🌱 Arrests After Traffic Stop + River Park Project On Baker Gets OK

Good morning, neighbors; today is Wonderful Weirdos Day! It's Friday in Long Beach, and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on the most important things happening locally. We’re looking at:

• 👮 An arrest of three people with guns and drugs
• 🏗️ An embattled Wrigley Heights project getting the nod from the Planning Commission
• 🏨 A possibility of more housing for the homeless – in a year or so

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🌤️ First, today's weather:

Some sun, then clouds and hot. High: 95 Low: 75.

🌡️ FYI: Long Beach Cooling Centers are open daily from noon to 6 p.m. You find them at the Houghton, McBride, and Admiral Kidd community centers as well as the Senior Center and El Dorado Park West.

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⛽ Three Of The Cheapest Gas Stations In Long Beach

• Arco at 1785 Bellflower Blvd., $4.69
• Arco at 4235 E Anaheim St., $4.75
• Del Amo Petroleum at 4990 Long Beach Blvd., $4.79

🗳️ November Election Poll!
Beginning October 6, and continuing through October 10, every registered voter is mailed a ‘Vote By Mail’ ballot. How are you planning to vote this November? Please let us know! So far, 18.7% plan to vote in person on election day, 69.3% will be voting by mail, 8% intend to vote early in person, and 4% plan to sit this one out.

📰 Here are the top stories today in Long Beach:

1) The LBPD announced Wednesday that it made several arrests after a traffic stop. Taking place around Spring Street and Bellflower Boulevard, officers first detained a 62-year-old man on active probation. A search of his property revealed “an unserialized firearm and narcotics.” In the process, they arrested a 32-year-old and a 55-year-old suspect. Charges ranged from “an outstanding felony warrant” to “one count of possession of narcotics for sale.” (LBPD)

2) On Thursday, the Planning Commission voted to go ahead with the River Park project, which involves the area at 712 Baker Street “between the L.A. River and 405 Freeway” in Wrigley Heights. It is a “large single-family development planned on a former oilfield treatment site” with an anticipated completion date of 2026. Proponents of the project say it will create construction jobs, new park space and clean up a contaminated space. Opponents voiced concerns about “the site’s toxic past” and “the possible presence of western burrowing owls.” The City Council will have the final say. (The Real Deal)

3) The city intends to “build 30 to 35 modular tiny homes” and “purchase another motel for conversion to interim housing” we learned on Thursday. Funding comes from a $30.5 million state grant. “It will take approximately eight to 12 months from the time the Council officially accepts the grant and contracts are signed to the time the first new interim housing units would be made available for people seeking shelter.” (Precinct Reporter)

4) The Long Beach Public Library announced that it will host Vida Latina, “a celebration of Hispanic and Latinx Heritage,” from Saturday to November 1. Highlights include Mercadito Literario (a literary fair) on October 15 and “folk art, herbal remedy demonstrations, sexual health workshops for teens and their caregivers, bilingual storytimes, crafts, movie nights, a poetry workshop for teens and a community offering for the Day of the Dead” during the celebration. (Library News)

5) Mark your calendars! The Xela Institute of Art is opening on Saturday! Unlike most art museums, it is following the German model of the Kunsthalle, which “refers to an art museum that doesn’t have a permanent collection.” Located at 2176 Pacific Avenue, its first exhibition will be “featuring the work of local artists.” Hours on Saturday are from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., and you need to make reservations by emailing info@xela.art. (Press-Telegram)

📆 Today in Long Beach:

• 17th Annual Japanese Classic Car Show 2022 at Marina Green Park (9 a.m.)
• Downtown Long Beach Farmers Market at the North Promenade (10 a.m.)
• Classic Car Show & Live Music on Historic Main Street in Garden Grove (4 p.m.)
• Glass Bottom Boat EcoTour at Shoreline Village (6 p.m.)
• Roberto Rodriguez, Vince Royale, Monique Flores, Narcizo Gonzalez perform at the StandUp Comedy Club (10 p.m.)

📓 From my notebook:

• The City of Long Beach Animal Care Services department expanded its adoption hours, extending its weekday operating hours in the mornings and afternoons and opening one-hour earlier on Saturdays and Sundays. (Long Beach City via Facebook)
• A Belmont Heights South neighbor is looking for a recommendation for a refrigerator repairman that is trustworthy and preferably familiar with Kenmore fridges. (Nextdoor)
• Free household hazardous and electronic waste drive-thru collection event is September 10. Paint, household cleaning products, batteries and electronics should never be tossed in the trash. (Nextdoor)
• Our Carson Park neighbor is looking for a new primary care physician on the east side of Long Beach, Los Alamitos or in the Seal Beach area. (Nextdoor)
• An El Dorado Lakes neighbor recommends Leone Electric. The crew is professional and courteous! They did a great job. 562-795-5754 (Nextdoor)

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Events:

• Seal Beach Lions Arts & Crafts Faire (September 10)
• Original Lobster Festival - Sept. 9-11, 2022 (September 10)
• Add your event

You're all caught up for today. I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow with a new 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 Daily? Contact me at LongBeach-CA@Patch.com