New Point Violation For Drivers + Misleading Constituents + Gun

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.

Because a $162 ticket for distracted driving isn’t nearly enough to deter motorists from using their cell phones, the city will add a point to their driving records. Also, the re-zoning battle continues with accusations leveraged against SB 9 co-author. Sacramento simply isn’t willing to stop its plans for turning single-family lots into four-unit parcels. Finally, LBPD’s divers were able to fish out a firearm that a suspect had thrown into the ocean.

First Things First: Today’s Weather, Surf Report, and Allergy Outlook

Sunny Southern California doesn’t disappoint, with June temperatures reaching 78° for the high and 61° for the low. It’ll be partly cloudy and warm out here.

Ocean water temperatures are around 57° with surf heights of three to four feet.

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

The Five News Headlines That Everyone’s Talking About

1. LB will increase the penalties for drivers using handheld devices while driving. Beginning July 1, violators will receive a point on the driver’s record and a $162 fine. (City of LB)
2. An urban designer calls out SB 9 co-author Senator Lena Gonzalez (D- Long Beach) for “misleading … constituents.” His examples include the bill’s design to supersede local zoning and that it will result in the "densification" of the city’s current single-family neighborhoods. (SB 9 seeks to rezone single-family home parcels to allow for building four units.) (LB Report)
3. A shout-out to the LBPD dive team for recovering a firearm a suspect had thrown into the water. (@LBPD)
4. Why is Long Beach’s unemployment rate so high? Currently at 11.5%, it sharply contrasts with the 8.3% in the county. Moreover, the numbers of women’s claims are 3.7 times higher than usual; for men, it is 2.9 times higher. (LB Business Journal)
5. Since April, 800 minor migrants have moved from the LB Convention Center to living situations with family members or sponsors. Another 114 are still waiting. LB intends to close the migrant shelter at the Convention Center by August 2. (LB Press Telegram)

What’s Happening Today in Long Beach?

• Antique Market at Vets Stadium. (5:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
• Sunday Farmer’s Market at East Marina Drive near 2nd Street. (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
• Pug Meetup at Bixby Park, 130 Cherry Avenue. (9 a.m. to 11 a.m.)
• Sunday worship service with the Greater Long Beach Church of Christ at El Dorado Park West, the stage area. (9:30 a.m.)
• Celebration of Fatherhood by Blakwatter at 1335 Loma Avenue. (11 a.m.)
• Juneteenth celebration at MLK Park, 1950 Lemon Avenue. (1 p.m. to 4 p.m.)
• The Aggrolites perform at Alex’s Bar, 2913 East Anaheim Street. (2 p.m.)

Today’s Long Beach Patch Notebook

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

• Not sure what to do with the kids for summer vacation? LB Parks, Recreation and Marine offers free and lost-cost programs starting Monday.

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!