Top 10 Things to Do in Orange County This Valentine’s Weekend

Afghanistan Reconstruction Programs Suffered More Than 5,000 Casualties in 16 Years

More than 5,100 casualties were inflicted among the Americans, Afghans, and allies working on U.S.-funded reconstructions programs in Afghanistan, according to the first-ever official count. “For years, SIGAR has spent considerable effort to track the financial costs of reconstruction and stabilization activities in Afghanistan,” Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) John Sopko told Department of Defense officials in a report made public Tuesday. “However, little effort has been made up to track the human costs—the number of people killed, wounded, or kidnapped—to accomplish these activities. This has left policy makers with an incomplete picture of the true cost of our efforts in Afghanistan,” Sopko said. The U.S. military entered Afghanistan in 2001 after it was learned the radical Islamic Taliban government that then controlled the country had given sanctuary…

SANTA ANA, Calif.—Roses are red, violets are blue, Orange County is filled with Valentine’s things to do.

Whether you plan to spend Valentine’s Day with a significant other, family, or friends, here are some ideas for how to spend the special day.

There’s fine dining, swing dancing, discounted deals—something for every type.

Hopeless Romantics

Intimate Sunset Cruise at Huntington Beach – $35

Enjoy a romantic trip around Huntington Harbour on a luxurious yacht with complimentary drinks (non-alcoholic included) and a cruise through Huntington’s most expensive waterfront estates. Then, take a walk down Huntington’s boardwalk for a variety of shops and restaurants.

Early Birds

Sunrise Valentine’s Day Dance Party – $20

Wake up and start the day with rhythm. Grab some friends and do some dance, yoga, meditation, and team-building exercises followed by a light breakfast.

Adventurers

Couples’ Wilderness Survival Quest – $119

If you and your significant other are looking for an adventure, look no further. This wilderness survival class will teach you and your partner all the essentials. You can learn to survive the vicissitudes of life and nature together.

Happy Feet

Swing Dancing at Cupid’s Night Out at the Great Park – $40 per couple

Grab your dance partner and head back in time to the 1940s to learn all things swing! This hour-long swing dancing lesson will be followed by a dance party with a live band, so you can show off those moves you learned. Registration is required by Wed., Feb. 12.

Latin-Inspired

Salsa Dancing – $10

Whether you’re a beginner or a Salsa expert, this dance class will have multiple training levels available. Plus, tacos and a live DJ!

With the Family

Orange County Marketplace – FREE

A perfect outing for the whole family. Wear red or pink for free entrance on Saturday and enjoy discounts on food, beverages, and more. Live entertainment and music will be provided.

Homebodies

Olive Garden To-Go Dinner for Two Discount – $35

Thinking of taking it easy and staying the night in? Olive Garden is offering to-go dinners for two at a discounted price, starting at $35, so you and your significant other can feast from the comfort of your home. Add a movie to complete the night.

Fine Diners

Antonello Restaurant Special – $90

If you’re feeling fancy and craving authentic Italian food, Antonello’s is offering a Valentine’s Day fixed menu at $90 per person. They will be opening early on Feb. 14, at 4:00 p.m. *Call to make reservations.

Ocean Lovers

Seafood Dinner for Two at The Cannery – $69 per person

The Cannery’s Valentine’s Day special will have you fishing for more. For $69 per person, their pre-fixed menu includes a glass of bubbly, avocado toast amuse-bouche style, a soup or salad, a second course of either land or seafood, or cheese options, and a surprise dessert. *Call to make reservations.

Tea Enthusiasts

Valentine’s Day Tea Lounge at the Pelican Hill – $96.97 per person

Grab some friends or treat your significant other to a tea-tasting experience. The Pelican Hill has a classical atmosphere and Italian-inspired snacks along with a wide range of teas to try.

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‘I’d Like It to Start Over’: Justice Ginsburg Says Deadline for Equal Rights Amendment Has Passed

As states try to force the United States to adopt the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has weighed in again on the issue, reiterating her position that she thinks the ratification process needs to “start over.” “I would like to see a new beginning. I’d like it to start over,” Ginsburg, who has been a strong advocate for the ERA, said during a talk at Georgetown Law on Monday. “There’s too much controversy about latecomers. Virginia [came] long after the deadline passed. Plus a number of states have withdrawn their ratification. So if you count a latecomer on the plus side, how can you disregard states that said we’ve changed our minds,” she added. The ERA seeks to ban discrimination on the basis of sex, with…