🌱 Laguna Balloon Ban Helps Sea Life + Stefan Benz On American Idol

Good morning! It's Saturday in Orange County and I'm here with the most important things happening in OC today, including these stories...

• Laguna Beach votes for balloon ban.
• Talented local singer auditions for "American Idol."
• The only nonprofit theater in Orange County.
• Flood watch issued through today.

But first, today's weather:

Cool with rain and a t-storm. High: 52 Low: 43.

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Here are the top stories in Orange County today:

1. A shoutout to Orange County singer Stefan Benz, who auditioned for "American Idol." Stefan's been "performing since he was nine-years-old," but said he "wasn't prepared for just how nervous he would be" for the audition. He was happy with the feedback he received from Katy Perry, but said his real hero on the show is Lionel Richie. You can watch Stefan on "American Idol" 8 p.m. tomorrow, Sunday, on ABC7. (msnNOW)
2. See independent films and unique events at the only nonprofit theater in Orange County. The Frida Cinema, on busy 4th street in Santa Ana, "established itself as a cultural landmark for moviegoers" in Orange County. The cinema "recently celebrated its nine-year anniversary." Congratulations! (Coast Report)
3. Balloons will no longer be allowed at birthday parties and graduations in Laguna Beach. The city council voted Tuesday to ban balloons. Environmentalists cheered the move, saying balloons are a threat to sea turtles and sea lions. Other beach cities in California also placed limitations on balloons. The state recently passed a law regulating certain types of balloons that tangled with power lines and caused wildfires. (NBC Los Angeles)
4. Be alert for sudden floods in parts of Orange County. A flood watch was issued for Los Angeles and Orange counties through today, after a winter storm arrived Thursday, bringing rain, wind and hail. Wintery precipitation and high wind gusts are expected to continue through today. The flood watch includes inland areas, the Santa Ana Mountains and the foothills. Be safe out there! (CBS Los Angeles)

Today in Orange County:

• Pancake Breakfast - Placentia Chamber of Commerce (8:00 AM)
• Bolsa Chica Bird Talk & Nature Walk 2023: Huntington Beach (8:30 AM)
• Career Edge: Successful Business Etiquette & Workplace Behaviors (8:30 AM)
• Gold’s Gym Cerritos Grand Opening Celebration (9:00 AM)
• Storytime - Tustin Library - Tustin Branch Library (9:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• Keep pets indoors: "S. California is experiencing a lot of rain, very cold weather and all sorts of weather S. Californians are not used to. Please - make sure your pets are indoors where they will remain warm and dry. High winds are also predicted ..." (German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County via Facebook)
• Hippies baptized in Newport Beach: "Some of the movie's real-life characters are familiar names in Southern California, where hippies were being baptized in the waters off Newport Beach." (Orange County Register via Facebook)
• Saturday's adoption event cancelled: "The Adoption Event scheduled for Saturday, 2/25/2023 has been cancelled due to the weather. If you are already working with an adoption counselor, please contact them for alternative arrangements. Thank you!" (German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County via Facebook)
• Chili Van Mobile Food Ministry: "Our Chili Van Mobile Food Ministry provides warm meals to hundreds of people who are either homeless or lack the financial resources to put food on the table each day. The vehicles offer hot meals, beverages, and bread to thousands..." (Orange County Rescue Mission via Facebook)
• Two million air fryers recalled: "Local Anaheim-based company is recalling 2 million air fryers after numerous reports of the devices overheating, catching fire, melting, and in some cases, burning their owners." (Orange County Register via Facebook)

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You're all caught up for today! See you all again soon.

— Paula Constance

About me: Paula is a contributing writer, author, and media producer. 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 Patch newsletter? Contact me at orangecounty@patch.com