small business
Planet Books is moving for the second time in 5 years
The beloved shop is asking for help to move its inventory of more than 250,000 books over the next few weeks.
Alicia Robinson
I'm a journalist with 20+ years of experience. I love talking to people and learning new things.
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.