In-Person Commencement + DUI Checkpoints + Car Washes for a Cause

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

Welcome to the Long Beach Patch Daily Newsletter, 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 planned CSULB in-person commencements that come on the heels of the announcement that the city has reached a 62% vaccination rate. Kick off the weekend with a car wash for a good cause!

First Things First: Today’s Weather

Sunny Southern California doesn’t disappoint with May temperatures reaching 67° for the high and 55° for the low. Odds are good it’ll be sunny and gorgeous.

There is a beach hazard warning that has been extended until Sunday morning for southwest facing beaches because of dangerous rip currents.

The Five News Headlines That Everyone’s Talking About

1. Long Beach is heading to a 65% COVID-19 inoculation rate. With 62% of residents over 16 having received at least one dose, officials plan to focus on reaching 70% next. (Press Telegram)
2. CSULB will hold in-person commencement events for 2020 and 2021 graduates. Around 25,000 graduates will walk across the stage between May 28 and 31. (The Grunion)
3. The Harbor Scenic Drive will open its new bike and pedestrian path on May 23. It goes past the Queen Mary and Pier J. (LB Post)
4. The LB PD North Patrol Division is planning to hold DUI checkpoints tonight between 6 p.m. and 2 a.m. (LB Local News)
5. My New Car Wash pioneers $21 BOGO car washes that come with a built-in $4.20 donation to one of four non-profit organizations – you choose! (MyNewCarWash.com)

What’s Happening Today in Long Beach?

• Uptown Commons Long Beach celebrates its grand opening at 625 East Artesia Boulevard. (12 p.m.)

• Conference & Workshop centered on building Self Esteem & Female Mentorship at the Convention Center, 300 East Ocean Boulevard. (2 p.m.)

• “Sailboats at Sea” live online learning-to-paint event with artist Alexis Rivera. This is an all ages, family-friendly event. (4 p.m.)

• Full Moon Ceremony with Sound and Energy Healing as well as messages from beyond. Annie Chang, Antoinette Patel, and Linda Ong host the gathering at 5437 East Ocean Boulevard. (6 p.m.)

• Yoga, Soundbath & Healing Circle at Bixby Park. (11 a.m.)

Today’s Long Beach Patch Notebook

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

• The City of LB announces its Sustainability Internship application deadline for fall is August 5. (562.570.6396)
• The FREE Mulch Pick-Up Program continues to run at 2755 Orange Avenue from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (562.570.5831)

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 by emailing me at longbeach-ca@patch.com!