Cooper Seeks Clemency +Shooter's Car ID'd +Sharks Cruise South OC

Holy cow, how'd we ever make it to Saturday?? It was a busy week this week in Orange County.

This week, we hung our heads in sorrow for a 6-year-old boy, Aiden Leos, killed in a road rage incident on the 55 Freeway one week ago. Still, Orange County stood strong with local officials to crowdsource a $300,000 reward to find the shooter. Friday, we came one step closer to learning their identity. If you have not yet seen the story, please review the image to see if you recognize the car in question: a white Volkswagon. (More on Patch.)

On Friday, Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered an independent investigation into the case of Kevin Cooper, a death row inmate convicted in the 1983 slaying of three members of a Chino Hills family and a family friend. Cooper maintains his innocence and has applied for clemency. Brian Rokos investigates the story. (OC Register).

Also in Orange County, Jewish leaders are speaking out about Antisemitism after a rise in hate crimes, a lingering issue in our area. Hosam Elattar and Brandon Pho investigate. (Voice of OC).

Also, an Anaheim suspect was arrested on suspicion of a rash of BB gun shootings across the 91 Freeway. Attempted murder charges filed (More on Patch).

In other news...

Saturday's Weather Report:
Today, you'll see the weather cools a bit, with clouds giving way to partly sunny skies with highs of 72 and a low of 60. There is a 9 percent chance of drizzle in the morning hours.

Saturday's first low tide is at 6:43 a.m., at -1.31 feet. High tide will be at 1:34 p.m at 3.51 feet, and the second low tide will be at 5:41 p.m. at 2.49 feet.

Sunrise is at 5:43 a.m., and sunset will come at 7:55 p.m. on Saturday.

Patch Pick: How To Help Families Of The 9 San Jose Shooting Victims: GoFundMe verified campaigns have been established for six of the nine victims in the rail yard shooting. There are other ways to help, too. (More on Patch).

Here are 7 Orange County's top good news stories to take you into the weekend:

1. Fullerton Lost Its Pride Flag, Mission Viejo Mom Sends A New One: The rainbow pride flag of Fullerton was "lost," unable to be flown. So, an Orange County mom went to Amazon and bought them a replacement.
2. Shark Sighting Off Capo Beach Sparks More Curiosity Than Concern: South OC is seeing sharks! Local drone photographer Matt Larmand caught this amazing sight of a shark cruising off the coast.
3. Pym Test Kitchen At Disneyland: Tiny Big Food & Vice Versa: Yes! Disneyland Resort is having some fun with food and science at their new Pym Test Kitchen, a much-anticipated Avenger's Campus restaurant, opening June 4.
4. 'Hamilton' Returns To Pantages Stage In August, Tickets Available: Get ready, get set, buy a ticket and be in the room where it happens. "Hamilton" relaunches the opening of Pantages Theater months early.
5. Santa Ana Opens 106 Affordable Units For Chronically Homeless: The $6 million affordable apartments of La Placita Cinco and Casa Querencia a joint effort with CDP, Mercy House, and the city of Santa Ana.
6. Laguna Beach Wins Big In Wyland's Water Conservation Challenge: Wyland's National Mayor's Challenge for Water Conservation will see more than three billion gallons of water over the next year.
7. Angels Pitcher Shoehi Ohtani Misses Start Because Of Bay Area Traffic, Takes Train Instead: The starter of the Anaheim-based team took Bay Area Rapid Transit to the game Thursday, in what could be the first-ever late to the game baseball stat.

Featured Events To Get You Through The Weekend:

1.Community Garage Sale this Sat 5/15/2021 Starting up 7 a.m. Saturday, May 29 at 7:00 am

Come find new Treasures at our Annual 2 Community Garage Sale, Over 12 Signups there will Be Plenty to Choose From! Three communities are joining in Start at 12 Calle Estero, and 11 Pasto Rico, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA Please be sure to wear masks when coming to Garage Sales Please.

2. OPENING: Water Park 2021: Newport Dunes Resort, Newport Beach, Saturday, May 29 at 10:00 am

Summer Opening: Newport Dunes Waterfront ResortInflatable Water Park & Family-Friendly Outdoor Experiences Friday - Monday, May 2831, 2021 - 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort,1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach, CA Click here for more.

3. OPENING: Knott’s Berry Farm Soak City Waterpark 2021: Buena Park Saturday, May 29 at 12:00 pm
Knotts Berry Farm Reopening: Soak City Waterpark

• May 22 -23, 2021:Open to Gold and Platinum Season Passholders for Preview Days
• May 29 - Sept. 12, 2021: Fully Reopening toPublic

Knotts Soak City, 8200 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA Click here for more.

4. Award-Winning BBQ Cookout | Pickup in Corona on Memorial Sunday! Sunday, May 30 at 11:00 am

Jerry & Lupe Aguilar from BNL BBQ are an award-winning husband and wife duo that have won hundreds of BBQ awards all over the country (and Australia) including over 30 Grand and Reserve Grand Championships. Click here for more.

5. Free Grocery Giveaway In Lake Forest: June 1, at 10 a.m. Heroes Park, 25420 Jeronimo Rd, Lake Forest, CA, 92630

See more on the Orange County calendar!

Now you're in the loop and ready for this week. But don't miss out on stories posting throughout the day! Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for exclusive content every day of the week.

~Ashley

Have a news tip or suggestion on how I can improve Orange County Patch? Maybe you're interested in having your business become one of the latest sponsors for Orange County Patch?

Email all inquiries to me at ashley.ludwig@patch.com.