Also: What was behind the extremely awkward silence at Tuesday’s council meeting, and our plans for the Elephant Lot now that the Angels deal is dead.

The Backroom gratitude edition has arrived.

The Scorpion submarine moored next to the Queen Mary is reportedly about to be sold. We didn’t even know the rusted racoon-sanctuary was on the blocks—but we have some theories about its mystery buyer.

Also: The opponent best positioned to give the “Son of the Sixth” a headache in March appears to be a Cambodian activist who is highly organized, well-funded and is picking up some hefty endorsements. 

Local leaders didn’t hit the right tone in the midst of this week’s tragedies. Plus, we do the math behind District 1 race—and call out some overly aggressive political correctness.

Al Austin’s “you’re done” decision is still haunting him, like a heartbeat that grows louder from inside a wall.

In this edition: The city is restricting access to a footbridge in Park Estates, reformers in Long Beach are pursuing pledges, election updates, vague-tweeting and more.

The newest candidate considering a run against Jeannine Pearce is mind-blowing. We also get the bottom of a very Trumpy mailer—and had some fun on social media (what could possibly go wrong, you ask?).

We have lots for you in this edition: A word on whistleblowers, the city’s new style guide, a possible challenger in the 4th District and a liberal wave that may wash away an incumbent or two.