🌱 O.C. Fireworks + Local Surfers Rule The Waves + Park Ranger Needed

Hi O.C.! I'm back in your inbox this morning with everything you need to know about what's happening in Orange County today. Let's do it...

First, today's weather:

Clouds giving way to sun today. High: 83 Low: 64.

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Here are the top stories today in Orange County:

1. Where are the July 4th fireworks in Orange County this year? From Orange to Aliso Viejo, and Anaheim Hills to Huntington Beach, here are the communities having fireworks to celebrate the holiday this weekend: (Orange Coast)
2. Anaheim was "betrayed" by the secretive and rushed Angel Stadium deal, according to a report by an Orange California Grand Jury. The report cited a "lack of transparency" with the Anaheim City Council and called the Angels stadium sale a "betrayal" of the residents. The $30 million deal was stopped in May when federal authorities announced a corruption investigation into now-former Anaheim Mayor Harry Sidhu. You can read more about this story here: (Orange County Patch)
3. Keep pets safe during the fireworks displays on July 4! In a recent Facebook post, the German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County reminded pet owners to "please be respectful of animals" that may be sensitive to loud sounds and bright flashes of light and to keep animals safe. (German Shepherd Rescue via Facebook)
4. O.C. surfers, and "a few South Bay standouts," ruled the waves with outstanding surfing skills at the USA Surfing junior championships this weekend. Several local surfers left with national titles after the finals on Saturday, June 25, at the cobblestone beach south of San Clemente. “What an amazing week for junior surfing," said USA Surfing coach Ryan Simmons in a statement. Way to go, O.C. champions! (O.C. Register)
5. Are you interested in becoming an O.C. Parks Ranger? The application process to hire a new Park Ranger "is officially underway," said O.C. Parks in a recent Instagram post. Everyone who may be interested is encouraged to apply! You can find out more here: (OC Parks via Instagram)

Today in Orange County:

• Superhero Day! — Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach. (All Day)
• Blood Drive — Placentia Chamber of Commerce. (10 a.m.)
• Opening: TNT Fireworks Stand 2022: OC Fairgrounds, Costa Mesa. (Noon)
• Wildlife Wendy's Amazing Tropical Birds at Sunkist Branch. (4 p.m.)
• Wise Owl Tween Book Club In-Person. (4 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Orange County COVID-19 Numbers Rising: Hospitalizations flare up as the Fourth of July weekend nears. (Los Angeles Times)
• OC Parks: "Leap into the magical Casita during our screening of 'Encanto' this Friday, July 1, at 6 p.m., at Carbon Canyon Regional Park in Brea." (OC Parks via Instagram)
• Orange County Register: "For years, Laguna Niguel officials and residents have wanted a place for the community to gather — and now it appears they are getting just that and more." (Orange County Register via Facebook)
• Philharmonic Society of Orange County: "#TriviaTuesday: Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D minor is commonly associated with which celebration? Listen to the piece here: (Philharmonic Society of Orange County via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

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Events:

• Dana Point Trolley Hop: Red, White & Blue. (July 3)
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Announcements:

• 2022 Mesa Water District Water Quality Report Becomes Available July 1 (Details)
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That's it for today! See you tomorrow morning for 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 find her on Instagram and Twitter.

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