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Day: January 24, 2015

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  • 2015
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Posted inLocal News

Long Beach Local News This Week 1/23/15

Posted by LBLN January 24, 2015
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$23 Million Motel Makeover: Long Beach Turns Luxur $23 Million Motel Makeover: Long Beach Turns Luxury Inn into Homeless Housing at $296K Per Room Long Beach, CA — Nearly three years after purchasing the Luxury Inn for $16.6 million, the City of Long Beach unveiled its transformation into Homekey at 5950, a 78-unit interim housing site designed to help homeless people transition into permanent homes. The total project cost now reported by Long Beach Post at $23.1 million, or roughly $296,000 per room, raises questions about whether this is the best use of taxpayer dollars. The city hosted another ribbon-cutting on Oct. 29, celebrating the $6.5 million renovation, which included major structural repairs, new flooring, drapes, appliances, and a pastel blue and gray exterior. The facility will begin welcoming residents next month, with an estimated annual operating cost of $2.3 million. That breaks down to about $2,457 a room, per month. Each room features a bed, dresser, television, refrigerator, microwave, and private bathroom. Residents may stay up to a year as they work toward employment, health care access, and permanent housing. The site will be managed by nonprofit First to Serve, which enforces a nightly curfew and offers case management, meals, and mental health support. The building’s past tells a different story. Once considered one of Long Beach’s most problematic motels, logging more than 800 crimes, including a murder, between 2014 and 2017, it was plagued by mold, rot, faulty plumbing, and safety hazards. Renovation delays added months to the project timeline. The facility is part of Project Homekey, a statewide program converting old motels into housing for the unhoused. City officials tout the program’s compassion-driven mission, but some residents question the escalating costs and long timelines. With $23 million spent to create 78 temporary housing rooms, critics are asking: Is this truly a sustainable, cost-effective solution, or is Long Beach paying luxury prices for temporary fixes? More on our website
Homeless Man Arrested for Killing Brother in Long Homeless Man Arrested for Killing Brother in Long Beach Long Beach, CA — A family argument turned deadly this week when a man experiencing homelessness fatally assaulted his brother in Long Beach, police said. According to the Long Beach Police Department, officers launched a homicide investigation following an assault that occurred on Oct. 26, 2025, in the 2500 block of Delta Avenue. Around 6 p.m., officers were notified that a man with major trauma, initially identified as John Doe had been brought to a local hospital with injuries consistent with an assault. Police responded to the hospital and later located the crime scene on Delta Avenue. Detectives determined that the victim and suspect, who are brothers, had been involved in an argument that escalated into a violent confrontation. Investigators identified the suspect as Marcellus Johnson, 56, a person experiencing homelessness. He was arrested the next day, Oct. 27, and initially booked for attempted murder, with bail set at $1 million. Two days later, on Oct. 28, the victim identified as Mark Johnson, 56, of Long Beach succumbed to his injuries. Detectives subsequently filed a murder charge with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, and Johnson’s bail was increased to $2 million. The investigation remains ongoing as detectives continue to gather evidence surrounding the fatal altercation.
JetZero Expands Long Beach Footprint with New 30-Y JetZero Expands Long Beach Footprint with New 30-Year Lease at LGB Long Beach, CA — Long Beach Airport (LGB) has announced a new 30-year lease agreement with JetZero, Inc., a leader in next-generation aircraft design, solidifying the company’s Design Center at LGB and reaffirming the city’s reputation as a hub for aerospace innovation. Approved unanimously by the Long Beach City Council on Oct. 14, the agreement extends JetZero’s lease on 16.5 acres at the airport through 2059, with an option for a five-year renewal. The company plans to invest $50 million in capital improvements, including a two-story atrium entrance, a Customer Experience Center, a wellness facility, and other upgrades to support its expanding workforce. JetZero, which began operations at the former Gulfstream facility in 2023, is developing a revolutionary all-wing aircraft designed to improve fuel efficiency and sustainability in commercial aviation. While the company’s first production site will be in Greensboro, North Carolina, its Design Center will remain in Long Beach, the heart of its innovation. “Long Beach has always been at the heart of JetZero’s innovation, and we’re proud to continue designing the future of flight right here at our Design Center,” said Tom O’Leary, JetZero CEO and co-founder. “Long Beach remains our home for advanced concepts and breakthrough aircraft design. This lease extension gives us the stability to invest in our team and facilities in Long Beach, ensuring we keep one foot firmly planted on Space Beach as we redefine what’s possible in aviation.” “This long-term lease secures JetZero’s future here at Long Beach Airport and highlights the unique environment we provide for aerospace companies to thrive,” said Airport Director Cynthia Guidry. “JetZero’s investment demonstrates confidence in LGB as a place where aviation innovation takes flight.” Ranked the second-best airport in the nation by The Washington Post, Long Beach Airport continues to be a cornerstone of Southern California aviation, connecting travelers to 21 nonstop destinations and nearly 400 cities worldwide.
Long Beach Faces String of Shootings, Stabbings, a Long Beach Faces String of Shootings, Stabbings, and Homicides Long Beach has faced another violent month, with three homicides and several shootings and assaults in October, leaving residents demanding stronger action from city leaders. The latest violence erupted early Saturday, Oct. 25, with two shootings occurring within an hour. Around 12:30 a.m., officers responded to 1200 block of East 4th Street near a bar, where a man was shot in the head. Police provided aid until paramedics took him to a hospital. Just over an hour later, at 1:42 a.m., officers were called to a hit shooting near La Verne Avenue south of Second Street. Despite CPR efforts, the victim died at the scene, the city’s third homicide this month. Those incidents followed a violent Thursday, Oct. 23, when police handled two shootings and a stabbing within 24 hours. Around 8:48 p.m., gunfire erupted on the 300 block of Coronado Avenue after a man shot at another before both fled. An hour later, a man believed to be homeless was fatally shot near the Union Pacific Railroad tracks in the 5300 block of Cherry Avenue. Earlier that morning, a stabbing in the 100 block of West 1st Street injured a man and led to the arrest of 42-year-old Matthew Chapman, who police say was also homeless. In the days surrounding these attacks, police investigated a string of additional violent crimes: • Oct. 22: A man shot and wounded on Pacific Avenue. • Oct. 21: A domestic assault on Wesley Drive left a man injured. • Oct. 20: A man shot on Olive Avenue; a female suspect was arrested. • Oct. 18: A man slashed with a bladed weapon on Peterson Avenue. • Oct. 17: Bullets struck a home on Ackerfield Avenue; a pedestrian was killed in a separate traffic crash on Pacific Coast Highway. • Oct. 12–14: Two shootings — including a fatal one on Falcon Avenue and several “no-hit” shootings citywide. While some arrests have been made, many cases remain unsolved. The violence has renewed concern over public safety and pressure on City Hall. What more can Mayor Rex Richardson and city leaders do to restore safety, and why do Mayors rarely speak publicly about the city’s rising violent crime?
Small Plane Makes Emergency Landing at Heartwell P Small Plane Makes Emergency Landing at Heartwell Park in Long Beach A small plane made an emergency landing at Heartwell Park in Long Beach on Monday afternoon. The Long Beach Fire Department received reports around 4:05 p.m. of a plane that had landed on a soccer field near Carson Street and Palo Verde Ave. The pilot was taken to a local hospital for treatment. LBFD also transported a woman in her 40s to a local hospital for treatment after she was struck by the plane as it attempted to land in the park. The extent of the pilot’s injuries was not immediately known, but no other injuries were reported. The cause of the emergency landing remains under investigation. Crews remained on scene to secure the aircraft and assess any potential hazards in the area.
Two Men Wounded in Long Beach Shooting, Police Say Two Men Wounded in Long Beach Shooting, Police Say LONG BEACH — Detectives are investigating a shooting that left two men injured Sunday night in Central Long Beach. On Oct. 19, 2025, at approximately 8:31 p.m., officers responded to the 1400 block of Magnolia Avenue after receiving reports of gunfire. When officers arrived, they found evidence confirming that a shooting had occurred. While at the scene, police were notified that two male adults, each suffering from a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to the lower body, had self-transported to a local hospital for treatment. The motive and circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under investigation, and no suspect information was immediately available. Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact Long Beach Police Department detectives. Anonymous tips may also be submitted through LA Crime Stoppers.
Hundreds Rally in Long Beach for “No Kings” Pr Hundreds Rally in Long Beach for “No Kings” Protest Against Trump Administration Policies LONG BEACH — Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in downtown Long Beach on Saturday, October 18, as part of the nationwide “No Kings” protests opposing President Donald Trump and his administration’s policies. The event was one of roughly 40 demonstrations held across Los Angeles County, with additional rallies taking place in nearby cities. Organizers of the “No Kings” movement said participants were protesting a range of issues, including immigration enforcement by masked agents, the separation of migrant families, gerrymandered congressional maps, healthcare access, and the rising cost of living. This marked the second wave of “No Kings” demonstrations this year, as organizers continue efforts to “push back” against Trump-era policies, particularly the immigration raids that ramped up across Southern California over the summer. Among those in attendance were Congressman and former Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia and current Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson, both of whom voiced support for the peaceful demonstration and its message. “Proud of our Long Beach community for showing up, speaking out, and demonstrating peacefully today at the No Kings Rally,” Richardson said. “In America, we don’t have kings or queens — we have elected leaders chosen by the people, for the people.” Garcia echoed that sentiment, celebrating the city’s turnout and political engagement. “NO KINGS in Long Beach. So proud of our city for turning out and opposing Trump,” Garcia said. “People are fired up and tons of YES support for Prop 50. Let’s go!” As of Saturday evening, organizers had not announced the next steps for the movement, but many participants said they plan to continue demonstrating in the weeks ahead to advocate for democratic values and accountability in government.
Man Dies After Being Struck by Truck on PCH; Long Man Dies After Being Struck by Truck on PCH; Long Beach Police Investigating LONG BEACH – Collision Investigation Detectives are investigating a fatal traffic collision that claimed the life of a male pedestrian early Friday morning, Oct. 17, 2025. At approximately 6:23 a.m., officers responded to the intersection of Hayes Avenue and Pacific Coast Highway regarding an injury traffic collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian. Upon arrival, officers found an adult male lying in the roadway and immediately began administering life-saving aid until Long Beach Fire Department paramedics arrived. Despite their efforts, the victim succumbed to his injuries at the scene. According to the preliminary investigation, the pedestrian was crossing Pacific Coast Highway at Hayes Avenue when he was struck by a 2023 Ford F-150 traveling eastbound. The driver, a 40-year-old Wilmington resident, remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. Detectives said that, at this stage of the investigation, speed, distraction, and impairment do not appear to be contributing factors in the collision. The identity of the victim is being withheld pending notification of next of kin by the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner. Anyone with additional information regarding the incident is urged to contact Long Beach Police Collision Investigation Detectives.
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Long Beach Detectives Investigate Fatal Shooting o Long Beach Detectives Investigate Fatal Shooting on Falcon Avenue Long Beach homicide detectives are investigating the fatal shooting of a man early Sunday morning in the 200 block of Falcon Avenue. According to the Long Beach Police Department, officers were dispatched around 1:28 a.m. on Oct. 12, 2025, after reports of gunfire in the area. When officers arrived, they found a male adult suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper body. Long Beach Fire Department personnel transported the victim to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries. Homicide detectives responded to the scene and are working to determine the motive and circumstances surrounding the shooting. The victim’s identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin by the Los Angeles County Department of the Medical Examiner. Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Homicide Detectives Eric Thai and Chasen Contreras at (562) 570-7244. Anonymous tips may be submitted through LA Crime Stoppers at www.lacrimestoppers.org. Photo by Troy McDowell
Long Beach Police Cite Clerk for Selling Alcohol t Long Beach Police Cite Clerk for Selling Alcohol to Minor During Decoy Operation LONG BEACH — The Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) cited a clerk at Party Time Liquor, located at 6031 Atlantic Avenue in North Long Beach, for selling alcohol to a minor during a compliance operation conducted on September 12, 2025. The enforcement effort was part of a minor decoy operation in which underage individuals, under the direct supervision of police detectives, attempted to purchase alcohol from 19 licensed retail establishments across the city. Party Time Liquor was the only business that sold alcohol to the underage decoy. According to state law, clerks who sell alcohol to minors face a minimum $250 fine and 24 to 32 hours of community service for a first-time violation. The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) may also take administrative action against the business, which could include a fine, suspension, or permanent revocation of its license. “Businesses should always check IDs before selling alcohol,” said ABC Director Joseph McCullough. “Preventing access to people not old enough to legally purchase alcohol improves safety on our roadways and in our communities.” Underage drinking remains a major public safety concern. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drivers under 21 have a significantly higher risk of being involved in a crash, and about 25 percent of fatal crashes involve underage drinking. Minor decoy operations have been used by law enforcement throughout California since the 1980s. Early in the program, violation rates were as high as 40 to 50 percent, but routine enforcement has helped reduce that figure to below 10 percent in many communities. In 1994, the California Supreme Court ruled unanimously that the use of minor decoys is a valid enforcement tool to ensure compliance with alcohol sales laws. Funding for the operation was provided by a grant from ABC through its Alcohol Policing Partnership program. LBPD said it will continue conducting compliance checks to ensure alcohol retailers in Long Beach are following the law and keeping the community safe.
Long Beach Hits the Gas on Speed Camera Enforcemen Long Beach Hits the Gas on Speed Camera Enforcement to Curb Speeding The City of Long Beach is inviting residents to share their feedback on a proposed Automated Speed Enforcement System, a pilot program aimed at reducing speeding, collisions, and traffic fatalities through the use of automated speed safety cameras. While the City emphasizes safety, automated enforcement systems have long been controversial. Critics argue they function more as revenue tools than safety measures and raise privacy and fairness concerns. Opponents also question whether drivers receive proper notice and warn the fines can disproportionately affect low-income residents. Residents can review the Draft Impact Report and Draft Use Policy and submit comments by 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7, 2025. Feedback will help shape the final plan before it goes to City Council later this year. Authorized under California State Bill AB 645, Long Beach is one of six cities in the state selected for a five-year pilot. Cameras would automatically issue citations to drivers traveling 11 mph or more over the speed limit in designated school zones and high-injury corridors. The Department of Public Works will oversee the ASE program, which aligns with the City’s Safe Streets Long Beach Plan and Racial Equity and Reconciliation Initiative. The system will be civilian-led—no citation data will be shared with police. Studies show mixed results: while cameras can reduce severe right-angle crashes, they’ve also been linked to increases in rear-end collisions. Supporters say the programs deter speeding and save lives, while opponents continue to challenge them in courtrooms and legislatures across the country. PUBLIC MEETING – Automated Speed Safety System Pilot Program (AB 645) • Date: October 7, 2025 • Time: 2:00 p.m. • Location: 411 W. Ocean Boulevard, Civic Chambers • Virtual Access: https://bit.ly/4objPmB Public feedback will be received during the meeting and for at least 30 days following. Comments can also be submitted online starting October 7 at https://bit.ly/4h6hEyo. More info on our website longbeachlocalnews.com
Roommate Arrested After Deadly Double Stabbing in Roommate Arrested After Deadly Double Stabbing in Long Beach Homicide detectives are investigating a deadly stabbing that left one man dead and another injured Saturday morning in Long Beach. The incident happened on October 4, 2025, at approximately 10:38 a.m. in the 1300 block of Temple Avenue. Officers responded to the scene after receiving a call for assistance from the Long Beach Fire Department. When officers arrived, they found two adult men suffering from stab wounds to the upper body. Long Beach Fire Department personnel determined one victim had died at the scene. The second victim was transported to a local hospital, where he was listed in stable condition. Officers located and safely arrested the suspect, who remained at the scene. According to investigators, the preliminary investigation indicates the suspect and both victims were roommates. Detectives believe the suspect assaulted one victim before attacking the other. The motive for the stabbings remains under investigation. The suspect has been identified as 34-year-old Alejandro Iniestra of Long Beach. He was booked on charges of murder and attempted murder and is being held on $2,000,000 bail. The identity of the deceased victim is being withheld pending notification of next of kin by the Los Angeles County Department of the Medical Examiner. Anyone with information is urged to contact Long Beach Police Department Homicide Detectives.
Overturned Vehicle Crash at Atlantic and Del Amo S Overturned Vehicle Crash at Atlantic and Del Amo Sends One to Hospital A traffic collision involving an overturned vehicle occurred at Atlantic Avenue and Del Amo Boulevard just after 1:10 p.m. on Sunday. One person was transported to a local hospital. Streets in the area are closed as police conduct a traffic investigation.
@cumbiaytequila at @roxannesbar This Sunday is Cum @cumbiaytequila at @roxannesbar This Sunday is Cumbia y Tequila in Long Beach El + Live music, dancing, tacos, and the best tequila all in one place. It’s not too late to grab your tickets! #CumbiasYTequila #LongBeachEvents #TequilaFest #SundayFunday #longbeach
Long Beach Police Crack Down on Illegal, Dangerous Long Beach Police Crack Down on Illegal, Dangerous Pocket Bikes in Downtown Area The Long Beach Police Department is stepping up enforcement against illegal pocket bikes after several recent incidents in the downtown area raised safety concerns. Officials say the small, motorized bikes often seen in large groups and promoted on social media are not only illegal for street use but pose serious risks to riders, drivers, and bystanders. In a recent targeted operation, LBPD officers seized four pocket bikes, issued citations to three individuals for operating them in prohibited areas, and made one arrest. The department says the enforcement is part of a proactive effort to address the growing problem. Police warn that pocket bike use can lead to traffic collisions, injuries, and property damage, while also putting the public and emergency responders at risk. In some cases, riders have reportedly interfered with officers and blocked emergency response efforts. Officers will continue to enforce several California Vehicle Codes, including: • §473(a) CVC – Defines pocket bikes as not designed for highway use. • §21710 CVC – Prohibits operation on sidewalks, roadways, highways, or bike paths. • §22651 CVC – Authorizes impoundment of illegally operated pocket bikes. • §24003 CVC – Requires all vehicles on public roads to meet safety standards. The LBPD is urging the public to avoid using or promoting pocket bike activity, emphasizing that such vehicles do not meet highway safety standards and cannot be legally operated on city streets, sidewalks, highways, or bicycle paths.
Downtown Long Beach Standoff Lasts 12 Hours, Suspe Downtown Long Beach Standoff Lasts 12 Hours, Suspect Escapes A massive police standoff in downtown Long Beach stretched for more than 12 hours on Tuesday, only to end with the suspect escaping. The ordeal began around 2 a.m. when a man who appeared to be armed tried to rob the 7-Eleven at Pine Avenue and Broadway, according to the Long Beach Police Department. Employees managed to run outside and alert nearby officers. What followed was a large-scale law enforcement response that shut down part of the downtown area. Heavily armed SWAT teams, armored vehicles, K9 units, and other specialized resources were deployed, drawing a significant police presence that neighbors described as overwhelming. Flashbang grenades were reportedly used as officers tried to coax the suspect out. Throughout the day, police blocked off streets and even entered neighboring businesses as they waited for a search warrant, believing the man was still inside the store. But by around 4 p.m., the scene had been cleared, and police confirmed the suspect “remained outstanding.” No description of him was immediately released. The deployment of SWAT units, armored vehicles, and extended manpower for more than 12 hours represents a significant use of city resources an expense made more frustrating given that the suspect managed to get away.
MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center Reaches M MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center Reaches Milestone in Groundbreaking Tremor Treatment Essential Tremor (ET), a neurological disorder often mistaken for Parkinson’s Disease, affects an estimated 10 million Americans—making it eight times more common. ET most often causes shaking of the hands, head, and voice, though it can also impact the legs and trunk. Symptoms worsen with stress or purposeful movement, leaving many patients struggling with simple daily tasks. MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center has now completed its 200th MR-Guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) procedure, marking a milestone in the fight against ET and tremor-dominant Parkinson’s Disease. The hospital is one of only a few centers in Southern California to offer this minimally invasive treatment, which delivers immediate and lasting relief from uncontrollable tremors. MRgFUS uses ultrasound waves, guided by MRI imaging, to precisely target and disrupt abnormal brain signals that cause tremors—all without incisions, implants, or radiation. Results are often immediate and can last at least five years. The center also offers Deep Brain Stimulation, another advanced option that uses implanted electrodes to regulate nerve signals. “This technology has revolutionized care, offering patients a non-invasive solution that significantly improves their quality of life,” said Dr. Devin K. Binder, medical director of the Neuroscience Institute and the most experienced MRgFUS neurosurgeon on the West Coast. The milestone procedure was performed on Ralph, a patient who endured tremors for more than 40 years. “After my procedure, I noticed an immediate difference,” he said. “I can finally sign my name and eat without assistance—I have my confidence back.” Despite being the most common movement disorder, essential tremor often goes undiagnosed and untreated. Orange Coast Medical Center’s Movement Disorders Program aims to change that, expanding access to treatments that give patients freedom from tremors—and a chance to reclaim their independence. @memorialcare
Robbery Suspect Barricaded Inside Long Beach 7-Ele Robbery Suspect Barricaded Inside Long Beach 7-Eleven Sparks Hours-Long Standoff A robbery suspect remains barricaded inside a 7-Eleven in downtown Long Beach Tuesday morning, prompting a large police and SWAT response that has shut down several streets in the area. The standoff began shortly after 2 a.m. when employees of the convenience store at West Broadway and Pine Avenue managed to escape and flag down officers after a man allegedly entered and robbed the store. Long Beach police confirmed the employees were unharmed and quickly alerted authorities. By 9 a.m., the suspect was still refusing to surrender despite repeated commands from officers outside the store. SWAT officers, a K-9 unit, and an armored BearCat vehicle were deployed to the scene, with police seen in tactical gear surrounding the business and urging the suspect to come out peacefully. The Long Beach Police Department has not released details about the suspect’s identity or what led to the confrontation. As a precaution, authorities have closed several streets, including Broadway from Pacific Avenue to Long Beach Boulevard and Pine Avenue from 1st Street to 3rd Street, as the standoff continues. Police say the situation remains active and are urging the public to avoid the area until further notice.
ICE Raid at Home Depot in Signal Hill Caught on Ca ICE Raid at Home Depot in Signal Hill Caught on Camera Signal Hill — An Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid at a Home Depot in Signal Hill was caught on camera Monday morning, sparking outrage among witnesses. The incident unfolded around 8:32am in the store’s parking lot, where bystanders recorded video showing several masked ICE agents. Witnesses can be heard in the footage shouting at the agents as the raid took place. It remains unclear how many people were taken into custody during the operation, and ICE has not yet released a statement about the raid. The videos quickly spread on social media, drawing concern from community members who criticized the secrecy of the operation and questioned the presence of agents at a location where day laborers often gather for work opportunities. Signal Hill police confirmed they were not involved in the raid, noting the enforcement action was carried out solely by federal agents. Video by Marivel Herrera
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