🌱 PCH Closures + Los Al HS Opens Time Capsule + OC Wine & Spirit Fest

Hi all! Today’s National Panda Day; did you know that only an estimated 2,000 are left in the world? It's Sylvia, your host of the Orange County Patch newsletter — back in your inbox with everything you need to know that's happening in our community. In today's issue, you'll find news about these stories and more...

• 🚧 Landslide endangers apartment buildings
• 🤔 Mayor Tony Strickland’s affordable housing
• 🍷 The Orange County Wine & Spirit Festival is around the corner

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🌤️ But first, today's weather:

Cool with clouds breaking. High: 65 Low: 52.

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⛽ Three of the Cheapest Gas Stations Across Orange County

• Sam’s Club at 17099 Brookhurst St. in Fountain Valley, $4.39
• Costco at 2701 Park Ave. in Tustin, $4.55
• 76 at 26871 Aliso Creek Rd. in Aliso Viejo, $4.77

😋 Fair Food Poll!
Fair food is the ultimate cheat meal. Although we all know it’s unhealthy, everyone has a guilty pleasure. Which is your favorite? So far, 34.1% love funnel cake, 20.5% look forward to candy apples, 13.3% munch on corndogs, and 6.7% reach for guacamole. 4.4% each either eat cotton candy, tri-tip sandwiches, or cheesecake. Finally, 2.2% each favor guacamole with cheese, fried cheese curds, turkey legs, a deep-fried bacon-wrapped pickle, or pork chop on a stick. The rest stay away from fair food.

📰 Here are the top stories in Orange County today:

1. The rain caused headaches on streets across the O.C. Stretches of PCH were closed in Dana Point and Huntington Beach. In Dana Point, the closure affected PCH from Beach Road to Camino Capistrano after a landslide deposited rocks, vegetation and soil on the road. In Huntington Beach, the closure of PCH went from Seapoint Street to Warner Avenue, which routinely floods. (Patch)
2. Meanwhile, in San Clemente, officials evacuated four apartment buildings in the 1500 block of Buena Vista on Wednesday. A landslide is threatening the structures’ integrity and already deposited “part of someone's backyard and patio furniture” on train tracks below. Residents were only able to grab essentials before having to leave. One tenant called their insurance company, which advised that “they don't cover hills going down.” We don’t know yet when — or if — residents can go back. (ABC)
3. Huntington Beach Mayor Tony Strickland made headlines on Wednesday when it came out that he lives in an affordable housing development. It’s an “1,800-square-foot condominium on Breezy Lane in the upscale Cape Ann community.” In order to buy, you had to meet family income limits. Strickland says that it’s the property of his wife, which she bought before their marriage. Even so, he did list it in his “state of economic interest.” (The Orange County Register/paywall)
4. Last week, Los Alamitos High School opened a time capsule it sealed 50 years ago. It was a “30-pound lead box that had been stored on the campus.” It was discovered by chance when the old administrative building was torn down. What did students and teachers find important back in 1970? “Proclamations from numerous cities, local organizations and government agencies, the first edition of the high school’s newspaper The Crusader, an old issue of the News – Enterprise covering the high school’s opening, decals of the Los Alamitos High School mascot and logo, a directory and more.” Unfortunately, nobody thought to include any predictions. (Event NewsEnterprise)
5. Giracci Vineyards and Farms in Silverado hosts the Orange County Wine & Spirit Festival on March 26. Between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m., attendees enjoy “tastings of wine, craft beers, spirits, hard seltzers, vendors, live music, dancing, food trucks and more” and the rustic charm of the surrounding area. Best of all, the festival partnered with nonprofits, which means that you’re enjoying libations for a good cause! (Giracci)

📆 Today in Orange County:

• Bring your toddler to Lapsit Storytime at the Orange Public Library & History Center (10:30 AM)
• Come to the Veteran Resource Expo at the American Legion Post 291 in Newport Beach (3 PM)
• Paul Wayne plays at The Biergarten in Huntington Beach (6 PM)
• Participate in America's Pub Quiz at O'Malley's on Main in Seal Beach (7 PM)
• Marlon Wayans performs at the Brea Improv (8 PM)

🖊️ From my notebook:

• "Important information for all dog caregivers! Many people are commenting that they have been giving peanut butter for years, but this article is identifying the harmful additives that are in MOST peanut butter brands." (German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County via Facebook)
• "Day camps are open. Click the link for the full list of day camps and details. https://bit.ly/40mr2V5" (Girl Scouts of Orange County via Facebook)
• "CASA OC is HIRING! If you have a desire to help children who have experienced abuse, neglect, or abandonment, consider becoming a part of our team. https://www.casaoc.org/careers" (CASA of Orange County - Court Appointed Special Advocates via Facebook)
• "One of the sweetest author visits yet! Kids in grades 3-5 with an adult are invited to join middle grade author, Jaime Berry, who will read from her book, 'Hope Springs' followed by making a Jolly Rancher lollipop craft." (South Orange Public Library via Instagram)
• "Joining Esports at the YMCA can level-up your child's skills, both on and off the screen! From socialization to cognitive function, and physical activity to healthy competition - there's so much to gain. Sign up today at ymcaoc.org/esports" (YMCA OF ORANGE COUNTY via Facebook)

🏡 What are homes selling for these days in Orange County?

• Median Listing Home Price $1M
• Median Listing Home Price/Square Foot $598
• Median Sold Home Price $955.4K

Check out more Orange County real estate information!

🐶 Meet Orange County area Pets Available To Be Adopted!

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Featured events:

• Hop to It! The Bunny Returns to Brea Mall for Easter (March 17)
• Project Access Pickleball Tournament, presented by Freespeed Aviation, LLC (March 23)
• Hop to It! Caring Bunny Returns to Brea Mall for Easter (March 26)
• The Wine Militia - Secret POP-UP Blind Wine Tasting featuring Pinot Noir (April 12)
• Add your event

You're officially in the loop for today. See you all tomorrow for another update!

— Sylvia Cochran

About me: Sylvia Cochran works out of sunny Southern California and has been freelance writing full-time since 2005. She loves dogs, cats, books, plays Best Fiends (don't judge), embraces social justice, and tries to live out Micah 6:8.

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