🌱 High Surf Alert + Knott's 'Chaperone Policy' + $150K Fund + Hawks

Good morning! I'm back in your inbox to walk you through everything you need to know about what's happening these days in town. Here's the lowdown.

First, today's weather:

Areas of low clouds today, then sun. High: 81 Low: 66.

👀 Attention local businesses & marketers: Attract more customers in Orange County by sponsoring this daily newsletter, which gets read by the same people you're trying to reach. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top stories today in Orange County:

1. Surfers found high waves and strong surf at O.C. beaches on Wednesday after officials warned of "high surf and strong rip currents" earlier in the week. The National Weather Service issued the high surf and rip current warning for Orange and San Diego counties through Thursday morning. The highest waves of around 6 feet were reported in Newport Beach, Huntington Beach and Laguna Beach, while an 8-foot wave was spotted at Dana Point. Inexperienced swimmers were advised "to stay out of the water" due to strong rip currents. What brought the unusually high surf? Meteorologist Casey Oswant said the large O.C. surf was from a storm off the coast of New Zealand. (Los Angeles Times)
2. The Orange County Board of Supervisors has set aside $150,000 to help the crime victims of the recent 7-Eleven robberies that left three people dead, and several people injured. Authorities arrested the two suspects of the crime spree before the Board took action on offering a reward, so the county decided to use the county funds to help the victims. The funds will be managed by the Waymakers organization, a nonprofit which oversees support for crime victims for the Orange County District Attorney's Office. (City News Service)
3. Knott's Berry Farm announced a new "chaperone policy" after teen brawls broke out early on Saturday night, forcing the park to close. Knott's Berry Farm announced the chaperone policy, that requires "all guests aged 17 or under must be accompanied by a 21-or-older chaperone throughout their visit to the park on Fridays and Saturdays." Police initially had reports that shots had been fired during the brawl, but determined there was no gunfire. (City News Service)
4. If you want to see a Cooper's hawk, you may have to look quickly! These stealth hawks, that are smaller than other hawks in Orange County, are common but very hard to spot, O.C. Parks said in a recent Instagram post. A sure way to identify a Cooper's hawk is by its long tail, they added. "These magnificent birds can be found in forests and your own backyard," they wrote. Keep looking up! (OC Parks via Instagram)

Today in Orange County:

• Movies in the Park — City of Tustin Parks and Rec. (All Day)
• Movie in the Park - "Sing 2" — City of Lake Forest. (All Day)
• Bibliotherapy Tea In-Person — Huntington Beach Public Library. (10 a.m.)
• Friday Flix: "Disney's Jungle Cruise" — City of Laguna Niguel Parks and Recreation. (1 p.m.)
• Free: Classic Car Show and Live Music on Historic Main Street. (4 p.m.)
• Free: Cypress Concerts on the Green — Arts and Culture Events in Orange County. (6 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Orange County Register: "Border patrol agents arrested a man allegedly attempting to smuggle approximately 250 pounds of fentanyl in his truck's spare tire and gas tank near the Mexican-California border." (Orange County Register via Facebook)
• Orange County Guide O.C. events: "Are you looking for something to do Wednesday afternoon? There is a classic car show every Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. in the @dukescafe parking lot in the city of Placentia. Go see some cars and grab something to eat! Happy Wednesday!" (Orange County Guide 🎀 OC events via Instagram)
• OCPS: "School starts Aug. 10 and we know our families are starting to get ready. We've put together all the details you may need on our website, including a list of various back to school events with supplies." (OCPS via Instagram)
• OCPS: "OCPS is currently hiring bus operators and mechanics, with on-the-spot interviews for candidates who attend our job fairs. Plus, there's a sign-on bonus of $1,500 going on right now!" (OCPS via Instagram)
• Orange County Register: "The 1946 hot dog stand, which is shaped like a hot dog, is back in business on Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood." (Orange County Register via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Storage Valet — (Visit website)
• Au Pair Childcare USA — (Visit Website)
• Add your business here

Announcements:

• Arts & Learning Presents: West Side Story (Details)
• Add your announcement

You're caught up for today. I'll see you bright and early tomorrow with 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 find her on Instagram and Twitter.

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