🌱 Six O.C. Hall Of Fame Players + 1,200 Year Drought Threatens Sauce

Hi. It's me, Paula Constance, your host of the Daily. Let's start Wednesday off right, with a quick guide to the most important things happening in Orange County today.

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• A shout out to six O.C. players who will be first inducted into the new California High School Football Hall of Fame.
• "Spaghetti sauce is under threat" by the worst drought in 1,200 years.
• O.C. couple hit in marked crosswalk by a hit-and-run driver, husband died.
• Back-To-School safety tips.

First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and very warm today. High: 88 Low: 68.

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Here are the top 4 stories today in Orange County:

1. Six players from Orange County have been the first players selected to the California High School Football Hall of Fame. On Monday, the Rose Bowl Legacy Foundation announced that 100 players and 13 coaches were chosen for the new Hall of Fame that will open in November at the Rose Bowl, during the week of the CIF Southern Section Division 1 championship game on Nov. 25. It's the 100th year celebration of the Rose Bowl stadium. (OCRegister)
2. "Spaghetti sauce is under threat" as California's greatest water crisis in 1,200 years threatens California's tomato crops. Farmers are forced to make hard choices during the worsening water crisis undermining their ability to produce crops. California is the world's largest producer of tomatoes that are canned and used in commercial kitchens. The shortage will push prices higher in products that rely on California tomatoes, from salsa to spaghetti sauce. In a recent interview, Mike Montana, head of the California Tomato Growers Association, said, "We desperately need rain.” (Orange County Register via Facebook)
3. An Orange County couple was tragically struck in a marked crosswalk in Laguna Beach, leaving the husband dead. "A Costa Mesa husband and wife in their 60s were struck by a hit-and-run driver in a clearly marked Laguna Beach crosswalk," authorities said Monday. The husband was identified by Laguna Beach police as Stanley Isaacs after witnesses said, "He pushed his wife out of the way." The crash was reported at 9:38 p.m. Thursday at S. Coast Highway and Pearl Street when a silver 2009 Volkswagen Jetta struck the pair and fled the scene. (NBC Southern California)
4. In honor of "back-to-school safety month," the Orange County Sheriff's Department and Laguna Hills Police Services remind everyone to "exercise additional caution around schools." A few of the tips include: Always be alert traveling to and from school and avoid any distractions while driving; avoid rushing and plan your school travels in advance; be vigilant at all times for vehicles entering and exiting parking places; when dropping off and picking up your kids, follow the guidelines that your school has issued; make sure your child wears a bicycle helmet and make sure they are aware of their surroundings if they are biking to school. For more safety reminders, visit the O.C. Sheriff's Dept. website: (Orange County Sheriff's Department, CA via Facebook)

Today in Orange County:

• Think Goodness Fundraiser to Support Placentia Businesses. (All Day)
• Social Emotional Development in Children in Spanish. (All Day)
• Kindergarten Readiness Storytime: Dana Point Library. (10:30 a.m.)
• Teen Award Ceremony In-Person — Huntington Beach Public Library. (11 a.m.)

From my notebook:

• German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County: "Meet SHIRA! She was shown the door by her family after her puppies were born." (German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County via Facebook)
• Orange County Register: "Engineering Innovation is a partnership between CSUF and Johns Hopkins University. The four-week program culminates with a competition to build a spaghetti bridge." (Orange County Register via Facebook)
• YMCA OF ORANGE COUNTY: "Enroll your child today in our Home School Electives & Support program! Using our 100+ years of experience and highly trained staff, we are ready to help your children thrive through our enrichment learning opportunities." (YMCA OF ORANGE COUNTY via Facebook)
• Orange County Register: "The festival began in 1932 when a collection of early Laguna Beach artists wanted to host a makeshift extravaganza to take advantage of tourists coming to Los Angeles for the Summer Olympics." (Orange County Register via Facebook)
• O.C. Parks: "It's time to dance! Join us this Thursday, Aug. 18 as @tijuanadogs & opener @karlyymoreno take the stage at Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach in Dana Point! Get ready for a memorable night of good vibes, dancing and amazing live entertain." (OC Parks via Instagram)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door. See you all tomorrow for another update!

— Paula Constance

About me: Paula is a contributing writer, author, and award-winning media producer. She is committed to media projects that empower, engage, and help make the world a better place. When she's not writing, you can find her hiking, watching the 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 Daily? Contact me at orangecounty@patch.com