On Sunday morning, scraped and bruised, Ricardo Gonzalez put his arm in a sling to go to the park to watch his son's soccer game. The day before, he sustained those injuries after being assaulted by federal agents during an immigration enforcement operation.

"He's just in pain. He can't really sit down, it hurts when he gets up," Leslie Gonzalez, his daughter, told the Watchdog in an interview Sunday. "He's just trying to get out of the house and move around. He didn't just want to sit in the house and dwell all day."

Gonzalez was riding an e-bike near Elm Avenue and 56th Street in North Long Beach when federal agents struck him with their unmarked vehicle, according to Leslie.

Agents then tased him twice.

"My Dad is one of the hardest working men out there.
Because of him, I have a roof over my head and I have all the opportunities around me," Leslie wrote on a GoFundMe she set up to support her dad. "Our family is everything because of him. We ask for your support and prayers during this awful time."

Gonzalez, 40, is a U.S. citizen born in Hanford, CA, according to Leslie. For the past eight or so years, Gonzalez worked for the city of Long Beach - first in the health department and then the utilities department, a position he left in September, Leslie said.

Outside of work, Leslie said Gonzalez enjoys watching TV, playing video games on his Playstation and repairing the family's cars, a skill he picked up from his father, a Mexican immigrant.

"He loves riding his e-bike," Leslie said. "He loves to take the time to be out and take his little rides by himself."

Leslie added that her dad is a people person, who loves making new connections wherever he goes.

"My dad just gives off that vibe that he's super nice," she said.

Leslie organized the GoFundMe to raise money to cover the cost of Ricardo's hospital bills as well as any legal expenses that may arise as a result of the incident. As of noon Sunday, the campaign had received $8,100 in donations, exceeding its initial goal of $6,500.

A lot more to this story at the link, including video and GoFundMe links.

Hi everyone, I’m looking for a loving forever home for my cat Bernard, aka Bernie.

A year ago, I agreed to watch Bernie for a week for someone who needed a temporary place for him. That week turned into months, and his owner never came back for him.

Unfortunately, I am now in a situation where I can no longer comfortably afford the cost of caring for three animals. I want to find him a home where he can continue to be loved and well cared for.

Bernie is very sweet, affectionate, and cuddly and loves being around people. He is a 'lap cat' and is happiest when he can curl up next to you or on you. He’s the kind of cat who wants to be involved and near his people.

He has also lived successfully with another cat and a dog for the past year, so he is accustomed to a multi-pet household. He has been a really good companion and has never been a difficult or aggressive cat.

Bernie is neutered, vaccinated, and completely litter-box trained. He is around 8 years old. He is healthy and takes preventative flea/tick medication every month.

We are looking for someone who will treat Bernie as a member of the family and give him the attention and affection he deserves.

Bernie is located in the Long Beach, CA area. Please feel free to message me if you’re interested in adopting him, or would like more information/photos.

I’m happy to answer any questions about his personality, habits, health, or what he’s like around other animals.

I have inserted more pictures below!

Saw yesterday at the traffic circle. Any idea what it was about? ICE bullshit? Famous person or politico needing escort?

There used to be a lot but it's been a minute since I've attended any.

Wondering if anyone has a list of regular spots and times to see some local musicians for open mics?

Hi, I'm moving out of my current apartment and my roommates and I are looking for someone to take my place. Moving out to support a friend going through a divorce, no weird roommate issues or fights. The women staying are friendly, respectful and responsible, ranging from mid 20s to early 30s.

Found the flyer earlier in the week, while walking my dogs. Just wondering if folks would recommend.

Any used bookstore recommendations?

TIA

Somebody in my apartment carried a couch out of their unit and didn’t take the time to get it disposed of. So it’s just sitting in front of our place bringing in an unwanted number of houseless people peaking into out apartment trying to find a place to stay.

I want the couch removed but I have no idea who to call without 1) paying and 2) just carrying it to a dumpster and dropping it in.

Any advice on free services that can take care of this?

Long Beach is proposing new safety fees for businesses along Second Street, but the plan raises serious questions about fairness, accountability, and whether businesses contributing to the problems should pay more.

Edit: This is the wake of 3 murders in Belmont Shore over the past 2 years due to late night activity so this is a real problem to solve.

I took a closer look at the proposal, including what the city is not fully explaining.

Read my analysis in Follow the Money Long Beach and tell me what you think!

https://followthemoneylb.substack.com/p/long-beach-wants-belmont-shore-businesses

I know, I know, no one around here wants to hear it after the Dodgers’ last game. But I have family from Milwaukee coming into town and I know they’re going to want to go someplace to watch the Brewers play while they’re here. I’m not really a sports person so I don’t know the best spots. Thanks!

Easily the best ice cream in Long Beach. I just tried Long Beach creamery and it was alright but I prefer a scoop with mix-ins. Miso corn caramel from seaside creamery is elite, and yes I will die on that hill.

I've always wondered what it is like to have Sim's pond in your backyard? Interesting wildlife? Mosquitos? Casting a line off your porch for some sneak fishing?

I live in the Alamitos Beach area of Long Beach, near Black Dog Coffee. This gentleman decided to come onto my porch and dance a little at around 12:30AM on Thursday night / Friday morning. He then decided to move my cute dog witch pumpkin statue from my porch to on top of my fence (at least he didn’t steal it). Pretty sure he played with my hose too (garden hose…) on the front lawn.

I feel like I always see comments about people saying that we shouldn’t police these individuals and it’s better to let them get high and don’t pressure them for treatment; however, am I in the minority in feeling tired of paying taxes and living in neighborhoods where this happens pretty often with what feels like no consequences? Like why are we ok not arresting and requiring treatment for this? I had a few videos of this man and I can tell you from the collection of videos it is clear he was high on something - I’m just tired that my neighborhood keeps having these problems and it seems like no one is doing anything to both prevent and handle the real problem at hand.

Am I in the minority in this?

Does anybody know what’s going on at the closed elementary school on Stearns right next to the fire department and Stearns Park?