Chlorine Fire + Fatal Scooter Crash + Pepper Spray, Gun Vs. Knife

Welcome back, Long Beach! Let's get this Sunday, July 18 started. Here's everything worth knowing around town today.

The dense gray smoke you saw over portions of LB near the Signal Hill Costco came from a 600-pound chlorine fire on Willow. Also, an early morning electric scooter ride resulted in the death of its rider. Finally, a knife-wielding man attacked a pepper-spray-carrying man, who later defended himself with a gun.

First, today's weather: Partly cloudy throughout the day. High: 82 Low: 68.

***Please note that the City operates five cooling centers that are open daily from noon to 6 p.m. Water is available at each site. They remain in operation until October 16.***

Here are the top stories today in Long Beach:

1. LB PD and Signal Hill PD worked together when closing portions of Willow Avenue after a chemical fire. A U-Haul van was transporting 600 pounds of chlorine when it went up in flames near the Costco. Fire crews doused the flames, which led to plenty of gray smoke over LB and Signal Hill. (LB Post)
2. The LB PD responded to a fatal traffic accident involving a 2010 Ford Mustang and a Veo electric scooter. The collision happened near 7th Street and Ohio Avenue. If you saw the accident, please connect with LB PD Detective Kevin Matter or Detective Kevin Johansen at 562-570-7355. (KTLA)
3. In the 1800 block of Appleton Street, the PD responded to a call involving a man who pepper-sprayed and then shot another man who apparently threatened the first man with a knife. (LB Post)
4. The City’s budget is in, and it’s looking a lot better than projected. Totaling $3 billion, the American Recovery Act stepped in and made up for the deficit. This means fire Engine 17 in East LB is staying for another year, and the Community Hospital gets $1 million. (City of LB)
5. Vegan sushi? Yes! The Vegan Castle at 2400 Santa Fe Avenue is open and serves “crispy fish tacos, shrimp hand rolls, spicy tuna on crispy rice, and more.” And yes, there are sushi rolls. (VegOut Magazine)

Today in Long Beach

• Antique Market at Veterans' Stadium, 5000 East Lew Davis Street. (5:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
• LB Farmer’s Market on East Marina Drive, south of 2nd Street. (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
• Greater Long Beach Church of Christ in-person, outdoor worship service at El Dorado Park West Willow Grove at the stage area. (9:30 a.m.)
• Wee Sing Easter Songs (9:30 AM)
• Grace Long Beach hosts a Family Beach Day at Bolsa Chica State Beach, Lifeguard Tower #17. (12 p.m. to 4 p.m.)
• The Greater Harvest Church of God in Christ & 4Kings & 1 Queen host a Community Popup Shop, 1144 Olive Avenue. (1 p.m. to 6 p.m.)
• FREE Virtual Sunday Tour of the Museum of Latin American Art with Docent Dr. Isela Ocegueda. (2 p.m. to 3 p.m.)
• Creeptoxica with DJs Polyester & Master Droog, Day 2, at Alex’s Bar (21+), 2913 East Anaheim Street. (2 p.m.)
• Kool Breezzz Band plays at Derricks on Atlantic, 3502 Atlantic Avenue. (4 p.m. to 7 p.m.)
• The Long Beach Church of Christ hosts a Family Movie Night featuring Toy Story 2 at 3707 Atlantic Avenue. There will be FREE popcorn, candy, and drinks! (5:30 p.m.)

Long Beach Patch Notebook

• Long Beach Public Library: "Join us for a couple of stories and songs in English and Spanish! Acompañenos para leer libros y cantar en inglés y e..." (Facebook)
• Friends of Long Beach Animals is accepting donations and has your next four-legged companion!

From our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Free Family Mini Photo Sessions (July 31)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Sunday! I'll see you around. If you're feeling these newsletters, consider bringing some of your friends and neighbors on board. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— Sylvia Cochran

About me: Sylvia Cochran works out of sunny Southern California and has been freelance writing full-time since 2005. Her SEO-optimized internet copy includes social media marketing projects, German to English business translations as well as human resources tutorials. She loves dogs, books, and embraces social justice.

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