🌱 No Credible Threats + Lenco BearCat For PD + Rotten Trucking?

Welcome back, Long Beach! Let's get this Friday started off right. Here's what's happening around Long Beach today.

No, the threats posted online against LB schools aren’t credible. Also, the PD’s getting a new armored tactical vehicle. Finally, teamsters want you to know that there’s an underbelly to the supply chain issue that nobody’s mentioned so far.

First, today's weather:

Sunny to partly cloudy. High: 62 Low: 44.

Here are the top stories in Long Beach today:

1. There are social media posts circulating that discuss “school threats directed at Long Beach Schools.” The LBPD explained on Wednesday that it is aware and that “at this time, there are no known credible threats to any Long Beach school.” The PD is increasing patrols around schools but warns the posters “that making threats against schools can have serious consequences and may result in criminal prosecution, up to and including felony charges.” (FB)
2. The LBPD’s getting a 2022 Lenco BearCat armored tactical vehicle to replace a similar item it’s been using for 20 years. This vehicle, which the City Council approved Tuesday, comes with a price tag of $349,583 and a yearly maintenance cost of $6,877. It can “withstand hits from 7.62 AP and .50 caliber BMG bullets.” The PD explains that it needs the upgrade “in the event of an active shooter or complex, coordinated attack” as well as for “protection, rescues, and utilization of de-escalation tactics.” Did we mention that it meets CA emissions standards? (LB Post)
3. Teamsters blame a “rotten trucking system” for the supply chain problems. As noted Wednesday, they hold the way trucking is done at the ports responsible for the current driver shortage. For example, there are “workers being classified as independent contractors by companies.” Teamsters explain that misclassification discourages truckers because it creates “a system in which drivers must bear much of the financial burden themselves, including paying for trucks and fuel — while having none of the regular employee benefits, such as sick pay or health insurance.” In contrast, the Harbor Trucking Association, which represents trucking businesses, blames supply chain issues on “too many empty containers clogging port terminals.” (Daily Breeze)
4. The 51-year-old former LBUSD school safety officer who shot the 18-year-old woman has entered a plea of not guilty to murder charges Wednesday. The shooting took place on September 27 near Millikan HS. The alleged shooter was arrested on October 27 and “was said to have been very remorseful the day of the shooting.” His next court date is January 19. (NBC)
5. Omicron is now moving on to “local transmission.” Public Health officials announced Wednesday that there’s a fifth case of the COVID-19 variant in L.A. County. This case may not be the result of travel but rather transmission on the local level. (CBS)

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Today in Long Beach:

• LB Firefighters 'Spark of Love' Toy Drive 2021, all Long Beach Fire Department Stations (9:00 AM)
• Homeschool Holiday at the Aquarium, 100 Aquarium Drive (9 AM)
• Holiday Movies & Moonlight 2021 presents "The Grinch" at East Second Street & Pacific Coast Highway (5:00 PM)
• Holiday Tree Lighting, Laser Light Show & Santa 2021: Long Beach Towne Center in the Edwards Long Beach Stadium Courtyard, 7575 Carson Boulevard (7:00 PM)
• It's the Apes, Ma! Boomer's Cocktail Lounge, 5456 East Del Amo Boulevard (9 PM)

From my notebook:

• Long Beach City: There's a job opportunity with the Long Beach Parks, Recreation & Marine Department! The City's seeking amazing Recreation Program Leaders to assist with recreation programs that provide homework assistance and academic enrichment activities. (Facebook)
• Long Beach Public Library Foundation: A reminder that overdue fines for Long Beach Public Library materials are temporarily suspended. If you have a book that is a few weeks (or years) overdue, return it so that your fellow library visitors can enjoy it. (Facebook)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, East Village: Hello. Anyone interested in forming a group to do the Hollywood sign or Runyon Canyon hike? Experienced hiker, but I need a guide. (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Cal Heights: Hello! I’m trying to collect flowers to press for Christmas gifts this year, and I am hoping that some kind person with flowers in their garden wouldn’t mind me picking a few. Please DM me if you think you could help. Thanks in advance! (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, South Wrigley: "Did anyone lose a rabbit near 20th and Cedar Ave this week? - if so, let me know the size and color of it if it is yours. (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Ridgewood Triangle: "Anyone missing a kitty? He came up to us on our walk on the corner of Cartagena and Falcon. He seems very content and well-fed, very sweet, wanting pets and followed us for almost an entire block. (Nextdoor)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Friday. I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow 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.