🌱 Ninth Horse Dies After Race + Six Indie Book Stores + $530K Grants

Welcome back, Orange County! I'm here in your inbox this morning with everything happening in Orange County. Let's do it...

First, today's weather:

Sunshine and patchy clouds. High: 83 Low: 67.

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Here are the 4 top stories today in Orange County:

1. The trial has begun for an Orange County police officer accused of filing a false report. Prosecutors said that an Anaheim police officer, Dillon Adam Avila, 30, "lied in a report" to justify searching a vehicle that the officer pulled over for a traffic stop. The defendant's attorney said his client "did not intend to make false claims," but filed a "sloppy" police report. (Orange County Patch)
2. Another horse has mysteriously died at the Los Alamitos Racetrack, according to state horse racing officials. A 2-year-old gelding named" Smokin Hot Fire" had won five races in its career and collapsed after crossing the finish line in fourth place at Saturday night's seventh race. The cause of death was listed under "musculoskeletal" by the California Horse Racing Board. (Orange County Patch)
3. Be sure to stop by the six independent bookstores in Orange County! Orange Coast Magazine assembled a list of local book shops that offer everything from reading groups to author events. The six book shops include the Arvida Book Co. in Tustin; Mystery Ink in Huntington Beach; Laguna Beach Books in Laguna Beach; Half-off Books Records Films in Fullerton; Beach Town Books in San Clemente; and Lido Village Books in Newport Beach. (Orange Coast Magazine)
4. Nonprofits across Orange County received $530,000 in grant money thanks to Bank of America. Twenty local nonprofits already received a portion of the funds this month to drive "economic opportunities for families in need across Orange County. "The local grants support learning new job skills, food insecurity, affordable housing, youth education, employment and health care," Bank of America said in a news release. (Orange County Patch)

Today in Orange County:

• Breakfast Business Networking Group at Rockwell's Cafe & Bakery. (8 a.m.)
• Help Pack One Million Meals for Children. (9 a.m.)
• Family Yoga (All Ages) at Haskett Branch. (10:30 a.m.)
• VIRTUAL: Author Talk with Historian & Pulitzer Prize Winner Dr. Marcia Chatelain. (11 a.m.)
• Book Club Meeting — Tustin Chamber of Commerce. (Noon)

From my notebook:

• German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County: "This is the last remaining dog from Military Mutt Match, the rescue shelter that closed and sent several dozen dogs to the Riverside Shelter." (German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County via Facebook)
• O.C. Parks: "Get jazzy this Thursday, Aug. 4 as the legendary @bigbadvoodoodaddyofficial and @katieferraramusic take the stage at Mile Square Regional Park in Fountain Valley!" (OC Parks via Instagram)
• Orange County Sheriff's Department, C.A.: "Our Explosives Detection K9s were out working hard this weekend to keep OC events safe a fun 🍊! Did you head over to the U.S. Open or OC Fair?" (Orange County Sheriff's Department, CA via Facebook)
• Philharmonic Society of Orange County: "Please give a warm welcome to Mark Saville, our new vice president of development!" (Philharmonic Society of Orange County via Facebook)
• CASA of Orange County - Court Appointed Special Advocates: "ATTACh conference registration is now open to CASA staff and supporters interested in learning more about the path to hope and healing. Register at: www.attach.org." (CASA of Orange County - Court Appointed Special Advocates via Facebook)

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Events:

• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (August 5)
• The Endless Summer Bash, Presented by BMW of Buena Park. (August 6)
• Summer Swing Nights — 5th Anniversary. (August 13)
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You're all caught up for today! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with your next 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. You can follow her on Instagram and Twitter.

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