Good Morning! Let’s start Wednesday off right. I’m covering everything you need to know about what’s happening in Orange County today.
First, today’s weather:
Cool with rain. Chance of rain 90 percent. Rainfall near a half an inch. High: 55. Low: 51.
Here are the top stories in Orange County today:
- Orange County is experiencing an upswing of new COVID-19 cases following the holiday weekend, reporting 6,475 new cases since Thursday, bringing the total number of active infections in Orange County to 329,025. Nine deaths occurred this month from COVID-19. Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong said in a weekly call that she suspects that most of the COVID-19 infections are from the highly contagious omicron variant.”There will still be a mixture of Delta,” Chinsio-Kwong said noting that residents should do all they can to avoid getting infected. Here are effective steps you can take to protect yourself and others from the virus: Wear a “snug and fit” face covering indoors or in large crowds, get vaccinated, and take a COVID-19 test if you have symptoms or have been exposed. Chinsio-Kwong said she knows there’s a lot more testing going on “because antigen tests are flying off the shelves.” You can read more here: (City News Service)
- San Clemente officials want to have better control over e-bikes that appear to zip by at speeds of up to 30 mph, putting pedestrians enjoying the beach trail, inland trails, the pier, and sand at risk. The city is faced with an influx of fast-moving electric bicycles on the sand, pier, sidewalks, trails, and streets with pedestrians sometimes scrambling to get out of the way. Electric bikes can travel further distances and get to places faster. Some officials compared motorized bikes to motorcycles and said residents are subjected to e-bikes being driven recklessly and at high speeds on walkways, paths, and beach trails. Councilman Steve Knoblock said at a recent council meeting that e-bikes on the trail were “problematic,” and that the beach trail was designed as a “pedestrian experience, in addition to pedal bikes.” You can read more here: (OCRegister)
- Here are a few tips to help keep your pets safe over the holiday season, according to the Orange County Humane Society in Huntington Beach. “The holidays may be a magical time for you, but your pet might have a very different experience,” wrote the OCHS. Over the holidays, our furry friends may be “more likely” to become sick or injured. Following these tips can help you and your pets enjoy a safe holiday season: 1. Have an Identification Tag on your pet in case they slip out of the house and are found by neighbors or the Humane Society. 2. Use battery-operated flameless candles, and put tree lights and ornaments that can break away from the reach of your pet. 3. Always keep tinsel, ribbons, and wrapping paper away from pets that can cause serious problems. 4. Create a Safe Haven so your pet doesn’t get overwhelmed by holiday guests or visitors. You can read more about foods that can be harmful for your pet, like chocolate and foods with xylitol, and holiday plants to keep out of reach: (OC Humane Society)
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- German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County: “One-year-old Roxy was rescued by a kind construction worker who notice her tied up to a house near his project.” (Facebook)
- German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County: “AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION! Are you looking for a laid-back, adorable fellow who likes other dogs and even kitties?” (Facebook)
- Orange County Fire Authority: “Do you have what it takes to become a #OCFA Reserve Firefighter?” (Facebook)
- OCPS: “CALENDAR ALERT: Students resume classes on TUESDAY, January 4.” (Instagram)
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Now you’re in the know and ready to start your Wednesday! I’ll see you around.
— Paula Constance
About me: I am a freelance writer, author, and media producer. I am committed to media projects that empower, engage, and help make the world a better place.
