🌱 Six New Restaurants + Green Power Rate Dip + Missing 79-Year-Old

Hello again, neighbors! It's Wednesday in Orange County and I'm back in your inbox with everything happening in Orange County today. In this issue, you'll find news about...

• Police reform advocates "on edge" over new OC watchdog.
• Six new "wow" restaurants coming to OC.
• Electric rates may drop for some green power agency customers.
• A high wind advisory was issued for Orange County.
• A 79-year-old woman is missing for a week.

But first, today's weather:

Sunshine. High: 69 Low: 53.

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Here are the top stories today in Orange County:

1. OC’s new police "watchdog" has "some Orange County police reform advocates on edge." Robert Faigin was appointed as the head of the Office of Independent Review, overseeing the Orange County Sheriff’s Department "and other powerful county law enforcement agencies." Faigin was the top lawyer for the San Diego County’s sheriff department for 21 years, but some question that his history "shows he has clearly taken the side of the sheriff.” Daisy Ramirez, a senior police advocate and ACLU organizer of Southern California, said, “If the office is going to be run by someone with the history that Robert Faigin has, what is the point?” (Voice of OC)
2. If you think the Orange County restaurant scene can't get any better—OC is upping its game with six new eateries this year. Locale magazine has the inside track on everything from LA's "favorite" sushi restaurant, Sugarfish, which will be opening in Corona del Mar, to organic sourdough bakery Rye Goods opening in Laguna Beach. Find out "what all of the buzz is about" here: (Locale magazine)
3. A few residents in Irvine, Fullerton, Huntington Beach and Buena Park may see their electric rates drop below Southern California Edison's customers' rates, after the county’s green power agency, the Orange County Power Authority, approved new rates. Basic Choice plan customers will see a slight discount—just over a dollar in savings. "A 2% rate cut may not mean much in terms of dollars and cents … but it does signal the potential promises and benefits of the Orange County Power Authority,” said Fullerton Mayor and power authority board member Fred Jung. (The Voice of OC)
4. Secure your patio furniture and umbrellas. Winds of 25-35 m.p.h. are expected today and tomorrow, with strong gusts up to 60 m.p.m. The National Weather Service issued a high wind advisory for Orange County from "Wednesday morning to Thursday evening." (Orange County Patch)
5. A 79-year-old woman is "critically missing" after she was discharged from a hospital. "Resident Phong Nguyen was last seen by her daughter near the area of Lake Forest Drive and Aspan Street in the City of Lake Forest on Monday." Orange County deputies are asking for the public's help to find the missing woman. Find out more here: (Patch)

Today in Orange County:

• ESL Conversation Group: Stanton Library (10:00 AM)
• Stepping-Up Storytime (All Ages) at Haskett Branch (10:30 AM)
• Bilingual Spanish Storytime - Tustin Library (10:30 AM)
• Kindergarten Readiness Storytime: Dana Point Library (10:30 AM)
• OC Animal Care Community Outreach Committee Meeting - Tustin (11:30 AM)

From my notebook:

• German Shepherd myth: "Today we are debunking another common myth about German Shepherds. MYTH # 2: German Shepherds Don’t Need Training. 🐾 Some people see how well they perform as police dogs and assume that they just come that way." (German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County via Facebook)
• Community Open Houses: "Get ready for the 2023 Community Open Houses that will take place at our four high schools and feature the elementary and middle schools within each Slice Family. Community members are also welcomed to tour the new Science Center." (Orange Unified School District via Instagram)
• The Great Kindness Challenge: "Schools across Orange County are joining campuses worldwide in the Great Kindness Challenge. The Orange County Department of Education has noticed many schools and districts engaging students in activities to spread kindness." (Orange County Department of Ed via Instagram)

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Events:

• Social Security Seminar at Newport Coast Community Center (January 31)
• 2023 Youth Football and Cheerleading Registration (February 4)
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Announcements:

• Free self-guided, goal-setting worksheet for 2023 (Details)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Wednesday. I'll see you around!

— Paula Constance

About me: About me: Paula is a contributing writer, author, and 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 Daily? Contact me at orangecounty@patch.com