All In Long Beach

COVID Lockdowns: A 5-Year Retrospective on Long Beach’s Turning Point

In this reflective episode of All in Long Beach, host Stuart Takahara revisits the COVID lockdowns that reshaped our community. Five years later, we explore what went right—and what didn’t—with local responses during those unprecedented days. Hear how businesses, from wine bars to small convenience stores, pivoted amid panic buying, staffing challenges, and sweeping government mandates. Was the prolonged lockdown necessary, or could a more targeted approach have saved our local economy?

Join us as we:

• Analyze the impact of the lockdowns on daily life and local commerce.

• Share personal anecdotes and lessons learned from the early days of the pandemic.

• Discuss whether our community’s reaction was an overcorrection or a lifesaving measure.

We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts and join the discussion in our exclusive Patreon community.

Listen now and subscribe for more insightful stories from Long Beach.

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🎙️ Small Business Spotlight: Dabble & Dollop’s Journey from Long Beach to Target! 🎯

In this episode of All in Long Beach, we dive into an amazing success story from right here in the city. Tyler Lashney, co-founder of Dabble & Dollop, joins us to talk about how their children’s personal care brand went from a garage in Naples Island to being sold in every Target store nationwide. 🚀

🔹 How they built a brand centered on creativity and fun for kids

🔹 The challenges of launching in the middle of a pandemic

🔹 How Target discovered them on LinkedIn!

🔹 Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in Long Beach

If you’re a small business owner, startup dreamer, or just love hearing local success stories, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.

💬 Let us know what you think! Drop your comments on Facebook and Instagram @allinlongbeach

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Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-in-long-beach/id1791687079  

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Long Beach was alive this weekend! In this episode, I take you through a perfect weekend itinerary—from scootering across the city to brunching at Madre’s, visiting the beach, and checking out Midnight Oil, Long Beach’s newest bar.

💬 What’s your go-to weekend spot in Long Beach? Drop a comment below!

🔗 Support Our Show & Get Exclusive Content: patreon.com/allinlongbeach

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Is Long Beach’s city council trying to illegally raise your taxes? A new lawsuit is challenging a sales tax increase that many claim was not voter-approved and violates the ordinance’s timeline. We break down the confusing legal language and what this means for YOU as a Long Beach resident.

💬 Are you for or against this tax increase? Let us know in the comments!

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Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-in-long-beach/id1791687079  

iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-all-in-long-beach-259795666/ 

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A major new amphitheater is coming to Long Beach—but at what cost? In this episode, we break down the controversy surrounding the Queen Mary Amphitheater, the funding concerns, and whether it will actually bring major artists to Long Beach.

💬 What do you think—will this project be a game-changer or a financial mess? Let us know!

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Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-in-long-beach/id1791687079  

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Wine and Wisdom Membership with Marina Wine and Craft Beer Bar:

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In this episode of All In Long Beach, we sit down with Robb Smith, founder of Alley Cat Deliveries—a local courier service that’s more than just deliveries. Rob shares his inspiring journey from struggling on a bicycle to running a thriving business that helps others. Plus, hear about the weirdest delivery requests he’s gotten!

🔗 Support Us & Get Exclusive Content: patreon.com/allinlongbeach

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Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-in-long-beach/id1791687079  

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“Of course there is!” That’s what Congressman Robert Garcia said when asked if government waste and fraud exist. But what about right here in Long Beach? Shouldn’t we be demanding answers from our city council and mayor?

In this episode, we break down:

🔹 The new subcommittee on government efficiency led by Elon Musk

🔹 Congressman Garcia’s viral moment in Congress

🔹 Long Beach’s budget shortfall – could waste be the issue?

🔹 Should we be holding local leaders accountable for wasteful spending?

💬 Do you think our city is spending tax dollars wisely? Let us know in the comments!

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Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-in-long-beach/id1791687079  

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Long Beach spent $5.3 million on a year-long motel program meant to help the unhoused — but only 9 people ended up in permanent housing. Stuart breaks down the numbers, the failures, and why it’s time for a better strategy.

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🚧 Long Beach to Demolish 3 Vacant Properties – But What’s Next?

Three city-owned properties in Long Beach are finally getting demolished after years of neglect, crime, and break-ins. But what happens next? The city had BIG plans for these lots – including a North Village redevelopment project – but now those dreams are dead.

💰 Now, under California law, the land must first be offered for affordable housing. But how long will that take? Are we looking at another 10-year dead project before anything actually happens?

📌 In this episode, we discuss:

• Why these demolitions are necessary 🔥

• How Long Beach lost another major redevelopment project

• Will this land ACTUALLY be used for housing?

• What’s the best use of these properties for the city’s future?

👉 Join the discussion! Should these lots become housing, businesses, or something else?

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Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-in-long-beach/id1791687079  

iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-all-in-long-beach-259795666/ 

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Welcome to All In Long Beach, the podcast dedicated to the great city of Long Beach, California.

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Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-in-long-beach/id1791687079  

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