🌱 Mission Viejo Hazmat Scare + 'Midterm Election Is Secure, Safe'

Good morning, everybody! It's Paula Constance, your host of the Daily. Here's all the local news you need to know right now, including...

• Supervisor Foley hands out free $100 gas cards.
• Election security is high, O.C. Registrar says.
• Hazmat team called in for a suspicious smell in Mission Viejo.
• Sign up for a Turkey Day run/walk.

But first, today's weather:

Cool with partial sunshine. High: 66 Low: 46.

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Here are the top stories today in Orange County:

1. Drivers in O.C. are thanking Orange County Supervisor Foley for free $100 gas cards that were handed out from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday in Orange County. In a recent social media post, Supervisor Katrina Foley said the free gas cards are a way to "return tax dollars" to families struggling at the gas pump while big oil companies "rake in billions" in record profits. Residents who registered online were able to receive a free $100 gas card. If you missed the deadline, you can register on the waiting list for District 2 residents. (Twitter)
2. We will be voting next week in several tight races, and the Orange County Registrar of Voters assured the county that security measures are in place to "make sure elections are secure and safe." For example, steel ballot boxes are bolted to the ground and are emptied daily by different teams of trained ballot officials. The teams are tracked by GPS and "communicate continually with dispatch," said O.C . Registrar Bob Page. For added security, ballot officials are required to take pictures of each ballot, among other new security measures. (Spectrum News)
3. A hazmat team was called in Mission Viejo after residents noticed an unusual smell. The Orange County Fire Department arrived with a 30-member crew and hazmat team at the 26600 block of Plaza at 2:43 p.m. Tuesday, and evacuated the first floor of the building due to an unusual smell. No injuries were reported. (CBS News)
4. Have fun burning a few extra calories this Thanksgiving with family and friends at one of the many Thanksgiving run/walk events in Orange County. Check out Patch's guide to the best Orange County Turkey Trots in 2022. Thanksgiving is on Nov. 24, but not all of the events are on Thanksgiving Day! Find out more and register here:(Orange County Patch)

Today in Orange County:

• Power of Positive Parenting - The Priority Center - Anaheim. (All Day)
• Vote Center In-Person - Huntington Beach Public Library. (8 a.m.)

From my notebook:

• Beautiful Sophia needs a home: "We can't tell you why a dog as beautiful as Sophia ended up alone and unwanted in a local shelter. Seriously — just look at how gorgeous this girl is! Sophia is 2 years old and has a quiet, shy personality." (German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County via Facebook)
• Thanks, Remon!: "Meet Remon! He has worked for our department for 3 years. Remon has a lot of passion for the work he does and brings a positive attitude to his job. Thank you for your dedication to our department Remon! #WeAreOCSheriff 💚." (Orange County Sheriff's Department, CA via Facebook)
• Honoring educators: "Orange County’s top educators of 2023 were honored at the annual Teachers of the Year dinner celebration on Friday. 

“On a daily basis, our outstanding educators are securing a better future." (Orange County Department of Ed via Instagram)
• Plan ahead! Don't drink and drive: "With holiday celebrations coming up, planning ahead to make sure you have a safe ride if you plan on drinking is important. If using a rideshare app, confirm the name of the driver and make of the vehicle before getting in the car." (Orange County Sheriff's Department, CA via Facebook)
• Happy Dia de Muertos: "Happy Dia de Muertos 💀 Day of the Dead celebrates our loved ones who are no longer with us ❤️ The memories, stories, and time we have spent will always stay with us, and they will live on forever in our memories." (Goodwill of Orange County via Facebook)

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Events:

• Drug Rehabs San Diego Grand Opening (November 7)
• 4th Annual Coast Film & Music Festival November 9th - 13th (November 10)
• Art for a Smile: Paintings by Hue Nguyen (November 12)
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• HUGE MOVING SALE THIS SATURDAY 11/5 BALBOA ISLAND (garage). 7:30 am - 1:00 pm (Details)
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You're all good for today. I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow with a new update!

— Paula Constance

About me: Paula is a contributing writer, author, and award-winning media producer. She is committed to media projects that empower, engage, and help make the world a better place. 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 Daily? Contact me at orangecounty@patch.com