🌱 3.5 Earthquake Felt In HB + Basilico's 'No Masks Allowed' Rule

Welcome back, Huntington Beach, and happy National Cheese Lover’s Day! Here's everything you need to know to get this Thursday started.

There was an earthquake near Idyllwild that could be felt in HB. Basilico's Pasta e Vino Italian Restaurant doubles down on forbidding masks on its premises. The Children’s Bureau is looking for foster families.

First, today's weather:

Sunny and comfortable. High: 74 Low: 50.

Here are the top stories today in Huntington Beach:

1. Did you feel it? There was a 3.5 magnitude earthquake on Tuesday evening around 11:40 p.m. outside Idyllwild. “It was felt as far south as San Diego County, as far west as Huntington Beach and Palmdale, as far north as San Bernardino.” (CBS)
2. Basilico's Pasta e Vino Italian Restaurant at 21501 Brookhurst Street is an outspoken critic of mask mandates. On Tuesday, the business doubled down by reminding patrons of its “No Masks Allowed” policy. With the state requiring that businesses provide employees with medical-grade masks, the company fired back with a notice that “customers are not allowed inside the restaurant wearing a mask, period.” (FB)
3. There is a call for foster families. A Zoom orientation presentation from the Children’s Bureau takes place today, Thursday, January 20, from 4 PM to 5 PM. “Children’s Bureau welcomes every individual regardless of race, age, religion, disability, marital status, ethnic background, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression to become a resource for children.” (HBN)
4. The Newport Beach PD has its first female K9! We learned Wednesday that her name is Goose, and she is a Slovak Malinois. Goose has been paired with Officer De Julio, who joined the Canine Unit in August of last year. (@NewportBeachPD)
5. Did you know that Huntington Beach has a wide array of murals? The art is a direct reflection of the City’s attitude. A Monday feature highlights the Poets Table at Main & PCH, Rescue Plaza at 21073 PCH, and Kobe Bryant in a parking lot at 417 Main Street. (Surf City USA)

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Today in Huntington Beach:

• Costa Mesa Certified Farmer's Market (9 AM to 1 PM)
• Happy Hour at Off The Wall Social (4 PM to 7 PM)
• Thursday Night Trivia at Hangar 24 (7 PM)
• Nice Bits! Comedy Competition at The Rec Room (7:30 PM)
• The Circle OC presents Electronic Thursdays (9 PM)

From my notebook:

• A North Downtown HB neighbor is looking for a babysitter for a nine YO on an ongoing basis Sat 11AM-approximately 7:25 PM and Sun 11AM- approximately 4:30 PM. Meals are provided and pay is competitive. (Nextdoor)
• Our Irby Park Tract neighbor is looking for a reasonably priced architect. (Nextdoor)
• A South of Hamilton neighbor wants you to support Girl Scouts and pre-order your Girl Scout cookies. (Nextdoor)
• A Center neighbor is missing their cat. It got out right around the Bella Terra / Old World area. He has no collar on. (Nextdoor)

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Alrighty, you're all good for today! I'll see you soon.

— Sylvia Cochran

About me: Sylvia Cochran works out of sunny Southern California and has been freelance writing full-time since 2005. She loves dogs, cats, books, plays Best Fiends (don't judge), embraces social justice, and tries to live out Micah 6:8.