🌱 Green Energy Agency Fails Fourth Audit + $100M Oil Spill Payment

Hello, Orange County! I'm back with your fresh edition of the Orange County Patch newsletter, to cover the most important things happening locally, including:

• Companies will pay almost $100 million for the Huntington Beach oil spill.
• OC city ranks third in strong financial health.
• A "food cliff" is coming.
• Green Energy Agency failed its fourth audit.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and cool. High: 65 Low: 44.

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Here are the top stories today in Orange County:

1. The companies that own two cargo ships will pay $96.5 million for the OC oil spill in 2021. The owner of the oil pipeline, Houston-based Amplify Energy Corp., accused the shipping companies of "improperly allowing" two container ships "to drag their anchors across the sea floor," rupturing the pipeline and spilling "at least 25,000 gallons of crude into the waters off Huntington Beach." (Los Angeles Times)
2. An OC city is in good financial shape, according to a nonprofit government finance watchdog group. Truth in Accounting ranked Irvine "#3 in the nation" for its financial condition, out of the 75 most populous cities in the U.S.! The report noted that Irvine "has $550.1 million available to pay future bills." (Truth in Accounting)
3. A "food cliff" is expected to hit Orange County, and seniors are likely to be hit the hardest. With rising food prices and the end of higher food benefits in about a month, millions of older Californians may not be able to pay for food. "After the increased federal funding ends, some households across the state will go from getting $281 in food assistance every month to $23." (Voice of OC)
4. OC’s embattled Green Energy Agency failed its fourth audit — this time by a state auditor — who "lambasted" the agency. The state auditor said the agency’s CEO, Brian Probolsky, "circumvented the board’s oversight" and approved contracts for $1.8 million, without transparency. The report also said Probolsky "single handedly approved around $800,000 in 'marketing and financial services contracts,' out of public view." (Voice of OC)

Today in Orange County:

• Ensure Justice 2023 - Greater Irvine Chamber of Commerce (All Day)
• Good Morning Anaheim-Networking Breakfast (7:30 AM)
• Ensure Justice 2023 - Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce (8:30 AM)
• Chapter a Week Book Group, Anxious People - Irvine Heritage Park Library (9:00 AM)
• Membership Committee Meeting - Garden Grove Chamber of Commerce (11:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• Lucky to have young volunteer: "We are so lucky to have a volunteer this young and so dedicated to the dogs at GSROC! Meet Allie - an 8 year old who celebrated her 8th birthday. Rather than having a standard party - she asked for donations (either monetary or items..."(German Shepherd Rescue Orange County via Facebook)
• Officers pulled victim from burning car: "An officer witnessed the crash and officers pulled one victim from his flaming vehicle." (Orange County Register via Facebook)
• AirPAWS Teams at OC Airport: "Stacked like planes ready for takeoff! Our AirPAWS Teams are happy to take some stress off your hands pre-flight at #johnwayneairport Look for them on your next trip, guaranteed to bring a smile! #JWA #AirPAWS #OCAnimalAllies #OCAA #Ther..." (Orange County Animal Allies via Facebook)
• Discover Youth Music Education Programs: "March is California #ArtsEducation Month! This month we will highlight our various Youth Music Education Programs. The first spotlight will be on our California Journeys program! Fourth grade students from Diamond Elementary in Santa Ana..." (Philharmonic Society of Orange County via Facebook)

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You're all caught up for today. I'll see you around!

— 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