Three of the defendants - Gilbert Gomez, 22, and brothers Spencer Bazan, 17 and Gerson Bazan, 25 - were given sentences of 25 years to life, while Benjamin Gonzalez, 22, received a 50 years to life term due to a previous strike.

The slaying took place in November 2006 on Anaheim Street near Gundry Avenue. The victim, Norman Cox, was walking with his 16-year-old brother and 14-year-old cousin when allegedly a group of five males and two females, calling themselves Eastside Longos, ran toward them shouting gang names and threats. Cox ran from the scene, but was quickly surrounded by the group who accused him of being a member of the Crips, a rival gang. Cox reportedly denied any gang involvement, but was stabbed several times in the back and side. No weapon was recovered.

Art Hits The Streets
Two recent events celebrating Arts Month in Long Beach attempted to breathe life into the struggling East Village Arts District.

On Sunday Oct. 5 the second annual University by the Sea event took place in the heart of the East Village. The 12-hour event featured lectures on topics such as wine tasting, composting, yoga, and Long Beach history led by professors and community leaders.  Various art and social justice projects were featured in the back of rental trucks lining Linden Avenue and local bar House of Hayden transformed into a wedding chapel, marrying both gay and straight couples throughout the day.

Three musical stages featured performances by mostly local musicians, including headliners Dengue Fever, whose lead singer was discovered by the group in a nightclub in Long Beach’s Little Cambodia area in 2001.

Organizers said the event brought 7,500 people to the Arts District throughout the day.

The following Saturday’s Second Saturday ArtWalk event did not prove as successful. The block of Linden Ave. between 1st and Broadway featured 30 small craft venders, who struggled to keep their work pinned down during the frequent strong bursts of wind.  The event drew only a scattering of people throughout the night. The biggest draw appeared to be a crowd of teenage and preteen skateboarders showcasing their skills on a ramp and rail on the Broadway end of the block.

City Boasts Ironic New Title
Despite some of the poorest water quality around, Long Beach now boasts the designation of "Aquatics Capital of America."

A committee of residents working with the Marine Bureau suggested the new title and the City Council unanimously approved. Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske recommended the City trademark the name before other communities such as San Diego or Miami try to use it. 

The Council agreed the designation should be used as a goal to strive for by creating new pools and other water venues.