🌱 Health Emergency Declared + Local Doctor Returns From Front Lines

Hello, everybody! It's Wednesday in Orange County and I'm back in your inbox with everything that's happening in O.C. today, including updates on...

• The health emergency in Orange County
• A local doctor returns from the war in Ukraine.
• Buena Park Chick-fil-A giveaways
• A bird was rescued by firefighters.

But first, today's weather:

Some sun returning, a shower. High: 65 Low: 51.

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Here are the top stories in Orange County today:

1. O.C. declared a health emergency Tuesday, due to an overwhelming surge in pediatric hospitalizations and emergency room visits, health officials said. The wave of visits is from quickly spreading RSV respiratory infections, COVID-19 and the flu, all of which put more strain on a health system already pushed to its limits from the COVID pandemic, health officials said. In a statement, Orange County Health Officer Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong said wearing masks indoors and following precautions that worked during the pandemic "is our best shot at protecting ourselves and our children" from serious respiratory infections. (City News Service)
2. An Orange County doctor returned from the front lines in the war with Ukraine saying, "It's a hard place to be." Dr. Robert Winokur, from Laguna Niguel, told NBC's Vikki Vargas that painting was his "therapy" after “recently experiencing some of the worst” in the war in Ukraine, where he volunteered with Global Care Force. With the constant sound of air raids, the sights of war and people suffering from PTSD, he noted our shared humanity, adding that all people want is to be happy, feel safe and have joy. You can see the full story here: (NBC Southern California)
3. A new Chick-fil-A is opening a new restaurant in Buena Park Thursday and to celebrate, will "surprise 100 local heroes with free Chick-fil-A for a year." The company will also make a $25,000 donation to Feeding America, with partners in the greater Anaheim area, a Chick-fil-A representative said. (Orange County Patch)
4. A shoutout to the Orange County Fire Authority for quickly containing a fire started by a candle in a Santa Ana apartment, saving the family's bird trapped inside. Firefighters were called to a fire in the 200 block of N. Olive St. at 2:28 p.m. Monday to find that "everyone was out except for their bird," who firefighters found and safely rescued. Investigators said the cause of the blaze was a candle. (Orange County Fire Authority via Facebook)

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Today in Orange County:

• Positive Parenting for Children with a Disability in SPANISH - Anaheim Online. (All Day)
• Breakfast Business Networking Group - Orange Chamber of Commerce. (7:45 a.m.)
• Vote Center In-Person - Huntington Beach Public Library.(8 a.m.)

From my notebook:

• The Lynch Creek Holiday Wreath Fundraiser: "BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! LYNCH CREEK HOLIDAY WREATH FUNDRAISER Yikes! It’s almost time for Thanksgiving!! Before all the holiday stress begins, pamper yourself – order a beautiful fall centerpiece or wreath from Lynch Creek." (German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County via Facebook)
• Meet dogs for adoption on Saturdays: "OC Animal Care is hoping to introduce more dogs to their new families every Saturday." (Orange County Register via Facebook)
• Native American Heritage Month: "Happy Native American Heritage Month! Native American Heritage Month is celebrated to honor the remarkable Native Americans who have contributed a lot to improve the character of the nation." (Girl Scouts of Orange County via Facebook)
• Do you smell good to mosquitos? "“If you have high levels of this stuff on your skin, you’re going to be the one at the picnic getting all the bites,” said study author Leslie Vosshall, a neurobiologist at Rockefeller University in New York." (Orange County Register via Facebook)

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Events:

• Dos Amigos Cantina in Huntington Beach Hosts Dia de los Muertos Celebration on November 2 (November 2)
• Year-End Considerations and Divorce – Vesta Irvine, CA Hub (November 2)
• Drug Rehabs San Diego Grand Opening (November 7)
• 4th Annual Coast Film & Music Festival November 9th - 13th (November 10)
• Art for a Smile: Paintings by Hue Nguyen (November 12)
• Add your event

You're all caught up for today. I'll see you soon!

— 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