WATCHDOG TODAY: Vegan taco tour, Cal Heights affordable housing proposal and new Belmont Shore parklet plans

The news you need today in Long Beach.

Vacant Cal Heights building could be demolished soon to clear path for affordable housing project

After a vote Wednesday, the city will begin the process of demolishing the vacant building, which could be completed within 90 days.

Proposed parklets at Open Sesame, Aroma di Roma head to City Council for final vote

On April 23, the council is expected to vote on proposals to add two new outdoor dining areas to the Second Street corridor in Belmont Shore.

Clocked Out: $3 jackfruit tacos, massive meat-mimicry burritos and more comfort food

I took something of a meatless Mexican food tour from Lakewood to Whittier to Costa Mesa and back to Long Beach. Here are some of the best tacos, burritos, bowls, etc. that I tried along the way.

Central Long Beach affordable housing project officially opens; already 99% leased

Wellspring features 88 one-, two- and three-bedroom units for individuals and families making 30-60% of Long Beach's median income.

Naming of POLB's education center after former Rep. Alan Lowenthal heads back to council for final approval

Over some 30 years in office, Lowenthal advocated for many environmental issues like protecting port-adjacent neighborhoods from the dangerous dust that eminated from petroleum coke in Long Beach.

6 recent restaurant changes in Long Beach

From the closure of Hungry and Bored to an incoming brick-and-mortar for Hey Brother Baker, here's the food news you may have missed lately.

WATCHDOG TODAY: LB Post faces federal investigation, Mayor proposes media 'incubator,' 1st openly lesbian councilmember releases book on LGBTQ+ history in LB

Plus, the city is offering up to $5,000 in grants for neighborhood improvement projects. Here are today's headlines.

Mayor proposes 'incubator' funding initiative to support local journalism

Mayor Rex Richardson is asking the City Council to support the creation of an incubator initiative, which would help support local media and journalism outlets.

Long Beach’s 1st openly lesbian councilmember releases book on city’s LGBTQ+ history

Limited to only 128 pages, Gerrie Schipske said the book gives a high-level overview of the history but hopes it will serve as a jumping-off point for deeper dives into the city's LGBTQ+ past.

Long Beach offering grants up to $5,000 for neighborhood improvement projects

The funding is intended to help pay for things like neighborhood cleanups, food distribution events and other projects that can benefit residents.

PODCAST: Fighting the preschool-to-prison pipeline

Ishmael Pruitt co-founded Project Optimism "to stimulate the ambition of our next generation of leaders" and to help students see the value of education.

Long Beach Post faces federal investigation into retaliation amid union vote

Before unionizing, workers tried to warn the nonprofit’s board of directors of several workplace violations, but their concerns were ignored.

WATCHDOG TODAY: Solar-powered 'Trees in the Bay', delays at LGB and a battle brewing on the beach path

The headlines you might have missed in LB Watchdog today.

Solar-powered Christmas? Energy-efficient holiday trees coming to Colorado Lagoon

This year, Long Beach will have nine solar-powered holiday trees floating on the Colorado Lagoon, according to a city official.

Expect delays at Long Beach Airport as two lanes of traffic will close through June

Two lanes of traffic, where travelers are typically dropped off or picked up by vehicles, will be closed through the end of June, the airport said Thursday.