🌱 Ambulance Joyride + Buono's Pizzeria Hole + FREE Dog Behavior Class

Morning, friends! Today’s National French Bread Day; did you know the French baguette was invented in the 1920s as a workaround for French labor laws? It's Sylvia, your host of the Long Beach Patch newsletter. Let's get this day started off right, with a quick review of the most important things going on around town:

• 🚑 An ambulance joyride
• 🚸 Walk to School Week
• 🎨 Washington neighborhood residents get to choose.

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🌧️ But first, today's weather:

Windy and cool with downpours. High: 62 Low: 51.

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⛽ Three of the Cheapest Gas Stations in the City of Long Beach

• Sinclair at 5588 Long Beach Blvd., $4.09
• American Oil at 6850 Long Beach Blvd., $4.35
• Sam’s Club at 7480 Carson St., $4.38

😋 Fair Food Poll!
Fair food is the ultimate cheat meal. Although we all know it’s unhealthy, everyone has a guilty pleasure. Which is your favorite?

• 25.8% Funnel cake
• 24.2% Candy apples
• 19.6% Corndogs
• 4.8% Guacamole
• 3.2% Cotton candy, Cheesecake, Tri-Tip sandwiches, Turkey legs
• 1.6% Guacamole with cheese, Pork chop on a stick. Deep-fried bacon-wrapped pickle, Cinnamon rolls, Spicy sausage link on a French roll, Fried cheese curds, Deep-fried butter

The rest have the willpower to stay away from fair food.

📰 Here are the top stories in Long Beach today:

1. A patient at the Little Company of Mary Medical Center (1300 West 7th Street) stole an ambulance Monday morning just before 2:45 a.m. Police officers found the suspect and the ambulance a short time later, in the 600 block of 18th Street. Reportedly, the suspect “had the keys and some fire equipment” as he was standing next to the vehicle. And yes, he was arrested “for suspicion of grand theft auto.” (Patch)
2. On Saturday evening, a gray sedan crashed into Buono's Pizzeria at 401 West Willow Street. Reportedly, an accident near the location caused a vehicle to careen into the pizza restaurant, leaving a big hole in the building. Passengers in the car had minor injuries; a person inside the pizzeria was taken to the hospital. (Fox)
3. Are you and your child participating in Walk to School Week? It started Monday and will go until Friday. Its theme is "Walking Rainbows." Kids “are encouraged to walk their morning commute to school to promote safety and visibility while walking.” Mayor Rex Richardson noted the healthy habit of walking as part of an active lifestyle, as well as the opportunity to “build a sense of community among school kids in Long Beach.” (City of Long Beach)
4. Do you live in the Washington neighborhood? You may remember that the Arts Council for Long Beach (ArtsLB) commissioned asphalt art that would be painted at the intersection of 15th Street and Chestnut Avenue. A call for artists went out in February, and the Washington Community panel sorted through the entries to identify 10 finalists. Now it’s up to you, the residents, to select the top four entries that best encapsulate the theme: “Fearless Love, Fearless Dreams.” You have until April 2 to make your voice heard! (ArtsLB)
5. Would you like to bring your four-legged companion to FREE dog behavior classes? Long-time trainer Charlie DiBono would love to welcome you at Lincoln Park! In an effort to activate Lincoln Park, the Knight Foundation is paying for classes indefinitely, making them free for residents. Unless it rains, classes run from noon to 1 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. “Dogs in attendance must be on sturdy leashes, and humans must provide plenty of treats and water.” (Long Beach Post)

📆 Today in Long Beach:

• Visit the Alpert Jewish Community Center for a Social Security Workshop Luncheon (11 AM)
• The Museum of Latin American Art hosts a Virtual Author Reading to celebrate World Poetry Day (11 AM)
• Participate in a Virtual Sound Therapy & New Moon Meditation (1 PM)
• Play Casual Chess with the Zzyzx Chess Club at Recreational Coffee (2 PM)
• The Small Business Council sponsors a Networking Expo at The Grand (5:30 PM)

🖊️ From my notebook:

• "🚎 Leave the driving to us! Download the 📲 Ride Circuit and enjoy free, on-demand electric shuttle rides in the Downtown-Alamitos Beach and Alamitos Bay-Belmont Shore service areas. ADA-accessible shuttles also available." (Long Beach City via Facebook)
• "Composting is nature's way of recycling. Learn how you can give back to nature and reduce food waste at our workshop on Saturday, 3/25. Space is limited, sign up now http://bit.ly/lbcomposts325" (Long Beach Recycles)
• "📣 Our Mobile Access Center (MAC) will continue through March, this month focusing on service areas throughout Long Beach. Get the full schedule and details here. ℹ️ https://bit.ly/3IL8AhD" (Long Beach City via Facebook)
• "Even rain didn't stop our Los Cerritos/Bixby Knolls Clean Streets - NP volunteers!! - 4 volunteers, 45 pounds!! Next Sunday, join us at Laserfiche! 8:00 am, be there or be 🔲!" (Nextdoor)
• "Street sweeping may or may not occur on rainy days. You can check to see if street sweeping has been cancelled by calling (562) 570-2890. It is advised, however, that you always move your vehicle in accordance with the posted street sweeping signs." (Long Beach Public Works)

🏡 What are homes selling for these days in Long Beach?

• Median Listing Home Price $750K
• Median Listing Home Price/Square Foot $610
• Median Sold Home Price $695K

Check out more Long Beach real estate information!

🐶 Check out cats, dogs, and other Pets Available For Adoption at Long Beach Area Shelters!

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Featured events:

• Torrance Antique Street Faire (March 26)
• Add your event

You're officially in the loop for today. See you all tomorrow morning for another update!

— Sylvia Cochran

About me: Sylvia Cochran works out of sunny Southern California and has been freelance writing full-time since 2005. She loves dogs, cats, books, plays Best Fiends (don't judge), embraces social justice, and tries to live out Micah 6:8.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Long Beach Patch newsletter? Contact me at LongBeach-CA@Patch.com