🌱 Jaws Of Life Saves Officer + $3M Donation For Shelter + Best Vegan

Hello, everybody! I'm back in your inbox this morning to walk you through everything that's happening these days in Orange County. In today's issue, we'll touch on:

• Garden Grove officer saved with the "Jaws of Life."
• Orange County's "15 Must-Try Vegan Restaurants."
• Newport Beach received a $3 million donation for a new animal shelter.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly cloudy and cool. High: 64 Low: 48.

Here are the top stories today in Orange County:

1. A California Highway Patrol officer was saved with the "Jaws Of Life" after a vehicle rammed into his police car on State Road 22 in Garden Grove. The officer had pulled over on the side of the road near Euclid Street when an SUV crashed into his car, trapping him in the vehicle. The unharmed driver of the SUV was arrested at the scene of the crash. The condition of the police officer is not known. (Orange County Patch)
2. Have you visited the "15 Must-Try Vegan Restaurants in Orange County?" From pizza and sushi to burgers, these eateries offer delicious vegan fare. If you want "Mexican Street food with a California twist" try a Cali Baerito with your choice of vegan meat (like al pastor) at Chicana Vegana in Fullerton. If you're in the mood for a casual sub, stop at Sub Vegan in Garden Grove and Santa Ana, where you can create your dream Vegan sub with "the best vegan meat and cheese alternatives." What about Vegan Spicy Thai food, Corn Dogs, or Cheezy Garlic Breadsticks? Try them all at Vegan Pizza in Garden Grove. Discover the best Vegan spots in O.C.: (VegOut Magazine)
3. Stray and abandoned pets will soon have a new home in Newport Beach. The shelter is being built with a $3 million donation raised by the nonprofit Friends of Newport Beach Animal Shelter. The new, nearly completed building will be run by Newport Beach Police animal control. Police animal care supervisor, Valerie Schomburg, said the shelter will provide pets with "a caring and healthy environment.” (Orange County Register via Facebook)

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Today in Orange County:

• City Council Meeting - City of Yorba Linda (All Day)
• Holiday Lights Contest - City of Laguna Niguel Parks and Recreation (All Day)
• Letters to Santa - City of Laguna Niguel Parks and Recreation (8 a.m.)
• Painting Class: Holly Berries - Sherman Library & Gardens (10 a.m.)
• Bilingual Chinese Storytime - Tustin Library (10:30 a.m.)

From my notebook:

• Alumni update: "Hey everyone, it's me! Iris. I was left at a high kill shelter with nowhere to turn. GSROC scooped me up and found me a great new home. I love my new family and guess what! I even have a Christmas tree this year!" (German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County via Facebook)
• San Juan Capistrano fire: "San Juan Capistrano - Firefighters received a call at 9:45 pm for a fire in a home in the 31100 block of Calle San Pedro. A mother & daughter were able to quickly get out after it started. Engine & Medic 7 initiated an attack of the fire." (Orange County Fire Authority via Facebook)
• Man died after fall from Disney parking garage: "A man in his 50s reportedly jumped to his death from a Disneyland parking structure in California Saturday night, according to reports.
  The incident was reported to police around 9 pm local time, according to ABC 7." (New York Post)

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You're officially in the loop for today. I'll see you around!

— 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