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Day: February 28, 2026

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$80M Deficit Raises Tough Questions for Modica, Richardson at City Hall
Posted inLocal News

$80M Deficit Raises Tough Questions for Modica, Richardson at City Hall

The City of Long Beach is facing mounting financial pressure as officials project a deficit of up to $80 million by fiscal year 2027, raising growing concern about the city’s long-term fiscal stability…
Posted by LBLN February 28, 2026
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People, Not Politics: Tara Riggi Talks Community a People, Not Politics: Tara Riggi Talks Community at @nonnamercato We talk with @tarariggi Tara Riggi at Nonna Mercato for a conversation focused on community, not politics. A lifelong resident of Long Beach, Riggi is running to represent the city’s 5th District with a platform centered on transparency, accountability, and putting community voices first. Riggi says her campaign is about restoring trust in local leadership and making sure everyday residents, not special interests, shape the future of the district. Tara Riggi says she’s running for Long Beach City Council District 5 because too many residents feel unheard and disconnected from decisions made at Long Beach City Hall. She points to issues like large-scale development proposals at Wardlow and Cerritos, and projects such as the Orange Avenue bike lane as examples where residents felt excluded from the process. Riggi says her campaign is about restoring trust through transparency, collaboration, and accountability, engaging neighborhoods early, listening to concerns, and ensuring decisions are made with the community, not for them.
Civilians Save Woman Hanging From 2nd-Story Window Civilians Save Woman Hanging From 2nd-Story Window in Long Beach Apartment Fire An early-morning apartment fire prompted a dramatic civilian rescue Tuesday at the Highland Hacienda Condominiums in the 3100 block of Atlantic Avenue. At approximately 9:24 a.m. on Feb. 25, 2026, Long Beach Fire Department crews responded to a two-story apartment building with heavy smoke and flames coming from a second-story unit at the Highland Hacienda complex. Engine 7 initiated fire attack, Truck 7 handled ventilation, and Battalion Chief 3 assumed incident command. Long Beach Police Department was requested for traffic and crowd control. Before firefighters made entry, nearby civilian workers rescued a woman in her 30s who was seen dangling from a second-story window, pulling her to safety. One patient was evaluated at the scene. No firefighter injuries were reported. The American Red Cross Los Angeles Region was requested to assist three displaced families. Notified by @streaming562
UPDATE: Speed and Impairment Under Investigation i UPDATE: Speed and Impairment Under Investigation in Quadruple-Fatal Long Beach Collision Collision Investigation detectives are investigating a fatal traffic collision that occurred in the area of East Spring Street and Lakewood Boulevard early Saturday morning, resulting in the deaths of two males and two females of unknown ages. At approximately 1:18 a.m., officers responded to reports of an injury traffic collision involving a vehicle and a concrete underpass tunnel. Personnel from the Long Beach Fire Department were already on scene, where they extinguished a fully involved vehicle fire. Fire personnel attempted to render aid to a female occupant who had been ejected from the vehicle; however, she succumbed to her injuries at the scene. Three additional occupants were located deceased inside the vehicle. Preliminary investigation indicates that a 2008 Honda Accord was traveling southbound on Lakewood Boulevard from Spring Street when it struck the center median curb, lost control, and crashed into the underpass center support wall. The vehicle subsequently became engulfed in flames. Investigators are currently examining speed and impairment as possible contributing factors in the collision. The identities of the deceased are being withheld pending positive identification and notification of next of kin by the Los Angeles County Department of the Medical Examiner. Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or can help identify the driver is urged to contact Long Beach Police Department Collision Investigation Detail Detective Ashley Van Holland at (562) 570-7355. @countynewstv
4 People Killed in Fiery Overnight Crash Near Long 4 People Killed in Fiery Overnight Crash Near Long Beach Airport (Originally reported as five people we now confirmed it’s four people killed in the crash) Four people were killed in a single-vehicle crash early Saturday morning in Long Beach after a car slammed into a tunnel wall near the entrance and caught fire. The crash was reported around 1:20 a.m. at Lakewood Boulevard and East Spring Street, near the tunnel that goes under the Long Beach Airport. Video from the scene showed the silver sedan fully engulfed in flames as firefighters doused the fire. A witness who arrived shortly after the crash described a chaotic and devastating scene. Officials say a silver sedan struck the center support of the tunnel and became fully engulfed in flames. Crews from the Long Beach Fire Department responded, with Engine 17 extinguishing the fire and confirming multiple fatalities. Subsequent updates confirmed five occupants died at the scene. Long Beach Police Department shut down both northbound and southbound lanes of Lakewood Boulevard for several hours while emergency crews worked and investigators processed the scene. Closures extended between East Spring Street and Willow Street. The identities, ages, and genders of the victims have not been released. Authorities have not yet determined whether speed, impairment, or other factors contributed to the crash. Video by @countynewstv
Two Fatal Traffic Collisions Tuesday in Long Beach Two Fatal Traffic Collisions Tuesday in Long Beach LONG BEACH, Calif. — Collision Investigation Detail detectives are investigating two separate fatal traffic collisions that occurred Tuesday, Feb. 17, resulting in the deaths of two male victims, authorities said. The first collision occurred at Pacific Coast Highway and Maine Avenue, where investigators are examining the circumstances that led to the death of an adult male. A second fatal collision was reported at East 7th Street and St. Louis Avenue, where a male of unknown age was killed. Details surrounding both incidents remain limited. Police officials said formal news releases with additional information are forthcoming as the investigations continue. Anyone with information related to either collision is encouraged to contact local authorities.
Police Arrest Barricaded Suspect After Stabbing an Police Arrest Barricaded Suspect After Stabbing and Mental Health Crisis in Long Beach Long Beach police arrested a male suspect Saturday evening following a reported stabbing and mental health crisis at a motel on the 1700 block of Pine Avenue. Officers responded to the scene around 6:45 p.m. on Feb. 14, 2026, after receiving a call reporting a mental health incident involving a stabbing. Upon arrival, officers contacted an adult female victim who sustained non-life-threatening injuries. She declined medical treatment from Long Beach Fire Department personnel. According to the preliminary investigation, the victim and suspect are known to each other. Officers attempted to contact the male suspect, who barricaded himself inside a motel room. Due to the nature of the incident, additional resources, including the Mental Evaluation Team and SWAT, were called to the scene. Police made multiple attempts to de-escalate the situation, but the suspect remained uncooperative. After approximately two hours, officers took the suspect into custody. During the arrest, a use of force occurred, which included the use of a conducted electrical weapon (commonly referred to as a taser), gas, a less-lethal launcher, and K9 contact. The suspect sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital by Long Beach Fire Department personnel for treatment.
Come to @primalalchemy Hoppy Valentines Dinner and Come to @primalalchemy Hoppy Valentines Dinner and Make Delicious Memories with Us! Saturday, February 14th, 2026 5:00pm - 9:00pm Appetizers, Four course Family Style Dinner & Plated Dessert (menu listed below) Curated Beer, Hard Cider & Hard Kombucha available for purchase at event Purchase tickets online https://primalalchemy.square.site
Fatal Hit-and-Run Leaves Female Bicyclist Dead in Fatal Hit-and-Run Leaves Female Bicyclist Dead in Long Beach LONG BEACH, CA — Collision Investigation detectives are investigating a fatal hit-and-run traffic collision that claimed the life of an adult female bicyclist Saturday afternoon, Feb. 7, 2026, at the intersection of Redondo Avenue and East 2nd Street. Long Beach police officers were dispatched to the scene at approximately 4:48 p.m. after reports of an injury hit-and-run involving a vehicle and a bicyclist. When officers arrived, they found the female bicyclist on the ground and a bystander rendering aid. Long Beach Fire Department personnel transported the victim to a local hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries. According to the preliminary investigation, the bicyclist was traveling southbound on Redondo Avenue when she entered the intersection at East 2nd Street. At the same time, a 2025 gray Hyundai Sonata was traveling westbound on East 2nd Street. Investigators say the Hyundai entered the intersection at a high rate of speed, failed to stop at a stop sign, and struck the bicyclist. The driver of the Hyundai Sonata fled the scene and was last seen traveling westbound on East 2nd Street from Redondo Avenue. Speed is being investigated as a contributing factor in the collision. The identity of the victim is being withheld pending notification of next of kin by the Los Angeles County Department of the Medical Examiner. Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has information related to the investigation is urged to contact LBPD Collision Investigation Detail Detective Edwin Paredes at (562) 570-7110.
Giant Human Heart Formation Highlights Women’s Hea Giant Human Heart Formation Highlights Women’s Heart Health in Long Beach LONG BEACH, CA — Employees at MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center will mark National Wear Red Day by uniting in a powerful visual display to raise awareness about heart disease, the leading cause of death among American women. Approximately 100 employees will “Stand 4 Women’s Heart” by forming a giant, life-sized human heart on the ground beneath the hospital’s footbridge, wearing red T-shirts and red heart-shaped sunglasses. The symbolic formation is designed to draw attention to the importance of heart health, early detection, and prevention. Before the formation, participants will write the name of a woman they love on “Stand 4 Women’s Heart” postcards and gather together on the footbridge, creating a tunnel of personal tributes. The moment is intended to highlight the human impact of heart disease and the urgency of recognizing symptoms that are often overlooked or misunderstood in women. Heart disease remains the No. 1 killer of women in the United States, yet awareness and timely diagnosis continue to lag behind. MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center officials say the event reflects the hospital’s broader commitment to education, prevention, and women’s cardiovascular health. Hospital leaders say initiatives like National Wear Red Day not only raise visibility but also serve as a reminder that education, prevention, and access to specialized care are key to saving women’s lives.
Holy Innocents Catholic School Targeted in Overnig Holy Innocents Catholic School Targeted in Overnight Vandalism A Long Beach Catholic school community is in shock after vandals broke into Holy Innocents Catholic School overnight Sunday, causing extensive damage to the campus and its chapel and destroying religious artifacts, some valued in the tens of thousands of dollars. School staff discovered the damage early Monday morning and contacted Long Beach police around 7 a.m. Officers and forensic detectives responded about 4 hours later according to Long Beach Post to investigate the incident, which left classrooms and the chapel in complete disarray. “Praying for protection of our school and we just want them to feel safe, but it’s like, this is what happens?” said Principal Cyril Cruz of Holy Innocents School. According to school officials, vandals smashed statues, overturned desks and cabinets, destroyed furniture, and attempted to pry open the tabernacle in the chapel. Among the damaged items was a statue of the Virgin Mary that had been part of the school since 1958 and was valued at approximately $40,000. Another statue in the atrium was estimated to be worth about $10,000. Many other religious items were handmade by religious sisters and are considered irreplaceable. “They’re simply priceless,” said Tony Tripp, the school’s director of advancement, adding that the overall cost of the damage is “definitely a high amount.” Investigators also found destroyed internet devices, musical equipment, learning materials, and scattered Bibles throughout the building. A framed picture of Pope Leo XIV was shattered. Principal Cruz said police located blood inside the chapel, which detectives hope will provide DNA evidence to help identify at least one suspect. It remains unclear what, if anything, was stolen due to the extensive damage. No arrests have been announced, and the investigation is ongoing. Volunteers, parents, and staff spent Monday cleaning up the campus. School officials said they hope to restore the site enough to resume normal operations by Wednesday. A GoFundMe has been set up to help cover repair costs, and donations can also be made directly to the school.
Police Investigate Shooting That Injured Two Men o Police Investigate Shooting That Injured Two Men on Artesia Boulevard LONG BEACH, CA — Two men were shot early Monday morning in the 3400 block of Artesia Boulevard, Long Beach police said. Officers responded to reports of a shooting at approximately 1:57 a.m. on Feb. 2, 2026. When they arrived, they found two adult male victims, both suffering from non-life-threatening gunshot wounds to the lower body. Officers immediately rendered medical aid until Long Beach Fire Department personnel arrived on scene. The victims were then transported to a local hospital for treatment. Their conditions were not considered life-threatening. Police said the suspect fled the area before officers arrived. No suspect description has been released. The motive for the shooting and the circumstances leading up to it remain under investigation. Anyone with information is urged to contact Long Beach Police.
Trump Supporter Targeted With Thrown Items During Trump Supporter Targeted With Thrown Items During ICE Protest in Long Beach Tensions were high during a student-led protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Friday around 12:30pm when a Trump supporter was targeted and chased down the street after taunting demonstrators following a school walkout. The incident occurred as hundreds of students gathered at Long Beach City Hall as part of “National ICE Out Day,” a nationwide day of action opposing federal immigration enforcement under the Trump administration. Many Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) students walked out of class to participate, school officials encouraged parents to talk with their children about the potential risks of leaving campus during school hours. According to witnesses, tensions escalated when an individual openly supporting President Donald Trump began taunting students protesting ICE operations. During the exchange, water and other items were thrown. Authorities have not released details regarding injuries or whether any arrests were made. The Long Beach protest was one of several demonstrations held across Southern California on Friday. Similar walkouts and rallies were reported throughout Los Angeles and Orange counties, where students and community groups urged people to skip work, school and shopping in opposition to immigration enforcement.
LBPD Homicide Detectives Arrest Four in Double Mur LBPD Homicide Detectives Arrest Four in Double Murder Case Homicide detectives have made multiple arrests in connection with the August 6, 2025 killings of 45-year-old Luis Parra and 24-year-old Josue Pacheco, authorities announced in an update released Monday. Through an ongoing investigation, detectives identified Jesus Arredondo, a 40-year-old Carson resident, as the suspect in the murders. Arredondo was arrested on Jan. 15, 2026, by Special Investigation Division detectives in the 2300 block of Bellevue Avenue in Los Angeles. He was booked into the Long Beach City Jail on suspicion of murder, and his bail was set at $1 million. Detectives have also arrested several additional suspects accused of aiding in the crimes. A 17-year-old Carson resident was arrested on Jan. 9, 2026, in the 200 block of West Torrance Boulevard in Carson by Special Investigation Division detectives. The juvenile’s identity is being withheld due to his age. He was booked for aiding someone who committed a felony, and his bail was set at $2 million. Stephen Lee Talbot, 42, of Los Angeles, was arrested on Jan. 15, 2026, in the 2100 block of South Patton Street in San Pedro. He was also booked for aiding someone who committed a felony, with bail set at $2 million. Timothy Garcia, 35, of Harbor City, was arrested on Jan. 16, 2026, in the 900 block of Rosecrans Avenue in Compton. He was likewise booked for aiding someone who committed a felony, and his bail was set at $2 million. “These arrests exemplify the focus, expertise, and unwavering commitment demonstrated by our Homicide detectives in ensuring suspects are held accountable for their actions,” Long Beach Police Chief Wally Hebeish said in a statement. “I want to commend them for their thorough investigation and successful apprehension of the suspects believed responsible for these unacceptable acts of violence.” Investigators said the motive for the killings has not yet been determined. Detectives plan to present the case to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration.
Federal Agents Detain Two Gardeners During Operati Federal Agents Detain Two Gardeners During Operation in Long Beach Federal agents took two men working as gardeners into custody Tuesday morning in Long Beach’s University Park Estates neighborhood during an enforcement action that drew concern from residents and briefly disrupted traffic. According to the Long Beach Post, the incident occurred around 9:30 a.m. as three employees of a gardening company had just begun working on the street. Multiple black vehicles suddenly pulled into the area, blocking traffic and preventing both the gardeners and a city garbage truck from leaving. The driver of the garbage truck began honking, alerting the workers to the agents’ presence, neighbors said. Video verified by the Long Beach Post shows one gardener placing his lawn equipment on the ground before being handcuffed by federal agents and led into the back of a vehicle. A second gardener attempted to scale a nearby wall but was chased by a group of armed agents, according to witnesses. During the encounter, agents asked the man for his documents. Witnesses said he produced an identification card and stated that he was born at MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center, adding that he is a dual citizen. One agent said he would investigate the claim. Despite that, the man was handcuffed by several agents and placed into the vehicle. The Department of Homeland Security did not respond to a request for comment, and it remains unclear which federal agency conducted the operation or what prompted the detentions. No additional information about the identities of the men or potential charges was immediately available. Video by Long Beach Post
Vehicle Slams Into Building in Long Beach, Trappin Vehicle Slams Into Building in Long Beach, Trapping One Person LONG BEACH, Calif. — Emergency crews responded to a major traffic collision Monday evening after a vehicle crashed into a structure at the intersection of Roosevelt Road and Atlantic Avenue, authorities said. The crash was reported at approximately 7:53 p.m. Long Beach Police Department and Long Beach Fire Department units arrived to find one vehicle lodged into a building on the southwest corner of the intersection. Fire officials said one patient was trapped inside the vehicle within the structure and another patient was also involved. Both patients were reported to be conscious and breathing at the scene. Truck 11 was assigned to extricate the trapped patient. As a safety precaution, southbound lanes of Atlantic Avenue were closed by LBPD for an unknown duration while emergency operations continued. At approximately 7:55 p.m., Engine 11 requested a building inspector to respond, indicating potential structural concerns related to the impact. No additional information on the cause of the crash, the extent of injuries, or possible citations was immediately available. The investigation remains ongoing.
Vehicle Slams Into Building in Long Beach, Trappin Vehicle Slams Into Building in Long Beach, Trapping One Person Emergency crews responded to a major traffic collision Monday evening after a vehicle crashed into a structure at the intersection of Roosevelt Road and Atlantic Avenue, authorities said. The crash was reported at approximately 7:53 p.m. Long Beach Police Department and Long Beach Fire Department units arrived to find one vehicle lodged into a building on the southwest corner of the intersection. Fire officials said one patient was trapped inside the vehicle within the structure and another patient was also involved. Both patients were reported to be conscious and breathing at the scene. Truck 11 was assigned to extricate the trapped patient. As a safety precaution, southbound lanes of Atlantic Avenue were closed by LBPD for an unknown duration while emergency operations continued. At approximately 7:55 p.m., Engine 11 requested a building inspector to respond, indicating potential structural concerns related to the impact. No additional information on the cause of the crash, the extent of injuries, or possible citations was immediately available. The investigation remains ongoing. Notified by @streaming562
38th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade Brings C 38th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade Brings Community Together in Long Beach The community gathered Saturday in Central Long Beach for the 38th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade and Celebration, honoring the life, legacy and enduring message of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The community-wide event brought together families, local leaders, performers and volunteers to reflect on Dr. King’s vision of unity, justice and service. Festivities began at 10 a.m. with a vibrant parade starting at the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and Anaheim Street. Colorful floats, marching bands, community organizations and cultural groups filled the route as the parade made its way through Long Beach toward Martin Luther King Jr. Park. The celebration continued at the park, located at 1950 Lemon Ave., from noon to 5 p.m. Attendees enjoyed live entertainment throughout the afternoon, including dance performances, musical acts, student poetry readings and gospel music. Food vendors, merchandise booths and a designated kids’ zone added to the family-friendly atmosphere, drawing residents of all ages to participate in the annual tradition. Organizers said the event remains a cherished Long Beach tradition, serving not only as a tribute to Dr. King’s legacy but also as a reflection of the city’s diversity and ongoing commitment to inclusivity and community engagement. Full video on our website and YouTube
Long Beach Unveils New Minor League Baseball Team Long Beach Unveils New Minor League Baseball Team Name: Long Beach Coast LONG BEACH, Calif. — Long Beach officials announced today during the State of the City 2026 that the city’s new minor league baseball team will be called the Long Beach Coast, following a public voting process that drew thousands of responses. In a statement, team management said they will use Long Beach Regulators as an “alter ego” that “taps into Long Beach’s legendary ‘90s hip-hop roots.” A team spokesperson said she was unable to provide details at this time on how that would work or whether the Regulators name would appear on team jerseys or merchandise. The name was selected after 3,888 online votes and 974 in-person votes were cast across the city. The final three contenders were Long Beach Coast, Long Beach Parrots, and Long Beach Regulators. The team will compete in the Pioneer Baseball League, a Major League Baseball partner league. The Coast’s inaugural season is set for May 2026. The Pioneer League, founded in 1939, currently features teams in Colorado, Idaho, Montana, and California, including the Oakland Ballers. Long Beach will become the 13th city to host a Pioneer League team. City leaders unanimously approved moving forward with the professional baseball proposal on July 22, including discussions of a partnership between the Long Beach Baseball Club and Cal State Long Beach. Plans call for shared use of Blair Field, home of the CSULB Dirtbags, rather than construction of a new stadium. Mayor Rex Richardson has voiced strong support for the team, saying it could “invigorate local pride, foster community engagement, and stimulate economic activity.” He also said the city may invest in improvements to Blair Field to accommodate professional play. The Long Beach Baseball Club has already held local tryouts, signaling a focus on community involvement as the Long Beach Coast prepares to take the field next year.
Man Fatally Shot Near Railroad Tracks in Long Beac Man Fatally Shot Near Railroad Tracks in Long Beach, Homicide Detectives Investigate LONG BEACH, Calif. — Homicide detectives are investigating the fatal shooting of a man near railroad tracks in Long Beach. Officers were dispatched at 7:28 p.m. on Jan. 12, 2026, to the 2300 block of East Artesia Boulevard after receiving a report of a shooting. When officers arrived, they found a male adult suffering from a gunshot wound. Long Beach Fire Department paramedics transported the victim to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries. The suspect fled the area before officers arrived, according to police. Homicide detectives responded and are leading the investigation. Police said information remains limited, and the motive and circumstances surrounding the shooting have not yet been determined. The area near the railroad tracks includes homeless encampments, though investigators have not said whether that fact is related to the incident. 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 related to the case is urged to contact Long Beach Police Department homicide detectives.
LBUSD to Restrict Student Phone Use Beginning Jan. LBUSD to Restrict Student Phone Use Beginning Jan. 26 The Long Beach Unified School District will begin restricting student use of phones and personal electronic devices at all schools starting Jan. 26, 2026, a move district leaders say is aimed at improving focus, academic performance and student well-being. Under the new policy, students in transitional kindergarten through eighth grade must keep phones and personal devices turned off and stored in backpacks throughout the school day, including during before- and after-school programs. High school students must keep devices turned off and stored during instructional time, from the start to the end of each class period. All students, TK–12, are required to keep devices stored while using restrooms, participating in field trips or engaging in work-based learning activities. District officials cite research linking excessive smartphone and social media use to increased distraction, anxiety, depression and declining academic outcomes. Studies referenced by the district show that restricting phone use can improve test scores, particularly among disadvantaged and underachieving students. LBUSD leaders emphasized the policy is not anti-technology, but instead aims to separate educational tools that support learning from digital platforms designed to capture attention through addictive features. The rules also prohibit filming or photographing others without consent and ban recording fights, acts of violence, or activity in restrooms and locker rooms. Cyberbullying, impersonation and other misuse of devices or apps may result in disciplinary action, including suspension or expulsion. Each school site will develop its own implementation and enforcement plan, which may include device confiscation, progressive discipline and restorative practices. The district noted it is not responsible for devices that are lost, stolen or damaged. Parents are encouraged to contact school offices for urgent messages during the school day. More information is available at: http://lbschools.net/phonepolicy
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