Garcia Wants Queen Mary + Playground Torched + Fines For Donuts?

Happy Thursday, neighbors! Let's get this day started off right. Here's everything you need to know about what's happening in town today.

Is preserving the Queen Mary throwing good money after bad? Scrapping her is more expensive. Also, someone burned down the Admiral Kidd Park playground. (That's why we can't have nice things.) Finally, there's a call for fining spectators at street takeover events where folks do donuts in intersections.

First, today's weather: Partly cloudy throughout the day. High: 82 Low: 67.

***Please note that the City operates five cooling centers that are open daily from noon to 6 p.m. Water is available at each site. They remain in operation until October 16.***

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Here are the top stories in Long Beach today:

1. Mayor Garcia declares preservation of the Queen Mary a top priority. This tweet comes on the heels of news that adequate preservation over the next 25 years could cost up to $175 million, whereas scrapping it might cost about $190 million. (@RobertGarcia, KTLA)
2. The Admiral Kidd Park playground burned down on Sunday. The LB FD is investigating. Council Member Roberto Uranga promises to replace it. (Signal Tribune)
3. Watching street takeover events may bring stiff penalties. Council Member Daryl Supernaw requested that the City Attorney would draft a new ordinance that could fine event spectators. Other members of the City Council are somewhat cautious to avoid infringement of the right to assembly. (LB Post)
4. Artesia Boulevard is getting a new look. A result of the "Thrive 90805" initiative, the City will spend $26 million on "new medians, bioswale, valve-outs at intersections, and private bike lanes." (California News Times)
5. The LB PD plans a DUI checkpoint on Friday in the South Division area. Hours of operation will be 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. (City of LB)

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Today in Long Beach

• Virtual LB Chamber of Commerce workshop covering all aspects of creating a business plan. (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
• Build Your Own Mac 'n Cheese Thursdays at Gallagher's Long Beach, 2751 East Broadway. (11 a.m. to 11 p.m.)
• Virtual Mixer - Long Beach Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (4 p.m. to 5 p.m.)
• Boxcar Seven will hold a FREE concert at Marine Stadium. (Shout-out to the Alamitos Heights Improvement Association for making this happen!) (6 p.m.)
• El Dorado Nature Center FREE outdoor concert featuring The Salty Suites (acoustic and instrumental). (6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.)

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Long Beach Patch Notebook

• Long Beach City: "Please #WearAMask indoors even if you are vaccinated. Cases are going up and we need everyone to help end the spread...." (Facebook)
• Long Beach Airport: "Now that's a gorgeous #LongBeach sunset. Thanks to our Operations team for this shot. #FlyLGB" (Instagram)

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From our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Torrance Antique Street Faire (July 25)
• Free Family Mini Photo Sessions (July 31)

Job listings:

• Field Technician machine shop industry (Details)

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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow with your next update. If you're feeling 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, German to English business translations as well as human resources tutorials. She loves dogs, books, and embraces social justice.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Long Beach Daily? I'm all ears. You can contact me at LongBeach-CA@Patch.com.