Long Beach’s Fourth of July Celebrations Feature Three Fireworks Displays and Drone Safety Initiatives Long Beach will host three synchronized professional fireworks displays on Saturday, July 4, beginning at 9 p.m., as part of its Fourth of July celebrations. The events will take place along the city’s coastline, with fireworks barges positioned near the Queen Mary, Junipero Beach (Cherry Avenue), and Granada Beach (Bay Shore Avenue). These displays are expected to be visible from much of the shoreline, offering residents and visitors a panoramic view of the festivities. For those seeking a more immersive experience, the Queen Mary will host its annual Fourth of July celebration from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. aboard the historic ship, located at 1126 Queens Highway. The event includes general admission tickets priced at $75 for adults and $45 for children, with VIP admission available for $225. Fireworks will commence around 9 p.m., coinciding with the main display. The Queen Mary’s event is part of the city’s efforts to provide a premium viewing option while promoting public safety. City officials have reiterated that all personal fireworks, including sparklers and so-called “safe and sane” varieties, are illegal in Long Beach. This ban is enforced to prevent fire hazards, injuries, excessive noise, and the thousands of complaints reported annually due to unauthorized fireworks. Instead, residents are encouraged to attend one of the city’s professionally managed displays to ensure a safer and more enjoyable celebration. In addition to the fireworks, Long Beach will launch a drone feasibility pilot program during the holiday to explore how drones can enhance public safety, situational awareness, and fire detection.#long_beach #fourth_of_july #queen_mary #drone_feasibility_pilot_program #long_beach_police_department
Gabriel Iglesias and Jo Koy on Why They Teamed Up for a SoFi Stadium Stand-Up Mega-Show Gabriel Iglesias found himself in a moment of self-doubt, questioning whether his comedy career had reached its peak. “I was kind of thinking to myself, ‘What do we do now?’” he recalls, referring to his frustration over the challenges of maintaining relevance in the industry. While his career had achieved massive success, the pressure of sustaining that momentum left him feeling uncertain about the future. The turning point came in February 2024, when Iglesias surprised the crowd at the Kia Forum in Inglewood by presenting comedian Jo Koy with a plaque honoring his record sixth sold-out show at the venue. During the event, Iglesias suggested they collaborate on a show at SoFi Stadium, a proposal that initially met resistance from Koy. “He was like, ‘I don’t know, Gabe,’” Iglesias recalls. “And I’m like, ‘Oh, come on. How many freaking sold-out Forums are you going to keep doing?’” SoFi Stadium’s 70,000-seat capacity, equivalent to four sold-out Forums, posed a significant challenge. Koy was skeptical about the feasibility of filling such a massive venue, but Iglesias argued that their combined fan bases and proven sales records made the venture viable. After a year of planning, the collaboration materialized as a March 21 event, with pre-sales beginning on April 23, 2025. Within days, 70% of tickets sold, securing a sellout. The show, described by Koy as a “full-circle moment,” featured a massive stage with extensive screens, designed to ensure every audience member felt immersed in the performance. “We want everyone to see it, we want everyone to feel it,” Koy says. Both comedians share deep roots in Southern California.#jo_koy #sofi_stadium #gabriel_iglesias #kia_forum #long_beach
