(July 28, 2003) -- LBReport.com has learned that since Saturday July 26, over 50 people have called LBFD to report a strong -- very strong -- natural gas or sulphur type odor across parts of ELB stretching from Belmont Shore, inland across the Rec Park area...and reported as far north as parts of Los Altos.

We experienced it personally on Sunday July 27 at roughly 2:00 p.m. -- an overwhelming natural gas type odor in the area of Appian Way just northwest of Marine Stadium -- so strong, wife Sharon called 911 from our car to report it. She was told LBFD had received reports of it the day before and could find nothing...and they'd respond again.

Later on Sunday July 27, LBFD Public Information Officer Capt. Scott Clegg confirmed that residents in the area had reported smelling it in the aftrnoon across a widespread area, including areas near 2d St. and the Naples bridge, and 4th and Loma. Capt. Clegg said AQMD would be informed about it on Monday.

On Monday night, we received an email from a reader in the general area of Studebaker just north of Anaheim Rd. (east of CSULB) who reported "an overwhelming unpleasant odor since Saturday [July 26]. It is noticeable at least from Atherton between Palo Verde and Studebaker down to Anaheim and Studebaker...On Saturday it smelled like sewage or rotting garbage, whereas yesterday and today it was a very strong sulfur smell...Oddly, the odor is not constant, but is most noticeable in late afternoon; today [July 28] it was at its worst around 4:00 p.m...

The reader indicated they'd called the LB Gas Co...and the person answering their emergency line indicated they knew about it...and have been getting calls about it since Saturday. LB Gas. (LB Energy) said they'd investigated and determined they were not the source. The reader then called AQMD and reported the smell.

By late Monday night July 28, LBFD Public Information Officer Wayne Chaney confirmed to LBReport.com that this agency alone had received about 55 calls in the past few days...and AQMD is looking into it.

The source officially remains a mystery as we post. Further to follow on LBReport.com.