Bits 'n' Pieces

New LBPD Deputy Chief

Long Beach Chief of Police Wally Hebeish has announced his appointment of Commander Norma Carrillo to the position of deputy chief. This promotion is effective on Jan.10.

“I am extremely proud to announce the promotion of Commander Norma Carrillo to the position of Deputy Chief,” said Hebeish. “Deputy Chief Carrillo has clearly demonstrated a commitment to the future of our police department and the safety of our city. Her focus on education and professional development has effectively positioned her for continued success.

“I have no doubt she will excel in her new role, while continuing to help us move the department forward and provide excellent service to our entire Long Beach community.”

Carrillo joined the LBPD as a police recruit in 2000. She was promoted to sergeant in 2018, lieutenant in 2022, commander in 2024, and deputy chief in 2026.

Carrillo has worked a variety of assignments throughout her career including internal affairs, sex crimes, computer crimes, police academy instructor, and the office of constitutional policing. As commander, she oversaw the training and tactical support division and most recently served as the chief of staff in the office of the chief of police.

She has played a crucial role in the LBPD’s peer support program, cadet program, and Baker to Vegas team, serving as a vice president and runner throughout her career. Carrillo is also active in the community, participating in various events for the Southern California Special Olympics and Kiwanis.

“Stepping into a greater leadership role within the Police Department that serves the community where I was raised is both deeply meaningful and humbling,” said Carrillo. “I am grateful for the opportunity to lead and give back to the community that helped shape my path.”

Carrillo holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Studies from California State University, Long Beach and a Master of Science degree in Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership from the University of San Diego. She is also a graduate of the Leadership Long Beach program.

Deputy Chief Carrillo will oversee the support bureau.

New Credit Union VP

LBS Financial Credit Union is pleased to announce the appointment of Stefan Parker as vice president of loan administration. Stefan brings 27 years of experience in consumer lending, collections, and branch operations, along with a strong record of leadership at several California credit unions.

“We’re excited to welcome Stefan to the team,” said Tom Orman, senior vice president/chief lending officer. “His deep expertise and proven leadership will strengthen our lending programs and help us continue providing exceptional service to our members.”

A long-time Long Beach resident, Stefan is also a passionate advocate for member service and has built strong connections throughout the community. He looks forward to contributing to the credit union’s ongoing growth and commitment to serving local individuals and families.

DHHS Fund Initiatives

The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has launched the newly expanded Health and Human Services Fund (HHS Fund), a community-focused initiative that provides direct support to community members and local nonprofits. The expanded fund now includes a fundraising campaign and a new mini grant program to further support public health services across Long Beach.

This donation-based effort helps people in Long Beach access essential resources, strengthens the public health workforce with professional development for DHHS staff and offers grants to local nonprofit organizations delivering health and human services.

To raise awareness and encourage public support, DHHS is also launching the Together for a Healthier Long Beach campaign this month. The campaign highlights stories of people served by the department and demonstrates how the supplemental support of the HHS Fund can continue to impact Long Beach communities. These stories will be shared on social media and the department’s website, where new iterations of the campaign will be added in the future.

“The HHS Fund brings resources directly to people and programs with the greatest need,” said DHHS Director Alison King. “Together, we’re building a healthier, more equitable city.”

Managed by the Long Beach Community Foundation, the HHS Fund accepts tax-deductible donations to support the three initiatives:

Direct client support of up to $1,000 to help meet the urgent needs of community members, such as providing nutritious groceries, transportation vouchers for medical appointments and more.

Workforce enhancements of up to $1,000 to support DHHS staff with supplemental tools, materials and professional development. These requests are used only when other funding sources have been exhausted. This initiative helps staff respond to emerging program needs and strengthens their ability to serve the community.

Mini grants of up to $5,000 for local nonprofit organizations to support staff wellness, professional development and capacity-building.

These initiatives work together to provide responsive, people-centered support by helping remove barriers and equipping both the community and public health staff with resources they need.

To make a donation and learn more, visit longbeach.gov/HHSFund. Community members are also encouraged to support the campaign by sharing stories and messages on social media. Donations and community engagement will continue into 2026.

LBBC Strong Turnout

The Long Beach Baseball Club (LBBC) announced that its recent open player tryout delivered an outstanding turnout, underscoring both the depth of Southern California baseball and the deep, “homegrown” enthusiasm surrounding Long Beach’s newest professional team as it prepares for its inaugural season in the Pioneer Baseball League.

LBBC was forced to cap registrations at 100, with an additional 90 signing up for the waitlist. With 190 total registrants, the tryout drew overwhelmingly from Southern California (176), Northern California (5), out-of-state athletes (6, including Maryland, Ohio, Washington, Texas, and Arizona), and a handful of registrants with no ZIP code provided (3).

The strong regional turnout reinforced the club’s early momentum and the unique connection many athletes shared with Long Beach baseball – including those who grew up attending games at Blair Field and those connected to the Long Beach State Dirtbags tradition.

LBBC also announced notable participation from within the city:

Total Long Beach participants: 28

East Long Beach: 22 (representing 79% of all Long Beach sign-ups)

ZIP codes represented: 90802, 90803, 90804, 90805, 90808, 90810, 90813, 90815

“From the first pitch of the day to the final evaluations, it was clear this tryout meant something, not just to the players and to this community that came out to support them,” said Troy Percival, LBBC Manager, Angels World Series champion, and four-time MLB All-Star.

“You could feel it in the stands and around the field. The level of talent was impressive, and the Long Beach representation and energy around this club was real. We saw athletes show up hungry, prepared, and ready to compete, and we saw a community already invested in what this team is building.”

Following the tryout, Long Beach Baseball Club extended spring training invitations to two standout local pitchers whose performances and perseverance distinguished them during evaluations:

Ryan Cullinane (Laguna Niguel) – A right-handed pitcher from Aliso Niguel High School and the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, Cullinane recently graduated and arrived eager for an opportunity at the next level. Coaches noted his competitiveness and upside, and he left the field energized by what he called “the right opportunity at the right time.”

Mauricio Aguilar (Pomona) – A pitcher from Salesian High School with ties to UC Davis, Aguilar’s path to the tryout was unusual: NCAA rules prevented him from trying out while serving as a student manager. Still, he stayed sharp by routinely throwing to UC Davis players in that role. Coaches were impressed by both his arm and his determination to keep developing despite limited avenues to showcase himself.

LBBC coaches evaluated players with diverse backgrounds, including:

• Former MiLB/Affiliated prospects, Jordan DePonte (draft pick of the River City Rascals)
• Pioneer League veterans from teams including the Rocky Mountain Vibes, Idaho Falls Chukars, Billings Mustangs, Yuba-Sutter Highwheelers, and Ogden Raptors
• International experience, including players who have competed professionally in Mexico (LMB), Belgium, Austria, and Australia

The tryout also surfaced several potential human-interest and visual storylines, including:

• Christian Thompson, an athlete with NFL family lineage
• Joel French, a 7-foot left-handed pitcher, whose size and presence drew attention across the complex

LBBC confirmed that the coaching staff will continue evaluations and extend invitations to spring training in May as it assembles its inaugural roster.

The Long Beach Baseball Club is led by Troy Percival, with LBBC coaches Troy Glaus and Jerome Williams, all former MLB players, supporting player development as the club prepares for its inaugural season.

Health Programs Cut

The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has had to conclude its Healthy Active Long Beach (HALB) program due to the recent passage of H.R.1, also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill, which eliminated funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed), the nation’s largest nutrition education initiative.

For more than 20 years, HALB has provided free nutrition and physical activity education to the Long Beach community. Since its launch in 2003, HALB has reached more than 30,000 residents annually and has been recognized as a model for local health promotion. Its impact has been far-reaching by improving food access, creating active living opportunities and building a healthier Long Beach.

The loss of approximately $900,000 in annual SNAP-Ed funding makes it impossible to continue delivering the vital HALB services that promote healthy eating and living and equitable access to wellness resources. As a result of this loss of funding that has traditionally funded this important public health program, the following services will no longer be offered by DHHS:

• Nutrition, Physical Activity and Community Support: evidence-based nutrition and fitness education for youth, adults, families and older adults, offered directly and through coordinated partnerships with community organizations.
• Cooking and Food Education: hands-on cooking classes and skill-building to promote healthy eating.
• Youth Physical Activity Programs: school-based programs that promote physical activity and address obesity and chronic disease rates in Long Beach.
• Healthy Market Partnership: support for corner markets to improve access to fresh produce.
• School Garden Support: supplies and guidance for more than 30 local school gardens.
• Community Outreach Events: initiatives such as ReThink Your Drink and seasonal outreach campaigns encouraging active living.
• Educational Materials: free cookbooks, recipe cards, posters, signage and other wellness resources.

Although direct services ended on Sept. 30, 2025, the Health Department received limited short-term funding from the California Department of Public Health to support a responsible transition through April 2026. Through this funding, the department is sharing cookbooks, training guides and physical activity equipment with local partners to help sustain wellness education citywide.

The Health Department is working closely with partners such as Long Beach Unified School District, the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department and the Greenlight LB and Walk and Roll programs to continue elements of HALB, such as Walk to School Week, an annual citywide event that promotes the importance of physical activity, pedestrian safety and relieving traffic congestion near school zones through community engagement and activities for school-aged children and their families.

Long Beach joins other cities across Los Angeles County and beyond in experiencing the impact of SNAP-Ed funding cuts. Despite HALB’s conclusion, the city remains committed to public health and will continue working with local partners to explore new opportunities that support healthy living.

To contribute to local health efforts, community members can make a tax-deductible donation to the Health and Human Services Fund through the Long Beach Community Foundation.

The City of Long Beach is committed to keeping the community informed of the ongoing developments related to the loss, and possible future loss, of federal funding and its impacts on local programs provided by the city. Stay informed by visiting longbeach.gov/FedFundingUpdates.

Spark of Love Donation

LBS Financial Credit Union employees donated hundreds of toys, books, clothing, and gift cards on Dec. 10 to the Long Beach Fire Department’s “Spark of Love” Toy Drive. This donation is part of the Credit Union’s cherished tradition during its annual holiday breakfast.

The Long Beach “Spark of Love” Toy Drive began around 1955 when Long Beach Fire Department (LBFD) Firefighter Murray Cohn started collecting toys for kids in need. Since then, LBFD continues to carry on this annual toy drive and delivers to families and community organizations during the holiday season.

“Through the combined generosity of Long Beach businesses and residents, each year the toy drive is able to provide gifts to approximately 400 families and over 20 different youth-based community groups,” said Will Nash, firefighter and toy drive coordinator. “I believe this builds goodwill within our community and provides kids with positive role models.”

“The Long Beach Fire Department’s commitment to the community is inspiring,” said LBS Financial Credit Union President & CEO, Sean Hardeman. “LBS Financial Credit Union is proud to support Long Beach first responders through this year’s toy drive as part of our ongoing tradition of donating to local nonprofits. Thanks to our employees for their kindness this holiday season.”

The holiday gifts were collected by Long Beach Fire Department firefighters and were distributed to children and families in the Long Beach area.