ORANGE, Calif.—A tentative deal has been reached on Feb. 15 between the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) and a union representing OC Bus drivers, avoiding a strike by the drivers that was set to take place on the same day. The agreement was reached after 22 hours of negotiations that began the afternoon of Feb. 14 and ended Feb. 15 at around 11 a.m. The final meeting was a “last ditch effort” before the strike that was supposed to begin at 12:01 a.m., according to Teamsters Local 952, the union representing the 600 drivers. A state mediator was involved in an attempt to help the negotiations. “We are very happy that both sides worked together in good faith to find resolution and avoid any disruption for those who rely upon OC Bus,” OCTA Chairman Mark A. Murphy in a statement. “We still have to seek final approvals, but I’m happy …