🌱 Park Restroom Recording + Grand Theft Arrest + Rattlesnakes Are Out

Hey, Orange County! Today’s International Tiger Day; did you know that tigers are good swimmers and can reach a top running speed of 40 mph? I'm back with your fresh copy of the Orange County Patch newsletter. Today you'll find news about...

• 🚧 The Ortega Highway weekend closure.
• 💵 The Mart sells.
• 🐍 Rattlesnakes in Crystal Cove State Park.

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☀️ But first, today's weather: Mostly sunny and very warm. High: 90 Low: 69.

⛽ Three of the Cheapest Gas Stations Across Orange County

• Costco at 22633 Savi Ranch Parkway in Yorba Linda, $4.59
• US Gas at 401 N. Tustin Ave. in Santa Ana, $4.59
• Costco at 115 Technology Drive in Irvine, $4.59

🚀 NASA Priority Poll
The Pew Research Center asked people what NASA’s priorities should be. The majority said the space agency should monitor asteroids. If we take this option off the table, what do you think? So far, 44.4 percent suggest a search for resources, 22.2 percent choose a moon or Mars base, and 11.1 percent each want a manned mission to Mars, a search for planets that could support life, or climate change monitoring.

📰 Here are the top stories in Orange County today:

1. Fullerton police arrested a 33-year-old man who reportedly recorded a child in a park restroom. The girl told her parents, who confronted the suspect and held him until officers arrived. “While searching the women’s restroom, a wireless hidden camera was discovered. A further search led to the discovery of child pornography on the suspect’s devices as well.” He pleaded “not guilty.” (KTLA, Patch)
2. Did you notice the large police presence near Newport Beach’s Fashion Island? It turns out that the police were detaining two suspects “on suspicion of grand theft and conspiracy.” They were 25- and 26-year-old men from Los Angeles. “An extensive search and evacuation of the business was conducted, and it is believed all suspects have been located and identified.” (Stu News Newport, Patch)
3. Rattlesnakes are enjoying the sunshine and warm weather in Crystal Cove State Park and similar locations. State Parks officials urge visitors to “watch where they're walking, to keep their eyes on the trail while they're walking and if they do see any animals like rattlesnakes, give them their space.” Also, let other hikers know there’s a snake on the trail. (ABC)
4. Dalfen Industrial bought The Mart in Anaheim. The industrial park has two buildings and measures 182,800 square feet. "The property was fully leased at closing with significantly below-market rents, providing cash flow in the immediate term and meaningful upside as leases mature." (yahoo! Finance)
5. The Ortega Highway 55-hour weekend closure is on! State Route 74 will remain closed until Monday at 4 a.m. Residents in the area can have access but must wait for a pilot car that travels “to and from Lake Elsinore.” (South OC Beaches)

The real estate market may be cooling ❄️ but the demand for homes is still high like these summer temps 🔥 Now is the time to reach buyers and sellers in Orange County with our exclusive newsletter sponsorships and let them know that you're available to help them find their dream home. Click here to learn more.

📆 Today in Orange County:

Saturday, July 29

• Anaheim Fire & Rescue Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser at Fire Station 10 (8 AM)
• Kids & Teens Book Giveaway at the El Toro Library in Lake Forest (9 AM)
• Blackberry-Picking Tours at Tanaka Farms in Irvine (10 AM)
• OC Soccer Club "Touch-A-Truck" Family Fun Event at the Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine (2 PM)
• Querido Mexico Concert at the Musco Center For Arts in Orange (7:30 PM)

🖊️ From my notebook:

• "What a blast from the past! Thank you, Flash Pants Band, for a noteworthy summer concert. See everyone next Thursday, Aug. 3 when The English Beat brings a rockin’ performance to Mile Square Regional Park in Fountain Valley." (Orange County Parks via Facebook)
• "Division Chief Nick Freeman was interviewed by CBS reporter, Michele Gile recently to discuss some of the hazards of lithium-ion batteries and went over safety tips for their use." (Orange County Fire Authority via Facebook)
• "📣 Interested in working for the Orange County Department of Education? OCDE’s Administrative Services division is searching for a knowledgeable professional to serve as a manager of accounting and budget support." (Orange County Department of Ed via Instagram)
• "🍊 Today we have a peel good post about Orange County's agricultural past! 🍊🌳 In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Valencia oranges dominated Orange County's groves." (Orange County Parks via Facebook)
• "NOW HIRING: Are you a skilled and creative visual artist with a passion for storytelling? We are seeking a highly talented and experienced videographer/photographer to join our dynamic team." (Orange Unified School District via Instagram)

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You're all caught up for today! I'll catch up with you bright and early Tuesday morning with your next update.

— Sylvia Cochran

About me: Christ follower. Wife. Book dragon. Proud supporter of the Oxford comma.

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