🌱 People Enter Burning Home For Cat + Woman Thwarts Christmas Robber

Welcome back, Orange County! It's Paula Constance back in your inbox after the holiday weekend to tell you everything worth knowing in O.C. today, including:

• People reentered a burning home to find a cat.
• Elderly woman stopped a Christmas burglary attempt with pepper spray.
• Transit officials want to shore up the hazardous San Clemente train route.
• Application deadline for Anaheim City Council's open seat.

But first, today's weather:

Cooler; a little p.m. rain. High: 71 Low: 56.

🏡 Are you looking for a way to differentiate yourself from other real estate agents in Orange County? Our exclusive newsletter sponsorships help you gain valuable exposure and attract new clients. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top stories in Orange County today:

1. Three people rushed into a burning home in Buena Park to search for a cat inside, fire officials said. Six people escaped a fire reported just after 9:30 a.m. in the 8300 block of Beethoven Drive, but two adults and a teenager ran back into the burning home for a cat. The people who reentered the home were hospitalized for smoke inhalation, the Orange County Fire Authority tweeted. Firefighters were able to knock down the fire in eight minutes, and "the cat was also found safe." (KTLA Los Angeles)
2. An elderly Orange County woman stopped a robbery attempt on Christmas morning with pepper spray. The woman was taking "a Christmas morning stroll" in the area of Bushard Street and England Avenue early Sunday when a would-be robber "pulled out a handgun and demanded her purse." Sgt. Alan Aoki of the Westminster Police Department said, “Luckily, the suspect did not shoot the victim and instead fled the scene on his bicycle.” (msnNOW)
3. Orange County transit officials want to shore up "several places along the rail corridor" of the only train route from San Clemente to San Diego. The hazardous coastal route was closed for emergency repairs on Sept. 20 due an eroding cliff under the tracks. Orange County Transportation Authority officials and the Coastal Commission are looking to protect "the most vulnerable sections," including the San Clemente pier and at the San Diego County border just north of Trestles Beach. (The San Diego Union-Tribune)
4. The Anaheim City Council has a vacant seat to fill. Anaheim residents who want to apply are encouraged to submit an application by Jan. 18 at 5 p.m. The council has also provided opportunities for input from the community. If you were thinking of making a difference in Anaheim—this may be your chance! (Ground News)

Patch deals of the day:

Whether you're soaking up the season or ready to hit snooze on the holidays, you deserve a little something for yourself. And these limited-time offers — hand-selected by the Patch Deals team — could be just what you need to start 2023 on a high note.

* Wine Insiders Offer (70% off) — Get 15 bottles of red blend for a fraction of what you'd normally pay. Shipping isn't cheap at $29.99, but that still comes out to about $8 per bottle.

* 2 Dozen Mixed Color Roses (53 percent off) — Get 24 gorgeous long-stem roses delivered straight from the farm to your door.

* $100 Restaurant.com eGift Card (89% off) — Pay just $11 and get $100 to spend at participating local restaurants.

(Patch may earn a commission on purchases. All deals are as of publication and could change.)

Today in Orange County:

• Tis the Season for Chicken Love - Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce (All Day)
• Chamber Board of Directors Meeting - Garden Grove Chamber of Commerce (8:00 AM)
• Stay & Play: Seal Beach Library - Mary Wilson Branc/Seal Beach Library (10:00 AM)
• Cozy Family Winter Read: Cypress Library (10:00 AM)
• Play & Learn: Irvine Heritage Park Library (10:20 AM)
• Little Explorers Storytime - Chapman Library (10:30 AM)

From my notebook:

• Fostering does more than save a life: "This camera shy and scared girl could have been in a shelter with an uncertain future. Instead she gets a first Christmas in a foster home with a frosty faced boss to teach her manners. Fostering does more than just save a life." (German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County via Facebook)
• Thanks to the Rosendin Foundation: "Thanks to our friends at The Rosendin Foundation for their generous donation of much-needed supplies! We appreciate the continued support!" (Orange County Rescue Mission via Facebook)
• New women's health services building: "The new $80 million, 40,000-square-foot building will house breast care programs and a range of women's health services under one roof." (Orange County Register via Facebook)
• Viral-worthy stories of last year: "From Sharknado to Dodger bobbleheads to ghost freeways, here are the most viral-worthy stories of last year." (Orange County Register via Facebook)
• "Strike Up the Band" grants: "Strike Up the Band is a grant program established by the Philharmonic Society in 2013 that aims to foster the appreciation of music within our community’s youth and create meaningful impact on school music programs." (Philharmonic Society of Orange County via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Storage Valet — (Visit website)
• Au Pair Childcare USA — (Visit Website)
• Uptown Cheapskate — (Visit website)
• Tablerock boarding kennels — (Visit website)
• Add your business here

Events:

• Crossing Over With Psychic Medium John Edward (Live)! (January 20)
• Add your event

Free stuff:

• NPower's FREE IT Support Specialist Program (Details)
• Add your free stuff

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Tuesday. See you all tomorrow for another update!

— Paula Constance

About me: Paula is a contributing writer, author, and award-winning media producer.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 and Instagram.

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