Sunny Afternoon, Sunset Series Racing and Rescue Animals

Today is Sept. 9. It is the 252nd day of the year. We are under a waxing gibbous moon. Sunset will occur about 7:10 p.m. Here are five things to know:

1. The National Weather Service forecast for this afternoon calls for sunny skies with a high near 71 degrees with patchy fog after 11 p.m. and an overnight low around 61 degrees. Forecasters expect mostly sunny skies Saturday afternoon with a high near 69 degrees and the same Sunday afternoon, too.

2. The 47th annual California Yacht Club Sunset Series races came down to the wire with skipper Dick Hampikian taking the lead with only a few hundred yards to go to win the series for the sixth year in a row. Alice Leahy and her of "six women, with a couple of token males" finished second in the race and the series. It was one of the closest finishes in recent race series history. More details right here.

3. The 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks is this weekend and Patch blogger Rosemary Lichtman reminds us that despite the somber remembrances and the tough economy, there's still room for gratitude. Check out her five steps to staying grateful right here.

4. Our Viewfinder photo gallery this week focuses its lens on the adorable eyes of rescue animals ready for adoption. Check out the photos right here.

5. The California Coastal Commission has appointed a new executive director. Charles Lester, who had been serving as acting executive director, replaces Peter Douglas, who resigned in August to take care of health issues. Details right here.

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