🌱 Urgent 'Drought Profiteering' Crimes + Free Shot +Luxury Apt. Fire

Hi all. I'm back in your inbox this morning with your new copy of the Orange County Daily. Find out what's happening in Orange County today.

• Four alarm Newport Beach luxury apartment building fire.
• Rain helps slow raging wildfire.
• Lawmakers urgently call for Justice Department to investigate water theft and "drought profiteering."
• Free monkeypox and COVID-19 vaccines for O.C. residents.

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First, today's weather:

Patchy fog, then sun; humid. High: 83 Low: 70.

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Here are the top 4 stories in Orange County today:

1. A four-alarm fire occurred at a luxury apartment building in Newport Beach on Sunday. Sixty-five firefighters were called in from 24 units to battle the blaze that briefly sent two firefighters to the hospital. The fire was reported at 10:27 a.m. at the Promontory Point Apartments at 200 Promontory Drive West. Thick smoke and flames could be seen pouring from the building, located across the bay from Balboa Island. (Orange County Register via Facebook)
2. Firefighters continued to battle the raging Fairview fire near Hemet on Sunday. They worked to surround more of the massive blaze with some relief coming from the recent rain in the area. The Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department said full containment was possible by Sept. 17. More than 28,307 acres have already burned. Officials said firefighters were thankful that the moisture in the air "helped slow fire." (OC Register)
3. California lawmakers are urgently calling on the Justice Department to investigate "drought profiteering." Calls for a federal investigation into potential water crimes are becoming more urgent as the state battles “dire” water supply shortages and drought. A bipartisan group told U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland they have ongoing concerns about possible “drought profiteering” and water theft, fraudulently manipulating prices "that are constraining already severely limited water availability." “We believe this manipulation is causing water prices to spike, and may soon cause a spike in food prices,” four state lawmakers including Democratic Sen. Melissa Hurtado and Republican Assembly Member Suzette Valladares wrote in a letter to the U.S. Attorney General. (OC Register)
4. Get free monkeypox and COVID-19 vaccines Tuesday in Orange County. Orange County residents will be able to get these vaccines for free thanks to the local nonprofit Families Together of Orange County. The morning clinic will be the second monkeypox vaccine clinic for residents aged 18 and up seeking their first dose, or second monkeypox vaccination. The vaccine clinic is located at the Families Together of Orange County Wellness Center, 621 W. 1st St., Tustin. (Orange County Patch)

Today in Orange County:

• Think Goodness Fundraiser to Support Placentia Businesses. (All Day)
• [Free Virtual Workshop] Youth Matter: Suicide Prevention and Awareness. (9 a.m.)
• Tai Chi Tuesdays — Fall 2022 — Sherman Library & Gardens. (10:30 a.m.)

From my notebook:

• German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County: "Isys is a special needs puppy who doesn't know that she is different. She was found by a good Samaritan, and no one came to claim her." (German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County via Facebook)
• Orange County Pit Bull Rescue: "We couldn’t have said it better ourselves. Thank you, Ladybug Art, for saying all we wanted to say, and the beautiful artwork. (Orange County Pit Bull Rescue via Facebook)
• Orange County Register: "A new Porto’s Bakery & Eatery serving Cuban sweets and treats is headed to Downtown Disney as part of the outdoor shopping center’s latest renovation. 😋 Want more Disney Park announcements and teases? Check them out here. 🎢⬇️" (Orange County Register via Facebook)
• Orange County Register: "The Laguna Woods Chinese American Club is celebrating the fall harvest season and the Mid-Autumn Festival, which runs Saturday, Sept. 10, through Monday, Sept. 12." (Orange County Register via Facebook)

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Events:

• Shop for a Cause (September 15)
• Fall Kick-Off (September 17)
• 9th Annual Health & Beauty Expo (September 25)
• Together4Teens (October 1)
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You're all caught up for today! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning 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 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