🌱 Embattled Oil Field To Become Preserve + 'No Burn' Order In Effect

Good morning, everybody! It's Paula Constance, your host of the Orange County Daily — back in your inbox with everything you need to know that's happening locally. Including news on:

• A Newport Beach oil field will become a nature preserve.
• A vacant Garden Grove building was engulfed in flames.
• "No Burn Order" extended through Tuesday.
• Shirley Airth, 94, is "critically missing."

But first, today's weather:

Some clouds, then sunshine. High: 67 Low: 42.

Here are the top stories today in Orange County:

1. A vacant building was engulfed in flames in Garden Grove. After the fire was reported at 11:49 p.m. Sunday in the 13500 block of Harbor Boulevard, firefighters said the building was "well-involved in flames." They used "large hose streams from the ground" and "aerial ladders" to fight the fire, protecting a nearby gas station and commercial buildings, officials said. (Orange County Patch)
2. A "No-Burn Order" issued Sunday is extended through Tuesday for Orange County, due to poor air quality. The ban is to protect public health and includes wood and manufactured fire logs "in any indoor or outdoor setting." High levels of air pollution were forecasted "across the South Coast Air Basin," officials said. (Orange County Patch)
3. Conservationists are closer to turning a Newport Beach oil field into a nature preserve. The property, with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, has been part of a decades-long battle with developers as "the last piece of undeveloped coastal real estate in Southern California." The nonprofit Trust for Public Land completed the purchase of the 384-acre Banning Ranch Friday. The property has been a working oilfield since the 1940s. (Los Angeles Times)
4. "Have you seen Shirley Airth?" The 94-year-old left her San Juan Capistrano home on foot, with a black walking cane, at about 5 p.m. Sunday. She also goes by the name "Jean."(Orange County Patch)

Today in Orange County:

• Santa Sleigh - City of Tustin Police Department (All Day)
• Aging as Art Exhibit Closes - City of Newport Beach (All Day)
• Tis the Season for Chicken Love - Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce (All Day)
• Blaze Pizza Fundraiser in Orange Circle (All Day)
• Orange County Health Care Agency Vaccine Clinic at Central Library (11:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• Joy finds a home: "Santa heard Joy's story and decided to help out. Our little baby Joy was homeless and alone. We made room for her in our lifeboat. We couldn't let this little girl remain homeless. Well, we are happy to tell you that Joy has now been adopted." (German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County via Facebook)
• Shop vintage at Goodwill: "Shop vintage. Shop upcycled. Shop local. Shop #OCGoodwill this holiday season for gifts home decor and more! 📷: @houseofbutterfield" (Goodwill of Orange County via Facebook)
• Give the gift of camp: "Give the gift of Camp! Registration is now open for summer 2023. Summer Sleepaway Camp at Camp Scherman is an enriching outdoor experience for Girl Scouts in grades 2 - 12. Campers experience independence as they explore the world around..." (Girl Scouts of Orange County via Facebook)

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That's it for today. I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning with another update!

— Paula Constance

About me: Paula is a contributing writer, author, and award-winning 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 and Instagram.

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