RIP Darlene Quinn + Kelp Forests For Fuel + 2-Alarm Fire

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.

The author of the popular “Webs” series had died. Also, the kelp that has annoyed you at the beach could actually be the answer to future gasoline shortages. Finally, the Lucky Chopsticks restaurant experienced a two-alarm fire.

First Things First: Today’s Weather, Beach Hazard Statement, and Allergy Outlook

Sunny Southern California doesn’t disappoint, with June temperatures reaching 69° for the high and 60° for the low. Odds are good it’ll be partly cloudy, in keeping with our typical June Gloom.

Even though it’s grass pollen season, along with olives and nettles, levels of pollen in the air are low to medium.

The Five News Headlines That Everyone’s Talking About

1. Darlene Quinn, the LB author of the award-winning “Webs” series, has died from cancer. She was 83. (DarleneQuinn.net)
2. The Kelp Biofuel Project is eyeing the fields of perennial seaweed growing off Long Beach’s coast. Citing the presence of the necessary technology, they envision the use of kelp fuel for cars. (LB Post)
3. The Lucky Chopsticks Chinese Food & Pho restaurant at 1320 West Willow Street sustained heavy fire damage in a two-alarm blaze. (LB Post)
4. The LB PD needs the community’s help. Officers arrested Bryan Scott on suspicion of performing “lewd acts with a minor.” Detectives seek possible additional victims of the in-home music lesson teacher. Please contact Special Victims Detectives Nikki Alexander and Hector Gomez at (562) 570-7321. (LB PD)
5. A missing adult LB resident was found unharmed and reunited with family members. (OC Breeze)

What’s Happening Today in Long Beach?

• Orange County Transporter Organization presents “O.C.T.O. Meet 2021” for 1967 and earlier Volkswagen bus owners/aficionados with a swap meet, prizes, and concessions; 5000 East Lew Davis Street. (6 a.m.)
• FREE e-waste and shredding event at 317 Termino Avenue. (9 a.m.)
• Macramé Plant Hanger Workshop at 4031 East Theresa Street. (10 a.m.)
• Beach Yoga meets at 5400 East Ocean Blvd. parking lot; walk toward the ocean to the left of the Claremont Tower. (10:15 a.m.)
• A Community Fair featuring 30 small businesses is taking place at the LB Town Center, 7585 Carson Blvd. (11 a.m.)
• Michael Barnum performs live at the Long Beach Exchange (The Hangar), 4150 McGowen Street. (4 p.m.)
• North LB Crop Swap at 6509 Gundry Avenue. (4 p.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 Long Beach is hiring! Seasonal and permanent positions as well as paid internships. (Apply)
• The AIDS Assistance Thrift Store is looking for donations.

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!