🌱 Structure Fire + Community Center Shots + Oil Spill Settlement

Morning, everybody! Today’s National Zucchini Bread Day; did you know the Guinness Book of World Records lists the longest zucchini as 8 ft. 3.3 inches, grown in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada? I'm back in your inbox this morning to walk you through the most important things happening in Orange County. Today you'll read about:

• 🔐 Four more Bed Bath & Beyond locations closing
• 🍓 The Gilbert High School food pantry
• 💰 A Huntington Beach oil spill settlement

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🌤️ But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny. High: 72 Low: 55.

Business owners and marketers in Orange County: Do you want to build awareness with local customers? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. Click here to learn more.

⛽ Three of the Cheapest Gas Stations Across Orange County

• Berri Brothers at 25122 Marguerite Pkwy. in Mission Viejo, $4.65
• Moulton Parkway Auto Spa at 24202 Moulton Pkwy. in Laguna Woods, $4.69
• 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, 38.1% would keep Facebook, 14.3% each LinkedIn or Truth Social, 9.5% TikTok, and 23.8% Instagram.

📰 Here are the top stories in Orange County today:

1. On Sunday afternoon, the Orange County Fire Authority responded to a commercial structure fire in Santa Ana. Called to the 1000 block of East 4th Street, the crews noticed the fire was situated next to the building. Despite the heavy black smoke, firefighters extinguished flames in about 10 minutes, preventing them from affecting nearby structures. The fire investigators are now working to determine what caused the blaze. (Orange County Fire Authority)
2. On Saturday night, police officers rushed to the Laguna Hills Community Center, where someone started shooting at a quinceañera party. On Sunday afternoon, the police arrested a male suspect. In a sobering sign of the times, officials noted that this “incident was not considered a mass shooting.” So far, the arresting officers have declined to identify the individual. (CBS, Patch)
3. Orange County is losing four Bed Bath & Beyond locations as part of the company’s bankruptcy proceedings. While you can still shop online, you won’t be able to continue going to Mission Viejo, Mission Valley Center, Seal Beach and Savi Ranch Center stores after the inventory is gone. Until then, you can take advantage of closing sales beginning Wednesday. However, don’t bother bringing coupons. (Patch)
4. The Anaheim Union High School District designated Gilbert High School at 1800 West Ball Road as the location for its Gilbert Mercadito. It’s a permanent food pantry that gives recipients of the former monthly food distribution an option to pivot from what was a “mystery box” to “a variety of healthy options like fresh fruit and vegetables.” It’s interesting to note that this pantry also benefits students who don't need food; the “Magnolia High School Agriscience Community Center facilitates lessons on agricultural practices while providing the region with fresh produce from its two-and-a-half acre farm.” (Orange County Department of Education)
5. Fishers and other businesses affected by the 2021 Huntington Beach oil spill will get checks. Amplify Energy agreed to a $50 million settlement, of which $34 million are earmarked for fishers, $7 million for tourist businesses, and $9 million for property owners. However, this isn’t the end of the litigation. Next up is the expected $45 million settlement with the shipping companies MSC Danit and M/V Beijing, which were identified as having damaged the pipeline. Reportedly, “fishers and other merchants affected by the oil spill will get checks directly without having to fill out a claim form.” (Spectrum News1)

📆 Today in Orange County:

• Participate in the Orange County Board of Supervisors Meeting in Santa Ana (9:30 AM)
• Join a Mommy & Me Strawberry Picking Tour at Tanaka Farms in Irvine (9:30 AM)
• Get Tips For Activities & Assisting With Care for caregivers in Corona del Mar (10 AM)
• Bring the kids to Toddlertime Stories at the Canyon Hills Branch Library in Anaheim (11 AM)
• Learn about Urban Bees & Beekeeping at the Orange Public Library & History Center (6 PM)

🖊️ From my notebook:

• "BREAKING: Beach VB will HOST @CIFSS Playoff Wildcard match Tuesday 4/25-3pm vs Costa Mesa HS." (Aquinas Athletics SB via Twitter)
• "The Orange County Fire Authority serves nearly 2 million people in 23 cities and unincorporated areas. While we serve a large area, each battalion and its firefighters take pride in the community they serve, and it’s not unheard of for your Orange County firefighters to go above and beyond the call of duty." (Orange County Fire Authority via Facebook)
• "It's National Library Week! This year’s theme is 'There's More to the Story.' We encourage everyone to visit their school or community library to connect with new worlds through access to books, technology, multimedia content, & educational programs." (Brea Olinda USD via Twitter)
• "Long Live the Chief 🔥 Jidenna is coming to The Observatory on July 21. Use code VINYL at the presale on 4/27 at 9am. General on sale is 4/28 at 10am. 🎟️ https://livemu.sc/3KVRmPy" (The Observatory Orange County via Facebook)
• "STEAMAPALOOZA was a district-wide open house that celebrates science, technology, engineering, art, math & includes showcases of exclusive pathways, solar sprint races, & various student-led projects across all campuses & content areas." (Anaheim Union High School District via Twitter)

🏡 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:

• Art along the coast (April 29)
• Anaheim Searchers 62nd Annual Gem and Mineral Show (April 29)
• Family Fest (April 29)
• Global Woman Club Networking Meeting (April 29)
• Cinco for a Cause – Margarita Fundraiser for McKenna Claire Foundation at Dos Amigos Cantina (May 5)
• 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. See you all tomorrow for 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