🌱 Yes, Skiing In Orange County + New Report Blasts Green Power Agency

Hello again, friends! It's Paula Constance, your host of the Orange County Daily. I'm back in your inbox this Friday with the most important things happening in O.C. today, including news about...

• Group of friends ski in Orange County.
• Orange County is behind in homeless housing goals.
• South O.C. Beaches' Winter Fest Guide.
• New report blasts green power agency for not getting bids.

But first, today's weather:

Clouds giving way to sun. High: 70 Low: 44.

Here are the top stories in Orange County today:

1. Can you ski in Orange County? Spencer Buchanan of Newport Beach and his friends wanted to make it happen, so they made a difficult hike up foggy Saddleback Mountain, also known as Santiago Peak, after storms earlier this week. They found a rare O.C. winter wonderland, Buchanan said. "We didn't ski too far," he added, "but we can still say we skied in Orange County." (KABC-TV)
2. Rundown motels in Orange County are being converted into housing with on-site services for the homeless, seniors and veterans, but officials acknowledged being behind in meeting homeless housing goals. Mayors in Anaheim, Stanton and Costa Mesa said that converting motels into housing reduces crime and nuisance calls from rundown motels, and improves the lives of people who move into them. (Voice of OC)
3. Find your way around the Orange County Fairgrounds Winter Fest with the South O.C. Beaches' Winter Fest Guide. Winter Fest offers a family-friendly winter experience, now through Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023. Activities include a daily tree lighting at 5:30 p.m., ice skating, tubing, a North Pole journey and more. See the Winter Fest guide here: (South OC Beaches)
4. A new internal investigation by Orange County auditors criticized the Orange County Power Authority for "failing to properly put contracts out to bid" and explain why it was working with certain contractors. The scathing new report comes just days after the Voice of OC obtained another report from the county that found a lack of public communication and a series of problems where the staff "failed to follow best practices." (Voice of OC)

Today in Orange County:

• City Hall Closure - City of Fountain Valley (7 a.m.)
• Breakfast With Santa 2022: Aliso Viejo (9 a.m.)
• National Ugly Sweater Day - Garden Grove Chamber of Commerce (All Day)
• Tis the Season for Chicken Love - Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce (All Day)

From my notebook:

• Tools to steal catalytic converters found during vehicle stop: "At 2:35 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 8, an RSM supervisor conducted a vehicle stop in the city. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed several tools known to be used to steal catalytic converters." (Orange County Sheriff's Department, CA via Facebook)
• Puppy alum celebrates: "GSROC alum Poppy is celebrating her first birthday AND her first Christmas with her forever family. She is very content and very pampered. Way to go, Poppy!" (German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County via Facebook)
• Christmas tree delivery: "This Christmas tree was delivered in style. It’s all about the children, and Heroes and Helpers made the holidays better for many children and their families yesterday." (Orange County Fire Authority via Facebook)
• Join O.C. trails subcommittee: "🚵 Are you interested in advocating for Orange County’s trails? 🥾 OC Parks Trails Subcommittee is continuously seeking qualified candidates to serve as at-large members to fill openings as they arise. ✏️ The subcommittee meets quart..." (OC Parks via Instagram)
• Advocate of the Year celebrated: "Join us in celebrating our Advocate of the Year, Irene Strauss. Read more about her seven honorable years of service on the blog. https://www.casaoc.org/casa-blog/advocate-of-the-year" (CASA of Orange County - Court Appointed Special Advocates via Facebook)
• Youth ensemble performed their first concert: "Last Sunday, the talented musicians of our Orange County Youth Symphony & String Ensemble (OCYS/E) performed in their first concert of the 2022-23 season at Woodbridge High School Performing Arts Center! Congratulations to all." (Philharmonic Society of Orange County via Facebook)

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Events:

• Free & Fun Family STEM Event (December 17)
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• Christmas Eve Candlelight Service (December 24)
• ACT Practice Test. Proctored and Timed Live-Online (January 14)
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That's it for today. I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow with your next 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 and Instagram.

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