🌱 'Devastating' Loss Of Principal + Ice Skating Guide + 20,000 Toys

Good morning, everybody! Paula Constance here, with your fresh copy of the Orange County Daily, full of everything you need to know today. Including:

• Students, staff grieve the death of Fountain Valley principal.
• Twenty thousand toys will be given to families in need.
• 2022-23 Orange County Ice Skating Guide.

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny. High: 64 Low: 44.

Here are the top stories in Orange County today:

1. Orange County is grieving the death of Newland Elementary School Principal Christopher Christensen. The Fountain Valley School District principal reportedly said in a recent Facebook post that he had been accused of domestic abuse and was put on administrative leave. Christensen, who was also a cellist and singer, according to a newspaper report, was "a respected leader in FVSD for over 20 years" who made "immeasurable" contributions to the community. "His passing leaves us devastated and heartbroken,” a statement on the Fountain Valley district website said. (Orange County Patch)
2. Twenty thousand families in need will have a happier Christmas this year! That's how many toys the nonprofit Families Together of Orange County hopes to give away. Organizers said the "The 18th Annual Christmas Together" event will take place on Sunday, Dec. 18. The event is free, and "over 30,000 registered residents will be a part of the joy-giving experience at the Anaheim Convention Center." Hams and Christmas dinners also will be given to attendees. "Only registered attendees will be allowed into the venue to partake in the event and receive toys." (Orange County Patch)
3. "Lace up your skates" and get ready to have fun at the many Orange County ice skating rinks that have popped up in Orange County and around Southern California this winter. Check out our Holiday, Ice Skating Rinks 2022-23 Guide: Orange County & SoCal (remember to confirm details, as information can change!): (Orange County Patch)

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Today in Orange County:

• "Live Nativity" Drive-Thru & Walk-Thru 2022: FCCHB, First Christian Church, Huntington Beach (6 p.m.)
• Tanaka Farms produce boxes pick up - LR (11:30 p.m.)
• Instrumental Winter Concert - Gellatly (All Day)
• National Pearl Harbor Day of Remembrance (All Day)
• Holiday Lights Contest - City of Laguna Niguel Parks and Recreation (All Day)

From my notebook:

• REAL ID delayed: "The identification requirements were expected to kick in this coming spring. But they will be delayed another two years. That’s another 883 days away." (Orange County Register via Facebook)
• Holiday Giving event: "This Saturday is the day for our 6th Annual OCPBR Holiday Giving Event!!We’ll be celebrating at Pet Supply Warehouse Anaheim Hills, and hope to see you all there! We are collecting much needed supplies for the homeless shelter animals." (Orange County Pit Bull Rescue via Facebook)
• Light of Love: "Thank you to all the girls/troops/volunteers, who participated in representing the Girl Scouts of Orange County at Huntington Beach's, Light a Light of Love Pier Lightening parade this past Sunday." (Girl Scouts of Orange County via Facebook
• Now hiring! "📢NOW HIRING📢 We’re looking for a talented new team member to join our team at ShopGoodwill.com as an E-Commerce Clerk III Specialist! This individual has 💡excellent knowledge💡 of trending music genres, along with alternative music." (Goodwill of Orange County via Facebook)
• Court Appointed Special Advocates are appreciated: "We celebrate and applaud the work of our 11,000+ CASA volunteers around the state on International Volunteer Day and every day! We appreciate your dedication to children in foster care. #Gratitude #InternationalVolunteerDay." (CASA of Orange County - Court Appointed Special Advocates via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

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• Add your business here

Events:

• United in Light (December 10)
• Ballet Etudes presents The Nutcracker (December 11)
• VAPE AWARENESS with Dr. Timothy Fong (December 12)
• Christmas City Markets- Festival of Lights (December 15)
• Christmas Eve Candlelight Service (December 24)
• Add your event

Announcements:

• Spa Gregorie's Gift Certificate Sale! (Details)
• Add your announcement

You're officially in the loop for today! 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