Sunny Afternoons, Strong Santa Anas Coming and Kayaking to Catalina

Today is Nov. 1. It is the 305th day of the year. We are under a waxing crescent moon. Sunset will occur about 6:01 p.m. Here are five things to know:

1. The National Weather Service forecast for this afternoon calls for mostly sunny skies with a high near 64 degrees with patchy fog tonight and a low around 54 degrees. Forecasters expect a clear, sunny morning Wednesday with an afternoon high near 77 degrees and breezy with gusts as high as 30 mph.

A red flag warning also has been issued for the Los Angeles County coastal region starting at midnight until 6 p.m. Wednesday due to the strong Santa Ana winds expected to develop tonight, with concomitant low humidity levels. The strong offshore winds will be strong enough to down power lines and the warning was issued due to the potential for rapid fire spread due to the combination of strong winds, low humidities and dry fuels.

2. Halloween is history, but the candy remains. We've got some tips on what to do with all those extra treats. Go right here.

3. Patch blogger J.W. Nelson continues chronicling the UCLA Marina Aquatic Center kayakers who have been prepping for the 26-mile trek to Catalina Island. The trip's postponement gives the kayakers time to review their course, while we learn more about the history of Catalina. Check it out right here.

4. Congratulations to 11-year-old Zane Grenoble of Playa del Rey for finishing in 7th place overall at the recent Pacific Palisades Triathlon & 5K Run. Zane finished the 5K run, 10K bike ride and 150-meter pool swim in 46 minutes, 20.6 seconds. More on the Palisades race right here.

5. Do you have an event coming up that you'd like to promote on Patch? If so, we have a video tutorial to help get your events on Marina del Rey Patch - for free. Learn how right here.