🌱 What Blair's Autopsy Reveals + Missing Man + Disney Job Cuts

Hey, everyone! I'm back in your inbox this morning with the most important things happening in OC today. In this issue of the Orange County newsletter, read about these top stories and more...

• Strong wind advisory issued for parts of OC through Friday.
• Where will Disney cut 7,000 jobs?
• Critically missing 74-year-old man from Mission Viejo home.
• New information on the mysterious death of OC public defender Elliot Blair.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and pleasant. High: 77 Low: 51.

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Here are the top stories today in Orange County:

1. OC residents near the Santa Ana Mountains and foothills may want to bring patio umbrellas inside and secure outside furniture. A high wind advisory is in effect for Orange County Thursday and Friday until 6 p.m. The region can expect east winds of 15 to 25 m.p.h. with strong gusts up to 50 m.p.h. possible, said the National Weather Service. (MyNewsLA.com)
2. The Walt Disney Company will cut 7,000 jobs across its portfolio of properties. The layoffs are expected to save $5.5 billion in costs and will impact 3 percent of the Disney workforce. It's not clear how the layoffs will impact the 34,000 employees at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim. Find out more here: (Orange County Business Journal)
3. A 74-year-old man from Mission Viejo is critically missing. Authorities said they believed Hossein Angha left his home on foot traveling in an "unknown direction" around 1:30 p.m. on Feb. 7. See Angha's photo and read more about this story here: (Patch)
4. In a shocking turn of events, not long before his mysterious death at a Mexican resort hotel, Rosarito Beach police tried to extort money from Orange County public defender Elliot Blair and his wife. And now his autopsy results "characterized his death as an aggravated homicide."(Orange County Patch)

Today in Orange County:

• City Hall Alternate Friday Closure - City of Fountain Valley (7:00 AM)
• Government Affairs Committee Meeting - Garden Grove (7:30 AM)
• Mobile Library & Family Story Time - City of Laguna Niguel Parks and Recreation (10:00 AM)
• Plant and Planter Sale - Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce (10:00 AM)
• Jigsaw Puzzlers: Dana Point Library - Dana Point Branch Library (10:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• Captain Alan Villanueva promoted to chief: "Captain Alan Villanueva has been selected as the new Chief of Aliso Viejo Police Services👏. He began his new assignment Friday, Jan. 27." (Orange County Sheriff's Department, CA via Facebook)
• Ready to start a new life: "Sweet Pearl came to us when her family could no longer care for her. She is barely 6 months old and ready to start a new life. Pearl is soft and shy when meeting new people. She requires a home without a lot of commotion." (German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County via Facebook)
• Birdwatching reduces stress: "🐦You may have been told to stop and smell the roses, but did you know that birdwatching has also been proven to reduce stress and anxiety? 🦢Birds can be found nearly everywhere, whether you are recreating at one of our amazing #OCPark." (OC Parks via Instagram)

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Featured events:

• Santa Ana’s Latino Health Access (February 11)
• This Saturday! 1:00 PM - VALENTINE'S SHOP SMALL LOCAL BUSINESSES (February 11)
• Field Trip Fest (March 11)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Friday off right. See you all tomorrow!

— 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 Patch newsletter? Contact me at orangecounty@patch.com