🌱 July Hiring Boom + Death Valley Floods + Rents Soar, Demand High

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Here are the top stories in Orange County today:s)

1. The U.S. experienced a hiring boom in July! The U.S. job market defied expectations by adding 528,000 jobs in July and recovering all of the jobs lost during the coronavirus pandemic. According to The New York Times, the Department of Labor issued its monthly report on Friday when the unemployment fell to a historically low jobless rate of 3.5 percent. Commenting on the lowest jobless rate in decades, President Joe Biden noted, “Today’s job report shows we are making significant progress for working families." (ORANGE COUNTY TRIBUNE)
2. An Orange County organization is one of several nonprofits that received a "historical" state to fight hate. The state of California made a never-before-seen investment to prevent and respond to hate through the $165 million Asian and Pacific Islander Equity Budget through a campaign called, "Stop the Hate." Mary Anne Foo, executive director of the Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance (OCAPICA) said, "A small group of us started it in response to a number of things, but at the time, a horrific hate crime had occurred." This latest round of funding "is for transformative grants" for "prevention, intervention and direct services." (KABC-TV)
3. Flash flooding surprises visitors of Death Valley National Park on Friday. The sudden flash floods were triggered by heavy rainfall that "buried cars, forced officials to close all roads in and out the park," The unexpected flash flood stranded about 1,000 people in Death Valley Park, officials said. (Orange County Register via Facebook)
4. Rents are increasing across Southern California, and renters have few choices in the current market. Orange County residents struggle to find a place to live " amid the tightest market in at least two decades." Rents are around $2,400 a month, and climbing, officials said. (Orange County Register via Facebook)

Today in Orange County:

• Craft Day -- Library of the Canyons - Library of the Canyons/Silverado Library. (10 a.m.)
• Cold War: Soviet, Spies and Secrets. (10 a.m.)
• ESL Conversation Group - Laguna Beach Library. (11 a.m.)
• VIRTUAL: The Positive Impacts of Music in People Living with Dementia. (Noon)
• Lunch & Learn Mindset for Success - Tustin Chamber of Commerce. (Noon)
• Basic Computer Tutoring for Adults: Rancho Santa Margarita Library. (Noon)

From my notebook:

Orange County Fire Authority: "Inspire The Next Generation! Today after battling a structure fire in Laguna Hills we noticed a little girl watching what we were doing. When we started talking to her we found out she really wanted to meet Firefighter Rebecca Wilson!" (Orange County Fire Authority via Facebook)

German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County: "BREAKING NEWS: Just arrived at German Shepherd Rescue of OC is 7-month-old Schatzie. Our wonderful partners at a neighboring shelter contacted us the moment that Schatzie arrived there:" (German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County via Facebook)

O.C.P.S.: "Just a reminder: school starts on Wednesday, August 10th. We can't wait to see all of our students back in class and ready for a great school year!" (OCPS via Instagram)

O.C. Parks: "📸 What's better than a bird’s-eye view? Seeing it for yourself! 🥾 Irvine Regional Park in Orange offers plenty of great hiking trails with sweeping views of the surrounding canyons. #ScenicSaturday #OCParks #IrvineRegionalPark" (OC Parks via Instagram)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start your day. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with a new 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 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