🌱 Trump In The OC + VSV Cancels Rodeo + Tustin Street Takeover Fails

Welcome back, Orange County! Today’s National Ice Cream Sandwich Day; did you know that in 1900 the treat sold for a penny in New York’s Bowery area? I'm here to get you up to speed on what's going on in the county, including news about:

• ⚠️ Another smash-and-grab at a jeweler.
• ⚠️ An unidentified dead woman on a sidewalk.
• 🚓 A street takeover that the police ended.

💗 Please help us stay! Send a business owner you know this link, so they can partner with the Orange County Patch newsletter!

☀️ But first, today's weather: Mostly sunny. High: 84 Low: 63.

⛽ Three of the Cheapest Gas Stations Across Orange County

• World at 1702 N. Broadway in Santa Ana, $4.39
• Grab-N-Go at 20572 Lake Forest Drive in Lake Forest, $4.69
• Costco at 27220 Heather Ridge Road in Laguna Niguel, $4.85

📰 Here are the top stories in Orange County today:

1. Irvine’s Jewels By Alan in the Park Place Shopping Center is the latest victim of smash-and-grab robbers. Three "black men dressed in black masks" stole jewelry worth $900,000 around noon on Monday. At the time of the robbery, customers were in the store. “They broke every single showcase and pretty much emptied the entire store.” (Patch)
2. A dead woman was found in Irvine on a sidewalk close to the Mark Dailey Athletic Field. Authorities can’t identify her and believe she might have been homeless. At this time, we don’t know the cause of death. (Sierra Sun Times)
3. Tustin street takeover participants on Friday were in for a shock when the police department surrounded a group of around 200 vehicles. Neighbors reported “a reckless group of vehicles doing doughnuts, driving on the wrong side of the road, and launching fireworks.” Fifty-one cars were towed, 18 impounded, and 20 people received citations — so far. (Patch)
4. Rancho Mission Viejo’s 2023 Rodeo is canceled. Cases of Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV) have been spreading, which affects horses and cattle. The annual event is a fundraiser for local charities, but “Rancho Mission Viejo’s primary concern rests in the safety of its animals and participants.” If you’ve already bought a ticket, you’ll get a refund. (The Capistrano Dispatch)
5. The state Republican Party convention will take place next month at Anaheim’s Marriott Hotel. Former President Donald Trump will attend on Sept. 29 and speak at the opening day luncheon. "President Trump is looking forward to seeing California Republicans at their state convention and is confident of overwhelming success in the upcoming March primary," his campaign adviser said. (Patch)

Calling Orange County business owners: reach local readers, attract a crowd, and make a splash with your events this summer! We have a limited number of sponsorships available to amplify your events and increase attendance among your target audience. Click here to learn more about our sponsorships.

📆 Today in Orange County:

Wednesday, August 2

• FREE Yoga On The Bluffs at 2490 Vista Del Oro in Newport Beach (10 AM)
• Kids' Builders' Club meets at the Library of the Canyons in Silverado (10:30 AM)
• Needlework In The Novels meets at the Sunkist Branch Library in Anaheim (3:30 PM)
• Classic Car Show at the Duke's Café Parking Lot in Placentia (4 PM)
• "Gaining Insights Into Your Twice Exceptional Children" Workshop at 145 W. Main St. in Tustin (4:30 PM)

🖊️ From my notebook:

• "FOUND DOG — LAGUNA HILLS! This is clearly someone's missing pet! Let's help her find her way home and get that worried look off her face! Please share in Laguna Hills and surrounding areas. Finder cannot keep her." (German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County via Facebook)
• "Need help finding your children's bus route and stop times for the 2023-24 school year? Go to bit.ly/ocpsfindmybus now!" (Orange County Public Schools via Instagram)
• "Any Aussie Cattle dog lovers out there?!?! If so, we’ve got the perfect boy for you! Meet Calvin. This handsome boy is part American pit bull terrier and part Aussie cattle dog. 🐶 He is a couch potato Pittie." (Orange County Pit Bull Rescue via Facebook)
• "Want to play mermaids? We do! The YMCA offers swim lessons for all ages and abilities. If you're already comfortable in the water, consider our water polo/splashball program, youth swim team, lifeguard training, pool aerobics, and more." (YMCA OF ORANGE COUNTY via Facebook)
• "A group of volunteers from Google graciously donated some time to help with all kinds of tasks here at the Rescue Mission, including serving meals to our students. Thank you so much, GoogleServe!" (Orange County Rescue Mission via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Storage Valet — (Visit website)
• The Au Pair Expert — (Visit Website)
• Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys, LLP — (Visit website)
• Uptown Cheapskate — (Visit website)
• Add your business here

Featured events:

• ☀️ Shop Small Saturday - Family FUN in the Sun!!! (August 5)
• Summer Swing Nights 2023 (August 6)
• Yes! You Can Act! A Beginning, Fun and Creative Acting Class! (August 6)
• Add your event

You're officially in the loop for today. I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow morning with your next update!

— 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