🌱 Arson Suspect Update + Camerata Singers Present Händel’s 'Messiah'

Hi all! Today, we appreciate the uphill battle that is Cat Herders Day! It's Sylvia, your host of the Long Beach Daily — here to tell you all the most important things happening locally. In this issue, we'll touch on:

• 🥇 The selected COVID-19 memorial design
• 🍕 A Christmas lunch at Cesar Chavez Elementary
• 🍃 Animal Care Services’ list of potentially toxic treats and decorations

❤️ Loving the Long Beach Daily? Tell a friend and send them this link, so they can subscribe!

🌤️ But first, today's weather:

Periods of sun. High: 63 Low: 47.

🏡 Are you looking for a way to differentiate yourself from other real estate agents in Long Beach? Our exclusive newsletter sponsorships help you gain valuable exposure and attract new clients. Click here to learn more.

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

• Sinclair at 5588 Long Beach Blvd., $3.89
• ARCO at 4235 E Anaheim St., $3.99
• American Oil at 6850 Long Beach Blvd., $3.99

⏰ New Year’s Resolutions Poll! 🎶
According to Forbes, only 8% of people making New Year’s resolutions actually achieve them. Even so, the experts suggest making resolutions because they encourage intentionality, optimism, and a positive effect on others. So, what are your resolutions for 2023? So far, 66.7% intend to meet new people or interact more with current friends. Another 33.3% plan to travel or experience something new.

Here are the top stories today in Long Beach:

1. Flag- burning suspect update: A few days ago, we talked about the arrest of an arson suspect in the flag-burning cases on Iroquois and Hackett avenues. Authorities caught up with him at El Dorado Park. On Tuesday, we learned that the 35-year-old man was charged with “one count of felony arson of an inhabited structure and 14 counts of felony arson of property” but pleaded not guilty. Initially, he had a $3.25 million bail, but a judge reduced it on Monday to $850,000. The suspect’s next court date is December 19. (Patch, Long Beach Post)
2. On Tuesday, the Long Beach City Council selected a COVID-19 memorial design. In November, the city encouraged local artists to submit their conceptual designs for review. The one chosen was submitted by the People’s Architecture Office and features twin arches. These will be 20 feet tall and 40 feet wide; they display the names of those who died because of the pandemic. Blank lines honor those whose deaths were not recorded. The arches may be installed near the Rainbow Harbor Lighthouse or at the Civic Center. “The city estimates an $850,000 total cost to complete the memorial.” The money will come from the city’s general fund and Measure A. (Press-Telegram/paywall)
3. The Long Beach Police Department’s South Division is getting into the Christmas spirit. On Tuesday, they visited students at Cesar Chavez Elementary School at 730 West 3rd Street. Once there, officers headed into the gym to set up an early Christmas lunch for the youngsters. Pizza and juice boxes were polished off quickly, with smiles all around. (LBPDSouth)
4. Animal Care Services wants you to “prepare your home and pet's menu for the holiday season by taking these proper precautions to not serve something potentially dangerous, unhealthy, or toxic.” What’s forbidden? You already know to keep them away from tinsel, holiday lights and Christmas tree water. But did you know that mistletoe, holly, ivy and poinsettias were just as dangerous as chocolate, macadamia nuts, peppermint and eggnog? Keep them out of reach of dogs and cats! (Animal Care Services)
5. Nothing says Christmas like Händel’s “Messiah.” Get in the mood for the season by listening to the 75-voice Long Beach Camerata Singers’ chorus as they present this famous piece on December 22 at the Beverly O’Neill Theater at 7:30 p.m. “A pre-concert conversation about the music will begin at 6:30 p.m.” (Long Beach Post)

Today in Long Beach:

• Thursday Night Makers' Market between 3rd & 4th Street on the Promenade (5 PM)
• Family Art Workshop at MOLAA on The Art Of Nichos (5:30 PM)
• 9th Night Chanukah Mixer at the Long Beach Beer Lab (7 PM)
• 'Tis the Season: A Holiday Cabaret at the Aurora Theatre (7 PM)
• Rod Wave's Beautiful Mind Tour at the Long Beach Arena (8 PM)

From my notebook:

• "Want to get on LGB Santa's good list? Check out these holiday season travel tips! 🎁 Arrive at least 90 minutes before departure 🎁 Use our Cell Phone Waiting Lot for pick-up 🎁" (Long Beach Airport via Instagram)
• "PUBLIC NOTICE❗️Long Beach Department of Health & Human Services (LBDHHS) Officer Dr. Anissa Davis has issued a rain advisory for recreational beaches and bays in Long Beach following the rain experienced in the last 24 hours." (Long Beach City via Facebook)
• "The newly elected officials for the City of Long Beach will be sworn in at an Inauguration Ceremony on Tuesday, Dec. 20, at 5:30 p.m. at the Terrace Theater. The public is invited to attend the ceremony in person or watch it via livestream." (Long Beach City via Facebook)
• "You’re invited to explore early American history during an online conversation with Pulitzer Prize winning historian Dr. Nicole Eustace as she discusses her book, Covered With Night: A Story of Murder and Indigenous Justice in Early America." (Long Beach Public Library via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Frosty's Winter Wonderland In Corona — (Visit website)
• Add your business here

Events:

• Holiday Pops with your Long Beach Symphony (December 17)
• Add your event

Alrighty, you're all good for today! I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow morning 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