Here is a list of some (but not all) bakeries and markets in Orange County where you can get your hands on pan de muertos for the annual holiday, which falls on Wednesday, Nov 1 and Thursday, Nov. 2.

Anaheim: Brizuela’s Bakery (1721 W. Katella Ave., suite R), La Reina Market (508 N. East St., Anaheim), Max’s Baked Goods (3414 W. Ball Road, suite J), Northgate Market (929 S. Euclid St.), Panaderia La Pequena (888 W. Lincoln Ave.), Panaderia Los Volcanes (2659 W. Lincoln Ave.)

Buena Park: Panaderia Indio (8204 Commonwealth Ave.), Porto’s Bakery (7640 Beach Blvd.), Northgate Market (1120 S. Bristol St.)

Costa Mesa: La Espiga De Oro (805 W. 19th St.), Panificadora Bakery (2200 Harbor Blvd., suite E120)

Dana Point: Buena Vista Market (34065 La Plaza)

Fullerton: Panaderia Y Pasteleria (2230 W. Orangethorpe Ave.)

Garden Grove: Estrella De Mexicali (12859 Chapman Ave.)

Huntington Beach: Chelos Panaderia (18029 Beach Blvd.)

La Habra: La Central Bakery (764 W. La Habra Blvd.), My Bakery (350 N. Harbor Blvd.), Northgate Market (1305 W. Whittier Blvd.), Panaderia y Pasteleria la Mexicana (1951 E. La Habra Blvd., suite 1A)

Lake Forest: Efren’s Bakery (24601 Raymond Way, #7), El Molino de Oro (23532 El Toro Road)

Orange: El Molino De Oro (728 N. Tustin St.), La Espiga De Oro Panaderia Carniceria (East Wilson Avenue), La Reina Market (909 N. Tustin St.), La Poblana (604 W. Chapman Ave.)

Placentia: Mil Hojas (642 W. Chapman Ave.)

San Juan Capistrano: El Molino De Oro (31886 Plaza Drive), Mercado El Rey (32252 Camino Capistrano) and El Campeon Bakery (31921 Camino Capistrano, #14)

Santa Ana: Cafe Cultura (324 W. Fourth St.), El Gallo Giro (1442 S. Bristol St., #1A), El Metate Panaderia (1338 W. First St.), El Panadero (1818 S. Standard Ave.), La Rancherita Bakery (2709 Westminster Ave., suite B), Northgate Market (230 N. Harbor Blvd., 1120 S. Bristol Street, 1010 South Main St.), Panaderia La Mejor (1331 E. First St.), Panaderia Paloza (1701 E. McFadden Ave.), Rosas Pasteleria Y Panaderia (1009 S. Fairview St.), Tlaxcala Bakery Panaderia (1208 S. Standard Ave.), Soy Concha Bakery (709 N. Bristol St., suite J)

Stanton: Leobardo’s Bakery (11841 Beach Blvd.), Panaderia Cortez (7506 Cerritos Ave.)

Enjoy them now, because most of these league rivalries are very unlikely to be around next season.

They could continue as nonleague games, but it’s more fun when a playoff berth or a league championship is at stake.

Orange County high schools agreed this past spring to reassemble its football leagues and conferences after this season. With the exception of the Trinity League teams, all of the Orange County 11-player football teams will placed into one basket. CalPreps’ ratings will be used to place teams into leagues. This is a football-only plan. League and conference memberships will be different for other sports.

If the 2023 football season was over, what would the leagues look like in 2024?

Let’s do this … but first a couple of items to know …

Again, the Trinity League is excluded. The four football teams with the top ratings by CalPreps will be in one league, then there will be 10 six-team leagues, and the bottom five teams in one league.

The league names have not been finalized, so the working titles are Orange County Football Conference A (OCFC A) and Orange County Football Conference B (OCFC B),etc. For this exercise, we’re going with “leagues.”

The previous two years of ratings will be used to place teams into leagues, weighted at 65 percent for the 2023 season and 35 percent weighted for the 2022 season.

Going into this week’s games, with rounded-off ratings totals, here are what the leagues would look like in 2024 (league members listed in alphabetical order):

League A: Edison, Los Alamitos, Mission Viejo, San Clemente.

League B: Corona del Mar, Newport Harbor, San Juan Hills, Tesoro, Villa Park, Yorba Linda.

League C: Capistrano Valley, Cypress, El Modena, Trabuco Hills, Tustin, Western.

League D: El Dorado, Foothill, Huntington Beach, La Habra, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills.

League E: Crean Lutheran, Dana Hills, Fountain Valley, Irvine, Northwood, Orange.

League F: Aliso Niguel, Canyon, El Toro, Santa Ana, St. Margaret’s, Troy.

League G: Brea Olinda, Esperanza, Kennedy, Segerstrom, Sonora, Sunny Hills.

League H: Beckman, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Marina, Valencia, Westminster.

League I: Buena Park, Calvary Chapel, Pacifica, Portola, University, Woodbridge.

League J: Estancia; Katella, Los Amigos, Ocean View, Rancho Alamitos, Santa Ana Valley.

League K: Anaheim, Bolsa Grande, Costa Mesa, La Quinta, Loara, Santiago.

League L: Century, Godinez Magnolia, Saddleback, Savanna.

The margins could be tight when teams are placed into football leagues for the 2024 season. Through eight games of this season, using the Calpreps ratings, Irvine’s rating is 4.79 and Aliso Niguel’s is 4.78. So if the 2023 season was over now, Irvine would be the bottom team in League E and Aliso Niguel would be the top team in League F.

NOTES

CIF-SS football playoff brackets will be released Oct. 29 at 10 a.m. The 8-man football playoff brackets will be released Oct. 29 at 1 p.m. …

Yes, Orange County has 8-man football. Sage Hill, in Newport Beach, is in the Prep League and is 4-2 overall and 0-1 in league and averages 48 points a game. Vista Meridian, in Santa Ana, plays a freelance schedule and is 1-4. …

The CIF-SS Division 1 football championship game will be played at the Coliseum on Nov. 24. The first CIF championship football game played at the Coliseum was in 1923 when Long Beach Poly defeated Glendale 15-8. The most recent CIF final at the Coliseum was in 1997 when Long Beach Poly beat Mater Dei 28-25. …

It looks like the Pacific Coast Conference schools will present a proposal at Monday’s releaguing meeting that would exclude Rosary from its group. This past spring Orange County schools included Rosary in the Pacific Coast group in the approved releaguing plan for all sports outside of football. The Freeway League, which would be broken up in the passed proposal, has indicated that it would present a proposal that would keep its membership intact. …

Holly Barker of Trabuco Hills and Evan Noonan of Dana Hills, so far, are making it easy to select the Orange County boys and girls cross country athletes of the year by winning or finishing high in just about every race they enter. Barker won last weekend’s Orange County Championships and earlier finished first in the Central Park Invitational. Noonan finished first in the Orange County Championships, the Woodbridge Classic and was third in the Clovis Invitational. …

The CIF-SS Division 1 girls volleyball playoffs started Wednesday. Mater Dei swept Palos Verdes in three sets (the first was a tough one, 27-25), Los Alamitos lost to Mira Costa in three sets and Huntington Beach swept Alemany (and another tough first set there, with the Oilers winning 28-26). Division 1 pool play resumes Tuesday with Los Alamitos at Huntington Beach. Huntington Beach beat Los Alamitos in their two Surf League matches. …

Newport Harbor’s girls flag football team had its closest win of the season Wednesday, a 14-12 victory over Edison. Newport Harbor is 21-1, with the loss to Woodbridge, which Newport Harbor defeated a couple of weeks later.

A view of the Crestview: Yorba Linda has been the best team in the four-team Crestview League the past two seasons, having won the league championship the past two years and a CIF Southern Section title last season.

Yorba Linda is solid again this season, but Villa Park might be back on top of the league, which includes Brea Olinda (2-0) and Foothill (1-1).

The Spartans have an outstanding running back, Carter Christie, who also is part of a terrific linebackers crew. Lucas Simone is a quick and sure-tackling edge rusher. Henry Wonderlick (6-4, 290) is an outstanding left tackle on the fine offensive line.

Yorba Linda vs. Villa Park on Oct. 20 at El Modena High is a game to attend.

Surrounded by greatness: Tustin coach Anthony Lopez has constructed an outstanding staff that includes former USC and NFL star and Tustin alum Sam Baker, who is doing great things with the Tillers’ offensive line. There’s also Robin Marquez, who was a key contributor to some of Bob Johnson’s great teams at Mission Viejo, and Myron Miller who calls himself “just an advisor” but if you want advice there is no better source when it comes to line play and a running game.

Tustin coach Anthony Lopez talks about the Tillers’ dramatic 36-35 win over Foothill in a great neighborhood rivalry football game… pic.twitter.com/ir4dEDFSLx

— Steve Fryer (@SteveFryer) August 26, 2023

Miller coached Tustin to four CIF Southern Section finals, including a CIF title in 2011, over his 26 years in charge of the Tillers during which he never wore a headset. Miller is wearing a headset these days when he is on the lift or on top of the announcer’s booth, and the story goes that Miller still is accustomed to yelling instructions which sometimes isn’t a great experience for the other coaches wearing headsets.

In the Trinity League: Last week Servite, perhaps the No. 6 team in the six-team league, lost by only three points to Rancho Cucamonga, No. 17 in the CalHiSports.com state rankings; JSerra ripped Aquinas 45-13; Santa Margarita led state No. 3 Centennial of Corona at halftime before succumbing to Centennial’s talent advantages; Orange Lutheran walloped state No. 9 De La Salle 35-14 in Concord; St. John Bosco went to Florida to beat Aquinas of Ft. Lauderdale and end Aquinas’ 27-game winning streak; and Mater Dei took a trip to Utah to roll Bingham of South Jordan 48-14.

The second-best league: The second-best league in the county, right now, is the South Coast League. The league is a composite 7-1 this season with the one defeat Tesoro’s three-point loss to Newport Harbor.

This week: On Thursday, Villa Park is at Upland, a loaded team that has outscored its two opponents 77-7, and El Modena plays Cypress at Western High. On Friday, in matchups of county Top 25 teams, La Habra is at Newport Harbor, Yorba Linda is at Tesoro, Trabuco Hills is at Crean Lutheran and Huntington Beach is at Capistrano Valley. Mission Viejo plays Long Beach Poly on Friday at Veterans Stadium in Long Beach.

Home at last: Mater Dei is at Santa Ana Stadium to play Creekside of Georgia on Saturday for first-year head coach Frank McManus’ first home game as Monarchs head coach. Creekside was 10-3 last year.

Undefeated, for now: Two teams that have struggled in recent seasons, Kennedy and Sonora, are 2-0 going into their game Saturday at Western High.

It’s just a cramp: Sure, but cramps are painful and can limit how much a football player can play and how effective he can be. Several players cramped up last week. Staying hydrated during a game is important, but the proper hydration before the game is even more critical.

La Habra bounces back: After an abysmal 33-0 loss to Upland, La Habra last week beat El Dorado 40-16. We will know more about La Habra on Friday when the Highlanders play at Newport Harbor.

A nice touch: Bolsa Grande’s home game last week was Teacher Appreciation Night. Bolsa Grande players wrote short essays about the school’s teachers who have made significant impact on their lives.

John Bivens returned the opening kickoff 85 yards for a touchdown. Bivens, a senior receiver and defensive back, scored on a 57-yard punt return in the first quarter.

Four other Kennedy players scored in the first half, during which the Fighting Irish scored all of their points. Drew Deese scored on a 20-yard pass from Devin Almazan, Izaiah Murphy scored on a 10-yard pass from Almazan, Rider Street scored on a 7-yard run, Isaac Talamantes scored on a 7-yard run and Danny Torres scored on a 2-yard run.

Kennedy, 2-8 last season, scored touchdowns on five consecutive possessions in the first half. The second half was played with a running clock.

Costa Mesa, 3-7 last year, got its touchdown in the fourth quarter on a 42-yard pass from receiver-turned-quarterback Marley Boynton to Brody Leonard.

Bivens caught the opening kickoff on the run. He never slowed down, displaying terrific vision as he sped through openings.

Biven said he expected to score the first time he would touch the football this season.

“I knew it was going to happen,” he said. “I was excited for it.”

An interception by Kennedy’s Rocco Street set up the second Fighting Irish touchdown, Deese’s 20-yard reception from junior quarterback Devin Almazan who was All-Empire League last season as a sophomore.

Kennedy scored two more touchdowns in the first quarter, on a 10-yard pass from Almazan to Izaiah Murphy and on Bivens’ winding, sideline-to-sideline punt return that made it 28-0.

Kennedy senior John Bivens returned the season-opening kickoff 85 yards for a touchdown and returned a punt a winding 57 yards for another touchdown in a 48-7 win over Costa Mesa… pic.twitter.com/EQuCnBWfef

— Steve Fryer (@SteveFryer) August 18, 2023

Then came the touchdown runs by Street and Talamantes and a rare season-opening win was in the hands of the Fighting Irish and fourth-year head coach Dan Urbanos.

“It’s the first season-opening win since I’ve been head coach,” Urbanos said. “We’ve had a young group the past couple of years. We had some dark times last year so I’m happy our kids got to enjoy a victory tonight.”

Street finished with 85 rushing yards on nine carries. He was Kennedy’s leading rusher last season. Talamantes ran for 37 yards and Torres ran for 34 yards.

Kennedy’s defense was splendid. The Fighting Irish allowed only 44 passing yards and 31 rushing yards. Rocco Street took his interception into the end zone but what would have been a 35-yard touchdown return was negated by an illegal blocking penalty against Kennedy.

“We’re not very big up front,” Urbanos said. “But we’ve got some good, strong athletic kids. We’re very pleased with them.”

Next week Kennedy plays Northwood, which has won CIF championships the past two seasons, at Irvine High on Friday, Aug. 25. Costa Mesa is home against Pioneer of Whittier on Friday, Aug. 25.

EMPIRE LEAGUE PREVIEW

CREAN LUTHERAN

Top players: Ben Buettel, WR/LB, Sr.; Kellen Cosenza, OL, Justin Dominguez RB/LB, Sr.; Carter Jones, TE/LB, Jr.; Tyler Parker, OL/DL, Jr.

What to expect: Crean Lutheran has a football program on the rise, having gone from 1-9 overall and 0-5 in the Empire League in 2021 to 10-2 and 4-1 last season. The trajectory could continue this season, as the Saints could challenge for the league championship. “Our defense is going to be much better than it was last year,” said Crean Lutheran coach Rick Curtis, entering his fourth season at the school. Senior Ben Buettel, junior Carter Jones and Mason McCullough were all-league last season. Buettel was the Saints’ third-leading receiver last year. Curtis expects a big season from junior all-league defensive back Ben Byszewski who also likely will see action at receiver. Anthony Jones, a 6-4, 215-pound defensive end and tight end recently transferred to Crean Lutheran from Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks, where he had 33 tackles last season as a freshman.

CYPRESS

Top players: Rocco Burdett, RB/LB, Sr; Bruno Caldarella, TE/LB, Sr.; Hayden Frazier, OL/DL, Sr.; Aidan Houston, QB, Sr,; Jesse Mauldin, RB/WR/DB, Sr.

What to expect: QB Aidan Houston was an Empire League most valuable player last season when he threw for 3,069 yards, fifth-most in Orange County last season, as the Centurions went 5-0 in league and won their fourth straight Empire championship. Seniors Rocco Burdett, Hayden Frazier and two-way lineman Matthew Fonseca were All-CIF Southern Section last season. Burdett, who had 69 solo tackles at linebacker in 2022, and senior Destin Sanchez will share running back duties. Cypress’ Rick Feldman, entering his 10th year as head coach, said the team returns most of its linebackers and defensive backs. “It boils down to how well the offensive line does and Aidan making plays,” Feldman said.

KENNEDY

Top players: Devin Almazan, QB, Jr.; Devin Bell, WR, Sr.; Rider Street, Jr., RB/LB; Izaiah Murphy, WR/DB, Jr.; Nathan Rios, LB, Sr.

What to expect: With six returning all-league players, the Fighting Irish could be better than last year’s team that finished 2-8 overall and 1-4 in league. Junior Devin Almazan passed for 1,514 yards and 10 touchdowns during his all-league sophomore year. All-league receiver Devin Bell had team highs of 48 catches and 763 receiving yards. Senior Nathan Rios was all-league last season when he recorded a team-high 40 tackles. Coach Daniel Urbanos said the Fighting Irish will be a young team again but will compensate for any deficiencies with competitive spirit. “We’ve got a bunch of tough kids who are never going to back down, no matter what’s going on,” he said. “They’re going to compete their tails off.”

PACIFICA

Top players: David Carlsson, WR/DB, So.; Zach Gaulrapp, OL, Sr.; Sammy Johnson, RB/LB, Sr.; Noah Salas, QB/DB, Sr.; Armando Torres, WR/DB, Jr.

What to expect: Pacifica first-year coach Kyle Murphy, a veteran assistant coach at Edison, Fountain Valley and Pacifica, said the Mariners have talent and depth at the skill positions. Senior Noah Salas was all-league first team last season when he threw for 1,667 yards and 13 touchdowns with eight interceptions in 10 games as Pacifica finished 3-7 overall and 1-4 in league. Senior receiver Zach Haas is expected to be one of Salas’ top targets. Murphy said senior Zach Gaulrapp “is one of the better centers I’ve seen.” Gaulrapp leads the offensive and defensive lines that could be the difference in the Mariners’ bid to earn a playoff berth. “The thing we’re learning to do is to be consistent and to hold ourselves to our standards,” Murphy said. “That is where I’ve seen the most improvement over the spring and summer.”

TUSTIN

Top players: Mackenzie Alleyne, WR, Sr.; Kristian Dunbar-Hawkins, RB/DB, Sr.; Marques Guzman, WR/DB, Sr.; Tim Ioane, TE/LB, So.; Jack Stupin, QB, Sr.

What to expect: The Tillers will challenge for the league title. Their defense should be terrific, and the offense will have more variety than a Tustin offense usually presents. “We’ve had to look at ways to create explosive plays,” said Tustin fifth-year coach Anthony Lopez. “We’re happy with where that’s headed.” Among the more creative plans on offense is to have freshman Jeremiah Williams taking handoffs. Williams is 6-foot-1 and 320 pounds. Senior Kristian Dunbar-Hawkins, who committed to UCLA, leads an outstanding defensive backfield and sophomore Tim Ioane will be a leader on defense.

VALENCIA

Top players: Charles Denny,  Sr., RB/LB; Dylan Draft, QB/DB/P; Ethan Draft, Sr., WR/DB; Adrian Hill, WR/CB, Sr.; Nick Sandoval, FB/LB, Sr.

What to expect: Valencia coach Jason Gray anticipates improvement in every category after the Tigers were 2-8 overall and 1-4 in the Empire League last season. “We’ve got to play at a high level and stay healthy, and just try to produce on both sides of the football better than we did last year,” Gray said. Dylan and Ethan Draft, twins and nephews of Valencia all-time great and ex-NFL linebacker Chris Draft, were all-league last season, Ethan was first team and Dylan was selected to the second team. Dylan Draft threw for 1,742 yards and 11 touchdowns. Ethan Draft had 45 receptions for team highs of 645 yards and six receiving touchdowns. Senior Nick Sandoval was all-league first team last season when he collected a team-leading 79 tackles. Senior Adrian Hill was all-league second team in 2022.

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  Marc Stewart twirls his 3-year-oid daughter Jameson during the city of Placentia’s Concerts in the Park event featuring the Jimmy Buffet Tribute Band held at Tri-City Park on Thursday, July 20, 2023. (Photo by Frank D’Amato, Contributing Photographer)

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  Concert goers form a conga line and dance around the field during the city of Placentia’s Concerts in the Park event featuring the Jimmy Buffet Tribute Band held at Tri-City Park on Thursday, July 20, 2023. (Photo by Frank D’Amato, Contributing Photographer)

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  Larry Wheeland and his wife Cindy traveled from Mission Viejo to join in and dance to the performance of the Jimmy Buffet Tribute Band during the city of Placentia’s Concerts in the Park held at Tri-City Park on Thursday, July 20, 2023. (Photo by Frank D’Amato, Contributing Photographer)

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  Owen Sprague, 2, can hardly contain his excitement as his dad, Kevin purchases a cup of homemade Blue Cookie Monster ice cream from the Tikiz food truck at the city of Placentia’s Concerts in the Park event featuring the Jimmy Buffet Tribute Band held at Tri-City Park on Thursday, July 20, 2023. (Photo by Frank D’Amato, Contributing Photographer)

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  Lauren Peterson dances with her daughter Ivy, 3, in her arms during the city of Placentia’s Concerts in the Park event featuring the Jimmy Buffet Tribute Band held at Tri-City Park on Thursday, July 20, 2023. (Photo by Frank D’Amato, Contributing Photographer)

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  Two-year-old Nori Dumford is fascinated watching the floating bubbles coming from the stage during the city of Placentia’s Concerts in the Park event featuring the Jimmy Buffet Tribute Band held at Tri-City Park on Thursday, July 20, 2023. (Photo by Frank D’Amato, Contributing Photographer)

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  Children chase the Blue Shark as he dances through the field during the city of Placentia’s Concerts in the Park event featuring the Jimmy Buffet Tribute Band held at Tri-City Park on Thursday, July 20, 2023. (Photo by Frank D’Amato, Contributing Photographer)

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  Jason Fagan, and his daughter Finley, 7, on his shoulders, watch The Jimmy Buffet Tribute Band’s performance during the city of Placentia’s Concerts in the Park event held at Tri-City Park on Thursday, July 20, 2023. (Photo by Frank D’Amato, Contributing Photographer)

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  Friends Quinn Higgins, 3, front left, and Brooklyn Jacobson, 4, both with painted faces, watch the Jimmy Buffet Tribute Band perform from up close during the city of Placentia’s Concerts in the Park event held at Tri-City Park on Thursday, July 20, 2023. (Photo by Frank D’Amato, Contributing Photographer)

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  The Jimmy Buffet Tribute Band plays for the audience during the city of Placentia’s Concerts in the Park event held at Tri-City Park on Thursday, July 20, 2023. (Photo by Frank D’Amato, Contributing Photographer)

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  The melodious sound of the steel pan drum has children dancing during the Concerts in the Park featuring the Jimmy Buffet Tribute Band held at Tri-City Park in Placentia on Thursday, July 20, 2023. (Photo by Frank D’Amato, Contributing Photographer)

North Orange County continues the summer party with evening concerts in the parks hosted by various cities.

Modern Highway, playing Top 40, Motown, R&B and classic rock hits, will round out La Habra’s Concerts in the Park series tonight, Aug. 3, at Portola Park.

The Fenians will be playing Celtic Rock on Aug. 9 at Brea’s City Hall Park, followed by Brea Fest with more live music, arts, family fun and more on Aug. 9 at the Civic Center.

The 4 Alarm Band, playing popular hits from the 1990s to today, performs the next concert in Yorba Linda’s series, which continues Sundays through Aug. 20 at Hurless Barton Park.

Stone Soul, playing Motown and soul hits, will close our La Palma’s concert series on Aug. 5 at Central Park.

Fullerton’s concert series kicks off Sept. 1, and continues Fridays until Sept. 22 at the Fullerton Sports Complex.

And as far as goals go, Nguyen said she has many.

“I’m well aware that the Board of Supervisors can make a direct impact on quality of life, whether it’s crime, homelessness, cost of living, traffic congestion, health care,” Nguyen said in a phone interview.

Earlier this year, Nguyen was elected Senate Minority Caucus chair, a position which required her to lead floor operations, run caucus meetings and put together the Republicans’ agenda with Minority Leader Brian Jones of San Diego. She is the highest-ranking Vietnamese American elected official currently serving in California’s government, according to her office.

She has also served as a state assemblymember, Garden Grove councilmember and First District county supervisor.

“For the last several months I have heard from constituents and community leaders from throughout the First District who have urged me to return to the Board of Supervisors,” Nguyen said. “I share their frustration with the super-majority in Sacramento and its misguided priorities and have always believed that the most effective government is the one closest to the people.”

She describes her political philosophy as “conservative, compassionate and reflective” of those she represents in office.

Supervisor Andrew Do, who represents the First District and serves as vice chairman of the board, is term-limited.

Nguyen has already received support from Garden Grove Councilmember Stephanie Klopfenstein.

“Sacramento has proven to be incapable of fixing what’s wrong in California and the super-majority in the legislature is not interested in our problems here in Orange County,” Klopfestein said in a news release. “We need our best, brightest and most experienced problem-solvers working right here at home.”

Nguyen has been named “Legislator of the Year” by the American Legion, the Association of the U.S. Army and the Vietnam Veterans of America. She was also named “Champion of Manufacturing” by the California Manufacturers and Technology Association and “Elected Official of the Year” by the American Council of Engineering Companies.

While serving as a county supervisor in 2013, a grand jury report criticized Nguyen’s role at CalOptima, the county’s public health plan for low-income residents. The grand jury report noted CalOptima as a troubled organization that saw high executive turnover since Nguyen joined its board. However, Nguyen said she remedied an organization that she described as having been badly mismanaged before she joined its board of directors.

Nguyen and her family arrived in California in 1981 after fleeing Vietnam. A graduate of UC Irvine, she has lived in the district for more than 30 years and resides in Huntington Beach.

The race for the District 1 seat is heating up with Cypress City Councilmember Frances Marquez, former Assemblymember Van Tran and Westminster Councilmember Kimberly Ho also vying for the position.

Orange County communities are set to celebrate Independence Day with parades and festivals, concerts and carnivals, capping it all off with a variety of fireworks shows to choose from.

Here is a listing of many of the safe, fun and free events communities are hosting to celebrate the Fourth of July. All events are on July 4, unless otherwise noted.

For more, see: 10 Orange County cities that allow fireworks sales

Aliso Viejo

The Aliso Viejo Community Association presents its July 4 celebration at Grand Park. The HOA’s event is 6 to 9:30 p.m. with a concert, carnival games, family activities and a fireworks show capping it all off. Information about when the park opens for saving spots and street closures is at avca.net.

Anaheim

The Anaheim Hills community’s annual celebration will include a day of activities, beginning at 7 a.m. with the Firecracker 5K/10K Run/Walk – the starting line will be on Santa Ana Canyon and Imperial Highway in front of the Canyon High School track. The Yankee Doodle Dog Show will be at 9 a.m. at the high school’s softball field.

This year’s parade begins at 1 p.m.; it starts out from Canyon High and travels along Santa Ana Canyon Road. Food booths and entertainment will be at Peralta Park, with live music starting at 3 p.m., until the fireworks show begins at 9 p.m. Information: anaheim.net/fourthofjuly.

Brea

Celebrate Independence Day at the 43rd Country Fair on July 4 at City Hall Park, 401 S. Brea Blvd. The fair will open at 7 a.m. with a pancake breakfast and last until 3 p.m. with entertainment, food, a car show, various contests, games and rides planned all day. The Kiddie Parade starts at 10:45 a.m. Admission to the Brea Plunge is free starting at noon. Information: cityofbrea.net

Costa Mesa

The city hosts a July 3 community celebration at the OC Fair & Event Center. Tijuana Dogs and 80’Z All-Stars will be performing at the 5 to 11 p.m. event that is free and will also feature activities for families and contests for all ages. Councilmembers will read the Declaration of Independence. The fireworks show will be at 9:30 p.m. Information: costamesaca.gov.

Dana Point

The city’s fireworks show will light up the harbor at 9 p.m. A barge off the coastline of Doheny State Beach is used to shoot off the fireworks, which are planned to be bigger this year. Popular viewing spots include Pines Park, Heritage Park, Lantern Bay Park, Baby Beach, Doheny State Beach, The Harbor Island and the Sampson Overlook Gazebo. The Harbor Shuttle will run throughout the day.

Huntington Beach

The city has big plans for the holiday weekend, starting with a block party from 5 to 9 p.m. on June 30 on Main Street. A carnival and festival will be open noon to 10 p.m. daily from July 1-4 at 6th and Pacific Coast Highway.

The Surf City Run 5K will kick off at 7 a.m. on July 4 and run along Main Street and PCH. Register online.

Also on July 4 the traditional Main Street Parade steps off at 10 a.m. Finally, at 9 p.m. a fireworks show will be launched over the water.

Information on these events and more is available at hb4thofjuly.org.

For more, see: Which state-approved pyrotechnics are worth the price?

Irvine

The city and the Irvine 2/11 Marine Adoption Committee will host a Fourth of July Field of Valor from July 1 to 14 on the Irvine Civic Center Lawn. Community members can sponsor a flag in honor of a veteran, active duty, or fallen service member; visit cityofirvine.org/fieldofvalor.

Laguna Beach

The city will be hosting its annual Fourth of July fireworks show at Heisler Park at 9 p.m. The fireworks will be launched from Monument Point, which will be closed all day, and starting about 5 p.m., the area of Heisler Park from Myrtle Street to the Rockpile Beach stairs will be closed.  At about 5:45 p.m. the Condor Squadron will perform a fly over of the city. Information: lagunabeachcity.net.

Laguna Hills

The community’s Fourth of July Celebration includes festivities at the Laguna Hills Community Center & Sports Complex. From 4 to 9 p.m., community members can enjoy live music, carnival rides and activities and food trucks. The event is free to attend, and food and drinks will be available for purchase. The fireworks display will begin at 9 p.m. Information: ci.laguna-hills.ca.us

Laguna Niguel

Laguna Niguel Family YMCA hosts its 44th Run in the Parks with a 5K and kids race. First is the 5K at 8 a.m. Information and registration: ymcaoc.org/run.

The Chamber of Commerce hosts a pancake breakfast to accompany the run, cost is $8 at Crown Valley Park.

The city is hosting a free pool party from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Laguna Niguel Aquatics Center.

There will be a 5:30 p.m. flyover of the city and an Elton John tribute band kicks off the evening’s festivities starting at 6 p.m. at Crown Valley Community Park. The fireworks show launches at 9 p.m. at Laguna Niguel Regional Park. Information: cityoflagunaniguel.org

Lake Forest

The community will celebrate with a parade kicking off at 9:30 a.m. at Ridge Route and Toledo Way. It will follow Toledo Way, turn right on Lake Forest Drive then right onto Serrano Road and end at Ridge Route. Information: lakeforestca.gov.

La Habra

The city will host an Independence Day party for the community at La Bonita Park, 1440 W. Whittier Blvd. Electric Vinyl will perform live, there will be a military flyover, kids’ activities, vendors and a fireworks show will cap the night. Gates open at 4 p.m. Presale wristbands can be purchased at the La Habra Community Center, 101 W. La Habra Blvd. Information: lahabraca.gov

La Palma

The city’s annual Fitness Run for Fun has 5K and 10K events for running and walking as well as a kids race. First start at 7:30 a.m. There is also a pancake breakfast in Central Park. Information: cityoflapalma.org

Los Alamitos, Seal Beach

The annual fireworks spectacular will be held July 3 at the Joint Forces Training Base, enter via Lexington Drive or Orangewood Avenue gates. Fireworks show is at 9 p.m. on July 3. Gates open at 4 p.m. and close at 8:45. Bring lawn chairs and blankets, there will be no other seating available.  The free event is hosted by Los Alamitos and Seal Beach will feature music, a family fun area and food vendors. Information: cityoflosalamitos.org/recreation

Mission Viejo

The city’s July 4th Street Faire and Fireworks Spectacular returns. Olympiad between Marguerite and Melinda will be closed for the fair that starts at noon and will feature live entertainment, rides, food trucks and games. Admission is free. Fireworks start at 9 p.m.  Information, including on shuttle service: cityofmissionviejo.org.

Newport Beach

Several parades and activities are planned throughout the city.

The Newport Peninsula Bike Parade and Community Festival kicks off at 9 a.m. at 36th Street Park and travels down Balboa Boulevard to Channel Place Park, where there will be a free festival with carnival games, jump houses, crafts and food. The festival runs to 11:30 a.m.

There will be a children’s bike parade at 10:30 a.m. at Mariners Park.

The Old Glory Boat Parade begins at 1 p.m. in Newport Harbor at Lido Isle. The annual parade is hosted by the American Legion Yacht Club and American Legion Post 291. Information: alyc.com

A fireworks extravaganza at the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort caps the day’s activities at 9 p.m. There are also activities and entertainment earlier in the day.

Information: newportbeachca.gov

Orange

The city has a tradition of getting a jump on celebrating American Independence with its community celebration on July 3, starting at 4 p.m. The popular event will be held at Grijalva Park, 368 N. Prospect St.

There will be entertainment, food trucks and kids activities. As the sun sets, the Orange Community Master Chorale will perform then the fireworks will go off. Tickets are $7 and are on sale at the Community Services Department, 230 E. Chapman Ave., through 5:30 p.m. on July 3, or at the event. Information: cityoforange.org.

Orange Park Acres is hosting its 56th parade on July 4, which kicks off at 10 a.m. It will start at Salem Lutheran Church and School. Information: orangeparkacres.org.

San Clemente

The city continues its Fourth of July tradition with a spectacular fireworks show at 9 p.m. from the San Clemente Pier. The approximately 20-minute show can be seen from many beaches and hilltop areas.

San Juan Capistrano

The city is hosting a four-day carnival at San Juan Capistrano Sports Park, 25925 Camino Del Avion, July 1-4. There will be rides and food for sale. Rides require tickets be purchased. Attendees can watch fireworks at 9 p.m. on July 4. The city’s trolley is free for the weekend. Information: sanjuancapistrano.org.

Santa Ana

For the 11th year, Santa Ana will host an Independence Day celebration. Starting at 5 p.m. with live music, a play area for kids, food, exhibitors and much more at Centennial Park, 3000 W. Edinger Ave. The fireworks display will begin at 9 p.m. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. Information: santa-ana.org/fourth-of-july

Tustin

The community will celebrate at the Tustin High football field, 1171 El Camino Real, with entertainment beginning at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free; picnics are OK. Take some canned goods, which Operation Warm Wishes will be collecting for homeless veterans. Fireworks display will be at 9 p.m. Information: tustinca.org.

Villa Park

Stars on Parade kicks off at 9 a.m. at Villa Park High School. Kids of all ages decorate their bikes, scooters, wagons and such to participate in the parade, which will travel a mile and a half through residential streets. Line up at 8:30 a.m. at the school. Information: vpcsfoundation.org

Yorba Linda

Yorba Linda’s annual Fourth of July Spectacular will kick off at 5 p.m. with family activities, food vendors and Kayln & The New Frontier performing.  Access from Veterans Park and Yorba Linda Middle School. The fireworks show will begin at 9 p.m. The event is free. Information: yorbalindaca.gov.

East Lake Village will get into the spirit early with its annual Patriotic Boat Parade on July 3. Boats will be decked out with the red, white and blue – and lights – to tour around the lake starting at 8:45 p.m. The public can watch from the greenbelts that surround the lake. Food trucks in the village’s parking lot will be selling from 6 to 9 p.m.

The Nixon Presidential Library & Museum will play host to historical actors portraying presidents Ulysses S. Grant, Franklin D. Roosevelt and George Washington for Independence Day. The 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. event does not include admission to the library, which requires purchase of a ticket.

Jayson Otto was driving a vehicle carrying three passengers when it crashed into concrete barricades at Westminster Boulevard and Rancho Road on Dec. 6, according to a Saturday news release from the Westminster Police Department. Jayda Jean Feeney, an 18-year-old from Huntington Beach, died at the scene; two other passengers, aged 16 and 17, received medical treatment, police said.

Drugs or alcohol are thought to have caused the crash, the release said, adding that Otto was taken into custody and booked into Orange County Jail.

As of Saturday, Otto had posted in bond and been released from jail. It was not immediately clear when he was next due in court.

A GoFundMe page set up for Feeney said she was a senior in high school and had celebrated her 18th birthday less than a month before the crash.

“Jayda was wickedly smart, energetic and had a laugh that would cause you to burst into laughter yourself,” the page said.

Anaheim Union High School District’s Kennedy High celebrated its graduating class on Friday, May 26, with a commencement ceremony at Handel Stadium.

Walking across the stage in front of their cheering families and friends, the smiling grads marked the end of their high school careers and the beginning of their bright futures.