🌱 'Fast-Talking Con Man' Alert + Don't Just 'Fall Back' + No Buses

Hello, again, everybody! It's Paula Constance, your host of the Daily. Keep reading to find out everything happening in O.C. today, including updates on...

• No bus service for a second day.
• Turn clocks back on Sunday, and also do this.
• Police warn businesses about "fast-talking con man."
• Gas prices drop in L.A., rise slightly in O.C.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and cool. High: 69 Low: 51.

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Here are the top stories today in Orange County:

1. Orange County bus riders were without bus service Friday as the OCTA maintenance worker strike stretched into a second day Thursday. Bus maintenance workers walked picket lines in Santa Ana and Garden Grove as talks were stalled. Union officials said the disagreement was over health care benefits for workers. (FOX 11 Los Angeles)
2. Don't forget to turn your clocks back when Daylight Saving Time ends. Orange County residents will turn their clocks back by an hour Sunday, and the American Red Cross reminds you to also "test your smoke alarms." (Orange County Patch)
3. Gas prices in Orange County ended a 29-day drop in prices on Thursday when the average price of gas in O.C. "rose three-tenths of a cent to $5.417." But there's good news: The average price of gas in Orange County is 13.2 cents lower than it was a week ago. In Los Angeles County, gas prices fell for the 30th day in a row. (MyNewsLA.com)
4. Have you seen this man? Irvine Police are searching for a "fast-talking con man" who is scamming local businesses. And he's not only scamming businesses in Orange County. CBS News reported that "the suspect has swindled businesses worldwide." The man walked into Kay Jewelers at the Irvine Spectrum on Aug. 27 asking to buy a $2,900 necklace with cash. Then he offered to "count the cash," distracted the salesperson and secretly took some of the money back, authorities said. Irvine police are warning businesses to be on the lookout for the 24-year-old thief that Irvine police identified in a federal database. (CBS Los Angeles)

Today in Orange County:

• PTSA Swap Meet (parking lot off West Street) - Anaheim. (6 a.m.)
• Laguna Canyon Foundation Fall Trail Stewardship Events - Laguna Beach. (8 a.m.)
• Vote Center In-Person - Huntington Beach Public Library (8 a.m.)

From my notebook:

• Thank you for your service: "We thank Division Chief Mike Contreras for his 33 years of service at the OCFA as he retires today. Chief Contreras started here in 1989 in Academy 13. He has contributed to the department in a variety of positions." (Orange County Fire Authority via Facebook)
• Long-lost brothers?: "GSROC alums Zeus (foreground) and Zeke are chillin'. They are not related but they love each other like long lost brothers! Sweet boys, through and through!" (German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County via Facebook)
• Logan forever! "HAPPY BIRTHDAY to this GSROC alumni, Logan. He is 13 years old now and living a happy life in his forever home" (German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County via Facebook)
• New state-of-the-art helicopters: "🚁 BIG NEWS 🚁 After nearly three years of planning and assessment, the OCFA Board of Directors approved the replacement of the two OCFA 1966 UH-1H 'Super Hueys' that were grounded in 2020 due to significantly increased cost." (Orange County Fire Authority via Facebook)

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You're all good for today. I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow with another update!

— 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 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