🌱 No Evidence Of Manse Arson + DJM Capital Buys Magnolia & Adams

Happy Sunday, neighbors; today is the First Day of Spring! Let's get you all caught up on what's happening locally to start today off on an informed note.

How did the manse fire ignite? Also, a shopping center changed hands. Finally, are you hip to the Beef Palace Butcher Shop?

First, today's weather:

Some clouds, then sunshine. High: 69 Low: 51.

Here are the top five stories in Huntington Beach today:

1. A report emerged Friday that the fire at the manse, “one of the country’s oldest, intact Japanese American settlements,” was not arson. The City said that “investigators had found no evidence of a hate crime or arson and ‘have no reason to believe the fire was intentionally set’.” That said, officials did not offer a conclusion about the fire’s origin; however, they “noted that someone may have been living on the property, which is owned by Republic Services.” They refer to a “local known transient" who was seen leaving after the blaze. (LAist)
2. We learned Wednesday that DJM Capital, which, among other things, owns Bella Terra, “closed on four neighborhood centers” that will now also be part of its portfolio. In HB, the group acquired Magnolia & Adams at 9062 Adams Avenue. “Well located, outdoor, daily needs retail has continued to outperform expectations across all of DJM’s portfolio,” the senior VP of investments explained. (Chain Store Age)
3. On Wednesday, the Beef Palace Butcher Shop received a well-deserved write-up. Referring to it as “a throwback to another era, oozing old-school vibes with tall glass display cases of beautifully marbled meat and warm, wood-paneled walls,” the writers consider it a hidden gem. This is of particular interest because the shop works through word-of-mouth advertising and a “minimal digital footprint.” (Surf City USA)
4. We’re number 88 (out of 230)! At least that’s what statisticians say when it comes to being one of the safest cities in California. The “safest cities reported violent and property crime rates below state, regional, and US rates.” The safest city was Danville. At the bottom of the list was Oakland. HB slid down from last year’s #74 spot. (Safe Wise)
5. The 34th Annual Classic Car Show is gearing up for its big event on April 30. While it might still be a month away, the Seal Beach tradition will once again “showcase more than 530 classic cars, hot rods, custom cars, antiques, and local public officials.” In addition to cars, there will be two stages and the Seal Beach Lion’s Club serving a pancake breakfast and hot dog lunch at the foot of the pier. (Sun News)

Today in Huntington Beach:

• Supercars By The Sea at Huntington State Beach (7 AM to 10 AM)
• Beatles Champagne Brunch at the Kobe Steakhouse & Lounge (10:30 AM)
• Mazda CX-50 Sneak Peek at Huntington Beach Mazda (11 AM to 5 PM)
• Hollywood Pet Costume Contest & Parade at Old World Village (1:45 PM)
• Barbara Morrill Spring Piano Recital at the Huntington Beach Public Library (6 PM)

From my notebook:

• Our Lochlea Ln neighbor is looking for a handyman to install and build garage cabinets. (Nextdoor)
• A Suburbia Park neighbor needs a good vet for an English Bulldog with allergies. (Nextdoor)
• A Newland neighbor is having a Hawaiian themed 25th Birthday for their daughter on Friday, March 25th at 6pm. Does anyone have any good ideas or suggestions to make her party perfect? (Nextdoor)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Sunday! See you tomorrow for your next 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.