Cloudy Afternoon, Marina del Rey Resident Among Ponzi Victims and Blog for Patch

Today is Oct. 18. It is the 291st day of the year. We are under a waning gibbous moon. Sunset will occur about 6:17 p.m. Here are five things to know:

1. The National Weather Service forecast for this afternoon calls for mostly cloudy skies with a high near 66 degrees with patchy fog late tonight and an overnight low of about 59 degrees. Forecasters expect patchy fog Wednesday morning that will gradually clear to sunny with a high near 68 degrees.

2. The California Coastal Commission has set a Nov. 3 hearing date to consider Los Angeles County's request for major changes to zoning rules in Marina del Rey to make room for planned redevelopment project. Details right here and make sure to check out the poll at the bottom of the story.

3. A Marina del Rey resident was among 29 victims of accused Ponzi scheme conman John Chiyuan Lee, who allegedly stole nearly $1.9 million from investors. Lee, who fled to Taiwan in 2006, was arrested Oct. 4 by Thailand authorities and extradited to Los Angeles. Lee, 40, was arrested Friday upon his arrival at LAX by Los Angeles County Sheriff's investigators with the assistance of federal customs agents and marshals.

4. Assemblywoman Betsy Butler, D-Marina del Rey, continues to gain endorsements for her bid to run in the new 50th Assembly District that includes Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Malibu and West Hollywood. Butler, who currently holds the 53rd Assembly District seat, is moving out of the district to compete for the vacant seat a little to the north. Details right here.

5. Patch is looking for bloggers. We recently rolled out a new blogging platform and are looking for local bloggers to write about whatever they want, whenever they want. If you're interested or want to learn more, send me an email: Paul.Chavez@patch.com.