Cloudy Afternoons, Domestic Violence Awareness and the Homeport Regatta

Today is Oct. 24. It is the 297th day of the year. We are under a waning crescent moon. Sunset will occur about 6:11 p.m. Here are five things to know:

1. The National Weather Service forecast for this afternoon calls for partly sunny skies with a high near 67 degrees with patchy fog and a chance of drizzle after 11 p.m. and an overnight low around 56 degrees. Forecasters expect a chance of drizzle and patchy fog Tuesday morning with a mostly cloudy afternoon and a high near 65 degrees.

A high pressure system will build Wednesday with moderate Santa Ana winds bringing dry air into the region. A warming trend is expected Wednesday through Friday with temperatures in the upper 70s to mid 80s on Thursday and Friday.

2. There are plenty of reminders that October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but it's also Domestic Violence Awareness Month, to. Patch blogger Rosemary Lichtman offer some suggestions for anyone caught in a dysfunctional relationship that has become abusive. Details right here.

3. Marina del Rey's Homeport Regatta will be held Nov. 5 for skippers interested in racing their sailboats. The annual race is sponsored by the Association of Santa Monica Bay Yacht Clubs and there are two free seminars coming up to help prepare crew and skippers for the race. Details right here.

4. 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 Patch - for free. Details right here.

5. Patch is holding a Halloween contest looking for the most creative children's costume. Patch will whisk the winner to New York or Los Angeles for a three day, two night trip for two that includes a meet and greet with celebrity judge Heidi Klum, plus a donation of $1031 to a local charity of the winner's choice. Nine runners up will also get a $1031 donation from Patch to a local charity of their choice. The contest is for kids ages 12 and under. Details right here.