🌱 Police Arrest Hit-And-Run Driver + The 55 Freeway Will Be Faster

Hello, neighbors. It's me, Paula Constance, your host of the Orange County Daily — here to share the most important things happening in our community today.

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First, today's weather:

Times of clouds and sun. High: 81 Low: 69.

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Here are the top 4 stories today in Orange County:

1. A hit-and-run suspect that left a 16-year-old Orange County girl in critical condition has been arrested by the Orange County Sheriff's Department. The Orange County's Major Accident Reconstruction Team tracked him down from car parts left at the scene. "It's always a good day when you get your guy," said Sgt. John Hopkins. (Patch)
2. If you love Bruno Mars, you can listen to your favorite songs by the Bruno Mars Tribute Band at the Orange County Fair. The Bruno Mars Tribute Band will play on Thursday, July 28. The O.C. Fair runs through Sunday, Aug. 14 and is open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. - 11 p.m., and Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 11 a.m. - midnight. (South OC Beaches)
3. Have you ever inched along the crowded 55 Freeway? Relief is on the way! On Thursday, transportation officials kicked off what will be a four-year construction project to alleviate traffic by adding another travel lane and a carpool lane on each side. The four-year project will be a 4-mile stretch of freeway between I-5 and I-405, from the Santa Ana and Tustin areas to Irvine and Costa Mesa. (Orange County Register via Facebook)
4. The world’s largest action-sports surfing festival is this week in Huntington Beach. Stop by the Vans U.S. Open of Surfing to see surfing competitions and much more! There is a lot going on. You can read more about this story here: (Orange County Register via Facebook)

Today in Orange County:

• SPOCOM — Anaheim Convention Center. (All Day)
• Saturdays' Arts & Crafts at Oak View Branch Library. (9:30 a.m.)
• Saturdays' Arts & Crafts — Huntington Beach Public Library. (9:30 a.m.)
• Makerspace Open Hours In-Person — Huntington Beach Public Library. (10 a.m.)
• ENC Wine Walk — Environmental Nature Center. (4 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County: "Available for adoption. Meet 3-year-old GSD mix Erik! Erik likes people, is housebroken and has had training. He is on the smaller side, perfect for a condo or townhome." (German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County via Facebook)
• Orange County Parks: "Thursday nights are best spent at the O.C. Parks Summer Concert Series! Check out some highlights from a super rad night with The Aquabats! at Irvine Regional Park. Join us for free concerts at your favorite parks starting at 5 p.m." (Orange County Parks via Facebook)
• Orange County Register: "Testing for monkeypox, a crucial part of containing the growing outbreak, has gotten off to a sluggish start at the five commercial laboratories that are doing nearly all of the nation's testing." (Orange County Register via Facebook)

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Events:

• Level up your summer plans with NFT Expoverse! 🚀 25 PERCENT OFF TICKETS. (July 30)
• You’re invited to NFT Expoverse Los Angeles! 😎 25 PERCENT OFF TICKETS. (July 31)
• "Just Plein Fun" Weeklong Art Event. (August 1)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (August 5)
• The Endless Summer Bash, Presented by BMW of Buena Park. (August 6)
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You're caught up for today. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow with a new update!

— 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 find her on Instagram and Twitter.

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