🌱 Secret Negotiations? + Mountain Lion Visits Mission Viejo Lake

Morning, neighbors; today is World Tuberculosis Day! Sylvia here with a fresh issue of the Huntington Beach Daily.

Are critics correct in stating that the Orange County Power Authority and Poseidon Water are meeting in secret? Also, mountain lions are visiting. Finally, is Sheriff Don Barnes too cozy with ICE?

First, today's weather:

Warm with plenty of sun. High: 76 Low: 54.

Here are the top five stories today in Huntington Beach:

1. Do you remember when the Orange County Power Authority and Poseidon Water agreed that the desalination plant “would use 100% renewable energy?” We learned Wednesday that the agreement “does not obligate the parties to enter into an agreement or customer relationship.” Critics are now pointing to another agreement clause that says both parties have to meet monthly “and required the signing of a non-disclosure agreement for their negotiations.” Did they find a loophole to meet in secret? “Mike Posey, the agency’s representative for Huntington Beach, declined to comment, referring reporters to his comments in the press release that didn’t address the question on what there was to negotiate, but praised the agreement.” (Voice of OC)
2. A mountain lion visited a residential neighborhood along Lake Mission Viejo. The big cat took an interest in some pool toys that looked like fish. It then trotted to the lake, jumped in, and swam away. “Deputies at the scene Saturday assumed that the mountain lion made it to shore near the Mallorca Condominiums. . . . Animal control officials advised people in the area of the lake to avoid going on walks alone, especially when it is dark out. Children should stay within reach of an adult and pets should be kept on a leash.” (The OCR/paywall)
3. Sheriff Don Barnes is under fire. Critics claimed Tuesday that he was able “to transfer the most amount of people over to ICE in 2019, 2020 and 2021.” Orange County supervisors did not weigh in. The Sheriff explains that he’s following state law “that allows sheriffs to give immigration authorities a heads-up about the release of inmates who meet specific criteria.” It is interesting to note that “ICE did not pick up half of the 143 inmates made available to them last year.” (Voice of OC)
4. If you live in a hillside home, would you know how to get up or down the steep slope? A Great Dane fell down the hill that its owner’s home was built on and couldn’t get up. The owner went after the dog and got trapped, too. “Orange County Fire Authority crews were able to rescue the pair” on Wednesday. (ABC)
5. The City expects to fully launch its food waste collection program by fall. On Monday, the City offered tips for in-house scrap management that would not lead to smells. Examples include a container with a tight-fitting lid or a resealable bag in the fridge or freezer until trash day. (Surf City Break)

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Today in Huntington Beach:

• Men’s Morning Prayer at First Christian Church (6 AM)
• Basic Machine Guide Class at Moore's Sewing & Vacuum (10 AM)
• Secrets To Charging Higher Prices As A Coach (online) (10 AM)
• Bolsa Chica Gun Club Historical Walking Tour at the Bolsa Chica Conservancy (3 PM)
• Secret Beer Garden Standup Comedy Jam at the Old World Village (8 PM)

From my notebook:

• This time of the year, wildflowers carpet Huntington Beach's landscapes from Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve to Huntington Central Park, creating stunning and colorful views. (Facebook)
• Congratulations to Valley Vista’s Erik Estrada who was awarded as a Huntington Beach Union High School District Classified Employee of the Year by the Orange County Department of Education. (Facebook)
• A Hopeview Track neighbor needs someone who does balloon arches/display for a children's birthday parties. (Nextdoor)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday off right! I'll see you around.

— 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.