Indoor Plant Shops + Structure Fire Investigated + Heroes Awarded

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.

Move over tomato plants and veggie seeds, the houseplants are here! The pandemic has put many residents in touch with their green thumbs, and businesses catering to these hobbyists are sprouting up as a result. Also, a structure fire was no match for the team from Engine 17. Finally, the Kiwanis Club recognized Tye Johnson and Fred Faustino as recipients of the “Heart of a Hero Award.”

First Things First: Today’s Weather, Heat Watch, and Allergy Outlook

Sunny Southern California doesn’t disappoint, with June temperatures reaching 89° for the high and 65° for the low. It’ll be partly cloudy but gorgeous out here.

There is an excessive heat watch from Tuesday at 10 a.m. to Wednesday at 7 p.m.

Even though it’s grass pollen season, along with olives, levels of pollen in the air are slightly decreasing but still considered low to medium.

The Five News Headlines That Everyone’s Talking About

1. Indoor plant shops are a budding business in LB, and several new shops have opened up in the last year. (The HiLo)
2. LB FD Engine 17 was first at the scene of a structure fire on the 3000 block of Palo Verde. The fire was extinguished and is now under investigation. (@LBFireFighters)
3. Kiwanis Club of LB awarded the “Heart of a Hero Award” to Tye Johnson (LBFD) and Fred Faustino (LBPD). (@LBPD)
4. The Aquarium of the Pacific has restarted its indoor coral reef exhibit, “Nature’s Underwater Cities.” (The Log)
5. In a 14-page affidavit, a pastor and would-be politician stands accused of “stealing thousands from (a) disabled veteran.” (LB Post)

What’s Happening Today in Long Beach?

• Online coffee hour with the pastor of Belmont Heights United Methodist Church. (8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.)
• “You Belong” open photo shoot sponsored by the LGBTQ Center of LB at Trademark Brewing, 233 East Anaheim Street. (4 p.m. to 8 p.m.)

Special Mention!

• Thank you to Barbara Winkler from SoCal Quilts of Valor for reaching out. Even though they meet at T. Mayne Thomson Park, they are very close for most LB residents. The group meets Thursdays from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Today’s Long Beach Patch Notebook

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

• Rancho Los Alamitos Historic Ranch & Gardens offers virtual tours and events.

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!