🌱 Newport Beach 'Unusual' Seal Rescue + Unexpected $2.8M Donation

Hello, neighbors. It's Monday in Orange County and I'm back in your inbox with everything you need to know that's happening locally. In today's briefing, we'll cover these stories and more...

• Newport beach city workers help rescue an unusual seal.
• A puppy needed help when his head was stuck in a gate.
• O.C. Girls Scouts received an unexpected donation.
• Clocks turned back, and O.C. Parks close an hour earlier.

But first, today's weather:

Cool with rain and drizzle. High: 67 Low: 59.

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Here are the top stories today in Orange County:

1. There were a few tense moments for a puppy who was rescued after getting its head stuck in a gate in an Orange County home. Firefighters arrived Saturday to find Toby's head wedged in a gate at the family home. They used a bag of treats to help safely pull the puppy out of the gate. Thankfully, the pup didn't seem to have any injuries, the rescuers said in a social media post. (FOX 11 Los Angeles)
2. Speaking of inspiring animal rescues, two Newport Beach public workers saw something unusual on the beach around the pier Saturday. When they drove closer, they saw "a small, furry, dark heap lying crumpled on the beach." The injured marine animal with "labored breathing" and said he was "in bad shape" said beach Newport Beach maintenance supervisor Mike Auger. The Pacific Marine Mammal Center in Laguna Beach asked the workers to cover the unusual-looking furry seal to keep it warm. Marine rescuers said Northern fur seals are "rarely seen this far south." (MSN.com)
3. A shout out to philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, for her generous $2.8 million donation to the Girl Scouts of Orange County. Chief executive Vikki Shepp said the new funds will enable the nonprofit to build on its All-Girl Initiative " in under-engaged communities." The new funding will boost staff and enable more girls to have opportunities to explore and prepare for careers and be involved in outdoor programs. (Los Angeles Times)
4. If you plan to visit an Orange County park, it will close an hour earlier! O.C. Parks reminded everyone in a recent social media post that the parks will close one hour earlier "for the fall-winter season." "Regional parks will be open from 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.," park officials noted, adding that "Wilderness parks close at sunset year-round." (OC Parks via Instagram)

Today in Orange County:

• 29th Annual Golf Classic - Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce (7:30 a.m.)
• Vote Center In-Person - Huntington Beach Public Library (8 a.m.)
• 4th Annual Veterans Golf Classic - Fullerton College (8:30 a.m.)
• Pet Hospital - Fountain Valley Chamber of Commerce (8:30 a.m.)
• Girls Inc. of Orange County - Annual Thanksgiving Drive (9 a.m.)

From my notebook:

• HVAC mechanics needed: "Join OC Sheriff! We are now hiring Air Conditioning Mechanics. To learn more about the job or apply today head over to: https://bit.ly/3h1aG2K Please note, if the employee meets the qualifications, they may receive Premium Pay for: 🌚 Ni..." (Orange County Sheriff's Department, CA via Facebook)
• Honda Center: "The delightful oddballs from Athens, Georgia bring their Final Tour Ever Of Planet Earth to Honda Center in Anaheim on Saturday." (Orange County Register via Facebook)

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Events:

• 4th Annual Coast Film & Music Festival Nov. 9- 13 (November 10)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (November 12)
• Art for a Smile: Paintings by Hue Nguyen (November 12)
• The Best of OC Holiday Boutique! (November 12)
• Learn to Watercolor! Paint a Pumpkin on Paper (November 12)
• 2022 Dana Point Turkey Trot (November 24)
• Drug Rehabs San Diego Grand Opening (February 28)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Monday! I'll see you soon.

Thought of the day: What will you do with your extra hour of morning sunlight now that we turned the clocks back?

— 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