🌱Missing Diver+ Eater: Best In O.C. +Homeless Volunteers + Winds

Rise and shine, Orange County! Happy Thursday. Here's everything worth knowing today in our area.

First, today's weather:

Warm today with plenty of sunshine. High: 76. Low: 49.

A wind advisory will be in effect from midnight to 4 p.m. Thursday with blustery wind gusts ranging from 15 to 50 miles per hour for inland Orange County, the Inland Empire, San Bernardino County Mountains, Riverside County Mountains, Santa Ana Mountains and Foothills and San Gorgonio Pass Near Banning. The National Weather Service said to use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle, and to bring in outdoor objects that may get blown down or away due to winds.

Here are the top stories today in Orange County:

1. A missing diver was found dead near an oil platform off of Huntington Beach. On Tuesday, authorities identified the diver as 64-year-old Theodore Watler of Long Beach. He was reported missing around 10:30 a.m. Sunday after he became separated from his commercial diving group. The Long Beach Fire Department tweeted, "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of the missing diver." You can read the full story here: (NBC4)
2. Find out what Eater LA has to say about the "vibrant" and "diverse" culinary experience in Orange County. From formal oceanside dining and casual seaside stands to authentic inland restaurants, here are the top five restaurants that Eater LA listed among "The 38 Best Orange County Restaurants in Orange County." Sushi Noguchi in Yorba Linda, a favorite sushi spot of dining critics and sushi lovers, made the top of the list. Next was the Khan Saab Desi Craft Kitchen in Fullerton that combines the flavors of India, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, followed by the ADYA Indian restaurant in Anaheim., with chef Shachi Mehra. Napa Rose, a California-wine-country-inspired fine dining restaurant located inside Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa was in the fourth spot. Haven Craft Kitchen + Bar in Old Towne Orange was next on the list. Eater LA called it a neighborhood hangout with homestyle dishes "not to miss." You can read more about "The 38 Best Orange County Restaurants" here: (Eater LA)
3. Counting the homeless population in Orange County has been postponed due to the rapid surge of COVID-19. It's the second time the pandemic interrupted the homeless count. The biannual federally required census counts the homeless population in shelters, and those not in shelters, so agencies can update how resources are allocated. The homeless count also helps the federal government determine how much funding Orange County will receive to address the homeless issue. City Net, a Long Beach-based nonprofit, is looking for volunteers to help. You can read more about this story and find out how to sign-up as a volunteer here: (Los Angeles Times)

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:

• PTSA Meeting — Woodbridge High. (9 a.m.)
• Community Affairs Committee Meeting — Garden Grove Chamber of Commerce. (9 a.m.)
• Community Engagement Council — Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce. (9 a.m.)
• HBHS Girls' Soccer Fundraiser (Events). (Noon)
• #CCRS: Next Steps After Applying to College Workshop. (12:45 p.m.)
• #athletics: Boys Soccer vs. Western HS (Orange League). (2:45 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Orange County Boys Athlete of the Week: Justin Rodriguez, Fountain Valley. (OCRegister)
• Orange County Girls Athlete of the Week: Lani White, Mater Dei. (OCRegister)
• Orange County Register: "Magic Mountain has launched a single-use, pay-per-ride Flash Pass on four of the Valencia amusement park’s most popular roller coasters." (Facebook)
• Orange County Register: "Aliso Niguel's Shanna Brown is among Orange County girls basketball’s top performers last week." (Facebook)
• Orange County Register: "Steve Fryer's list of the top boys basketball players in Orange County last week." (Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Camino De Santiago Nature School — (Visit website)
• JDC Design & Consulting — (Visit Website)
• The Appliance Coach — (Visit website)
• ABC Heating & Air Conditioning — (Visit website)
• SMILES AND TEARS FOSTER FAMILY AGENCY — (Visit website)
• Storage Valet — (Visit website)
• Vydeo Media — (Visit website)
• Add your business here

Events:

• Social Security Seminar. (Jan. 20)
• Winter Slime Time with Girl Scouts! (Jan. 25)
• How to Successfully Navigate the Divorce Process — Vesta Irvine, California Hub. (Jan. 25)
• Add your event

Announcements:

• DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKING for Teens & Adults (Details)
• New to Spa Gregorie's? Here's $20 to enjoy!! (Details)
• Add your announcement

Loving 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
• 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 head out the door. See you tomorrow for another 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.