🌱 Homeless Shelter Controversy + Fire Authority Asked For 24/7 Police

Hello there, Orange County! I'm here in your inbox this autumn morning to tell you everything you need to know that's going on in OC today, including updates on:

• Toll roads have lost millions since the pandemic.
• Controversial Santa Ana homeless plan back in court
• Does the Fire Authority need 24/7 police protection?

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny. High: 78 Low: 62.

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Here are the top stories today in Orange County:

1. While we were all home during the pandemic, toll road revenue in OC took a big hit. Since 2019, income has dropped. The Newport Beach San Joaquin Hills toll road is faster, but costs nearly $4 to travel a few exits. In real numbers, the revenue lost from tolls, fees and fines was a decrease from $191.5 million in 2019 to $117.4 million in 2021. That's a 38.7 percent loss. But city officials say they aren't worried. More drivers are on the roads again and roads are starting to recover costs. (OCRegister)
2. OC's unhoused may not find shelter in Santa Ana. The policy concerning a temporary homeless walk-in shelter in Santa Ana is back in court. As colder weather moves in, and, with homeless deaths mounting, plans for the rainy season shelter in Santa Ana are at a standstill after neighbors and Santa Ana officials opposed "hosting another county-sponsored emergency refuge" in their Latino and working-class city. Critics say trash and campers are already creating problems at a shelter that county leaders opened on Yale Street, and want the new shelter to be hosted by their whiter South County neighbors.(Voice of OC)
3. Does Orange County’s Fire Authority need 24/7 protection from sheriff's security officers? That's the million dollar question. The Fire Authority proposed paying the county $1 million a year for round-the-clock protection, but when it came up for approval Tuesday, the idea was voted down, with County Supervisor Don Wagner saying “There have been no threats identified.” (Voice of OC)

Today in Orange County:

• Little Seedlings Story Time - Sherman Library & Gardens (10 a.m.)
• MedSpa Event - The Real OG Beauty Bar (10 a.m.)
• All Ages Origami: Irvine Heritage Park Library (10:30 a.m.)
• Book Sale hosted by the Friends of the Anaheim Library at Central Library (11 a.m.)

From my notebook:

• Senator Min gets $16.9 million for OC Fire Authority: "We're pleased to announce the receipt of $16.95 million in state funding secured by State Senator Dave Min for a new Hand Crew facility and equipment!" (Orange County Fire Authority via Facebook)
• Fall-O-Ween at Heritage Hill Historical Park: "🧛 We had a scary good time at the opening weekend of Fall-O-Ween at Heritage Hill Historical Park! 🏚️ This spook-tacular free event continues Oct. 21-23 from 4:30-8:30 p.m. 👻 Don't forget your costumes and cameras." (OC Parks via Instagram)
• Violinist Geoff Nuttall: "The Philharmonic Society is saddened to hear about the passing of violinist Geoff Nuttall, who passed away at the age of 56 due to pancreatic cancer. For over three decades, Geoff enthralled audiences." (Philharmonic Society of Orange County via Facebook)
• Musical Theatre Orange County: "One of the segments from KTLA, what a blast!" (Musical Theatre Orange County via Facebook)
• Football team organizes trick-or-treat: "The football team organized a trick-or-treat event for patients and their families from the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation." (Orange County Register via Facebook)

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Events:

• Harvest Boutique (October 22)
• Urijah Faber's A1 Combat #6 Talbott VS Jimenez - Live Pro MMA! (October 22)
• JSM Invitational Golf Tournament (October 24)
• ONE Night of Awareness: Accidental Overdose (October 24)
• Estate Planning Seminar (October 25)
• Art for a Smile: Paintings by Hue Nguyen (November 12)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door this Friday! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with another update.

— 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