🌱 O.C. DUI Checkpoints + E-Bike Helmet Law + Trauma Volunteers

Hello, everybody! It’s Paula Constance, your host of the Orange County Daily. I'm back with today's edition, fresh off the presses. Let's start with a quick review of the most important things happening in O.C. today, including updates on:

• DUI checkpoints in Orange County.
• Tickets for Disneyland Princess Nite and Park After Dark: Sweetheart's Nite.
• Volunteers for Trauma Intervention Program.
• Why kids riding e-bikes have to wear helmets.

But first, today's weather:

A little morning rain. High: 56 Low: 42.

Here are the top stories today in Orange County:

1. Don't drink and drive! Two DUI checkpoints will be set up in Garden Grove on Dec. 17 and Dec. 30 from 9 a.m. to 3 a.m. the following day, officials said. The checkpoints were selected based on previous accidents and " impaired driving incidents." DUI checkpoints "promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off the road," authorities said. A a first-time DUI offense can be up to "$13,500 in fines and penalties as well as a suspended license." (Orange County Tribune)
2. Ticket sales begin onDec. 12 for 2023 Disneyland Princess Nite and Park After Dark: Sweetheart's Nite. Visit Disneyland's all-new Disney Princess Nite March 7 & 9, 2023. See "iconic characters" under the stars "who light the world with kindness, courage, and a touch of magic." Disneyland After Dark: Sweetheart's Nite returns again this year with special fireworks shows, dancing at the "Royal Ball hosted by Aladdin and Jasmine," a romantic moonlit cruise on the Mark Train Riverboat, and more, on Jan. 31, Feb. 2, 5, 7, 9, 14, 16, 2023, at Disneyland Park. ( Orange County Patch)
3. Make a difference in someone's life by volunteering with the Trauma Intervention Program (TIP) that partners with the O.C. Sheriff Department. TIP volunteers are part of a team" of specially trained volunteers" that provide emotional support and provide comfort to those who have experienced unexpected trauma, like a family death or other unexpected hard-to-handle crisis. O. C. Sheriff officials said TIP volunteers provide support that's "integral" to the Department. (Orange County Sheriff's Department, CA via Facebook)
4. Do kids riding e-bikes have to wear a helmet? Yes! California law says anyone riding a bike or e-bike under the age of 18 has to wear a helmet." Adults, of course, should as well," the O.C. Register reported. O.C. police are not looking to "go after" kids riding e-bikes, which can reach speeds up to 27 m.p.h. Sgt. John Hopkins, who supervises the Orange County Sheriff’s Department’s Traffic Division, said, "It’s not, ‘I got you,’ it’s, ‘Let’s keep these kids alive.’” (Orange County Register via Facebook)

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Today in Orange County:

• Letters to Santa - City of Laguna Niguel Parks and Recreation (8 a.m.)
• ESL Conversation Group - Foothill Ranch Library (10:30 a.m.)

From my notebook:

• Lira's wish was granted: "Santa granted Lira's wish! She has been adopted and now has a forever home." (German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County via Facebook)
• Birthday wish: "Help us wish a very happy birthday to pianist Kathryn Stott! 🥳🎈🎂 We will welcome her to Orange County when she performs with cellist Yo-Yo Ma on April 4th as part of our 2022-23 season!" (Philharmonic Society of Orange County via Facebook)
• Thanks for donating: "Shout out to everyone who donated toys at the Spark of Love toy collection event at the Walmart in Buena Park today! Because of your generosity, our goal of collecting 30,000 toys for children in need is getting closer." (Orange County Fire Authority via Facebook)
• Water District named top workplace: "Times have changed, but the water district still ranks as one of Orange County's top workplaces. "It's definitely harder, so we have to be better," says General Manager Joone Kim-Lopez." (Orange County Register via Facebook)
• Muddy trails: OC Parks trails were closed Dec. 11 due to wet and muddy conditions. ⚠️ Please visit https://www.ocparks.com/parks/... for the most up-to-date information. #OCParks #rain #trailclosures #updates" (Orange County Parks via Facebook)

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Events:

• VAPE AWARENESS with Dr. Timothy Fong (December 12)
• Christmas City Markets- Festival of Lights (December 15)
• Free & Fun Family STEM Event (December 17)
• Christmas Eve Candlelight Service (December 24)
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Other classifieds:

• Open House 12/10/2022 1/4 (Details)
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You're officially in the loop for today! I'll catch up with you bright and early 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