🌱 Trash Washes Up On Beaches + Dog Rescued From House Fire

Hey, everybody! It's Paula Constance, your host of the Orange County Daily. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening locally, including:

• Large amounts of trash washed up on beaches and wetlands from the recent storms.
• Wrong-way driver kills two, injures three.
• A dog was rescued by firefighters from a burning house.
• Two Regal movie theaters will be closing in Orange County.

But first, today's weather:

Plenty of sunshine. High: 66 Low: 40.

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Here are the top stories today in Orange County:

1. What can Orange County do about the large amounts of trash washing up on its beaches and polluting its wetlands? Storms brought heavy rains to Southern California, and flooding brought large amounts of trash to local beaches and wetlands. Trash and debris, from microplastics and straws "to mattresses and even car doors" were found on beaches and "floating along wetland waters." "It's an ongoing problem that more communities are trying to address," Orange County officials said. (The Mercury News)
2. A wrong-way driver tragically killed two family members and left three others hospitalized in Fontana last Saturday at 6:30 a.m. Witnesses said the wrong-way driver was swerving and drove 100 m.p.h. before crashing a 2012 Ford into a family's 2001 Lexus on the 210 freeway. Jose Plasencia and his 16-year-old daughter Mia were killed. A 3-year-old son "is currently in the ICU with a low survival rate," the mother, Angelica, is "on her second surgery," and 5-year-old daughter Bianca has a broken leg. The Fontana driver was killed in the crash. (msnNOW)
3. Thursday was a happy day for a family dog that was rescued by Orange County firefighters from a burning home in the 9200 block of Bixby Avenue in Garden Grove. Firefighters were called "after neighbors reported seeing smoke at 3:15 p.m." and rushed to rescue the dog "before extinguishing the fire." Firefighters also mopped up the mess and removed the water inside the home! (Orange County Patch)
4. Two Regal Cinemas movie theaters will be closing in Orange County, the company announced: in Costa Mesa and Yorba Linda. They are two of 39 Regal theaters that will be closing nationwide in the coming months. (Orange County Patch)

Today in Orange County:

• Craft Day - Library of the Canyons/Silverado Library (9:00 AM)
• Color Happy! Kids Coloring Club: Dana Point Library (10:00 AM)
• Lunar New Year Crafts: Seal Beach Library (10:00 AM)
• Flame Broiler Buena Park Hosts Reopening "With 100 Complimentary Bowls For The Community" (10:00 AM)
• Celebrate the Lunar New Year with a FREE FOOD GIVEAWAY at Local Kitchens in Huntington Beach! (11:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• Honoring Greg Hennessey: "The Orange County Fire Authority and Orange County Professional Firefighters Local 3631 honor the life and service of Fire Apparatus Engineer Greg Hennessey on this anniversary of his Line of Duty Death on January 20, 2014." (Orange County Fire Authority via Facebook)
• San Clemente Women’s Surf Film Festival: "The San Clemente Women’s Surf Film Festival, which this year includes a Sandy Sip & Shop art fair, is Jan. 21 at the Surfing Heritage and Culture Center." (Orange County Register via Facebook)
• Fill your shelves: "Fill your shelves with unique pieces that express your personality and style from your local #OCGoodwill! Thank you, @highdesertfarmhouse, for sharing your thrifted style 💛" (Goodwill of Orange County via Facebook)
• Lowest price Disneyland ticket: "$104 is the lowest price for a one-day, one-park ticket. Disneyland hasn't yet revealed every day in 2023 with that admission price, but our theme park guru makes some educated guesses." (Orange County Register via Facebook)
• CASA of Orange County 39th annual Spirit Run: "Get moving and support CASA OC at the 39th annual Spirit Run! Would you like to participate with your youth? CASA youth can receive free entry! If interested, reach out to receive your special registration code." (CASA of Orange County - Court Appointed Special Advocates via Facebook)

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Events:

• Holocaust Survivor Dr. Jacob Eisenbach to share his story of survival, resilience & hope. (January 22)
• OC Animal Care Community Outreach Committee Meeting (January 25)
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Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll be back in your inbox again soon!

— Paula Constance

About me: Paula is a contributing writer, author, and 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, Instagram, and Twitter.

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