🌱 (Most) Drop Masks + New Van For Rescue Mission’s Lydia House

Rise and shine, Long Beach; today is National Read Across America Day (Dr. Seuss Day)! Let's get this day started. Here's everything going on around town today.

Masks are now recommended, but not required. Also, Long Beach Honda donates a shiny new van. Finally, the City’s buildings lit up in solidarity with the people in Ukraine.

First, today's weather:

Partly sunny and nice. High: 76 Low: 52.

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Here are the top five stories in Long Beach today:

1. On Monday, the City “released a new health order that strongly recommends, but does not require, masking in most circumstances.” This means that as of Tuesday, almost any LB resident can take off their masks if they want to, regardless of vaccination status. “Universal masking will continue to be required in healthcare facilities, jails and prisons, emergency shelters, cooling centers, homeless shelters, and on public transit.” For schools, the requirement ends March 12. (Patch)
2. On Monday, the Rescue Mission’s Lydia House received a new, silver 2019 Honda Odyssey LX, courtesy of Long Beach Honda. The dealership donated the van to “help transport the mothers and children who reside there to appointments, school, daycare, and other errands as needed.” The donation is part of the company’s We’re Here For You program, which empowers every store to donate and help local non-profits. (LB Local News)
3. Long Beach stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine. Monday night, several buildings and monuments lit up in blue and yellow, which are the national colors of that country. They are the Civic Center, Airport, Terrace Theater, International Gateway Bridge, the Lighthouse, and the Shoreline Drive sign. (@LongBeachMayor)
4. Two LB residents have been fighting the City over the installation of a cell tower within 25 feet of their home. Although the city approved the installation, the homeowners decided to appeal it. They argued one of the homeowners’ “well-documented electro-sensitivity” and protection under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Another concern is that “five local licensed realtors” said the “cell tower would lower our property value by 20% to 35% or more.” We learned Monday that the residents are trying to schedule a hearing with the city. (Beachcomber)
5. His Little Feet is a non-profit organization. For the last seven years, it worked locally “on getting new shoes to children and youth in need.” So far, the group has distributed “more than 18,000 pairs of shoes – valued at more than $1 million.” You are invited to attend the Heart & Sole Gala at the Hotel Maya on Sunday. (Press-Telegram)

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Today in Long Beach:

• RightSource Services "Contracting as a Second Language - Diversify to Survive" (online) (9 AM)
• Fred Hall Fishing, Tackle, and Boat Show at the Long Beach Convention Center (1 PM)
• Allan Harris: Kate's Soulfood at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center (7 PM)
• Jakob Nowell + Rundown Kreeps + Joker's Hand at Alex’s Bar (9 PM)
• Karaoke at Boomer's Cocktail Lounge (9 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Long Beach Fire Department was proud to present Fernando Silva and Jay Shaffer with their 35 years of service pin. Congratulations & thank you for your service! (Facebook)
• The Long Beach Public Library announces that the reading club for first and second-graders is back! Build reading comprehension skills at your own pace with Young Readers Club Kits. Each one features a free book to add to your home library, activity sheets, a read-aloud video, and more. (Facebook)
• Long Beach Parks, Recreation & Marine will offer in-person day camps during the upcoming Long Beach USD spring break, from April 18 - 22. Online registration begins at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, March 23. (Facebook)
• Our El Dorado Park Estates neighbor needs a referral for an air conditioning company. (Nextdoor)
• An Imperial Estates neighbor is giving a HUGE shout-out to Chad @ Fibrenew. He came out to repair the damage to a leather couch from using “Lexol All Leather Cleaner,” which stripped the finish right off of the arm rest. He brought it back to brand new! (Nextdoor)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll see you around!

— 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.