🌱 Boater Finds Floating Torpedo + Falling Home Prices Still Too High

Hi, all! I'm back in your inbox this morning with the most important things happening locally. Today you'll learn about these stories and more:

• Man pleads guilty for Metrolink bomb threat.
• Recreation boater finds torpedo floating off Dana Point.
• Home prices fall with higher mortgage rates.

But first, today's weather:

Sunny and delightful. High: 74 Low: 54.

Here are the top stories in Orange County today:

1. You'll be relieved to know that a man who made a bomb threat in Laguna Niguel has pleaded guilty and will serve time in jail, officials said. On Monday, Norman Emil Simpson, 64, pleaded guilty for making a bomb threat at the Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo Metrolink train station on "28200 Forbes Road at about 8:30 a.m. on Oct. 22," officials said. (Patch)
2. On Monday, a recreational boater from Orange County looking for dolphins off Dana Point found a floating torpedo! Apparently, it was a "lightweight torpedo" used for training by the U.S. Navy, according to Navy officials and Orange County Sheriff's bomb experts. The boater called Harbor Patrol. The torpedo "was floating in the water about 30 feet away" from his boat. (CBS Los Angeles)
3. Rising mortgage rates are putting the brakes on the housing market in SoCal, and buying a home may still be out of reach for many people. Housing prices are "down about 8 percent from their peak," with "mortgage rates at about 7 percent for a 30-year fixed mortgage," reported David González. "The California Association of Realtors data shows just 13% of those living in Orange and L.A. Counties can afford a typically-priced home," and Orange County has the highest average home prices in the state, with an average cost of $1.2 million in October. Oscar Wei, deputy chief economist for the California Association of Realtors said, "people should not expect a significant drop in mortgage rates until late 2023 or early 2024." (KABC-TV)

Today in Orange County:

• Tanaka Farms produce boxes pickup - Santa Ana (11:30 p.m.)
• Thanksgiving Holiday Closure - City of Placentia (All Day)
• Letters to Santa - City of Laguna Niguel Parks and Recreation (8 a.m.)
• Zoning Administrator Meeting - City of Newport Beach (10 a.m.)
• ESL Conversation Group - Stanton Library (10 a.m.)

From my notebook:

• Marconi Museum Toy Drive: "Six Point For Kids was honored to be invited to participate in the Marconi Automotive Museum's Toy Drive on Saturday, Nov. 5th. They stuffed the our Sheriff's Humvee and a patrol unit with donated toys." (Orange County Sheriff's Department, CA via Facebook)
• Grateful: "We are so grateful for our wonderful employees! Let’s celebrate two more of our outstanding employees! 👏 Congratulations to Dana Lusiani, School Nurse from El Modena High School and Joseph Conway, Warehouse/Delivery Driver." (Orange Unified School District via Instagram)
• Winter village free admission: "General admission to the village is free with separate tickets for specific activities such as ice skating and food." (Orange County Register via Facebook)
• Disney Food & Wine Festival: "As happened last year, the popular attraction will switch back to its Golden State mode for a limited run during Disney's Food & Wine Festival." (Orange County Register via Facebook)
• New musical instruments: "Congratulations to Murdy Elementary School! Last week, we awarded the school with new musical instruments through our Strike Up The Band grant program. The school received 15 violins, 1 cello, 1 saxophone, 5 flutes and 1 tom drum." (Philharmonic Society 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)
• The Pumpkin Factory at Westminster Mall — (Visit website)
• Uptown Cheapskate — (Visit website)
• Add your business here

Events:

• Social Security Seminar at Newport Beach Public Library (November 28)
• Christmas City Markets- Festival of Lights (December 15)
• Add your event

You're all caught up for today! I'll see you soon.

— 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