With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
A New Rainbow Lifeguard Tower Rises In Long Beach After Fire Destroyed Original
The new tower was dedicated on June 10.
(
Courtesy City of Long Beach
)
Months after a rainbow-painted lifeguard tower went up in flames, the city of Long Beach has unveiled its replacement.
LGBT-identified lifeguards painted the tower last year to celebrate Pride Month. So when it burned down under mysterious circumstances in late March, it sparked widespread outrage, and city leaders vowed to rebuild it.
Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia, in a news release, called the new tower "a symbol of inclusion and love.”
He also said there are plans to add "features and amenities around the tower to make an even more active space.”
Sponsored message
This shell is all that remains of a lifeguard station in Long Beach that was painted with by LGBTQ+ lifeguards. Officials on March 23 said the station had been destroyed by fire.
(
Courtesy City of Long Beach
)
Those same lifeguards who painted the original took up their brushes again, including lifeguard Jeremy Rocha.
"Today, we are once again, making history," he said, "not just by painting a tower to resemble the pride flag, but showing the world what this tower symbolizes."
Firefighters are still investigating the cause of the fire, though it's being treated as possible arson. Long Beach City Councilmember Cindy Allen, who represents the area where the tower is located, says she'll introduce a motion for a plaque to commemorate the original.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
