🌱 Where To Donate Blood + Tony Roman’s At It Again + HBPD Serves

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

The Red Cross wants your blood. Also, restaurateur Tony Roman continues to spread his message. Finally, the HBPD served Thanksgiving meals.

First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and very warm. High: 79 Low: 50.

Here are the top stories today in Huntington Beach:

1. The American Red Cross interrupted Thanksgiving Day with the announcement that there’s a “blood and platelet shortage." That Thursday warning sounded as “low blood donor turnout in recent months” is putting the blood supply in jeopardy. In Huntington Beach, there are several opportunities for you to donate. On Monday, there’s a drive at Crunch Fitness, 5894 Edinger Avenue. On 12-3, there’s one at the HB Masonic Center, 601 Palm Avenue. On 12-8, head to the HBPD at 2000 Main Street. Finally, there’s one on 12-15 at HB Hospital, 17772 Beach Boulevard. (OC Breeze)
2. Referring to it as “a little Huntington Beach political attitude,” KTLA reported on Monday about a Venice Beach anti-vaccine banner. It reads, “Leave the Vax, Take the Cannoli,” and targets audiences along the boardwalk. This message comes from Tony Roman, who also uses his Basilico’s Pasta e Vino restaurant to spread his message. (KTLA)
3. The HBPD spent Thanksgiving handing out meals. The PD partnered with Buon Gusto, Restaurant Depot, & HB Auto Dealers to make it happen. Assembly Member Janet Nguyen was there, too! (@HBPoliceDept)
4. If you went last-minute shopping Wednesday, you were most likely greeted by long lines and traffic jams in mall parking lots. Polly’s Pies and the HoneyBaked Ham on Beach Boulevard were among the most popular locales. In addition to higher prices, some shoppers came to realize that the wildfires have impacted choices at the supermarkets. (CBS)
5. If you want to go ice skating, you will find that the rink opens today! You have until January 2 to visit 325 PCH. It costs $15, and you can rent skates for another $5. (Surf City USA)

From our sponsors:

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Today in Huntington Beach:

• Jay's Fun - Day After Thanksgiving - Beach Bike Ride! 21400 Magnolia Street (11 a.m.)
• Kundalini Yoga, Gong and Celestial Communication Meditation at Seventh Chakra Yoga, 19171 Magnolia Street (11 a.m.)
• Coats for Kids & Supplies for Shelter Animals Donation Drive at 5 Points Plaza, 18593 Main Street (12 p.m.)
• Cool Yule at Pacific City, 21010 PCH (3 p.m.)
• Yuletide Carolers at Bella Terra, 7777 Edinger Avenue (5 p.m.)

Huntington Beach Patch Notebook

• Visit Huntington Beach: From holiday sandcastles that will make your jaw drop to beautiful lit-up trees and lights, there are eight amazing decorations in Huntington Beach that you should check out this holiday season. (Facebook)

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Alrighty, you're all good for today! See you tomorrow for another update. If you're enjoying these newsletters, consider bringing some more 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. She loves dogs, cats, books, plays Best Fiends (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? I'm all ears. You can contact me at huntingtonbeach-ca@patch.com.