🌱 Stolen Mail Found + Shelter Loses 30 Kennels + Holidays At Disney

Good morning, everybody! Today’s National Raspberry Bombe Day; did you know that this dessert appeared on restaurant menus around 1882? It's Friday in Orange County and I'm back with news about:

• 🤝 What’s happening with the Tina-Pacific neighborhood.
• 🤔 We’re No. 15.
• 🎢 Disney celebrates Christmas, Navidad, Diwali, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Three Kings Day.

💗 Please help us stay! Send a business owner you know this link, so they can partner with the Orange County Patch newsletter!

🌤️ But first, today's weather: Clouds giving way to sun. High: 81 Low: 66.

⛽ Three of the Cheapest Gas Stations Across Orange County

• Costa Mesa Oil Co. at 2281 Newport Blvd. in Costa Mesa, $4.69
• Doheny Village Car Wash at 34241 Doheny Park Road in Capistrano Beach, $4.88
• Valero at 504 N. Avenida de la Estrella in San Clemente, $4.97

📰 Here are the top stories today in Orange County:

1. In late July, two suspects robbed a mail carrier in Fountain Valley in the Bushard Street and Toucan Avenue area. Now, authorities say they may have found them after making contact with “two individuals inside a suspicious vehicle” near Magnolia Street and Talbert Avenue. One is a 16-year-old Huntington Beach boy. “Officers found more than 100 pieces of stolen mail, an imitation handgun, and property belonging to the victim inside the car.” (The Orange County Register/paywall)
2. The Irvine animal care shelter will expand. The city council voted to approve a $25 million funding package that will add around 10,000 square feet. The money will bring “a new clinic, renovations for the administration building, and allow for sick animals to be separated from healthy ones.” Even so, the shelter loses 30 kennels, “leaving just over 100 spots available in the facility’s storage.” (Voice of OC)
3. What’s happening with the Tina-Pacific neighborhood in Stanton? The city council voted unanimously to extend an “exclusive negotiating agreement for the potential redevelopment” for a period of 12 months. “The city is negotiating with Brandywine Acquisitions Group, C&C Development, and National Community Renaissance of California.” (Orange County Tribune)
4. Federal Reserve rate hikes slowed inflation. That said, the inflation rate sat at 3.2 percent last month. How does the OC fare? Ranking 23 metropolitan statistical areas, Anaheim/Los Angeles/Long Beach is No. 15. A year-over-year consumer price index change was 2.7 percent. (WalletHub)
5. It’s never too early to plan your trip to Anaheim’s Disneyland for its holiday extravaganza. If you love the winter holidays, head to the park beginning Nov. 10, when it will become a winter wonderland. It’ll be a mix of “diverse dishes and cherished traditions of Christmas, Navidad, Diwali, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Three Kings Day.” Look for a Sip and Savor Pass; also, fans of Jack Skellington know to head to the Haunted Mansion. (Patch)

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📆 Today in Orange County:

Friday, August 11

• 57th Annual Sawdust Art Festival in Laguna Beach (11 AM)
• Mike Staggs & The Soul perform at SeaSalt Beachside Burger in Huntington Beach (1 PM)
• Main Street Classic Car Show in Garden Grove (4 PM)
• Brea Fest on the corner of Birch Street and Randolph Avenue (6:30 PM)
• Santa Ana's Yost Theater hosts "What's Luv" (10 PM)

🖊️ From my notebook:

• "As a reminder, our district-wide cellphone policy goes into effect on Thursday for the 2023-24 school year. OCPS now requires that wireless communications device(s) be silenced and put away (in a backpack or purse) during the school day." (Orange County Public Schools via Instagram)
• "Our orphans love to play while they are awaiting adoption. We could use some used basket balls or soccer balls — usually available at Play It Again Sports stores, or if you know any teams that are upgrading? We never say no to heavy-duty balls! Drop off at an upcoming event or let us know where you are located in case we can pick up. This Saturday, we will be at Centinela Feed on Beach Boulevard in Huntington Beach from 11:30 until 2! Please bounce on over!" (German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County via Facebook)
• "WELCOME BACK! 🎉 It's so good to see our OCPS students, parents, and staff again! What are you most looking forward to this school year?" (Orange County Public Schools via Instagram)
• "Addressing food insecurity among students who attend the Centralia Elementary School District doesn’t end when summer vacation begins. In fact, it’s a year-round priority. 🏫🍎 Story link in bio: https://ow.ly/fhO050Pwb1r" (Orange County Department of Ed via Instagram)
• "This month we are recognizing Sarah Heo as our Advocate of the Month! Read all about Sarah and her experience as a CASA. https://www.casaoc.org/casa-blog/sarahheo" (CASA of Orange County - Court Appointed Special Advocates via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• L'ANZA Warehouse Sale - Up to 80% Off! (August 18)
• CHOC Walk in the Park, Presented by Disneyland Resort (August 20)
• A Night of Magic Gala at the Festival of Arts & Pageant of the Masters (August 26)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Friday off right! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow with another update.

— Sylvia Cochran

About me: Christ follower. Wife. Book dragon. Proud supporter of the Oxford comma.

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