$300-Million Albatross + Fireworks + Pawstruck In The Spotlight

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.

The Queen Mary is now officially a $300 million albatross around the City’s neck. As COVID-19 restrictions lessen, the City plans an Independence Day fireworks display at the waterfront. In addition, Pawstruck founder Kyle Goguen was awestruck when actor Kristen Bell interviewed him.

First Things First: Today’s Weather and Allergy Outlook

Sunny Southern California doesn’t disappoint, with June temperatures reaching 65° for the high and 59° for the low. Odds are good it’ll be partly cloudy, in keeping with our typical June Gloom.

Even though it’s grass pollen season, along with olives and nettles, levels of pollen in the air are low to medium.

The Five News Headlines That Everyone’s Talking About

1. The City is taking back the Queen Mary. While the official announcement portrays the transaction as a way to regain control, critics assert that Urban Commons handed the ship back with a potential $300 million repair bill. (LB 4th District Blog)
2. There will be a return of the fireworks show this Independence Day! The waterfront will be the expected venue for this year’s extravaganza. (LB Press Telegram)
3. Pawstruck founder Kyle Goguen was gearing up for an interview ahead of Amazon Prime Day, and found himself talking to actor Kristen Bell. They chatted about the company’s success story during COVID-19. (LB Business Journal)
4. The suspect in the beating attack of a woman at a gas station was arrested in LB after a family member dropped a dime on him. (LB Post)
5. The LGBTQ Center Long Beach will host an interactive screening of “The Wizard of Oz” at Harvey Milk Promenade Park later this month. (LB Press Telegram)

What’s Happening Today in Long Beach?

• Weekly Naples Big Loop Paddle for stand-up paddleboarders, 5437 East Ocean Blvd. south of the sailing center. (6:30 a.m.)
• The Long Beach Church of Christ is resuming in-person services at 3707 Atlantic Avenue. (10:30 a.m.)
• The Life's a Joke Comedy Tour is playing at F/8 Studios, 3764 Orange Avenue. (2 p.m.)
• Ballast Point Brewing Hosts a Father’s Day DIY Beer Mug painting event, 110 North Marina Drive. (3 p.m.)
• Listen to Bond & The Blues Guys LIVE at the JADE Restaurant Long Beach, 6380 Pacific Coast Highway. (5 p.m.)
• The Reggae Spot Presents Kyng Arthur + Resident DJ Rome at DiPiazza’s, 5205 Pacific Coast Highway. (5 p.m.)
• The LB Laugh Factory hosts the Sunday Funnies, 151 South Pine Avenue. (7 p.m.)

Today’s Long Beach Patch Notebook

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

• Harbor Cruises offers tickets to a July 4th fireworks cruise. Watch the city’s display from the water. (Tickets)
• Sparky And The Gang local dog rescue is accepting donations. (Donate)
• Heart of Ida is looking for volunteer dog walkers to assist the elderly who cannot meet their pets’ physical activity requirements (562-570-3548)

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!