Correction: A previous version of this newsletter gave the incorrect date for the upcoming Fix-It Clinic. It is July 19, not June 19.

Good morning and welcome to Monday Morning Coffee! Grab your cup and let’s get to your weekly briefing of what’s on the agenda for local government and business leaders. Get this in your inbox every Monday by signing up at lbpost.com/newsletters.

City meetings

As its members prepare for a July recess, Tuesday’s Long Beach City Council meeting is expected to be a packed docket with several items we think you should consider. 

Councilmembers will take up items new and old, including an ordinance to require grocers and drug stores to staff a minimum number of workers in their self-checkout aisles. Also coming up is an update on the proposed changes to wage laws surrounding concession workers at the Long Beach Airport and Convention Center. 

With limited information ahead of the meeting, the council will take up a recommendation to support accelerating the city’s transition to using zero-emission vehicles to collect trash and recycling. 

The dais is also expected to approve several contracts, including a $5.4 million agreement for the installation of grandstands and seating for the upcoming Long Beach Bowl amphitheater beside the Queen Mary. Capable of seating 11,000 people, the venue is expected to open by Spring 2026. The city also wants to use $25 million to pay for electrical improvements at the Long Beach Convention Center as part of its 2028 LA Olympics infrastructure plan. 

At their Tuesday meeting, the Long Beach Utilities Commission will look to adopt the department’s 2025-26 budget, which handles the governmental funds for Water, Sewer and Gas services. The commissioners are also expected to authorize the city to allocate $9.4 million in state cap-and-trade revenues to pay for emission-reducing programs citywide.

Business events and information

  • The Women’s Business Council is having its next installation luncheon on Thursday, June 19 at the Hotel Maya (700 Queensway Dr.). At the ticket cost of $60 for members and $70 for “future” members, attendees will welcome the newest council president, Cheryl Vargas. The outgoing president, Dana Buchanan, will also deliver some remarks. The 90-minute luncheon will start at 11:30; to register or find more information, visit here.
  • Attention all hoarders: grab your busted watch, favorite ripped shirt, that microwave that’s on the fritz. The next Long Beach Fix-It Clinic will be this Saturday, July 19, at the Sports Basement (2100 N. Bellflower Blvd.) Starting at noon, the three-hour event welcomes people to bring in small appliances, jewelry, toys, clothing and electronics in disrepair for free mending. Volunteer coaches will take a look at your items and help make repairs if possible, teaching you about the item along the way. While repairs are not a guarantee, it’s worth a try to get a second life out of your favorite junk. For more information or to sign up as a volunteer, visit here.

ICYMI — California and national news

  • Fear of ICE is driving local immigrants away from school, work, even the grocery store (Long Beach Post)
  • AI toys and games? Barbie maker Mattel teams up with OpenAI to create new products (LA Times)
  • Why there’s an unexpected surge in people claiming Social Security (NPR)