🌱 Lightning Storms Closes Beaches + 2 Sex Traffickers Arrested

Hey, Long Beach, and happy National Cabbage Day! Let's get you all caught up to start this Thursday, February 17 off on an informed note.

Tuesday’s lightning storm was a bit of a surprise for Long Beach swimmers and surfers. Also, the LBPD rescued two sex-trafficked minors while arresting the guys who controlled them. Finally, there’s been an update to outdoor masking rules!

First, today's weather:

Nice with plenty of sunshine. High: 73 Low: 44.

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Here are the top five stories in Long Beach today:

1. After the summer temperatures on Sunday, Tuesday’s plunge in temps was forecast; however, the lightning storms were a surprise. You probably heard the thunderclaps right around 5:30 p.m. Lifeguards cleared swimmers and surfers from the water and told beachgoers to leave and seek shelter. The beaches reopened by 6:30 p.m. (Patch)
2. The LBPD announced Wednesday that it participated “in Operation Reclaim & Rebuild 2022,” a sting running from Feb 5 - 7. It aimed to “rescue sex trafficking victims as well as to locate and arrest their sex traffickers.” In LB, the PD rescued two 17-year-olds; one from a motel in the 6200 block of E. PCH and the other from a motel in the 2600 block of N. Lakewood Blvd. Two sex traffickers were arrested. (LBPD)
3. Long Beach updated its Health Order and Youth Sports Protocol effective Wednesday. “The updated Health Order increases the threshold for Indoor Mega Events to 1,000 attendees and 10,000 attendees for Outdoor Mega Events.” Masking at these events is no longer required for outdoor mega events, but it is encouraged. Masking is also not required at outdoor youth sporting events, practices, and similar activities. “This applies to athletes, spectators, coaches and game officials.” “Masks remain required at indoor youth sporting events.” (Patch)
4. The Long Beach City Council voted Tuesday to “amend the city’s lease for Community Hospital with Molina, Wu, Network, LLC” which has been in charge of the property since 2019. It’s now possible to operate something other than a hospital at the venue. The City must reimburse the company for about $30 million in losses. It will likely “sell the property to clear these costs, likely to MWN.” (@LBCMtgNotes)
5. Presidents Day is on Monday, and the City announced some closures. There will be no street sweeping. However, there will be trash pickup and parking enforcement, unless the meter states “Exempt on Holidays.” The “City-run COVID-19 vaccination site at Houghton Park (6301 Myrtle Ave.) is open from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.” The other City-run sites are closed. (City of LB)

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Today in Long Beach:

• Virtual Business Finance Literacy 101 (Class 2 of 2) (10 AM)
• NEW 2022 Employment Laws Live Webinar with the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce (11:30 AM)
• In-Person Long Beach Tai Chi for Beginners at Marine Stadium Park (11:45 AM)
• Tiki Ha Ha at The Bamboo Club (7 PM)
• Comedy @ Clancy's (8 PM)

From my notebook:

• Face masks and proof of vax are no longer required at the Long Beach Antique Market. The next event is Sunday. (Instagram)
• Our Willmore City-Central neighbor knows of a studio for rent, $1300. (Nextdoor)
• The generous neighbor at Artcraft Manor has free oranges and lemons in the front yard of 2440 Argonne Ave. (Nextdoor)
• The neighbor at E 68th-E 69th is looking for a mason to add stone to the front of their house. (Nextdoor)

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That's it for today! See you all tomorrow for your next 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.