🌱 New Eatery On Santa Fe Ave + YMCA Gifts Bikes To 3rd-Graders

Hello, people of Long Beach! It's me again, Sylvia, your host of the Long Beach Daily.

Santa Fe Avenue, which used to be famous for its peeling facades, is seeing a significant overhaul thanks to the local community. Also, 55 third-grade students have new bikes thanks to the YMCA of Greater LB. Finally, here’s where to get your sandbags before the next rainstorm hits.

First, today's weather:

Cool with periods of sun. High: 57 Low: 40.

Here are the top stories today in Long Beach:

1. Santa Fe Avenue in West LB is getting an overhaul. On Monday, we learned that the previously neglected thoroughfare is now receiving attention from politicians, donors, companies, and community members. Now, when you visit Santa Fe Avenue between Willow Street and PCH, you first notice the restaurants. A new one, the Vegan Castle, has opened up at 2400 Santa Fe Avenue. Power-washing has removed gum from sidewalks, while murals beautify previously peeling facades. (LB Post)
2. Fifty-five third-graders from Aloha Health Medical Academy received a fantastic surprise on Monday. The magnet school located at 11737 214th Street collaborated with the YMCA of Greater Long Beach to sponsor an essay contest. Winners were to receive new bikes. However, the Bikes for Kids program donated sufficient bikes for each third-grader to receive one. “Every third-grade student receives a bike, lock, and a safety helmet.” There were smiles all around. (Los Cerritos News)
3. If Monday morning’s rainstorm caught you unawares, there’s still time to get your sandbags. If you have the bags but need the sand, head to Public Works at 1651 San Francisco Avenue. When you need both, visit fire stations 7 (2295 Elm Street), 12 (1199 East Artesia Boulevard), 13 (2475 Adriatic Avenue), and 14 (5200 Eliot Avenue). Bring your own shovel! (@LongBeachCity)
4. Monday’s rainfall also called for the presence of first responders. Hydroplaning resulted in an accident off the 710 Freeway near Del Amo Boulevard. They were also setting up a command post on the overpass at Coyote Creek in East Long Beach. A caller reported that someone had been swept away by the rushing water; however, they found nobody. The Los Angeles River became a focal point for the LBFD when it received notice that cars had been washed into the river in L.A. and were being washed down to LB. Authorities don’t know if the vehicles were empty. (LB Post, CBS)
5. The LBPD warns you that its “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement campaign starts Wednesday. Officials urge residents to have a designated driver “if you have alcohol, marijuana, prescription, or over-the-counter drugs that may impair.” Additional patrol officers will be out from Wednesday through New Year’s Day. (City of LB)

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Today in Long Beach:

• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You at Hampton Inn - Homewood Suites, Long Beach Airport (9 AM)
• Millikan HS Baseball Program Fundraiser at John’s Hamburgers Drive-Thru (10 AM)
• Marina Stadium Farmers Market (3 PM)
• Authority Zero Plus Guests at Alex’s Bar (7 PM)
• Karaoke Night at Boomer’s Cocktail Lounge (9 PM)

From my notebook:

• Can you guess the color of the bicycle? The Long Beach Antique Market doesn't think you can. There are prizes! (Instagram)
• Bixby The Elf has arrived from the North Pole and settled in with the LBPD East Division. The elf joins officers for their neighborhood walks. (Facebook)
• The LB Public Library says goodbye to retiring Youth Services Librarian, Ms. Pam. She has spread joy and worked with children for more than 21 years. (Facebook)
• Check out the PressReader app the Long Beach Public Library now offers. You get unlimited access to over 7,000 magazines and newspapers from 120 different countries! (Facebook)
• Remember that Winter in Willmore takes place Saturday at Drake Park from 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM. (Facebook)

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You're all caught up for today. I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning with a new 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.