Mask Confusion + Beach Event Venue + Cat Rescues Need Fosters

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

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

Dubbed by some the “day of personal responsibility,” June 15 marks the date when California reopens. However, the rules about wearing masks and distancing in LB businesses are anything but clear. Also, the area round the newly unveiled Pride lifeguard tower may become a wheelchair-accessible event space. Lastly, LB animal rescues are sounding the alarm that there are too many cats and not enough fosters or adopters. (LB lets you keep four pets at one location; just sayin’.)

First Things First: Today’s Weather and Allergy Outlook

Sunny Southern California doesn’t disappoint, with June temperatures reaching 77° for the high and 60° for the low. It’ll be sunny and gorgeous out here.

Even though it’s grass pollen season, along with olives, levels of pollen in the air are reducing but still considered low to medium.

The Five News Headlines That Everyone’s Talking About

1. The State is opening up on Tuesday. Vaccinated LB residents no longer need to wear masks unless visiting a medical facility, school, youth setting, homeless shelter, jail, or using public transportation. Masks “remain required for unvaccinated individuals in indoor public setting.” Rules for employers are up in the air. (LB Post)
2. The newly unveiled Pride lifeguard tower may become an event venue. City officials plan to add a wheelchair pathway and event space. (ABC 7)
3. It’s kitten season and shelters are inundated with cats. There is a call for LB residents to foster or adopt available kitties. (LB Post)
4. Eyewitnesses report a man jumping off the Catalina Express. Fast-thinking deckhands threw him a life ring. Although the life ring has been recovered, the man has not been found. (CBS Local)
5. Five Black city employees filed a class action lawsuit alleging a “system of racism.” Other allegations include promotion exams with “racial prejudice” and retaliation after complaints. (CA News Times)

What’s Happening Today in Long Beach?

• Long Beach Republican Women Federated Breakfast Meeting with Guest Speaker Don Jans at the Grand, 4101 East Willow Street. (8:45 a.m.)
• Car Show at Crossroads Long Beach, 1900 East South Street. (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
• Long Beach Heritage plant sale fundraiser at 953 North Circle. (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
• Outdoor fair trade festival and co-op expo at Parkview Village Shops, 5423 East Village Road. (12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
• Linner (lunch-dinner) at Bixby Park, 2098 2nd Street. (4 p.m. to 8 p.m.)
• Mike Guerrero Project performs at Derricks on Atlantic, 3502 Atlantic Avenue. (4 p.m. to 7 p.m.)
• Comics for a Cause at Alex’s Bar, 2913 East Anaheim Street. (4 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 Little Lion Foundation is looking for volunteers. There are plenty of opportunities to get involved rescuing cats and kittens.

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!