FEB. 20:
NASCAR'S JASON LEFFLER TO BE HONORED AS SMOOTH'S "LEGEND OF LONG BEACH"
While in town for the NASCAR Nationwide Series race at California Speedway this weekend, Long Beach, CA native, Jason Leffler, driver of the No. 38 Great Clips Toyota Camry, will be honored in his hometown on Wednesday, February 20th, at Smooth's Sports Grille in Long Beach at 6pm. Smooth's will hang Leffler's firesuit and helmet for permanent display as a way to pay tribute for his hard work and success, and of course, his roots in Long Beach.
Leffler cut his teeth in racing around the Long Beach area, racing quarter-midgets. Over the course of his open-wheel career Leffler won three United States Auto Club (USAC) Midget National titles, becoming the first driver in 37 years to capture three consecutive National Midget titles as well as one Silver Crown National Championship.
Leffler changed directions in 2000 and left his open-wheel career behind to pursue one in the NASCAR ranks and has since competed in all three of NASCAR's top-series. Currently driving the No. 38 Great Clips Toyota for Braun Racing in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, Leffler had his best season to date in 2007, finishing third in the championship point standings and going into the record books by giving Toyota their first Nationwide Series victory by winning at O'Reilly Raceway Park last July. This season, Leffler will run for his first NASCAR Nationwide Series championship.
"I always look forward to coming home to California but this trip is going to be even more special for me. Smooth's Sports Grill is a staple in Long Beach and has been for the last 26 years. John Morris has made it a point to celebrate and pay tribute to other athletes from this area and I am honored to now be a part of that history.
To be recognized for years of hard work in such a way with my wife, Alison, and son, Charlie Dean as well as other family and friends there means a lot to me." Smooth's owner, John Morris, looks forward to honoring Leffler and to having his gear in his restaurant.
"We're excited to have Jason back home in Long Beach and to have him share his success with his fans, friends and family," said Morris. "Jason will be inducted into the Smooth's "Legends of Long Beach" display and we'll be honored to have his photo and memorabilia adorning the restaurant's walls."
Smooth's is more than a terrific sports-themed restaurant and bar (fabulous food, multiple TVs, great people) in the heart of downtown Long Beach. It's a place where things happen that matter in Long Beach and beyond.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger chose Smooth's to relax and conduct one-on-one media interviews after meeting British Prime Minister Tony Blair at the Port of Long Beach and signing an environmental agreement.
John Morris created and built Smooth's after creating and building Mum's...and wasn't mum about LB when it counted.
He continues to calls things as he sees them...one reason (among many) why Smooth's is where things happen now.
Be part of it. For a great lunch or dinner, a fun night out, and an event that's noticed, choose Smooth's...at 144 Pine Ave. Smooth's is where Long Beach is.
It Happened @ Smooth's
Feb. 19: The LB Breakers basketball team got a big send-off before heading to Singapore to play the Beijing National Team on February 23rd 24th. Among those present: LB Breakers head coach Olden Polynice AND Breakers including former LB State & Utah Jazz Star Bryon Russell AND the Breaker Girls! The Breakers also partnered with New Line Cinema to promote Will Ferrell's new basketball movie Semi-Pro scheduled to open in theaters February 29th...and New Line Cinema gave away FREE promotional items for the movie at the fundraiser. Thank you for your donations!
Dec. 28: Councilman Dee Andrews and LB Poly High supporters view a live telecast at Smooth's of Poly High girls basketball team in the T-Mobile Invitational Nat'l High School Basketball Tournament from University of New Mexico in Albuquerque.
Photo credit: A LB sports fan
Nov. 15, 2007: The Surfrider Foundation's Long Beach Chapter held a Breakwater Bash to "raise funds and continue outreach and education for their ongoing campaign to restore the shore in Long Beach by reconfiguring the Long Beach Breakwater."
Nov. 12, 2007: LB First Lady Nancy Foster, Vice Mayor Bonnie Lowenthal and Better Balance for Long Beach held their "Santa Party Reception" at Smooth's, raising money to deliver gifts for children in the 14th St. Park area.
Nov. 7, 2007: Fundraiser atop rooftop terrace for double-lung transplant teenager, Acacia Rizzo Cugno...including silent auction, food, music and more.
Sept. 26, 2007: Reception for new City Manager Pat West...where bankers and developers rubbed elbows with grassroots neighborhood activists.
"Some people here aren't usually on the same planet, much less the same rooftop," said one attendee. "Morris is the only guy who could pull this off."
April, 2007: One of the (many) 2007 Grand Prix parties at Smooth's.
Be where Long Beach is: Smooth's...at 144 Pine Ave.
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