🌱Wildfire Helicopter Controversy + Spectacular Bike Trails+ New Water

Hello, Orange County! It's me, Paula Constance, your host of the Daily. Here's a roundup of the most important community news.

Don't forget to send me an email for a shout out about your favorite O.C. business or nonprofit that is part of the O.C. story and community. And if you are a realtor or entrepreneur growing a business, I'd love to hear from you too!

First, today's weather:

Low clouds, then sunshine later. High: 75 Low: 61.

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Here are the top stories today in Orange County:

1. Many people are wondering why only one firefighting helicopter was in the air for the first hour of The Coastal Fire that destroyed 200 acres and 20 homes in Laguna Niguel. Two sheriff's firefighting helicopters that could have been in the air "in minutes" were not used to help douse the flames. It seems that a "long-running battle between OCFA and the Orange County Sheriff's Department," which used to have two firefighting helicopters on standby, may be the reason. You can read the full story here: (CBS Los Angeles)
2. Did you know that Orange County is expanding its Underground Water Program to ease the ongoing drought? This means more access to water for another 300,000 O.C. residents. That number is in addition to the 2.5 million residents who already get water from the Underground Water Program that treats wastewater and purifies it "through a three-step process" — a cheaper alternative to imported water — and also the reason why the region is not facing severe water restrictions, officials said. You can read more about this story here: (CBS Los Angeles)
3. Miles of bike trails wind throughout Orange County, but there are three trails that offer truly spectacular views: The Mountains to Sea Trail, the Santa Ana River Trail and the San Gabriel River Trail, O.C. park officials said. Since the 1970s, the county has also been working on connecting the Mountains to Sea Trail, "with a few additions still underway today." A final portion of the trail still in the design phase will run "along Jamboree Road from Canyon View Avenue to Pioneer Road," said Irvine Regional’s Supervising Park Ranger Arturo Castillo in an email. "It's a way to explore, exercise and experience nature's beauty in our own backyard — with some epic views along the way from Orange County’s mountains to its beaches," said Castillo. (Orange County Register via Facebook)

Today in Orange County:

• Vote Center In-Person — Huntington Beach Public Library. (8 a.m.)
• Saturdays' Arts & Crafts at Oak View Branch Library. (9:30 a.m.)
• Fuchsia Flower Show and Sale — Sherman Library & Gardens. (10:30 a.m.)
• Pacific Bookworks Art Show Open house. (12 p.m.)
• FREE: St. Angela Merici Summerfest in Brea. (2 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Orange County Sheriff's Department, CA: "It’s graduation season! We are so proud of all our personnel who are celebrating this important milestone, including the group pictured here. They recently earned their master’s degree in Law Enforcement & Public Safety Leadership." (Orange County Sheriff's Department, CA via Facebook)
• German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County: "Available for adoption: Look at this face!" (German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County via Facebook)
• Orange County Register: "Chains such as Dunkin', Krispy Kreme and Randy's Donuts will be offering free samples on Friday." (Orange County Register via Facebook)
• Orange County Register: "It’s a way to explore, exercise and experience nature’s beauty in our own backyard — with some epic views along the way from Orange County’s mountains to its beaches." (Orange County Register via Facebook)
• Orange County Parks: "Who’s ready for an outdoor concert? Bring your blankets and chairs and join us for the Flag Day Concert in the Park next Friday, June 10 at Irvine Regional Park from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Enjoy a free, family-friendly performance." (Orange County Parks via Facebook)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll see you again soon!

— Paula Constance

About me: Paula is a freelance writer, author, and award-winning media producer. She is committed to media projects that empower, engage, and help make the world a better place.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Orange County Daily? Contact me at paula.constance.patch@gmail.com.