. through Thursday. The excessive heat warning for Orange County has been extended through Friday. (CBS Los Angeles)
3. Record breaking triple-digit temperatures on Labor Day had residents heading to the coast to cool off from the heat. An excessive heat warning for Orange County has been extended through Friday, and inland Orange County cities, like Anaheim and Santa Ana, set new heat records reaching 107 and 108 degrees. The coast was only a few degrees cooler. Newport Beach had a high of 97 degrees on Sunday. But there may be cooler days ahead. The excessive heat advisory is expected to end at 8 p.m. on Friday. (CBS Los Angeles)

Today in Orange County:

• Think Goodness Fundraiser to Support Placentia Businesses. (All Day)
• OC Workforce Solutions Mobile Stop — Los Alamitos-Rossmoor Library. (9 a.m.)
• Beginner’s Square Dancing & Line Dancing Lessons. (9 a.m.)
• Dance Party: Rancho Santa Margarita Library. (10:30 a.m.)
• Workshop: Introduction to Gardening — Sherman Library & Gardens. (10:30 a.m.)

From my notebook:

• German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County: "GSROC Alum Cookie is checking in from her happy home. She found love and a bestie to have adventures with! We love you, Cookie! Stay cute and stay cool!" (German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County via Facebook)
• Orange County Sheriff's Department, CA: "Pedestrian injuries are a leading cause of child death and may be reduced by teaching children to safely cross streets. #ChildTipTuesday" (Orange County Sheriff's Department, CA via Facebook)
• Orange County Register: "The victim had been jet-skiing when he took off his lifejacket to take a swim." (Orange County Register via Facebook)
• Orange County Animal Allies: "OC Animal Allies PAWS Therapy Dogs are 'all ears' and available to the public! Our teams are available at select OC Public Libraries each month for a great opportunity for you and your child to pick up a book and read to the dogs." (Orange County Animal Allies via Facebook)
• Orange County Register: "The high demand on the state's energy grid could reach an all-time high, prompting officials to prep for possible rotating outages." (Orange County Register via Facebook)

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Events:

• Lake Forest Martial Arts School Grand Opening. (September 10)
• Peaceful Protest to End Shelter Restrictions. (September 10)
• Original Lobster Festival — Sept. 9-11. (September 10)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday off right. I'll see you around!

— Paula Constance

About me: Paula is a contributing writer, author, and award-winning media producer. She is committed to media projects that empower, engage, and help make the world a better place. When she's not writing, you can find her hiking or watching the 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