🌱 Coastal Train Shut Down + Southwest Airlines Cancels Two Routes

Correction: A previous version of this article incorrectly reported on a Chevron Phillips plant in Orange, Texas. That story has since been removed.

Hi! I'm here with your fresh copy of the Orange County Daily, full of everything you need to know about what's happening in O.C. today. In this edition you'll read about:

• O.C. to San Diego train service's extended shutdown.
• Southwest Airlines cancels two O.C. routes.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and delightful. High: 71 Low: 55.

Here are the top stories in Orange County today:

1. If you plan to ride the train between Orange County and San Diego, you may have to wait until February. The popular coastal route has been closed since September, after a hurricane caused a slow-moving landslide under the tracks. Orange County Transportation Authority officials acknowledged that with climate change, the short-term coastal track fix will need a longer-term solution. "Katrina Foley, a county supervisor and OCTA board member, has said the tracks may have to be moved as far inland as the 5 freeway." (Voice of O.C.)
2. If you want to fly Southwest from John Wayne Airport to Chicago Midway, or Salt Lake City, Utah, you'll have to fly before January 4, 2023. Southwest announced it will be canceling those two routes after that date, in response to changes in customer demand. (Simple Flying)

Today in Orange County:

• DesignerCon 2022 - Anaheim Convention Center (All Day)
• Letters to Santa - City of Laguna Niguel Parks and Recreation (8 a.m.)

From my notebook:

• Tribute to OCFA firefighter: "It is with heavy hearts that we announce that OCFA Fire Apparatus Engineer Mike Tooley passed away today after a battle with cancer. Mike and his family moved to Orange County when he was 10." (Orange County Fire Authority via Facebook)
• Prayers for a swift recovery: "Our thoughts are with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Sheriff’s recruits who were involved in this tragic incident. We are praying for a swift and full recovery." (Orange County Sheriff's Department, CA via Facebook)
• Holds 1,000 gallons of foam: "Foam Tender 36 made its debut at a recent three-alarm fire in San Juan Capistrano. Stationed at Fire Station 36 in Irvine and available for calls throughout Orange County, this apparatus holds 1,000 gallons of foam concentrate." (Orange County Fire Authority via Facebook)
• Im-possum-bly adorable: "🥹 Some may find this photo im-possum-bly adorable. Others just see some mangy marsupials. Either way, opossums actually play an important role in our ecosystem. 🪲 Opossums, like the ones pictured here at Upper Newport Bay." (OC Parks via Instagram)
• Tragic hit and run: "The motorcycle that hit a 9-year-old girl in Fullerton was described as a black 'cruiser,' though a description of the driver was not available." (Orange County Register via Facebook)

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Events:

• Warehouse Holiday Liquidation/Closing Sale! (November 19)
• Christmas City Markets- Festival of Lights (December 15)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Friday. 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