🌱 Lucci's Farewell + Time Between Shots + Bold Climate Action

Hi, Orange County! Let's start this day on an informed note. Here's everything worth knowing around Orange County today.

First, today's weather:

A sunny day and mild. High: 75. Low: 47.

Here are the top stories in Orange County today:

1. Lucci’s will be closing after more than 50 years in Huntington Beach. The go-to place for sandwiches, cold-cut platters for parties, and delicious Italian bakery items will close its doors on Feb. 26. Owner Rick Refice said the family business was started in 1946 in Gardena by his grandmother, Lena Lucci, as an Italian market with a meat department and deli. Refice attributes the longevity of the business to treating everyone like they were part of the family. “Stores like ours don’t exist anymore,” he said, adding that the restaurant is closing because he decided not to renew his lease. His son, Taylor Refice plans to open a new Lucci’s within a few miles of the old location in about 7 or 8 months. You can read the full story here: (OC Register)
2. New evidence presented to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said giving the two initial doses of Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 shots eight weeks apart, instead of three or four weeks may improve protection and lower the risk of a rare but serious heart inflammation side effect. The CDC experts presented the information that vaccines "work better" and "are safer" when the first two doses are given eight weeks apart to their advisers on Feb. 4, but not everyone agreed. Dr. Robert Quigley, an immunologist and cardiac surgeon in Pennsylvania, said the vaccines as administered in the U.S. already are "shown to be overwhelmingly safe" and "effective." The CDC hasn’t made any final decisions about shot intervals yet. You can read the full story here: (OC Register)
3. The Orange County Power Authority has taken bold steps to take on climate change. They are providing clean power at competitive rates to four OC cities that chose clean energy for their cities. The three OC cities that chose 100 percent renewable energy to power their communities and businesses are Buena Park, Huntington Beach, and Irvine. Fullerton opted for 70 percent. The yearly reduction in carbon emissions will be equivalent to over "one million metric tons" of carbon dioxide, which is like taking over 200,000 cars off the road, according to OCPA chairman Mike Carroll. You can read the full story here: (OC Breeze)

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Today in Orange County:

• Make New Friends! (5:30 p.m.)
• Winter Reading Challenge Online — Huntington Beach Public Library. (All Day)
• Community Affairs Committee Meeting — Garden Grove Chamber of Commerce. (9 a.m.)
• Community Engagement Council — Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce. (9:30 a.m.)
• Virtual Mock Interview: On-Site — Anaheim Workforce Connection. (10:30 a.m.)

From my notebook:

• Orange County Area Real Estate Roundup: (Orange County Patch)
• Orange County Register: "Barnes is from Eastvale and played youth hockey in Southern California. Now, Canada and the United States will play for the gold medal." (Facebook)
• Orange County Rescue Mission: "'Forgive and give as if it were your last opportunity.' — Max Lucado" (Facebook)
• German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County: "Rescue in progress! Meet Luna, on her way from Palmdale Shelter (high desert) to the loving care of our vet staff!" (Facebook)
• Orange County Register: "Disneyland hosts Rams stars Cooper Kupp, Aaron Donald and Matthew Stafford less than 24 hours after their win in the NFL championship game." (Facebook)

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• Camino De Santiago Nature School — (Visit website)
• JDC Design & Consulting — (Visit Website)
• ABC Heating & Air Conditioning — (Visit website)
• SMILES AND TEARS FOSTER FAMILY AGENCY — (Visit website)
• Storage Valet — (Visit website)
• Vydeo Media — (Visit website)
• Carsplus — (Visit website)
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Events:

• Make New Friends! (Feb. 17)
• Pawliday Vegan Charity Market. (Feb. 19)
• Join the Irvine Classical Players Orchestra Kick Off Event. (Feb. 20)
• Taxes in Retirement Webinar. (Feb. 21)
• Taxes in Retirement Webinar. (Feb. 21)
• How to Successfully Navigate the Divorce Process — Vesta Irvine, California Hub. (Feb. 22)
• Babor/Oxygeneo Glow & Go Facial Event — Just $99. (Feb. 22)
• Social Security Seminar Feb. 22 & Feb. 23. (Feb. 23)
• 41st Annual CARSplus Convention: Networking for Success and Best Practices. (Feb. 25)
• The Most Romantic Evening In All of Orange County! (Feb. 25)
• A Romantic Play, Wine and Chocolate! (Feb. 25)
• Fall Youth Football Registration. (Feb. 26)
• Learn How To Reduce Your Risk For Heart Disease During American Heart Month. (Feb. 28)
• Add your event

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:

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• Send me a news tip or suggestion at orangecounty@patch.com

You're caught up for today! See you tomorrow for your next 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.