🌱 Sewage Closes Surfside, Sunset + Another Fake Bomb Threat

Happy Monday, Huntington Beach, and Happy National Fruitcake Toss Day! Let's start today off on an informed note, shall we? Here's everything you need to know today in Huntington Beach.

The fallout of the Dominguez Channel sewage spill continues to affect local beaches. Also, there was a fake bomb threat aimed at the MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center. Finally, the HB Art Center is gearing up for its annual exhibition.

First, today's weather:

Cool with periods of sun. High: 59 Low: 43.

Here are the top stories today in Huntington Beach:

1. Carson’s Dominguez Channel raw sewage spill is affecting more local beaches. On Sunday, we learned that Surfside Beach and Sunset Beach are now closed. Closures in Orange County will remain in effect until “testing of water samples shows bacteria levels are within state standards.” (KTLA)
2. Saturday started off with another fake bomb threat aimed at an OC hospital. The target was the MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills. You may remember that a similar threat was made on December 26. (NBC)
3. The HB Art Center is making plans for its largest annual exhibition. This 20-year tradition embraces artworks by “local, regional, and national artists.” Plan to see what is included this year by visiting the venue starting January 29 through March 5. (@huntingtonbeachartcenter)
4. Monday is the last day to submit a park name proposal to the City of Santa Ana. The space “at the northeast corner of Raitt and Myrtle streets” needs a name. What would you name this 1.18-acre parcel of land? (City of Santa Ana)
5. We learned Sunday that “Newport Beach’s City Hall, community centers and other spots will be mostly closed to the public beginning Jan. 3 amid the emergence of the highly contagious Omicron variant.” This means that non-city employees cannot enter the facilities. However, all city services will still be conducted either over the phone, online or through drop-off services. Will HB City Hall follow suit? (OC Register/paywall)

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Today in Huntington Beach:

• PSA/DNA Autograph Authentication in Santa Ana (12 PM)
• JumpStart Your 2022 via Facebook Live (6 PM)
• 2022 Calvary Chapel Missions Conference at the Calvary Chapel, Costa Mesa (6 PM)
• The Wayfarer presents The Freeks With Formula 400 (8 PM)

From my notebook:

• Join the HBFD Marine Safety Division! Lifeguard tryouts are coming up January 29th. (Instagram)
• A Whalers Cove neighbor is looking for a garage door company referral. (Nextdoor)
• An eagle-eyed Goldenwest Park neighbor found keys at HB Dog Beach on Saturday, 3:30 pm. (Nextdoor)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Monday off right! See you tomorrow morning for another update.

— 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.