🌱 Central Park Playground Opens + New Short-Term Rental Rules

Get on up, Huntington Beach, and happy National Strawberry Ice Cream Day! Let's get you started this Saturday with everything you need to know going on around Huntington Beach today.

The Mayor cut the ribbon at the Central Park playground. Also, there will be some changes to short-term rentals. Finally, Melissa Murphy is painting a mural at the Civic Center.

First, today's weather:

A brief shower or two. High: 70 Low: 52.

Here are the top five stories in Huntington Beach today:

1. Barbara Delgleize was on hand Thursday for the ribbon cutting at the new playground in Central Park. It’s a “very big complex with plenty for the kids to do.” She called it a special place and urged residents to “bring the family and (make) it a day.” (Twitter)
2. The City announced Friday its newly adopted rules governing short-term rentals. If you’re thinking of renting out your property for fewer than 30 days, you need a city permit, remain on the property during the guests’ stay (unless you live in Sunset Beach), and pay $624 for the permit application after March 1. These rules apply citywide. (Surf City Break)
3. Melissa Murphy Arts is painting a new mural! She announced Thursday that there’s a “new mural starting today at the Huntington Beach Civic Center.” You can check out her work at Pedgo Bikes, Pacific City Mall, and the Sea Salt Kitchen. (FB, Melissa Murals)
4. Which counties have the highest numbers of COVID deaths? As of Thursday, Imperial County had the highest number with 448 “cumulative deaths per 100k.” On the other end of the spectrum is Napa County, with 79 deaths. Orange County ranks 18 of 50 with 186 “cumulative deaths per 100k.” (Newsbreak)
5. We learned Thursday that at the two-story home of 88-year-old Jack Carey, every day is Christmas. Seasonal music is on 365 days a year. “My home is my castle; I can do whatever I want,” he says. Carey started this décor trend after the death of his wife and just kept on going. His (grown) children have adjusted to their dad’s interior design. (OC Register/paywall)

Today in Huntington Beach:

• OCH Restoration at Huntington Beach Wetlands Conservancy at 21900 PCH (9 AM to 12 PM)
• Vision Day w/Torben Søndergaard at The Source of Life (1 PM to 5 PM)
• Freedom Boat Club hosts an Open House (2 PM to 5 PM)
• Speed Dating For Ages 24-38 at SOCIAL Huntington Beach (5:30 PM)
• Lachlan Patterson at The Rec Room (7 PM)

From my notebook:

• A Hopeview Track neighbor has an orange, adorable male kitten looking for a loving home; he is just over 8 weeks and potty-trained. (Nextdoor)
• Our Park Huntington neighbor is looking for recommendations for a good moving company. Need local first, then interstate. (Nextdoor)
• A kind Seabridge neighbor found a pit-mix puppy. Is it yours? (Nextdoor)
• Our Seacliff neighbor is looking for a good piano teacher who can come to their place to teach kids. (Nextdoor)
• A Huntington Harbour neighbor has high-end restaurant furniture and booths for sale. (Nextdoor)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday off right. I'll see you around!

— 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.