🌱 Arson At Rec Park + Former Poly HS Jackrabbit Plays In The Big Game

Hey, everybody! Today, we combine snacking during the “big game” with National Pork Rind Day. I'm back in your inbox this morning to walk you through everything you need to know that's happening in Long Beach these days. In today's newsletter, we'll cover these stories and more...

• 😠 Plantiitas on Retro Row was hit.
• 🛢️ Petroleum spill on Wilmington Avenue
• 🐶 The 18th annual Bulldog Beauty Contest

💗 Please help us grow! Send a friend or neighbor this link, so they can be in the know, like you!

🌥️ But first, today's weather:

Intervals of clouds and sun. High: 63 Low: 47.

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

• American Oil at 6850 Long Beach Blvd., $3.95
• Sam’s Club at 7480 Carson St., $4.04
• ARCO at 1785 Bellflower Blvd., $4.09

⏰ Daylight Saving Time Poll! 🤔
Daylight saving time begins on March 12. According to history, we can thank entomologist George Hudson for coming up with the idea in 1895. Implementation took place in 1918 to save resources and extend the work day during wartime. In 1966, daylight saving time became the law of the land, but states could opt out. So far, only Hawaii and Arizona have done so. Now, dueling studies point to the successes and failures of the practice. Where do you stand on the issue? So far, 66.1% don’t like daylight saving time, while 33.3% do. Only 0.6% don’t care one way or the other.

📰 Here are the top stories in Long Beach today:

1. Nogoodniks targeted Plantiitas on Retro Row last week. The plant shop at 2011 East 4th Street recorded two suspects turning off the power box and trying a crowbar to get in. The owner is incredulous, “we only have plants,” he said. Hardly the type of easy-to-move goods a burglar would be after. “This is getting pretty serious, and we don’t know what to do,” he concluded, which pretty much echoes the feeling of other business owners who recently had to deal with break-ins. (Plantiitas)
2. Neighbors reported two fires at Rec Park on Friday. One was on 7th Street past Santiago; the other one was closer to PCH on the golf course. Reportedly, police officers call it arson. Witnesses saw helicopters circling the area, four police cars along 6th Street, and flames. Alamitos Heights neighbors were wondering why the fire department took so long to respond; then, we learned that first responders had to head to an accident on the 710. How did it end? One neighbor found ash all over their yard, and the suspect got away. (Nextdoor)
3. Long Beach is indirectly involved in a state of emergency declaration in Nevada. What happened? On Thursday, a local pumping station sprung a leak. Identified as the Watson pumping station owned by fuel company Kinder Morgan, it’s likely the one at 20410 South Wilmington Avenue. Some 205 gallons of petroleum spilled, leading to a pipeline shut-down. One of the lines is the 566-mile stretch to Barstow and Las Vegas. According to the company, “the spill was contained, with no injuries or impact on water supplies reported.” Meanwhile, Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo asked locals not to panic-buy. (The Washington Times, Governor Joe Lombardo)
4. Whom are you rooting for in the big game? Consider the Kansas City Chiefs because of the hometown ties. The team’s wide receiver is none other than JuJu Smith-Schuster, who won “a CIF championship with the Long Beach Poly High School Jackrabbits” only 11 years ago. In fact, he started in the Snoop Youth Football League, which is about as local as it gets. “I’ve been chasing a Super Bowl ring for the past six years. And year six, in 2023, I’m actually here … it’s unbelievable,” Smith-Schuster said. Kickoff’s at 3:30 p.m. (Long Beach Post)
5. The inimitable Justin Rudd reminds you that the 18th annual Bulldog Beauty Contest is on February 19 at Rosie’s Dog Beach. If you’ve ever been, you know it’s about fun, community and a day out for the pups. Besides the English Bulldog Beauty Contest, other categories are open to all breeds and mixes. Examples include “Best Senior Dog,” “Best Young Dog” and “Best Rescued Dog.” (Hint: They're all the best!) Head on over to the boat launch ramp next to the dog beach to enter your pup. (Justin Rudd)

📆 Today in Long Beach:

• Come out to the Long Beach Hi-Performance Swap Meet at Veterans Memorial Stadium (6 AM)
• Check out the rides at the Farmers Marketplace Cars And Coffee at 5000 E. Spring Street (9 AM)
• Enjoy a “Galentine’s Day” Brunch Party at Cafe Sevilla (11 AM)
• Participate in the Valentine's Day Scent Social at MADE by Millworks (2 PM)
• Hang out at the annual Super Bowl Party at The Auld Dubliner (3:30 PM)

🖊️ From my notebook:

• "Third-largest crowd in LBSU Men’s Volleyball History!💥💪 Thank you fans for packing the Walter Pyramid, bringing the energy, and being loud 🗣️" (Long Beach State Athletics via Instagram)
• "💬 Report dumped items, trash, and debris by downloading the Go Long Beach app! 📲 You can also call 562-570-2876 to report dumped items or use our website to send a report longbeach.gov/golongbeach" (Long Beach City via Facebook)
• "🫱🏽‍🫲🏽 Connecting people to the right service is critical to ensure positive outcomes for the entire community. Visit the link below for resources regarding who to call and when. 🔗 https://bit.ly/3xewqwI" (Long Beach City via Facebook)

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

• Median Listing Home Price $720K
• Median Listing Home Price/Square Foot $603
• Median Sold Home Price $725K

Check out more Long Beach real estate information!

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Featured announcements:

• Attention AETNA and CIGNA plan members! (Details)
• Add your announcement

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Sunday. I'll see you back in your inbox Tuesday with 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