🌱 Winston Churchill On Stage + Lightning Closes Pier And Beach

Hey, Orange County! I'm here in your inbox per usual to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on in town. In today's briefing, you'll learn about these stories and more:

• Great stage performances in O.C. this week.
• Huntington pier and beach closed for strong lightning.
• Win tickets to "Illuminate Silver Lakes."

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny. High: 77 Low: 64.

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Here are the top stories today in Orange County:

1. Top things to do this week in O.C. include a performance by Randy Otto as Winston Churchill. The seasoned speaker and actor has been playing William Churchill for audiences worldwide for more than 40 years, now at the Muckenthaler Cultural Center in Fullerton Oct. 13. On Oct. 14, catch Grammy-award-winning singer-songwriter Judy Collins, celebrating her 60-year career in “Big Hits & Spellbound" in Aliso Viejo. On Oct. 14-16, the Curtis Theatre in Brea is presenting "Sondheim on Sondheim," a multimedia show featuring musical numbers from his most popular shows. Find out more here: (Orange Coast Magazine)
2. A fierce lightning storm briefly closed beaches in Orange and Los Angeles Counties on Tuesday, Oct. 11 . The Huntington Beach pier and beach was closed before 4:30 p.m. Tuesday out of safety concerns but reopened by 5:10 p.m., according to the City of Huntington Beach. A heavy thunderstorm moved along the Orange County coast, said National Weather Service meteorologist Dan Gregoria. More thunderstorms were expected across Southern California on Wednesday, but not as “widespread.” (Subscription/OC Register)
3. SoCal Fieldtrips is giving away four tickets to "Illuminate Silver Lakes," a fun and festive "Christmas party of nighttime enchantment." You will visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, see live musical performances, holiday lights, seasonal treats and more. Find out how to win here: (SoCal Field Trips via Instagram)

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Today in Orange County:

• Blood Drive - Sunny Hills High School (All Day)
• Laguna Beach Live at The Museum - Arts and Culture Events in Orange County (8 a.m.)
• Women's Division Committee Meeting - Garden Grove Chamber of Commerce (9 a.m.)
• OC Workforce Solutions Mobile Stop- Los Alamitos-Rossmoor Library (9 a.m.)

From my notebook:

• Warning about short cuts by the O.C. Sheriff's Department: "While shortcuts can help save time, it doesn't mean they are the safest option. Always chose the populated path when walking alone." (Orange County Sheriff's Department, CA via Facebook)
• It's national adopt a shelter dog month. "It's #NationalAdoptAShelterDogMonth 🐶 If you were thinking about adding loyalty, love, and companionship to your life, look no further than the good boys and girls here at GSROC!" (German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County via Facebook)
• The Youth Symphony at OCMA: "The Philharmonic Society's Orange County Youth Symphony performed at the opening of OCMA / Orange County Museum of Art this past weekend." (Philharmonic Society of Orange County via Facebook)

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Events:

• Harvest Boutique (October 22)
• Urijah Faber's A1 Combat #6 Talbott VS Jimenez - Live Pro MMA! (October 22)
• Art for a Smile: Paintings by Hue Nguyen (November 12)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Thursday! I'll see you around.

— 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