Top News Stories from Long Beach in 2011

Dan Bobis Dies Surfing in Sumatra
Daniel Bobis, a popular Long Beach teacher, resident and surfer, went missing while surfing with his wife and friend off the coast of Indonesia in July, and four days later his body was found by a group of fishermen. Bobis’s family, friends and students held several vigils and memorials for him at his favorite surf beach off Laurelton Boulevard, which was renamed in his honor.

Potts Sentenced to 5 Years Probation in Road Rage Case
In June, a jury acquitted Evan Potts — an Oceanside man who was arrested in a 2009 road rage incident in Long Beach that left city resident Ian Sharinn dead — of second-degree manslaughter but convicted him of criminally negligent homicide. In October, Nassau County Judge Phillip Grella sentenced Potts to five years probation.

Car in Flames at Crystal House
Two residents suffered smoke inhalation and a firefighter was sent to a local hospital after battling a car fire and heavy smoke in a garage at the Crystal House, a 180 unit rental building on Shore Rd., in August.

Marines Hockey Wins State Championship
The Long Beach Marines ice hockey squad took home the New York State Amateur Hockey Association’s state championship for club teams in March. Newcomers to the Suffolk County High School Hockey League, the Marines (18-2) swept Hudson Valley’s Arlington Admirals (19-3) in two games at the Rinx in Hauppauge.

Hurricane-Tropical Storm Irene Slams City
Hurricane-Tropical Storm Irene hit Long Beach in late August, packing winds in excess of 70 mph and heavy rain that downed trees, flooded homes and streets. The storm's force propelled ocean water through 10- to 15-food high sand berms formed on the beach and knocked the beach patrol station off its foundation and into the boardwalk. While city officials said there were with no storm-related injuries and no substantial damage to any properties, the week after the storm.

Wright Wins Quiksilver Pro New York
The first-ever professional surf competition to hit the east coast kicked off in Long Beach in September. Out of 36 contenders, Australia's Owen Wright clinched the title at the Quiksilver Pro New York after a closing battle with world-renowned Kelly Slater.

Quiksilver Festival Canceled
While organizers of the Quiksilver Pro New York announced that their surfing competition would go on as scheduled in Long Beach in early September after Hurricane-Tropical Storm Irene, the City of Long Beach cancelled the competition’s festival sideshows that included live bands. In an open letter to the community, City Manager Charles Theofan explained his decision, in part citing concerns with homeowners still suffering from the storm.

Democrats Sweep City Council Elections
Incumbent Len Torres, second-time candidate Fran Adelson and newcomer Scott Mandel, all Democrats, wracked up the most votes for the three open seats in the at-large Long Beach City Council election in November, defeating Republican candidates Marvin Weiss, Council President Thomas Sofield Jr. and Vice President Mona Goodman. With the victory, the Democrats on the council wrested majority control from the Republicans.

LBPD: Long Beach Man Burglarized 10 Houses of Worship
Terrence Farr, 44, of Long Beach was arrested and charged with 10 counts of third-degree burglary in December. According to detectives, Farr committed 13 burglaries at various houses or worship and other religious institutions throughout the city from March to December.

The Long Beach City Council approved two resolutions to borrow a collective $4.5 million to cover a shortfall in the city’s payroll and retirement payouts at an emergency meeting in November. After affirming the City of Long Beach's A1 bond rating earlier in the year, Moody’s Investors Service downgraded this status in December, based in part on this city's financial deficit.

City Councilman Charged with Stealing $7K in Unemployment Benefits
Nassau County District Attorney investigators arrested Long Beach City Councilman Michael Fagen and charged him with in June. Fagen proclaimed his innocence and said he was confident he would be exonerated.

Eight Youths Arrested for Boardwalk Beatings
Eight youths, from juveniles to a 19-year-old, were arrested in October in connection with two robberies and assaults of joggers on the boardwalk the previous month. One of the victims that was assaulted suffered an eye injury that threatened his vision and required surgery.

In the Long Beach Board of Education elections in May, Dr. Dennis Ryan won a second term and Patrick Gallagher won fourth term on the board, defeating newcomer and challenger Ari Pine in the at-large election. By a vote of 1,674 to 742, the community approved the $118.6 million budget, representing a 1.8 percent or $2.1 million increase over the current spending plan and a 0 percent tax levy increase.

Three Men Rescued from Nearly Drowning

In May, three men were rescued from nearly drowning in Long Beach. Off-duty lifeguards were the first to enter the water to rescue what was determined to be three victims who were screaming for help, officials said. All of the victims were pulled from the water within minutes and they were provided with first aid on the shoreline.

Woman Passanger Killed in Three-Car Accident

A passenger, Ethel Bernstein, 78, of Long Beach, was pronounced dead at Long Beach Medical Center on June 21 after a three-vehicle accident at East Park Avenue and Maple Boulevard in June. Long Beach firefighters were forced to cut two of the drivers from their vehicles after the crash.