🌱 No Money To Widen The 710 + Senior Nutrition Program Starts Monday

Happy Sunday, Long Beach; today is National Loyalty Day, which was proclaimed in 1959 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower! Let's get you all caught up on what's happening locally to start today off on an informed note.

The improvements to the 710, Ocean Boulevard, and the 91 don’t look like they’re happening. Also, the in-person Senior Nutrition Program for those 50 and up is starting again on Monday! Finally, owning Pier H and the Queen Mary would result in a financial loss of $354 million over five years for the Port.

First, today's weather:

Partly sunny. High: 70 Low: 57. Today’s pollen breakdown shows moderate levels for grass.

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Poll!
Who should be the next Long Beach Mayor? Please let me know your thoughts! (As of today, Suzie Price leads the pack with 47.7% of your votes, but Rex Richardson is second with 34.2%. Franklin Sims is making a showing with 10.5%!)

Here are the top five stories in Long Beach today:

1. What’s happening with the 710 freeway widening? We learned Saturday that there’s no money for the project. In addition to not having the actual freeway construction, quitting the project might also mean losing “vehicle and pedestrian improvements along arterial streets stretching from Ocean Boulevard to the 91 Freeway.” However, there’s a chance that a different proposal may see “arterial street improvements to streets like Anaheim Street, Pacific Coast Highway and others that cross the 710 Freeway.” (LB Post)
2. The city announced Friday that the in-person Senior Nutrition Program starts up again on Monday. “Hot or cold nutritious meals that meet USDA standards will be served to residents age 50 and above. Residents are required to make reservations ahead of time by calling the phone number of the desired site.” Scheduled on weekdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the locations are Houghton Park, McBride Park, El Dorado Park West, and the Long Beach Senior Center. (City of LB)
3. According to the Port of LB, taking ownership of Pier H and the Queen Mary could result in a loss of “an estimated $354 million over five years.” This announcement came ahead of Monday’s planned LB Harbor Commission budget meeting. For Councilwoman Cindy Allen, it’s “an amazing opportunity for us to have control over and see this Pier become a jewel in Long Beach.” For the president of the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association, it’s “a ship that is around 90 years old — still sitting in saltwater, with a 40-year track record of failure as an attraction/hotel.” (Daily Breeze/paywall)
4. Another Princess Cruise ship is making news. We learned Friday that The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention “is investigating a reported COVID-19 outbreak” on the Majestic Princess that returned to LB on Saturday. “A woman onboard told Eyewitness News her friend tested positive for COVID-19 and that no one has come to clean their room since her friend was moved to isolation.” You may remember that last week, the Grand Princess returned to LB with several passengers testing positive for COVID. (ABC)
5. May is National Bike Month! The LBPD will host several "Bike With A Cop" events. Register for the events, spend some time with an officer, and talk about things on your mind. It’s also a great time to bring the kids and introduce them to a cop. The dates will be May 1, 12 p.m., at Granada Beach; May 7, 1 p.m. at Houghton Park; May 14, 1 p.m., at Silverado Park; May 21, 1 p.m., at the GoActiveLB Hub and May 28, 1 p.m., at MacArthur Park. (LBPD)
   

Today in Long Beach:

• Heroes For Hearing 5k Run & Fundraiser for the HearAid Foundation meets at the Granada Launch Ramp (8:30 AM)
• 11th Annual Walk For Kids by LB Ronald McDonald House meets at Convention Center back lot and Rainbow Lagoon (9 AM)
• a-ha: The Movie at the Art Theatre of Long Beach (11 AM)
• Celebrate Dutch King's Day at the POA Gemmrig Park with a Taste of Amsterdam Holland (11 AM)
• The Eon Burchman Trio at Viento Y Agua (12 PM)

From my notebook:

• ⚠️SCAM ALERT⚠️ The City of Long Beach Energy Resources is alerting all its customers of fraudulent calls and text messages. (Facebook)
• The city announced a $600,000 investment in the creation of the Long Beach Early Childhood Education Infrastructure Hub in collaboration with the LB Mayor's Fund for Education and the Long Beach USD (LBUSD). (Facebook)
• As Sexual Assault Awareness Month comes to a close, the Long Beach Police Department asks the community to continue to use its voice. If you suspect abuse, or are a victim yourself, let someone know so you or that someone can receive the help that is needed. (Facebook)
• Our neighbor from Alamitos Beach reminds you to get renter’s insurance! (Nextdoor)
• A Greenbelt Heights neighbor lost a gray and white kitty. He's an indoor cat, but he got out. Did you see him? (Nextdoor)

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You're officially in the loop for today. 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.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Long Beach Daily? Contact me at LongBeach-CA@Patch.com