🌱 HS Gender-Neutral Locker Rooms Paused + Miles Nevin Quits Race

Happy Saturday, Long Beach, and happy World Nutella Day! Let's get this day started off right. Here's everything you need to know about what's happening around town today.

What was supposed to be a test case for gender-neutral locker rooms in the LBUSD is now on hold. Also, a candidate for City Council quits. Finally, the LBPD increases its visibility in downtown.

First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny. High: 72 Low: 45.

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Here are the top five stories in Long Beach today:

1. Wilson HS Gender Neutral Locker Room Update: In December, we discussed the Wilson HS plan for gender-neutral locker rooms that were part of its $23 million pool redo. On Friday, LBUSD Superintendent Jill Baker announced that “the district is pausing development plans” to “seek more community input.” Initially, the District explained that the gender-neutral locker rooms were a go after relying on focus groups with students. However, “aquatic athletes and coaches complained that they weren’t consulted or asked for their opinion.” (Patch, LB Post)
2. Last month, we talked about Miles Nevin running for City Council in District 3. He had received endorsements from numerous “neighborhood organizations, small business owners, and individuals.” On Wednesday, he withdrew. He explained that he will instead be “taking on a leadership role in our campus-wide effort to reimagine our campus non-profit organizations into a new system of programs and services that best serves our students.” (Patch, Press-Telegram)
3. The LBPD announced Friday that it is aware of “a recent increase in commercial burglaries and vandalism” downtown. At this time, the PD doesn’t believe the incidents are related. The department will deploy “additional patrol and investigative resources in the business corridors in the area.” Business owners are encouraged to install lighting and video surveillance. (@LBPD)
4. A man was shot Thursday after 2 p.m. on the 900 block of Gardenia Avenue (Hellman neighborhood). “The shooting suspect was last seen driving westbound on 10th Street.” Gang detectives have joined the investigation. (LB News)
5. The Hideaway at 4137 East Anaheim is now a Colombian restaurant called Selva. Dishes include “arepas, ceviches, and a smoked chicken with ají salsa.” After opening Friday, it maintains hours Wednesday through Sunday from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. (LA Easter)

Today in Long Beach:

• Wetlands Walk at the Intersection of PCH and 1st St. (8 AM)
• Bixby Park Monthly Cleanup + Free Bike Registration (meet at the band shell) (9 AM)
• Beer Yoga at Trademark Brewing (11 AM)
• Taste of SteelCraft - A Five-Year Anniversary Party! (12 PM)
• The Nationally Touring Hard Seltzer Festival “Seltzerland” at Bixby Village Golf Course (3 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Long Beach Public Library announced that its Khmer collection is growing! Thanks to recent grant funding, 500 new Khmer books are being added to the collection, including titles on Cambodian history, music, and cooking, graphic novels, and picture books. (Facebook)
• An El Dorado Park South neighbor is wondering if anyone is interested in spreading pure happiness? Their son has Down syndrome and will be turning 21 in a few weeks. When he gets a birthday card, it’s like winning the lottery. They rented a UPS box and would like anyone willing to please send a birthday card. (Nextdoor)
• A Westside Long Beach neighbor is looking for anyone selling or giving away lemons or limes. (Nextdoor)
• Our E 68th-E 69th neighbor is looking for someone to repair/replace an igniter on a Magic Chef cook top. Any positive experiences/ recommendations? (Nextdoor)
• A Belmont Shore neighbor is looking for a service that offers CAT grooming. Everything they find is only dogs, recommendations would be highly appreciated. (Nextdoor)

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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. She loves dogs, cats, books, plays Best Fiends (don't judge), embraces social justice, and tries to live out Micah 6:8.