🌱 Rare Thundersnow + Battle Over Industrial Trains+ Disney Masks

Let's go, Orange County! Here's everything you need to know to start Friday on an informed note.

First, today's weather:

Plenty of sunshine today. High: 77. Low: 49.

Here are the top stories in Orange County today:

1. Rain, hail, lightning and ‘thundersnow’ were reported across Southern California on Tuesday, Feb. 15, following a significant drop in temperatures after the days-long heatwave the week of the Super Bowl. The sudden drop in temperatures, which was 30 degrees in some places, brought reports of pea-sized hail earlier in the day throughout Ventura County and Los Angeles County, said meteorologist Rich Thompson with the National Weather Service's Los Angeles office. "About an inch of hail" was recorded in Pasadena along with reports of hail in Burbank, he said. The storms brought thunder, periods of heavy rain, and “thundersnow”— a rare phenomenon — in the San Bernardino County mountains. You can read the full story here: (OC Register)
2. Plans to multiply the number of industrial freight trains in Orange County to alleviate train traffic along the scenic coastline between San Diego and Orange counties are not being embraced by some officials who oppose the plans. Coastal residents and city officials said the real winner of the effort to expand the industrial train capacity "will not be passengers" but the private freight railroad network. Critics are alarmed that more industrial train traffic would be passing through the region’s oceanside landscape that is "already threatened by sea level rise" and "frequent coastal bluff collapses." Del Mar Council member Dan Quirk said building or fortifying an industrial rail corridor on the beach doesn't make sense. You can read the full story here: (Voice of OC)
3. No face masks will be required indoors for vaccinated guests when visiting Disneyland or its neighbor, Disney California Adventure Park, park officials announced on Tuesday. The change was made when California's mask mandate expired. While face masks are optional for guests who are vaccinated in indoor attractions, restaurants, or stores, face masks will be required for unvaccinated guests or those not yet fully vaccinated, Disney officials said. Disneyland guests won't be required to show vaccination records. You can read the full story here: (Orange County Patch)

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Today in Orange County:

• Winter Reading Challenge Online — Huntington Beach Public Library. (All Day)
• Resume Review: On-Site — Anaheim Workforce Connection. (9 a.m.)
• Finding Your New Job — Orange Chamber of Commerce. (10 a.m.)
• Little Seedlings Story Time — Sherman Library & Gardens. (10 a.m.)
• Workforce Solutions Orientation: On-Site. (10:30 a.m.)
• Book Sale hosted by the Friends of the Anaheim Library at Central. (11 a.m.)

From my notebook:

• The Observatory Orange County: "Bésame Mucho Fest Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. Register now for the presale that starts Friday, Feb. 18, 10 a.m." (Facebook)
• Orange County Sheriff's Department, C.A.: "Our department sends our deepest condolences to the men and women of the Alameda County Sheriff's Office during this very difficult time. Our prayers go out to the family and loved ones of Deputy Phillips." (Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Camino De Santiago Nature School — (Visit website)
• JDC Design & Consulting — (Visit Website)
• ABC Heating & Air Conditioning — (Visit website)
• SMILES AND TEARS FOSTER FAMILY AGENCY — (Visit website)
• Storage Valet — (Visit website)
• Vydeo Media — (Visit website)
• Carsplus — (Visit website)
• Add your business here

Events:

• Pawliday Vegan Charity Market. (Feb. 19)
• Join the Irvine Classical Players Orchestra Kick Off Event. (Feb. 20)
• Taxes in Retirement Webinar. (Feb. 21)
• Taxes in Retirement Webinar. (Feb. 21)
• How to Successfully Navigate the Divorce Process — Vesta Irvine, California Hub. (Feb. 22)
• Babor/Oxygeneo Glow & Go Facial Event — Just $99. (Feb. 22)
• Social Security Seminar Feb. 22 & Feb. 23. (Feb. 23)
• 41st Annual CARSplus Convention: Networking for Success and Best Practices. (Feb. 25)
• The Most Romantic Evening In All of Orange County! (Feb. 25)
• A Romantic Play, Wine and Chocolate! (Feb. 25)
• Fall Youth Football Registration. (Feb. 26)
• Learn How To Reduce Your Risk For Heart Disease During American Heart Month. (Feb. 28)
• Add your event

Announcements:

• Free self-guided, goal-setting worksheet for 2022. (Details)
• Add your announcement

For sale:

• 85" SONY HK HDR Ultra HD TV (Details)
• Add your item

Gigs & services:

• Landlord Tenant and Criminal Defense (Details)
• Add your gig or service

If you love the Orange County Daily, here are all the ways you can get more involved:

• Send a friend or neighbor this link so they can subscribe for free
• Get your local business listed in front of readers
• Send me a news tip or suggestion at orangecounty@patch.com

Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow with another update!

— Paula Constance

About me: I am a freelance writer, author, and media producer. I am committed to media projects that empower, engage, and help make the world a better place. One of my favorite jobs? Working with Imagineering for The Walt Disney Company.