(April 16, 2005) -- LBReport.com has learned that another shooting has taken place in the vicinity of "14th St. Park" -- an area where some activists have charged LB City Hall has long-tolerated nuisance and law-flouting activities.

The latest shooting took place on April 12 near 15th St. and Cedar Ave., says LBPD Public Information Officer Greg Schirmer. Officers responded at approximately 9:25 p.m. and found a victim lying on the ground with what appeared to be a gunshot wound. He was transported to a hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

LBPD says its preliminary investigation indicates that a number of people were standing on the sidewalk when they were approached by multiple suspects who opened fire, striking the victim.

As previously reported by LBReport.com, on March 27, a midafternoon shooting took place in "14th St. Park," a street median between Chestnut and Locust Aves. where LB's Parks & Rec. Dept has installed two areas of fenced playground equipment.

"The area has become a shooting gallery, a drug den, a gang resort and our quality of life is disappearing," 1st district resident Dennis Monfett told LBReport.com. He added, "The police are doing the best they can with a situation that's been allowed to get out of control. We appreciate [LBPD] Commander Kilmer's efforts to have police patroling the park."

In November and December 2004, a group of business and neighborhood activists, saying they were frustrated with neighborhood conditions, organized "Better Balance for Long Beach" and began holding neighborhood picnics they said were meant to show solidarity with residents. Their next picnic is scheduled for tomorrow Sunday April 17 (noon to 2 p.m.).

In December 2004, a shooting occurred in the area (near Washington Middle School) just hours before Better Balance's second picnic.

Following the March 27 shooting, Councilwoman Bonnie Lowenthal's Chief of Staff, Niki Tennant, told LBReport.com:

"Councilwoman Lowenthal has been meeting every two weeks large contingent of City staff from various departments including Parks and Recreation, Code Enforcement, Police Department, City Prosecutor, City Attorney and the City Manager's office. She is using those meetings every two weeks to help guide city activities not just regarding the Park area but the whole Washington School neighborhood area. The City is devoting huge resources to the area, including police resources at the same time as West Division is facing major gang problems in West Long Beach."