🌱 Free Cupcakes + Firefighters Rescue Kittens + New O.C Art Museum

Welcome back, Orange County. I'm in your inbox this warm morning to get you caught up on everything you need to know about what's going on in town.

First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny. High: 88 Low: 69.

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Here are the top 3 stories today in Orange County:

1. Free cupcakes! The Baked Dessert Bar is celebrating the opening of its first Orange County store in Tustin with free cupcakes on Saturday. The first 50 guests to visit Baked Dessert Bar at The District at Tustin Legacy on Saturday, Aug. 13 will receive a free cupcake. They will also have a chance to buy "two new desserts exclusive to the Orange County location." It's the first Orange County bakery for Abby DeClaro, the owner and head baker. (OCRegister)
2. What's Verdant in Orange County? It's the name of a "plant-forward" restaurant opening on Oct. 8 at the new Orange County Museum of Art in Costa Mesa. The Orange County Museum of Art found a new home at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts campus, which is double the size of its former location in Newport Beach. The art museum will have an open-air terrace, a café and coffee bar. Oh, and it will also have art. (OCRegister)
3. A shout out to the Orange County Fire Authority! Firefighters quickly knocked down flames in a detached 3-car garage that caused plumed of toxic smoke on Wednesday. The quick response prevented the flames from spreading to an attached apartment complex in Westminster. They also found and rescued five kittens from the smokey blaze. The kittens seem to be doing well, and are happy they survived the scary ordeal. (Orange County Patch)

Today in Orange County:

• Government Affairs Committee Meeting. (7:30 a.m.)
• Watercolor Class: Peacock Orchid - Sherman Library & Gardens. (10 a.m.)
• Little Seedlings Story Time - Sherman Library & Gardens. (10 a.m.)
• Cold War: Soviet, Spies and Secrets. (10 a.m.)

From my notebook:

• German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County: "HAPPY ENDING! Portia and Ophelia are two very happy little girls." (German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County via Facebook)
• Orange County Fire Authority: "🐈 5 Kittens Saved🐈 Just after noon today a blaze broke out in a detached 3 car garage in Westminster. Firefighters quickly doused the flames to prevent the apartment complex from catching fire. They concurrently searched the area to ma..." (Orange County Fire Authority via Facebook)
• Orange County Pit Bull Rescue: "Guess who got adopted from the shelter yesterday?!?!" (Orange County Pit Bull Rescue via Facebook)

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Events:

• Free College Consult for HS students and their parents. (August 13)
• The Rhythm & Brews Concert Series continues at The District in Tustin on 8/13. (August 13)
• Summer Swing Nights - 5th Anniversary. (August 13)
• CHOC Adventure in the Park presented by Disneyland® Resort. (August 27)
• Wonderful World Soirée with the Pageant of the Masters. (August 27)
• Lake Forest Martial Arts School Grand Opening. (September 10)
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Gigs & services:

• Arts & Learning's Fall Youth Theatre Classes (Details)
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Alrighty, you're all good for today. See you all tomorrow morning for another update!

— Paula Constance

About me: Paula is a freelance writer, author, and award-winning media producer. She is committed to media projects that empower, engage, and help make the world a better place. 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