Calgary father and daughter die after being swept into ocean

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👀 In today's edition:

• Leadership changes at a major Calgary sports organization

• A local grocer hit by repeated break-ins

• Calgary brings western hospitality to the Grey Cup

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QUICK POLL

Calgary father and daughter die after being swept into ocean by California wave

A Calgary family's beach visit turned tragic on Friday when a father and his seven-year-old daughter were swept into the Pacific Ocean by a massive wave at Garrapata State Beach in California. Yuji Hu, 39, entered the water to try to save his daughter after a six-metre wave pulled her in, according to the Monterey County Sheriff's Office. When his wife also tried to reach their daughter, she too was pulled into the water but managed to make it back to shore.

A beach visitor and an off-duty park officer pulled Hu from the ocean and attempted CPR before paramedics arrived. He and his wife were taken to hospital, where he died from his injuries, CityNews reported. His wife was treated for mild hypothermia and listed in stable condition. The couple's two-year-old child, who remained on the beach, was unharmed.

After an extensive search involving the U.S. Coast Guard, California fire service, divers and helicopters, a diver located the girl's body on Sunday roughly 100 metres offshore, CBC News reported. The Monterey County Sheriff's Office said the family has expressed gratitude to all those involved in the search and recovery efforts and is requesting privacy during this difficult time.

Need to know

🇵🇸 The Palestinian flag was raised at Calgary City Hall for the first time Saturday following Canada's recognition of the State of Palestine, though Mayor Jeromy Farkas plans to propose ending all national flag-raisings at city hall.

📞 Calgary-Peigan MLA Tanya Fir apologized after a voicemail to a constituent captured her using profanity when she didn't realize the call hadn't ended, saying it was "poor judgement" after weeks of hostile feedback over the teachers' strike.

🚗 Calgary police arrested a carjacking suspect early Sunday morning after he stole a Honda CRV, drove into oncoming traffic on Crowchild Trail and Deerfoot Trail, and attempted to carjack other vehicles before being tracked by helicopter.

⛸️ Olympic speedskating champion Catriona Le May Doan is stepping down as Sport Calgary's president and CEO after nine years leading the organization, with the board crediting her for expanding access and implementing safe sport standards.

🏈 The Calgary Grey Cup Committee brought western hospitality to Winnipeg for Sunday's championship game between Montreal and Saskatchewan, complete with pancake breakfasts and their horse Tuffy Nuff, while building excitement for Calgary hosting next year's Grey Cup.

🏪 Kalamata Grocery owner George Kokos estimates he's out $20,000 after thieves broke into the Beltline staple twice in one week, smashing windows and stealing cash in robberies lasting less than a minute each time.

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Zoolights returns to Calgary Zoo for 29th season

The Calgary Zoo is lighting up for the holidays again, with Zoolights running nightly from November 14 to January 4. The beloved tradition transforms the zoo into a glowing winter wonderland with new light displays and returning favourites. Alison Archambault, the zoo's director of brand and public relations, says the event brings generations together while supporting conservation work.

This year brings some fun new additions. Roaming elves will interact with guests in the Festive Forest, and the Holiday Gardens feature singing trees alongside a choreographed light show. A massive 100-foot light tunnel leads visitors into the Savannah Sparkle zone, while the North Pole theme takes over Penguin Plaza with snowflake lights and a hot chocolate bar. Santa will be greeting families in his Polar Palace from November 14 to December 23.

The zoo is making it easier to attend with several ticket options. Sunlight to Zoolights passes let you visit during the day and stay for the lights in the evening. Merry Mondays offer 20 per cent off for the first five Mondays of the season, and a new partnership with the Calgary Tower combines both attractions. Free carousel rides run every night, and you can book everything from festive buffets to private heated snow globes.

Where to eat and drink

🍴 Flores & Pine: Named after Calgary Stampede founder Guy Weadick's wife, this Bearspaw spot serves locally sourced grilled classics and seasonal dishes in an elevated casual setting, with wood-fired grilling and space for events from intimate dinners to full celebrations.

🍴 Fortuna's Row: Chef Mikko Tamarra's contemporary Latin American supper club on Calgary's riverfront explores the cuisines of Mexico, Peru, Brazil and beyond, serving weekend brunch and nightly dinner with an extensive agave spirits collection.

Have a food or drink suggestion? Message us and we might share it!

Things to do

🎟️ Merry & Matter: TELUS Spark's holiday experience runs until January 4 with twinkling lights, hands-on science workshops, the Goodnight Moon immersive exhibit, a new Extreme Sports exhibition, festive treats, and daily live science shows all included with general admission.

🎟️ Petey Paan's Christmas Pirate Adventure: Jubilations Dinner Theatre brings sword fights and holiday spirit to the stage with this family show about Petey Paan trying to save Christmas from pirates, running Saturdays at 11 a.m. until January 10 (dinner included).

Have an event suggestion? Message us and we might share it!

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