🌱 Dead Birds, Fish + Ship Gridlock + Free Decontamination

Get on up, Huntington Beach! It's Thursday, so let's get you started with everything you need to know going on today in Huntington Beach.

The spill might have been smaller than anticipated, but wildlife is suffering. Also, some wonder if the port gridlock is to blame for the damage to the pipeline. Finally, boat owners can get their vessels decontaminated.

First, today's weather:

Nice with plenty of sun. High: 74 Low: 59.

Here are the top stories today in Huntington Beach:

1. While only nine dead fish have been recovered in the aftermath of the oil spill, the birds were not so lucky. The Oiled Wildlife Care Network noted that it recovered 73 birds so far. Of these, 45 died. (KFI)
2. Is the gridlock at the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles to blame for the oil spill? Shipping lanes are congested and ships are anchoring around the coastline. Is it possible that cargo ships have had to drop anchors too close to oil pipelines and platforms to maintain their spaces in line? Factor in the high winds we had early this year, and it makes sense that a ship could have drifted over the pipeline. (The Lewiston Tribune)
3. Are you one of the boat owners whose vessels got oiled from the spill? There will be FREE decontamination stations where the 200-or-so boats involved can go and clean up. One of the stations will also be in Newport. (CBS)
4. Remember when the California Association of Realtors was upset that a 48-unit mixed-income condo project was rejected? It sponsored Californians for Homeownership, a non-profit, which went to court to fight for the development that would have been in place near Ellis Avenue and Beach Boulevard. Well, the association won in court. “After the court's decision, the city will finally be required to live up to its own housing plans for the Beach Boulevard corridor,” the group’s attorney noted. (KKTV)
5. The hunt for the ship responsible for anchoring too close to the pipeline continues. “It's about finding somebody who's going to pay for the cleanup,” an attorney noted. The Coast Guard has already checked out two ships. There, they inspect anchors, review captains’ logs, check voyage data recorders, and interview crew members. The attorney also noted that it may only be necessary to show negligence, such as anchoring outside an assigned space, which is enough for a conviction. (Newsweek)

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Today in Huntington Beach:

• Pre-School Storytime - Huntington Beach Public Library (10:00 AM)
• Friends of Shipley Nature Center Board (3:30 PM)
• Literacy Board Meeting - Huntington Beach Public Library (7:00 PM)
• HBHS MUN (Board Meeting) (Events) - Huntington Beach High (7:00 PM)
• Board Meeting - Westminster School District (7:00 PM)

Huntington Beach Patch Notebook

• Visit Huntington Beach: While a picture may be worth a thousand words, HB only needs three: Do Not Disturb. Get yourself a delicious cocktail today and relax. (Instagram)
• Huntington Beach Fire Dept.: The 501st couldn’t recruit Chief Scott Haberle to the dark side. Don’t forget to come out and see all they have to offer the community. (Instagram)
• City of Huntington Beach: As the City continues to work with federal, state and regional partners on the oil spill response, visit the website for the latest updates. (Instagram)
• Huntington Beach Art Center: When you purchase a piece from the Surf City Arts Fest Pop-Up shop, not only are you getting a one-of-a-kind fine artwork, but you are supporting the local community and artists like Phil Hunter. (Instagram)

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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with a new update! If you're into these newsletters, consider bringing some friends and neighbors along for the ride. 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.