Budget Shortfall + Restaurant Closures + Queen Mary Gambling?

Good morning, people of Long Beach! Sylvia Cochran here with your Saturday Long Beach Daily.

The City has to make do with $18 million less than anticipated, which is leading to recovery program cuts. Also, we are losing two beloved restaurants. Finally, could there be gambling on the Queen Mary?

First, today's weather: Mostly cloudy throughout the day. High: 77 Low: 64.

Here are the top stories today in Long Beach:

1. A reduction in federal funds leads to a LB program shortfall of about $18 million. The city intends to reduce its spending on restaurant pandemic relief and social programs supporting the poorest residents. (LB Post)
2. Two iconic LB restaurants will close their doors for good. Bixby’s Brooklyn Deli and George’s Place were unable to weather the pandemic’s aftermath, including staffing problems and “inflating food costs.” At this point, LA Crab has committed to open in the location of George’s Place. (HiLo)
3. In spite of the Mayor’s enthusiastic call to restore the Queen Mary, the City Council failed to make a decision at its last meeting. Council Member Suzie Price suggested turning it into a national monument, which would put the federal government in charge of the ship. Others want to add a theme park or gambling to shore up funds. (Daily Mail)
4. Two coordinated outreach teams will now interact with locals experiencing homelessness. Their focus will be on physical and mental health. Residents can direct team members to specific locations by calling 562-570-4672 (4MSC). (City of LB)
5. The Long Beach Rescue Mission, with the non-profit Long Beach Food and Beverage, will bring Burger Week to people experiencing homelessness. The event is scheduled for Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (LB Local News)

Today in Long Beach

• The Great LA River CleanUp comes to the Willow Street Estuary, 2526 De Forest Avenue. (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
• Online Job Search Accelerator Workshop. (9 a.m. to 12 p.m.)
• 72nd Annual Catalina Water Ski Race, 700 Queensway Drive. (9 a.m.)
• You're invited to participate in the first ever Long Beach Amazing Race! (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
• Matinée Party with Punk Rock Karaoke and special guests presented by Alex's Bar (21+), 2913 East Anaheim Street. (2 p.m. to 7 p.m.)
• A Collaborative Art Project & Conversation with Installation Artist, Olga Lah. This is an online event by the LB PB. (3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

Long Beach Patch Notebook

• Long Beach Antique Market: "Keeping this short : The best #vintagedenim you can find - Sunday August 15 only at #lbflea #longbeachvintagemarket ..." (Instagram)
• Long Beach Police Department (CA): "This week, North Division officers met up with a youth soccer team and a furry pal during their Neighborhood Walks. S..." (Facebook)
• Long Beach City: "Even though we have ended our drive-through option at the Long Beach Convention Center vaccination site, we will s..." (Facebook)
• Long Beach City: "Join in on the #RedistrictLB2021 conversation! Attend the next Independent Redistricting Commission Community of In..." (Facebook)

From our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Torrance Antique Street Faire (July 25)
• Free Family Mini Photo Sessions (July 31)

Job listings:

• Field Technician machine shop industry (Details)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Saturday. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with your next update! If you're loving these newsletters, consider inviting some of your friends and neighbors to read along. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— Sylvia Cochran

About me: Sylvia Cochran works out of sunny Southern California and has been freelance writing full-time since 2005. Her SEO-optimized internet copy includes social media marketing projects, German to English business translations as well as human resources tutorials. She loves dogs, books, and embraces social justice.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Long Beach Daily? Reach out anytime to LongBeach-CA@Patch.com.