🌱 Queen Mary A National Monument? + Bye-Bye, Bluff Heights Bunny

Happy Wednesday, Long Beach; today is National Panda Day! Let's get you all caught up to start today off on an informed note.

Will the Queen Mary change from a National Landmark to a National Monument? Also, the seven-foot, 200-pound 3rd Street rabbit is moving. Finally, dropping masks in school appears to be a gradual process.

First, today's weather:

Breezy in the afternoon. High: 74 Low: 54.

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Here are the top five stories today in Long Beach:

1. The City is doubling down on its commitment to preserving the Queen Mary and wants it to receive a national monument status. “In a memo released Friday, city staffers recommended that Long Beach work with a consultant to research and prepare a compelling proposal. This issue will come back to the City Council for approval in the coming weeks.” At this time, it is considered a national historic landmark. The change in designation would transfer ownership of the vessel to the federal government, which would then be responsible to pay for repairs and upkeep. (LB Post)
2. The Bluff Heights rabbit is moving. In place since 1999, the seven-foot-tall, 200-pound bunny statue has become a bit of a landmark. However, the home’s owner is moving and will take the rabbit with her. Stop by 3110 East Third Street Saturday evening to wish it a fond farewell. (Press Telegram)
3. Monday was the first day that LBUSD students could return to the classroom without the mandate to wear masks. However, it may take some time for teachers and students to firmly drop masks. Checking in on Longfellow Elementary, we learned that “most students, faculty, and staff kept their faces covered.” (Press-Telegram)
4. A local Chevron got hit by thieves using “trucks modified with large plastic tanks to capture gasoline after breaking the pump.” On Monday, we learned that at a Wilmington station, thieves “got away with more than 5,000 gallons of diesel worth about $30,000.” (KTLA)
5. Just in time for the St. Patrick’s weekend, the LBPD announced it is holding a DUI checkpoint Friday. It will be set up somewhere in the West Division area and run from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. "Drivers charged with DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license." (LBPD)

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Today in Long Beach:

• Long Beach Farmers Market at CSU Long Beach Campus, Student Union, Beach Drive and West Campus (10 AM to 2 PM)
• Long Beach Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce In-Person Luncheon at El Toritos in North Long Beach (12 PM)
• Living Trust Seminar at the LB Pizza Company (2 PM)
• Turning Your Dream Into A Business Webinar by the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce (3 PM)
• Cihuatán Rum Tasting & Educational Dinner at The Bamboo Club (6 PM)

From my notebook:

• Our MacArthur Park neighbor is looking for an affordable vet. (Nextdoor)
• A kind DeForest Park-South neighbor found this amazing dog, she was wandering around Deforest Park. Almost got hit twice. She does not have a chip, but they’ve had no luck finding her owners. She’s well groomed and well taken care of. (Nextdoor)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Wednesday. I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow with another update!

— 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.