🌱 Laguna Beach May Ban Balloons + Storm Brings Icy Temperatures

Good morning, Orange County! It's Paula Constance, your host of the Patch newsletter. Follow along for the most important things happening in Orange County today, including these stories...

• Laguna Beach considers a balloon ban.
• Storm on Wednesday brings very cold temperatures, strong winds.
• How can Disneyland prevent suicides at its parking garages?
• Nature walk at the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve.

But first, today's weather:

A brief shower or two. High: 58 Low: 44.

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Here are the top stories today in Orange County:

1. A coastal beach community may ban balloons. Laguna Beach is considering a ban on balloons in a vote on Tuesday to help prevent wildfires, save sea life and clean up the ocean and waterways. California already has a law to regulate foil balloons that tangle with power lines. "California Edison reported more than 1,000 foil balloon-related power outages in 2017, affecting more than 1 million customers, according to a state legislative analysis." (NBC Southern California)
2. A storm bringing very cold temperatures is heading to Orange County Wednesday. The National Weather Service issued "high surf and wind advisories" and is urging residents not to go in the water. The NWS said the winter storm will bring strong wind gusts and temperatures that will be "10 to 20 degrees below normal." (Patch)
3. What steps can Disneyland take to prevent suicides at its parking structures? After a woman fell or jumped to her death off the Mickey & Friends parking garage on Saturday, and a man died after an apparent suicide from the same Disneyland garage in December, suicide prevention experts say Disney can discourage suicide attempts by increasing security patrols, watching for "suspicious behavior," and posting suicide hotline information at the parking garages, among other measures. (Head Topics)
4. It's bird-watching season in California! Explore "the feeding and nesting habitat of thousands of birds" Saturday with Amigos de Bolsa Chica at the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve. The talk and nature walk will be led by Amigos Volunteer Naturalists. Nature walks at the reserve are always on the last Saturday of the month at 8:30 a.m. Admission is free! "Meet at the South Parking Lot across from the entrance to Bolsa Chica State Beach." Find out more here: (Patch)

Today in Orange County:

• WORKSHOP: Uncovering Leadership Blind Spots by Dale Carnegie (9:00 AM)
• Book Chat - Villa Park Branch Library (10:00 AM)
• ESL Conversation Group: Stanton Library (10:00 AM)
• Stepping-Up Storytime (All Ages) at Haskett Branch (10:30 AM)
• Bilingual Spanish Storytime - Tustin Library (10:30 AM)

From my notebook:

• Looking for #ForeverMatch: "Can you believe this handsome guy is still looking for his #ForeverMatch?! 😍 🐶 Rocket 🐾 Male, Age 7 📍 Southern, California "I am a cool, confident guy and eager to find my paw-fect match. I hope to find someone who is as loyal as I am." (German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County via Facebook)
• Stormtroopers marching into Tomorrowland: "The celebration will boast a legion of stormtroopers marching into Tomorrowland and a fireworks spectacular themed to a galaxy far, far away" in May. (Orange County Register via Facebook)
• Love your pet: "Make sure to love you pet not only today, but every day. 🐾 💕 #nationalloveyourpetday #keepyourpet #petsarefamily" (Orange County Pit Bull Rescue via Facebook)
• 5K walk : "We hope your running shoes are ready for our inaugural Trefoil Trot Fun Walk and Family Festival – March 12, 2023! Join us for a 5K walk with your Service Unit, troop, family, or friends, while enjoying the spirit of Girl Scouts. (Girl Scouts of Orange County via Facebook)

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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. See you all tomorrow morning!

— Paula Constance

About me: Paula is a contributing writer, author, and media producer. 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 Patch newsletter? Contact me at orangecounty@patch.com