A seasoned multimedia journalist with more than 13 years of dedicated community-focused experience. With a solid commitment to highlighting underrepresented people and stories.
rent stabilization
More than 100 people gathered Downtown on May 1, urging city officials to adopt a rent stabilization policy, increase investment in legal aid for immigrants and tenants and create a livable wage.
Crime + Public Safety
“We all make mistakes," owner Jill Pharis said. “It's time to address the issue."
Crime + Public Safety
Jerlene Tatum, a longtime resident, believes that revamping the Westside Promise, a 10-year community investment plan launched in 2023, could help ensure public safety.
It will be years before the sign, which stood atop the famous record shop until 2018, finds a new home, according to city officials.
protests
'We are not going to take it lying down. You cannot give up in advance,' said activist Laurie Meyers during the rally Monday.
systemic racism
A new coalition of activists is demanding Long Beach officials reform what's described as long-standing discrimination against Black city employees.
racial justice
Noting that large numbers of White people voted for authoritarianism in November, activist Barry Stees said, 'We've got a lot of work to do organizing our cousins.'
Civil Rights
'I cannot, in good conscience, accept this award at this time,' Órale executive director Gaby Hernandez said.
Civil Rights
Community members protest the fact that just one of the five individuals chosen to be a Grand Marshal in Saturday's Martin Luther King Jr. Parade is Black.
homelessness
'Moving people along doesn't solve the root problem,' Gaviota Heights HOA president Jennifer Carey said.
Crime + Public Safety
‘I definitely feel like they don't do enough when Black women go missing,’ said Kathryn Renesto, Smith’s mother.
Crime + Public Safety
Boyd family members and community activists called for new police use-of-force policies during the Long Beach City Council's Dec. 10 meeting.
Labor
A city measure approved earlier this year that guarantees hospitality workers higher wages excluded concession workers at the Long Beach airport and convention center.
Crime + Public Safety
During a press conference Tuesday, the Boyd family and community activists called for bodycam footage and the 911 call that led to the Nov. 19 shooting to be released.
Crime + Public Safety
City Prosecutor Doug Haubert told attendees the passage of Proposition 36, which increases sentences of various drug and theft crimes, "unties the hands of police."
The transformation of the beloved Wrigley nightspot begins on Halloween.