Redistricting Woes + Reelection Plans + Pier T Automation?

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.

When activists championed the Redistricting Commission, they thought they could unify the city’s Cambodian voting block. Now, they see that it might not go their way. Also, June 7, 2022, is the date of the city’s primary election and the statewide midterm primary. Three city council members are already declaring their candidacies. Prepare for another onslaught of junk mail. Finally, unions jointly oppose the proposed automation of Pier T, which will make the Mayor and Harbor Commission’s job tough.

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

Sunny Southern California doesn’t disappoint, with June temperatures reaching 83° for the high and 64° for the low. It’ll be sunny and 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 increasing but still considered low to medium.

The Five News Headlines That Everyone’s Talking About

1. Redistricting has to happen once a decade. Now, the City’s Cambodian community is caught in the middle between the Independent Redistricting Commission, activists, and the ever-present danger of gerrymandering. (LB Post)
2. Council members Mary Zendejas (1st District), Suzie Price (3rd District), and Rex Richardson (9th District) are running for reelection in 2022. So far still mum are council members Stacy Mungo (5th District) and Roberto Uranga (7th District). (LB Press Telegram)
3. Pier T, leased by Swiss and South Korean-owned TTI, intends to automate its operations. ILWU Local 13, 63, and 94 oppose the idea. Citing the need to stay competitive, TTI wants machines. Highlighting the need for employment, the unions disagree. (LB Business Journal)
4. Wille’s Tin Shop at 1115 East Wardlow Road reopens Tuesday. Having survived the pandemic by making hand sanitizer rather than alcohol, the business plans to debut celebratory vodka and a tropical bar. (The Hi-Lo)
5. The LB Health Department and several community groups will host a Father’s Day block party on Saturday at 14th Street Park. There will be live entertainment, food, drinks, and COVID-19 shots. (City of LB)

What’s Happening Today in Long Beach?

• Chef Tech Cooking School hosts a one-week summer camp at 3842 Atlantic Avenue. (10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.)
• You Sleuth is bringing its augmented reality detective experience to LB. (Daylight hours)
• LA County Young Republican Flag Day Celebration at Tracy's Bar & Grill, 5511 East Spring Street. (5:30 p.m.)

Today’s Long Beach Patch Notebook

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

• Roze Room Hospice is looking for patient care and administrative volunteers.

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!