LONG BEACH, CA — They saved the queen, but there is no hope for Long Beach's merry Old English Village.

The historic piece of Long Beach will be destroyed next week to make way for additional parking and event space near the Queen Mary, according to city officials. The city, which took over stewardship of the Queen Mary to save it from sinking, literally and financially, announced the demolition of the adjacent quirky British-theme business center this week.

Long Beach city officials will host a ceremony on April 28 to commemorate the demolition of the remaining Old English Village structures located at Queens Highway and Windsor Way. The demolition is expected to be finished by May.

The area, also known as Mary's Gate Village, was built in the 1970s and served as a themed shopping center with office spaces. It closed in 2019 and has been vacant ever since.

In March, Long Beach's City Council voted to have the village demolished to make way for a space they believe will help in the economic revitalization and growth of the Queen Mary area.

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Demolition of the remaining structures will eliminate existing public hazards and address safety concerns, according to city officials, including the presence of mold and a lack of active fire suppression.

When taking helm of the ship and land in 2021, city leaders set out to build up the surrounding area as a destination.

“I am excited about this once in a generation opportunity to set the course for future preservation and development of our City’s icon,” Councilwoman Cindy Allen said at the time. "We know this is a big undertaking, and we are committed to doing right by our community who hold the Queen Mary dear in their hearts.”

With the upcoming demolition, take one last look at what remains of the Old English Village:

Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach announced it will once again host the Long Beach Pride Parade in 2025, continuing a celebrated tradition that highlights the city’s LGBTQ+ community and values of inclusion and unity. The parade, now in its 42nd year, will take place on Sunday, May 18, 2025, along Ocean and Alamitos Boulevards in Downtown Long Beach.

While the announcement has been met with excitement and community pride, it also arrives at a time when broader conversations around city funding priorities are intensifying. With multiple pressing needs across Long Beach including housing, public safety, infrastructure repairs, and youth services some residents and local leaders are raising questions about how the City balances its financial commitments to large-scale events like Pride.

In 2024, the City of Long Beach allocated approximately $130,000 to host and fund the 41st annual Long Beach Pride Parade. This marked the first time the city took on the role of official host and primary funder, stepping in as the nonprofit Long Beach Pride organization underwent restructuring.

The funding comprised $80,000 in one-time funds from the city’s Fiscal Year 2024 Budget, approved during the February 13 mid-year budget review, and an additional $50,000 from the Second Council District’s One-time District Priority Funds, championed by Vice Mayor and Second District Councilwoman Cindy Allen.

The City, Port of Long Beach, and Council District Two are co-sponsoring this year’s parade. Mayor Rex Richardson emphasized the event’s importance: “The Long Beach Pride Parade is more than just a celebration—it’s a cherished tradition that reflects the heart and soul of our city… reminding us of the power of living authentically and standing together.”

However, as the City continues to face budget constraints and rising costs of essential services, residents are asking for more transparency and deliberation around how much is being allocated to events, versus core needs. With no entry fee for participating organizations in the parade, questions also arise around whether the City is covering additional costs and what return on investment such sponsorships provide.

Councilwoman Cindy Allen, who represents District Two and has been named the Morris Kight Political Grand Marshal, reinforced the parade’s significance: “This year’s theme, ‘The Power of Community,’ speaks to what Pride is really about. But it’s also a reminder that supporting our community should be more than symbolic—it requires ongoing investment in housing, mental health, safety and economic opportunity.”

The 2025 Grand Marshals were announced as follows:

The Port of Long Beach, a major sponsor, expressed support through CEO Mario Cordero: “The Long Beach Pride Parade and Festival are treasured traditions… bringing together many communities to celebrate the belonging, mutual respect and compassion that everyone deserves.”

Applications for parade participation are open now through May 9, 2025, with no cost to join. The City has not released a full breakdown of budgetary allocations for the event, nor whether sponsorships will offset all public expenses.

In tandem with the parade, the Long Beach Pride Festival organized by the nonprofit Long Beach Pride will take place the same weekend. Festival details can be found at longbeachpride.com/festival.

This year's event will take place on Saturday, May 10, in West Long Beach.

Fernando Haro, Patch Staff

LONG BEACH, CA — Ever imagine what it would be like to freely walk the streets of Long Beach without worrying about cars and traffic?

It'll be possible next month when Beach Streets Open Streets takes over two major roads in West Long Beach.

Long Beach's annual Beach Streets festivities will close down a major part of Willow Street and Santa Fe Avenue, allowing people to safely bike, walk and run through several neighborhoods from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“Beach Streets is not just about bringing us all together to promote sustainable and healthy living—it's about uplifting our beautiful neighborhoods and celebrating our diverse and vibrant community,” Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson said in a statement earlier this year.

This year's event aims to uplift Long Beach's Westside Promise Initiative, a 10-year community investment plan focused on improving West Long Beach, which has been historically underserved.

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Vice Mayor and Seventh District Councilmember Roberto Uranga said in a statement that by aligning this year's event with the initiative, "we are not only highlighting our vibrant community—we are building a healthier, safer and stronger West Long Beach.”

Like previous years, entertainment hubs will be located around the route, featuring DJs, face painting, food trucks and a beer garden.

Beach Streets began in 2015 and draws thousands of people each year. It has been hosted in several neighborhoods across Long Beach, including Uptown, Downtown, Cambodia Town and Wrigley.

The purpose of Beach Streets is to support local businesses, bring the community together and encourage zero-emission transportation options.

The city of Long Beach may lose its role as the host of the sailing events for the 2028 Olympic Games, following a decision by the Los Angeles City Council to approve a motion relocating the venue to San Pedro.

Last Friday, the council voted 14-0 in favor of adjusting multiple venues for the 2028 Olympics and Paralympics, as requested by the LA28 organizing committee. The approval included three amendments one requiring an economic impact study, another clarifying events at the Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area, and a third mandating the shift of sailing events from Long Beach’s Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier to the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro.

Councilmember Tim McOsker, who represents San Pedro, championed the amendment, making a passionate case for the venue change. He argued that San Pedro offers superior wind conditions, improved safety, and better financial prospects for the Games.

“The winds are better and more consistent in San Pedro,” McOsker asserted, emphasizing that relocating the event would enhance the experience for athletes and spectators alike. He also criticized the lack of transparency in previous venue decisions, demanding more concrete financial justifications for keeping the event in Long Beach.

Despite the amendment passing by a 12-2 vote and being incorporated into the broader venue plan, uncertainty remains. Just days later, McOsker introduced a new motion after LA28 issued a press release that omitted any reference to the council’s condition of approval regarding the sailing venue.

His follow-up motion directs the city’s Chief Legislative Analyst, City Attorney, and other officials to report back within a week on key legal and logistical questions. These include whether LA28 has accepted the council’s decision, the city’s authority in venue disputes, and options for mediation or arbitration if disagreements persist.

The motion has been sent to the City Council’s Ad Hoc Committee on the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, chaired by Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson, one of the two councilmembers who opposed the sailing venue change.

Complicating matters, LA28 already has an agreement with the City of Long Beach, signed in May 2024, granting access to the Belmont Pier for the event. Additionally, the 2021 LA28-City of Los Angeles Games Agreement outlines a formal arbitration process for dispute resolution, which could become a decisive factor if tensions escalate.

With the issue now heading to committee and potentially drawing in World Sailing—the sport’s international governing body—and even the International Olympic Committee, the battle over the 2028 Olympic sailing venue appears far from over. LA28 has yet to comment on the controversy.

MemorialCare Miller Children’s Hospital Long Beach Celebrates Autism Awareness Day with “Light It Up Blue” Event

LONG BEACH, CA – April 2, 2024 – MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach marked Autism Awareness Day with a vibrant community event dedicated to promoting acceptance and understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Organized by the Stramski Children’s Developmental Center, the event brought together patients, families, hospital staff, and community members for a day filled with activities, education, and celebration.

The hospital participated in the global “Light It Up Blue” initiative, illuminating its exterior in blue to honor individuals with autism. Attendees, including members of the Long Beach Fire Department and volunteers from the community, held 36 blue puzzle pieces and one white puzzle piece—symbolizing the 1 in 36 children diagnosed with autism in the U.S. The celebration also featured sensory-friendly activities such as slime-making and bubble stations, as well as interactions with the hospital’s beloved mascot, Millie the Dolphin.

Dr. Ioana Pal, a clinical psychologist at the Stramski Developmental Center, emphasized the importance of raising awareness, stating, “Autism is a spectrum, and every child’s journey is unique. Through events like this, we help build a more inclusive society.” The event also served as an opportunity for families to learn more about autism diagnosis and early intervention services offered at the hospital.

Sumer Temple, a member of the Board of Directors for the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the broad-reaching impact of autism, saying, “Autism is something that intersects many places, and so many people are also impacted. Also, LGBTQ and autistic individuals share overlapping experiences, so there are many connections across different communities. We all need to come together with acceptance.”

The Stramski Children’s Developmental Center, which has supported children with autism and other developmental conditions for nearly 50 years, continues to be a vital resource for families in Southern California. MemorialCare Miller Children’s Hospital’s dedication to autism awareness extends beyond April, reinforcing a commitment to acceptance and advocacy throughout the year.

For more info Stramski Children’s Developmental Center click here.

The City of Long Beach will offer free gun storage safes to residents as part of an initiative to promote firearm safety and prevent gun-related injuries and deaths, officials announced Monday.

Beginning April 28, the city’s Department of Health and Human Services, in collaboration with its parks and recreation department, will distribute 200 gun safes on a first-come, first-served basis at locations across the city.

The gun safes will be given away to any resident, no questions asked, officials said.

Firearms are the leading cause of death among children in the United States, and officials say safe storage, in addition to responsible behavior and open conversation about firearms in homes, can greatly reduce the risk of unnecessary injuries and deaths.

Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson said in a news release that nearly 4.6 million American children live in homes with unlocked and loaded guns.

The gun safes, which weigh about 10 pounds and can hold two handguns, will be available at seven locations across the city during the following hours:

Dr. Anissa Davis, Long Beach City Health Officer, said using gun safes to store firearms reduces the risks of accidents, particularly among children, but also helps “prevent unauthorized access, lowering the chances of firearm-related violence and suicide.”

The program is made possible through a one-time approval of funds in the 2025 city budget. The effort is part of a broader violence prevention strategy in Long Beach, officials said.

Because firearms are prohibited on all city facilities, anyone interested in receiving a free safe must leave their weapon at home.

For more information about preventing firearms-related deaths and injuries, visit besmartforkids.org.