About a month after a man was shot to death in Long Beach’s Belmont Shore, local leaders announced they will brainstorm a safety plan for the bustling business area to prevent future tragedies.
The family of 32-year-old Jeremy Spears says they’re rooting for a curfew following the death of their loved one, who was killed late last month following a shooting outside a bar that stemmed from a fight. Local leaders are considering increasing DUI checkpoints and cracking down on unauthorized street vendors in an effort to increase safety.
“We are reacting to an incident here and we think it’s appropriate,” Matt Peterson, President of the Belmont Shore Business Association, said in reference to Spears’ murder.
Machell Brookens, Spears’s aunt, said their family has been devastated by their loss and is now championing for the proposal. She said her nephew worked as a welder and had a fitness business. As a local to Long Beach, Spears is survived by his wife and 9-year-old son.
“To hear this happened down here is very unusual,” Brookens said.
Though it’s a bustling business area and popular nightlife scene, 2nd Street is directly adjacent to a residential neighborhood. Spears was killed in front of someone’s home. His aunt says the community has been supportive as they try to keep his memory alive.
“I want people to remember his spirit. how he carried himself, the love he showed individuals, even if you just met him for the day,” Brookens said.
Two people were arrested in connection with Spears’ shooting. Jason Loving, 41, of Harbor City, was arrested on suspicion of murder and Dasmine Hall, 31, of Compton, was arrested on suspicion of accessory to murder.
In the meantime, businesses will voluntarily close at midnight for the next 30 days and the city council will gather data to brainstorm a safety plan in the next 45 days.
Want more insights? Join Working Title - our career elevating newsletter and get the future of work delivered weekly.
