RIP Jere Whitney + Shout-Out To Officer Bailey + Joints For Jabs

It's time for another installment of what's new in Long Beach.

Renaissance woman, writer, volunteer, and artist Jere Whitney died at age 78. She was the victim of a hit-and-run driver. Also, LB PD Officer Bailey responded to a call about a lost child and ensured the situation had a happy conclusion. Finally, if you want FREE weed (pot, grass, Mary Jane, ganja, dope) get a COVID-19 shot on 7/24. Seriously.

First, today's weather: Sunny throughout the day. High: 80 Low: 66.

***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. Jere Whitney, REMI Award-winning scriptwriter, MOLAA docent, Playhouse volunteer, and active Belmont Heights community member was killed by a hit-and-run driver on 4th Street at Ximeno Avenue. Police are looking for a “red Subaru Outback or Crosstrek.” (LB Post)
2. Shout-out to LB PD Officer Bailey who responded to the call about a lost child, located the youngster, and walked the child back to the waiting family. (@LBPD)
3. "Joints for Jabs LBC" is a go! Eligible adults over 21 can get a token for a “free, pre-rolled cannabis cigarette” after receiving a COVID-19 vaccination. If you’d like to participate, head to Houghton Park on 7/24 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (LB Post)
4. The LB Port is losing business because of the import boom. Levi’s has diverted its freight to the East Coast, citing an "ongoing challenge in Long Beach." In addition to an increase in demand, the company dealt with a container shortage and congestions at the port of LB. (Supply Chain Dive)
5. The PD is investigating a murder in the 300 block of East 17th Street. The shooting took place Sunday morning. Investigators believe the case is gang related. If you have any information, please contact Homicide Detectives Eric Thai or Juan Carlos Reyes at (562) 570-7244. (City of LB)

Today in Long Beach:

• Morning Meditative Practice with the Namasté Center for Spiritual Living, online. (7 a.m.)
• Bubble Fun & Playtime at Grace Brethren Church, 3601 Linden Avenue. (10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.)
• Western-themed kid’s club at 6400 Pacific Coast Highway (the 2nd & PCH Shopping Center). (10 a.m. to 12 p.m.)
• Wine Wednesday at the Water’s Edge Winery, 217 Pine Avenue. (Happy Hour at 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.)
• Long Beach Bicycling Meetup at the LB Windsurf Center, 3850 East Ocean Boulevard. (7 p.m. to 10 p.m.)

Long Beach Patch Notebook:

• The Local Hearts Foundations is accepting new volunteers.

You're officially in the loop for today. See you all tomorrow morning for another update! If you're liking these newsletters, consider inviting some of your friends and neighbors to follow along. 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. Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Long Beach Daily? Reach out anytime to LongBeach-CA@Patch.com.