🌱 $35K Embezzled + Native Seed Farm + First O.C. Veterans' Cemetery

Hey, Orange County! I'm here in your inbox this morning to tell you everything you need to know that's happening in O.C. today. In today's issue, you'll read about:

• Flag raised over first O.C. veterans' cemetery.
• Help a seed farm restore sensitive habitats.
• Local insurance agent accused of pocketing client payments.

But first, today's weather:

Cloudy. High: 71 Low: 57.

Here are the top stories in Orange County today:

1. A flag was raised where Orange County will build its first veterans' cemetery. "After more than a decade of community organizing, proposals, and setbacks, a flag was flying Wednesday over 'the future home of its first veterans cemetery' in Anaheim Hills. Don Wagner, a member of Orange County's Board of Supervisors, said the cemetery 'is the place our veterans deserve.'" (KABC-TV)
2. Volunteer for the Irvine Ranch Conservancy Native Seed Farm! The seed farm produces "hundreds of pounds of seed" that are used to restore O.C.'s wildlands, including land damaged by the 2020 Silverado fire. The seed farm started in 2009 to "actively participate in the restoration of sensitive habitats." Volunteers are needed to help the conservancy realize its goal of restoring almost 5,000 acres of "sensitive habitats." Find out more about one-day volunteer opportunities here: (Native Seed Farm)
3. An insurance agent allegedly embezzled more than $35,000 from clients in Orange County. Angelica Maria Holst, 54, of Fullerton, allegedly embezzled the money from several clients by not submitting payment on policies to her managing general agent, but instead "pocketed the money for personal use," investigators said. (Sierra Sun Times)

Today in Orange County:

• "Winter Fest O.C." Holiday Carnival, Ice Skating & Santa 2022 - O.C .Fairgrounds, Costa Mesa (All Day)
• Tree Lighting Festival & Holiday Village 2022 - Anaheim (All Day)
• Annual 'Holiday On Main Street' & Santa 2022 - Yorba Linda (5 p.m.)
• Holiday Lights Contest - City of Laguna Niguel Parks and Recreation (All Day)
• Letters to Santa - City of Laguna Niguel Parks and Recreation (All Day)

From my notebook:

• Discounted Disneyland tickets: "The tickets, which can get guests into a park for as little as $73 a day, are good for visits Jan. 9 through May 25." (Orange County Register via Facebook)
• Protect your packages: "Don't make thieves holiday season merry and bright, protect your packages 🎄🎁" (Orange County Sheriff's Department, CA via Facebook)
• Founder was a groundbreaker: "The Philharmonic Society of Orange County was founded in 1954 by Frieda Belinfante. Born in Amsterdam in 1904, Frieda was a well known cellist and likely the first female conductor in Europe. In 1941, she joined the Dutch resistance." (Philharmonic Society of Orange County via Facebook)
• Now hiring: "Join us TOMORROW at our hiring event, and become a part of the Goodwill of Orange County team! 🗓️ Friday, December 2, 2022 ⏰ 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 📍 OC Goodwill Placentia Store 1101 E. Imperial Hwy., Placentia, CA 92870 Apply now." (Goodwill of Orange County via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Storage Valet — (Visit website)
• Au Pair Childcare USA — (Visit Website)
• Uptown Cheapskate — (Visit website)
• Frosty's Winter Wonderland In Corona — (Visit website)
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Events:

• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (December 5)
• Taxes in Retirement Webinar (December 6)
• Christmas City Markets- Festival of Lights (December 15)
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Announcements:

• Spa Gregorie's Gift Certificate Sale! (Details)
• Spa Gregorie's Gift Certificate Sale (Details)
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You're all caught up for today! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow with your next update.

— Paula Constance

About me: Paula is a contributing writer, author, and award-winning media producer. She is committed to media projects that empower, engage, and help make the world a better place. When she's not writing, you can find her hiking or watching fireflies in the sultry moments before sunset. You can follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Orange County Daily? Contact me at orangecounty@patch.com