🌱 Queen Mary Mismanagement + Fines Delayed + Wardlow Rd. Firebug

Long Beach CA

16 November, 2021

1:40 PM

Description

Hello, people of Long Beach! Sylvia here with today's Long Beach Daily. In a bit of news that surprises nobody, there's a report alleging mismanagement of the Queen Mary. Also, the cargo container fines will not be charged until next Monday. Finally, there was somebody setting fire to things inside a gas station. The Daily is made possible by local business, The Appliance Coach. Want to see your business featured in this spot in the newsletter? Click here to learn more. First, today's weather: Low clouds may break. High: 68 Low: 55. Here are the top stories today in Long Beach: Queen Mary Update: On Monday, the LB City Auditor released a scathing report about mismanagement of the Queen Mary and its lease. It states that residents have spent $2.4 million so far to pay for a debt bond, which is putting "city funds at risk." So, who's to blame? There's the City Attorney's office that drafted the questionable lease (the City Attorney is "poised to retire") and then the City Council (except for Council Member Suzie Price) that voted to approve it. The poorly written lease led to "excessive subcontractor markups and management fees" and other problems. (LBReport, City Auditor)Port Update: Do you remember the fees that were to be levied on shipping companies that allow cargo containers to stay at the terminals? On Monday, we learned that these fines are being delayed "because of early compliance by companies in clearing cargo since the penalties were approved." However, the reprieve is (supposedly) only temporary and could begin next Monday. (ABC) A man walks into a gas station. Only this one doesn't turn into a joke. Taking place Monday at around 9 a.m., the 51-year-old Bellflower resident entered the gas station at Atlantic Avenue and Wardlow Road. He then started setting things on fire. LBFD and LBPD arrived, put out any fire, and arrested the man on "suspicion of arson." (LB Post) Mission School Transportation has a contract with LBUSD to transport special education students on its buses. On Monday, the bus drivers went on strike, demanding more money and respect. Parents of 733 special needs students had no notice and scrambled to get kids to school and then home. A spokesperson for LBUSD noted that "student absences caused by the strike will be excused and schoolwork will be allowed to be made up and alternate transportation for affected students would be handled on a case-by-case basis." (LB Post) The Shul by the Shore Grand Chanukah Extravaganza is back! Scheduled for November 28, it takes place at 2nd & PCH. This is an inclusive event open to all. Rabbi Abba Perelmuter will light the menorah at 4 p.m. there will be Chanukah crafts and chocolate gelt for the kids. (OC Breeze) Today's Long Beach Daily is brought to you by our friends at GoodRx — the best way to save money on your prescriptions. GoodRx helps you locate the lowest prices for medications at local pharmacies, so you're not overpaying. Works for pet medications too! To see how much you can save, go to GoodRx.com. Today in Long Beach: Girls Soccer-JV @Firebaugh - Jordan High School (3:00 PM) School Site Council Meeting - Browning High School (4:00 PM) Boys JV Basketball @ St. John Bosco - Jordan High School (4:30 PM) Boys Vars. Basketball @ St. John Bosco (6:00 PM) Girls Soccer-Varsity @Lynwood - Jordan High School (7:00 PM) Bear City: Stand-Up Comedy in Long Beach at Que Sera (7:30 PM) Long Beach Patch Notebook Long Beach Airport: Planning to travel for the holidays? The airport issues a friendly reminder for those passing through LGB to arrive 90 minutes before departure and wear a mask while indoors. (Instagram) Long Beach City: Don't miss out on the City of Long Beach, El Dorado Nature Center, and Regional Park California native plant sale on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from November 9-28th, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. There are NO sales on Thanksgiving, November 25. (Facebook) Long Beach City: The City needs your input on the recommendations for changes to the Citizen Police Complaint Commission (CPCC)! You're invited to provide feedback to the presentation of findings by the CPCC in a virtual discussion happening. (Facebook) From our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news! Events: Medicare Webinar (November 18) Taxes in Retirement Webinar (November 18) Seal Beach Menorah Lighting (November 21) Taxes In Retirement Webinar (November 23) Autopia 2099 - Presented by Nissan! (December 4) Add your event Announcements: Wanted - VW Crewcab (Details) Need a Medicare provider in your area? (Details) Add your announcement That's it for today! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow morning with your next update. If you're enjoying these newsletters, consider inviting some of your friends and neighbors to read along. 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. Her SEO-optimized internet copy includes social media marketing projects and German to English business translations. She loves dogs, cats, books, plays Fishdom (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 [email protected].