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🌱 Patch AM: How vulnerable is the Port of Long Beach to wildlife smugglers?

Make time for Christmas Car Wash on the Long Beach Patch calendar

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Sunday December 14th Patch AM
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Good morning Long Beach! We're back in your inbox this morning to keep you in the loop with what's happening in and around town. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How vulnerable is the Port of Long Beach to wildlife smugglers?
  • How Long Beach City College turns a parking lot into a lifeline
  • How did Long Beach State help win this major workforce award?

Also on today's calendar: Join Us for a Free Educational Seminar on Medicare Advantage Plans! and 9 more events.

Find out what's happening in Long Beachfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: Jimmy, did you crash on your bike again? You’ve lost a tooth! 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Long Beachfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Sunday: Areas of fog, then sun, with a high of 69 and low of 52 degrees.
  • Monday: Partly sunny, temps: high: 75, low: 50.
  • Tuesday: Mostly sunny and nice, with a high of 75 and low of 54 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• It's ‘Whack-A-Mole': Alarming Rise in Pet Trade Fuels Wildlife Trafficking Into California (goodmenproject.com) — Long Beach residents should know their port is a major gateway for wildlife trafficking into California, with smuggled birds, reptiles, and other species slipping through massive cargo flows. The article details how understaffed federal and state agencies struggle to police shipments through the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, and explains the ecological and public health risks posed by invasive and diseased animals entering the state.
   

• Addressing Student Homelessness: Using Parking Lots as Safe Sleeping Areas (parentherald.com) — Long Beach City College is running an overnight Safe Parking Program that lets unhoused students sleep safely in a campus lot with access to Wi‑Fi, bathrooms, and security. The story follows one student’s experience and explains how similar safe-sleep initiatives are expanding nationwide to support homeless students while they pursue their education.
   

• Cal State Fullerton Honored with Eddy Award for Workforce Development (fullerton.edu) — Long Beach State is among six Cal State campuses honored with a 2025 Eddy Award for their role in strengthening Southern California’s workforce and economy. The Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation recognized the universities’ innovative efforts to prepare career-ready graduates and support equitable regional growth, with CSU Chancellor Mildred García accepting the award on their behalf.
   

📸 Around Long Beach

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Long Beach

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • SCAN's Independence at Home Offers Free Classes to 55+ & Their Caregivers to Keep them Healthy & Independent —Leslie Smith Read on Patch
  • To the good Samaritan who left a can of gas in my Jeep, thank you very much.
    Was it the gentleman who helped me push it into a parking space? Was it the Christmas Spirit or you are just that kind of person? Reach out and I'll… (Nextdoor Belmont Heights South)
  • Recently, I posted on Nextdoor, regarding my son cooking for the community, as a few of you showed up with your meat for my son, Daniel to cook.
    Bottom line, my son is having a blast, but he has asked me to not give out his location as of yet. As he is still getting a few creative ideas lined… (Nextdoor Oakbrook)
  • MemorialCare posted a job opening for Registration Coordinator I in Long Beach. Apply here.
  • Salas O'Brien posted a job opening for Lighting Designer- Internship Spring 2026 in Long Beach. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Long Beach here.

🗞 Nearby News

Lakewood

  • Long Beach Jordan girls basketball runs past Lakewood in Moore League opener (presstelegram.com)
  • In the event of an in-flight emergency … (ems1.com)
  • UC Davis degree to be first for family, birthday gift (dailydemocrat.com)

Carson

  • Sofia Carson at Actor Awards 2025 Night in Los Angeles • CelebMafia (celebmafia.com)
  • 17-year-old girl possibly targeted by human trafficker at San Fernando Valley mall (lapd.com)
  • Could UW's star WR Denzel Boston return to Huskies next season? (seattletimes.com)

Ok Long Beach! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I didn’t lose a tooth, Mom. It’s right here in my pocket.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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