City Council Misses Vote + Grand Prix Is Back + Free Park Movies

It’s another beautiful day in Long Beach, the Aquatic Capital of America!

Welcome to the Long Beach Patch Daily Newsletter, the easiest and most enjoyable way to know what’s happening down the street and around the corner.

SB 9 is one of the most controversial bills to be considered in Sacramento. Designed to create denser neighborhoods, it would make the single-family lot a thing of the past. Even so, the City Council and Mayor felt no need to make their voices heard one way or the other. Also, the Acura Grand Prix is coming back; with it, we can expect 185,000 racing fans to congregate downtown. Finally, movies in the parks are coming back, too!

First Things First: Today’s Weather, Weather Alert, and Allergy Outlook

Sunny Southern California doesn’t disappoint, with June temperatures reaching 73° for the high and 60° for the low. It’ll be partly cloudy and warm out here.

There’s a weather alert lasting until Friday at 12 a.m. Higher than normal tides may lead to beach corrosion and make rock jetties “deadly.” Also, watch out for rip currents.

Even though it’s oak pollen season, along with sagebrush and chenopods, levels of pollen in the air are increasing slightly but still considered low to medium.

The Five News Headlines That Everyone’s Talking About

1. The City Council and Mayor let the deadline for weighing in on controversial SB 9 go by without taking a position. The bill, which would allow four units on traditionally single-family home lots, would forever change residential neighborhoods. The positions they could’ve taken were, “support, support if amended, opposition, oppose unless amended.” (LBReport)
2. The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach is coming back! The event, which typically brings together about 185,000 motor sports fans, will take place September 24 to 26 this year. Tickets go on sale Monday. (GPLB)
3. There’ll be movies in LB parks this summer! They’re free to attend; simply bring lawn chairs, a picnic, and a blanket. However, city officials would like you to know that alcohol is illegal in LB parks. “Secret Life of Pets” kicks it off on Monday at Bixby Park. The final show is “Spiderman: Far From Home” at Admiral Kidd Park on August 26. Movies start at dusk. (LB Press Telegram)
4. The LB Public Library system updated its mobile app to make the process of checking the catalog, placing holds, and looking at accounts easier. One of the upgrades is the ability to switch from the English language to Spanish. (City of LB)
5. The single-family home near the corner of Santa Fe Avenue and Hill Street will likely remain the odd man out in the Santa Fe Corridor. The Council approved an ordinance, which was requested by Council Member Roberto Uranga, to stop issuing new residential building permits in the area. The goal is to attract more businesses. (LB Post)

What’s Happening Today in Long Beach?

• Virtual Parkinson’s Wellness Program for patients with advanced disease by Memorial Care. (10:30 a.m.)
• Tai Chi for Beginners at Marine Park. (11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.)
• Artist Torin Ashton reads from her comic book “The Art of Captivation” at 853 Pine Avenue. (1 p.m. to 3 p.m.)
• Uptown Farmers’ Market at Atlantic Avenue and East 46th Street. (3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.)
• The Committee of 300 Hosts a Grand Prix Kickoff Party at the Jade Restaurant, 6380 PCH. (5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.)

Today’s Long Beach Patch Notebook

It may not fit into news or events, but you sure want to know about it!

• Foreverhome Pet Rescue, an all-volunteer, all-breed nonprofit pet rescue, accepts donations of money, stuff, and time.

That’s it! You’re now in the know and ready to weigh in at the water cooler. Better yet, head out and experience Long Beach! I’ll bring you another serving of tasty news and events morsels tomorrow.

-Sylvia

Sylvia Cochran is a freelance writer who has lived more than 20 years in Long Beach and its various neighborhoods. I love books, dogs, volunteering, and embrace social justice. If you have a juicy tidbit of what’s happening locally, don’t keep it to yourself; reach out by emailing me at longbeach-ca@patch.com!