Good morning, everybody! It’s me, Paula Constance, your host of the Orange County Patch newsletter — here to explain everything that’s happening in OC today. In today’s issue, you will find these news stories and more…

  • Volunteers fill bus with donations, kids write letters for earthquake survivors.
  • Cold weather returns.
  • Will rail service return between San Diego and Orange counties?
  • Where will Mahomes and the Chiefs celebrate their Superbowl win?

But first, today’s weather:

Plenty of sun. High: 65 Low: 41.

Find out what’s happening in Orange Countywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

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Here are the top stories in Orange County today:

  1. A week after the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, Orange County volunteers collected items to help Earthquake survivors, as rescues are still miraculously pulling survivors from the rubble. A large group of organizers and volunteers gathered in Irvine that “filled an entire bus with donations” in only three days. A large group of Orange County children through Team Kids volunteered to help and also wrote letters of encouragement and compassion to survivors they have never met. (NBC Southern California)
  2. Brrr. Cold weather is returning to Orange County this week. A cold front is coming through after 45 m.p.h. wind gusts hot coastal areas including Huntington Beach and Newport Beach on Tuesday. Winds will “dissipate” Wednesday, but meteorologist Brian Adams of the National Weather Service in San Diego, said “temperatures will drop” in Orange County Wednesday and Thursday, with low temperatures in the 40s. (Los Angeles Times)
  3. When will rail service return between San Diego and Orange counties? After unexpected repair delays and soaring project costs, officials say that rail service between the two counties is expected to be back in service sometime in April. Amtrak suspended service on Sept. 30 after winter storm surges caused cliff erosion under the tracks in San Clemente. Find out more here: (The San Diego Union-Tribune)
  4. After a riveting Superbowl game, where will Mahomes and the Chiefs celebrate their 38-35 Super Bowl LVII win? They’re going to Disneyland. Disney will honor Mahomes at its “traditional post-Super Bowl parade .” The parade begins at 1:30 p.m. and will “pass by Sleeping Beauty Castle” before making its way to Main Street U.S.A. This is the second time Mahomes will “be honored with a post-Super Bowl parade at a Disney theme park .” (City News Service)

Today in Orange County:

  • 1st & 3rd Am Wednesday Leads Group – Greater Irvine Chamber of Commerce (8:45 AM)
  • JOB DAY: Disneyland & OC Workforce Solutions (Events) (9:00 AM)
  • 2023 Economic & Financial Update – Placentia Chamber of Commerce (10:00 AM)
  • 2023 Economic and Financial Update – Lake Forest Chamber of Commerce (10:00 AM)
  • Miniature Garden Class: Apple Teacup (10:00 AM)

From my notebook:

  • Laguna Woods Holocaust survivors: “Perseverance helped Laguna Woods residents survive the Holocaust and enjoy 65 years of marriage” (Orange County Register via Facebook)

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

— 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.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Orange County Patch newsletter? Contact me at [email protected]

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