🌱 Supervisors Cancel Green Energy Deal + Closed Train Delays Travel

Hello and happy Thursday! It's Paula Constance, and I'm back in your inbox this morning to walk you through all the most important things happening in Orange County today. In this edition, you'll learn about...

• Oil companies will clean up contamination in O.C. conservation area.
• Closed Amtrak coastal route causes holiday travel delays.
• County cancels deal with Green Energy Agency.
• 94-year-old woman is still missing.

But first, today's weather:

Sunshine and patchy clouds. High: 70 Low: 47.

Here are the top stories today in Orange County:

1. Aera Energy will be a key player to clean up oil wells and contamination in a recent Orange County land conservation deal. Aera Energy LLC, a Bakersfield oil production company, will "play a key role" in the cleanup of the 387-acre former petroleum site that will become an Orange County nature preserve with views of the Pacific Ocean. About half of the nearly $100 million cost was paid out of state taxpayer money and calls for Aera and two other oil companies to spend about $14 million to cap 13 idle oil wells, clean up contaminated soil and invest another $2 million to restore 20 acres of habitat. (The Bakersfield Californian)
2. The San Diego to Orange County Amtrak route, which closed September 22 after a storm caused a cliff under the tracks to become unstable, is impacting holiday travel. Officials said the San Diego to San Clemente train route is still blocked for travel as emergency work continues. Amtrak bus service, which replaced the train service between Oceanside and Irvine "is adding an extra hour" of travel time, travelers told Fox5 news. (FOX 5 San Diego)
3. O.C. Supervisors "pulled the plug" on the embattled Green Energy Agency over transparency concerns at their Tuesday meeting, and said they will seek out another agency for Fullerton, Buena Park, Irvine and Huntington Beach, which were set to begin receiving clean energy power at the end of 2023. A majority of supervisors "expressed concerns" that the O.C. Power Authority would improve transparency. Orange County Supervisor Lisa Bartlett, commenting on Agency CEO Brian Probolsky's answer to lingering questions said, "They weren’t answers." (Voice of OC)
4. The search for a missing 94-year-old woman continues in Orange County. "Shirley 'Jean' Airth was last seen leaving her home on foot at around 5 p.m. Sunday in the 32000 block of Via Buena," the California Highway Patrol said. Airth lives with her family and "is known for going out for walks," said Orange County sheriff's Sgt. Scott Steinle."Our concern is she could be a great distance from her residence," he added. (Orange County Patch)

Today in Orange County:

• Tis the Season for Chicken Love - Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce (All Day)
• NFL Game Days at The Crack Shack - Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce (All Day)
• Kiwanis Club of Placentia Weekly meeting (7:15 AM)
• Anne's Treasures - Silk Painting - Santa Ana (10 AM)
• Timeless Melodies: Popular Christmas Songs - Santa Ana (1:30 PM)
• Hawaiian Christmas Concert with Jim Kimo West - Fullerton (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Tell kids what to do if they become separated from you: "If you plan on shopping with your children, make sure to talk to them and explain what to do if they become separated from you 👨‍👩‍👦." (Orange County Sheriff's Department, CA via Facebook)
• Dog lovers, volunteer! "Are you a dog lover in the SoCal area? We want you to join us in 2023! Become a volunteer for the German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County. There are many important volunteer roles to choose from: 🐶 Take the orphans for walks. 🐶 Bake go..." (German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County via Facebook)
• Trauma volunteer training academy: "Our amazing partners at the Trauma Intervention Program (TIP) start a new volunteer training academy in January. TIP Orange County is looking for compassionate individuals to be part of a team that genuinely makes a difference." (Orange County Fire Authority via Facebook)
• Holidays are hard on the homeless: "The holidays can be an incredibly tough time for homeless families in our community, but we want to offer them a place to find rest, encouragement, and the promise of a brighter future. Will you partner with us?" (Orange County Rescue Mission via Facebook)
• North County events newsletter: "🗣 Recreation in Orange County is our monthly e-newsletter delivered straight to your inbox. Get reminders for registration deadlines, special events, and more. Sign up at link in bio. #ocncrec" (Orange County (NC) Recreation via Instagram)

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You're officially in the loop for today. I'll see you soon!

— Paula Constance

About me: Paula is a contributing writer, author, and award-winning 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 and Instagram.

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