🌱 Spring Bark Bash + 13th Annual Citrus Fair + Saving 28 Pine Trees

Hey, friends! Today’s National Chocolate-Covered Cashews Day; did you know cashews are drupe seeds (rather than nuts) and their shells are toxic? I'm back with your fresh copy of the Orange County Patch newsletter. Here's the local news you need to know right now, including...

• ⚠️ A stabbing in Ladera Ranch
• 👮 Body camera analysis in Anaheim
• 🌲 Pine tree problems in Yorba Linda

💗 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:

Very warm with sunshine. High: 88 Low: 57.

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⛽ Three of the Cheapest Gas Stations Across Orange County

• ARCO at 1201 E Imperial Hwy. in Placentia, $4.45
• Berri Brothers at 619 E La Habra Blvd. in La Habra, $4.49
• Costco at 22633 Savi Ranch Pkwy. in Yorba Linda, $4.49

💻 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, 43.8% would keep Facebook, 12.5% each LinkedIn or Truth Social, 6.3% TikTok, and 25% Instagram.

📰 Here are the top stories in Orange County today:

1. Someone stabbed a 16-year-old boy near Eton Park in Ladera Ranch. The teen is expected to survive, despite the stab wound to his lower back. Reportedly, the person responsible for this crime fled and is still at large. (Patch)
2. The Anaheim Police Department signed up for Truleo’s “body camera data analysis platform.” The company's technology flags critical events and “screens for both professional and unprofessional officer language.” Supervisors then have the opportunity to review the incidents and pinpoint areas of needed training and areas of excellence. At this time, Anaheim police supervisors only select random camera feeds to review, potentially missing critical events. (yahoo!finance)
3. Yorba Linda residents aren’t on board with the city’s decision to cut down 28 Aleppo pine trees thought to be about 40 years old. Residents say owls live in them. Not willing to let the trees go without a fight, one resident contacted the Department of Fish and Wildlife, saying, "it's against the law to take, possess or needlessly destroy the nest or eggs of any bird." A department spokesperson confirmed the presence of a nest and informed the city, which claims the tree removal is scheduled because they “pose a significant potential safety risk due to their size, location on a slope, age, and shallow roots.” At this point, the city is taking two weeks to address the neighbors’ concerns. (ABC)
4. La Habra's 13th Annual Citrus Fair will be on May 5 through May 7 at 321 East La Habra Boulevard. This FREE event is fun for everyone. For example, you’ll have a Bubble Parade “in which everyone is invited to walk through the fair,” a call to wear costumes, fresh food vendors, plenty of citrus-themed products, local musicians, and the Custom Car Show that lets you check out “spectacular, restored, and souped-up classics.” (Only In Your State)
5. Costa Mesa Animal Care Services is serious about finding homes for its dogs. So, why not host a party? Costa Mesa's FREE Spring Bark Bash is scheduled for April 29 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visit 970 Arlington Drive and meet adorable, adoptable dogs. Besides that, see police department K-9 unit demonstrations, dog training demos, lots of vendors, a balloon animal artist, food trucks — one of which will be dog-friendly — and a caricature artist. And, if you have some unused blankets and towels lying around the house, bring them to donate to Animal Care Services. (Costa Mesa Animal Care Services)

📆 Today in Orange County:

• FREE Fullerton College Jazz Festival (8:45 AM)
• Discovery Day at the Farm at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa (9 AM)
• Visit the O.C. Spring Home & Garden Show at the Anaheim Convention Center (12 PM)
• The Sunglasses At Night Band performs live at Griffins Grille in Los Alamitos (8 PM)
• Attend the Dual Reality Illusion & Comedy Show at The Rec Room in Huntington Beach (10 PM)

🖊️ From my notebook:

• "Hey, you! What are you doing Thursday, August 10? Join us as five superheroes, named The Aquabats!, rock the stage at Mile Square Regional Park in Fountain Valley! This is definitely one live show you won’t want to miss. 🦸" (Orange County Parks via Facebook)
• "Attention, Ladies! Are you looking to expand your network, meet like-minded women, and grow your business? If so, we have just the event for you! Introducing our upcoming Mujeres in Business Networking Event, designed to connect women from all walks of life and empower them to take their careers and businesses to the next level." (OC Guide 🍊 Orange County events via Instagram)
• "At least 8 people a day are killed in distracted driving crashes. How can you prioritize Roadway Safety? The National Safety Council recommends that you handle distractions before you drive. While you’re still parked, make sure to program your route as well as silence and put away your phone." (Orange County Sheriff's Department, CA, via Facebook)
• "Thank you to OCFA Board of Directors Vice Chair O’Neill, Director Kalmick, Director Ruesch, and Director Foley for joining us at the John Wayne Airport AirEx drill. This valuable triennial exercise brings together multiple agencies for unique and valuable disaster preparedness training." (Orange County Fire Authority via Facebook)
• "It's game time, Orange County. Four local teams are gearing up to play in the action-packed 2023 FIRST Robotics Competition Championship from April 19 to April 22 in Houston, Texas. Presented by the not-for-profit organization, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, this worldwide event will host more than 620 groups of high school students in a series of matches to test their robot design and programming skills." (Orange County Department of Ed via Instagram)

🏡 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:

• 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 officially in the loop for today! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow morning with another 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