Newsletter: TimesOC: Yes, those are bald eagles showing up in O.C.

Good morning. It’s Wednesday, Feb. 21. Here’s what’s been happening around O.C.

Top story

Yes, those are bald eagles showing up at Newport’s Back Bay

Robert Rollins was on his daily bike ride around Newport Beach’s Back Bay when he noticed people looking at something: a bald eagle in a eucalyptus tree. Not too long ago, the state of bald eagles in the United States was a perilous one largely because of widespread use of the pesticide DDT. Now, efforts to reintroduce bald eagles in areas of California seem to be paying off. TimesOC.

Around the county

O.C. supervisors OK motel vouchers, food and other services for 400 homeless

Orange County leaders have approved a plan to provide motel vouchers, food and other services for about 400 homeless people living in encampments along the Santa Ana River trail. Daily Pilot

Quieter JWA takeoff pattern tentatively set to begin March 29

Commercial pilots flying out of John Wayne Airport may transition to a quieter takeoff path late next month. Daily Pilot

Cal State Fullerton offers students assistance with food and basic needs

To help its students experiencing food and housing insecurity, Cal State Fullerton now has a center offering support, assistance and products. TimesOC

Business & real estate

Anaheim breaks tourism record for fifth straight year with 24.2 million visitors

Anaheim welcomed 24.2 million visitors in 2017, about a 5% increase over the 23 million visitors in the previous year and more than 30% higher than 2012. Los Angeles Times

Faith

The monastery amid O.C.’s mania

Past the recalcitrant bikers of Cook’s Corner and up the slithering dirt roads of Trabuco Canyon sits a monastery where monks live in communion with the old ways. TimesOC

Life & arts

Cirque du Soleil will bring its ‘Luzia’ show to O.C.

Cirque du Soleil takes its big top to the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa and unveils a surreal world of acrobatics, music and visual surprises in its production “Luzia,” opening Feb. 21. TimesOC

Huntington Beach Film Festival seeks to showcase diversity

As part of a new effort to support diversity in the movie industry, the 13th annual Huntington Beach Film Festival will feature films from 20 countries during its run Feb. 22 to 24. TimesOC

Sports

Ex-Angels pitcher Jim Abbott encourages students in prosthetics group

Jim Abbott, who overcame being born without a right hand to pitch 10 seasons in Major League Baseball, visited Sage Hill School in Newport Coast to share with students how he learned to make the most of his opportunities. Daily Pilot

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