(June 19, 2021) -- On the same day Long Beach had three (more) shootings (coverage here), Mayor Robert Garcia held a June 18 Fundraiser for his "2026 Lt. Gov." Committee (which he's used thus far as a slush fund to support his favored politicians and allies.)

Amazing time at our Long Beach Luau last night. So many friends and neighbors out. It was my first time out around so many folks. Thank you to all who came out and supported. pic.twitter.com/aYOucz9Mvx

His record: Garcia voted as a Councilman for budgets that erased the largest number of police officers in the City's more than 100 year history. No responsible person believes any city can erase 20% of its police level and not impact crime. The result has left LB taxpayers with a significantly thinner police level per capita than L.A., Santa Monica and Signal Hill.

As Mayor, Garcia sought a blank check sales tax increase (2016 "temporary" Measure A), then sought its 2020 extension (in both elections ballot campaign funded mainly by LB's police and firefighter unions.) After LB voters approved the 2016 sales tax hike, Garcia recommended budgets restoring fewer than two dozen of roughly 200 erased officers for taxpayers (but fattened LB's General Fund enabling raises for police, firefighters and LB City Hall management.)

In Aug-Sept. 2020, after Measure A's extension, Garcia recommended a FY21 budget that defunded roughly 50 more officers (Council approved 9-0.) LBREPORT.com looks forward to publishing the names of Garcia's enabling contributors when they become available.