Delta Variant Spreading + Jane Goodall + 123-Degree Record Heat

LOS ANGELES, CA — Relief is on the way from the record-breaking heatwave baking Southern California. Angelenos have a couple more days of heat to endure while conserving electricity to avoid rolling blackouts.

State officials issued another Flex Alert for Friday after extreme heat — an all-time record-tying 123 degrees in Palm Strings — put strain on the electric grid Thursday. Once again, folks are being asked to conserve energy to avoid the threat of rolling blackouts. Friday morning will bring a 20 percent chance of rain and thunderstorms, according to the National Weather Service

All this and more in LA's top stories.

Friday's Weather Report: The high Downtown is forecasted at 87 degrees, 98 degrees in Northridge and a lovely 74 degrees in Palos Verdes.

Patch Pick: Fully vaccinated employees will be able to ditch their masks in most work settings, state officials determined Thursday (More on Patch).

Here are 5 of Los Angeles County's top news stories of the day:

1. Los Angeles County Fire Department firefighters heroically braved 108-degree heat and a wall of flames to get the upper hand on a fast-moving brush fire that devoured 350-acres Thursday (More on Patch).
2. More than 30 pelicans have been found along the Southern California coast with severely fractured wings. The injuries appear to be caused by humans, and the attacks have been increasing lately, according to wildlife authorities. Officials are offering a reward and are asking for the public's help finding the culprit (More on Patch).
3. Low inventory and interest rates driving the homebuying-frenzy over the last year sent home prices soaring in Los Angeles (More on Patch).
4. Dr. Jane Goodall, the world's foremost expert on chimpanzees, will be celebrated in the West Coast premiere of "Becoming Jane: The Evolution of Dr. Jane Goodall," a new exhibition opening at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, it was announced Thursday (More on Patch).
5. The Delta coronavirus variant is spreading in Los Angeles County, and the county's vaccine gap leaves young Black and Latino residents, as a group, more vulnerable to the concerning COVID-19 variant (More on Patch).

Featured Events To Get You Through To The Weekend:

'Noah’s Outdoor Explorers' Fun 2021: Skirball, Los Angeles Saturday, 10:00 a.m., Brentwood

• "Calling all adventurers! Noah’s Outdoor Explorers invites you to spend time enjoying the Skirball’s outdoor pathways and green spaces. Spark your senses on a self-guided nature walk, get to know diverse plant life, contribute to a community art project, and hear a timeless flood story told by a Noah’s Ark educator. As you traverse the campus, keep an eye out for Noah’s Ark puppets scurrying past or flying overhead!"

Hollywoods Village Neighborhood Cleanup, Saturday, 9:00 a.m., Los Angeles

• Join community groups this Saturday morning to clean up neighborhoods in Hollywood and support the Cash 4 Trash program, which invites the homeless to help pick up trash and get paid for it. 9am-noon event includes breakfast snacks and lunch. All cleanup tools provided. Instagram @hollywoodsvillage RSVP by email: vickiejenkins@celebritycentre.org

Father’s Day Celebration 2021: Ronald Reagan Museum, Simi Valley, Sunday, 12:00 p.m., Moorpark

• "We are excited to offer our 7th annual Father’s Day Celebration at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Museum. Enjoy a delicious barbeque buffet of tri-tip, marinated chicken breast, garlic mashed potatoes, barbeque beans, coleslaw, and homemade cheddar corn muffins. Finish your lunch with our delicious chocolate fudge brownies. "

See more on the Los Angeles calendar!

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~Paige

Have a news tip or suggestion on how I can improve Los Angeles County Patch? Maybe you're interested in having your business become one of the latest sponsors for Los County Patch? Email all inquiries to me at paige.austin@patch.com.