🌱 Mud Closes Trails + Surfers Find Big Waves + Help For Senior Dogs

Hey, everybody! I'm back in your inbox this morning with a new edition of the Orange County Daily. Here's everything that's happening locally today. In this edition, we'll cover these stories and more:

• A Laguna Beach couple helps senior and special needs dogs.
• A new union deal will provide the "second highest salary" for police officers.
• Surfers brave "numbingly cold" waves.
• O.C. trails closed by stormy weather.

But first, today's weather:

Rain and drizzle in the p.m. High: 65 Low: 56.

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Here are the top stories in Orange County today:

1. A shoutout to Julian and Amy Mack of Laguna Beach, who plan to build an animal shelter for senior and special needs dog adoptions. Through their nonprofit, Unconditional, the couple plans to build an animal shelter "that offers potential adopters a convenient place to meet dogs and learn how to successfully meet their needs in a loving home," and a specialty animal hospital to provide medical care to rescued dogs. (Local Today News)
2. Laguna Beach and the police union agreed on a contract that would make its department the second-highest paid in Orange County. During the pandemic the number of Laguna Beach police officers dropped and several officers also retired, officials noted. In a city news release, Laguna Beach Mayor Bob Whalen stated, “At its core, this agreement is about supporting public safety.” The city council will consider the agreement at its next meeting Tuesday. (Los Angeles Times)
3. A bomb cyclone winter storm that caused flooding in Southern California Thursday brought towering waves to Newport Beach Pier Friday. Hundreds of surfers rode the crashing waves. The scene looked like summer, but the "winter water was numbingly cold." (Orange County Register via Facebook)
4. The recent strong storms have created muddy and soggy conditions in O.C. parks. Trails were closed at Caspers Wilderness Park yesterday due to those conditions. Get park alerts to find out the winter conditions at your favorite park. (O.C. Parks)

Today in Orange County:

• Adult Book Group - Garden Grove Chapman Library (10:30 AM)
• Storytime & Craft Corner - Rancho Santa Margarita Library (10:30 AM)
• Ambassador Committee Meeting - Garden Grove Chamber of Commerce (12:00 PM)
• Basic Computer Tutoring for Adults - Rancho Santa Margarita Library (12:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Sister was adopted. "What about me?"AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION Hey folks, I need your help! My name is Odette. I am 5 months old and a GSD mix. Well, today, my sister, Moolah got adopted!! I am happy for her and everything, I mean...I AM a good sister.....but what about me???" (German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County via Facebook)
• "Little guy" kept warm in fire truck at 3 a.m.: "Kept warm in the fire truck as firefighters extinguished a fire at his house on Dale Street in Garden Grove, this little guy was all smiles last night- even at 3 a.m. To give his whole family something to smile about." (Orange County Fire Authority via Facebook)
• Disney Animation 100th Anniversary celebration: "Disneyland is rolling out dozens of new foods, snacks, drinks and collectibles designed to entice and delight foodies ahead of the upcoming Disney100 year-long party celebrating the 100th anniversary of Disney animation." (Orange County Register via Facebook)
• How to avoid charity scams: "It's important to do some research before giving to a charity. Here are some things you can do to learn more about a charity and avoid donating to a scam." (Orange County Sheriff's Department, CA via Facebook)
• Plunging home sales: "Sales were 43 percent below the average November since 1988." (Orange County Register via Facebook)

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Events:

• New Year Market at Unit #110 (January 14)
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You're officially in the loop for today. I'll catch up with you again bright and early tomorrow!

— 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. 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