🌱 T-Mobile 4K Phone Theft + Will You Get A Payment? + Unusual Swimmer

Hello, friends! It's me, Paula Constance, your host of the Orange County Daily. Here are the most important things happening in our area today.

• Three men stole $4,000 in cell phones from a T-Mobile store.
• $9.5 billion set aside. Will you get a payment?
• Laguna Beach man sees something unusual in the ocean.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny. High: 83 Low: 63.

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Here are the top 3 stories today in Orange County:

1. Orange police are searching for suspects who stole $4,000 in phones from a T-Mobile store. Two men walked into the T-Mobile store on Chapman Avenue on Sept 19, grabbed the phones, and escaped in a waiting car, authorities said. Amazingly, someone in the store filmed the men, who were wearing black hoodies but not wearing face masks. Jonathan Villasenor, the store’s manager, told OnSceneTV, that the men didn't acknowledge store employees, but they "went straight for the iPhone display.” The robbers also took Samsung phones, he said. Five phones with a value of $4,000 were stolen. (OCRegister)
2. Will you get a payment? California is preparing tax refunds for 23 million residents. $9.5 billion in inflation-relief payments will come from California's $308 billion budget. The rebate was set aside by the state Legislature and Governor Gavin Newsom. Initially proposed as a gas rebate, the funds are instead marked as inflation relief payments that will be sent directly to 23 million qualifying Middle Class residents. The payment is to help families struggling with rising prices and inflation. (Orange County Register via Facebook
3. A Laguna Beach resident saw something unexpected in the ocean on The Main beach this weekend. On Sunday, a beachgoer saw a special visitor swimming in the ocean and recorded it on his camera. Mo Dagher was amazed to see a young buck swimming through waves and over submerged rocks for about two miles, with the surf as high as four feet. You can watch the video here: (Orange County Patch)

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Today in Orange County:

• Think Goodness Fundraiser to Support Placentia Businesses. (All Day)
• LTK (Laguna Tech Knitting) at the Laguna Hills Technology Library. (10 a.m.)
• Oak View Branch Bilingual English/Spanish Storytime & Playtime at Oak View Branch Library. (10 a.m.)

From my notebook:

• Five Orange County Teams: Earned No. 1 rankings in the CIF boys water polo polls. (OC Sports Zone)
• German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County: "Remember our shy boy, Andre? He came to GSROC trembling and quaking and worried about what his future would hold." (German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County via Facebook)
• Orange County Register: "The star was unveiled Monday honoring the singer and talk show host who has sold more than 25 million albums and 40 million singles since being the first "American Idol" champion." (Orange County Register via Facebook)
• Orange County Guide and OC events: "Are you guys ready for @knottsberryfarm @knottsscaryfarm ?!! OPENING NIGHT is this Thursday!" (Orange County Guide and OC events via Instagram)
• Goodwill of Orange County: "Today is #NationalVoterRegistrationDay! Celebrate the holiday by registering to vote!" (Goodwill of Orange County via Facebook)

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Events:

• 9th Annual Health & Beauty Expo (September 25)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (September 26)
• Together4Teens (October 1)
• The Bentley Celebrity Golf Tournament (October 21)
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You're caught up for today! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow with another update.

— 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