🌱 COVID Rate’s Up + No Cell Phones After Big One + Patrol Boats

Get on up, Huntington Beach! Here's everything you need to know to get this Monday started off right.

The numbers are back above 200 hospitalizations in the OC. Did you know that cell phones will most likely be worthless after the big one? Also, why were patrol boats unable to find the first indications of the oil spill?

First, today's weather:

Cloudy, cool; p.m. downpours. High: 68 Low: 54.

Here are the top stories today in Huntington Beach:

1. The OC’s COVID-19 hospitalizations are going up again. Back above 200, “OC had 20.5% of its ICU beds available and 72% of its ventilators as of Friday.” The county’s deputy health officer notes that “most of those who died in September were unvaccinated, and the same trend is true for those who are hospitalized.” (My News L.A.)
2. Did you participate in the Great ShakeOut Day? Is one of your plans to use your cell phone for help and connection with loved ones? Think again. Projections suggest that in case of a “big one,” “93 percent of all cell phones would fail – possibly for weeks.” Dr. Lucy Jones notes that includes the ability to text. (CBS)
3. Why were patrol boats unable to respond quickly to the first chatter about a possible oil spill? The harbor patrol supposedly picked up reports an hour before the Coast Guard. With sunset not occurring until 6:36 PM, and first reports coming in at 5:30 PM, why did they not see what other boaters did? (Spectrum News 1)
4. Are you wondering where you should head for a great lunch or dinner in HB? The critics did the legwork for you and identified seven restaurants you may not yet know. They are newcomers to the local food scene, but already deliver the goods. And yes, it includes the new vegan eatery on Main Street. (Surf City USA)

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Today in Huntington Beach:

• Red Ribbon Week (Activities) - Ocean View High (9:00 AM)
• HBHS Field Hockey/Lacrosse Fundraiser (Christmas trees, Swag, Garland Orders) (Events) (9:00 AM)
• HBHS Basketball, G. Fundraiser (Rubio's) (Events) (2:00 PM)

Huntington Beach Patch Notebook

• Cal State: Are you a California resident 60 years of age or older? Do you want to take state-supported classes at a CSU school? Your tuition could be FREE! (Cal State)

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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow with a new update! If you're liking these newsletters, consider bringing some of your friends and neighbors on board. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— Sylvia Cochran

About me: Sylvia Cochran works out of sunny Southern California and has been freelance writing full-time since 2005. Her SEO-optimized internet copy includes social media marketing projects and German to English business translations. She loves dogs, cats, books, plays Fishdom (don't judge), embraces social justice, and tries to live out Micah 6:8.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Huntington Beach Daily? You can email me at huntingtonbeach-ca@patch.com.