On the morning of Sunday, August 2nd, a local homeless man named Todd was brutally beaten by baseball bats while sleeping on public property near the beach on Ocean and Granada. He is in intensive care at a Long Beach Hospital. I knew him as a relaxed homeless man at Starbucks. He never asked for money, or help or even sympathy. When I looked at him, I would see sad eyes, but a glimmer of hope. I always tried talking to him, but most of our conversations consisted of, “Hey man, how’s your day, can I get you a coffee?” His usual response was plain and simple: “I’m alright thanks. Oh I’m good,” and he would point to a coffee sitting on the table. I spoke with Shawn, the store manager and he mentioned how Todd always paid for his own drink and always minded his business. He described Todd as a man struggling for something normal in his life. A set schedule at his favorite coffee shop gave him a sense of being and maybe even inspired him to get on his feet.

I am sickened at the thought of beating an innocent human (or anything for that matter). I hope the criminals are caught and given the book. I pray for Todd’s health and that he recovers. I thank God for my resources and I tend to use them to help the less fortunate. Let’s look out for our brothers and sisters, even if that means they’re on the street for now.

Here are some images I took from the Vigil last evening. It was a good turnout and I’m happy for the Police Escort and cooperation on 2nd street as we walked to Todd’s favorite coffee shop (the small Starbucks).

Enjoy, and please pray for his recovery.