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Day: June 19, 2025

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Long Beach’s Popular Wibit Water Playgrounds Now Open for Summer Fun
Posted inLocal News

Long Beach’s Popular Wibit Water Playgrounds Now Open for Summer Fun

Long Beach, CA – June 19, 2025 – Summer has officially splashed down in Long Beach with the City’s beloved inflatable “Wibit” aquatic playgrounds now open at Alamitos Beach and…
Posted by LBLN June 19, 2025
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Mayor’s Temporary Amphitheater Plan Grows to $21 M Mayor’s Temporary Amphitheater Plan Grows to $21 Million Price Tag Construction has not yet begun on Long Beach’s planned temporary amphitheater next to the Queen Mary, but the project’s cost has already surged, intensifying criticism over city priorities and what some residents describe as Mayor Rex Richardson’s pet project. Approved at $14 million in April 2025, the amphitheater is now projected to cost $21.3 million. City staff are asking the City Council to approve an additional $7.3 million, citing rising labor and material costs, tariffs, design refinements, environmental upgrades, and enhanced furniture, fixtures and equipment intended to create a more competitive venue. Roughly $4 million of the original budget was spent on emergency maintenance and site improvements in the Queen Mary leasehold area, which city officials say were required regardless of the amphitheater. The new funding request includes $2.2 million in higher construction costs, $4.3 million for upgraded furnishings and equipment, $400,000 tied to delays that pushed the opening from spring to summer 2026, and contingency funds. To cover the rising costs, the city plans to borrow from the Tidelands Fund, with repayment dependent on future amphitheater profits over an estimated eight years. During that time, the funds would be unavailable for other major capital projects, and city documents acknowledge debt could be issued if Tidelands cash is needed before repayment. Supporters, including Mayor Richardson, say the amphitheater will boost economic activity tied to the Queen Mary’s revival. Critics question why millions more are being committed to a temporary entertainment venue while concerns persist over public safety, street conditions, homelessness, and enforcement gaps. City projections from venue operator Legends Global estimate the amphitheater could generate about $7.4 million in net profit over its 10-year lifespan after repaying development costs. With construction still not underway and costs climbing, the project has become a flashpoint over whether the mayor’s marquee venue should take precedence over other longstanding city needs.
Two Killed, Three Injured in High-Speed Hit-and-Ru Two Killed, Three Injured in High-Speed Hit-and-Run Crash in Long Beach LONG BEACH, Calif. — Authorities are investigating a high-speed hit-and-run crash that killed two people and injured three others late Sunday night at a busy Long Beach intersection, police said. The three-vehicle collision was reported at approximately 10:15 p.m. at Sixth Street and Atlantic Avenue, according to the Long Beach Police Department. Lt. Benjamin Vargas said the preliminary investigation indicates the suspect vehicle was traveling eastbound on Sixth Street at a high rate of speed when it collided with two vehicles traveling southbound on Atlantic Avenue. “The driver of the suspect vehicle fled the scene prior to officers’ arrival,” Vargas said. A man and a woman were pronounced dead at the scene. Three other adult victims were transported by ambulance to local hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries, police said. One of the vehicles involved overturned and landed on its roof. Police said the overturned vehicle was not the suspect vehicle.
Street Takeover Turns Violent in Long Beach, Raisi Street Takeover Turns Violent in Long Beach, Raising Questions About Enforcement LONG BEACH, Calif. — A street takeover in North Long Beach early Sunday morning ended in gunfire, leaving one man wounded and renewing questions about enforcement of street takeover laws in the city. According to authorities, officers were dispatched at approximately 1:33 a.m. on Jan. 4, 2026, to the 6600 block of Downey Avenue following reports of a street takeover and a shooting. Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputies, who assisted and were first on scene, located a male adult victim suffering from a gunshot wound to the lower body. Deputies rendered medical aid until Los Angeles County Fire Department personnel arrived and transported the victim to a local hospital, where he was listed in stable condition. Details surrounding the shooting remain limited. Suspect information, the circumstances leading up to the gunfire, and a possible motive are all under investigation, officials said. Street takeovers, often illegal gatherings where drivers block intersections to perform stunts have continued to plague parts of Long Beach, frequently drawing complaints from residents about noise, safety hazards, and violence. Saturday’s shooting raises a pointed question for city leaders and law enforcement: Will the Long Beach mayor and the Long Beach Police Department ever fully enforce street takeover laws before more people are hurt or worse?
What are you looking forward to in Long Beach this What are you looking forward to in Long Beach this year? #longbeach #2026
73-Year-Old Man Dies in Long Beach After Assault a 73-Year-Old Man Dies in Long Beach After Assault and Robbery, Death Ruled Homicide LONG BEACH, Calif. — Homicide detectives are investigating an assault and robbery that occurred earlier this year and later resulted in the death of a Long Beach man. According to police, officers responded to a robbery call around 9:43 p.m. on April 20, 2025, in the 800 block of Elm Avenue. A preliminary investigation found that the victim, a male adult, was attempting to enter his residential property when he was assaulted and robbed by a group of suspects. The victim sustained a serious spinal cord injury during the attack and was transported to a hospital by Long Beach Fire Department personnel. He later died on Sept. 17, 2025. On Dec. 23, 2025, homicide detectives were notified by the Los Angeles County Department of the Medical Examiner that the manner of death was ruled a homicide, caused by blunt force trauma sustained in the assault. The victim has been identified as Jose Eduardo Viveros, a 73-year-old resident of Long Beach. Detectives say the suspects were described as three to four male adults and possibly one female adult. Investigators believe the suspects remained in the general area following the incident. The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact Homicide Detectives Ethan Shear or Kelsey Myers at (562) 570-7244.
Sensory Station Transform Pediatric Care at @mille Sensory Station Transform Pediatric Care at @millerchildrens Sensory tools are improving the emergency care experience for children at MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital, thanks to a grant from The Toy Foundation that launched a new pilot program in the hospital’s Emergency Department. Awarded in March 2024, the grant supports the Cherese Mari Laulhere Child Life Program and provides resources for children with special sensory needs or those experiencing acute sensory overstimulation. The program includes a wide range of sensory toys and two mobile sensory stations designed to create calming environments that help reduce stress and anxiety during emergency visits. More than 100 Emergency Department staff members have been trained to use the sensory tools, ensuring children can receive support during overnight hours or when Child Life specialists are not immediately available. “This grant has enabled our Child Life team to dramatically increase the number of children in our Emergency Department who can have their sensory needs met,” said Rita Goshert, director of the Cherese Mari Laulhere Child Life Program. “It allowed us to create a formal sensory program and respond to a growing need in our community.” Hospital leaders say the program’s success has already led to expansion into the outpatient surgery unit, with plans to bring it to additional departments. Parents and caregivers report the tools, including color-changing displays and fiberoptic lights, help ease children’s anxiety before medical procedures. The initiative also responds to a rise in pediatric mental and behavioral health emergencies, a trend worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. Child Life Specialist Frances Viste says the program has increased understanding and empathy among staff caring for neurodiverse children and those in behavioral health crises. The Child Life team also uses toys and gifts to comfort patients and celebrate birthdays, treatment milestones, and holidays. Community members can support the program by donating toys and gifts through the hospital’s online patient wish list at millerchildrens.org/wishlist.
CHP Arrests More Than 21, Impounds Dozens of Vehic CHP Arrests More Than 21, Impounds Dozens of Vehicles in Street Racing Crackdown LONG BEACH, Calif. — California Highway Patrol officers made more than 21 arrests and impounded dozens of vehicles following a large street racing incident reported late last night on the southern portion of the 110 Freeway. According to CHP, dispatchers received multiple calls reporting a large group of vehicles racing at high speeds on the freeway. Several callers expressed concern over the dangerous activity and urged officers to intervene. CHP South Los Angeles Area officers located the group on the International Gateway Bridge in Long Beach, where enforcement action was taken. Officers conducted traffic stops, leading to numerous arrests and vehicle impounds. Authorities said the operation was part of ongoing efforts by CHP’s Crime Watch (C-Watch) team to address reckless driving and street racing, which they described as a serious threat to public safety. Street racing is considered a maliciously reckless activity that endangers not only participants but also innocent motorists, CHP officials said. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional enforcement actions may follow.
Homicide Detectives Investigate Suspected Murder-S Homicide Detectives Investigate Suspected Murder-Suicide in Long Beach LONG BEACH, Calif. — Homicide detectives are investigating what is believed to be a murder-suicide that occurred late Friday night, Dec. 19, 2025, in two nearby Long Beach neighborhoods. At approximately 10:51 p.m., officers were dispatched to a shots call in the 1500 block of Summit Street. When officers arrived, they located an adult female suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper body. Officers rendered medical aid until relieved by Long Beach Fire Department personnel, but the victim succumbed to her injuries at the scene. About seven minutes later, at approximately 10:58 p.m., officers received information regarding a second shooting in the 1600 block of West 19th Street. There, officers located an adult male with a gunshot wound to the upper body. Long Beach Fire Department personnel transported the man to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries. Homicide detectives responded and conducted a preliminary investigation, which indicates the male and female were in a dating relationship. Detectives believe the incident began as a domestic violence situation that escalated when the man shot the woman on Summit Street before fleeing the area. Investigators believe the man later sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound on West 19th Street. The female victim has been identified as Daisy Uribe, a 23-year-old resident of Long Beach. The identification of the male is pending notification of next of kin. At this time, detectives do not believe there are any outstanding suspects. The investigation remains ongoing.
Driver Seriously Injured After Car Collides With M Driver Seriously Injured After Car Collides With Metro A Line Train in Long Beach LONG BEACH, Calif. — A man was seriously injured Sunday night after a vehicle collided with a Metro A Line train in Long Beach, authorities said. Long Beach Fire Department units responded at 7:54 p.m., to a reported Metro Rail versus vehicle collision at the intersection of Long Beach Boulevard and Willow Street, where the Metro A Line runs along the center median of the roadway. Fire officials said the driver became trapped inside the car following the crash. Using the Jaws of Life, the department’s Urban Search and Rescue Task Force successfully extricated the male patient, who is in his 30s. He was transported to a local trauma center in serious condition. A female passenger in the vehicle was not injured, according to authorities. The cause of the collision was not immediately known. The Long Beach Police Department is handling the accident investigation.
MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center Performs Wo MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center Performs World’s First Robotic Hip Revision Surgery LONG BEACH, Calif. — MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center has made medical history by becoming the first hospital in the world to perform a robotic hip revision surgery using Stryker’s Mako Total Hip with 5.0 Advanced Primary and Revision application. The medical center is also the first in California to use the Mako 4 SmartRobotics™ platform paired with the Q Guidance System. The achievement marks a major advancement in orthopedic surgery and reinforces Long Beach Medical Center’s 117-year legacy of innovation, particularly in complex joint replacement and revision procedures. Hip revision surgery is among the most challenging orthopedic operations and is typically required when a previous joint replacement fails due to implant loosening, instability, or infection. Unlike primary hip replacements, revision surgeries must navigate existing implants, scar tissue, compromised bone quality, and longer recovery times. Approximately 70,000 hip revision surgeries are performed annually in the United States, with demand expected to grow as patients live longer and seek to maintain mobility. “We are incredibly proud to be the first medical center globally to perform a robotic hip revision using the Mako Total Hip with 5.0 software,” said Dr. Andrew Wassef, medical director of the MemorialCare Joint Replacement Center at Long Beach Medical Center. “This milestone reflects our commitment to providing patients with advanced, personalized surgical options that lead to better outcomes and faster recovery.” Dr. Wassef, a nationally recognized orthopedic surgeon, has completed more than 2,000 joint replacement surgeries using Mako technology. This procedure marked his first hip revision using the THA 5.0 robotic platform.
Double Homicide Investigation Underway After Two F Double Homicide Investigation Underway After Two Fatal Shootings in Long Beach LONG BEACH, Calif. — Two shootings that occurred minutes and blocks apart on Long Beach’s West Side late Friday night left a man and a woman dead, and police believe the incidents are related. The Long Beach Police Department said officers responded to reports of gunshots around 10:51 p.m. in the 1500 block of Summit Street near Caspian Avenue. When officers arrived, they found a woman suffering from a gunshot wound to her upper body in a residential neighborhood. Despite medical aid from officers and paramedics, she was pronounced dead at the scene. Witnesses said the suspected shooter may have known the woman and allegedly shot her before fleeing the area and later shooting himself. Approximately seven minutes later, officers received another call reporting a “hit shooting” in the 1600 block of West 19th Street near Canal Avenue. The second location is about one-tenth of a mile from the first, situated on the opposite corner of the same block. At the second scene, officers found a man with a gunshot wound to his upper body. He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased, authorities confirmed. “Preliminary information indicates these two shootings are related,” a Long Beach Police Department spokesperson said. Police did not release the identities of the victims or additional details. The investigation remains ongoing.
Video shows ICE agents detained one adult male in Video shows ICE agents detained one adult male in Long Beach Long Beach, CA — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents detained one adult male near the intersection of Anaheim Street and Cedar Avenue around 9:00am this morning. The detention occurred in the area earlier today. No injuries were reported, and no additional details about the individual or the reason for the detention were immediately released.
Long Beach Beaches Closed After Upstream Sewage Sp Long Beach Beaches Closed After Upstream Sewage Spill All open coastal swimming areas in Long Beach have been temporarily closed following a sewage spill that may impact ocean water quality, according to Acting City Health Officer Dr. Cliff Okada. The closure is required under state law and is being implemented out of an abundance of caution until water quality meets California health standards. Warning signs have been posted at affected beaches advising the public to stay out of the water. According to the California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES), more than 18,000 gallons of sewage were discharged into the San Gabriel River on Tuesday, Dec. 16. The spill occurred in the City of Industry after railway installation work cut through a sewer pipe, allowing sewage to flow downstream toward ocean waters. The Long Beach Health Department’s Recreational Water Quality Environmental Health Specialists are actively monitoring water conditions along the city’s coastline. Sampling and testing will continue until results comply with state water quality requirements, at which point swimming areas may be reopened. Long Beach has more than six miles of public beach, where water quality is routinely monitored through weekly sampling to track bacterial levels and protect public health. City officials are urging residents and visitors to heed posted warning signs and avoid all water contact while the closures remain in effect. For the latest updates on beach water quality and closures, the public can call the Long Beach Water Hotline at 562-570-4199 or visit longbeach.gov/beachwaterquality.
LBPD Steps Up DUI Patrols During Holiday Season to LBPD Steps Up DUI Patrols During Holiday Season to Keep Roads Safe LONG BEACH, Calif. — As holiday celebrations increase, the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) is reminding the public that impaired driving continues to be a serious safety concern. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1,038 people were killed nationwide in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes in December 2023 alone. To help prevent similar tragedies, LBPD is urging residents to celebrate responsibly and never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. From December 12 through New Year’s Day, LBPD will deploy additional officers on patrol to watch for drivers suspected of being impaired. The increased enforcement is part of the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, which aims to remove impaired drivers from the road and reduce traffic-related injuries and deaths. “We want to make sure everyone gets home safely so they can celebrate the holiday season with their families and loved ones,” said LBPD Commander Jeremy Boshnack. “Driving impaired is illegal, dangerous and never acceptable.” Police encourage anyone planning to drink to prepare in advance by designating a sober driver, using public transportation, or calling a taxi or rideshare service. Staying in for the night is also a safe alternative. LBPD emphasized that impairment is not limited to alcohol. Prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, cannabis products and other substances can also affect driving ability. Anyone taking medications with a warning label should allow a sober person to drive. Authorities urge residents to call 9-1-1 if they observe someone who appears to be driving while impaired. Funding for the enforcement effort is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Long Beach Surgeon Reaches Milestone With 2,000th Long Beach Surgeon Reaches Milestone With 2,000th Robotic-Assisted Joint Replacement LONG BEACH, Calif. — The MemorialCare Joint Replacement Center at Long Beach Medical Center reached a major milestone as medical director Andrew Wassef, M.D., successfully completed his 2,000th Mako robotic-assisted joint replacement surgery, highlighting his expertise in minimally invasive orthopedic care and the hospital’s leadership in advanced joint replacement technology. Dr. Wassef and the operating room team marked the achievement, which reflects the center’s commitment to precision surgery, quality outcomes, and patient satisfaction. Hospital officials say the milestone further positions Long Beach Medical Center as a community hospital delivering care comparable to major academic medical centers through advanced technology and highly skilled physicians. The Mako robotic-assisted system enhances accuracy in knee and hip replacement procedures by using real-time data and 3D mapping tailored to each patient’s anatomy. The technology allows surgeons to plan and perform procedures with greater precision, often leading to faster recovery, improved outcomes, and increased long-term mobility. The 2,000th procedure was performed on Jacqueline, a 75-year-old patient who received a Mako-assisted left knee replacement. After years of chronic knee pain and limited mobility, she is recovering smoothly and is expected to return to a more active, pain-free lifestyle. The Joint Replacement Center at Long Beach Medical Center provides comprehensive care, including pre-operative education, personalized surgical planning, and post-surgical rehabilitation. The center specializes in hip, knee, shoulder, and ankle replacements and is led by top orthopedic specialists. Recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Best Orthopedic Hospitals, the center continues to advance robotic-assisted surgery, with many patients able to move the same day and return home within two days. For more information, call (562) 933-4014.
Man Shot near Silverado Park Shootout in Long Beac Man Shot near Silverado Park Shootout in Long Beach LONG BEACH, Calif. — One man was wounded in a shootout near Silverado Park in Long Beach Wednesday evening, authorities said. LBPD Officers responded to a report of shots fired at approximately 5:54 p.m. on Dec. 10, 2025, in the 1500 block of West 31st Street. The call was later determined to be a hit shooting. According to LBPD public information officer Jordan McGinley, a male adult sustained non-life-threatening gunshot wounds to the upper body. He was treated for his injuries; his current condition was not immediately released. Preliminary investigation indicates that a group of male adults approached a second group and fired shots in their direction, striking the victim. The second group then returned fire toward the first group. The motive for the shooting and any suspect information remain under investigation.
Teenagers Shot in Long Beach; Police Investigating Teenagers Shot in Long Beach; Police Investigating LONG BEACH, Calif. — Three teenage boys were involved in a shooting Thursday evening in Long Beach, authorities said. Officers were dispatched at approximately 5:29 p.m. on Dec. 11, 2025, to a reported shooting in the 800 block of Orange Avenue. Upon arrival, officers located three male juvenile victims at the scene. One of the teens suffered non-life-threatening gunshot wounds to his upper and lower body. Officers rendered immediate aid until Long Beach Fire Department paramedics arrived and transported the victim to a local hospital. A second teen was treated at the scene by paramedics for a minor gunshot wound to his upper body. The third teen was not injured. Preliminary investigation indicates the victims were confronted by a group of male suspects. Following a verbal exchange, one of the suspects opened fire on the teens. The suspects fled the area before officers arrived. A crime scene was established, and the investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information related to the incident is urged to contact Long Beach Police.
Pedestrian Killed in Early-Morning Collision in Lo Pedestrian Killed in Early-Morning Collision in Long Beach LONG BEACH, Calif. — Detectives with the Long Beach Police Department’s Collision Investigation Detail are investigating a fatal traffic collision that claimed the life of a woman early Thursday morning. The incident occurred on Dec. 11, 2025, at approximately 6:18 a.m., when officers were dispatched to the area of East Anaheim Street and Rose Avenue after reports of a traffic collision. Upon arrival, officers found an adult female pedestrian lying in the roadway. They immediately began life-saving efforts until Long Beach Fire Department personnel arrived and took over. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where she was later pronounced deceased. According to preliminary findings, a 2022 Honda Accord was traveling westbound on East Anaheim Street when it struck the woman as she crossed the roadway in an unmarked crosswalk. Investigators say speed, impairment, and distracted driving do not appear to be factors in the collision. The driver remained at the scene and cooperated fully with authorities. The identity of the victim is being withheld pending notification of next of kin by the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner. Anyone who witnessed the collision is urged to contact Collision Investigation Detail Detective Edwin Paredes at (562) 570-7110.
Police Say Driver Intentionally Hit Victim After A Police Say Driver Intentionally Hit Victim After Argument Homicide detectives have arrested a Lynwood man in connection with the killing of a 28-year-old Long Beach resident who was struck and killed early Saturday morning in the 1700 block of Newport Avenue. According to the Long Beach Police Department, officers responded around 1:47 a.m. on Dec. 7, 2025, to reports of a traffic collision. When they arrived, they found an unconscious male lying in the roadway. Officers performed life-saving measures until Long Beach Fire Department personnel arrived, but the victim died at the scene. Investigators determined the incident was not an accident, but an intentional act stemming from a prior dispute. Detectives say the victim and suspect engaged in a verbal argument shortly before the collision. After the confrontation, the victim — identified as 28-year-old Samuel Ocegueda of Long Beach — began crossing Newport Avenue outside a crosswalk. While Ocegueda was in the roadway, the suspect allegedly drove a dark four-door sedan directly into him, intentionally striking him. The driver then fled, continuing southbound on Newport Avenue and westbound on Wilton Street. Homicide detectives quickly launched an investigation and identified 28-year-old Isai Solis of Lynwood as the suspect. Later that same day, Special Investigation Detectives located Solis in the 12400 block of Sante Fe Avenue in Lynwood, where he was taken into custody. Solis was booked on suspicion of murder and is being held on $2,000,000 bail. Police say the case will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration. Anyone with additional information is urged to contact Long Beach Police Department Homicide detectives.
Long Beach Christmas Parade Breaks World Record Wi Long Beach Christmas Parade Breaks World Record With 15,736 in Pajamas LONG BEACH, Calif. — Long Beach’s 41st annual Belmont Shore Christmas Parade lit up Second Street on Saturday night and made history in the process. From 6 to 9 p.m. on Dec. 6, thousands lined the streets of Belmont Shore for what became the world’s largest pajama party, with 15,736 people wearing festive pajamas to help break the world record for most people in pajamas at one time. The cozy celebration matched this year’s theme, “Jingle Jammies.” The parade, organized by the Belmont Shore Business Association, featured more than 100 entries, including local high school marching bands, dance groups, creative floats built by Long Beach businesses and community groups, and appearances by local leaders and personalities. The Long Beach Fire Department helped escort the evening’s most anticipated guest Santa Claus, who closed out the parade to cheers from bundled-up families lining the route. Organizers called the event a huge success, noting that the record-breaking turnout added an extra layer of holiday spirit to one of Long Beach’s most beloved traditions. Photos and video by Heather Kern and Belmont Shore Business Association
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