Christmas Shopping Now + No Jabs No Booze + Luzanilla A Mensch

Happy Friday, people of Long Beach! Here's everything you need to know about what's happening locally today.

Unless you score that hot toy now, it might be gift cards under the tree. Also, patrons of 21+ establishments have to show proof of vaccinations. Finally, Martin Luzanilla and Tito Rodriguez team up to help an elderly flower vendor who was beaten in an attempted robbery.

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First, today's weather:

Partly cloudy throughout the day. High: 74 Low: 59.

Here are the top stories in Long Beach today:

1. Update: We talked yesterday about the port congestion and the 50-or-so ships that are in a holding pattern until a berth becomes available. Now, insiders are warning consumers to get their Christmas shopping in early – as in, right now. Expect supply problems, which might result in empty store shelves, particularly with toy retailers. (KTLA)
2. Visiting “indoor bars, wineries, breweries and distilleries that do not serve food (establishments that are 21+)” will soon come with the mandate of showing proof of vaccination. The LB Department of Health decided to align with the county. Expect a revision to the standing Health Order any day. To allow time for compliance, patrons and employees will be required to be partially vaccinated by Oct. 7 and fully vaccinated by Nov. 4. (LB Local News)
3. A 75-year-old flower vendor was attacked and robbed near Anaheim and Atlantic. Even thought he only had $20, he was nevertheless beaten. However, this story has a happy ending. Leave it to Tito Rodriguez, also known as Hood Santa, to step in and make things right. He connected the vendor to Martin Luzanilla, owner of the Mexihanas Hibachi Grill, who offered the elderly man a job. Luzanilla will create a new position if necessary. (L.A. Taco)
4. If you think parking is bad now downtown and in central LB, wait until the City Council’s new ideas become law. Officials are mulling over easing restrictions on developers constructing low-income housing to allow “more density and less parking for some apartment buildings.” The result will be “more density per lot than is currently allowed, reduced parking mandates, taller buildings and fewer requirements for open space.” (LB Post)
5. The Long Beach Poly boys’ water polo team defeated No. 7 Marina, 16-11. The victory came on the heels of a defeat by the Redondo Union team. Next up is Peninsula. Go Jackrabbits! (The562.org)

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Today in Long Beach:

• Formula Drift - Friday Sneak Peek - Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center (10:00 AM)
• Online Reputation Management: Yelp, Google & Online Review Sites (10:00 AM)
• Long Beach Gives Virtual Launch Party (2:00 PM)
• Barktoberfest at Prank Bar - spcaLA P.D. Pitchford Companion Animal Village and Education Center (4:00 PM)
• 3rd Fridays on Pine - Downtown Long Beach Alliance (5:00 PM)
• “Where is God During These Trying Times?” Bible-based Webinar (8:00 PM)

Long Beach Patch Notebook

• Long Beach City: "Our Long Beach Parks, Recreation & Marine is inviting the community to make a positive impact on our local environment for California Coastal Cleanup Day this Saturday, September 18. This year’s theme, “Protect Your Happy Place,” encoura..." (Facebook)
• Long Beach Public Library: "Join us from now through October 15th for Vida Latina, our celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month! Check out our calendar of events for upcoming bilingual storytimes, Lotería, craft events, and more: https://bit.ly/3tA84ek" (Facebook)
• Historical Society of Long Beach: "Getting ready for our Annual Historical Cemetery Tour. Get your tickets today at HSLB.org !" (Facebook)
• Historical Society of Long Beach: "Feliz Hispanic Heritage Month! To kick off this important celebration of Hispanic communities in the United States and in our city we are highlighting Centro Shalom! Centro Shalom was founded in 1977 by Olivia Herrera and Methodist minis..." (Facebook)
• Long Beach City: "The Independent Redistricting Commission wants to hear from you! Be a part of the #RedistrictLB2021 process by submitting your district map plan or your community of interest form. Join us this Saturday, September 18 at 10 AM at Bret Har..." (Facebook)

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— 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 and German to English business translations. She loves dogs, cats, books, plays Fishdom (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.