Sunny Afternoon, Kayaking to Catalina and Green Energy Town Hall

Today is Nov. 2. It is the 306th day of the year. We are under a first quarter moon. Sunset will occur about 6 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 80. Wind could gust as high as 25 mph. It's expected to be clear tonight with a low around 52 degrees. A cloudy day is expected Thursday with a high near 71 and a 20 percent chance of rain late Thursday night. A red flag fire warning is in effect until 6 p.m. due to the strong Santa Ana winds and low humidity.

2. The kayakers setting out for an open seas 26-mile voyage to Catalina Island are under way. Learn more about their adventure right here.

3. There's a red flag fire warning in effect today. Details right here.

4. Mayoral candidate Austin Beutner made an appearance at last month's Neighborhood Council of Westchester/Playa meeting. Details right here.

5. RePower LA, a new broad-based coalition invites all Westside residents to come and discuss efforts to expand energy efficiency programs, reduce dependency on dirty coal and help save energy bills at their town hall meeting Thursday night. Details right here.