🌱Powwow 'First'+ No Questions Gun Buyback + Synchronized Swim Exhibit

Good morning! It's me, Paula Constance, your host of the Orange County Daily — here with the most important things happening in O.C. today.

• First-ever Powwow held on grounds dating back to the 1790s.
• "No questions asked" Santa Ana gun buyback program.
• Enrollment open for Orange County YMCA's fun enrichment learning programs.
• Synchronized swimming exhibit featured.

First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny today. High: 89 Low: 70.

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Here are the top 4 stories today in Orange County:

1. A powwow at a cultural museum was dedicated to the history of the area’s first peoples. The all-day event began at sunrise when members of the Juañeno tribe "blessed the ground" outside the Blas Aguilar Adobe Museum. Members of the community and other Native American nations gathered for a day to share food, customs, music, dancing, and storytelling. It was the first event to be held at the Blas Aguilar Adobe building, which is one of the oldest homes in San Juan Capistrano that dates back to the 1790s. (Orange County Register via Facebook)
2. A shout out to the Santa Ana Police Department for hosting a gun buyback program. The Santa Ana Police department held a gun buyback event for the community. Any community member could "turn in their firearms with no questions asked." The police handed out a $300 gift card to every person that handed over firearms. (Orange County Patch)
3. The YMCA of Orange County announced that parents can now enroll their kids in the Home School Electives & Support program. In a recent post, the YMCA said they have more than 100+ years of experience and highly trained staff to help your children thrive through enrichment learning opportunities. You can find out more about the program here: (YMCA OF ORANGE COUNTY via Facebook)
4. The Village History Center has a new exhibit that pays tribute to a famous synchronized O.C. swimmers. The exhibit features "photos, newspaper clippings, original programs and more," the center wrote. The Laguna Woods History Center exhibit "pays tribute to 58 years of the synchronized swimming team," which is the "first and oldest club in the Village.” The curator of the exhibit, Robert Reyes, is a Ph.D. researcher, Village resident, and is the new director of social media and exhibits at the History Center. (Orange County Register via Facebook)

Today in Orange County:

• Think Goodness Fundraiser to Support Placentia Businesses. (All Day)
• The Great Plein Air Art Experience — Crystal Cove Conservancy. (9 a.m.)
• Santa Angelina Senior Community Groundbreaking. (10 a.m.)
• Kindergarten Readiness Storytime at Los Alamitos-Rossmoor Library. (10:30 a.m.)
• Storytime at La Palma Library — La Palma Branch Library. (11 a.m.)
• Family Storytime — Library of the Canyons. (11:30 a.m.)

From my notebook:

• German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County: "Meet SHIRA! She was shown the door by her family after her puppies were born." (German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County via Facebook)
• Orange County Pit Bull Rescue: "Happy first birthday, Finn. What a journey our loving, derpy nugget has had in his first year." (Orange County Pit Bull Rescue via Facebook)
• Orange County N.C. Recreation: "Thank you volunteer coaches! All Orange County Recreation youth sports rely on caring and knowledgeable volunteers who give their time and energy to share a love of sport with their community." (Orange County (NC) Recreation via Instagram)
• Orange County Parks: "It's time to dance! Join us this Thursday, Aug. 18 as Tijuana Dogs & opener Karly Moreno take the stage at Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach in Dana Point! Get ready for a memorable night of good vibes, dancing and amazing live entertainment." (Orange County Parks via Facebook)
• Girl Scouts of Orange County: "Brownies earn your pets badge today!" (Girl Scouts of Orange County via Facebook)

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Events:

• BBQ Music Fest — Aug. 19-21. (August 20)
• CHOC Adventure in the Park presented by Disneyland® Resort. (August 27)
• Wonderful World Soirée with the Pageant of the Masters. (August 27)
• Lake Forest Martial Arts School Grand Opening. (September 10)
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Housing:

• Converting Home Equity to Cash & Creative Purchases (Details)
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That's it for today. 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 Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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