🌱 Scenic PCH Upgrades + Outdoor Concerts + High Gas Prices, No Extras

Hey, everybody! I'm back in your inbox this morning with your new edition of the Orange County Daily. Here are all the things you need to know about what's happening in town.

First, today's weather:

Pleasant with clouds and sun today. High: 80 Low: 63.

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Here are the top stories in Orange County today:

1. Are you ready for an outdoor concert? "Bring your blankets and chairs" and join O.C. Parks for the family-friendly Flag Day Concert in the Park next Friday, June 10. The free concert will be held at Irvine Regional Park from 5-7:30 p.m. You can find out more here:(Orange County Parks via Facebook)
2. Many people will be happy to hear that upgrades are planned for new traffic lights and bike lanes to keep cyclists safe along a 20-mile stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway from Newport Beach to Los Angeles county. Nearly $40 million was announced for the scenic coastal route projects by Caltrans of Orange County. Officials said they will begin work sometime next year in the winter and would work on "two of the projects" at the same time to avoid construction delays and limit the impact on drivers. (OC Register)
3. Rising gas prices have many Orange County residents cutting back on spending to be able to fill up at the pump. With gas prices topping $6 a gallon, Mercy Macharia said she "didn't pick up anything extra" on her Target run in Anaheim. And she's not alone. Other O.C. shoppers said they are skipping the extras, and focusing on essentials. Anaheim resident Rebecca Mugica said she is also looking for ways to save money by "finding deals" and looking for places to go that aren't as expensive. You can read the full story here: (CBS News)

Today in Orange County:

• Jazz Jam at The Falls Lounge - Arts and Culture Events in Orange County. (9 p.m.)
• Vote Center In-Person - Huntington Beach Public Library. (7 a.m.)
• Vote Center - Huntington Beach Public Library. (8 a.m.)

From my notebook:

• Orange County Sheriff's Department, CA: "We encourage everyone to become certified by taking CPR and First-Aid course." (Orange County Sheriff's Department, CA via Facebook)
• Orange County Register: "The top 10 counties with the most registered voters now make up more than 72% of the voter population." (Orange County Register via Facebook)
• Orange County Register: "The OC Fair went on a hiring spree over the weekend, looking to fill some 1,500 jobs needed to pull off its month of fun." (Orange County Register via Facebook)

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Events:

• Social Security Seminar - AM & PM! (June 9)
• Key Financial Strategies During Divorce – Vesta Irvine, CA Hub. (June 10)
• Best of SoCal, Presented by Porsche Irvine. (June 11)
• Taxes in Retirement Webinar. (June 13)
• Hire A Pro To Clean Up The Yard For Dad. (June 19)
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That's it for today. I'll see you soon!

— 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.

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