🌱Bridge Fire In DeForest Park + Staffing Issues Close Three Libraries

Hey, friends; today is National Mango Day, which started in India and came to the United States with the National Mango Board! It's me, Sylvia, your host of the Daily. Here's all the community news you need to know right now...

A pedestrian bridge caught fire in DeForest Park. Also, three libraries are closed to customers but will follow a LBPL To-Go model of service. Finally, will you get to vote on a $25 per hour minimum wage for workers at public health care facilities?

First, today's weather:

Areas of low clouds, then sun. High: 81 Low: 66.

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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I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our Long Beach Daily readers to local businesses they need to know about. If that’s you, then I invite you to learn more and secure your spot now.

🚗 Three Of The Cheapest Gas Stations In Long Beach 🚗

• Arco at 1945 E Pacific Coast Hwy., $5.19
• Arco at 4385 Atlantic Ave., $5.25
• Sinclair at 5588 Long Beach Blvd., $5.29

💻 Back To School Poll!
The kids are going back to school soon. Should schools still take COVID precautions? Please let me know your thoughts! As of right now, 31.3% say the kids should just go back to school, 37.5% say that kids should wear masks, 25% want there to be distancing and sanitizing, while 6.3% prefer distance learning for the kids.

Here are the top five stories in Long Beach today:

1. On Wednesday morning, an accidental fire damaged the pedestrian bridge in DeForest Park. Firefighters were on hand to contain the blaze and minimize the damage to the structure. That said, “folks visiting the park will need to steer clear of the bridge for now.” There will be a “timeline of the repairs and reopening as soon as it becomes available.” (LBFD)
2. The libraries have a challenging time staffing all locations. In response, the Director of Library Services announced Wednesday that the “Alamitos, Brewitt, and Dana Libraries” will return to a “LBPL To-Go model of service for an estimated five months.” While the venues will be closed for regular visits, you can still pick up books that you reserve with a phone call. The other nine library locations will continue to operate as normal. (City of LB)
3. As of Wednesday, “the citywide minimum wage in Long Beach is $15 per hour for large companies and $14 per hour for companies with fewer than 25 employees.” Now, the City Council is considering whether “to raise the minimum wage for all workers at public health care facilities to $25 per hour.” While members have opted to “wait until an economic impact report is completed next month,” the council can also choose to do nothing, which would place the issue on the ballot for voters to decide. (LB Post)
4. Are you a purist in search of the perfect tamales? Do you know the difference between the nixtamal masa process and instant masa flour? An insider revealed on Wednesday that true tamale lovers know to head to “the parking lot of The Home Depot on Cherry Avenue.” Be there at 7:30 a.m. and join the line of hungry customers. Look for the white SUV. (L.A. Taco)
5. Mark your calendars! The Long Beach Camerata Singers’ opening night gala will be on October 6 at the Terrace Theater. The 2022-2023 season will feature “five self-produced concerts plus 2 engagements with the Long Beach Symphony Orchestra.” A new chamber group, The Catalyst Ensemble, plans to make its debut. (Broadway World)

Today in Long Beach:

• The Long Beach Municipal Band performs at El Dorado Park West (6:30 p.m.)
• All Star Comedy at the Laugh Factory (7:30 p.m.)
• Puro Pinche Party playing Cumbia, Reggaeton and Hip Hop at Alex's Bar (8 p.m.)
• Boss Reggae, Rocksteady, Ska, & More at the Regal Inn's Trojan Lounge (9 p.m.)
• Knyght Ryder plays 80s Night at The Gaslamp (9 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• An El Dorado Park Estates neighbor is looking to remodel their kitchen. Does anyone have the El Dorado Park Estates floor plans? (Nextdoor)
• A kind Washington area neighbor found two abandoned calico kittens about 2 months old. Can you take them? (Nextdoor)
• A neighbor in the Cliff May Ranchos area wants to know what's up with these men sending notices wanting to connect? (Nextdoor)
• Our Lakewood Village neighbor has a recommendation for great pool service!! Justin is a Rock Star. (Nextdoor)
• An Old Lakewood City neighbor wants to learn how to do things. Lay tile, put in walls, wall paper, paint or anything, construction things. (Nextdoor)

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Events:

• Torrance Antique Street Faire (July 24)
• Taxes in Retirement Webinar (July 25)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Friday. 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 Daily? Contact me at LongBeach-CA@Patch.com