🌱 Fire Blows Out Chimney + Winter Village Returns + Local Hero

Hi, all! It's Paula Constance, your host of the Orange County Daily — back in your inbox with everything you need to know that's happening in Orange County. Today you'll learn about these stories and more...

• A fire "blew out" the top of a chimney.
• Winter Village returns to Santa Ana.
• Dispatcher is a local hero.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and comfortable. High: 76 Low: 47.

Here are the top stories in Orange County today:

1. A shoutout to Debbie Eclevia of Orange County, who was nominated as a hero for the work she does every day. Debbie helps special needs kids and adults, and has had a big impact and has worked as a dedicated dispatcher for 20 years, five days a week. Every day she makes sure "that more than 100 children and adults with special needs throughout Orange County (and beyond) are transported safely each day from their homes to SLDC in Buena Park," wrote co-worker Carrie Williams-Freita, who nominated Debbie as a local hero. (Orange County Patch)
2. Bring the whole family to Santa Ana’s Winter Village, returning for the second year to the Orange County Civic Center’s Plaza of the Flags. Dec. 6 - Jan. 8. Come and enjoy an outdoor skating rink with live entertainment and holiday shopping. There will also be craft and gift vendors, local food trucks, and other family-friendly activities— including visits from Santa Claus. (New Santa Ana)
3. A fireplace fire "blew out the top of a chimney" in Rancho Santa Margarita over the weekend. When firefighters responded to a 911 call by residents at Via Allegre in Rancho Santa Margarita on Sunday at 7:24 p.m., flames could be seen shooting into the air from the chimney. Everyone safely evacuated the home and no injuries were reported. As the weather gets colder, OCFA officials said it's important to "have chimneys inspected" and "cleaned regularly" by a professional. (Orange County Fire Authority via Facebook)

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Today in Orange County:

• Holiday Lights Contest - City of Laguna Niguel Parks and Recreation (All Day)
• Letters to Santa - City of Laguna Niguel Parks and Recreation (8 a.m.)
• Little Explorers Storytime - Garden Grove Chapman Branch Library (10:30 a.m.)
• Bilingual Chinese Storytime - Tustin Library (10:30 a.m.)

From my notebook:

• Tip-A-Cop fundraiser: "Our OCSD - North Patrol deputies and dispatchers teamed up with our Special Olympics Southern California - Orange County Community athlete partners and did an incredible job at Tip-A-Cop last week. They raised $1,000! A huge thank you." (Orange County Sheriff's Department, CA via Facebook)
• New Catholic school opening: "✏️ New School Alert 📚 A new low cost Catholic high school (9th-12th grade) is opening in the city of Santa Ana! Applications for Fall 2023 are now open! This is "The School That Works" and their goal is for students to graduate college-..." (Orange County Guide and OC events via Instagram)

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Events:

• Social Security Seminar at Newport Beach Public Library (November 28)
• Christmas City Markets- Festival of Lights (December 15)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Tuesday. See you all tomorrow for another update!

— 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