Sunny Afternoons, Nature Notes and Bags Banned

Today is June 22. It is the 173rd day of the year. We are under a waning gibbous moon. Sunset will occur about 8:10 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 64 degrees with patchy fog after 11 p.m. and an overnight low around 61 degrees. Forecasters expect patchy fog Thursday morning that will gradually clear with a sunny afternoon and a high temperature near 68 degrees.

2. Our newest blogger made her Marina del Rey Patch debut with Nature Notes, a feature that takes a look at the wonders of nature that surround us, yet are often overlooked. Learn how the signs of summer abound right here.

3. Are you ready for the July 1 plastic bag ban at large stores in unincorporated Los Angeles County, including Marina del Rey? Details right here.

4. 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

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?