🌱 Surprise Visitor In Kitchen, Pool + Wild Fire Battle In Record Heat

Hello all. I'm back in your inbox with your new edition of the Orange County Daily. Here's an update of what's happening in O.C. today.

• Wild weekend visitor swims in pool, strolls into kitchen.
• Hero firefighters pushed to contain The Route Fire Sunday, battling the blaze in record heat.
• The new eco-friendly entrance at Disneyland has people seeing green.

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First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and very warm. High: 93 Low: 74.

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Here are the top stories today in Orange County:

1. Two Simi Valley residents had an unexpected weekend visitor in their kitchen and swimming pool. A black bear was spotted swimming in a resident's pool and digging through their trash cans at around 6:05 p.m. Saturday, according to the Simi Valley Police Department. The unlikely visitor was spotted around Yosemite Avenue and Evening Sky Drive, according to the Ventura County Star. On Sunday morning at around 10:05 a.m., a black bear walked into a Simi Valley home's kitchen through an open back door, authorities said. Officers arrived to find the bear still in the kitchen. The bear "eventually saw itself out and climbed a tree." The departed said, "Please do not approach any bears if seen. Although cute, they are still wild animals." (Orange County Patch)
2. A shout out to SoCal firefighters who labored in intense heat to contain The Route Fire up to 96 percent on Sunday evening, Sept. 4. A plane dropped bright red fire retardant from the sky as firefighters continued to make steady and relentless progress battling the fire while temperatures soared over the weekend. The Route Fire, which began around noon Wednesday burned along the 5 Freeway north of Lake Hughes Road and consumed 5,208 acres, destroying two structures. The fire also caused seven heat-related firefighter injuries. (Orange County Register via Facebook)
3. Disneyland unveiled new artificial turf around the Mickey floral planter at the Disneyland entrance replacing the water-thirsty grass. Water conservation efforts are happening through the parks as the historic drought continues. The Disney horticulture team has been replacing lawns, where possible, with artificial turf. If you happen visit the Haunted Mansion this Halloween, you will find a new turf lawn that was unveiled on Friday. Disneyland said most of the landscaping in several lands and attractions is already drought tolerant. Way to go, Disney! (ABC7)

Today in Orange County:

• Aging As Art: A Juried Photography Contest. (10 a.m.)

From my notebook:

• Orange County Fire Authority: "Did you know we have a drone team here at #OCFA? Our team is yet another resource we have to aid us in serving the citizens of Orange County." (Orange County Fire Authority via Facebook)
• German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County: "Meet Clay! Handsome and fun loving, this 2–3-year-old sable is ready to be your constant companion." (German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County via Facebook)
• Orange County Pit Bull Rescue: "This is how Monty handles the heatwave." (Orange County Pit Bull Rescue via Facebook)
• Orange County N.C. Recreation: "Spend one day per week enjoying a little friendly competition. Registration is now open for the 2022 Fall Men's Basketball League 🏀. Register by Sept. 11." (Orange County (NC) Recreation via Instagram)

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Events:

• Self Care & Dating Post-Divorce — Vesta Irvine, California Hub (September 7)
• Lake Forest Martial Arts School Grand Opening (September 10)
• Peaceful Protest to End Shelter Restrictions (September 10)
• Original Lobster Festival — Sept. 9-11 (September 10)
• OC ParaCon Oct 1-2, 2022 (October 1)
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You're caught up for today. I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow with your next 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 the 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