🌱 New Capistrano Blaze + 16 Million Dollar Zip Codes + Mural

Hello, people of Orange County! It's me again, Paula Constance, your host of the Orange County Daily.

First, today's weather:

Some sun today and a few showers. Cool. High: 58. Low: 41.

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Here are the top stories today in Orange County:

1. A shout out to the Orange County Fire Authority for quickly fighting to contain the San Juan Capistrano brush fire Thursday. Firefighters were notified about the blaze at noon. The fire quickly spread up a hill thick with vegetation closing both sides of the Ortega Highway. The fire burned 9 acres, but as of 7:45 p.m., the fire was 90 percent contained. Firefighters did not say what may have sparked the blaze. You can read the full story here: (CBS Los Angeles)
2. Have you been out to Dana Point? You may want to check out a new mural that celebrates the surf culture of Dana Point that was recently unveiled. The lively outdoor painting is 80 feet by 16 feet tall and is on a wall at the northwest corner of Doheny Park Road and Las Vegas Avenue. It was the dream of two childhood friends who grew up surfing in Dana Point and wanted to create something that honored the surf culture, well-known city icons and local landmarks. You can read more about this story here: (OC Register)
3. Orange County lost 13 "bargain" neighborhoods during the pandemic, creating 16 new "million dollar" zip codes in OC, even though prices are now starting to cool. Even before the pandemic, the most "affordable" neighborhoods in OC were priced above $600K. Experts say that several factors contributed to astronomical home prices, including low mortgage rates, the low inventory of homes, a desire for new and larger living spaces, and more investors seeing an opportunity in the real estate market. This all happened while the economy was slowly recovering from the pandemic. Communities that saw home prices increase the most include Irvine, San Clemente, Fullerton, Yorba Linda, Costa Mesa, Laguna Nigel, and Huntington Beach, among others. You can read the full story here: (OCRegister)

Today in Orange County:

• Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival 2022: Anaheim. (9 a.m.)
• ABOUND Food Distribution: From 9 - 11 a.m. in the West Lot. (8 a.m.)
• Dana Point Fine Art Festival: Free arts and culture events in Orange County: (9:30 a.m.)
• La Quinta Art Celebration: Free arts and culture events in Orange County. (10 a.m.)
• Virtual Webinar: Athletic recruiting in college admissions — what you need to know. (10 a.m.)

From my notebook:

• German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County: "How does a 6-month-old puppy end up abandoned in a field?" (Facebook)
• Orange County Pit Bull Rescue: "Finn was scheduled to be euthanized this past Monday, and that was not OK with us. This sweet boy continues to show us how strong and resilient he is. He loves everything and everyone and everyone loves him in return." (Facebook)
• Orange County Parks: "We are a day late for #WildlifeWednesday, but for good reason — today is #WorldWildlifeDay!" (Facebook)
• South Orange Public Library: "The LEGO Challenge is back! On Fridays throughout, #soplmakersmonth kids can pick up a backpack filled with LEGOS." (Instagram)

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Events:

• Taxes in Retirement Webinar. (March 7)
• Taxes in Retirement Webinar. (March 14)
• Taxes in Retirement Webinar. (March 14)
• The Elephant Man Play & Heartfelt Fundraiser for Eddy Newton! (March 18)
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You're caught up for today. 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. One of my favorite jobs? Working with Imagineering for The Walt Disney Company.