Long Beach News At a Glance

Long Beach News At a Glance 3/27/08

Approximately 2,000 CSLB students, staff and local elected government held a rally to protest $16 Million in tax cuts under a proposed state wide budget cut by Governor Schwarzenegger. The cuts would reduce funds available for health care and "fixed costs", such as "energy". To my mind that would mean that as costs to heat buildings rise at an alarming rate country wide, colleges would be forced to increase enroll fees. The LB Press Telegram writer, Kevin Butler, says the budget cuts "...envision a 10% student fee increase" and would "...reduce CSLB enrollment by up to 10.000 students".

A pregnant woman was thrown from a van when the driver ran a red light at 6th and Magnolia enroute to the hospital. This caused a collision which rolled the van over. She was lying in the back when thrown from the vehicle. They were headed to the hospital to enduce labor. The unborn baby was not harmed in the crash. Mom seems to have endured a bit of stress.

This corner is terrible for accidents. I have seen several happen as I was walking to or from my apartment. Drivers on both Magnolia and 6th street, as well as a block north on 7th speed; do not obey common traffic law~can not say how many times I step in the street on a green light and the drivers fly into my path; despite the law saying drivers can not turn until pedisterains put their foot on the opposite curb. I think until they reach the middle lane would suffice. The last time I saw an accident, there was a pregnant teen mom in the car and the driver had no license, nor was the vehicle properly insured.

A 4 year old girl ran into the street from between parked cars to retrieve a soccer ball, was hit and killed on Myrtle Ave.. The driver was extremely distraught and was not charged in the accident. Reporter Kristopher Hansen said the driver "...sat near a police cruiser chain-smoking cigarettes in a clearly shocked state". One family member did try to attack the driver, but it appears from the article most that witnessed it feel it was a tragic accident.

A driver was shot while driving on the Long Beach 710 freeway near Del Amo Blvd. Shot in an arm and leg, he was able to drive to the hospital. Police were unable to determine a motive for the shooting. The driver could only describe the shooter's vehicle as a "dark colored sedan".

A charred body was found in Signal Hill~the city within a city. At press time the body was so badly burned even sex of the victim could not be determined.