🌱 RIP Blanche Brewster Cannady + Anaheim & Pacific Carjackers In Jail

Hello, friends! Today, Hanukkah begins at sunset! It's Sunday in Long Beach, and I'm back in your inbox with everything that's fit to print about what's happening in our community, including news on...

• 🚧 A 7th Street bridge makeover
• ✈️ An announcement from Southwest Airlines
• 🎄 The continuation of a 12-year tradition

💗 Please help us grow! Send a friend or neighbor this link, so they can be in the know, like you!

🌤️ But first, today's weather:

Some clouds, then sunshine. High: 66 Low: 43.

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⛽ Three of the Cheapest Gas Stations in the City of Long Beach

• Sinclair at 5588 Long Beach Blvd., $3.79
• Sam’s Club at 7480 Carson St., $3.95
• ARCO at 2601 Santa Fe Ave., $3.99

⏰ New Year’s Resolutions Poll! 🎶
According to Forbes, only 8% of people making New Year’s resolutions actually achieve them. Even so, the experts suggest making resolutions because they encourage intentionality, optimism, and a positive effect on others. So, what are your resolutions for 2023? So far, 20% intend to meet new people or interact more with current friends. Letting go of negativity is the goal for 30%, and 10% want to travel or experience something new. Another 20% want to live healthier, and the final 20% plan to embrace change.

📰 Here are the top stories today in Long Beach:

1. Blanche Brewster Cannady, the first woman to become “assistant superintendent for elementary schools in Long Beach” died December 4 at the age of 101. Described as “tough” and “no-nonsense,” she was known for training future district leaders to understand “that running a school system is about putting kids and their interests first.” She was the principal at Helen Keller Elementary when it first opened. From there, she went to Cleveland and Whittier elementary schools. Cannady is quoted as saying that working with kids “was the greatest job ever,” but she wanted her legacy to be “remembered for helping all people.” (Press-Telegram/paywall)
2. The Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) arrested two carjacking suspects near Anaheim Street and Pacific Avenue. Friday at 12:32 p.m., the 34-year-old man and 28-year-old woman allegedly “brandished a firearm” and took a man’s car. The two were caught after a brief car chase, crashing the stolen car, and a short foot chase. Both suspects are now at the Long Beach City jail, with the male being held with no bail. The female suspect’s “bail was set at $100,000.” (LBPD)
3. A makeover of the 7th Street bridge might be coming. Outgoing Mayor Robert Garcia spent Friday afternoon introducing the final project in his official capacity: a new east-side entrance to the city. The bridge, which crosses the 22 Freeway near Cal State Long Beach, would feature lighting, attractive paneling, and would spell out the city’s name. Of course, before this can happen, officials have to give the project the green light. (Long Beach Mayor)
4. Southwest Airlines will offer weekly nonstop flights to Orlando International Airport from the Long Beach Airport beginning July 11. The airline made the announcement on Friday and noted that “the flight will depart Long Beach on Saturdays on a seasonal basis.” If you’re keeping track, Southwest brought a nonstop connection to Nashville to the airport, and in the future will offer service to New Orleans and Salt Lake City. (Long Beach Business Journal)
5. Trees in the Bay is back! We learned on Thursday that the death in 2021 of the company’s owner, known as the “tree lady,” temporarily halted a 12-year-tradition. Now, her daughters are continuing their mom’s tradition of crafting the handmade “ornaments modeled after the iconic Trees in the Bay floating light displays, which locals look forward to seeing in Long Beach canals and waterways every holiday season.” Check them out! (The HiLo)

📆 Today in Long Beach:

• Alamitos Bay Marina Farmers Market (9 AM)
• Ugly Sweater Christmas Brunch at Cafe Sevilla (11 AM)
• Hotel Maya & Fuego presents Maya-Animals Experience featuring deer (12 PM)
• Tai Chi For Beginners at 5608 E. Los Santos Dr. (12:30 PM)
• A Christmas Carol Radio Style Live On Stage at the Helen Borgers Theatre (2 PM)

📓 From my notebook:

• "📣 Our Long Beach Department of Health & Human Services (LBDHHS) is now offering bivalent COVID-19 vaccines to children 6 months of age and older. The bivalent vaccines will provide increased protection against the Omicron variant." (Long Beach City via Facebook)
• "Get FREE at-home COVID-19 tests ➡️ covidtests.gov" (Long Beach City via Facebook)
• "Bixby’s latest stop on his tour of LBPD led him to the magical world of the Public Records Compliance Division (PRA.) While there, Bixby was met by the friendliest civilian staff." (Long Beach Police Department (CA) via Facebook)
• "Our Long Beach Fire Department is seeking a dynamic leader for its Fire Chief. The next Fire Chief will be a transformational leader who can modernize a well-established & respected urban Fire department." (Long Beach City via Facebook)

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

— 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.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Long Beach Daily? Contact me at LongBeach-CA@Patch.com