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2017
March
21
Shooting Leaves Man, Woman Wounded In North Long Beach

Shooting Leaves Man, Woman Wounded In North Long Beach

Posted inBreaking News Crime Local News

Shooting Leaves Man, Woman Wounded In North Long Beach

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LBLN March 21, 2017Posted inBreaking News, Crime, Local News

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Last updated on March 24, 2017

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Long Beach Police Investigate Overnight Shooting a

Long Beach Police Investigate Overnight Shooting and Stabbing

Long Beach police are investigating two separate violent incidents reported late Saturday and early Sunday, leaving one man hospitalized and another recovering from a minor gunshot wound.

Stabbing – 6000 Block of Cherry Avenue
On November 16, 2025, at approximately 2:00 a.m., officers responded to the 6000 block of Cherry Avenue following a report of a stabbing. When officers arrived, they located a male adult victim suffering a non-life-threatening wound to the upper body. Long Beach Fire Department personnel treated the victim and transported him to a local hospital, where he remained in stable condition.

According to investigators, the man and a female suspect were involved in a dispute that escalated into violence. The suspect, who stayed at the scene, was taken into custody without incident. She was identified as Melissa Mendoza, 42, of Long Beach. Mendoza was booked into the Long Beach City Jail on charges of assault with a deadly weapon and inflicting corporal injury to a spouse or cohabitant. Her bail was set at $50,000. The case remains under active investigation.

Hit Shooting – 3600 Block of Thornlake Avenue
Hours earlier, on November 15, 2025, at about 8:48 p.m., officers were called to the 3600 block of Thornlake Avenue after reports of shots fired. Police contacted a male adult victim who had sustained a minor, non-critical injury to his lower body. Detectives said the man was lying in bed when a bullet pierced the ceiling and struck him, causing only minimal injury.

The motive in the shooting is still unknown, and detectives are working to determine where the shot originated and whether the victim was the intended target.

Anyone with information regarding either incident is urged to contact Long Beach Police Department detectives as the investigations continue.

Rogelio Martinez launches his 2026 Long Beach mayo

Rogelio Martinez launches his 2026 Long Beach mayoral campaign with a bold call for new leadership and a strong future. Citing declining petroleum revenue, strained police resources, and deteriorating infrastructure, he pledges transparency and monthly town halls to engage residents and opponents to work together and make Long Beach a safer community.

Here is a statement released by the Rogelio Martinez for Long Beach Mayor 2026:

Today’s the day that my plan is put in motion for the future of Long Beach, California.

Mr Rex Richardson has taken us far but now it’s time for the leadership to change.

Long Beach is losing the petroleum that once sustained its economy. The men and women who serve on the LBPD are overworked, underpaid and under appreciated.

The infrastructure that maintains our roads is outdated and expensive to operate. That’s why Long Beach is plagued with the worst potholes in the country.

I will schedule monthly town hall meetings on the first Monday of every month leading up to the primary elections. I will invite Rex Richardson, Joshua Rodriguez and Lee Goldin to participate in open forum discussions.

Save the date Monday, December 1st
Location TBD
Time TBD

#VoteRogelioMartinezLBC2026

Long Beach Police Investigate Deadly Pickup Truck

Long Beach Police Investigate Deadly Pickup Truck Collision Involving Pedestrian

Long Beach Collision Investigation detectives are examining a deadly crash that occurred late Tuesday night, Nov. 12, 2025, leaving a woman dead at the intersection of East Anaheim Street and Alamitos Avenue.

Authorities say the incident happened at approximately 10:25 p.m., when officers were dispatched to reports of a vehicle-versus-pedestrian collision. Responding officers found an adult female lying in the roadway. Long Beach Fire Department personnel arrived shortly after and pronounced her deceased at the scene.

According to preliminary findings, a 1997 Chevrolet Sierra traveling westbound on East Anaheim Street struck the pedestrian as she was in the roadway outside of a marked crosswalk. Investigators say the driver stayed at the scene and cooperated fully with officers.

At this stage, detectives do not believe speed, impaired driving, or distracted driving played a role in the collision.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office will release the woman’s identity once next of kin have been notified. The investigation remains ongoing.

19-Year-Old Nursing Student Killed in Parking Lot

19-Year-Old Nursing Student Killed in Parking Lot Accident

LONG BEACH, CA — A 19-year-old Long Beach woman died after she was run over by a driver backing out of a parking stall while she walked with her mother on Nov. 2, according to police and a fundraiser created for her family.

Officers were dispatched around 3:55 p.m. to the 2200 block of Bellflower Boulevard, where they found the victim, later identified as Grace Edwards, suffering from severe upper-body injuries. Long Beach Fire Department personnel provided aid and rushed her to a local hospital in critical condition. On Nov. 5, she succumbed to her injuries.

Investigators say Edwards was walking through the parking lot when a 2015 Lexus IS250 struck her as it exited a parking space. The driver, a 39-year-old Long Beach resident, remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities. Distracted driving is believed to be a contributing factor.

Grace’s family described the community as “completely heartbroken.” They shared that she was a vibrant, carefree young woman, a loving daughter, sister, granddaughter, friend, and nursing student who dedicated herself to caring for children in her church and community. She especially loved time outdoors and moments spent with her close-knit family.

The family also revealed Grace’s final act of generosity. The night before the accident, she had discussed becoming an organ donor with her parents. When doctors confirmed she would not survive, her family honored her wishes. On Nov. 9, surrounded by loved ones and hospital staff, Grace was given an Honor Walk before entering the operating room. Her heart was donated to an 8-year-old child.

Loved ones say her legacy of kindness, service, and compassion will continue to impact others for years to come.

A GoFundMe has been created to support the Edwards family during this devastating time. All funds raised will go directly to her family.

GoFundMe: Honoring Grace Edwards, Help Her Family Heal
https://www.gofundme.com/f/honoring-grace-edwards-help-her-family-heal

Second-Alarm Fire Damages Long Beach’s Casa Sanche

Second-Alarm Fire Damages Long Beach’s Casa Sanchez Restaurant

Long Beach, Calif. — A second-alarm fire broke out early Thursday morning at the popular Casa Sanchez restaurant in East Long Beach, causing significant damage and prompting a large emergency response.

According to the Long Beach Fire Department, crews were dispatched around 6:57 a.m. after reports of heavy smoke and flames coming from the back of the restaurant, located near East Anaheim Street and Termino Avenue. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered intense heat and a possible gas leak, prompting the response to be upgraded to a second alarm.

Firefighters brought the blaze under control by approximately 7:11 a.m. Crews remained on scene for several hours to ensure all hot spots were extinguished and to investigate the source of the fire.

No injuries were reported among employees or emergency personnel. Investigators are still working to determine what caused the fire, including whether the reported gas leak played a role.

Casa Sanchez has been a community staple since 1975, known for its Sonoran-style dishes such as carne asada, wet burritos, and nachos. Aguirre said his phone has been flooded with messages from loyal customers offering support and encouragement.

Fire officials said nearby residents may continue to see emergency crews in the area as inspections and cleanup continue. Streets around East Anaheim and Termino could experience brief closures while investigators complete their work.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Long Beach Hospital Seeks Public’s Help to Identif

Long Beach Hospital Seeks Public’s Help to Identify Unknown Patient

Long Beach, CA — MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying an unknown man who has been receiving treatment at the hospital for several weeks following a possible hit-and-run accident.

According to hospital officials, the man was brought to the medical center on October 23 after being found near Long Beach Boulevard and the 710 Freeway. He was admitted without any identification or personal documents.

The patient is described as a Hispanic male in his 60s, approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighing around 200 pounds, with silver-gray hair and brown eyes.

Hospital staff and social workers have made repeated efforts to identify the man but have so far been unable to locate any family members or contacts.

Anyone who recognizes the individual or has information that may assist in identifying him is urged to contact MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center’s Emergency Department Social Work at 562-743-9507.

Images of the man have been released to aid in the identification effort. The hospital is asking the community to help share this message widely so that the patient’s loved ones can be located.

Judge Rules Long Beach’s Early Measure A Tax Hike

Judge Rules Long Beach’s Early Measure A Tax Hike Unconstitutional, City Accused of Misleading Public

In a major embarrassment for Long Beach City Hall, a Sacramento Superior Court judge has ruled that Long Beach’s attempt to raise Measure A sales taxes two years ahead of schedule was unconstitutional, saving residents roughly $48 million over two years.

On Friday, November 7, 2025, Judge Stephen Acquisto ruled that the city’s December 2024 “emergency” ordinance to begin collecting the higher tax in April 2025 violated the California Constitution’s Proposition 218, which requires voter approval for any local tax increase.

The Long Beach Reform Coalition (LBRC) filed the lawsuit in February 2025, arguing that the City Council’s move undermined the legally voter-approved timeline in Measure A. Councilmembers Zendejas, Allen, Duggan, Kerr, Saro, and Ricks-Oddie all voted for the early increase, relying on City Attorney Dawn McIntosh’s assurance that it was “legally sound.”

But court filings reveal the city already knew the state would not approve the plan. Documents show that by late November 2024 two weeks before the City Council vote the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) had warned McIntosh and the City Manager that starting the tax early would be unconstitutional. That crucial fact was never disclosed to the public or the council before the vote.

The ruling not only invalidates the city’s early tax ordinance but raises deeper questions:
Why did city leaders proceed with a vote after being told by the state their plan was illegal? Why wasn’t that information shared publicly? And can Long Beach residents trust City Hall’s legal guidance moving forward?

City Attorney McIntosh who faces re-election in 2026 could see the issue return to the ballot box. Critics argue her advice cost taxpayers legal fees and eroded public trust.

As Long Beach heads toward another election cycle, residents are left asking: Who at City Hall is truly working for the people and who’s just spinning the truth?

Two Stabbings, Two Shootings in Long Beach over th

Two Stabbings, Two Shootings in Long Beach over the Weekend

LONG BEACH, Calif. – Over the Halloween weekend from October 31 to November 2, 2025, Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) responded to multiple violent incidents, including two stabbings and two shootings. All victims sustained non-life-threatening injuries, and investigations are ongoing.

Here’s a summary:
On Friday, October 31, at around 6:32 p.m., officers investigated a stabbing at a local hospital. A male adult victim was involved in an altercation in the 1000 block of Long Beach Boulevard, where he was stabbed by another male adult suspect. The victim received treatment for minor injuries, and the suspect remains unidentified.

Later that evening, at approximately 11:25 p.m., another stabbing occurred in the 1100 block of Queens Highway. A male and female adult were assaulted by three male suspects. The male victim was stabbed with an unknown object, and the female sustained injuries from the assault. Both self-transported to a hospital; suspects are still being identified.

On Saturday, November 1, at about 4:20 p.m., police responded to a shots-fired call in the 1000 block of Gaviota Avenue. Four male victims (adults and juveniles) were outside when an unknown male suspect fired shots nearby. No one was hit, but evidence was collected. The motive is unknown.
Finally, on Sunday, November 2, at 9:32 p.m., a hit shooting was reported initially in the 1100 block of Raymond Avenue but traced to the 2300 block of East Anaheim Street. A male adult victim was shot in the upper body by an unknown male suspect who fled. The victim was transported to a hospital by Long Beach Fire Department. Suspect details and motive are under investigation.

LBPD urges anyone with information to contact them at (562) 570-7244 or Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS. Stay vigilant and report suspicious activity.

Sinkhole Closes Section of Bayshore Avenue in Long

Sinkhole Closes Section of Bayshore Avenue in Long Beach

Long Beach, CA — A section of Bayshore Avenue was closed Friday morning after a large hole opened in the roadway, prompting an emergency response from the Long Beach Fire Department (LBFD).

At approximately 10:43 a.m., fire crews arrived in the 300 block of Bayshore and discovered a hole measuring about 10 by 15 feet in the northbound traffic lane. LBFD units assessed the scene to ensure public safety before turning it over to Long Beach Public Works for further investigation and repair.

As of now, Bayshore Avenue remains closed in both directions between Vista and Appian Way while crews work to determine the cause and stability of the affected area. Motorists are urged to avoid the area and use alternate routes until further notice.

No injuries or vehicle damage were reported in connection with the incident. Photos by LBFD & Photo by John Quigley

$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” Protes

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.

Instagram post 18055875674539440

Instagram post 18055875674539440

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.

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