🌱New Advocates Sworn In + Disappearing Sand Grant + Target Grows

Good morning, Orange County! Let's start today with everything you need to know going on today in Orange County.

First, today's weather:

A sunny day, windy and warmer. High: 76. Low: 47.

Shoutout to our premier local sponsor:

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Here are the top stories today in Orange County:

1. A shout out to CASA of Orange County. On Feb. 24, the Court appointed 21 new special advocates who were sworn in by Judge Isabel Apkarian in a swearing-in ceremony. CASA volunteers are child welfare advocates who "provide a powerful voice and a meaningful connection for children who have experienced abuse, neglect and abandonment," CASA wrote on its Facebook page. You can read more about this story here: (Facebook)
2. Two new Target stores are opening in Orange County in early April. Look for the grand openings next month. One store is opening in Costa Mesa and another in Huntington Beach. You may be expecting a big-box store, but the new Target locations will be "small-format stores" that can be as small as 15,000 square feet but often average around 40,000 square feet, compared with big-box stores that average 130,000 square feet. The 37,000-square-foot Costa Mesa store will be at 289 E. 17th St., previously a Ross Dress For Less department store, and the 34,000-square-foot Huntington Beach store will take over the space on 19041 Beach Blvd. that used to be a Stein Mart. Both stores are opening Sunday, April. 3. You can read more about this story here: (OC Register)
3. San Clemente won a $570,000 grant from the state to study how and why sand is disappearing. As the state released the seventh round of grants to help manage the impact of climate change, San Clemente will receive more than half-million dollars to study where sand erosion is greatest and how it can be addressed. The California Coastal Commission approved the $570,000 for the seaside town on Wednesday, March 9. It was one of several communities that applied for $3.4 million grants available in this round. You can read the full story here: (OC Register)

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Today in Orange County:

• Blood Drive — Santa Ana High School. (All Day)
• Government Affairs Committee Meeting. (7:30 a.m.)
• Resume Review: On-Site — Anaheim Workforce Connection. (9 a.m.)

From my notebook:

• Who Wants to Run OC? Here are the candidates for the June 2022 primary so far: (Voice of OC)
• German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County: "Happy ending! Trevor is off to start his new life with his new family. He and his new dad can't wait to get started!" (Facebook)

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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:

• TICKETS ON SALE NOW: "Les Misérables" — School Edition! (Details)
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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
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• Send me a news tip or suggestion at orangecounty@patch.com

Now you're in the know and ready to start Friday off right! I'll see you again 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.