🌱 Fire Update + Watch The Big Game Here + Valentine's Day in OC

Happy Friday! Let's start this day off on an informed note.

First, today's weather:

Very warm today. High: 88. Low: 58.

Heat Advisory: A Heat Advisory remains in effect for Orange County until 6 p.m. PST Sunday.

Here are the top stories today in Orange County:

1. An early morning brush fire, reported at 4 a.m. on Thursday, could be seen at dawn as an eerie orange glow from Long Beach and other parts of Southern California. The fire forced coastal Orange County communities to evacuate early on Thursday. Pushed by strong winds, the fire is estimated to have burned about 145 acres. About 5 percent of the fire is contained. An evacuation order was issued for Irvine Cove and Emerald Bay with an evacuation warning in effect for North Laguna. No homes were damaged so far, thanks to firefighters' efforts. Fifteen of the 20 most damaging fires in California have burned within the last seven years. You can read more of this developing story here: (Orange Count Patch)
2. Valentine's Day is an ideal time to go out for dinner in Orange County. Here are a few of the top restaurants recommended by Orange Coast Magazine: The Porch & Swing in Irvine is offering a four-course farm-to-table meal with luxury add-ons and drink pairings available. Descanso in Costa Mesa is offering a three-course meal courtesy of Chef Fonzy De Zunig. Billy’s at the Beach in Newport Beach is serving a three-course meal curated by Chef Robert Luna featuring items that include a seafood tower for two; and Poppy & Seed in Anaheim offers guests a six-course Seasonal Tasting Menu or six-course Vegetarian Tasting Menu. You can read the rest of this story and see the full list here: (Orange Coast Magazine)
3. SoCalPulse rounded up some of the top spots to watch the Big Game this weekend. Here are seven places to watch Super Bowl LVI on Sunday: In Newport Beach, you can surround yourself with 16 big-screen televisions at the newly re-opened Stag Bar or stop by Cruisers where 25 televisions and a 170-inch mega screen are available. Another Newport Beach Super Bowl spot is the Oak Grill where you can watch the game on a big screen with a special Super Bowl game day menu. In Costa Mesa, you can check out The Hub Kitchen & Tap for a pre-game brunch party and prizes, or Holsteins Shakes & Buns for a Super Bowl-themed burger with a burger face-off. The Blind Pig in Rancho Santa Margarita is offering special Super Bowl cocktails. You can read more about this story here: (SoCalPulse)

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Today in Orange County:

• Winter Reading Challenge Online — Huntington Beach Public Library. (All Day)
• The Great Backyard Bird House Design Contest. (All Day)
• Government Affairs Committee Meeting. (7:30 a.m.)
• Coffee Concerts at Casa Romantica — Arts and Culture Events in Orange County. (10 a.m.)
• Little Seedlings Story Time — Sherman Library & Gardens. (10 a.m.)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

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• Camino De Santiago Nature School — (Visit website)
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• ABC Heating & Air Conditioning — (Visit website)
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• Vydeo Media — (Visit website)
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Events:

• Party with TYGA | Big Game Weekend 2022. (Feb. 11)
• Taxes in Retirement Webinar. (Feb.1 4)
• Taxes in Retirement Webinar. (Feb. 15)
• Make New Friends! (Feb. 17)
• Taxes in Retirement Seminar. (Feb. 17)
• Taxes in Retirement Webinar. (Feb. 21)
• Taxes in Retirement Webinar. (Feb. 21)
• 41st Annual CARSplus Convention: Networking for Success and Best Practices. (Feb. 25)
• The Most Romantic Evening In All of Orange County! (Feb .25)
• Fall Youth Football Registration. (Feb. 26)
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Announcements:

• New to Spa Gregorie's? Here's $20 to enjoy!! (Details)
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If you love the Orange County Daily, here are all the ways you can get more involved:

• Send a friend or neighbor this link so they can subscribe for free
• Get your local business listed in front of readers
• Send me a news tip or suggestion at orangecounty@patch.com

Now you're in the know and ready to head out the door this Friday! See you tomorrow morning for another update.

— Paula Constance

About me: I am a freelance writer, author, and media producer. I am committed to media projects that empower, engage, and help make the world a better place. One of my favorite jobs? Working with Imagineering for The Walt Disney Company.