🌱 Stores Open Thanksgiving Day + Rare Whale + Patrols 'Out In Force'

Happy Thanksgiving, Orange County!

Note: Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, the Daily will not be published Friday, but will be back in your inbox Saturday. Wishing you a happy, safe and blessed holiday!

I'm here in your inbox with everything that's going on in O.C. today, including news about...

• Stores open Thanksgiving Day.
• Highway police patrols will be "out in force" this weekend.
• Rare sperm whale sighting off the O.C. coast.
• Gas prices continue to fall this week.

But first, today's weather:

Sunny, windy and very warm. High: 82 Low: 52.

Here are the top stories in Orange County today:

1. Drive safely! The California Highway Patrol will be "out in force" Thanksgiving weekend. They'll be watching for drunk drivers, to keep the roads safe over the holiday weekend. "CHP’s annual 'Thanksgiving maximum enforcement period is an annual effort' that starts 6 p.m. Wednesday and continues through Sunday night. "All available officers will deploy to catch drunk or drug-impaired drivers, speeders and other traffic violators." Be safe out there. (Orange County Patch)
2. If you need some last-minute items for Thanksgiving, a few California stores will be open on Thanksgiving Day: Most of Albertsons Stores will be open Thanksgiving Day, and 24-hour CVS Pharmacy stores will keep their regular hours. Kroger's in some areas and several Rite Aid stores will also be open. Check out the complete list here: (Orange County Patch)
3. It was rare to see a sperm whale leap out of the water off the coast of Newport Beach. Whale watchers were treated to the unexpected sight of a pod of sperm whales off the Orange County coast this week. "The sighting was made by crew members aboard the Newport Coastal Adventure," about 30 miles from Newport Beach Harbor. (Orange County Patch)
4. If you're driving on Thanksgiving day, you'll be happy to see that the price of gas in Orange County is still falling. The price for a gallon of unleaded gas in Orange County has "dropped 4.5 cents to $5.10." The price of gas "has dropped 43 times in 49 days," from a record high of $6.357 on Oct. 5, and is at the lowest price since March 3. (MyNewsLA.com)

Today in Orange County:

• Turkey Wobble 5K, 10K & Kids' Run 2022 — Huntington Beach (7 a.m.)
• Orange County Turkey Trot 5K, 1-Mile Dash & Kids' Gobble Wobble 2022 - Irvine (7:30 a.m.)
• Turkey Trot On Ranch & Little Gobbler's Run - Thanksgiving 2022 - Rancho Mission Viejo (8 a.m.)
• O.C. Rescue Mission Thanksgiving Turkey Trot 2022 - Tustin (8 a.m.)

From my notebook:

• Older dogs need a home: "November is #AdoptASeniorDogMonth. 🧡 So many beautiful older dogs are looking for a warm and safe place to retire. There are many wonderful reasons to adopt a senior dog. 🧡 They are usually housebroken and trained.." (German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County via Facebook)
• Congratulations El Modena High: "Congratulations to El Modena HS for being named “OCVarsity Football Student Section of the Year!” A big shout out 📣 to our other high schools – #2 ranked Villa Park HS, #12 ranked Canyon HS, and #50 ranked Orange HS. Way to go! 🙌 " (Orange Unified School District via Instagram)
• Free Thanksgiving event: "The free event serves a full dinner, from turkey and stuffing to pie, to anyone who wants it." (Orange County Register via Facebook)
• OCPBR Holiday Giving at the Pet Supply Warehouse: "Are you coming to our 6th Annual OCPBR Holiday Giving Event at Pet Supply Warehouse Anaheim Hills???? A few of these adorable faces and more will be there looking for their forever homes!" (Orange County Pit Bull Rescue via Facebook)
• Never give out your cell phone number: "There is never any reason to give your cell phone number to your ride-source driver. Your phone number and the driver’s will always be anonymous when using a rideshare app, and it’s best to keep it that way." (Orange County Sheriff's Department, CA via Facebook)

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Events:

• Social Security Seminar at Newport Beach Public Library (November 28)
• Christmas City Markets- Festival of Lights (December 15)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Thursday! I'll see you soon.

— 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 or watching 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