Critically Speaking
Critically Speaking: Measure A proposes a bigger tax to cure homelessness
Homelessness has risen 81% in Long Beach since Measure H was adopted in 2017 but advocates say that stopping the funding now would lead to debacle.
Jason Ruiz
Critically Speaking
Critically Speaking: Getting in the weeds of a legislative shift
Long Beach is moving toward a potential policy for allowing consumption of cannabis at special events and the City Council could vote on it next year.
On the Ballot
On the Ballot: Prop. 36 allows stiffer sentences for theft, drug charges but could be costly
Proposition 36 would reform parts of Proposition 47 that re-classified thefts under $950 and drug offenses to misdemeanors but putting more people in prison could cost the state hundreds of millions of dollars annually.
On the Ballot
On the Ballot: Does Los Angeles County need a bigger board of supervisors?
Voters will decide next month if the county government should be overhauled by adding four more supervisors, an elected executive and a multitude of other changes.
belmont shore
Panama Joe's will not pursue outdoor dining parklet, councilmember says
Long Beach City Council member Kristina Duggan said Friday that the popular Belmont Shore bar and restaurant has pulled its application for a dining parklet.
Critically Speaking
Critically Speaking: Speed bumps on the ‘Sidewalk to Success’
Street vendors are running into barriers while trying to comply with Long Beach's new law.
sports
Los Altos Sports Basement set to open Friday
The sports retailer is taking over the massive space vacated when Sears shuttered its Long Beach location in early 2021.
On the Ballot
On the Ballot: Measure JB promises to speed up hiring in Long Beach but opponents are sounding the alarm
Long Beach officials say it takes an average of seven months to fill city positions and that about one in five city jobs sits vacant.
Planning Commission
Planning Commission to vote on seven-story East Village 'micro-unit' project
The 96-unit building will consist of studio apartments, including 12 units that will be rented out to very-low-income households if the project is approved.
Critically Speaking
Critically Speaking: Don’t be a nuisance
Long Beach could look to crack down on problematic, vacant properties.
Crime + Public Safety
Parts of Long Beach should boil tap water before use due to possible contamination, officials say
California Heights, Bixby Knolls, Los Cerritos and most of North Long Beach are the affected areas, according to a notice issued by Long Beach Utilities Wednesday night.
On the Ballot
On the Ballot: A $990M bond measure for improvements at LBCC's two campuses
Long Beach City College officials say the funds would make much needed improvements to its aging campuses and, if approved, the bonds could increase property taxes through 2059.
Utility Shutoffs
Broken water main floods Cal Heights streets, leaving several neighborhoods without water
City utility employees were working to restore water service Wednesday afternoon.
Planning Commission
Parking minimums in Long Beach could be changed as proposal heads to City Council
One of the changes would end parking minimums from changing for businesses that are taking over Long Beach storefronts in buildings over 10 years old.
Critically Speaking
Critically Speaking: We've chipped away at the Digital Divide
But the end of a federal subsidy could make things worse in Long Beach.
Long Beach is hosting a series of free flu shot clinics as flu season begins
There are ten scheduled clinics where residents can get free flu shots this month including one spooky event where costumes are encouraged.