🌱 Luck O' The Irish + World Surf Champ + Old Motels Become Homes

Hello, Orange County! Here's everything you need to know to start Thursday off right.

First, today's weather:

Clouds will give way to sun. High: 67 Low: 47.

Attention, top law firms! We're now offering sponsorship opportunities for local firms interested in building lasting connections with clients in Orange County. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top stories today in Orange County:

1. Luck O' The Irish! Celebrate Saint Patrick's Day with green beer, corned beef and cabbage, Irish concerts, Irish dancing, and pub crawls. From Anaheim and Costa Mesa to Dana Point, Newport Beach, Irvine, and more. Find everything happening in O.C. on St. Patty's Day here: (Orange County Patch)
2. A shout out to Griffin Colapinto of San Clemente who won his first World Tour surf victory on Sunday at the finals in Portugal. It was the third stop of the 2022 Tour at the MEO Pro Portugal competition. The OC surfer earned a perfect 10 score battling against the world’s best surfers. Colapinto faced Brazilian surfer Filipe Toledo, who is also from San Clemente. You can read more about this story here: (OC Register)
3. Aging motels in at least three OC cities will become hundreds of affordable apartments, but the need is greater than the supply. Converting aging motels into permanent apartments is one of the fastest and most effective low-cost ways to create affordable housing and get people off the streets. OC has been approved for $40 million in funding from the state’s Homekey program. The funds will be used to upgrade rundown properties and get rid of blight. But the program also has challenges, like purchasing properties for a reasonable price and finding places for people already living in the old motels. The county also recently announced a $17 million award to convert a 65-room Quality Inn on Beach Boulevard, in part, to help chronically homeless people. You can read the full story here: (Facebook)

From our sponsor:

Hey Orange County, are you looking to buy a house, refinance or just explore your options? Check out the new Patch Mortgage Center for all your home financing needs!

Today in Orange County:

• Kiwanis Club of Placentia Weekly meeting. (7:15 a.m.)
• Government Affairs Council — Fountain Valley Chamber of Commerce. (8:30 a.m.)
• Zoning Administrator Meeting — City of Newport Beach. (10 a.m.)
• Virtual Mock Interview: On-Site — Anaheim Workforce Connection. (10:30 a.m.)
• Admission Tickets — Sherman Library & Gardens. (10:30 a.m.)

From my notebook:

• German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County: "Happy ending! Trevor is off to start his new life with his new family." (Facebook)
• Orange County Sheriff's Department, CA: "Always try to walk with a friend but if you can’t here are some #TipTuesdays to help you out." (Facebook)
• OCPS: "History made! Freedom High's Girls Wrestling team won the *first ever* FHSAA State Championship for their sport this past weekend!" (Instagram)
• Goodwill of Orange County: "Spring is around the corner! Shop festive greenery and spring-themed home decor at your local #OCGoodwill" (Facebook)
• Real Estate Roundup: For the Orange County area: (Orange County Patch)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• 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)
• Redefyne MD Aesthetics — (Visit website)
• Add your business here

Events:

• Taxes in Retirement Webinar. (March 14)
• Taxes in Retirement Webinar. (March 14)
• Taxes in Retirement Webinar. (March 15)
• Make New Friends! (March 16)
• St. Patrick's Day Pub Crawl & Block Party! (March 17)
• A FABULOUS NIGHT OF GREAT THEATER! — The Elephant Man Play (March 18)
• Youth Football and Cheerleading Registration (March 19)
• Add your event

Announcements:

• Retired Public Employees Association Membership Brunch. (Details)
• TICKETS ON SALE NOW: "Les Misérables" — School Edition! (Details)
• Add your announcement

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

You're caught up today. I'll see you soon!

— 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.