Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Long Beach Tried To Regulate Self-Checkout, Stores Shut Them Down Instead

You won't want to miss Marinelli Bros. Circus - A New Experience! on the Long Beach Patch calendar

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Thursday August 27th Patch AM
Thursday August 27th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Hi there, Long Beach! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Most Long Beach self-checkout lanes closed after tough new city rules
  • Long Beach library fence costs soar as city defends project
  • How a $550K grant will change Long Beach's water taxis

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!)

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Partly sunny and hot, with a high of 94 and low of 75 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Friday: Mostly sunny and hot, temps: high: 94, low: 74.
  • Saturday: Mostly sunny and warm, with a high of 91 and low of 70 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

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.
   

📸 Around Long Beach

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Long Beach

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📣 Long Beach Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

    Thursday August 27
  • Late Start PL: Department PLC
    John F. Kennedy High La Palma, CA 90623
    8:10 am
  • Late Start PL: Department PLC/IB PLC
    John F. Kennedy High La Palma, CA 90623
    8:10 am
  • Parent Volunetter Video screening
    Wakeham Elementary Garden Grove, CA 92841
    8:30 am
  • Compliance Training--Special Education
    Walker Junior High La Palma, CA 90623
    8:30 am

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • This dog is missing.
    Please help. He was lost after a car accident in long beach. Name Freddie Breed. Husky/ German Shepard mix. Very friendly. Loves people. … (Nextdoor West Gateway)
  • Missing cat Noche.
    Black and white tuxedo, long haired. She is very friendly. Went missing Friday from Pattiz Ave near El Dorado Park. Any info much appreciated! (Nextdoor Cliff May Ranchos)
  • Smart and Final posted a job opening for Service Clerk - 434 Long Beach in Long Beach. Apply here.
  • Vast, Inc. posted a job opening for Manufacturing Technician, Mechanical Assemblies (Second Shift)New in Long Beach. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Long Beach here.

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!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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