Alicia Robinson

affordable housing

Will Long Beach mandate affordable housing in new developments citywide? City Council to decide in early 2025

Proposed requirements that would touch all neighborhoods passed the Planning Commission on Thursday; they would require reserving up to 12% of units for lower income residents.

Homeless housing

Long Beach winter homeless shelter to open Jan. 1, later than in past years

Inclement weather beds are sporadically offered at the Multi-Service Center; another 40 beds will be added at the year-round shelter on West Anaheim Street.

City Council

Long Beach shoppers will pay more sales tax in 2025. Here’s why

Voters in November agreed to replace a 0.25% county sales tax for homeless services with a new 0.50% tax; a city sales tax tied to the county tax is now also slated to increase by a quarter.

West Long Beach

West Long Beach youth make art to show they care about the environment

A local nonprofit promoting health and nutrition held an art contest and environmental fair at Cabrillo High School.

City Council clears the way for delivery-only cannabis businesses

Rule changes approved Tuesday night mean entrepreneurs no longer need a storefront to get into the retail side of the industry.

Vincent Thomas Bridge

Caltrans to hold meeting Thursday on Vincent Thomas Bridge construction detours

Starting late next year, the 60-year-old bridge will close for 16 months for replacement of its concrete deck.

LA Metro

Long Beach residents will see more officers on patrol around the city as Metro contract ends

The city is winding down its agreement to police the Los Angeles transit agency’s trains and stations in Long Beach; Metro will form its own police force in coming years.

Recycling

Getting rid of an old mattress? Long Beach will take it off your hands 24/7

The city has collected and recycled more than 900 mattresses and box springs in about a year and a half.

2024 presidential race

‘Let this radicalize you’: Long Beach civic leaders face fears after election letdown

With hopes for the first woman president crushed, some are turning toward community to help their neighbors and protect their rights.

On the Ballot

'It's more important to vote locally than nationally'

Here's what Long Beach voters are saying on the last day of the 2024 election.

nonprofits

Regional food bank now delivers to Long Beach, saving local pantries a 30-mile drive

After a Long Beach federal food aid provider abruptly closed in September amid a state investigation, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit has stepped up to help.

Vincent Thomas Bridge

Vincent Thomas Bridge to close for nearly a year and a half for construction, likely starting late 2025

State transportation officials said Monday that they will shut down the bridge completely to replace the deteriorating deck, rather than keep some lanes open and significantly extend the closure.

local beer

Local craft beers earn top honors at national competition, including gold for Trademark Brewing

It was one medal each for Ambitious Ales and ISM Brewing and two for Trademark at the Great American Beer Festival.

Need to check your voter registration, drop off a ballot, or plan to vote in person? Here’s the info you need

Monday is the deadline to register for the Nov. 5 election; mail ballots are out now and in-person voting begins Saturday.

Crime + Public Safety

Long Beach working to fix water problems as boil order continues

The 90805, 90807 and some of the 90806 ZIP codes were affected by a broken main.

New traffic light near PCH and 2nd Street will turn on this week

The signals have been covered since they were put up, but city officials said they'd be activated Thursday.