🌱 'Paddle Out' For Journalist Surfer + Voting Day Storm Evacuations

Good morning, everybody! It's me, Paula Constance, your host of the Daily. Here's everything you need to know that's happening in O.C. today, including:

• Did mandatory evacuations and heavy rain deter voters?
• A Holiday Open House is coming to Paoli.
• Firefighters extinguished a Santa Ana blaze.
• San Clemente had a "paddle out" to remember Fred Swegles.

But first, today's weather:

A morning shower in spots. High: 63 Low: 47.

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Here are the top stories today in Orange County:

1. Mandatory evacuations were issued for parts of Orange County, as voters had to brave heavy rain on Tuesday. Tuesday morning, Silverado, Williams and Modjeska canyons were under mandatory evacuation orders "due to possible debris flows" along or near the Bond Fire "burn scar," said the sheriff's department. Both parties expressed concerns that voters would be deterred by the stormy weather. Even Knott's Berry Farm was closed Tuesday due to the storm. Do you think the heavy rains and slick driving conditions kept voters away from the polls? (Patch)
2. Get ready for a "Holiday Open House!" Plans are being finalized by the Orange County Historical Society for its Holiday Open House on Nov. 20 from 1 -4 p.m. The Museum in Courthouse Square in Paoli. Items from Orange County's historic past will be on display, the gift shop will be open and admission is free! (WBIW.com)
3. A shoutout to O.C. firefighters, who quickly put out a downtown Santa Ana blaze in only 14 minutes. Firefighters rushed to the 200 block of West Fourth Street at 11:04 a.m., after receiving reports of a "victim trapped inside." Orange County Fire Authority Captain Sean Doran said firefighters did not find anyone in the building after knocking down the flames. (MyNewsLA.com)
4. The San Clemente community gathered at the pier Sunday to remember Fred Swegles, a longtime surfer and journalist. Swegles was a big part of the San Clemente community he wrote about for many local publications throughout his career. San Clemente honored him with "a memorial on the sand and a traditional paddle out in the ocean." Swegles died at the age of 74. (MSN)

Today in Orange County:

• Tanaka Farms produce boxes pick up - Santa Ana. (11:30 p.m.)
• Aging as Art Exhibit opens - City of Newport Beach (All Day)
• National Letter of Intent Signing Day - Fall 2022 (General Events) - Placentia (7 a.m.)
• Vote Center In-Person - Huntington Beach Public Library (8 a.m.)

From my notebook:

• "BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! LYNCH CREEK HOLIDAY WREATH FUNDRAISER Yikes! It’s almost time for Thanksgiving!! Before all the holiday stress begins, pamper yourself – order a beautiful fall centerpiece or wreath from Lynch Creek." (German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County via Facebook)
• Ask questions: "'Do the research. Ask questions. Find someone doing what you are interested in! Be curious!' - Katherine Johnson (Mathematician, whose calculations were critical to the success of the first and subsequent U.S. crewed spaceflights)" (Girl Scouts of Orange County via Facebook)
• Picnic blankets: "When you think about picnics, it is almost impossible not to think of cute little woven baskets 😍 Shop baskets of different styles and sizes at your local." (Goodwill of Orange County via Facebook)
• Music in the Mornings: "Music in the Mornings featuring Wilma & the Wingers on Nov. 10 & Dec. 8 and The Good Tyme String Band on Nov.17 & Dec. 15 for a morning jam session for kids!" (South Orange Public Library via Instagram)

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Events:

• 4th Annual Coast Film & Music Festival November 9th - 13th (November 10)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (November 12)
• Art for a Smile: Paintings by Hue Nguyen (November 12)
• The Best of OC Holiday Boutique! (November 12)
• Learn to Watercolor! Paint a Pumpkin on Paper (November 12)
• Social Security Seminar at Anaheim Downtown Community Center (November 14)
• 2022 Dana Point Turkey Trot (November 24)
• Add your event

Thanks for following along and staying informed! 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