Higher Fees + Vegan Cinnamon Rolls + a Sinking Queen Mary?

It’s another beautiful day in Long Beach, the Aquatic Capital of America!

Welcome to the Long Beach Patch Daily Newsletter's first edition, the easiest and most enjoyable way to know what’s happening down the street and around the corner.

In today’s newsletter, we’ll shine a spotlight on the anticipated increase in city fees that comes as permits for park use will once again be issued. The news goes down easier with vegan cinnamon rolls.

First Things First: Today’s Weather

Sunny Southern California doesn’t disappoint with May Gray temperatures reaching 70° for the high and 55° for the low. Odds are good it’ll be sunny but windy.

There is a beach hazard warning that runs from Wednesday to Saturday for southwest facing beaches because of dangerous rip currents.

The Five News Headlines That Everyone’s Talking About

1. Some city fees are going up. Long Beach is estimated to rake in about $2,955,188 by increasing permit costs for soft serve ice cream vendors, city inspections, and field rentals among others. (Legistar)
2. Shark Tank’s Cinnaholic is celebrating its grand opening at 5305 Second Street at 10 a.m.. For those not in the know, these gourmet cinnamon rolls are 100% vegan, dairy & lactose-free, egg-free, and cholesterol-free. (Facebook)
3. The stretch of land that is west of the Long Beach Airport will undergo a transformation. The ambitious plan includes zoning changes to allow for the development of “a campus-style district” that allows for light industrial and similar uses. (The Grunion)
4. Long Beach’s Queen Mary, one of the most popular attractions, will remain closed until urgent repair work is completed. However, there are disputes about who should foot the bill. Stay tuned. (LB Post)
5. Mark your calendars! The City of Long Beach will resume issuing reservations and permits for band shells and picnic areas on May 24. This means groups of fewer than 100 people can gather. (City of LB)

What’s Happening Today in Long Beach?

• The Long Beach Crawfish Festival is back! Come to the Rainbow Lagoon Park at 400 East Shoreline Drive. (4 p.m.)
• Puzzling Adventures hosts another scavenger hunt. Tickets are $19 per team. These are family-friendly, wheelchair-friendly events. (5 p.m.)
• The Aquarium of the Pacific hosts a virtual “Whales & Conservation” workshop for children in grades 6 to 8. (10 a.m.)
• Alegria Latin Lounge at 115 Pine Avenue invites guests to inside seating and dancing to the tunes of live DJs. Expect Reggaeton! (9 p.m.)
• Give Back Day at Rori's Artisanal Creamery. Ten percent of proceeds benefit Charles Evans Hughes Middle School. Head over to 3768 Long Beach Boulevard. (12 p.m.)
• Free Zoom-based live training and workshop for entrepreneurs to
  double conversions with branding. Register to get your link. (10:30 a.m.)
• Tour kick-off for Big Rig Dollhouse, RMB, and Of Limbo at DiPiazza's, 5205 East Pacific Highway (8 p.m.)
• Comedy Collision is back at the Laugh Factory. It’s a 21 and over event at 151 South Pine Avenue (8 p.m.)

Today’s Long Beach Patch Notebook

It may not fit into news or events, but you sure want to know about it!

• The El Dorado Nature Center at 7550 East Spring Street is looking for volunteers. (562-570-1745)

That’s it! You’re now in the know and ready to weigh in at the water cooler. Better yet, head out and experience Long Beach! I’ll bring you another serving of tasty news and events morsels tomorrow.

-Sylvia

Sylvia Cochran is a freelance writer who has lived more than 20 years in Long Beach and its various neighborhoods. I love books, dogs, volunteering, and embrace social justice. If you have a juicy tidbit of what’s happening locally, don’t keep it to yourself; reach out by emailing me at longbeach-ca@patch.com!