🌱 O.C.'s Grand Canyon + Surf Festival Draws Crowds + Amazon Law Suit

Hello, Orange County! Here's everything you need to know what's happening in Orange County today. Let's go!

First, today's weather:

Periods of clouds and sun. High: 85 Low: 68.

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Here are the top 3 stories in Orange County today:

1. Have you visited "Orange County's miniature Grand Canyon?" You will find a "distinct geological formation" that may hikers say looks like the Grand Canyon in the southern portion of Limestone Canyon called "the Sinks" in the Irvine Ranch Open Space. This unusual park landmark offers sweeping views. In a recent post, O.C. Parks said that visitors have to register for one of the Wilderness Access Days or scheduled programs and activities to view "the Sinks." The hike is about "8 miles out and back on a mostly flat trail." (OC Parks via Instagram)
2. The nine-day Vans US Open of Surfing drew crowds of onlookers on the beach and Huntington Beach pier Saturday as surfers competed in the world’s largest surf action-sports festival. Saturday's kick-off competition was the start of nine days of high-energy surfing events. A Huntington Beach surf fan and his wife Katy brought beach chairs early Saturday morning before the event started. “The earlier you get here, the better seat you get,” he said. (Orange County Register via Facebook)
3. A class-action lawsuit was filed in Los Angeles District Court alleging that Amazon failed to provide "state and federally mandated accommodations" for mothers who work at its Beaumont fulfillment center. Fernanda Torres, who filed the suit on behalf of herself and co-workers, alleged that Amazon "failed to provide reasonable break times and locations for female employees to pump breastmilk." Torres, the mother of a 5-month-old infant, alleges she was told on her first day of work to use a "6-by-6-foot space" where she was allowed to pump breast milk that Torres claimed was "more than a 10-minute walk" from most work stations in the large facility. She said she was also told if she went over five minutes for a bathroom or rest break, that Amazon would dock her pay. (Orange County Register via Facebook)

Today in Orange County:

• "Just Plain Fun" Week Long Art Event. (9 a.m.)
• MOVE Laguna: 1st Mondays FREE at Art of Fitness Laguna. (All Day)
• Lunch & Learn: 7 Pro Strategies for Networking without being awkward. (Noon)

From my notebook

• German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County: "Poppy is snug as a bug in a rug in her new home!" (German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County via Facebook)
• Orange County Sheriff's Department, C.A.: "For #WorldDayAgainstTraffickingInPersons we want to share an important message from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. There are steps you can take to avoid falling victim to #HumanTrafficking online." (Orange County Sheriff's Department, CA via Facebook)
• Orange County Register: "The railings encircling the rotunda at the Mission Inn where a woman fell to her death on Thursday, July 29, do not meet current safety codes, the hotel says." (Orange County Register via Facebook)
• Orange County (NC) Recreation: "Registration open for a few more weeks for Fall youth athletic leagues. Don't forget to get signed up! Now accepting enrollments for Flag Football 🏉, Youth Soccer ⚽️, and Teen Basketball." (Orange County (NC) Recreation via Instagram)
• Girl Scouts of Orange County: "Renew your membership today! Think of all the adventures you’ve been on together, the stories you’ve shared, and the challenges you’ve overcome." (Girl Scouts of Orange County via Facebook)

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Events:

• "Just Plein Fun" Week Long Art Event (August 1)
• Divorce Boot Camp – Vesta Irvine, CA Hub (August 3)
• 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)
• The Golden Era Runway Show (August 20)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Monday off right! I'll see you soon.

— 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