Sunny Afternoons, Mother's Beach and Election Debate

Today is July 8. It is the 189th day of the year. We are under a first quarter moon. Sunset will occur about 8:09 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 73 degrees with patchy fog after 11 p.m. and an overnight low around 63 degrees. Forecasters expect patchy fog Saturday morning that will gradually clear to sunny with a high near 74 degrees.

2. Our photo feature Viewfinder focuses its lens on Mother's Beach in Marina del Rey. Take a look at the pictures right here.

3. Los Angeles City Councilwoman Janice Hahn, a Democrat, and Republican tea party candidate Craig Huey engaged in a 30-minute debate before Tuesday's election for a vacant seat in the 36th Congressional District. Learn more right here.

4. Looking for a home to buy in Marina del Rey? Check out our House Hunt column that lists open houses this weekend 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. Also, did you know that you can follow Marina del Rey Patch, which also covers Del Rey and Playa del Rey, on Facebook and Twitter?