🌱 SantaCon Descends Upon LES + Rise In Self-Defense Training

Happy Saturday, Lower East Side-Chinatown! I am your host, Patrick Murray, bringing you the three top stories from the neighborhood today.

First, today's weather:

Scattered showers with a high of 64 and a low of 45.

Here are the top stories today in Lower East Side-Chinatown:

1. The controversial 2021 SantaCon will commence at 10 a.m. this Saturday morning. Costumed participants will crowd the East Village and Lower East Side with holiday chaos. (Bowery Boogie)
2. Self-defense classes have become common in Manhattan's Chinatown as anti-Asian crimes remain a nationwide issue. The number of anti-Asian crimes increased significantly with the onset of the pandemic, and they have not subsided. Many Asian American residents of not only New York City, but across the country have sought professional training in order to defend themselves. (NBC4 Washington)
3. Over 11 million oysters were added to the Hudson River in Lower Manhattan. The increased population of mollusks is intended to help support marine life and strengthen the river's health. Oysters are known to provide marine habitats with a bevy of ecological benefits. (Patch)

Today in Lower East Side-Chinatown:

• "Last and First Men," a screening at The Metrograph. (1 p.m.)
• The Whit Dickey Trio bringing us afternoon jazz at Nublu. (3:30 p.m.)
• "Sorry For Your Loss," a comedy show hosted by Michael Cruz Kane at The Comedy Bureau. (4 p.m.)
• Jesse Malin & Friends bring you their annual holiday benefit concert at the Bowery Ballroom. (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Everything Bagel was the first cat rescued from a terrible hoarding situation and given care at Animal Haven. (Facebook)
• Santa is making his annual stop at the Grand St. Settlement at 60 Essex St. today at 2 p.m. (Facebook)
• The Lower East Side Ecology Center have been doing fantastic educational work all year, consider donating to help our community! (Facebook)

From our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Super Duper Furniture Warehouse Liquidation Sale (December 11)
• Holiday Tales at the Castle at Sands Point Preserve (December 12)
• Big Apple Circus is NOW OPEN in New York City! (December 12)
• Success Academy Union Square - Prospective Family Virtual Info Session/Tour (December 16)
• Dec. 16: Victorian Carol Sings with Two 19th Century Pipe Organs! (December 16)
• Dec. 17: Victorian Carol Sings with Two 19th Century Pipe Organs! (December 17)
• Add your event

Announcements:

• Behind The Scoreboard — Ed Sullivan’s Huge Lesson For The World (Details)
• Add your announcement

Loving the Lower East Side-Chinatown Daily? Here are all the ways you can get more involved:

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• Send me a news tip or suggestion at lowereastside@patch.com

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. See you all tomorrow morning for another update!

— Patrick Murray