Sticky Fingers On The Queen Mary + No Transparency + Solar Panels

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.

Remember when we reported that the Queen Mary was in bad shape? In today’s newsletter, we’ll shine a spotlight on a couple of the ship’s operators walking away with $2.4 million in COVID-19 relief and report on the city’s complaints about a lack of transparency regarding the care of migrant youngsters at the Convention Center. In addition, the LBUSD is minimizing its carbon footprint.

First Things First: Today’s Weather

Sunny Southern California doesn’t disappoint with May temperatures reaching 70° for the high and 59° for the low. Odds are good it’ll be partly cloudy.

The Five News Headlines That Everyone’s Talking About

1. Recently, we talked about the Queen Mary that is gradually sinking into disrepair. Today, we learn that two former operators stand accused of “absconding” with more than $2.4 million in COVID-19 relief loans. (LB Post)
2. The good feelings about the federal contractors managing the LB Convention Center migrant shelter are souring. Officials cite a lack of transparency and want to know what the contractors at the facility do to merit a $197,356 per day price tag. (LB Post)
3. The city will break with tradition and not have beach concessions open by Memorial Day. There is the possibility that “something” will open in June, but there are no announcements yet. (LB Press Telegram)
4. Just in time for summer, the LBUSD will continue installing solar canopies at 21 elementary and middle schools to lower energy costs and reduce the District’s carbon footprint. (LB Press Telegram)
5. The Noble Bird restaurant has committed to full transparency of its ingredients, with an allergy-friendly kitchen and a full ingredients list for every dish. It caters to families where one or more members, frequently children, have allergies. (Spectrum News 1)

What’s Happening Today in Long Beach?

• Bands on the Bay Continues with Jennifer Corday at the San Pedro Fish Market. (3 p.m.)
• Long Beach Uptown Certified Farmers’ Market at Atlantic Avenue and East 46th Street (3 p.m.)
• Tai Chi for Beginners at Marine Stadium, 5255 East Paoli Way (11:45 a.m.)
• The Parkcrest Christian Church Food Bank is handing out boxes at 3936 Woodruff Avenue. (10:00 a.m.)
• American Red Cross Blood Drive at 2nd and PCH. (12 p.m.)

Today’s Long Beach Patch Notebook

It may not fit into news or events, but you sure want to know about it!

• Parkcrest Christian Church at 3936 Woodruff Avenue is looking for food bank volunteers. (Sign up)
• The Panacea Student Massage Clinic offers clients budget-friendly massages to provide the next generation of practitioners with hands-on experience. (studentclinicphi@gmail.com)

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!