Happy Easter, Lakers Play and New Column Debut

Today is April 24. It is the 114th day of the year. We are under a waning gibbous moon. Sunset will occur about 7:33 p.m. Here are five things to know:

1. Happy Easter! Marina del Rey Patch wants to wish everyone a happy Easter and hopes everyone enjoys the season of renewal.

2. The National Weather Service forecast for today calls for a 20 percent chance of rain this afternoon with partly cloudy skies and a high near 65 degrees. It should be mostly cloudy tonight with an overnight low around 52 degrees. It should be partly sunny Monday with a high near 67 degrees.

3. Playa del Rey resident Phil Jackson and the two-time defending champion Los Angeles Lakers play the New Orleans Hornets today in a first-round playoff game. The Lakers are up 2-1 in the best-of-seven series. Tipoff is at 6:30 p.m.

4. We just started a Pet of the Week column and our featured rescue animal is Minnie. Animal Forte Rescue says this "very sweet, loyal girl" needs a home. Learn more about her right here.

5. Did you know that you can follow Marina del Rey Patch, which also covers Del Rey and Playa del Rey, on Facebook and Twitter?