Once a celebrated coastal haven, the Belmont Shore neighbourhood in Long Beach, California, is now described by its own residents as a deteriorating 'cesspool' of violence, homelessness, and nightly chaos.
A Community's Cry for Help
The situation reached a tipping point on November 11, when dozens of residents, activists, and business owners packed a Long Beach City Council meeting. They pleaded with officials to address a sharp rise in crime, public drunkenness, shootings, unregulated street vending, and disruptive rowdiness that continues late into the night.
The sense of crisis was tragically underscored just a month earlier. On October 25, around 1:30 am, 32-year-old father Jeremy Spears was fatally shot after an altercation at a local bar. Jason Loving, 41, and Dasmine Hall, 31, were arrested in connection with the killing. Spears' death marked the third homicide on 2nd Street in just 18 months.
'His death was preventable because a year ago we had already seen two violent deaths related to 2nd Street bars and safer times were promised,' local resident Brian Cochrane told the council.
Businesses Take Matters Into Their Own Hands
With perceived inaction from authorities, local enterprises have implemented their own stringent measures. Shannon’s Bayshore Saloon, an Irish bar on 2nd Street, now bans patrons with face tattoos and enforces a dress code set by the Belmont Shore Business Association.
Every establishment in the area has also hired private security. Furthermore, in a temporary bid to curb disorder, four bars on 2nd Street have agreed to close at midnight instead of 2 am for a 30-day trial, as confirmed by City Councilmember Kristina Duggan.
Business owners cite a perfect storm of problems. Matt Peterson, co-owner of Legends bar and president of the business association, complained that amplified street performers and vendors create excessive noise, attracting crowds. He also blamed a pandemic-era sign that states people do not need to patronise businesses 'to enjoy this public space'.
'They can stop by for food, music and can even buy booze at liquor stores and hang out for hours without any repercussions,' a frustrated Peterson told the Los Angeles Times.
Police Shortage Fuels the Crisis
Many locals directly link the decline in safety to a lack of police presence. Jeffrey Cozart, a partner at Belmont Athletic Clubs, stated plainly, 'it's pretty obvious what's changed.' He acknowledged a police shortage but pleaded, 'Just please do whatever you can to get us more help.'
Long Beach Police Chief Wally Hebeish admitted his department has been on mandatory overtime for two years due to staff shortages. However, he presented statistics suggesting citywide shootings and killings are down 30% and 35% respectively compared to last year, with homicides falling from 33 in 2024 to 23 so far this year.
'I say this with the understanding that there’s more to it than just the statistics,' Hebeish conceded, acknowledging the community's palpable fear.
Councilmember Duggan, who lives in Belmont Shore, said she is working with law enforcement on a formal plan. This includes determining where officers should be stationed, reopening a local police substation, implementing more DUI checkpoints, and increasing enforcement against late-night vendors and buskers.
'What used to be a neighbourhood and business corridor... has shifted into more of a regional nightlife destination,' Duggan observed, highlighting a fundamental change that has overwhelmed the area during a period of strained police resources.
