🌱 RIP Eddie Ventura + Newport Beach Sewage Spill + Vandalism

Morning, Orange County! Today’s International Mahjong Day; did you know that the game developed in China’s Yangtze River Delta in the 1800s? I'm back with your fresh copy of the Orange County Patch newsletter. Let's get this Tuesday started off right with news on...

• 🧑‍🚒 The death of Senior Reserve Officer Eddie Ventura.
• 🤔 Laguna Woods’ dispensary issue.
• 🤔 Laguna Beach’s affordable housing woes.

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🌤️ But first, today's weather: Partly sunny. High: 84 Low: 67.

⛽ Three of the Cheapest Gas Stations Across Orange County

• Costco at 17900 Newhope St. in Fountain Valley, $4.49
• ARCO at 9472 Katella Ave. in Anaheim, $4.53
• Berri Brothers at 16621 Pacific Coast Highway in Sunset Beach, $4.79

🚀 NASA Priority Poll Results
The Pew Research Center asked people what NASA’s priorities should be. The majority said the space agency should monitor asteroids. We asked: if we take this option off the table, what do you think? You answered! 44.4 percent suggest a search for resources, 22.2 percent choose a moon or Mars base, and 11.1 percent each want a manned mission to Mars, a search for planets that could support life, or climate change monitoring. Thank you for participating!

📰 Here are the top stories today in Orange County:

1. The Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) lost Senior Reserve Officer Eddie Ventura. He began in 2010 at Fire Station 10 and then moved to Fire Station 32. Ventura was a patrol operator and water tender; additionally, he mentored other reserve firefighters and participated in Yorba Linda’s holiday food drive and the “Shop with a Hero” program. “Eddie Ventura will be remembered and missed by many for his contributions and legacy of service.” (OCFA)
2. Laguna Woods’ city council is inching closer to approving a legal marijuana dispensary within city limits. Opposed were councilmembers Carol Moore and Noel Hatch. However, the votes of Mayor Cynthia Conners and councilmembers Shari Horne and Annie McCary carried the day, and the ordinance is headed for a second reading in August. Proponents pointed to the convenience for neighbors, while opponents cited security concerns. (The Orange County Register/paywall)
3. Laguna Beach is looking for ways to comply with the state’s affordable housing mandate. At this time, there are three possible options. One would be an addition of 31 units to the Lang Park senior housing community. The other locations would be the school district-owned bus yard or the city-owned Ocean Avenue parking lot. The discussion will continue on Aug. 8 at 5 p.m. when the city council meets again. (Voice of OC)
4. Costa Mesa’s Ava Apartment complex was the scene of neo-Nazi vandalism. A suspect spray-painted swastikas on at least one car in the area. One image shows a silver Mercedes with additional signs of vandalism. (Patch, Stop Antisemitism)
5. Don’t go in the water around Newport Beach’s Aloha Drive Bridge. Some 140 gallons of sewage spilled from a broken sewer line into the water. “The spill happened after a rental boat struck a sewer line.” (Patch)

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📆 Today in Orange County:

Tuesday, August 1

• Stuffed Animal Sleepover at the Rancho Santa Margarita Library (10 AM)
• Preschool Storytime at the Irvine University Park Library (10:30 AM)
• Pro Business Connections meetup at Rodrigo's Mexican Grill in Tustin (11:30 AM)
• Timeless Melodies presents "Italian Pop Singers" at Laguna Niguel's Sea Country Senior & Community Center (1:30 PM)
• Sawdust Art Festival with Dub Rock Duo in Laguna Beach (1:30 PM)

🖊️ From my notebook:

• "Go Dean. Go buddy! A little confidence building work with Dean Keaton and his foster mama. Building confidence in our dogs is SO important and is a skill that can help them be a better all-around dog for their entire life." (Orange County Pit Bull Rescue via Facebook)
• "Excited girls packed and ready to load buses headed to Camp Scherman. Only two more sessions to go, summer is flying by! If you missed out on Camp Scherman's summer sessions, don't worry, we have you covered. Weekend camp sessions start this fall." (Girl Scouts of Orange County via Facebook)
• "It was a sweet day for some of our littlest Village of Hope members! 🍒 Our Parent Child Enrichment team read the book, 'Cherries and Cherry Pits,' to the kids while they enjoyed some fresh cherries to go along with the story." (Orange County Rescue Mission via Facebook)
• "Please help us raise funds for our orphans! Eat pizza, save dogs! What could be better?!? Aug. 7, 8, 9, all purchases (dine-in and take out) can earn GSROC a 25 percent dividend. Be sure to present this flyer or mention that you are supporting GSROC in order for your purchase to qualify." (German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County via Facebook)
• "Meet Delta. At 13 ½ years old, she is still very much full of love and compassion. If you are looking for a relaxed, easy-going companion, she is your girl and will undoubtedly bring comfort to anyone willing to open their heart to her." (Orange County Animal Allies via Facebook)

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Featured events:

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You're officially in the loop for today! I'll see you around.

— Sylvia Cochran

About me: Christ follower. Wife. Book dragon. Proud supporter of the Oxford comma.

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