Epic Ocean Clean Up + Huntington Beach's Whale Of A Problem

Good morning, Orange County! Happy Friday! Ready for the weekend yet? In today's Patch news, we are focusing on these stories and more...

In advance of World Ocean Day, a plea from Laguna Beach ocean activist to remove trash from kepl beds leads to a major clean-up. (More on Patch).

What will the yellow tier mean to Anaheim, Disneyland and Disney California Adventure? More hotels are opening, including one with some pixie dust (More on Patch).

A giant fin whale washed up on Huntington Beach earlier in the week. So, what's the city to do about it? (OC Register).

What's on the new $7.7 billion Orange County budget? See what the county CEO is planning for you. (More on Patch).

Friday Weather:

Partly cloudy throughout the day with a 3 percent chance of drizzle.

• High 70, low 56
• A small craft advisory is in place through Saturday at 5 p.m.

On Friday, low tide is at 12:01 p.m. with surf at .26 feet.

High tide is 6:45 p.m., with surf levels at 4.72 feet.

Patch Pick: Read how 45 Orange County veterans experiencing homelessness now have a place to live, thanks to the Orange County Rescue Mission and some help from their friends.

5 Top Picks From Orange County:

1. A Starbucks worker from Orange was struck and killed this week while walking to his Orange County home. Police make one arrest in the suspected DUI. (More on Patch).
2. Could the mere act of WATCHING a street race be illegal in Santa Ana? Ben Brazil investigates. (Daily Pilot).
3. With $7.7 Billion to spend, what will Orange County choose to support? Read the full budget here. (More on Patch).
4. Jazz Brunch on the Bay is hitting Newport Beach this weekend. (More on Patch).
5. Want to see some gorgeous artwork? Look no further than Rick J. Delanty's solo exhibit "Beauty Unites Us" at Casa Romantica in San Clemente. (Daily Pilot).

Here are 3 events going on in your neck of the woods:

1. RE-OPENING: Knott's Berry Farm 2021: Buena Park Saturday, May 22 at 10:30 am Re-Opening of Knott's Berry Farm 2021

Opening To General Public For Summer Hours: Friday, May 21, 2021

• Re-opening to season passholders: May 6, 2021 Knotts Berry Farm,8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park CA Click here for more.

2. Livestream Telethon to help nonprofit theatre survive pandemic Saturday, May 22 at 5:30 pm

Creative Kids Playhouse Children's Theatre of Orange County (CKP), a nonprofit organization impacted by the pandemic, will live-stream a Telethon on May 22 at 5:30 pm to help their theater raise funds needed to survive the pandemic and continue providing quality arts education. Click here for more.

3. 'Art of Flamenco' Dinner Show 2021: Cafe Sevilla, Costa Mesa Saturday, May 22 at 6:30 pm

Saturdays, May 15, 22, 29, June 5, 12, 19, 26, July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 2021 - 6:30 p.m.
Cafe Sevilla, 1870 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa, CA Click here for more.

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.