🌱 Wilson HS Co-Ed Lockers + CSULB Verdict Debrief + Luna's Run?

Happy Wednesday, neighbors! Here's everything you need to know to get this day started. Here's everything happening today in Long Beach.

There’s a controversy brewing around Wilson HS’s new aquatic center. Also, CSULB hosted debrief sessions. Finally, will outgoing Police Chief Luna run for sheriff?

First, today's weather:

Plenty of sunshine. High: 74 Low: 51.

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Here are the top stories in Long Beach today:

1. Wilson High School will be home to a “new multi-million dollar aquatic center” that LBUSD plans to begin building next summer. In addition to a new pool and other amenities costing $23 million, there will be a gender-neutral locker room. “This means that students will use the same facility regardless of gender identity, rather than having changing rooms for boys and girls.” According to a Monday comment by a district official, this setup is “intended to provide a safe environment for all students.” The design involves “58 changing rooms and separate stall showers and toilets” in each locker room, however, Wilson High’s volunteer coach says the math doesn’t work out “if you have about 80-100 girls who take 15-20 minutes to put on a suit and there are 58 stalls.” (California News Times)
2. The California State University, Long Beach provided a debrief of the Rittenhouse verdict on Nov. 22. The CSULB event benefited students, staff, and members of the faculty. This type of “facilitated conversation” is put on by the Student Affairs Division “when there are higher-profile events and issues in the public discourse.” (Fox)
3. Earlier in the year, Long Beach Police Chief Robert Luna announced he would retire from his position at the end of 2021. On Monday, we learned that he “is expected to declare his candidacy for next year’s Los Angeles County Sheriff’s race” during a news conference sometime this week. This would put him up against incumbent Sheriff Alex Villanueva and, as of right now, seven other candidates, one of whom is Los Angeles Airport Chief of Police Cecil Rhambo. (LB Post)
4. The Dominguez Channel stink fix might have a $143 million price tag. Monday’s updated report notes that so far, the county has spent $54 million. If the odor still lingers by March, the cost could go up to $143 million. (Daily Breeze)
5. Why does LB continue to fall short of meeting its goal when it comes to creating affordable housing? According to the Development Services Director in a Tuesday report, it is due to the difficulty of getting funding for building affordable versus market-rate housing. “Being able to ask for higher rents allows developers to recuperate their investment more quickly,” which makes affordable housing not a good option with soaring building material and labor costs. (LB Business Journal)

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Today in Long Beach:

• Naples Rib Company Fundraiser for the Assistance League of LB, 5800 2nd Street (10 AM)
• FINANCIAL AID APPLICATION WORKSHOP - Polytechnic High School, 1600 Atlantic Avenue (1:15 PM)
• Holiday Chamber Mixer! - Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, Holiday Inn Long Beach Airport, 2640 North Lakewood Boulevard (5:00 PM)
• Browning High School Site Night - Browning High School, 2180 Obispo Avenue (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The PastaThon to benefit Caterina's Club is back! Donate on-site or drive-thru and drop off pasta & sauce donations (any size, any brand, any variety) between 8 am-10 pm at the Anaheim White House Restaurant. You could mail a check made out to 'Caterina's Club' to: 451 W. Lincoln Ave #251 Anaheim, CA 92805. Or, go into ANY Smart & Final store through Sunday 12/5 and make a donation of $10 for the PastaThon right at the register. That $10 donation provides 14 meals.
• Long Beach City: The City of Long Beach Lien Sales Auction is held every other Tuesday and is open to the public at 3111 East Willow Street. Gates open at 8 a.m. The next auctions are 12/7 and 12/14. (Facebook)
• Long Beach State Athletics: Maddi Utti is the Player of the Week, presented by Port of Long Beach! Utti helped extend the team's winning streak to start the season to six games while averaging a double-double. Congratulations! (Instagram)
• Long Beach City: Parents and children share their experiences after receiving their first vaccine dose. This is a friendly reminder to schedule your child's second dose appointment and/or first appointment. (Facebook)

From our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• VistaMath Admissions Info Session - Virtual (December 2)
• No-Cost Webinar: How to Successfully Navigate the Divorce Process – Irvine (December 3)
• Autopia 2099 - Presented by Nissan! (December 4)
• Winterfest Christmas Concert and Sparkling Reception | Tix just $70 per person (December 5)
• Taxes In Retirement Webinar (December 14)
• Add your event

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. See you all tomorrow for another update! If you're feeling these newsletters, consider bringing some of your friends and neighbors into the fold. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— 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.

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