🌱 K-9 Super Bowl Snack + Masks By County+ $2,500 Business Grants

Happy Super Bowl Sunday, Orange County! Here's what's happening today.

First, today's weather:

Very warm. High: 89. Low: 56.

A heat advisory remains in effect until 6 p.m. PST Sunday.

Here are the top stories in Orange County today:

1. California has decided to lift the statewide COVID-19 mandate for wearing masks inside after Tuesday, Feb. 15 as omicron cases decline. After the 15th, it will be up to counties and businesses to decide what their mask policies will be. Knott’s Berry Farm and SeaWorld will no longer require masks, but health rules differ between counties so you will have to check locally for places like Disneyland, Universal Studios Hollywood, and other Southern California theme parks. Los Angeles County health officials said they will keep indoor mask requirements beyond the state deadline, while Orange and San Diego counties will end the state-wide indoor mask requirement on Wednesday, Feb. 16. If you're not sure, the best thing to do is bring your mask, just in case. You can read more about this story here: (OC Register)
2. If you are watching the Super Bowl with your dog, here's a fun snack your favorite canine can enjoy while watching the Big Game. The German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County came up with a recipe for K-9 Muncie Meatballs that has dog-friendly ingredients like ground beef, spinach, brown rice, parsley, and turmeric. You can make these tasty treats at home so your dog can enjoy a fun snack during the game. Read more about this story here: (Facebook)
3. A $2,500 Grant is being offered to small businesses impacted by COVID-19 in Orange County, and qualifying small business can apply as soon as Monday at 9 a.m. The county partnered with several surrounding cities to offer microgrants to small businesses. Owners can apply starting Monday at 9 a.m. through March 15 at 5 p.m. The requirements for the grant include: The business has to currently be open or have a plan to reopen; is physically located and operating in OC; was operating before Dec. 31, 2019; had less than $50,000 in revenue for the 2019 tax year; had less than five full-time employees for the 2019 and 2020 tax years; and currently has less than five full-time employees. The small business also has to use all of the grant money by June 1, 2022. You can read more about this story here: (Orange County Patch)

Today in Orange County:

• Classic Car Cruise - Placentia Chamber of Commerce. (11 a.m.)
• Great Backyard Bird Count Family Take-Home Kits. (12 p.m.)
• Creativity Corner - Huntington Beach Public Library. (1 p.m.)
• ONLINE: Everest on Film with Alasdair MacLeod + Live Q&A. (1:30 PM)
• Pacific City Celebrates Valentine's Day. (All Day)

From my notebook:

• Orange County: Restaurants shut down by health inspectors (Feb. 3-11) (OCRegister)
• Orange County: Scores and player stats for Friday, Feb. 11 (OCRegister)
• German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County: "URGENT! Atlanta is our 11 week old puppy that we rescued along with her mother and sibling." (Facebook)
• Orange County Register: "The California Attorney General’s Office informed a gun manufacturer in Orange on Friday that it must stop selling a series of rifles that the agency has deemed are illegal assault weapons." (Facebook)
• Philharmonic Society of Orange County: "Capistrano Valley High School Capistrano Valley High School will be one of 15 high schools participating in this year's 9th Annual Philharmonic Invitational High School Orchestra Festival." (Facebook)

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Events:

• Taxes in Retirement Webinar. (Feb. 14)
• Taxes in Retirement Webinar. (Feb. 15)
• Make New Friends! (Feb. 17)
• Taxes in Retirement Seminar. (Feb. 17)
• FREE WEBINAR | “Building St. Peter’s”. (Feb. 18)
• Pawliday Vegan Charity Market. (Feb. 19)
• Taxes in Retirement Webinar. (Feb. 21)
• Taxes in Retirement Webinar. (Feb. 21)
• 41st Annual CARSplus Convention : Networking for Success and Best Practices. (Feb. 25)
• The Most Romantic Evening In All of Orange County! (Feb. 25)
• Fall Youth Football Registration. (Feb. 26)
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Announcements:

• New to Spa Gregorie's? Here's $20 to enjoy!! (Details)
• Add your announcement

For sale:

• 85" SONY HK HDR Ultra HD TV. (Details)
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Gigs & services:

• Landlord Tenant and Criminal Defense. (Details)
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If you love the Orange County Daily, here are all the ways you can get more involved:

• Send a friend or neighbor this link so they can subscribe for free
• Get your local business listed in front of readers
• Send me a news tip or suggestion at orangecounty@patch.com

Now you're in the know and ready to start Sunday off right! I'll see you tomorrow morning with a new update.

— Paula Constance

About me: I am a freelance writer, author, and media producer. I am committed to media projects that empower, engage, and help make the world a better place. One of my favorite jobs? Working with Imagineering for The Walt Disney Company.