🌱 Hub Of Hope For Homeless + Arrest Warrant For Longfellow Teacher

Good Morning, Long Beach! Elaine Thompson here, filling in for Sylvia for today. Don't worry, she will be back tomorrow! It's the weekend, and I'm here to fill you in on what's happening, including news about:

• Arrest warrant issued for former elementary school teacher.
• Residents needed in open discussion for "hub of hope" for the homeless.
• School baseball coach placed on administrative leave.

But first, today's weather:

Low clouds, fog breaking. High: 59 Low: 48.

📢 I'm looking for business owners and marketers in Long Beach who want to build awareness, connect with customers and increase sales.

I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. If that's you, then I invite you to learn more and secure your spot now.

Here are the top stories in Long Beach today:

1. Former Long Beach elementary school teacher, Deborah Betance, was issued a warrant for her arrest. Betance has been free on a $50,000 bail since July 2022 after her involvement in a fatal hit-and-run of 78-year-old Jere Whitney. Judge Debra Cole has issued a re-arrest to be "held in lieu of $100,000 bail after she failed to show up to her preliminary hearing without sufficient excuse, court records show." Records also show that Betance has not missed any of her previous court dates. Long Beach Post has the full scoop on this story.
2. On March 6, officials will host a forum for Wrigley Association’s residents. The Los Angeles County Metro Board of Directors will begin discussions with city officials about "establishing a “hub of hope” for the homeless. "Services like showers, phone charging and even temporary housing for unhoused people riding the A Line," would be part of the new program. Metro directors have referenced the Wardlow and Willow Street Stations as possible hubs, but nothing has been made official as of yet. To learn more about this story, Long Beach Post has the full details.
3. Jefferson Leadership Academy teacher, Amelia Johnson, received the Health Education Teacher of the Year award. Johnson was selected for this honor by the California Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (CAHPERD). She has served the district for 23 years, beginning at Cabrillo High School as the girls' athletic director. Johnson notes that she greatly appreciates being recognized by her peers, wants to continue supporting the success of her students, and is overall humbled. Check out the full story at Long Beach Unified School District.
4. Brent Lavoie, Long Beach Poly baseball coach, has been placed on administrative leave by the Long Beach Unified School District as of Thursday. Lavoie and administrators have directed any inquiries to the LBUSD. "The district confirmed that Lavoie has been placed on leave from teaching and coaching “pending a personnel matter” but declined to comment further on an ongoing investigation." The assistant coach Curtis Thompson will fill in for the Jackrabbits while Lavoie is on leave. The562.org has more details on this story.

Today in Long Beach:

• PAW Patrol Live! ($60+) at Terrace Theater (10 AM + 2 PM)
• LA Lowrider SuperShow + Meet & Greet Chivo Peter Vasquez at Long Beach Convention Center (11 AM)
• Art Exhibition| Bowman Ceramics at Vida Plant Shop (4 PM)
• 14th Annual Scotsman's Ball & Dinner ($75+) at The Grand (5:30 PM)
• Funny Bonz: The 'Humerus' Solution 2023 ($33+) at P3 Theatre (6 PM)
• JazzZone at Roscoe's Jazz Lounge (8 PM)

From my notebook:

• Fancy a drive to Seal Beach for good eats? "The Kebab Shop is opening its 32nd shop Friday in Seal Beach, right on schedule. The fast-casual Mediterranean restaurant has been operating since 2007 and has recently been staking out territory in Los Angeles." (Spectrum News 1)
• Blue skies and green fields at Long Beach Airport: "Happy Friday, Long Beach. Enjoy this aerial view of our airfield, all green from the recent rains!"
  (Long Beach Airport via Instagram)
• How police are responding to recent burglarlies: "In response to a string of commercial burglaries occurring over the last 2 months, the Department’s proactive efforts have resulted in some significant arrests." (Long Beach Police Department (CA) via Facebook)
• Calling all antique shoppers! "Hey vintage lovers! If you're looking for a one-of-a-kind shopping experience, you won't want to miss the Long Beach Antique Market on Sunday March 19!🗓️" (Long Beach Antique Market via Instagram)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Urban Farm School (March 4)
• 2023 Los Angeles International Flamenco Festival (April 1)
• Add your event

Thanks for following along and staying informed. Sylvia will catch you all tomorrow for her regularly scheduled newsletter!

— Elaine Thompson

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Long Beach Patch newsletter? Contact me at LongBeach-CA@Patch.com