🌱 San Juan Capistrano Brush Fire + Con Targets Elderly + Visit VidCon

Hello all! Today’s World UFO Day; did you know that it commemorates the 1947 Mount Rainier, Washington, sighting report made by aviator Kenneth Arnold? It's Sylvia, your host of the Orange County Patch newsletter — here to explain what's happening in our community today. Today's issue includes...

• 🎢 Knott’s Xcelerator.
• 👮 Sneaking into Disneyland.
• ⚠️ Sleight-of-hand con artists in Anaheim.

💗 Please help us grow! Send a friend or neighbor this link, so they can be in the know, like you!

🌤️ But first, today's weather: Low clouds, then sun. High: 74 Low: 57.

⛽ Three of the Cheapest Gas Stations Across Orange County

• Berri Brothers at 14501 Red Hill Ave. in Tustin, $4.09
• Bolsa Petroleum at 8961 Bolsa Ave. in Westminster, $4.39
• Anthem Oil at 105 E. Lincoln Ave. in Orange, $4.39

🏖️ Vacation Poll!
Are you traveling this summer? What is your favorite type of vacation? So far:

• 29 percent plan a staycation
• 16.1 percent like cruises
• 12.9 percent choose a road trip or camping trip
• 9.7 percent would like a group tour abroad
• 6.4 percent look forward to an island trip
• 3.2 percent each opt for a local outing, a national park trip, a Jeep trip, or a solo trip to Europe

📰 Here are the top stories today in Orange County:

1. The Orange County Fire Authority had a busy Friday in San Juan Capistrano. Just after noon, firefighters received reports of a brush fire around Avenida La Mancha. At least four acres burned, and officials are still looking for the cause. Although the images of smoke neighbors had been posting on social media looked ominous, the Sheriff’s Department said, “there was no threat to the community at the time.” (The Capistrano Dispatch)
2. The Anaheim Police Department issued a warning “about suspects who are engaged in crimes targeting primarily elderly victims.” Reportedly, a middle-aged man and woman driving a Toyota RAV4 have successfully stripped watches and similar items off victims’ wrists and hands when shaking hands, giving hugs, or offering jewelry for sale. (New Santa Ana)
3. Don’t sneak into Anaheim’s Disneyland by jumping a turnstile. A woman reportedly tried it, park security called the police, and an arrest took place on the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Frontierland. In addition to a possible misdemeanor charge, her arrest was memorialized on social media. (Patch, Fox)
4. VidCon has been happening at the Anaheim Convention Center, but today’s the last day to come on in. Check in on digital culture and content creator panels, music, performances, meet & greets, and the Expo itself. Featured creators include Beauty2thestreetz, The Truth Doctor, and Nichlmao. (VidCon)
5. Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park closed the Xcelerator launch coaster over a year ago. Now there’s scuttlebutt that the only thing standing between the coaster and a reopening is the installation of a new launch system. This means the ride could open as soon as sometime this summer! (The Orange County Register/paywall)

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📆 Today in Orange County:

Saturday, June 24

• Huge Garage Sale at 8312 Lambert Drive in Huntington Beach (7 AM)
• Nixon 5K Run-Walk For Title IX on Yorba Linda’s El Cajon Trail (8 AM)
• Sunflower Picking at Hana Field by Tanaka Farms in Costa Mesa (10 AM)
• Discovery Cube OC "Sea Lab & Ocean Encounter" is now open in Santa Ana (10 AM)
• EFCT Fest, Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting in Placentia (11 AM)

🖊️ From my notebook:

• "If you were near the Lake Forest Civic Center today you may have seen units such HR6, T56, T32, T61, HM20, and HM20 along with Huntington Beach Fire in the area. As part of their required biannual US&R training, the crews had the opportunity to train in a simulated confine space rescue." (Orange County Fire Authority via Facebook)
• "Mark your calendars for July 15! You won't want to miss our career fair and open house. You will get an inside look into the different divisions here at OC Sheriff, have the opportunity to meet us, and learn about career opportunities." (Orange County Sheriff's Department, CA, via Facebook)
• "'The sense of accomplishment after a long day’s work,' is what Chet Burrows says is one of his favorite aspects of being an OCFA hand crew firefighter." (Orange County Fire Authority via Facebook)
• "Meet Caitlin, donor relations manager for Orange County Rescue Mission AND our recent Employee of the Month! Caitlin exemplifies the BEST of the BEST in all that she does and says. She has a warm, inviting smile and takes the time to connect with her teammates, students, and donors." (Orange County Rescue Mission via Facebook)
• "The LGBTQ Center OC would like to invite all people 55+ to explore our services and offerings from our Senior Program! Our team is here to connect you to services such as: health care, transportation, legal services, housing, social groups & more." (LGBTQ Center, Orange County, via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Storage Valet — (Visit website)
• Uptown Cheapskate — (Visit Website)
• Tablerock boarding kennels — (Visit website)
• The Au Pair Expert — (Visit website)
• Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys, LLP — (Visit website)
• Michael Hinderberger, Realtor — (Visit website)
• Add your business here

Featured events:

• Open House Sat June 24, Sun25 (June 24)
• Wine Tasting Dinner (June 28)
• 🇺🇸🤩 7/1 Independence Day Market (Family friendly - FREE Admission): (July 1)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Saturday! I'll be in your inbox Tuesday morning with a new update.

— 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