🌱 Attorney Sued For $10 Million Gambling Spree + Wildlife Land Fight

Hello, OC! It's Paula Constance with your Thursday edition of the Orange County Patch newsletter. Find out what's happening in Orange County today. In this issue...

• Newport Back Bay land fight goes before a judge.
• Blustery storms today
• Newport Beach attorney sued for allegedly defrauding lender of $10 million.

But first, today's weather:

Variable clouds with showers. High: 54 Low: 46.

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Here are the top stories in Orange County today:

1. Are you looking for things to do in Orange County this week? Today, "the innovative dance troupe" Pilobolus will present "a mix of choreography" in its“Big Five Oh!” tour at the Musco Center for the Arts in Orange. Also today, New York Times best-selling author Omar El-Akkad will discuss his 2021 novel, "What Strange Paradise" and his debut novel, “American War” at the Newport Beach Public Library. Find out more here: (Orange Coast Magazine)
2. Orange County officials said that "privatizing" public Newport Back Bay land "will limit access and harm the environment" in the case of a wealthy GOP political donor who put up a fence in a public wildlife habitat and important access area. The legal fight will now go before a judge. (Voice of OC)
3. Rain and cold temperatures are expected in Orange County Thursday. According to a National Weather Service advisory, rain, wind and cold temperatures are forecast for Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach and San Clemente. (LA Times)
4. A Newport Beach attorney is being sued for defrauding a lender of $10 million. A lender alleges that Orange County attorney "Sara Jacqueline King and her company, King Family Lending LLC" applied for loans to "pay off third parties" using collateral like “luxury automobiles, boats, yachts," but fraudulently used the money to gamble in Las Vegas. (msnNOW)

Today in Orange County:

• Senior Thursday - Placentia Chamber of Commerce (7:00 AM)
• Kiwanis Club of Placentia - Weekly meeting (7:15 AM)
• Ambassadors Committee - Greater Irvine Chamber of Commerce (8:30 AM)
• Adult Book Group - Seal Beach Library (10:00 AM)
• Play & Learn - Irvine Heritage Park Library (10:20 AM)

From my notebook:

• Tabitha is found: "We just got word that Tabitha has been found and she is back at her new home. She is SAFE! Thank you to all who helped us look for her." (German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County via Facebook)
• New Dana Point Chief: "Captain Todd Hylton has been selected as the new Chief of Dana Point Police Services👏. He will begin his new assignment Friday, Feb. 24." (Orange County Sheriff's Department, CA via Facebook)
• Female pastor: "The committee cited Saddleback’s having 'a female teaching pastor functioning in the office of pastor,' an allusion to Stacie Wood, wife of the current lead pastor of Saddleback, Andy Wood." (Orange County Register via Facebook)
• Gold Award: "Congratulations to Gold Award Girl Scout Gabrielle! Gabrielle developed and implemented Hoops & Coders workbook curriculum with a goal of exposing girls in grades 2-8 to the basics of computer science and basketball." (Girl Scouts of Orange County via Facebook)
• New role: "For the past five years, Dr. Ramon Miramontes has served with distinction as superintendent of the Buena Park School District. Now he’s set to take on a new role as deputy superintendent for the Orange County Department of Education." (Orange County Department of Ed via Instagram)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday off right. See you all tomorrow!

— Paula Constance

About me: Paula is a contributing writer, author, and media producer. 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 Patch newsletter? Contact me at orangecounty@patch.com