Community Corner

🌱 Sunday Quake+ Hero Saves Eatery Owner + Thieves Target Latinos

The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Orange County.

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Paula Constance, Patch Contributing WriterVerified Patch Staff Badge
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Happy Monday, Orange County! Here's everything you need to know going on in Orange County today.

First, today's weather:

Cloudy with sun. A cool day. High: 68. Low: 51.

Find out what's happening in Orange Countyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Here are the top stories in Orange County today:

  1. Did you feel it? A 4.0 magnitude earthquake shook northwest San Diego County before 10 a.m. on Sunday, shaking parts of Temecula and South Orange County. The earthquake was originally reported with a magnitude of 4.1 but was later downgraded to 4.0. The epicenter was about 8.5 miles underground and about 20 miles south of Riverside County near Palomar Mountain, according to the United States Geological Service. Residents said they felt the shaking as far away as Temecula, San Clemente, and Oceanside. There were no immediate reports of damage. You can read more here: (Orange County Patch)
  2. Bold car thieves are targeting the Latino residents of Orange County with a social media scam. The thieves place Spanish-language ads on social media advertising for drivers to transport "large sums of money" using their personal car to earn cash. The ring of thieves then tells the victim they need to use the car to make another pick up first, stealing the car and leaving them stranded in the road. More than 50 people in Orange County have been targeted since July 2021, according to the Orange County District Attorney's Office. Authorities believe the Latino community is being targeted because they may be afraid to contact the police. Anyone with information on the theft ring can contact their local police department. Anyone that has information about the thefts can leave an anonymous tip with OC Crime Stoppers at 855-847-6227. You can read more about this story here: (Orange County Patch)
  3. A greatly-loved owner of an Orange County restaurant is fighting to walk again. Ana Nakao, the owner of the Vegilicious restaurant in Huntington beach was burned in a fiery accident last Wednesday after she walked by a portable heater, and her clothes caught on fire leaving her legs severely burned. When he heard her scream, a quick-thinking man dining next door grabbed the blanket his wife had with her to keep warm and doused the flames, saving her life. The hero was Jon Dorenbos, a former NFL player, magician, and America’s Got Talent finalist. Ana said she bought the portable heater for their outside patio because she wanted outdoor diners to be warm. She is recovering from third degree burns on her legs. The restaurant was closed Friday. A flyer of Ana and her husband was posted on the door that listed a GoFundMe page. You can read more about this story here: (NBC Southern California)

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Today in Orange County:

  • Orchestra at Knott's Berry Farm (Events). (All Day)
  • Lunar New Year Craft at East Anaheim. (12 p.m.)

From my notebook:

  • German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County: "FREEDOM RIDE!! Chance has just been rescued from a crowded shelter! He was picked up by animal control and no one came to claim him." (Facebook)
  • Orange County Register: "Police served a search warrant this week and said they found a large amount of narcotics after neighbors had reported suspicious activity." (Facebook)
  • Orange County Register: "The DSRT Surf Report project, two hours from the ocean, has been approved by the city of Palm Desert. It is said to be the first of its kind in the world." (Facebook)
  • Orange County Register: "It is the season for Girl Scouts to start selling their sought-after cookies." (Facebook)
  • Orange County Register: "A nearly $1 million remodel of Super Mex in Huntington Beach is the setting for Qué Vida Tacos, a restaurant specializing in regional Mexican dishes with “elevated counter service,” says its owner." (Facebook)

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Events:

  • Divorce Boot Camp – Vesta Irvine, CA Hub. (Feb. 2)
  • Celebrate Lunar New Year at The District at Tustin Legacy! (Feb. 5)
  • D. Yoder Family Sundays: Lunar New Year Celebration (Feb. 6)
  • Taxes in Retirement Webinar. (Feb. 7)
  • Taxes in Retirement Webinar. (Feb. 8)
  • 41st Annual CARSplus Convention : Networking for Success and Best Practices. (February 25)
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That's it for today. I'll see you around!

— Paula Constance

About me: I am a freelance writer, author, and media producer. I am committed to media projects that empower, engage, and help make the world a better place.

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