🌱 Cougar Sighting +'Disney On Ice' This Weekend + Santa Ana Blaze

Good morning, everybody! Paula Constance here with your fresh copy of the Orange County Daily. Keep reading to find out all the community information you need to know right now, including updates on:

• Mission Viejo school closed after a cougar sighting.
• Opening weekend for Disney On Ice.
• Santa Ana blaze prompts multiple calls.
• 2023 Orange County Fair dates and theme announced.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly cloudy. High: 67 Low: 48.

Here are the top stories in Orange County today:

1. A stealthy mountain lion was sighted in Mission Viejo Thursday, prompting a lockdown at Newhart Middle School out of an abundance of caution. Officials said sightings of big cats "aren't all that rare" in the area as the school is located near "several wilderness areas and green spaces." More motion cameras also mean more wild cat sightings, wildlife experts said, adding that the cougar's behavior appeared to be normal. If you encounter a cougar, here is how to respond: (NBC Southern California)
2. It's opening weekend for "Disney on Ice" in Orange County. Join Disney on Ice for "Road Trip Adventures" at the Honda Center in Anaheim. It's the largest show ever produced by Disney with 40 different characters, and the first time Disney on Ice has been performed since the pandemic. This year, audience members will be able to come out on the ice to meet some of the characters. (CBS Los Angeles)
3. "Multiple calls" flooded into the Orange County Fire Department at 5:55 a.m. to report a Santa Ana fire Thursday morning. Fire crews arrived at the 3300 block of S Main Street to find a stand of cypress trees ablaze. Fiery embers rained down on nearby structures as E79 crews quickly knocked down the flames, preventing nearby structures from igniting. "No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is under investigation," officials said. (Orange County Fire Authority via Facebook)
4. Christmas is coming... and so is the 2023 Orange County Fair. On Dec. 15, organizers announced the summer dates and theme of the 2023 Orange County Fair. Mark your calendar! The Fair will be held July 14 through Aug. 13, 2023, and this year's theme will be "Happy Together" to celebrate "community inclusion." New this year: Guests can buy an"Any Day Passport" for $60 and attend any day of its 23-day run, with no advanced tickets required. (NBC Southern California)

Today in Orange County:

• Breakfast With Santa 2022: Aliso Viejo (9 a.m.)
• Huntington Harbor Philharmonic Cruise Of Lights 2022: Huntington Beach (5:30 p.m.)
• Coast City Ballet 'Nutcracker' 2022: Huntington Beach (7 p.m.)
• Bushiroad Championship Series 2022 - Anaheim Convention Center (All Day)
• Tis the Season for Chicken Love - Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce (All Day)

From my notebook:

• Kenny Dossey retires: "We thank OCFA Deputy Chief of the Emergency Operations Bureau Kenny Dossey for his 35 years of fire service and his more than 33 years of service at the OCFA as he retires today. Chief Dossey started at the OCFA in 1989." (Orange County Fire Authority via Facebook)
• Countdown to Christmas: "The countdown to Christmas has officially begun. T-minus 10 days until Christmas! 🎄 #christmastimeishere #fosterbrothers #pitbull #ocpbr #savinganamericanclassic" (Orange County Pit Bull Rescue via Facebook)
• What if you find a fossil in O.C. Parks? "🥾 Picture this: You're hiking in OC Parks and come across a fossil or artifact. Do you know what to do? 🐚 Understanding the proper steps is key to ensuring precious fossils and artifacts are studied and preserved by OC Parks archaeologists and paleontologists." (OC Parks via Instagram)
• AirPaws return to John Wayne Airport: "✈️ OC Animal Allies AirPAWS therapy dogs are back at work at @johnwayneair making sure Holiday travel goes smoothly!🎄 #holidaytravel #therapydog ##oc #orangecounty #california nonprofit #501c3 #animalwelfare #airporttherapydogs✈️🐶" (Orange County Animal Allies via Facebook)
• EVMaker opens O.C. showrooms: "The stores, much like Tesla's retail showrooms, opened Dec. 14 at Village at Westfield in Canoga Park, Waterside at Marina del Rey, and the Irvine Spectrum Center. Its showroom at Del Amo Fashion Center will open Saturday, Dec. 17 in Tor..." (Orange County Register via Facebook)

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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 and Instagram.

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