Long Beach

The 1933 Long Beach Earthquake was a major seismic event that struck Southern California on March 10, 1933, at 5:54 PM local time. The earthquake registered a magnitude of 6.3 and caused significant damage to infrastructure, particularly in Long Beach. Many buildings were destroyed or heavily damaged, leading to widespread injuries and at least 115 fatalities. The disaster prompted changes in building codes and practices throughout California, particularly with regard to the construction of public schools.

The Long Beach Naval Shipyard, an important naval facility located in Long Beach, California, was closed on November 26, 1972. The shipyard was established in 1943 during World War II and played a critical role in ship repair and maintenance. Its closure marked the end of an era for the local economy, as the shipyard had been a major employer in the region, providing thousands of jobs to military and civilian personnel over the decades.

On June 15, 1974, the University of Southern California (USC) expanded its School of Cinematic Arts by establishing a satellite campus in Long Beach. This expansion was intended to foster greater collaboration between film students and the burgeoning media industry in Southern California. The Long Beach campus provided students with additional opportunities to engage in hands-on learning and filmmaking projects while benefiting from its proximity to the vibrant creative community of the area.

The 1984 Summer Olympics, held in Los Angeles, California, featured sailing events that took place off the coast of Long Beach, from August 11 to 23. Long Beach was selected as the venue for its favorable wind conditions and maritime infrastructure. The event included several sailing competitions, attracting international athletes and spectators. This marked an important cultural and economic boost for Long Beach, showcasing it as a capable host for international sporting events.

On April 4, 1998, the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach was held as part of the Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) series. Previously an event for Formula Atlantic, CART made Long Beach one of its premier street races. This annual race continues to be a hallmark event in Long Beach, attracting hundreds of thousands of spectators each year, boosting the local economy significantly, and becoming iconic within the auto racing community globally.

The Aquarium of the Pacific, located in Long Beach, California, was officially opened to the public on July 1, 2002. Spanning over 5 acres, this immense public aquarium features a wide array of exhibits showcasing the diverse marine life from the Pacific Ocean. It has since become one of Long Beach's top attractions, drawing millions of visitors each year. The aquarium plays an important role in conservation and education efforts related to ocean and aquatic environments.

On July 15, 2014, the Port of Long Beach embarked on a landmark expansion project, one of the most substantial in its history. Known as the Middle Harbor Redevelopment Project, it aimed at modernizing facilities to enhance cargo capacity and environmental sustainability. The expanded port would handle increased volume while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This project placed the Port of Long Beach among the most advanced and environmentally friendly ports in the world.

On June 27, 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on a significant case involving unions, including those representing workers at the Port of Long Beach. Known as the National Labor Relations Board v. SEIU Local 121RN, the case dealt with union fees and the rights of non-union members as plaintiffs. The decision was pivotal in shaping national labor law and greatly impacted how public and private unions operate, particularly in terms of fee structures and political activities.

On January 8, 2019, Long Beach was the site of the world record event organized by GoMinifigure where attendees assembled over 36,000 LEGO minifigures in a single venue. This event, part of an international LEGO builders' conference, attracted substantial media coverage and participants from around the world. The vast assembly represented themes from pop culture, history, and fantasy. It was set in the Long Beach Convention Center and remains a unique achievement in largescale creative collaboration.

On May 6, 2023, the Long Beach Pride Parade experienced unexpected disruptions when several fire alarms were triggered. The event, which celebrates the LGBTQ+ community and promotes inclusivity, saw attendees evacuating certain areas as a precaution. Despite the interruptions, the event continued with heightened security and managed to successfully convey its message of pride and solidarity. The annual parade is one of the city's most significant community gatherings.