Mr. Smith co-founded (and came up with the name for) "Better Balance for Long Beach," the independent grassroots group that politely embarrassed City Hall officialdom into cleaning up and adding amenities to a street median along 14th St. from Chestnut Ave. to just east of Locust Ave. that residents called "14th St. Park." He went on to co-create the nationally-recognized "One Day Christmas Store -- Shopping With Dignity" that gave families of limited means an opportunity to "shop" for familymembers, choosing from among items purchased with generous donations from individuals and businesses. The uplifting event won national recognition in 2011 from Neighborhoods USA, and received plaudits from U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein, the CA Assembly, L.A. County Supervisor Don Knabe and the City of Long Beach.

An online effort is underway and continues now at this link to cover the costs of the memorial with the balance slated to go to BBLB to help fund the Christmas Store 2017 in Jack's honor. The online effort began on Dec. 19 with a goal of collecting $10,000; as of Jan. 13 at dawn it had received $3,101 from 40 persons. To join in the effort, click here.

Mr. Smith ran for the City Council in the 2010 election cycle, offering well-reasoned proposals in an uphill race against better-funded establishment candidates.

On Oct. 11, 2016, Mr. Smith delivered what would be his final Council words. On October 4, Mayor Garcia responded to increasing visible vagrants, anti-social behaviors and neighborhood impacting crimes by staging a City Council "study session" on homelessness. After much talk, the "study session" ended with no firm commitment to do much more than is being done now.

A week later, Jack Smith came to the City Council Chamber, waiting over an hour and half to speak for 180 seconds during public comment on non-agendized items. Mr. Smith stated in specific terms what he believes City Hall should do and didn't flinch at stating political incorrectitudes, stressing the need to focus on behavior and not status, to listen to homeless persons (not just to "service providers," "experts" and city staff) and cited the need for political will.

To hear Mr. Smith's final Council words, click here.

Mr. Smith passed away suddenly in mid-December. He would have turned 65 on Dec. 12.

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