🌱 Strip Mall Fire + Truly Pizza Opens + Americana Picnic In Santa Ana

Hello, neighbors! Today’s National Onion Rings Day; did you know that while a recipe mentioned them in 1802, it was the A&W restaurant that made them popular fast food in the 1960s? Sylvia here with your fresh copy of the Orange County Patch newsletter, full of what's happening in the area. Today we'll cover these stories and more...

• 🏗️ In-N-Out Burger restaurant construction starts.
• Centralia Elementary School District fundraiser.
• 🧑‍🚒 Firefighters prevent the spread of strip mall flames.

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🌤️ Now, today's weather: Low clouds, then some sun. High: 72 Low: 57.

⛽ Three of the Cheapest Gas Stations Across Orange County

• Sam’s Club at 1390 S. Beach Blvd. in La Habra, $4.29
• Costco at 5401 Katella Ave. in Cypress, $4.39
• ARCO at 10975 Edinger Ave. in Fountain Valley, $4.43

🏖️ Vacation Poll!
Are you traveling this summer? What is your favorite type of vacation? So far:

• 29.6 percent plan a staycation
• 14.8 percent each want to go on a road trip or cruise
• 11.1 percent choose a camping trip
• 7.4 percent intend to head out for an island vacation
• 3.7 percent each opt for a local outing, a national park trip, a Jeep trip, a solo trip to Europe, or a group tour abroad

📰 Here are the top stories today in Orange County:

1. The Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) responded to a three-alarm strip mall fire in Irvine. Located in the 5300 block of Walnut Avenue, firefighters worked 43 minutes to contain and extinguish the flames. Only one unit had damage. (OCFA)
2. San Juan Capistrano is getting an In-N-Out Burger single-lane drive-thru at 31791 Del Obispo St. Because it will be so close to the historic Mission, the building will reflect Mission Revival style architecture. It’s interesting to note that this project was initially approved in early 2022, but construction is just now happening. While we don’t have an official opening date, insiders project a 9-month construction period. (The Orange County Register/paywall)
3. Meanwhile, Truly Pizza in the Dana Point Town Center is celebrating its grand opening today, Thursday. If you stop by around 11 a.m., you can participate in “a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a ceremonial pizza cutting, champagne toast and a special appearance by artist Napkin Killa.” What sets this pizza apart from so many others is the “award-winning five-day-fermented pizza dough.” (Patch)
4. The Centralia Elementary School District is raising funds in Buena Park. Look for a fireworks stand next to the Walter Knott Education Center on La Palma Street. Days of operation are July 1 to July 4. (Centralia Elementary School District)
5. If you still want something to do this Saturday, consider heading to Santa Ana’s Main Place Mall. It’ll host an Americana Picnic from 1 to 4 p.m. Listen to the True Blue String Band, eat a picnic lunch from Applebee’s, and let the kids make crafts. Get there earlier rather than later to enjoy various giveaways! (New Santa Ana)

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📆 Today in Orange County:

Thursday, June 22

• Meet & Play at the Irvine University Park Library (11 AM)
• The Ranch at Laguna Beach features Sean McCole playing 90s hits (4 PM)
• 3D Printer Design Workshop at the Anaheim Central Library (5 PM)
• Public Meeting for the Improvements of Shalimar Park in Costa Mesa (5 PM)
• The OC Pride Weekend kicks off at STRUT Bar & Club (9 PM)

🖊️ From my notebook:

• "On June 4, Six Points For Kids deputies participated in the Autism Community in Action's (TACA) Family Carnival. This event provides families who are caring for children and youth with special needs, a safe and secure environment to have a fun day." (Orange County Sheriff's Department, CA, via Facebook)
• "Congratulations to our wonderful CASA volunteers on their June Anniversaries! You are each making a positive difference in a child’s life. Thank you!" (CASA of Orange County - Court Appointed Special Advocates via Facebook)
• "Deputy Mazarji received the Medal for Lifesaving at this year’s Medal of Valor after saving an unresponsive baby." (Orange County Sheriff's Department, CA, via Facebook)
• "The Orange County Department of Education will present a three-day professional learning series this fall to help educators better understand artificial intelligence and its potential impacts in and out of the classroom. 💻" (Orange County Department of Ed via Instagram)
• "✨ Come to the 'Goodwill bins' with an open mind, and you'll never know what you'll find ✨ Thank you, Alexa of @alexasunshine83, for stopping by at Goodwill Marketplace in Santa Ana. Make sure to check out her full video on her YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3ND7nwe" (Goodwill of Orange County via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

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Featured events:

• Bristol Farms Yorba Linda Seafood Roadshow (June 23)
• Irvine Classical Players Pro Musica Stars of Tomorrow Concert (June 23)
• Wine Tasting Dinner (June 28)
• 🇺🇸🤩 7/1 Independence Day Market (Family friendly - FREE Admission): (July 1)
• Add your event

That's it for today. I'll see you around!

— 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