🌱 Irvine Man Embezzled Millions + Activists Take OC Animal Shelter

Correction: A previous version of this article incorrectly reported on a Chevron Phillips plant in Orange, Texas. That story has since been removed.

Hello again, Orange County! I'm back with your fresh edition of the Orange County Daily. Here are all the things you need to know happening in O.C. today. We have these stories and more:

• Animal advocacy groups sue O.C. Animal Care.
• An Irvine man embezzled millions from a Newport Beach company.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and pleasant. High: 78 Low: 49.

Here are the top stories today in Orange County:

1. Activists are "fed up with the O.C. animal shelter." Three animal advocacy groups said they are suing O.C. Animal Care for being on a “killing rampage.” In a recently filed lawsuit, the groups are "claiming that the shelter has been euthanizing adoptable dogs" by limiting public access to the animals for adoption. The groups want the O.C. animal shelter to follow California law and "stop practices that prevent public access to impounded animals." (Voice of OC)
2. An Irvine man stole millions from a Newport Beach real estate advising company. Varun Aggarwal was arrested Monday on suspicion of embezzling $2.6 million from KBS Realty Advisors, a Newport Beach real estate advisory company where he was an executive. Aggarwal is accused of submitting fraudulent invoices "from 2012 through January 2022 for consulting services that were never performed," according to prosecutors. (Patch)

Today in Orange County:

• Pop-Up Wine Tasting Event featuring seven Santa Barbara Wineries - Laguna Beach(6 p.m.)
• Raising Resilient Children - The Priority Center - Anaheim (All Day)
• Annual Give Thanks SmArt with Art! - Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce (All Day)
• 39th Annual Irvine Community Thanksgiving Prayer Breakfast - Irvine (7 a.m.)

From my notebook:

• Pup romps with foster sister: "Dean pup-date!!! Our cute little Dean is growing fast AND gaining weight. YAY!! He loves to romp around the house with his foster sister and is essentially her shadow. 🤗 Recently he had another play date, and did so well!" (Orange County Pit Bull Rescue via Facebook)
• Breathtaking views: "From the trail, users get breathtaking views of the ocean and Catalina and San Clemente islands and a host of wildlife inhabits the area." (Orange County Register via Facebook)
• Arrange for a safe ride after a party: "Any big party plans this week? Make sure arranging for a safe ride is part of that plan. Ride share safely by letting your family and friends know where you are. Uber users can tap 'Share status' to share driver’s name, photo, license." (Orange County Sheriff's Department, CA via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Pop-Up Wine Tasting Event Featuring 7 Santa Barbara Wineries (November 17)
• Warehouse Holiday Liquidation/Closing Sale! (November 19)
• FREE 4-Week Active Enlightenment Workshop (November 29)
• Christmas City Markets- Festival of Lights (December 15)
• Add your event

You're all good for today! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow morning 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, Instagram, and Twitter.

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