At late afternoon July 18, LBPD issued the following release:

[LBPD release text] On July 9th at about 8:00 p.m., well over 100 individuals decided to participate in a "Bash Mob" in the Pike and City Place area of our downtown. A "Bash Mob" is a planned, sudden assembly of individuals who attack innocent people and businesses by committing thefts, property damage, and assaults. Once these crimes are committed, the individuals flee the area.

"Bash Mobs" have been seen throughout the nation and are a cause for great concern. Many people do not realize the mere participation in such an event can result in felony charges including conspiracy, and are punishable by imprisonment in the state prison.

Detectives conducted follow up after the July 9th crimes and learned about another planned event by the same group of individuals. This is scheduled to take place on Friday, July 19, 2013, beginning at 2:00 p.m. The Long Beach Police Department takes this issue very seriously and will be prepared to arrest anyone whose intent is to commit criminal acts.

We will continue to support everyone's right to free speech and assembly. However, the police must also protect the safety of those victims targeted by these "Bash Mobs." Technology will be utilized to help identify and arrest those who chose to act irresponsibly.

The community is reminded that if you "See Something, Say Something." Anyone with information about these types of incidents or other criminal activity is urged to call 9-1-1 or to remain anonymous visit www.lacrimestoppers.org.

As reported yesterday (July 17) by LBREPORT.com, LBPD Public Information Officer Sgt. Aaron Eaton said LBPD had no information at that time that leads it to believe that the July 9 Long Beach incident is related to the July 16 vandalism in the area of Hollywood Blvd./Highland Ave. (coverage NBCLosAngeles.com). Further context: The jury verdict acquitting George Zimmerman of criminal charges in the shooting of Trayvon Martin was read on July 13 at early evening Pacific time.

Calls to the City Hall offices of Vice Mayor Garcia and Councilmember Lowenthal on July 17 reached voice mail between 3:40 and 3:50 p.m. Earlier that afternoon, Garcia used social media and mass emails to announce he's running for Mayor.

News of the downtown vandalism first began circulating among downtown residents on a neighborhood social network site, and a downtown resident only recently brought the matter to LBREPORT.com's attention and we followed-up with LBPD.

At the July 16 City Council meeting, Councilwoman Lowenthal focused on efforts to enact an ordinance easing restrictions on owning chickens, goats and bees. Vice Mayor Garcia agendized an item regarding implementation of a city policy [management estimated annual cost: $10,000] governing teenage bullying.

On June 6, Garcia put a dispatch on his website (echoed in a mass emailing) telling recipients that after agendizing an item in late May seeking upgraded Blue Line security and maintenance from L.A. County's MTA, "we have seen some incredible progress." Garcia said MTA had committed to adding four more Sheriff Deputies daily who'll patrol LB station by foot, add four security assistants each day to check fares at Long Beach stations, and install TAP card validators at LB platforms. "This is all really great news, and a great start to making our Blue Line safer, faster and more consumer friendly," he reported.

Developing with further to follow on LBREPORT.com.