Oasis In A Food Desert + Inevitable Outbreaks + Three DUI Arrests

Good morning, Long Beach! Here's everything you need to know to get this Friday started off right.

The big grocery store chains may not operate there, but there is now hope for underserved communities in LB. Also, will COVID-19 outbreaks in schools be “inevitable?” Finally, y’all really need to read this Daily and turn your friends on to it. There is no other explanation why the widely publicized North Division DUI checkpoint netted so many arrests and citations.

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First, today's weather:

Clear throughout the day. High: 79 Low: 65.

Here are the top stories today in Long Beach:

1. The Long Beach Healthy Market Partnership Program is a win-win for mini-market owners in declared food deserts and the customers they serve. A case in point is the A&F Market on Santa Fe Avenue near Willow Street, which primarily sells Asian products and the typical mini-mart fare. Eligible to participate because of its location, the store received a new freezer and in return now stocks fruits, veggies, and healthy foods. (LB Post)
2. “It is inevitable there might be some outbreaks,” said CA Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond when asked if LB schools might expect similar COVID-19 outbreaks as L.A. County schools. As you may remember, the county reported 5,207 student and 729 staff cases in its K-12 schools between August 15 and 29. (LB Report)
3. At its last DUI Checkpoint located at Atlantic Avenue and South Street, the LBPD’s North Division interacted with 159 drivers, arrested three for DUI, and cited eight for license issues. (LBPD)
4. Just in time for back-to-school traffic, Willow Street improvements are happening between San Vincente and Studebaker. There will be work crews, intermittent lane closures, and street resurfacing. Oh, and parking availability will be iffy, too. (LB Public Works)
5. The City has released its closure list for the Labor Day holiday. Trash collection will go on as usual. COVID vaccination clinics at Seaside Park, LBCC PCC, and Admiral Kidd Park will be open. Those at Veterans Memorial Stadium and LBCC Liberal Arts Campus will close. Also, “there will be no scheduled street sweeping or enforcement of street sweeping violations on Monday, Sept. 6.” (City of LB)

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Today in Long Beach:

• Stream “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” fully staged new production from The Helen Borgers Theatre. (Sept. 3, 2021, to Sept. 26, 2021)
• Downtown Farmers’ Market at 4th and North Promenade. (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
• Rancho Los Cerritos public hours, 4600 Virginia Road. (1 p.m. to 5 p.m.)
• Making Funny at the Laugh Factory, 151 South Pine Avenue. (7:30 p.m.)
• Negative Approach performs at Supply & Demand, 2500 East Anaheim Street. (8 p.m.)

Long Beach Patch Notebook

• Long Beach Airport: "We are the official airport for the @longbeachmarathon and we're giving away two free registrations to any of their events, such as the Aquarium of the Pacific 5K, 20M Bike Tour, Marathon or Half Marathon. To enter: Comment on this p..." (Instagram)
• Long Beach Police Department (CA): "Back-to-School season is here! Our North Division officers swung by a school supply giveaway at the Carmelitos Community Center to send these kiddos home with some goodies to stuff in their bags, and help start the season off right " (Facebook)
• Long Beach State Athletics: "Introducing, Kayla Fuller, one of our NEW FACES of @lbsuwvb Welcome to the Beach! #GoBeach" (Instagram)
• Long Beach State Athletics: "Who’s ready for our Volleyball Packed Weekend @lbsuwvb is hosting the Long Beach State Tournament in the Walter Pyramid this weekend, make sure to come on out and support! Click the link in the bio to purchase your tickets. #GoBeach" (Instagram)
• Long Beach Public Library: "Want to improve your English reading skills? In partnership with Long Beach City College, we're offering free ESL Reading Skills courses! All courses are non-credit and will be held at the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library. A sign-up s..." (Facebook)

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That's it for today! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow morning with your next update. If you're enjoying these newsletters, consider inviting some of your friends and neighbors to read along. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— Sylvia Cochran

About me: Sylvia Cochran works out of sunny Southern California and has been freelance writing full-time since 2005. Her SEO-optimized internet copy includes social media marketing projects and German to English business translations. She loves dogs, cats, books, plays Fishdom (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? You can reach me at LongBeach-CA@Patch.com.