🌱 Bait For Catalytic Converter Thieves + #NoLAinOC Makes Waves

Happy Tuesday, neighbors, and happy National Winnie the Pooh Day! Here's everything you need to know going on today.

Costa Mesa is looking to catch catalytic converter thieves in the act. Also, Todd Spitzer’s #NoLAinOC hashtag is not going over well in L.A. Finally, the commercial diver’s body was recovered.

First, today's weather:

Mostly cloudy. High: 64 Low: 54.

Here are the top five stories in Huntington Beach today:

1. With catalytic converter theft becoming a regular topic of discussion on NextDoor, Cost Mesa law enforcement has employed a new tactic. We learned Sunday that the PD began a “bait program.” Monitored cars are parked throughout the city and designed to “catch thieves in the act.” And yes, the PD “erected digital signs warning of the bait cars.” (KTLA)
2. Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer is running for reelection. His campaign-featured hashtag #NoLAinOC is now causing an uproar, we learned Sunday. The L.A. Times wrote a scathing response, referring to it as “juvenile,” “weak-salsa,” and sounding “like a racist dog whistle.” Spitzer countered that Orange County had the lowest rate of net migration of any CA county because people appreciate what he’s fighting for. (L.A. Times)
3. Sunday’s search for a missing commercial diver had a sad ending. Rescue crews focused their search on the area around an oil platform off HB. They located the body “at a depth of about 250 feet around 3 p.m.” (KTLA)
4. Fr. Dennis Kriz is once again commemorating the people who died in Orange County “without fixed abode.” The St. Philip Benizi Catholic Church pastor announced the names and cities of the 35 individuals who died in December on Monday. Huntington Beach lost Dennis Sommers, who died on December 20. (Local OC News)
5. Have you visited Walt’s Wharf on Main Street in Seal Beach? We learned Thursday that it celebrated its 50th anniversary last year. The owner credits the “consistent, daily outpour of support and gratitude from all of the regulars” for being able to stay in business. (Sun News)

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Today in Huntington Beach:

• The Center at Founders Village offers Community Legal Aide access for OC seniors over the age of 60 (9:15 AM to 12 PM)
• Lead Generation Masterclass (online) (12 PM to 2 PM)
• UCI presents a CTE Mini-Seminar With Zakiyyah Iman Jackson (3 PM to 5 PM)
• The Amazing Comedy Theater offers Intro To Standup Comedy - 6-Week Course (6 PM)
• Cheat Day Tuesday at The Circle OC (9 PM)

From my notebook:

• A kind Deane Garden Homes neighbor is wondering if anyone knows if animal shelters take sleeping bags/ towels and blankets? (Nextdoor)
• Our Harbor Pines neighbor is looking for a new bank for their personal banking. No BofA or online-only banks. (Nextdoor)
• A Dutch Haven America neighbor says Girl Scout Cookie Pre-Orders are now available! Contactless local delivery starts 1/30/22. They'll have the new Adventurefuls, a new indulgent brownie inspired cookie with caramel crème and sea salt. (Nextdoor)
• A Lake Park neighbor reports at coyote pack sighting at 10:00 pm, Adams and 17th Street. (Nextdoor)

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That's it for today! See you tomorrow 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.