🌱 Free Doughnuts + Fireworks Spark Two Fires + $10M Spent, But Where?

Hi, O.C. I'm back in your inbox this morning to walk you through everything you need to know that's happening today. Here we go...

First, today's weather:

Clouds giving way to sun today. High: 81 Low: 62.

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Here are the top stories in Orange County today:

1. Fourth of July fireworks may be responsible for two house fires in Orange County in Fullerton and Santa Ana. Authorities said a spark from fireworks caused a fire at a house in Santa Ana, and a second fire in a garage was reported in Fullerton after fireworks were launched, according to a report. (Orange County Patch)
2. With seven different ramen shops in three-square blocks of Baker Street, Costa Mesa is Orange County County’s "unofficial Ramen Town." In Costa Mesa, you only have to walk short distance to find varying styles of ramen noodles, ramen noodle soups and toppings. (Los Angeles Times)
3. Randy's Donuts, SoCal's favorite doughnut shop, is opening a new location in Orange County! Randy's Donuts will be opening in Costa Mesa on Tuesday, July 12, and will celebrate the OC Fair with games, prizes, and doughnuts. Anyone who stops by the store on July 12 from 6 a.m. to noon will receive a free glazed donut! The Costa Mesa location is the third in Orange County, a news release said. (Orange County Patch)
4. An O.C. official will be spending $10 million in COVID-19 relief funds, but won't name the recipients, sparking transparency concerns. Supervisor Doug Chaffee has $10 million in federal COVID -19 bailout dollars to spend, "much of which has gone to the Sheriff’s Department," taxpayer watchdogs said. They are calling for more transparency. A proposal by Chaffee calls for allowing him to spend pandemic relief funds on unnamed nonprofits and local government programs like infrastructure projects, education, health care, gun buybacks, and support for veterans and the homeless. (Voice of OC)

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See important Reg A Disclosures

Today in Orange County:

• Pizza Party! — Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach. (Noon)
• Types Of Gardening Soil & Uses by California Rare Fruit Growers Free to attend! (12:30 p.m.)
• Festival of Arts Youth Art Classes. (12:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Orange County Register: "The first American Ninja Warrior Adventure Park in the United States will debut on July 8 at the MainPlace Mall in Santa Ana." (Orange County Register via Facebook)
• O.C. Parks: "Did you know OC Parks Park Rangers play a vital role in protecting and preserving more than 60,000 acres of parks, open space and beaches in Orange County?" (OC Parks via Instagram)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

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Events:

• 21 Lives — Uvalde — A Benefit Concert. (July 16)
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Announcements:

• BECOME A VOLUNTEER — NFT Expoverse Los Angeles (Details)
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• OPEN AUDITIONS: West Side Story (Details)
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You're officially in the loop for today! I'll see you around.

— 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 find her on Instagram and Twitter.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Orange County Daily? Contact me at orangecounty@patch.com