NEWS More than two months ago Long Beach Police Chief Luna promised City Council he would deliver a report on shooting surge in 30 days.
On February 2nd Long Beach Police Chief Luna appeared during a live stream of City Council assuring residents that he was "read to hit the streets right now." He was responding to an agenda item calling for a 30 day turn around of a report that would help council understand that root causes of the increase of what Councilwoman Zendajas called "quality of life crimes."
At the time, the quality of life was at such a law point that while Mayor Garcia broadcasted his State of the City address shots were brazenly fired in a working class neighborhood in Long Beach between moving vehicles.
Now two months later and no report in sight, the violence and shootings continue with little government accountability or acknowledgment.
On April 6th at approximately 10:25 p.m., officers responded to the 1700 block of Chestnut Avenue regarding an assault with a firearm. Upon arrival, officers contacted a group of victims, including adults and juveniles. Victims recalled walking on the sidewalk when they were approached by a vehicle and an unknown male suspect shot at them from within the vehicle, then fled the scene. No injuries were reported. The motive was unknown motive.
The following day at approximately 6:10 a.m., officers responded to the 900 block of Olive Avenue regarding a no hit shooting. Upon arrival, officers located evidence, including casings, indicating a shooting had occurred. Suspect(s) fled the scene prior to officers’ arrival. At this time, the motive for the shooting is unknown.
These are only 2 of a hand full of shootings that occurred last week alone.
Most of these shootings were first reported by veteran reporter Bill Pearl who was the only person to leave public comment during the Council meeting in February where Chief Luna promised to provide a report and blamed shootings on prisoners released early due to Covid-19. In his comments Mr. Pearl asked for greater transparency and accountability.
Not only is the Chief of Police more than 30 days late on his report but curiously the Public Safety committee has yet to meet this year at all. In fact, as of today there are no planned meetings of the Public Safety Committee.
On condition of anonymity, several City officials tell us that the report did not arrive as promised and that there is no indication that it is forthcoming or in the pipeline.