Open Streets Extended + New Walking Path + Vaccine Perks

It’s another beautiful day in Long Beach, the Aquatic Capital of America!

Welcome to the Long Beach Patch Daily Newsletter's prequel, the easiest and most enjoyable way to know what’s happening down the street and around the corner.

In today’s newsletter, we’ll shine a spotlight on the gradual easing of COVID restrictions and homeless camp cleanups. There’s live music, y’all!

First Things First: Today’s Weather

Sunny Southern California doesn’t disappoint with May Gray temperatures reaching 69° for the high and 55° for the low. Odds are good it’ll be partly cloudy.

There is a beach hazard warning that runs from Wednesday to Saturday for southwest facing beaches because of dangerous rip currents.

The Five News Headlines That Everyone’s Talking About

1. The Long Beach City Council voted to extend the Open Streets program until the end of September. In the meantime, they plan to create processes that would allow some parklets to stay in place permanently. (The Grunion)
2. The local stretch of the San Gabriel River may soon become a walking path or public park. However, the project will only get off the ground if the City Council can find funding from the county or the state. (Press Telegram)
3. Caltrans is teaming up with the City of Long Beach to clean up homeless encampments on its properties. When dismantling the tent cities, officials hope to direct residents to available services. (LB Post)
4. Upping the ante from the tickets for the Aquarium of the Pacific, first-time COVID-19 vaccine recipients can now enter a raffle to win a Nintendo Switch or a two-night stay at a local hotel. Anyone over the age of 12 qualifies. (LB Post)
5. It’s not all dire news for Long Beach restaurants. The owners of Little Coyote plan to open another location on the Los Coyotes Diagonal in July. The city loves pizza! (Press Telegram)

What’s Happening Today in Long Beach?

• Bands on the Bay play at the San Pedro Fish Market. Visit 6550 East Marina Drive for socially distanced patio seating and music by local bands. (3 p.m.)

• Groove Switch! Invites you to visit 5205 Pacific Coast Highway for an all-ages, no-cover live music show. (7 p.m.)

• The Allery hosts the Knights of the Round (Turn)Table featuring Amy Winehouse's "Back To Black." Come to 4306 Atlantic Avenue! (6 p.m.)

• The Long Beach Opera Live Performances continue with a drive-in experience of Les Enfants Terribles on Friday at 2nd Street and PCH. (8 p.m.)

• Head over to the Long Beach Uptown Farmer’s Market on the east side of Atlantic Avenue and 46th Street. Support local growers and find yummy food! (3 p.m.)

Today’s Long Beach Patch Notebook

It may not fit into news or events, but you sure want to know about it!

• The Long Beach Museum of Art at 2300 East Ocean Boulevard offers free access each Thursday. (3 p.m.)
• FREE Tai Chi for Beginners takes place at Marine Stadium. (11:45 a.m.)
• Farm Mural Making at the Farmers’ Market. If you’re heading out tomorrow, come an hour early to see street artists create murals. (2 p.m.)
• “Tattoos & Rescues” fundraiser and animal adoption benefiting the LB Animal Care Services at V Burger, 420 Cherry Avenue. (10 a.m.)

That’s it! You’re now in the know and ready to weigh in at the water cooler. Better yet, head out and experience Long Beach! I’ll bring you another serving of tasty news and events morsels tomorrow.

-Sylvia

Sylvia Cochran is a freelance writer who has lived more than 20 years in Long Beach and its various neighborhoods. I love books, dogs, volunteering, and embrace social justice. If you have a juicy tidbit of what’s happening locally, don’t keep it to yourself; reach out!