🌱 RIP Bill Pearl + LBUSD Limits Event Attendance, Cancels Events

Hey, Long Beach! Happy National Tempura Day! Let's get you started this Friday with everything you need to know going on today in Long Beach.

The one and only Bill Pearl has died. Also, the latest COVID-19 surge is causing the school district to postpone and cancel events. Finally, Assemblyman Patrick O'Donnell is retiring, and Josh Lowenthal wants his job.

First, today's weather:

Patchy fog in the morning. High: 60 Low: 51.

Here are the top stories today in Long Beach:

1. Bill Pearl, the founder of LBReport.com, died Tuesday at the age of 71. A true journalist, he “told the public what City Hall does not want them to know.” He helped readers “follow the money” and “did not care if he left a trail of angry politicians behind him.” However, in the process, he developed a devoted audience and won the respect of quite a few officials. (LBReport.com, Bill Pearl Scholarship)
2. The LBUSD announced new regulations for on-campus events this Wednesday. For indoor sporting events, attendance “will be capped at 25%.” The rules led to many indoor events being postponed. These include the Wilson dance show, the Poly Mr. and Ms. Jackrabbit Pageant, as well as field trips, overnight trips, and the kindergarten festival. (LB Post)
3. Assemblyman Patrick O'Donnell announced his retirement from political office on Wednesday. Insiders had considered him a possible contender for the LB mayoral seat that Robert Garcia will vacate as he is running for Congress. “I look forward to seeing all of you in the neighborhood and continuing our efforts to improve our neighborhoods, schools, and communities,” he noted. (SpectrumNews 1)
4. Josh Lowenthal, the son of longtime Congressman Alan Lowenthal, announced that he will run for the seat Assemblyman Patrick O'Donnell will vacate. The younger Lowenthal previously attempted a run for a seat in the OC, but lost “by about 5,000 votes.” Currently a business owner, he has yet to define his political platform. (LB Post)
5. The Amazon Fresh in Long Beach is the place to be Sunday. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the "Hotel Transylvania: Transformania" Johnny Monster Bus will be parked at the location. “People can join for giveaways, character meet and greets, and other fun features.” This promotion comes ahead of the latest installment of the Hotel Transylvania franchise, which streams on Prime Video beginning January 14. (Patch)

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Today in Long Beach:

• DTLB Farmers’ Market (10 AM to 2 PM)
• The Value Series Presents - About Enoughness the Women's Conference "And God Is Able..." at the Long Beach Courtyard Marriott (5 PM)
• 80s with Knyght Ryder at the Gaslamp Long Beach (9 PM)
• Making Funny at the Laugh Factory (10 PM)
• Sevilla Nightclub of Long Beach presents The Hottest Latin Nights With DJ LENNY G (10 PM)

From my notebook:

• A kind Elm Avenue neighbor wants to know if anyone is missing a male mixed pit bull? He’s looking super skinny but is very friendly! (Nextdoor)
• An Alamitos Beach neighbor lost a set of keys. They're 3 keys with a remote for a car. (Nextdoor)
• Our Wrigley Heights Proper neighbor needs recommendations for an excellent licensed house painter. (Nextdoor)
• Can you recommend an acupuncturist for our Cal Heights neighbor? (Nextdoor)
• Another Cal Heights neighbor has 2 tickets to Violins of Hope at the Terrace theater on 1/8. - They are unable to attend. Anyone interested? (Nextdoor)

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• Vistamar School Admissions Open House - Virtual (January 8)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Friday. 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.