🌱 Power Outages in Belmont Shore + Oil Sheen Heading Toward LB?

Happy Saturday, neighbors! And a Merry Christmas to all who celebrate! Let's get this day started off right. Here's everything you need to know about what's happening today in town.

There have been a couple of power outages, but only one was planned. Also, an oil spill originating near Huntington Beach could be heading for local beaches. Finally, the PD has a suspect in the recent shooting near 72nd Street and Atlantic Place.

First, today's weather:

A passing shower or two. High: 57 Low: 49.

Here are the top five stories in Long Beach today:

1. Southern California Edison reported two power outages Friday. The first one was in Belmont Shore, close to the western part of Naples Island. Crews were working to restore electricity to customers there. The second outage was actually scheduled and affected customers in North Alamitos Beach near 4th Street and Alamitos Avenue. (LB Post)
2. On Wednesday, the City of Huntington Beach announced the discovery of an oil sheen a mile off Bolsa Chica State Beach. On Thursday, the City of LB warned that the sheen is traveling “in a northerly direction,” which could affect “the San Gabriel River, Long Beach shoreline, and Port of Long Beach.” The ongoing rain this weekend could impact the visibility of the sheen. (City of LB)
3. Earlier this week, we reported on the Dec. 18 fatal shooting of a 46-year-old man experiencing homelessness in the area of 72nd Street and Atlantic Place. On Thursday, the LBPD announced that they arrested a 54-year-old man during a traffic stop at 72nd Street and Orange Avenue. He has been “booked for one count of murder and one count of possessing a controlled substance for sale.” (LBPD)
4. The LB Chapter of the Red Cross is hosting a blood drive to help survivors of the recent tornadoes in the Midwest and South. It will be at 3150 East 29th Street from 10 AM to 4 PM on January 22. You can visit the Red Cross’ rapid pass page to provide pre-donation information that makes the process even faster. (CA News Times)
5. We learned Thursday that the LB Department of Health and Human Services received a $302,000 grant. It is earmarked for the Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Education Program. The funds will be used to pay for safety pop-up events, safety workshops for older adults, and online safety activities for members of the community. (Patch)

Today in Long Beach:

• Happy Holidays 5k, 10k, 15k, Half Marathon at 54th Place (at the start of the beach path) (7 AM)
• Christmas Day Mass at All Saints Anglican Cathedral (10 AM)
• Christmas Day Community Giveaway at the Family of Faith Christian Center (8 AM to 10 AM)
• Christmas Day Movies + Thai Food! at Trademark Brewing (12 PM to 8 PM)
• NA Meeting at Resurrection Lutheran Church (8 PM)
• 15th Annual Good Foot! X Mas Party at Alex’s Bar (9 PM)

From my notebook:

• Are you a Long Beach resident looking to make a difference in the community? Please consider becoming a Trauma Intervention Program of Long Beach (TIP) volunteer! (Facebook)
• Santa is coming to Long Beach to fish at El Dorado East Regional Park! He will be giving away fishy prizes!! (Facebook)
• Our North Long Beach/Downey Ave neighbor found a couple of huskies on Johnson and 65th. (Nextdoor)
• A neighbor in Central Wrigley is selling 5 Knotts tickets for $100. They have to be used by Dec 31 this year! (Nextdoor)
• The neighbor at E 68th-E 69th found two dogs near Alondra Blvd and Orizaba Ave. (Nextdoor)
• A Ridgewood Cove neighbor needs suggestions for a trustworthy, budget friendly HVAC contractor for repairs. (Nextdoor)

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That's it for today. I'll see you soon!

— 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.