🌱 Soloists Sought + Skatepark Helmet Kerfuffle + World Robotics Event

Hello all! Today’s 420 Day; did you know that number’s connection to marijuana allegedly originated in 1971 at San Rafael High School in Marin County? I'm back in your inbox this spring morning with everything you need to know that's happening in the county. Today's briefing includes:

• 🤔 Orange housing woes
• 🏗️ Malls could become housing.
• 🤖 Four OC student teams compete in robotics championship.

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☀️ But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and warmer. High: 81 Low: 54.

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⛽ Three of the Cheapest Gas Stations Across Orange County

• Moulton Parkway Auto Spa at 24202 Moulton Pkwy. in Laguna Woods, $4.69
• Shell at 23652 Rockfield Blvd. in Lake Forest, $4.73
• 76 at 3400 E Coast Hwy. in Corona del Mar, $4.74

💻 Social Media Poll!
Everyone uses social media – frequently multiple platforms. Or do they? If you had to eliminate all social media except one platform, which one would you keep? So far, 46.7% would keep Facebook, 13.3% each LinkedIn or Truth Social, 6.7% TikTok, and 20% Instagram.

📰 Here are the top stories today in Orange County:

1. The City of Orange is supposed to build 3,936 new homes by 2030. It submitted plans to the state’s Department of Housing and Community Development, which rejected them. The reason? Orange showed “too many developed parcels unlikely to be turned into housing.” Apparently, the plans named a public school, a sheriff’s training center and various shopping centers not earmarked for demolition. The city disagrees, and says its “adopted housing element substantially complies with state law.” If Orange doesn’t do anything, a so-called “builder’s remedy” goes into effect, which could lead to automatic building approval no matter the zoning. Two builders are eyeing this option and filed paperwork to build 576 homes. (TheRealDeal)
2. Speaking of shopping centers being turned into residential units, Westminster and Aliso Viejo are considering it. Calling them “ailing retailing hubs,” these underperforming malls and shopping centers could become 1,529 housing units. Irvine’s Shopoff Realty Investments proposes turning some parts of the Westminster Mall and its lots into 26 acres suitable for 1,065 rental spaces and 102 townhomes that would be sold. The project’s name is “Bolsa Pacific” and includes a park, food hall and hotel. In Aliso Viejo, AvalonBay Communities out of Virginia wants to transform the “shuttered retail space at Town Center’s northern end” into 36 affordable housing units named the Avalon Aliso Viejo. However, other developers are eyeing the space for “a 99 Ranch Market and a Tesla showroom.” (MSN)
3. Skaters at the La Bonita Skatepark in La Habra are supposed to wear their helmets while doing their kickflips. But they don’t like it. So, the city hired a security guard whose job is to keep the helmets firmly on the skaters’ heads. The skaters say rule enforcement just causes locals to head to other OC skateparks. However, the city cites insurance concerns over possible liability. “We run the risk of costing the city money in any type of legal issue if something were to happen,” said City Councilman Jose Medrano. Critics claim the city could meet its obligation simply by putting up signs — even if these are summarily ignored. It’s interesting to note that while skaters call the rules a bummer, they don’t say why they don’t want the helmet rule. (Voice of OC)
4. What do the Huntington Beach Union High School District as well as the Brea Olinda and Capistrano unified school districts have in common? Together, they’re sending four student teams to the worldwide robotics championship in Houston, Texas. They will match wits and skills against another 616-or-so student teams. Judgment is rendered on each team’s robots based on “design quality, competitive play, and sportsmanship.” Each team has already won various competitions to make it to the championship. Marina High School’s AP physics teacher Thomas Zook noted, “Win or lose, the students are going to learn a lot.” (OCDE)
5. Do you know any musically inclined youths? The Irvine Classical Players - Seraphim Symphony Youth Orchestra will play at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games while on its France Concert Tour. If you know someone who has what it takes, the organization would love to audition them for soloist opportunities. This could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. (Patch)

📆 Today in Orange County:

• Celebrate Palmyra Elementary School's 70th anniversary in Orange with a Ribbon Cutting (8:15 AM)
  
• Visit the 33rd Annual Southern California Spring Garden Show at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa (10 AM)
• Sip and stroll at the Spring Madness Night Market at The District in Tustin on April 20th (5 PM)
• Hear the Sunstroke Serenaders play live at Skyloft in Laguna Beach (8 PM)
• Legado 7, Nivel Codiciado & José Mejía celebrate a CD Release Party at the Xalos Event Center in Anaheim (10 PM)

🖊️ From my notebook:

• "Impactful. Realistic. Moving. Three words that describe today’s Mock DUI Crash presentation at San Juan Hills High School. OCFA, Friends Against Drinking and Driving (FADD), and our many community partners were proud to join together to deliver a powerful message of safety for our community." (Orange County Fire Authority via Facebook)
• "We love love love when we get updates on our OCPBR alumni. Max is living the high life. He has two wonderful hoomans and a 4 legged foster brother you may all know as Scully. Max loves snuggle time, and on any given Tuesday (or day that ends in a Y), you can find him cuddled up all comfy cozy." (Orange County Pit Bull Rescue via Facebook)
• "We are excited to invite you to our Executive Speaker Series featuring author and CEO of Tepeyac Leadership, Inc. Cristofer💡 Pereyra, MBA as he shares with us his vision for Catholic Leadership for a Civil Society!" (YCP Orange County via Facebook)
• "Implementing defensive driving techniques can help keep you and other drivers safe." (Orange County Sheriff's Department, CA, via Facebook)
• "28 years ago, 168 lives were lost in the Oklahoma City bombing. Today, and every day, we remember those who died, their loved ones, and the brave first responders who risked their lives to save others." (Orange County Fire Authority via Facebook)

🏡 What are homes selling for these days in Orange County?

• Median Listing Home Price $1M
• Median Listing Home Price/Square Foot $598
• Median Sold Home Price $975K

Check out more Orange County real estate information!

🐶 Meet adorable Orange County area Pets Available To Be Adopted!

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Featured events:

• 33rd Annual Southern California Spring Garden Show (April 20)
• Spring Madness Night Market at The District in Tustin on April 20th! (April 20)
• Earth Day Shop Small Event!! Family & Pet Friendly! Reviving The Kaleidoscope Mall! (April 22)
• Earth Day Market @ Kalideoscope Mall (April 22)
• Farmers Market at The District in Tustin on April 23rd! (April 23)
• Family Fest (April 29)
• Add your event

Featured announcements:

• Audition to Perform As a Soloist for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games (Details)
• Add your announcement

You're all caught up for today! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow with a new update.

— Sylvia Cochran

About me: Sylvia Cochran works out of sunny Southern California and has been freelance writing full-time since 2005. She loves dogs, cats, books, plays Bee Swarm Simulator (don't judge), embraces social justice, and tries to live out Micah 6:8.

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