Friday, August 1, 2025

Culture & Commentary

Long Beach Lost: The funky, weird ‘worm in a sock’ that was The Loop in DTLB

Long Beach Lost, was launched to examine buildings—like the former Belmont Plaza Olympic Pool, spaces, and cultural happenings that have have largely been erased, including the forgotten tales attached to existing places and things.

Well-read: The Long Beach bookstore renaissance happening on 4th Street

The Long Beach bookstore is having an outright renaissance along the Retro Row stretch of 4th Street. And it's thanks to the love of the tangible slowly returning as people steer more healthily away from screens and towards the things of this earth. Especially the printed page.

The city is waiving Long Beach block party fees (which is cool and culturally important)

Get ready to party—as in Long Beach block party. The city will waive the $100 fee for a neighborhood block party permit application, as well as the cost to rent street barricades, which can cost hosts hundreds of dollars.

For Gabriel Iglesias, a Long Beach homecoming in pure Fluffy style

Yes, Gabriel Iglesias—known to the larger world as Fluffy—received his Key to the City from Mayor Rex Richardson last night. But instead of a...

Long Beach’s Jenni Rivera to receive posthumous star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

La Diva de la Banda herself, Jenni Rivera, will receive a posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame come June 27.  Fellow Mexican music star Gloria Trevi will speak during the ceremony while Rivera’s five children—Jacqie, Johnny, Jenicka, Michael, and her child-following-mom's-foosteps Chiquis—will accept the star on her behalf.

Belmont Shore walking tours to kick off weekly beginning this Saturday

Weekly Belmont Shore walking tours? Yes, yes, and more yes: The Belmont Shore Business Association will be hosting walking tours each Saturday.

Long Beach comedian Gabriel Iglesias, aka Fluffy, to receive Key to the City (free/low-cost show included)

Comedian and all-around lover of all things Long Beach Gabriel Iglesias—known to his legion of fans as "Fluffy"—is set to receive a prestigious Key to the City from Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson on Tuesday, June 18 at the Long Beach Terrace Theatre.

UPDATED: Annual Long Beach fireworks show Big Bang on the Bay canceled amid accusations of political interference

The annual day-before-July-4 firework extravaganza above Alamitos Bay, Big Bang on the Bay, will not be returning this year according to longtime producer and restaurateur John Morris. According to Morris, a late application to the California Coastal Commission—led by political interference—has prompted the first time the show will not formally happen since its inception in 2011 (minus 2020, which was due to the pandemic).

State’s leading artists spearheading effort for Long Beach tattoo museum aboard the Queen Mary—and they want your support

Good Time Charlie. Long Beach's own Kari Barba.  JD Crowe. Jack Rudy. Corey Miller. Chuey Quintanar. These are the six renowned tattoo artists that have formed the board behind the Tattoo Heritage Project, a nonprofit whose singular goal is to build a tattoo museum in Long Beach.

Long Beach Lost: The mid-mod masterpiece that was the Belmont Plaza Olympic Pool

Long Beach Lost, was launched to examine buildings—like the former Belmont Plaza Olympic Pool, spaces, and cultural happenings that have have largely been erased, including the forgotten tales attached to existing places and things.
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