🌱 Wealthy Newport Trucking Owner Jailed + Tree Lightings, See Santa

Hello, friends! I'm back in your inbox this morning with everything you need to know about what's happening in Orange County today. Today's issue includes news about:

• Wealthy Newport Beach trucking company owner jailed for explosion, fraud.
• University buys high-demand apartments in Anaheim.
• Tree lightings, see St. Nick, ornament-making, Dec. 1.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly cloudy, cool and misty. High: 62 Low: 54.

Here are the top stories in Orange County today:

1. A Newport Beach "trucking company magnate" was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for a fatal explosion, fraud and tax evasion. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Carl Bradley Johansson, 64, ordered welders to illegally repair the company's tanks that later exploded, killing an employee, illegally used COVID-19 funds, and committed tax fraud. Find out more about this story here: (Orange County Patch)
2. Apartments are in high demand in Orange County, but 800 more Chapman University students may have an apartment in Anaheim. The university recently purchased Anavia Apartments for $160 million, adding 800 beds for students. The new residence hall will be named Chapman Court, officials said. The purchase was part of the university's plan to house 50 percent of its undergraduate students on campus. (CoStar Group)
3. Attend a tree lighting with holiday cheer, music performances and more, to start the holiday season! A tree will sparkle with Christmas cheer at a tree-lighting ceremony on Thursday, Dec. 1, at 6:30 p.m. at the Brea Civic Cultural Center. Or join in the 5th Annual "All Is Bright" holiday celebration at the Aliso Viejo Town Center, from 5 p.m.-8 p.m. on Dec. 1 for "holiday cheer, train rides, ornament making, a visit from jolly ole St. Nick" and, of course, a 22-foot tree lighting. Also on Dec. 1, at Balboa Bay Resort in Newport Beach, you can attend the Holiday Hullabaloo' Christmas Tree Lighting & Musical Review starting at 6 p.m. Find out more here: (Orange County Patch)

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Today in Orange County:

• Tree-Lighting Holiday Ceremony & Santa 2022 - Brea (6:30 p.m.)
• Santa Ana Dance Festival Performance (O. Gonzalez) (All Day)
• Letters to Santa - City of Laguna Niguel Parks and Recreation (8 a.m.)
• Play Canasta: Dana Point Library - El Toro Branch Library (4 p.m.)
• Family Fun at Central Library - Anaheim Public Library - Children's Programs (5 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Mr. Shadow: "AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION Say hello to Mr. Shadow. One look at his face and your heart just kinda melts, doesn't it? This 6 year old fella is ready to find a new family to love. He has not been around children but an adult only home would b..." (German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County via Facebook)
• Bowl named after Christian Pulisic: "The Newport Beach restaurant chain has a bowl named after Christian Pulisic, who scored the winning goal against Iran." (Orange County Register via Facebook)
• Now hiring: "Join us this Friday at the Placentia #OCGoodwill store for our hiring event! Share this post with friends and family 🙌" (Goodwill of Orange County via Facebook)

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Events:

• Preparing for Divorce in 2023 – Vesta Irvine, CA Hub (December 2)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (December 5)
• Taxes in Retirement Webinar (December 6)
• Christmas City Markets- Festival of Lights (December 15)
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Announcements:

• Spa Gregorie's Gift Certificate Sale! (Details)
• Spa Gregorie's Gift Certificate Sale (Details)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday off right! See you tomorrow for 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