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Long Beach Pushes Amphitheater Project Without Funding, Empty Promises or Future Landmark?
Long Beach City Faces Lawsuit Over Early Sales Tax Increase: Legal or Overreach?
19-Year-Old Killed in Long Beach Shooting; Suspect at Large
MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center Employees Unite Against Heart Disease
Water Main Break in Long Beach Prompts Swift Water Rescue

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Long Beach Pushes Amphitheater Project Without Fun

Long Beach Pushes Amphitheater Project Without Funding.

Empty Promises or Future Landmark?

The City of Long Beach is pushing ahead with plans for its highly anticipated Long Beach Bowl amphitheater, but one major question remains unanswered—how will it be paid for?

At Mayor Rex Richardson’s State of the City address last week, officials celebrated the selection of ASM Global/Legends as the tentative operator for the city’s first-ever waterfront amphitheater, to be located near the historic Queen Mary. However, the city has yet to secure the necessary funding to construct the temporary venue, leaving many questioning whether the ambitious project is more fantasy than reality.

“This is a transformative time for Long Beach,” Richardson declared, emphasizing the city’s aspirations to become a major hub for arts, entertainment, and tourism. But without a clear funding source, critics argue the city is making promises it can’t yet keep.

City officials claim that details on funding will be ironed out in the coming months, with the Long Beach City Council set to formally review the operator selection on March 11, 2025. But without secured financing, some wonder if this project will ever get off the ground.

City officials insist that site preparation and construction will begin this winter, with completion slated for the end of the year. But without the necessary funding in place, many are wondering: Is Long Beach jumping the gun on an expensive project it can’t afford?

The City of Long Beach has not publicly disclosed the estimated cost of the Long Beach Bowl amphitheater. However, similar temporary amphitheaters with a capacity of around 12,000 seats can cost anywhere from $10 million to $50 million, depending on infrastructure, staging, amenities, and operational needs.

For now, the Long Beach Bowl remains a vision—but until the city finds the money to back it up, it’s unclear when, or if, it will become a reality.

Long Beach City Council approved a tax increase tw

Long Beach City Council approved a tax increase two years early, arguing it was necessary to address a budget shortfall and aligned with voter intent. However, a lawsuit filed last week challenges the move, calling it unconstitutional.

The Long Beach City Council fast-tracked a sales tax increase in December, aiming to generate an additional $24 million annually. However, a legal challenge now questions whether the move was lawful.

A local anti-tax group, the Long Beach Reform Coalition, filed a lawsuit on Feb. 6, arguing that the council’s decision was “unconstitutional” because it bypassed voter approval. The lawsuit focuses on Measure A, a local sales tax originally passed in 2016 and extended in 2020. Under Measure A, the city’s sales tax rate was set to increase from 0.75% to 1% in October 2027. But on Dec. 12, the City Council voted 6-0 to implement the increase more than two years early, in April 2025. This would push Long Beach’s total sales tax rate to 10.75%—the highest in California.

The lawsuit argues that this violates Proposition 218, which requires voter approval for any new, extended, or increased taxes. “If you change anything that was approved by voters in a ballot measure, it can only be changed by another ballot measure,” said Ian Patton of the Long Beach Reform Coalition. The group is asking the court to block the tax increase, declare it illegal, and stop the city from collecting the additional tax.

Mayor Rex Richardson supported the early tax increase, emphasizing the financial impact: “If we do not do this today, we essentially forfeit up to $60 million in revenue for community services.” The city is also facing a $30 million budget shortfall in the next fiscal year, with an $87 million structural deficit projected through 2030 due to declining oil revenues. Officials warned that failing to implement the tax hike could force cuts to essential services, citing past budget crises that led to 200 police layoffs and fire station closures.

Read more about this on our website

19-Year-Old Killed in Long Beach Shooting; Suspect

19-Year-Old Killed in Long Beach Shooting; Suspect at Large

A 19-year-old boy originally report as 16 was fatally shot near Harcourt Street and Long Beach Boulevard on Super Bowl Sunday, prompting a homicide investigation, authorities confirmed.

The Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) and Long Beach Fire Department (LBFD) responded to the scene at approximately 7:46 p.m. after reports of gunfire in the area. Officers arrived to find the teenage victim suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper body. He was unconscious and not breathing.

Witnesses reported seeing a dark sedan speeding away from the scene shortly after the shooting. LBPD called for additional units to assist with crowd control as a growing number of people gathered at the location. Authorities blocked off Harcourt Street while they conducted their initial investigation.

By 7:56 p.m., paramedics transported the victim to a local hospital with severe trauma. Despite efforts to save him, the teenager succumbed to his injuries.

The identity of the victim has not yet been released, and authorities have not announced any arrests or a motive in the case. The investigation is ongoing, and police are urging anyone with information to come forward. #longbeachlocalnews #longbeach

Good luck to Long Beach Poly High School Graduate

Good luck to Long Beach Poly High School Graduate JuJu Smith-Schuster @chiefs in the 2025 @nfl Super Bowl

MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center Employees U

MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center Employees Unite Against Heart Disease

On Friday, February 7, MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center doctors, nurses and staff took a powerful stand against heart disease, the leading cause of death among American women. In honor of National Wear Red Day, 100 hospital employees and leadership team members will form a giant life-size heart while dressed in their hospital uniforms, red hats, and heart-shaped sunglasses to raise awareness for women’s heart health.

Participants held up “Stand 4 Women’s Heart” postcards, each bearing the name of a woman they know who has been affected by heart disease or whom they want to encourage to get screened. Throughout the event, attendees will be seen filling out postcards and proudly displaying them along the footbridge. As a collective demonstration of support, 100 employees will align themselves to form a giant red “human heart,” symbolizing unity in the fight against heart disease in women.

Dr. Nissi Suppogu, medical director of the Women’s Heart Center at the MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute, will be available for interviews to discuss the importance of recognizing heart disease symptoms and prevention strategies tailored specifically for women.

“With heart disease continuing to pose a significant risk to women, our mission is to bridge the gender gap in cardiac care,” said Dr. Suppogu. “By hosting this event and creating the Women’s Heart Center, we hope to provide specialized cardiac care and empower women in our community to take charge of their heart health.”

The MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute at Long Beach Medical Center, in collaboration with MemorialCare Medical Group – Douglas Park, has launched the Women’s Heart Center to provide specialized cardiac care and second opinion services for women in the South Los Angeles and North Orange County communities. The program, led by a fellowship-trained physician with expertise in women’s heart health, seeks to improve outcomes and change the trajectory of heart disease among women.

Water Main Break in Long Beach Prompts Swift Water

Water Main Break in Long Beach Prompts Swift Water Rescue

A major water main break early this morning prompted a swift response from Long Beach Fire and utility crews, leading to emergency evacuations and ongoing repair efforts.

At approximately 4:30 AM, Long Beach Fire Department responded to reports of a possible water main break in the 700 block of Rancho Drive. Firefighters quickly assessed the situation and requested assistance from Long Beach Utilities to address the flooding.

Water crews managed to contain the main break by 8:30 AM, though officials reported one additional area where water was still flowing at a reduced rate. Emergency repairs are currently underway to fully resolve the issue.

The situation remains active, and officials will provide further updates as more information becomes available.

Belmont Pool to Be Rebuilt with New Design and Fea

Belmont Pool to Be Rebuilt with New Design and Features

The Belmont Pool in Long Beach is set to be rebuilt with a new, modern design aimed at providing a state-of-the-art aquatic facility for recreation, instruction, and competitive events. The updated plan reflects a balance between ambitious features and financial feasibility, ensuring that the facility remains a vital community resource.

The upcoming Belmont Beach and Aquatics Center will include:
• A 50-meter pool with a movable bulkhead, allowing for multiple activities at once.
• Springboard diving with 1- and 3-meter boards.
• Recreational and instructional pools featuring spray areas, vortex zones, and activity towers.
• Unique attractions like ziplines and climbing walls to enhance public engagement.
• Sustainability measures, including energy-efficient lighting, water conservation features, and the use of recycled materials.

The estimated budget for the facility is between $62 million and $75 million, funded primarily through Long Beach’s Tidelands Fund. The project’s cost has been adjusted to ensure long-term financial sustainability, reducing its overall footprint and combining recreational and competitive elements.

The new aquatic center is designed to serve diverse community needs, offering public swim programs, lessons, therapy sessions, and competitive events. The project also ensures that the facility remains publicly accessible, with designated times for community use separate from competitive events.

Read more on our website. #belmontpool #longbeach

Amazon Prime’s On Call Brings Gritty Police Dram

Amazon Prime’s On Call Brings Gritty Police Drama to Long Beach

Amazon Prime Video has introduced a new police drama, On Call, set in the heart of Long Beach, California. Produced by the legendary Dick Wolf (Law & Order, Chicago P.D.), the series offers a fresh take on the genre by blending traditional cinematography with bodycam, dashcam, and cellphone footage for a documentary-style feel.

A Gritty Look at Long Beach Policing
Premiering on January 9, 2025, On Call follows veteran officer Traci Harmon (Troian Bellisario) and rookie Alex Diaz (Brandon Larracuente) as they respond to emergency calls throughout Long Beach. The eight-episode series captures the complexities of modern policing, incorporating real-world issues such as community tensions, officer dynamics, and personal struggles. Other cast members include Lori Loughlin as Lieutenant Bishop and Eriq La Salle as Sergeant Lasman, with La Salle also serving as an executive producer and director for some episodes.

Unlike many crime dramas that use Long Beach as a stand-in for other cities, On Call fully embraces its setting. The show was filmed almost entirely in Long Beach, featuring well-known locations such as the Port of Long Beach, Rosie’s Dog Beach, and the Westside. The production team, including co-creators Tim Walsh and Elliot Wolf (Dick Wolf’s son), conducted extensive ride-alongs with the Long Beach Police Department and other law enforcement agencies to ensure authenticity.

A Controversial Depiction of Long Beach

While On Call has been praised for its raw, high-intensity storytelling, some Long Beach residents and officials have expressed concern that the show presents a one-sided portrayal of their city. The series focuses heavily on crime, gang activity, and police confrontations, potentially reinforcing negative stereotypes about Long Beach rather than highlighting its diversity, economic growth, and vibrant culture.

Read more on our website link in bio

UPDATE: The Uber driver was located in Downey. She

UPDATE: The Uber driver was located in Downey. She says she didn’t realize the baby was in the backseat until it started crying. Baby is safe and reunited with mother safely by police.

Breaking News: Possible Kidnapping by Uber Driver Under Investigation in Long Beach

Long Beach police are investigating a possible kidnapping involving an Uber driver. Officers responded to the Long Beach Town Center just after 1:30 PM Wednesday, where they found a mother who believes the driver may have accidentally driven away with her 7 month old child. The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department is assisting LBPD in the search for the driver. Authorities are currently checking an address in Hawaiian Gardens but have been unable to contact the driver for over 30 minutes. This is a developing story. #breakingnews #longbeach

Long Beach Gears Up for 2028 Olympics, But Is the

Long Beach Gears Up for 2028 Olympics, But Is the City Ready?

With the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics fast approaching, Long Beach is preparing to step into the global spotlight as a key venue city. Hosting more sporting events than any city outside of Los Angeles itself, Long Beach is set to play a critical role in the Games. However, with just over three years to go, concerns remain about whether the city is truly ready to deliver on its ambitious promises.

A Strategic Roadmap for 2028

During Tuesday’s City Council meeting, officials unveiled a new Strategic Roadmap designed to guide preparations for the Olympics. The plan outlines major investments in infrastructure and venue upgrades that aim to create an unforgettable experience for athletes and spectators while leaving a lasting legacy for residents.

Dr. Tyler Curley, Jorge Godinez, and their team led the presentation, emphasizing the city’s commitment to transforming select areas into world-class sporting venues. However, while the roadmap paints an optimistic vision, details about execution, funding, and timelines remain vague, raising concerns about the feasibility of Long Beach’s Olympic ambitions.

Venues and Events: What’s in Store for Long Beach?

Long Beach is set to host seven Olympic events across five key venues:

• Belmont Shore: Sailing competitions along Long Beach’s shoreline
• Long Beach Arena: Handball
• Long Beach Convention Center: Water Polo in a temporary aquatics center
• Long Beach Waterfront: Marathon Swimming and Triathlon
• Marine Stadium: Canoe-Sprint and Rowing

These events will bring thousands of athletes, spectators, and international attention to Long Beach, but they also present logistical challenges. From traffic congestion and security concerns to infrastructure readiness, the city has significant hurdles to overcome.

Additionally, with rising costs associated with large-scale events, funding remains a question. Will the city secure the necessary state and federal support, or will taxpayers shoulder the financial burden?

Only time will tell.

Read more on our website link in bio

Light Rain Expected in Long Beach This Week Long

Light Rain Expected in Long Beach This Week

Long Beach residents can expect two rounds of light, beneficial rain this week, according to the National Weather Service. Forecasters predict the city will receive around an inch of rainfall by the weekend, with the first showers arriving Tuesday evening and a second wave moving in Thursday afternoon into Friday.

Meteorologists say the incoming system is a weak atmospheric river from the north, bringing a prolonged period of light rain. Rainfall totals for Long Beach are expected to range from three-quarters of an inch to an inch and a half by the end of the week.

This week’s rainfall will be more significant than the last storm system that passed through the area two weekends ago, which delivered about half an inch of rain.

Winds will remain moderate, with gusts from the south reaching 15-20 mph on Tuesday. Temperatures are expected to stay in the low 50s overnight, before dipping into the mid-40s once the storm system clears on Friday. Daytime highs will rise to the mid-60s to low-70s over the weekend.

Further north, officials are monitoring burn areas from the Eaton and Pacific Palisades fires, where the rain could increase the risk of mudslides and road erosion.

@memorialcare Leading cardiovascular specialists g

@memorialcare Leading cardiovascular specialists gather for a roundtable discussion on advancements in heart valve care, sharing insights on the latest treatments and innovations in the field.

Dr. Marc Sakwa, Chief of Cardiovascular Surgery at Medical Director of Adult Cardiovascular Surgery at Long Beach Medical Center, joined Dr. David Shavelle, Chief of Cardiology and Medical Director of the Adult Cardiology & Interventional Lab at the same institute, to discuss collaborative approaches in heart valve treatment with the Valve Clinic team.

For more information visit link in bio.

Long Beach Residents Face Waste Collection Fee Hik

Long Beach Residents Face Waste Collection Fee Hike Amid New Organics Program Rollout

Residents of Long Beach are set to experience a significant increase in their waste collection fees as the city implements new adjustments to solid waste and recycling rates in 2025. This move has sparked widespread concern, as it coincides with the launch of the city’s Organics Collection Program, a state-mandated initiative aimed at reducing landfill waste by diverting food scraps and yard trimmings.

Fee Increases and Justifications
Under the new rate adjustments, single-family households will see a 15% hike in their monthly waste collection fees, while multifamily and commercial properties will experience even steeper increases. According to the Long Beach Department of Public Works, these fee hikes are necessary to cover rising operational costs, infrastructure improvements, and compliance with California’s waste reduction laws, particularly Senate Bill 1383 (SB 1383), which mandates a 75% reduction in organic waste disposal by 2025.

City officials argue that the changes are essential for building a more sustainable garbage management system. However, many residents feel blindsided by the financial burden, especially as they struggle with an already high cost of living. Small business owners have also raised concerns that increased waste collection fees will lead to higher operational costs, which could ultimately be passed down to customers.

More information on our website link in bio #longbeach

WARNING VIOLENT VIDEO: A concerned parent sent us

WARNING VIOLENT VIDEO: A concerned parent sent us this video. Allegedly stating a parent took their child to fight another student. This occurred Thursday near Hughes middle school (off-campus) on Atlantic Avenue. We are reaching out to LBUSD for more information, if anyone has any information, please DM us.

LBLN is accepting internship application for on-ca

LBLN is accepting internship application for on-camera reporters, behind the camera and journalist that are seeking college credit and experience. Please email longbeachlocalnews@gmail.com with intern in subject line. We look forward to connecting with the community.

Overturned vehicle on Walnut near Roosevelt, no in

Overturned vehicle on Walnut near Roosevelt, no injuries reported avoid the area.

Thank you everyone for the support over 10 years t

Thank you everyone for the support over 10 years this month. We really appreciate you.

We needed a break but plan to start posting news, information and more videos.

Let us know what you would like to see us post in comments.

Long Beach City Hit with $17.5M Verdict, $500K Set $Long Beach City Hit with $17.5M Verdict, $500K Settlement Over Potholes The city of Long Beach’s failure to maintain its roads has led to significant financial and personal consequences, as highlighted by two recent cases involving dangerous potholes. These incidents underscore a broader issue of neglected infrastructure and its impact on public safety. In one case, the Long Beach City Council approved a $500,000 settlement for Noel Laupua, a 43-year-old woman who fractured her ankle after stepping into a 10-inch-wide, 3-inch-deep pothole near Heartwell Park in March 2021. Despite evidence showing that the pothole had existed since at least 2015 and was marked with paint by city maintenance staff, no repairs were made. The city ultimately settled the case to avoid the high costs and uncertainty of a trial, which could have resulted in a payout in the millions. Minh Nguyen, one of Laupua’s attorneys, noted that the city has a history of losing significant sums in similar lawsuits, further emphasizing the risks of neglecting known hazards. In a more severe case, a jury awarded $17.5 million to Eva Vallin, who developed Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) after fracturing her ankle in a series of potholes outside a Zaferia neighborhood supermarket in May 2020. Vallin’s injury required extensive medical treatment, and she now requires daily care for her incurable pain condition. Her attorney Arash Homampour argued that the city’s flawed curb design and failure to repair the hazardous loading zone for over a year constituted gross negligence. Despite regular visits to the site by city employees, no action was taken to address the potholes. The jury’s verdict highlighted the city’s failure to maintain safe conditions and its inadequate training of staff to report such hazards. These cases reveal systemic issues in Long Beach’s approach to road maintenance. While the city has increased efforts to repair potholes following a particularly wet season, the long-standing neglect of hazardous conditions has already led to life-altering injuries and costly legal settlements.$

The Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) is investi

The Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred on the afternoon of Tuesday, November 19, 2024, in the 5200 block of Atlantic Avenue.

Officers were dispatched to the area around 3:15 p.m. following reports of a man armed with a gun. Upon arriving at the scene, police located a male suspect matching the description provided in the initial 911 call.

Authorities attempted to de-escalate the situation, enlisting the assistance of a hostage negotiator and a Mental Evaluation Team. Despite these efforts and the arrival of SWAT personnel, the suspect remained uncooperative during the two-and-a-half-hour standoff.

According to LBPD, the situation escalated when the suspect produced a firearm. In response, the suspect and four officers exchanged gunfire.

During the incident, one officer sustained a gunshot wound to the arm. He was transported to a local hospital, treated, and later released. The suspect, who was struck by gunfire, received immediate medical attention from officers on the scene before Long Beach Fire Department personnel took over. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators recovered a firearm at the location. The suspect’s identity has not been released, pending notification of next of kin by the Los Angeles County Department of the Medical Examiner.

Officer-involved shooting occurred near Atlantic A

Officer-involved shooting occurred near Atlantic Avenue and 52nd Street during a standoff with a potentially armed individual, resulting in the suspect being shot, a police officer possibly injured and transported to a hospital

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