Community Corner

🌱Laguna Paddlers Meet 'Curious' Shark + Beach Sewage +Free Tests

The quickest way to catch up on the most important things happening today in Orange County.

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Happy Thursday, Orange County! Here's everything you need to know that's happening in Orange County today.

First, today's weather:

Plenty of sunshine today. High: 66. Low: 48.

Find out what's happening in Orange Countyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

No Burn Day issued for Orange County: The South Coast Air Quality Management District has issued a residential no-burn alert for Orange County through the end of Friday.

Here are the top stories in Orange County today:

Find out what's happening in Orange Countyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  1. A new COVID-19 test site is now open and offering free tests in the parking lot at the corner of Del Amo Boulevard and Clark Avenue. No insurance is required. You will receive rapid test results in less than 10 minutes, and PCR test results within 48 to 72 hours. The hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The test site may close early each day once the available test kits have been used. You can read more here: (Orange County Breeze)
  2. Paddlers had an hour-long encounter with a curious and "cute" shark off Laguna Beach on Friday, Jan. 28. Most people would have quickly gone the other way, but three paddlers got an up-close look at the curious blue shark that was "quite small." The paddlers watched birds and dolphins gather near a bait ball near Seal Rock, but as they approached, only one sea creature remained, said Anne Girtz of Laguna Beach. When she realized the fin was from a shark "there was excitement" and "nervousness." Their guide, Rich German, said the curious blue shark was harmless. You can read more here: (OC Register)
  3. All Long Beach swimming areas west of Belmont Pier have been temporarily closed after 12,000-gallons of sewage spilled into the L.A. River in Compton on Monday. Long Beach had recently closed on Dec. 31 after an earlier spill of up to 7 million gallons. City officials and Dr. Anissa Davis, Long Beach’s city health officer, said the closure will remain in place until the water meets state quality standards. You can read more about this story here: (Los Angeles Times)

From our sponsor:

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Today in Orange County:

  • Kiwanis Club of Placentia Weekly meeting. (7:15 a.m.)
  • Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee. (8 a.m.)
  • Vendor Information Day — Garden Grove Chamber of Commerce. (9 a.m.)
  • Admission Tickets — Sherman Library & Gardens. (10:30 a.m.)
  • Business Connection Luncheon — Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce. (11:30 a.m.)
  • COVID-19 Vaccine & Flu Shot Clinic — City of Newport Beach. (1 p.m.)

From my notebook:

  • German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County: "Available for adoption, hold onto your hat! Cosmo is so handsome; he turns heads when he saunters down the street." (Facebook)
  • Orange County Sheriff's Department, CA: "Although K9 Mac tried his best to help out our dispatch team, his human communication skills could use a little work, so we'd like to hire you!" (Facebook)
  • Orange County Register: "Post 21 returns to Downtown Disney on Tuesday, Feb. 1 — the start of Black History Month — after pausing in January to reset the retail stand following the Christmas rush." (Facebook)

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Featured businesses:

Events:

  • Celebrate Lunar New Year at The District at Tustin Legacy! (Feb. 5)
  • D. Yoder Family Sundays: Lunar New Year Celebration. (Feb. 6)
  • Estate Planning Webinar Feb. 7 & Feb. 9. (Feb. 7)
  • Taxes in Retirement Webinar. (Feb. 7)
  • Taxes in Retirement Webinar. (Feb. 8)
  • Book Signing: "Diamond Is A Girl's Best Friend"...Diamond's Memoir by Susan Hoffman. (Feb. 8)
  • Taxes in Retirement Webinar. (Feb. 14)
  • Taxes in Retirement Webinar. (Feb.15)
  • 41st Annual CARSplus Convention: Networking for Success and Best Practices. (Feb. 25)
  • The Most Romantic Evening In All of Orange County! (Feb. 25)
  • Add your event

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You're in the know for today! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow 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.

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