Record HS Graduations + LDS Church Gives Back + No Fireworks!

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.

Pandemic or not, the LB school district has finished the recent school year with its highest high school graduation rate since 2015. It even surpassed the state average in high school graduations! Also, The LDS Church takes giving back to the community seriously. The church recently donated more than 40,000 pounds of food to a variety of local food banks and shelters. Finally, if you’re thinking of firing off a few fireworks, think again. The City is asking neighbors to drop a dime or write an email with your location.

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

Sunny Southern California doesn’t disappoint, with June temperatures reaching 76° for the high and 62° for the low. It’ll be partly cloudy and warm out here.

There’s a weather alert lasting until today 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 decreasing significantly but still considered low to medium.

The Five News Headlines That Everyone’s Talking About

1. The LBUSD announces its highest high school graduation rate since 2015. Whereas the state overall graduated 84.3% of its high school seniors, the LBUSD handed diplomas to 90.1% of students. (LBUSD)
2. The Church of Latter Day Saints has trucked 40,000 pounds of food to Long Beach. It is to be distributed to 28 church and community-run food pantries and shelters. The five local LDS congregations used their tithes and offerings to pay for the food. (LB Press Telegram)
3. The City is serious about cracking down on those setting off fireworks before, during, and after the Fourth of July holiday. In addition to fines and holding party hosts responsible, the City urges residents to report offenders to 562-435-6711 or by email to the various patrol divisions. (City of LB)
4. The LBPD East Division announces the setup of a DUI and driver’s license checkpoint today from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Officials remind motorists that those charged with a DUI may end up spending around $14,500 to deal with the aftermath of the charge. (LB Post)
5. The Department of Public Works Environmental Services Bureau has partnered with 115 local businesses to begin a food scraps collection program. The goal is to use the food scraps to produce renewable energy. (City of LB)

What’s Happening Today in Long Beach?

• Deep-water exercise for adults of all ages at MLK Pool, 1950 Lemon Avenue. (6:30 a.m. to 7:15 a.m.)
• Downtown Farmers’ Market at 4th and North Promenade. (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
• 1,000 Hearts Kindness Project at the El Dorado Community Center, 2800 Studebaker Road. (11 a.m.)
• The Anacapa Yacht Club hosts the LBYC LB Race Week at 6201 Appian Way. (5 p.m.)
• The Alamitos Bay Yacht Club hosts the Laser Midwinters West. (See Club)
• Corday Band is playing at On The Rocks, 5755 PCH. (8 p.m. to 11 p.m.)

Today’s Long Beach Patch Notebook

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

• The Su Casa domestic violence shelter has a need for specific donations.

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!