🌱 Attorney Stole Millions + Beautify OC + New All-Vegan Mexican

Good morning, Orange County! Let's start Saturday with everything worth knowing that's happening in our area.

First, today's weather:

A mostly sunny day, comfortable. High: 76. Low: 46.

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Here are the top stories in Orange County today:

1. On Thursday, Feb. 17, Philip Layfield was found guilty on 22 counts, including wire fraud, mail fraud, tax evasion, failure to collect and pay over payroll taxes and failure to file a tax return. Layfield was a personal injury lawyer and CPA who operated in Irvine, Los Angeles and El Segundo. He was found guilty of stealing the majority of a multimillion-dollar settlement for a car accident victim, who received only $25,000 of the $3.9 million settlement. You can read more about this story here: (OC Register)
2. Let's clean up, California! The Clean California initiative is coming to Orange County. More than 12 projects to beautify the state are expected to start this spring. Some of the planned projects in Orange County include a mini park along the Santiago Creek Bike Trail in Orange. Caltrans officials have plans to improve the walking and biking path that runs under the 5 Freeway on El Horno Street in San Juan Capistrano and a new artistic "decorative gateway" will be installed near the 57 Freeway in Placentia. The aim of the $1.1 billion Clean California initiative is to help reduce litter, beautify public spaces and create jobs over the next few years. You can read more about this story here: (OC Register)
3. Orange County's vegan food movement is becoming so popular that vegan Mexican eateries have joined the food revolution. The heart of their success is creating vegan foods made with plant-based meat substitutes that look and taste just like meat. The idea of a vegan lifestyle is gaining momentum because it doesn't contribute to the exploitation of animals for food, clothing or any other purpose. A number of Orange County eateries ranging from casual taquerias to sit-down restaurants specialize in plant-based Mexican food. Loreta Ruiz, the owner of La Vegana Mexicana, in Santa Ana said she sold her vegan tamales "at vegan festivals and at bars and farmer’s markets," before opening La Vegana Mexicana. In Fullerton, Chicana Plant-based Grub is another family-owned restaurant specializing in all-vegan meals. You can read more about this story here: (Los Angeles Times)

Today in Orange County:

• Wilderness Access Day — Hiking & Biking 2022: Bommer Canyon, Irvine. (8 a.m.)
• Knott’s Berry Farm PEANUTS Celebration 2022: Buena Park. (9 a.m.)
• Winter Reading Challenge Online — Huntington Beach Public Library. (All Day)
• Whale and Wildlife "Twalk" — Crystal Cove Conservancy. (9 a.m.)
• Books at Bowers | "Into the Silence: The Great War, Mallory and the Conquest of Everest." (10:30 a.m.)

From my notebook:

• Silver Alert issued for missing woman with Alzheimer's: Last seen in Orange: (CBS Los Angeles)
• Patch Photo: Lightning Lights Up Orange County Skyline. (Reverb MSN Music)
• German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County: "Wordless Wednesday! Help us caption this photo!" (Facebook)
• Orange County Register: "Cedar Fair has spurned a takeover bid by SeaWorld Entertainment, company officials said during a quarterly earnings call." (Facebook)

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Events:

• Pawliday Vegan Charity Market. (Feb. 19)
• Join the Irvine Classical Players Orchestra Kick Off Event. (Feb. 20)
• Taxes in Retirement Webinar. (Feb. 21)
• Taxes in Retirement Webinar. (Feb. 21)
• Babor/Oxygeneo Glow & Go Facial Event — Just $99. (Feb. 22)
• Social Security Seminar Feb. 22 & Feb. 23. (Feb. 23)
• 41st Annual CARSplus Convention: Networking for Success and Best Practices. (Feb. 25)
• The Most Romantic Evening In All of Orange County! (Feb. 25)
• A Romantic Play, Wine and Chocolate! (Feb. 25)
• Fall Youth Football Registration. (Feb. 26)
• Learn How To Reduce Your Risk For Heart Disease During American Heart Month. (Feb. 28)
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Announcements:

• Free self-guided, goal-setting worksheet for 2022. (Details)
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If you love the Orange County Daily, here are all the ways you can get more involved:

• Send a friend or neighbor this link so they can subscribe for free
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• Send me a news tip or suggestion at orangecounty@patch.com

Now you're in the know and ready to start your Saturday off right! See you soon for another update.

— Paula Constance

About me: I am a freelance writer, author, and media producer. I am committed to media projects that empower, engage, and help make the world a better place. One of my favorite jobs? Working with Imagineering for The Walt Disney Company.