🌱 OCFA Kitten Rescue + 100 Open Jobs + Costa Mesa’s Taco María Closes

Hey, Orange County! Today’s National Bagelfest Day; did you know that bagels may have originated in 16th century Poland? I'm here to get you caught up on what's going on. Today's issue includes...

• 💧 A property tax discussion in Anaheim Hills.
• 🤝 100 jobs at Chick-fil-A in Huntington Beach.
• 🤔 The feasibility of a parking structure in Mission Viejo.

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☀️ But first, today's weather: Mostly sunny and very warm. High: 93 Low: 68.

📰 Here are the top stories today in Orange County:

1. Anaheim Hills neighbors meet Thursday to discuss a new tax for funding a groundwater pump system that’s running out of money. The pumps date back to 1993 when landslides lead to the destruction of some homes. Previously, homeowners declined to approve this added property tax. Officials hope that residents “off of Avenida de Santiago; Leafwood, Burlwood and Rimwood drives; Georgetown Circle and several other streets on the southern end of the Anaheim Hills area” will change their minds. (The Orange County Register/paywall)
2. Taco María in Costa Mesa will close on Saturday. What is causing this Michelin-star restaurant to leave after being successful since 2013? The owner says he’s looking for a larger space than what he currently has at the SoCo Collection on Hyland, “but hasn’t landed one yet.” (Eater Los Angeles)
3. Are you in Huntington Beach and need a job? Would you like it to offer “a 401K plan and health insurance benefits, tuition assistance and scholarship opportunities, as well as hands-on training and a flexible schedule?” If so, don’t miss out on Chick-fil-A’s hiring events scheduled at Goldenwest Street and Warner Avenue every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. The company is looking to fill 100 positions. (KTLA)
4. The Mission Viejo City Council is considering the “financial feasibility” of building a parking structure with 28 pickleball courts near the Oso Creek Golf Course. The lone voice against the idea, Councilmember Cynthia Vasquez, wasn’t sure the city actually needed another parking structure. Planning may cost around $2 million, and subsequent construction would add around $15 million in costs. The next council meeting is on Aug. 22. (Voice of OC)
5. The Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) loves kittens — and so do Irvine neighbors. A resident recently heard a kitten meow in their car, attempted to lure it out, but couldn’t get anywhere with the feline. OCFA Fire Station 28 was not only willing to come out but “removed sections of the vehicle to rescue the kitten.” The little cat was turned over to the Irvine Animal Care Center, which has already found it a home. (OCFA)

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📆 Today in Orange County:

Wednesday, July 26

• Presentation: Orange County Community Health Assessment Findings in South Orange (9 AM)
• Irvine Kaiser Permanente Certified Farmers Market at 6670 Alton Parkway (9 AM)
• Book Chat at the Villa Park Branch Library (10 AM)
• Buzzy Bee Storytime at the El Toro Library in Lake Forest (11:15 AM)
• Adventure Week VBS at the Chinese Baptist Church in Anaheim begins (6 PM)

🖊️ From my notebook:

• "📣 Interested in working for the Orange County Department of Education? OCDE’s Administrative Services division is searching for a talented and enthusiastic individual to serve as a projects and grants analyst." (Orange County Department of Ed via Instagram)
• "National Thrift Shop Day is just around the corner on Aug. 17! 💛✨ Enter for a chance to win a $100 Thrifting Spree in celebration of our favorite holiday by subscribing to our Weekly Dose of Good email newsletter!" (Goodwill of Orange County via Facebook)
• Orange County Register: "Trader Joe’s said in a statement that all 'potentially affected product has been removed from sale and destroyed.' If you bought the cookies, here are the sell-by dates to look for. ⤵️" (Orange County Register via Facebook)
• "Put on those stretchy pants and join us at Irvine Regional Park in Orange this Friday for a free showing of Nacho Libre! Enjoy free parking, pre-show entertainment and more. See you then! 🤼" (Orange County Parks via Facebook)
• "We are excited to announce our partnership with Chance Theater during their upcoming production of the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning musical, 'Rent,' by Jonathan Larson, which will run until Aug. 20." (LGBTQ Center, Orange County, via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Orange County's 23rd Annual Diversity Employment Day Career Fair (July 26)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Wednesday off right! I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow with your next update.

— Sylvia Cochran

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

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