🌱 Wooden Cross Vandalized + Robots In The Library + Westminster Shots

Hello and happy Tuesday! Today’s Independence Day; did you know that it commemorates the Second Continental Congress ratifying the Declaration of Independence? I'm back with news on...

• 🔥 Fire near Gypsum Canyon and Santa Ana Canyon roads.
• 💰 State Sen. Josh Newman brings funding to Fullerton.
• 🤖 The Santa Ana Public Library is on the cutting edge.

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🌤️ Now, today's weather: Clouds, then sun. High: 81 Low: 56.

⛽ Three of the Cheapest Gas Stations Across Orange County

• 7-Eleven at 13472 Euclid St. in Garden Grove, $4.39
• Costco at 115 Technology Drive in Irvine, $4.39
• ARCO at 18972 Beach Blvd. in Huntington Beach, $4.39

🥤 Summer Drink Poll!
It’s heating up! Besides water, what is your favorite summertime drink?

• 20 percent each choose an Arnold Palmer or a frozen margarita
• 15 percent each reach for Coca-Cola, iced tea, or lemonade
• 5 percent each enjoy a beer, watermelon punch, or mint julep

Here are the top stories in Orange County today:

1. A — as yet unknown — suspect fired four or five shots in the 7000 block of 21st Street in Westminster. A 14-year-old child was injured by a gunshot to the wrist. The suspect reportedly “fled the scene at a high rate of speed.” (New Santa Ana)
2. Last month, the Christian Santiago Retreat Center in Silverado Canyon dedicated a 14-foot wooden cross. A few days ago, a vandal cut the cross down. While investigators are considering whether to pursue the matter “as a possible hate crime,” the retreat chaplain said, “Forgiveness and redemption from God were extended to the thief next to Jesus on the cross, and it's also extended to this person who visited last night.” (ABC)
3. If you spent time on the eastbound 91 or Route 241, you saw the fire and smoke from a brush fire “in the area of Gypsum Canyon and Santa Ana Canyon roads.” Three acres burned quickly. However, firefighters succeeded in stopping the fire’s spread. There were no injuries or structure damage. (Patch)
4. State Sen. Josh Newman secured $10 million of the state’s budget for Fullerton projects. They include funding for improvements to the Fullerton Museum, expanding the HomeShare OC Program, purchasing assistance to LOT 318 for an affordable apartment building, and expanding the capacity of the Lestonnac Free Medical Clinic with an RV. (Fullerton Observer)
5. The Santa Ana Public Library collaborated with RobotLAB to create desk-mounted robot friends to interact with children on the autism spectrum. “Human beings get tired. Human beings get frustrated. A robot — same response every single time,” which makes a huge difference for an affected child's learning. (CBS)

Today in Orange County:

Tuesday, July 4

• July 4th Country Fair at City Hall in Brea (9 AM)
• Free Pool Day at the Laguna Niguel Aquatics Center (9 AM)
• Celebrate July 4th at the Nixon Library in Yorba Linda (10 AM)
• Disney’s "Celebrate America!" 4th Of July Fireworks Show in Anaheim (9:30 PM)
• Knott's Berry Farm July 4th Fest & Fireworks in Buena Park (9:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• "Put on your dancing shoes and get ready to sing along as The Rembrandts and Rev. Dr. Music take the stage this Thursday, July 6 at Irvine Regional Park in Orange! The show starts at 5 p.m. so be sure to arrive early for a good spot." (OC Parks via Instagram)
• "It is important to leave 9-1-1 lines open for emergencies. This graph can provide a guide on when you should call 911 versus the non-emergency line regarding fireworks. As always, if you need an ambulance, there is a fire, or there is an in-progress police emergency, call 911. Have fun but stay safe!" (Orange County Sheriff's Department, CA, via Facebook)
• "Last week, our search canines and their handlers conducted remote area search training utilizing our Air Operations section helicopters for insertion and extraction. These dogs and their Canine Search Specialist handlers are part of our California Task Force 5 Urban Search & Rescue team." (Orange County Fire Authority via Facebook)
• "GSROC currently has 80+ dogs in our care, each patiently waiting for a special family to adopt them. Each one is so deserving of love and loyalty! We want to reward our good dogs with some special bully stick treats. Can you help by donating a batch for the dogs to enjoy? Whether it's 5, 10 or 100, we will put them to great use right away! Thank you for any help you can provide!" (German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County via Facebook)
• "Tristan Wendenburg, a Life Scout in the Boy Scouts of America, decided to build two bookshelves for our Parent Child Enrichment Center as part of his Eagle Scout project. Tristan donated the two hand-made bookshelves and filled them with books (new and used) for the kids to enjoy. Thank you, Tristan!" (Orange County Rescue Mission via Facebook)

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You're all caught up for today! See you all tomorrow morning for another update.

— Sylvia Cochran

About me: Christ follower. Wife. Book dragon. Proud supporter of the Oxford comma.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Orange County Patch newsletter? Contact me at orangecounty@patch.com