Hi there, Long Beach! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Marinelli Bros. Circus - A New Experience! and 8 more events.
Today's riddle: What is the difference between a jeweler and a jailer? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Long Beach Tried To Regulate Self-Checkout, Stores Shut Them Down Instead (patch.com) — Long Beach's strict self-checkout rules have led most surveyed local retailers to shut down or sharply limit the lanes, citing longer lines, congestion and lower customer satisfaction. Labor groups representing thousands of Southern California workers say the ordinance has improved safety and workloads, while some chains now factor the regulations into decisions about opening new Long Beach stores. City staff may revisit specific rules as they monitor similar laws elsewhere.
2. Long Beach Reveals $811K Price Tag For Controversial Library Fence Project (patch.com) — Long Beach residents are learning that the fenced Children's Terrace at the Billie Jean King Main Library now carries an $811,449 price tag, far above the original fence contract. City officials say added access-control technology and management costs drove up expenses, while also arguing the fence has reduced incidents, suspensions, and maintenance costs around the downtown library despite criticism from homelessness advocates.
3. Long Beach Transit receives nearly $550K to upgrade water taxi fleet (presstelegram.com) — Long Beach Transit just secured nearly $550,000 in federal funding to replace engines on the water taxis linking downtown and Alamitos Bay, promising faster, more reliable, lower-emission rides. With the 2028 Olympics and new coastal ferry plans ahead, officials say the upgrades will strengthen waterfront connections for residents, visitors and local businesses.
4. A loophole in Long Beach's new power plant tax may have blown a $12 million hole in its budget (lbpost.com) — Long Beach officials say a loophole in Measure LB's new power-plant utility tax may have left a $12 million gap in expected revenue, deepening the city's budget crisis. With reserves nearly exhausted and cuts already hitting libraries, police, fire and other services, the city auditor is investigating how utilities are applying the tax and whether legal action is needed.
5. Hundreds Of Cal State Long Beach Students Sent To Hotels After Dorm Delay: Report (patch.com) — Hundreds of Cal State Long Beach students are starting the semester in nearby hotels after the new La Playa residence hall failed to get final occupancy clearance in time for move-in. The university is covering shuttles, meals, and a $200 Beach Bucks credit while delaying housing charges until the dorm opens, though no firm move-in date is set.
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Ok Long Beach! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A jeweler sells watches and a jailer watches cells. (Thank you Jean D. for sending it in!)
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