You may have heard by now the disturbing news of a couple shootings over the last few days in Long Beach, and in the Downtown area in particular.  I spoke with our Police Chief and Command staff at length about the shootings and I am convinced that they are doing everything possible to bring the criminals who committed these crimes to justice.
 
The Police are taking the following action:

1) Patrols will increase in and around the areas where the shootings took place.
2) Curfew laws for those under the age of 18 will be strictly enforced.
3) A special police team unit has been assigned to the areas affected to ensure increased police protection.
 
Also, I have invited our new Police Chief Jim McDonnell to answer your questions and or concerns this

SATURDAY, APRIL 3, 2010 at 11:00am at the Birdcage Coffee House on 224 Fourth Street, just West of Pacific Ave.
 
As you know, overall crime in Long Beach has dropped every year for the last few years, but that is not good enough.  Gang violence is still a reality and we must do more to combat these criminals. 

I am confident that our new Police Chief, Jim McDonnell is capable of this task. We all need to give him our full support as he works towards that goal, and direct the resources he needs.  In the next few weeks, Chief McDonnell will be reporting his recommendations for appropriate Police staffing levels and how we can best support our Police Department. I will be doing all I can to support the goals and strategies recommended by Chief McDonnell, and I am committed to ensuring that all residents can feel safe in every part of the City. Every Long Beach resident has the right to a safe street. Let's keep the victims and our brave men and women of the Police Department in our thoughts.

Robert Garcia