🌱 Deadly Crash + Knott’s Hiring Thousands + CalOptima Chair​ Resigns

• Wrong-way deadly crash in Westminster
• Knott’s Berry Farm hiring 2,500 employees
• Amid scrutiny, CalOptima board chair resigns
• Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS) brings water to millions in OC

But first, today’s weather:

Mostly sunny and pleasant. High: 75 Low: 46.

Here’s to the wonderful local business who sponsors this newsletter. Check out what they can do for you:

Want younger-looking skin? Suncare Medspa in Irvine offers the latest non-surgical beauty and skin treatments — from Hydrafacials to Radiofrequency Microneedling. Rejuvenate your skin with a trusted and local team of skincare experts who specialize in injectable therapies like Juvederm and Botox, laser hair removal, and the best in Japanese and European spa-grade facials. Visit Suncare Medspa here to learn more! First-time customers, mention Patch to receive $100 OFF a Signature Hydrafacial.

Want to see your business featured in this spot? Click here to get started.

Here are the top stories in Orange County today:

1. A wrong-way crash in Westminster Monday killed two people and injured another, officials said. The Westminster Police Department responded to a four-vehicle crash at the 14500 block of Beach Boulevard just before 1 p.m. Witnesses said that an “older unknown type minivan” was traveling at a high rate of speed northbound in the southbound lane of Beach Boulevard, WPD officials said in a news release. (MSN)
2. Now hiring! Knott’s Berry Farm is looking for 2,500 new employees. On Monday, Knott’s Berry Farm said they plan to hire more than two-thousand seasonal employees before spring and summer park events. A weeklong hiring fair will be held “at the theme park from Feb. 18 until Feb. 24.” Interviews will be between 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. every day. (Orange County Patch)
3. CalOptima’s board chair resigned in the midst of a state investigation about how funds are being spent. The publicly-funded health care plan serves almost one million low-income California residents. CalOptima’s board chair “also happens to be Orange County supervisor: Andrew Do.” (KCRW)
4. Orange County’s Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS) has completed its “final expansion.” Orange County Water District General Manager Mike Markus said before the expansion, the GWRS provided 100 million gallons of water every day. With the expansion, they can now provide 130 million gallons of water per day, that’s enough water for “about a million people.” The main sources of water for Orange County is the Santa Ana River, rainfall, imported water, and water from the GWRS.” (Orange Coast Magazine)

From our sponsor:

There’s a reason over 4 million people read Morning Brew — the daily email that delivers the latest news across business, finance, and tech straight to your inbox. Let’s face it: traditional business news can be dry, dense, and boring, but Morning Brew is written in a witty yet educational tone that makes reading the news actually enjoyable. The best part? It’s free and only takes 5 minutes to read so you can get all of the most relevant updates and get on with your day. If you’re interested in business, current events, or just want to learn something new there’s no reason not to try it.

Today in Orange County:

• “Let’s Go Potty!” – Toilet Training – The Priority Center (All Day)
• Women’s Division Committee Meeting – Garden Grove Chamber of Commerce (9:30 AM)
• ESL Conversation Group – Stanton Library (10:00 AM)
• Bilingual Spanish Storytime – Tustin Library (10:30 AM)
• Bilingual Storytime – Costa Mesa Donald Dungan (10:30 AM)

From my notebook:

• Broken-hearted Rocco needs a home: “AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION 8-year-old Rocco is recovering from a broken heart. When his owners divorced, Rocco wasn’t sure what would happen to him. His owner remarried and more children were added to the family. Rocco tried his best to adjust.” (German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County via Facebook)
• Waiting for a home: “Most precious Nora is still waiting for a home! 🏡 💕🐾 (Emma has already been adopted) Who’s interested in adopting this perfect little gal? She’s about 3 months old and current on DHPP & Bordetella.” (Orange County Pit Bull Rescue via Facebook)
• Talk with children early about drinking and drugs: “Did you know? When parents talk with their children early and often about alcohol and other drugs, they can protect them from many high-risk behaviors associated with using these drugs.” (Orange County Sheriff’s Department, CA via Facebook)
• Burn awareness week: “It’s #BurnAwarenessWeek! Learn how to treat a burn: ✅Put cool water on it right away & for 5 minutes ✅Do not use icy water ✅Do not apply butter, toothpaste or eggs to ease pain ✅Get medical help quickly by calling 911.” (Orange County Fire Authority via Facebook)
• Grow The Good: “HELP US GROW THE GOOD! With your support and contribution to our 2023 Annual Campaign, we can do even more good in our communities and support those most in need. Visit ymcaoc.org/givegood or link in bio to donate today!” (YMCA OF ORANGE COUNTY via Facebook)
• A safe place: “Wellness Centers at Garden Grove Unified schools help students have a safe space to focus on their mental health needs.” (Orange County Register via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Storage Valet — (Visit website)
• Au Pair Childcare USA — (Visit Website)
• Uptown Cheapskate — (Visit website)
• Tablerock boarding kennels — (Visit website)
• Add your business here

Events:

• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (February 9)
• Add your event

You’re all caught up for today. I’ll be in your inbox tomorrow with your next update!

— 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.