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Good morning, Orange County. You’re reading Thrive OC, the newsletter that brings you all the local buzz—because the only thing louder than a SpaceX sonic boom is the sound of your stomach when OC Foodie Friday rolls around. Here’s what’s on deck today:

• Upcoming Festivals You Can’t Miss

• A Burger Worth the Hype

• Japan Comes to Anaheim

• SpaceX Shakes OC

• OC Battery Project Sparks Debate

• Important Food Safety Recall

Let’s dive in.

— Dave Berry

🍽️ Restaurant of the Week: Haven Craft Kitchen & Bar

If you haven’t been to Haven Craft Kitchen & Bar yet, consider this your sign. Located in the heart of Old Towne Orange, Haven serves up modern, seasonal cuisine paired with expertly crafted cocktails.

Locals rave about their Pork Belly Tacos and the HAVEN Burger—a mouthwatering combo of Flannery California prime beef, aged white cheddar, umami aioli, and fresh bibb lettuce. But heads-up: The burger is limited—grab one while you can.

📍 Location: 190 S Glassell St, Orange, CA 92866

🏄 Local News You Should Know

🚀 Did You Feel That? Sonic Boom Hits OC

If your windows rattled late Saturday night, it wasn’t an earthquake, it was SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft returning to Earth. The craft, concluding its historic Fram2 polar orbit mission, created a sonic boom that shook OC from Anaheim to Oceanside. Social media lit up as residents captured Dragon’s fiery trail streaking through the night sky. Just another reminder that here in SoCal, even our Saturday nights are out of this world.

⚡️ Local News You Should Know: Big Battery Project Sparks Debate in San Juan

San Juan Capistrano residents have questions—and lots of them—about the proposed Compass Energy Storage Project. This massive 250-MW battery storage facility aims to support California’s clean energy goals but raises safety and environmental concerns. A recent public meeting drew in community members eager to learn more about safety protocols, fire risk management, and potential environmental impacts.

If approved by the California Energy Commission (CEC), the battery project would operate under strict safety standards, including real-time monitoring, specialized fire prevention technology, and coordination with local emergency responders. Stay tuned—this story’s just getting started.

🥒 Food Safety Alert: Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Cucumbers

OC, check your refrigerators! The CDC is tracking a salmonella outbreak linked to cucumbers from Bedner Growers, distributed by Fresh Start Produce Sales between April 29 and May 19. With 45 cases and 16 hospitalizations across 18 states (including California), the advice is clear: If you can't verify your cucumbers' origin, toss them out and clean any surfaces they’ve touched.

Stay safe and keep an eye on those salads.

📅 Upcoming Events 🎉

🌮 HB Foodie Friday Night Market (June 6)

Kick off your weekend right at Huntington Beach’s Foodie Friday. Expect diverse food trucks, an artisan marketplace, and beats from resident DJ @djjulz_. Family-friendly and full of flavor.

• When: June 6 (and July 11, Aug 1), 5-9 pm

• Where: Goldenwest College, Huntington Beach

🎬 Disney’s Moana 2 Outdoor Movie (June 6)

Enjoy a family movie night under the stars at Marina Park in Newport Beach. Free popcorn, candy, crafts, and Disney magic.

• When: Friday, June 6, 7 pm (movie at dusk)

• Where: Marina Park, Newport Beach

🍣 Taste of Japan Festival (June 13-15)

Get a slice of Japan right here in OC. Three days of Japanese food, culture, and entertainment. Free admission!

• When: June 13-15 (times vary)

• Where: STC Anaheim GardenWalk

🎸 Sea Salt Honky Tonk (Every Weekend)

Your weekend soundtrack: country music right on Bolsa Chica State Beach. Grab some boots and beach chairs.

• When: Every weekend, see their calendar for more info

• Where: 17851 Pacific Coast Highway

🔍 Dana Point Citywide Scavenger Hunt (June 1–30)

Explore Dana Point’s vibrant history through an interactive, month-long scavenger hunt hosted by "Stand Up to Trash." Discover iconic local spots from Salt Creek to Doheny. Join the Adventure.

📍 Del Prado Ave, Dana Point, CA 92629

🍸 Thrive After Dark (Date & Location TBA)

We’re thrilled to announce Thrive OC’s first-ever live event: Thrive After Dark. Enjoy an intimate evening of live music, short talks from creative local minds, and genuine connections—no awkward networking, just real conversations and a little unpredictability. Spots will be limited, VIP members get discounted tickets.

Reply “Yes” to this email if you’re interested!

🌟 OC Trivia: Did You Know?

Ever wonder why it’s called Bolsa Chica? Meaning "little pocket" in Spanish, the name originally described a small low lying area in the coastal landscape, once part of a sprawling Mexican land grant. Today, the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve protects more than 1,200 acres of precious wetlands and is home to over 200 bird species, OC’s hidden natural gem.

Think you know OC? Reply with your best trivia, and we might feature it next!

🎉 VIP Shoutouts!

A big welcome to our newest Thrive OC VIPs—Jessica! Thanks for being part of the community—we’ve got some exclusive perks coming your way! 🚀✨

🗣️ Quote of the Day

"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." - Ferris Bueller

🎶 Live Music This Weekend

Looking for live tunes? Here’s what’s happening:

Friday, June 6:

1. Barnoa Wine Company (San Clemente) – Rachel Perry, 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm

2. Bricco Cucina & Wine Bar (Laguna Niguel) – Jacobi Brown, 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm

3. The Coach House (San Juan Capistrano) – The Winehouse Experience, 9:00 pm

4. The Rib Joint (Dana Point) – Loose Fit, 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm

5. Mozambique - Ivan'z Room (Laguna Beach) – The Harris Family Band, 9:00 pm

6. Pub Thirty-Two (Mission Viejo) – Identity Crisis, 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm

7. The Ranch Saloon (Anaheim) – Brad Johnson & The Killin' Time Band, 8:00 pm

8. The Wayfarer (Costa Mesa) – Sega Genecide, 10:00 pm

9. Campus JAX (Newport Beach) – The Wilburys Super Group - Tribute Band, 8:30 pm - 10:00 pm

10. Perqs Bar (Huntington Beach) – Live Music, 9:00 pm - 1:00 am

11. Lone Wolf Brewing (Yorba Linda) – Retro Jam Band, 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm

12. The Harp Inn (Costa Mesa) – Oasus, Oasis Tribute Band, 9:00 pm - 12:30 am

🌦️ 7-Day Weather Forecast

🌅 Sunrise & Sunset in OC

Big News for OC Locals: Your New Go-To Guide is Here 📘

We’ve been hard at work and are proud to announce that The Ultimate OC Guide is finally here! This e-book is packed with 150+ pages of curated OC gold—hidden gems, date spots, dog-friendly favorites, annual events, and more.

Normally $40+, we’re giving it away for just $10 for a limited time!

Thrive OC VIPs? It’s yours for FREE. Check your inbox 👀

💛 Want to support but not ready to grab the guide? You can still help keep Thrive OC running strong — Donate here.

Or, take your OC experience to the next level—join Thrive OC VIP for exclusive discounts, VIP event access, and insider perks while supporting local businesses!

Your support means the world—thank you for being part of the Thrive OC community! 🙌

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