🌱 Doctor Who 'Saved Lives' Celebrated + Sword Fighting This Weekend

Hello, friends! It's Paula Constance with your Saturday edition of the Orange County Patch newsletter, full of everything you need to know that's happening today. In this issue, you'll learn about:

• European sword fight competition in Costa Mesa.
• Celebration of life for Orange County doctor who saved lives.
• Culichi Town had its liquor license revoked.
• Huntington Beach couple charged with insurance fraud.

But first, today's weather:

Times of clouds and sun. High: 70 Low: 46.

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Here are the top stories in Orange County today:

1. Experience a historical European sword fight competition this weekend! The martial arts and SoCal Swordfight competition, featuring top instructors and competitors from around the world, is taking place at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, Fri-Sun starting at 8 a.m. Find out more here: (Orange County Patch)
2. The Orange County doctor killed in an "inexplicable" random act of violence "was remembered for saving lives" at a celebration of his life on Thursday in Laguna Beach. Relatives, colleagues and friends remembered Michael Mammone as an emergency physician who "saved lives on practically a daily basis and taught many to do the same." (Los Angeles Times)
3. A Santa Ana restaurant and bar had its liquor license temporarily revoked after a teen was served alcohol by a server and later was in a crash that killed another teenager. Culichi Town in Santa Ana served drinks to 18-year-old Jose Clemente on Nov. 12, 2021, an investigator from the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control told the OC Register. (Orange County Patch)
4. A Huntington Beach couple was charged with insurance fraud on Friday. Hung Ta and his wife Tam Truong were charged with stealing $60,000, "with 10 counts of making false or fraudulent claims, a count of grand theft and two counts of money laundering— all felonies." (2UrbanGirls)

Today in Orange County:

• Special Board Meeting - Board Governance Workshop (Events) (8:00 AM)
• Stewardship Saturday - Crystal Cove Conservancy (8:00 AM)
• Craft Day All Day - Library of the Canyons (9:00 AM)
• Teen Volunteer Seed Packing - Huntington Beach In-Person (9:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• Rescue dog invited to championship: "WOW! GSROC alum, Echo, 100% rescued dog, has been invited to the AKC National Championship Rally!!! This is a huge honor for her and her handler mom, Kathy! Great team work!" (German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County via Facebook)
• Immediate rescue needed: "This beautiful girl needs rescue from the Downey Animal Shelter immediately. She has run out of time. GSROC currently has more than 85 dogs and we do not have space to help her. We are sharing in the hope that someone will rush to the shelter to save her life." (German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County via Facebook)
• Catalytic converter thief run over: "A man underneath an SUV in a Palmdale parking lot was killed when the woman in the driver’s seat was startled out of sleep and backed over him, sheriff’s deputies said. The man was allegedly trying to steal the vehicle’s catalytic converter." (Orange County Register via Facebook)
• Immersion program to speak Mandarin: "Students in the Anaheim Elementary School District as young as transitional kindergarteners will soon be learning and speaking Mandarin. With the Board of Education’s stamp of approval and support from district families." (Orange County Department of Ed via Instagram)
• Tesla recall: "Tesla's recall comes after U.S. safety regulators expressed concerns about the way Tesla’s system responds in four areas along roads." (Orange County Register via Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Saturday! I'll be in your inbox soon with your next update.

— 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