Long Beach, California located just minutes from downtown Los Angeles, is a great place to visit with family and friends. While Long Beach is also home to one of the busiest shipping ports in the United States, the city is also full of fun things to do and see. The Long Beach Visitor's Bureau describes Long Beach as an “urban waterfront playground” complete with sandy beaches, live performances, dolphin spotting, and access to Disneyland or Universal Studios Hollywood.

For a truly memorable stay in Long Beach, book a night at the Queen Mary Hotel, a former ocean liner now permanently moored just offshore in Long Beach. Once the epitome of luxurious ocean travel, the Queen Mary now serves as a luxurious hotel and event destination all in one. Three-hundred-forty-six spacious staterooms are available for accommodations, with a variety of luxury levels to choose from. From family accommodations with separate bedroom areas and plenty of room for multiple people to the top-of-the-line luxury “full suites,” with living areas that are separated from the private bedroom, as well as a breakfast nook. All of the rooms are decorated in the original, art deco style of the Queen Mary when she operated as an express between Southampton, England and New York City in the early 1900s.

Getting Around In Long Beach

When visiting downtown Long Beach, the Passport bus offers a free way to move from one area attraction to another. The Passport Bus connects downtown hotels with the Aquarium of the Pacific, City Place Mall, The Pike at Rainbow Harbor, the Convention Center, the Queen Mary, Shoreline Village, and various attractions along the Harbor.

The Long Beach Water Taxis provide “off-road” transportation Long Beach style! The AquaLink or AquaBus, a part of the Long Beach Transit System, provide boat rides to various destinations around the Long Beach Harbor for as little as $1 for a single ride. The AquaLink provides transportation between the Queen Mary, the Aquarium, and Alamitos Bay. While the AquaBus makes runs between the Queen Mary, the Hotel Maya, the Aquarium, Shoreline Village, and Pine Circle.

Romantic Gondola Rides Around Naples Island

Visitors to Long Beach can enjoy an authentic Venetian gondolas ride, gently cruising the enchanting canals of Naples Island, near Belmont Shore in Long Beach. Naples, CA, a town within a town, is located within the bounds of Long Beach. Built to resemble a turn of the century Italian village, the town looks and feels like another part of the world. The Gondola Getaway operates a crew of expert gondoliers, navigating the canals of Naples and providing water tours of the town in authentic Venetian gondolas. The one hour ride launches from the dock on Ocean Ave. in Belmont Shore. The gondolier provides the boat power and entertainment in the form of historical points and sometimes a song, with stops at some of the most popular places along the route. Gondola riders may be offered bread, salami, and cheese aboard the boat, or they are allowed to bring their own picnic lunch, as well.

The People of Long Beach, CA

According to the 2010 United States Census, the more than 462,000 people residing in Long Beach California lived primarily in households made up of more than one person. More than 35% of homes had children under 18 living there, 37% were made up of heterosexual married couples, and 7.4% had same-sex married couples or partnerships. The city's population is made up of a wide range of cultural backgrounds with 46.1% white, 13.5% black, 40.8% Latino, and the rest made up of other races. It is interesting to note that Long Beach is home to the largest Cambodian population outside of Cambodia.

This diverse makeup of people and backgrounds lends a colorful and vibrant tone to the entire city.

Love in Trouble in Long Beach

No relationship is free of stress and difficulties. No matter how much two people love each other disagreements occur. It is important that when arguments do arise, that both parties do their best to keep a cool head and keep matters from getting out of hand. Failing to keep emotions under control can result in the argument becoming physical and reaching the level of domestic violence.

Domestic Violence In Long Beach

According to the 2010 Los Angeles County Domestic Violence Data Source, Culross P.L., Fischer K., and Bedair D. Los Angeles County Domestic Violence Data Sources. Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. April 2010, domestic violence incidences in Los Angeles County, and Long Beach, are significantly under-reported by law enforcement officials. The reason for this under-reporting is two-fold. First, not all domestic violence incidents result in the need for a hospital visit or call to law enforcement. And, second, many victims of domestic violence are embarrassed to report domestic violence for fear of reprisal from the abusing partner, fear that they won't be believed, or fear of negative consequences from law enforcement, due to immigration status and other issues.

However, even with the presumed low level of reporting of domestic violence in Los Angeles County, the Domestic Violence Data Source reports that 25% of women and 8% of men experience some level of domestic violence in their relationships. Approximately 25% of both heterosexual and same-sex partnerships are affected by domestic violence at some point.

Domestic Abuse in Long Beach Same-Sex Relationships

While the rate of abuse between same-sex couples is often cited as being about the same as between straight couples, some studies suggest that this may not be true. According to a review of studies conducted by students at Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine,  the rate of abuse in same-sex relationships is higher among same-sex couples. Statistics from the while approximately 25 percent of heterosexual relationships report domestic abuse, the authors of the Northwestern review found that in LGBTQ relationships, the rates of domestic violence may be as high as 75 percent, but that the victims of same-sex domestic abuse are hesitant to report the abuse to authorities for a variety of reasons.

Domestic Violence Resources in Long Beach, CA

If you find yourself a part of a relationship that is experiencing intimate partner violence, or domestic abuse, help is available. Whether you are a victim of domestic violence or the aggressor, the time to seek help is now!

The National Domestic Violence Hotline – 1-800-799-7233

Perpetrators of domestic violence can seek psychological help in dealing with their aggressive tendencies before they get out of control. Find a counselor experienced in helping patients deal with physical aggression and domestic issues. Domestic Violence Therapists in California

Definition of Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is defined in California Penal Code, Section 13700 “abuse committed against an adult or fully emancipated minor who is a spouse, former spouse, cohabitant, r person with whom the suspect has had a child or is having or has had a dating or engagement relationship.” (California Penal Code, Section 13700)

Domestic Violence is also sometimes referred to as Intimate Partner Violence.

The definition of abuse can include:

• Physical Abuse
• Verbal Abuse
• Abusing Trust
• Sexual Abuse
• Emotional Abuse
• Psychological Abuse
• Coercion
• Harassment
• Economic control
• threats and intimidation
• Destruction of Property
• Isolation

Other Charges Related To Intimate Partner Violence

While “domestic violence” is the charge most commonly referred to when an argument between intimate partners develops and the cops get involved, it is not the only charge closely related to domestic violence.

Other Charges Are:

• Corporal Injury of Spouse
• Corporal Injury of a Cohabitant
• Domestic Abuse
• Spousal Abuse
• Violation of Penal Code 273.5

Who Qualifies as an Intimate Partner?

• A spouse
• A Former Spouse
• A Cohabitant (someone you live with)
• A Former Cohabitant (someone you used to live with)
• A Boyfriend (including same-sex boyfriends)
• A Girlfriend (including same-sex girlfriends)
• A Fiance'
• A Former Fiance'
• The Parent of Your Child

In other words, anyone with whom you have had a romantic or intimate relationship, at any point, for any length of time, would be considered an intimate partner.

What If You Get Arrested For Domestic Violence?

If the police are called to your home, apartment, or any other location where there is a disturbance between people who have, or have had, a romantic relationship, emotions are likely to be running high. When the people involved in the disagreement are members of a same-sex relationship, the police may not recognize right away that there is a romantic element at play. When both parties are men, the police are even more likely to be on high alert for violence.

Be Calm

The more you can keep a level head about you and act with restraint toward the police officers and the other party involved, the better things will go. It's important to be calm. Conduct yourself in such a way that the law enforcement officers don't see you as a threat. This keeps you safe, as well as putting you in a position to be able to calmly explain your side of things to the police.

When dealing with the police, remember:

• Cooperate with police officers, physically. Don't resist them, even if they feel the need to restrain you.
• Speak as calmly as possible, if you choose to answer their questions.
• Don't speak to or yell at the other party in the altercation.
• Conduct yourself in a dignified way, allowing the officers to see that your behavior was only what was necessary for self-defense.

If you are arrested and charged with battery, the arresting officer should inform you of your Miranda Rights:

• You have the right to remain silent – They can't make you talk, other than to provide your name, address, and show some sort of identification, upon request.
• Anything you say can be used against you – If you choose to talk to the authorities, the statements you make can be used against you in court.
• You have the right to an attorney – You can ask to have an attorney present while they question you. If you ask for an attorney but continue to talk to the officers, while you wait for your attorney, the answers you give can still be used against you.
• If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you – If you cannot afford an attorney, but would like to have one, the court will appoint an attorney for you, free of charge.

It is important to keep things from escalating in front of the police. If you get angry and strike out against a police officer, new and even more serious charges can be filed against you. Remaining calm and being physically cooperative will work in your favor, as you negotiate the legal path that lies ahead.

Law Enforcement In Long Beach

Law enforcement in Long Beach, CA is provided by the Long Beach Police Department. The Long Beach Police Department oversees such a large area that more than one location is needed to properly serve the people of Long Beach. The main administrative building is located on W. Broadway, while patrol stations are spread throughout the city.

Long Beach Police Department Locations

Public Safety Building
400 W. Broadway
Long Beach, CA  90802
(562) 435-6711 – Police Dispatch
(562) 570-7260 – Business Desk Inquiries 

North Patrol Division
4891 Atlantic Avenue
Long Beach, CA  90807
(562) 570-9800 – Business Inquiries
(562) 435-6711 - Dispatch 

South Patrol Division
400 W. Broadway
Long Beach, CA  90802
(562) 570-7555 – Business Desk Inquiries
(562) 435-6711- Dispatch 

East Patrol Division
3800 E. Willow Street

Long Beach, CA  90815
(562) 570-5880 – Business Desk Inquiries
(562) 435-6711 – Dispatch 

West Patrol Division
1835 Santa Fe Avenue
Long Beach, CA  90810
(562) 570-3400 – Business Desk Inquiries
(562) 435-6711 – Dispatch

For traffic inquiries with the Long Beach Police Department, please call (562) 570-7209 from 8 am to 5 pm.

Domestic Violence Bail Bonds In Long Beach, California

If you have dealings with the police in Long Beach, CA, remember to stay calm. Especially in domestic violence situations, tempers can be high and police officers involved are more likely to take measures to ensure that things don't get out of hand. The more you are able to stay calm and speak reasonably to officers, the more likely that you won't end up in jail with a domestic violence charge.

Get Domestic Violence Bail Bonds FAST!!!

In Long Beach, Mr. Nice Guy is located at 1360 E Anaheim St. Suite 101, just minutes from the Long Beach City Jail. If you, or someone you care about, is in jail for domestic violence, one call to Mr. Nice Guy Bail Bonds can have a licensed, professional bail bond agent by there side in no time. From anywhere else in California, call (844) 400-BAIL for help getting out of jail fast!