🌱 Drugs Close To Peterson Elementary? + Virtual Marriage Service

Happy Friday, people of Huntington Beach, and happy National Dress Up Your Pet Day! Here's everything you need to know about what's happening around town today.

What are the little blue pills a neighbor turned over to the police? Also, you can now get hitched online. Finally, the HBPD is actively working a murder case dating back to 2014.

First, today's weather:

Mostly cloudy. High: 68 Low: 57.

Here are the top five stories today in Huntington Beach:

1. Is there a drug house across the street from Peterson Elementary? A neighbor complained Tuesday that they found pills, which caused the PD to open a narcotics investigation. The neighbor said the pills “looked like little blue candies dispersed through the grass.” At this time, the HBPD has not confirmed if the pills were fentanyl. For many neighbors, this house had already been on their radar because there are “people coming and going from the home at all hours of the night” and there were “burnt out foil packets” in the street. (CBS)
2. The OC Clerk/Recorder announced Thursday that the office now provides virtual marriage services. Citing concerns about crowding in the office during the surge of COVID-19 cases, couples may make appointments for a virtual ceremony Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. "It gives me great pleasure to be able to serve couples who need to take extra precautions during these times of uncertainty," said the Clerk/Recorder. (Patch)
3. The HBPD is offering a $5,000 reward for information having to do with the 2014 murder of a 44-year-old man. The murder took place in the 200 block of Memphis Avenue. We learned Wednesday that the HBPD interviewed more than 100 people, but never made an arrest. When a new witness came forward, detectives began actively working the case again. Please contact the HBPD Tip Line at 714-375-5066. (HB News)
4. City of Hope HB is now welcoming patients at 19671 Beach Boulevard. After picking up the keys on Wednesday, it offers Saturday appointments. “At City of Hope, we are always keeping in our minds and heart ‘The Hippocratic Oath’ – putting the patient first, always,” said the OC medical director. (HB News)
5. Lawry’s Carvery at South Coast Plaza will close on Monday. The venue had been there since 2002. “Our lease ended in South Coast Plaza, and we are working on the creation of a new casual concept from Lawry’s. We look forward to rejoining the community with an all new brand later this year,” a spokesperson explained. The space will not remain vacant for long. Populaire, a “modern bistro with French influences,” is already waiting to open up. (OC Register)

From our sponsor:

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Today in Huntington Beach:

• The Mighty Mutts of OC meet at Kathy May's (1 PM to 3 PM)
• Open Studio at Pinot's Palette (3 PM to 5 PM)
• The Circle OC features JUNGLE CAKES Night (9 PM)
• HEAT Ultra Lounge presents Rewind Fridays (10 PM)
• Buffalo Club Fridays (10 PM)

From my notebook:

• A Bushard Park neighbor says Lucci's Deli (Adams/Magnolia) has the best croutons they ever had. Like biting a crispy, savory cloud — so light but crunchy. (Nextdoor)
• Our Sowers Park neighbor is looking for 1969-1970s Edison High School football photos. They are expanding on the football program's history and looking for old photos of the original weight room, makeshift weights that were used, or anything else. (Nextdoor)
• A kind NE Huntington Beach neighbor announces cat and kitten adoptions this weekend at Petsmart Santa Ana, 2140 E. - 17th St (Nextdoor)
• Another kind North Downtown HB neighbor is fostering a senior female dog that needs to have her teeth cleaned and, while anesthetized, to have her nails trimmed. Can you recommend a good vet for this procedure? Affordability is a factor. (Nextdoor)
• A Center neighbor is looking for a couple of Mariachi members to play for just 1/2 hour to 45 minutes for a Celebration of Life on Wednesday, January 26th around 12:30 pm. (Nextdoor)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Friday! See you all 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.