Tracy Manzer: June 2009 Archives
Members of the latest Community Emergency Response Team celebrated their graduation Saturday with "The Big One."
The graduation, held at the Long Beach Fire Department training center -- 2249 Argonne Ave. , included a demonstration of what would happen if an earthquake of a magnitude 7.0 or greater were to hit the region.
Using skills the class learned during their six week course, the graduates combated small fires and other hazards and helped "injured" volunteers until firefighters arrived on scene.
The CERT program has been put on by the Long Beach Fire Department for more than 13 years at no cost to participants or the public. and more than 4,400 people have graduated from Long Beach's CERT program since its inception.
For more information on the graduation and to see photos check out the fire department's blog site -- http://firechannel.org/blog/ -- or contact CERT Program Coordinator Joshua Johnson at joshua.johnson@longbeach.gov or 562-570-2516.
For those interested in the next round of CERT program training, which requires participants to attend one class a week for six weeks, go to http://longbeach.gov/fire or contact Johnson at the above Web site or phone number.
The graduation, held at the Long Beach Fire Department training center -- 2249 Argonne Ave. , included a demonstration of what would happen if an earthquake of a magnitude 7.0 or greater were to hit the region.
Using skills the class learned during their six week course, the graduates combated small fires and other hazards and helped "injured" volunteers until firefighters arrived on scene.
The CERT program has been put on by the Long Beach Fire Department for more than 13 years at no cost to participants or the public. and more than 4,400 people have graduated from Long Beach's CERT program since its inception.
For more information on the graduation and to see photos check out the fire department's blog site -- http://firechannel.org/blog/ -- or contact CERT Program Coordinator Joshua Johnson at joshua.johnson@longbeach.gov or 562-570-2516.
For those interested in the next round of CERT program training, which requires participants to attend one class a week for six weeks, go to http://longbeach.gov/fire or contact Johnson at the above Web site or phone number.
Long Beach Police followed up on a number of local outstanding traffic warrants Sunday which led to the arrests of nine people.
Searches were done by LBPD Traffic Division officers at 47 locations within Long Beach and focused specifically on DUI offenders and drivers with suspended or revoked licenses.
The operation and were funded by a recent grant bestowed on the LBPD by the California Office of Traffic Safety, part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, said Nancy Pratt, a Long Beach Police Department spokeswoman.
Searches were done by LBPD Traffic Division officers at 47 locations within Long Beach and focused specifically on DUI offenders and drivers with suspended or revoked licenses.
The operation and were funded by a recent grant bestowed on the LBPD by the California Office of Traffic Safety, part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, said Nancy Pratt, a Long Beach Police Department spokeswoman.
Long Beach Police patrolling near the Gerald Desmond bridge early Sunday arrested a 26-year-old San Pedro man for illegal discharge of a firearm, police said Monday.
Officers were near the bridge at about 7 a.m. when they heard gun shots and saw a vehicle fleeing the area, said Nancy Pratt, a Long Beach Police Department spokeswoman.
Their investigation revealed that the 26-year-old had been firing a handgun at traffic signs on the the bridge, she said.
Police tracked the suspect to his job at a marine transport service company located in the Port of Long Beach, Pratt said.
Ryan Anthony Mattera was arrested that morning and is being held in lieu of $250,000 bail, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Departments Inmate Information Center.
He could be arraigned as early as Tuesday afternoon, authorities said Monday.
Officers were near the bridge at about 7 a.m. when they heard gun shots and saw a vehicle fleeing the area, said Nancy Pratt, a Long Beach Police Department spokeswoman.
Their investigation revealed that the 26-year-old had been firing a handgun at traffic signs on the the bridge, she said.
Police tracked the suspect to his job at a marine transport service company located in the Port of Long Beach, Pratt said.
Ryan Anthony Mattera was arrested that morning and is being held in lieu of $250,000 bail, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Departments Inmate Information Center.
He could be arraigned as early as Tuesday afternoon, authorities said Monday.
The Long Beach Police Department's Traffic Division conducted a DUI Patrol last Friday which resulted in four drunk-driving arrests, the seizure of four vehicles and 75 citations, police said Thursday.
The operation ran citywide, from 6 p.m. Friday to 2 a.m. Saturday, and saw an additional nine officers patrolling city streets on the look-out for intoxicated drivers.
Impaired driving caused by alcohol or drugs causes one death every 30 minutes nationally. And the average American has a 30 percent chance of being killed or injured by an impaired driver, according to a police department issued press release.
Funding for the program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The operation ran citywide, from 6 p.m. Friday to 2 a.m. Saturday, and saw an additional nine officers patrolling city streets on the look-out for intoxicated drivers.
Impaired driving caused by alcohol or drugs causes one death every 30 minutes nationally. And the average American has a 30 percent chance of being killed or injured by an impaired driver, according to a police department issued press release.
Funding for the program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
With the Fourth of July holiday fast-approaching comes a warning from the Long Beach Police Department and the Long Beach Fire Department that all varieties of fireworks, including the so-called "Safe and Sane" brand, are illegal in the city and those found with fireworks face the possibility of fines and jail time.
The Long Beach Police Department warned it will actively enforce all laws related to fireworks, including sparklers, and anyone cited or arrested for such violations may receive a $1,000 fine, be sentenced to six months in jail, or both.
Fines and penalties can increase depending on the classification of the fireworks.
Police and firefighters will patrol the entire city but plan to focus in particular on the beaches, from Shoreline Drive to the end of the Peninsula. Collection bins for those wanting to dispose of fireworks will be located at Police Headquarters, all police sub-stations and Lifeguard Headquarters. Go to www.longbeach.gov for addresses of the above locations.
Fireworks were banned in Long Beach by a city ordinance adopted more than 40 years ago.
The public is also reminded the law strictly prohibits drinking alcoholic beverages on public property. Municipal and Penal Code sections in regards to under-age drinking and/or unlawful possession of alcohol will also be strictly enforced.
Each year within the City and across the country, individuals, including children, are seriously injured and burned as a result of fireworks usage. Therefore, taking advantage of one of the many licensed and controlled professional public firework displays in the City of Long Beach or in surrounding communities is strongly encouraged. Check your local newspaper or visit www.longbeach.gov for information regarding firework demonstrations.
The Long Beach Police Department warned it will actively enforce all laws related to fireworks, including sparklers, and anyone cited or arrested for such violations may receive a $1,000 fine, be sentenced to six months in jail, or both.
Fines and penalties can increase depending on the classification of the fireworks.
Police and firefighters will patrol the entire city but plan to focus in particular on the beaches, from Shoreline Drive to the end of the Peninsula. Collection bins for those wanting to dispose of fireworks will be located at Police Headquarters, all police sub-stations and Lifeguard Headquarters. Go to www.longbeach.gov for addresses of the above locations.
Fireworks were banned in Long Beach by a city ordinance adopted more than 40 years ago.
The public is also reminded the law strictly prohibits drinking alcoholic beverages on public property. Municipal and Penal Code sections in regards to under-age drinking and/or unlawful possession of alcohol will also be strictly enforced.
Each year within the City and across the country, individuals, including children, are seriously injured and burned as a result of fireworks usage. Therefore, taking advantage of one of the many licensed and controlled professional public firework displays in the City of Long Beach or in surrounding communities is strongly encouraged. Check your local newspaper or visit www.longbeach.gov for information regarding firework demonstrations.
The Long Beach Fire Department will participate once again this year in the Wow Jam celebration hosted by Wow Jam of Long Beach, a faith-based, non-profit citywide organization that includes more than 50 area churches and community groups dedicated to improving the region by helping families in need.
Long Beach firefighters will serve meals at Saturday's gathering at Poly High School, and the food and drinks are being provided by the Long Beach Firefighter's Union, Local 372.
Last year, the LBFD served 10,000 people while nearly 700 volunteers provided everything from make-overs and career advice to adults to face painting and game booths for children. Items were also given to families, including bicycles and X-box games and groceries for 800 households.
This year's event, which includes three days of celebrations at three different locations in Long Beach, is expected to serve more than 13,000 people.
Wow Jam of Long Beach is part of Wow Jam International, founded in 1991 by Stephen and Linda Tavani. Stephen is best known for his work as a producer for Smokey Robinson and Linda was "Peaches" of the singing group Peaches and Herb. Both are scheduled to appear at Saturday's celebration, which is scheduled to run from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Poly High School football field, 1600 Atlantic Ave., in Long Beach.
Long Beach firefighters will serve meals at Saturday's gathering at Poly High School, and the food and drinks are being provided by the Long Beach Firefighter's Union, Local 372.
Last year, the LBFD served 10,000 people while nearly 700 volunteers provided everything from make-overs and career advice to adults to face painting and game booths for children. Items were also given to families, including bicycles and X-box games and groceries for 800 households.
This year's event, which includes three days of celebrations at three different locations in Long Beach, is expected to serve more than 13,000 people.
Wow Jam of Long Beach is part of Wow Jam International, founded in 1991 by Stephen and Linda Tavani. Stephen is best known for his work as a producer for Smokey Robinson and Linda was "Peaches" of the singing group Peaches and Herb. Both are scheduled to appear at Saturday's celebration, which is scheduled to run from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Poly High School football field, 1600 Atlantic Ave., in Long Beach.
A law enforcement and public safety job fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Martin Luther King Jr. Park's Social Hall, 1950 Lemon Ave., in Long Beach.
The fair is being hosted by 6th District Councilman Dee Andrews and will include numerous law enforcement agencies and corporations looking for job candidates.
"To (ensure) a safe and healthy community it is vital that we invest in our law enforcement and public safety workforce," the councilman said in a press release issued Monday.
For more information, call Tonya Martin in the 6th District office at 562-570-6816.
The fair is being hosted by 6th District Councilman Dee Andrews and will include numerous law enforcement agencies and corporations looking for job candidates.
"To (ensure) a safe and healthy community it is vital that we invest in our law enforcement and public safety workforce," the councilman said in a press release issued Monday.
For more information, call Tonya Martin in the 6th District office at 562-570-6816.
Two boaters in their late 30s were rescued Sunday night after capsizing their 20-foot powerboat at the east end of the breakwater, authorities said Monday.
The Long Beach Fire Department Marine Safety Division received a mayday call at about 6:35 p.m. Two rescue boats were dispatched and were able to find and pull both boaters from the water unharmed, said Capt. Jackawa Jackson, a Fire Department spokesman.
The rescuers also righted the capsized power boat and drained it of all the water it had taken on and towed it to the southshore boat launch.
The cause of the accident is under investigation
The Long Beach Fire Department Marine Safety Division received a mayday call at about 6:35 p.m. Two rescue boats were dispatched and were able to find and pull both boaters from the water unharmed, said Capt. Jackawa Jackson, a Fire Department spokesman.
The rescuers also righted the capsized power boat and drained it of all the water it had taken on and towed it to the southshore boat launch.
The cause of the accident is under investigation
The head of one cat and the carcass of another found at Vista Verde Park in Norwalk in the past week have Southeast Area Animal Control authorities concerned and asking residents to keep a close eye on their pets and their neighborhoods.
Patrols at the park, located in the 11400 block of Ratliffe St., have been increased to daily rounds following the two gruesome discoveries, Animal Control authorities said Monday.
The first incident involved the June 14th discovery of the head of a domestic short haired orange and white tabby. It was found in the grassy area of the park and none of the body was found nor were there any signs of trauma.
The second incident involved the discovery of a carcass -- the head and hind quarters -- on June 20th, officials said. It also was an orange and white tabby and its remains were found in the grassy area of the park as well, said SEAACA Capt. Aaron Reyes.
"The second (most recent) cat carcass appears consistent with a coyote attack," Reyes said. "The first is perplexing us. It's unusual to have only the head of a cat found, especially without any other signs of trauma or struggle...."
Anyone who visited the park recently or who lives nearby and has seen anything suspicious is asked to call the animal control agency's Investigations Division, at 562-803-3301, Ext. 224.
"We're looking to speak with folks who have seen coyotes or stray dogs in the park or running nearby," Reyes added. "We're also interested in ... anyone seen in the park recently (who) appeared suspicious."
Patrols at the park, located in the 11400 block of Ratliffe St., have been increased to daily rounds following the two gruesome discoveries, Animal Control authorities said Monday.
The first incident involved the June 14th discovery of the head of a domestic short haired orange and white tabby. It was found in the grassy area of the park and none of the body was found nor were there any signs of trauma.
The second incident involved the discovery of a carcass -- the head and hind quarters -- on June 20th, officials said. It also was an orange and white tabby and its remains were found in the grassy area of the park as well, said SEAACA Capt. Aaron Reyes.
"The second (most recent) cat carcass appears consistent with a coyote attack," Reyes said. "The first is perplexing us. It's unusual to have only the head of a cat found, especially without any other signs of trauma or struggle...."
Anyone who visited the park recently or who lives nearby and has seen anything suspicious is asked to call the animal control agency's Investigations Division, at 562-803-3301, Ext. 224.
"We're looking to speak with folks who have seen coyotes or stray dogs in the park or running nearby," Reyes added. "We're also interested in ... anyone seen in the park recently (who) appeared suspicious."
The penalty phase in a death penalty case for a twice convicted killer was postponed Monday and will not be heard until August 25 at the Long Beach Superior Court.
Convicted killer Santiago Martinez Jr. faces the possibility of death or life without parole after slashing two women to death; the second was killed because she refused to help him dispose of the remains of the first victim.
Martinez Jr., 27, was first convicted in 2005 of killing Christina Wilkerson, 28, of Long Beach on March 18, 2003. Wilkerson was stabbed 20 times in the face, neck and body, then shot at point-blank range with a .22 rifle. For that crime Martinez was sentenced to more than 50 years to life in prison.
The killer was convicted again last December for the slaying of Myra Orozco, 24. Orozco refused to help the defendant dispose of Wilkerson's remains and was stabbed and slashed close to 30 times in the face, neck and body before she was shoved out of the car Orozco was driving and then run over on March 30, 2003.
The same jury that convicted Martinez Jr. last year deadlocked on the penalty phase of the trial, voting 11-to-1 in favor of the death penalty. Jurors polled after the trial said one juror refused to vote for death for religious reasons, despite telling the court during the jury selection process that she did not have any personal issues with state-sanctioned death penalties.
Convicted killer Santiago Martinez Jr. faces the possibility of death or life without parole after slashing two women to death; the second was killed because she refused to help him dispose of the remains of the first victim.
Martinez Jr., 27, was first convicted in 2005 of killing Christina Wilkerson, 28, of Long Beach on March 18, 2003. Wilkerson was stabbed 20 times in the face, neck and body, then shot at point-blank range with a .22 rifle. For that crime Martinez was sentenced to more than 50 years to life in prison.
The killer was convicted again last December for the slaying of Myra Orozco, 24. Orozco refused to help the defendant dispose of Wilkerson's remains and was stabbed and slashed close to 30 times in the face, neck and body before she was shoved out of the car Orozco was driving and then run over on March 30, 2003.
The same jury that convicted Martinez Jr. last year deadlocked on the penalty phase of the trial, voting 11-to-1 in favor of the death penalty. Jurors polled after the trial said one juror refused to vote for death for religious reasons, despite telling the court during the jury selection process that she did not have any personal issues with state-sanctioned death penalties.
Most of us have heard at least one or two big fish stories in our time.
You know the ones, where the fisher is caught in an epic battle with a mighty beast. There may be hours of reeling the massive fish in, only to have it run out the line and battle on, seemingly with the power of something not from this world. In the end, the triumphant fisher finally brings his catch to the surface and thinks he's got it in the bag and snap! The fishing line suddenly breaks, or the fish flops out of the boat, or a rogue wave hits the dock and washes the prize away.
Well, there was one fisherman who probably hoped his "big one" got away earlier this month when he reeled in his line to find a part of a severed skull.
Long Beach Police Department Harbor Patrol officers were called to Island Freeman on June 7 at about 5:10 p.m. when the fisherman reported finding part of a human head, said Officer Jackie Bezart.
Bezart said it appeared to be part of a skull and did not appear to have any other material attached to the bone.
Once LBPD was on scene the officers took the chunk of skull into police custody, then transferred the remains to the Los Angeles County Coroner's Department, which will try to determine who the skull once belonged to, she said.
However, it was not clear if there was enough material to make such a determination and there were no other clues in the area to suggest how the portion of skull ended up in the water, Bezart said.
You know the ones, where the fisher is caught in an epic battle with a mighty beast. There may be hours of reeling the massive fish in, only to have it run out the line and battle on, seemingly with the power of something not from this world. In the end, the triumphant fisher finally brings his catch to the surface and thinks he's got it in the bag and snap! The fishing line suddenly breaks, or the fish flops out of the boat, or a rogue wave hits the dock and washes the prize away.
Well, there was one fisherman who probably hoped his "big one" got away earlier this month when he reeled in his line to find a part of a severed skull.
Long Beach Police Department Harbor Patrol officers were called to Island Freeman on June 7 at about 5:10 p.m. when the fisherman reported finding part of a human head, said Officer Jackie Bezart.
Bezart said it appeared to be part of a skull and did not appear to have any other material attached to the bone.
Once LBPD was on scene the officers took the chunk of skull into police custody, then transferred the remains to the Los Angeles County Coroner's Department, which will try to determine who the skull once belonged to, she said.
However, it was not clear if there was enough material to make such a determination and there were no other clues in the area to suggest how the portion of skull ended up in the water, Bezart said.
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday authorized agreements to continue anti-gang efforts in Bellflower and Paramount by providing a full-time deputy district attorney to work in each city with Sheriff's deputies and community leaders.
The funding is part of the county's Strategies Against Gang Environments
program, said Supervisor Don Knabe, who serves those cities and other local communities in Greater Long Beach.
The anti-gang program seeks to reduce gang violence through civil injunctions, informal interventions, educational efforts involving property and business owners, probation recommendations and other measures tailored to local issues.
"We have lost too many residents to senseless violence, and I am pleased that our cities are
using this program to take back our streets," Knabe said Tuesday.
The funding is part of the county's Strategies Against Gang Environments
program, said Supervisor Don Knabe, who serves those cities and other local communities in Greater Long Beach.
The anti-gang program seeks to reduce gang violence through civil injunctions, informal interventions, educational efforts involving property and business owners, probation recommendations and other measures tailored to local issues.
"We have lost too many residents to senseless violence, and I am pleased that our cities are
using this program to take back our streets," Knabe said Tuesday.
Members of the local Pacific Islander community called a meeting tonight (June 4) with Long Beach Police Department officials to discuss concerns about racial profiling and public safety.
The meeting -- scheduled to run from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Silverado Park Community Center, 3150 Santa Fe Ave. -- comes on the heels of Police Chief Anthony Batts recent comments that his department is working to avoid problems in the community related to the annual Flag Day celebration in Carson.
Every June, the celebration is enjoyed by large numbers of Pacific Islanders. But almost every year, the celebration turns to violence as the day wears on and much of the violence spills over into Long Beach, Batts said.
Fueling some of the violence are clashes between Pacific Islander youths who are members of a rival gang with one of Long Beach's oldest gangs, the chief said in April.
Part of a recent uptick in gang violence, the chief said, can be attributed to residents from other communities, including Compton and Carson, moving into the Long Beach area, specifically noting an influx of Samoan and Tongan residents.
Rumors in North Long Beach neighborhoods hit hard by gang violence have speculated that members of the Sons of Samoa are moving into the city and vying for control in areas formerly dominated by the West Coast Crips.
The Pacific Islander community called tonight's meeting to discuss various issues with police, including stereotypes and racial profiling of their youth; the safety of Pacific Islanders at public places, such as parks, beaches, streets and malls; a gang database and ways for the Pacific Islander community to assist police with keeping the city safe.
Public notice of the meeting was sent to the Press-Telegram less than 30 minutes before it was scheduled to begin.
The meeting -- scheduled to run from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Silverado Park Community Center, 3150 Santa Fe Ave. -- comes on the heels of Police Chief Anthony Batts recent comments that his department is working to avoid problems in the community related to the annual Flag Day celebration in Carson.
Every June, the celebration is enjoyed by large numbers of Pacific Islanders. But almost every year, the celebration turns to violence as the day wears on and much of the violence spills over into Long Beach, Batts said.
Fueling some of the violence are clashes between Pacific Islander youths who are members of a rival gang with one of Long Beach's oldest gangs, the chief said in April.
Part of a recent uptick in gang violence, the chief said, can be attributed to residents from other communities, including Compton and Carson, moving into the Long Beach area, specifically noting an influx of Samoan and Tongan residents.
Rumors in North Long Beach neighborhoods hit hard by gang violence have speculated that members of the Sons of Samoa are moving into the city and vying for control in areas formerly dominated by the West Coast Crips.
The Pacific Islander community called tonight's meeting to discuss various issues with police, including stereotypes and racial profiling of their youth; the safety of Pacific Islanders at public places, such as parks, beaches, streets and malls; a gang database and ways for the Pacific Islander community to assist police with keeping the city safe.
Public notice of the meeting was sent to the Press-Telegram less than 30 minutes before it was scheduled to begin.
Avast ye scurvey dogs, Long Beach is beset by pirates!
Sadly, there are no Johnny Depp look-a-likes in this crowd, which consist primarily of people who have lost their homes and opted to buy a boat, thinking they can live rent free with ocean views.
The city has always had homeless living on boats, but with the bad economy and high rate of job loss the number of homeless boaters -- referred to as pirates by local and state authorities -- has risen substantially.
"They think if they can find a boat for a good price they will have a place to live with no rental fees and no mortgage or utility costs," said Marine Safety Sgt. Scott Mitchell. "They usually moor in the marinas or near shore."
People can find an older boat for as little as $200 at auction, he said.
What few realize is how expensive and time-consuming it is to keep a boat afloat, both literally and figuratively. Thus, the aging, broken-down vessels make up a large portion of emergency calls handled by the Long Beach Fire Department and Lifeguards.
Many homeless boaters also seem unaware of, or not interested in, coastal laws which make it illegal to drop anchor at the marinas or within and outside of the break water for extended periods of time.
And boat slips can be hard to come by; the city of Long Beach has a lengthy waiting list and slip rental fees range from a few hundred dollars to more than $1,000 depending on the size of the craft.
Other waterfront trends being seen during these hard economic times include an increase in boaters scuttling, or crashing, vessels in staged accidents and arson fires, Mitchell said.
Sadly, there are no Johnny Depp look-a-likes in this crowd, which consist primarily of people who have lost their homes and opted to buy a boat, thinking they can live rent free with ocean views.
The city has always had homeless living on boats, but with the bad economy and high rate of job loss the number of homeless boaters -- referred to as pirates by local and state authorities -- has risen substantially.
"They think if they can find a boat for a good price they will have a place to live with no rental fees and no mortgage or utility costs," said Marine Safety Sgt. Scott Mitchell. "They usually moor in the marinas or near shore."
People can find an older boat for as little as $200 at auction, he said.
What few realize is how expensive and time-consuming it is to keep a boat afloat, both literally and figuratively. Thus, the aging, broken-down vessels make up a large portion of emergency calls handled by the Long Beach Fire Department and Lifeguards.
Many homeless boaters also seem unaware of, or not interested in, coastal laws which make it illegal to drop anchor at the marinas or within and outside of the break water for extended periods of time.
And boat slips can be hard to come by; the city of Long Beach has a lengthy waiting list and slip rental fees range from a few hundred dollars to more than $1,000 depending on the size of the craft.
Other waterfront trends being seen during these hard economic times include an increase in boaters scuttling, or crashing, vessels in staged accidents and arson fires, Mitchell said.
In an effort to save money the Long Beach Police Department is, for the first time, hosting its annual Police Award Ceremonies with the help of the Long Beach Police Foundation.
With the change in hosting duties has also come a change in venue and time. Previous years saw the event held as a luncheon at the Long Beach Convention Center. This year, it will be a late afternoon reception featuring light hors d'oeuvres at 3:30 p.m. followed by the awards ceremony at 5 p.m. at the Richard and Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center, located at Cal State Long Beach.
As in previous years, the event will honor police officers, civilian employees and citizens in the community for their exceptional work and acts of bravery and heroism in the past year.
The changes were announced earlier this year, but as the date for the awards show draws closer, police officials said they are still in need of a few sponsors and are still selling tickets to cover the cost of the popular yearly banquet.
"We're almost at the exact amount of money needed to cover the event and we're about two weeks out," Police Department Spokeswoman Karen Owens said.
Local businesses and members of the community are encouraged to partner with the police department and the nonprofit foundation. For more information how to become a sponsor, or how to purchase tickets to the event, call the LBPD's Community Relations Division at 562-570-7215.
With the change in hosting duties has also come a change in venue and time. Previous years saw the event held as a luncheon at the Long Beach Convention Center. This year, it will be a late afternoon reception featuring light hors d'oeuvres at 3:30 p.m. followed by the awards ceremony at 5 p.m. at the Richard and Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center, located at Cal State Long Beach.
As in previous years, the event will honor police officers, civilian employees and citizens in the community for their exceptional work and acts of bravery and heroism in the past year.
The changes were announced earlier this year, but as the date for the awards show draws closer, police officials said they are still in need of a few sponsors and are still selling tickets to cover the cost of the popular yearly banquet.
"We're almost at the exact amount of money needed to cover the event and we're about two weeks out," Police Department Spokeswoman Karen Owens said.
Local businesses and members of the community are encouraged to partner with the police department and the nonprofit foundation. For more information how to become a sponsor, or how to purchase tickets to the event, call the LBPD's Community Relations Division at 562-570-7215.
