🌱 Virgin Orbit Furloughs + Autism Night Out + 50 Safe Parking Spots

Hello, friends! Today’s National Backyard Day; did you know that ZYRTEC®, the allergy relief medicine, designated the first observance of the day in 2021? It's Sunday in Long Beach and I'm back in your inbox with everything you need to know that's happening in town, including news on:

• 👮 Arrests in the Silverado Park drive-by shooting
• 🚧 Approved expansion plans for Holy Innocents School
• 🌇 Trouble in Space Beach

💗 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:

Cooler with a little rain. High: 63 Low: 56.

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

• Sinclair at 5588 Long Beach Blvd., $4.09
• Noil USA, Inc. at 1234 W Cowles St., $4.24
• Sam’s Club at 7480 Carson St., $4.38

😋 Fair Food Poll!
Fair food is the ultimate cheat meal. Although we all know it’s unhealthy, everyone has a guilty pleasure. Which is your favorite?

• 26.3% Funnel cake
• 24.6% Candy apples
• 15.8% Corndogs
• 5.3% Guacamole
• 3.5% Cotton candy, Cheesecake, Tri-Tip sandwiches
• 1.8% Turkey legs, Guacamole with cheese, Pork chop on a stick. Deep-friend bacon-wrapped pickle, Cinnamon rolls, Spicy sausage link on a French roll, Fried cheese curds, Deep-fried butter

The rest have the willpower to stay away from fair food.

📰 Here are the top stories in Long Beach today:

1. On January 23, we talked about the drive-by shooting of a 17-year-old Lakewood HS football team member at the Silverado Park basketball courts at 1:51 p.m. Thursday, the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) arrested two suspects, a 16-year-old boy picked up near the 1000 block of Magnolia Avenue and a 17-year-old in the 1500 block of Hill Street. “Both suspects were booked for one count of murder and two counts of attempted murder. The suspects are currently being held without bail,” and it's up to the Los Angeles County District Attorney to approve the filing of charges. (Patch, LBPD)
2. Do we have trouble in Space Beach? On Thursday, a Virgin Orbit operational pause went into effect, which resulted in the furloughing of about 700 workers. The goal is to resume operations on Tuesday — if the company can secure funding. Insiders “expected the competitive and crowded small-satellite launch business to shake out weaker players.” However, it's a good bet that Virgin Orbit’s “air-launch capability and the strong demand among commercial and military customers” make it one of the stronger players. (AOL)
3. Beginning Monday — and lasting until about May 21 — residents currently living in their cars can park overnight at the Queens Way parking lot near the Queen Mary. The city will allocate 50 parking spots between 5 p.m. and 8 a.m. To assist these neighbors, the city will install “a pet relief area, restrooms, and handwashing stations.” Area businesses were notified, and two security guards will be on duty. (City of Long Beach)
4. On Thursday, the Planning Commission unanimously approved the expansion of the Holy Innocents School at 2500 Pacific Avenue. The school intends to expand its educational programming to include high school students, which means it needs more space. Besides that, the multiphase project includes a new gym and “a new 19,532-square-foot church as well as a parish, convent, and rectory building.” Now, it's up to the City Council to approve the plan. (Long Beach Post)
5. Monday is an Autism Night Out at the Boathouse on the Bay (190 North Marina Drive). Taco Beach is catering the event and bringing foods that even the pickiest eater will enjoy. “All ages, abilities & behaviors welcome!” In addition to a buffet-style dinner and immediate seating, organizers offer free fidgets and allow parents and caregivers to network, connect and have fun. Please pre-purchase your reservation. (LBANO)

📆 Today in Long Beach:

• It's time for the Long Beach Antique Market at Vets Stadium (6:30 AM)
• A Day Of Flute with master classes, performances, and exhibits takes place at the CSULB Gerald R. Daniel Recital Hall (8:30 AM)
• The Farmers Market sets up at E. Marina Dr - S. of 2nd St (9 AM)
• See Shen Yun at the Terrace Theater (1 PM)
• Mahesh Kale performs "The Love of Music" at Jordan High School (4 PM)

🖊️ From my notebook:

• "Congratulations to our 7 talented Explorers on their recent graduation from the Orange County Explorer Academy! 🎓👮‍♂️👮‍♀️ They completed 21 rigorous training courses, from DUI investigations to report writing." (Long Beach Police Department (CA) via Facebook)
• "The 2023 LBUSD Education Celebration web portal is live! Visit https://loom.ly/jOToaFc to learn about early learning, elementary schools, and middle & K-8 schools in LBUSD!" (Long Beach Unified School District)
• "🚲 Save the date for the return of Beach Streets to 🏙 Downtown Long Beach! Join us for a day of fun, fitness, and car-free activities. When 📆 Saturday, May 20, 11AM-5PM Get more details. 🔗 https://www.longbeach.gov/beac..." (Long Beach City via Facebook)
• "Our Long Beach Department of Health & Human Services (LBDHHS) invites school-aged children and their families to participate in Walk to School Week 🚶🏽‍♀️, starting this Monday, March 20 through Friday, March 24." (Long Beach City via Facebook)
• "Homeless Services Truck. - Did anyone else see the Homeless Services truck that was in the Big Lots parking lot the other day? Seems to have made a difference. A lot of regular homeless are gone now, and the Motorhomes have disappeared." (Nextdoor)

🏡 What are homes selling for these days in Long Beach?

• Median Listing Home Price $750K
• Median Listing Home Price/Square Foot $610
• Median Sold Home Price $695K

Check out more Long Beach real estate information!

🐶 Check out cats, dogs, and other Pets Available For Adoption at Long Beach Area Shelters!

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. I'll see you Tuesday!

— 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 Patch newsletter? Contact me at LongBeach-CA@Patch.com