🌱 Talbert Oil Spill + Arrests In $5M Check Thefts + New Movie Free

Hello there, Orange County. I'm here in your inbox per usual to tell you everything happening in OC today. In this edition...

• Huntington Beach oil sheen.
• 80 people charged in $5M stolen checks ring.
• Free movie screening of Hocus Pocus 2.

But first, today's weather:

Plenty of sunshine. High: 81 Low: 66.

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Here are the top stories in Orange County today:

1. An oil sheen was spotted in Huntington Beach’s Talbert Channel, and clean-up crews had to use several booms to contain the oil spill. Public works crews spotted the sheen at about 7 a.m. Friday in the Talbert Channel in Huntington Beach. California Department of Fish and Wildlife official said in a tweet, “Due to the brownish milky characteristics of the oil officials believe it may be from an abandoned pipeline." Thankfully, no oiled wildlife was observed, officials posted. The spill is "a rainbow-colored slick that spanned about 200 yards long and 75 feet wide over the surface of the water." (Subscription/OC Register)
2. More than 80 people have been charged and 56 were arrested for stealing more than $5 million in paychecks and birthday checks from grandparents of California residents. Since 2018, the criminal ring, mostly made up of members of two Los Angeles street gangs, stole the checks, “washed off" the names, wrote in fraudulent names, and recruited people on social media to deposit them. The Los Angeles Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, California Attorney General Rob Bonta, and other agencies worked together to make the arrests. Bonta warned, “If you steal a family’s hard-earned money, we will find you." He added, "We will come after you; we will hold you accountable.” (Subscription/OC Register)
3. OC Parks is having a free screening of the new Hocus Pocus 2 movie—just in time for Halloween. You can see Hocus Pocus 2 with your family and friends at Carbon Canyon Regional Park on Friday, Oct. 21. 🍿 "The event is free, with free parking and popcorn while supplies last." The event site opens at 5:30 p.m. and the movie will begin around 7 p.m. (OC Parks via Instagram)

Today in Orange County:

• 'Tunnel of Terror' OC Halloween Haunted Car Wash 2022: Anaheim (6 p.m.)
• Crystal Cove Hiking & Yoga with REI - Crystal Cove Conservancy (8 a.m.)
• Walk 4 Water at Mile Square Park (8 a.m.)
• 2022 Senior Wellness Expo - Yorba Linda Parks & Recreation (9 a.m.)
• Main Street Creativity Corner In-Person (9 a.m.)

From my notebook:

• Stop by the Orange County Fire Authority open houses on Oct. 15: "On Saturday, 10/15 from 9 a.m. to Noon, we will close out #FirePreventionWeek with 29 OCFA Fire Stations across 23 cities hosting open houses." (Orange County Fire Authority via Facebook)
• Orange County Register: "McDonald’s will be serving Happy Meals in Halloween Pails beginning Oct. 18, the fast food giant announced on Thursday. 🎃🍔👻" (Orange County Register via Facebook)
• New details about Disney's 100th anniversary celebration : "The Disneyland Resort has announced new details for its Disney100 anniversary celebration, which kicks off on Jan. 27. The Disney 100 Years of Wonder honors the 100th anniversary of The Walt Disney Animation Studios." (Orange County Register via Facebook)

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Events:

• San Clemente Garden Club Fall Plant Sale (October 8)
• Book signing with author Marie Soleil (October 8)
• 22nd Annual Elvis Festival: "Follow that Dream" (October 9)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday off right! I'll see you soon.

— 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