🌱 Monarch Butterflies '100-Fold Increase' + Free Movies + 125 Years

Hello, friends! I'm back with your fresh edition of the Orange County Daily. Let's get this week started off right, with a quick dive into the most important things going on around town.

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First, today's weather:

Pleasant with clouds and sun. High: 79 Low: 62.

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Here are the top stories today in Orange County:

1. New studies have found a "100-fold increase in monarch butterfly populations" in SOuthern California after a shocking decline. "Backyard scientists" have been planting milkweed "to encourage breeding" of the beautiful orange-and-black butterflies, and studies show, it's helping. Many Californians have been planting native milkweed to attract breeding monarchs to their home gardens and nearby parks, leaving scientists to wonder if this is a trend or a temporary surge. You can read more about this story here: (Orange County Register via Facebook)
2. The count-down has begun! Get ready to enjoy classic and recent films with friends and family at the Sunset Movies at local O.C. parks. The Sunset Cinema film series is on Friday nights, starting on June 17, and runs through September 2. Movies will start around sunset at Craig Regional Park, Carbon Canyon Regional Park, Yorba Regional Park, Irvine Regional Park, Laguna Niguel Regional Park, and Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach. Park officials recommend that you arrive early to enjoy "pre-show entertainment, games and good seats!" There will also be snacks and refreshments available. (O.C. Parks)
3. Did you know that Irvine Regional Park is 477 acres, making it almost the same size as Disneyland? Irvine Regional Park is also celebrating its 125th anniversary this year, with monthly guided hikes showing everything the park has to offer. Mark your calendar! The next hike will be on June 12, park officials said. Irvine Regional Park offers miles of hiking trails with hundred-year-old trees, has a 1/3 scale railroad and is home to the O.C. Zoo. The park also has an equestrian center and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983 as an "area of significance" for recreation and architecture. (Orange County Register via Facebook)
4. You can see the original Wizard of Oz movie in theaters across the U.S. on Sunday, June 5, and Monday, June 6. The special screenings of the classic 1939 film are to honor what would have been Judy Garland's 100th birthday, according to a news release by Fathom Events. Find out where the movie is showing your area here: (Fathom Events)

Today in Orange County:

• Vote Center - Huntington Beach Public Library. (8 a.m.)
• Social Media & Marketing Committee - Garden Grove Chamber of Commerce. (10:30 a.m.)
• Ribbon Cutting for Genie Car Wash - Tustin Chamber of Commerce. (1 p.m.)
• Veterans Advisory Committee Meeting - City of Placentia - Committee and Commission Meetings. (4 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County: "HAPPY ENDING! Gustav has been adopted!" (German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County via Facebook)
• Orange County Register: "“Fantasmic” has returned to Disneyland after a two-year pandemic pause." (Orange County Register via Facebook)
• Orange County Register: "The remaining performances of South Coast Repertory’s main Segerstrom Stage production of “Our Town” have been canceled after multiple cast members tested positive for COVID-19." (Orange County Register via Facebook)

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Events:

• Taxes in Retirement Webinar. (June 6)
• Social Security Seminar - AM & PM! (June 9)
• Best of SoCal, Presented by Porsche Irvine. (June 11)
• Taxes in Retirement Webinar. (June 13)
• Hire A Pro To Clean Up The Yard For Dad. (June 19)
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Announcements:

• TICKETS ON SALE NOW: The Lightning Thief - The Percy Jackson Musical! (Details)
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That's it for today! I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow morning with a new update.

— Paula Constance

About me: Paula is a freelance writer, author, and award-winning media producer. She is committed to media projects that empower, engage, and help make the world a better place.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Orange County Daily? Contact me at paula.constance.patch@gmail.com.