Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Notorious OC Murder's Neo-Nazi Underpinning Explored By Pulitzer Prize-Winning Author

Spotted on the Lake Forest calendar: Pageant of the Masters Open Casting Call and Family Fun Fest

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Thursday January 8th Patch AM
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Hi there, Lake Forest! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • New book revisits Blaze Bernstein murder and Lake Forest’s painful legacy
  • What penalties could Lake Forest gun-and-drug suspects face in 2026?

Also on today's calendar: Pageant of the Masters Open Casting Call and Family Fun Fest and 8 more events.

Find out what's happening in Lake Forestfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: After dinner, my parents asked if I could clear the table. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Lake Forestfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Thursday: Plenty of sun, with a high of 64 and low of 50 degrees.
  • Friday: Plenty of sunshine, temps: high: 66, low: 45.
  • Saturday: Breezy in the morning; sunny, with a high of 72 and low of 48 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• Notorious OC Murder's Neo-Nazi Underpinning Explored By Pulitzer Prize-Winning Author (patch.com) — Lake Forest readers are reminded of the 2018 murder of former local student Blaze Bernstein as a new book by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Eric Lichtblau examines the neo-Nazi ideology behind the crime and its broader national context. The work traces killer Samuel Woodward’s path into extremist groups, the hate-crime conviction that put him in prison for life, and how Bernstein’s family continues honoring his legacy through Blaze It Forward.
   

• O.C. deputies arrested a wanted suspect on gun and drug charges (newsantaana.com) — Deputies with the Orange County Sheriff’s Lake Forest Specialized Enforcement Team recently arrested a wanted suspect allegedly carrying an illegally purchased loaded gun, drugs, and paraphernalia. The piece explains how someone arrested in Lake Forest under similar circumstances in 2026 could face serious felony charges, prison time, fines, and long-term bans on firearm ownership and certain professional licenses.
   

📸 Around Lake Forest

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Lake Forest

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★ Featured events ★

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Other local events

📣 Lake Forest Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

    Thursday January 8
  • San Juan Hills HS @ Mission Viejo
    Mission Viejo High School , 25025 Chrisanta Dr , Mission Viejo
    3:00 pm
  • David Alpert: Writers Round Laguna Beach
    Laguna Beer Company , 859 Laguna Canyon Rd , Laguna Beach
    6:00 pm
    • Friday January 9
  • Ice Skate Night
    Aliso Viejo Ice Palace , 9 Journey , Aliso Viejo
  • Coffee & Community
    Glen Yermo Elementary Mission Viejo, CA 92691
    8:00 am

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Lake Forest PatchAM possible:

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Just left Ralph’s and while the cashier was checking me out one of the employees walked up & let her know someone dropped a stack of money.
    He immediately turned it in & they are probably going to check the cameras to see whose it was in case they come back. I’m very happy to see there… (Nextdoor El Toro Rd)
  • Suspicious package removed after prompting evacuation of Orange Police Department in Orange, California.
    9:21AM on Jan 6: The suspicious package, a reported suitcase, has been removed by a bomb squad, per NBC Los Angeles. As a result, no further updates… (Nextdoor )
  • Ross Stores, Inc posted a job opening for Early Morning Stock Associate in Lake Forest. Apply here.
  • Buffalo Wild Wings posted a job opening for Kitchen Team Member/Cook in Lake Forest. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Lake Forest here.

🗞 Nearby News

Laguna Hills

  • Details of 1-year deal for Seattle Mariners' Rob Refsnyder (mynorthwest.com)

Irvine

  • LA Men Tried To Steal $100K Worth Of Handbags In OC, Police Say (patch.com)
  • Orange County restaurants opening in 2026 to put on your radar (ocregister.com)
  • L.A.'s Young Magicians Are Blowing Minds at Clubs, Pop Video Sets, and Taco Stands ~ L.A. TACO (lataco.com)

Ok Lake Forest! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I needed a running start, but I made it!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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