RIP Sean Phoenix Cole-Smith + Library Survey + High Recount Costs

It’s another beautiful day in Long Beach, the Aquatic Capital of America!

Welcome to the Long Beach Patch Daily Newsletter, the easiest and most enjoyable way to know what’s happening down the street and around the corner.

Sean Phoenix Cole-Smith has died at the age of 16. Also, the library would like your input on tech purchases and hours of operation. Finally, should it cost six figures to recount a ballot measure that passed with only 16 votes?

First Things First: Today’s Weather, Weather Alert, and Allergy Outlook

Sunny Southern California doesn’t disappoint, with June temperatures reaching 75° for the high and 64° for the low. It’ll be mostly sunny and warm out here.

Even though it’s grass pollen season, along with chenopods, levels of pollen in the air are increasing slightly but still considered low to medium.

The Five News Headlines That Everyone’s Talking About

1. Sean Phoenix Cole-Smith, a star student at Jordan High School and Special Olympics competitor in track and field at Hughes Middle School, has died of ataxia telangiectasia. He was diagnosed with the degenerative neurological disorder that targeted the lungs, muscle fibers, the immune system and other systems in the human body at age 6. He was 16 years old. (LB Post)
2. The LB Public Library wants to hear from you. Your input will shape the availability of assistive technology as well as hours of operation. (City of LB)
3. Remember when Measure “A” (10.25% sales tax) passed last year by 16 votes? The LB Reform Coalition requested a recount, but had to cancel it “after less than a week because of high costs.” Estimates went up to about $200,000. The Registrar argues that the taxpayer should not foot the bill for recounts. The matter heads to trial in July. (LB Press Telegram)
4. The LB PD announced that it has arrested a suspect in a recent string of commercial burglaries. While the count is currently at eight, burglary detectives are looking for additional victims. Call the Burglary Detail at (562) 570-7351. (LB PD)
5. The LB Area Chamber of Commerce named Carolyn Caldwell, president and CEO of St. Mary Medical Center, as its chair of the board for 2021 to 2022. (LB Business Journal)

What’s Happening Today in Long Beach?

• So-Cal Cycle Swap Meet at Veterans Stadium. (7 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
• LB Sunday Farmers’ Market at East Marina Drive, south of 2nd Street. (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
• First Responder Cycling Club holds its “Ballast Point Brewing Ride & Social”; meet at 110 North Marina Drive. (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
• St. Cyprian Parish hosts its food drive collection at 4714 Clark Avenue. (9 a.m.)
• Enlightened Lady curated shopping experience featuring local female artisans at the Towne Center. (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
• Superweird Returns to 1 Junipero Avenue. (12 p.m. to 7 p.m.)

Today’s Long Beach Patch Notebook

It may not fit into news or events, but you sure want to know about it!

• Please check out the St. Cyprian Catholic Church gift shop. All proceeds help fund the ministries.

That’s it! You’re now in the know and ready to weigh in at the water cooler. Better yet, head out and experience Long Beach! I’ll bring you another serving of tasty news and events morsels tomorrow.

-Sylvia

Sylvia Cochran is a freelance writer who has lived more than 20 years in Long Beach and its various neighborhoods. I love books, dogs, volunteering, and embrace social justice. If you have a juicy tidbit of what’s happening locally, don’t keep it to yourself; reach out by emailing me at longbeach-ca@patch.com!