Official City of Long Beach Statement Regarding Cease and Desist Notices for Unpermitted Event on October 11, 2025

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PRESS RELEASE

The City of Long Beach is aware of a social media post accusing the City of "targeting" a specific event that was advertised to be held on Saturday, 10/11/25, with two separate notices to cease and desist. This is not an accurate assessment of the intent behind these notices.

A cease and desist letter was initially issued because the organization failed to obtain the required event and charitable solicitation permits for a planned music event and fundraiser at the beach. When the organizers moved the event to a retail business location that also lacked the necessary entertainment permit, a second cease and desist letter was sent.

The City has a responsibility to ensure that all public events and entertainment activity are properly permitted. The permitting process is necessary for the safety and well-being of all involved, as well as to ensure appropriate measures are in place for those that want to enjoy adjacent spaces and residences. The permitting process can take several days to finalize and issue depending on the scope and complexity of the event. The City does not "target" unpermitted events. Notices and other communications are issued when the City becomes aware of illegal event or entertainment activity through public complaints, word-of-mouth or advertising.

In this case, advance planning is appropriate for an event that promoted a musical lineup with fundraising on public property that already had heavy public use and nearby homes. Advanced planning for this event would include conditions to strike a balance between all users of the space, and address parking and safety concerns created from potential power-related equipment utilized to amplify the music and other issues that are regularly considered by experienced City staff.

The City, through its Business Services Division as well as its Special Events and Filming Office, regularly engages event organizers either through the permitting process or due to issues with unpermitted events. These regular communications are an opportunity for education and to resolve any permit issues and develop a plan to move forward to ensure public events are permitted and safe.

The City is engaged with the organizers of this specific event and provided options to hold this special event either at the beach after obtaining a Special Event Permit or, if indoors, with an Occasional Event Permit if at a location that does not have an existing entertainment permit. The City urges all organizers of any potential events in the City, especially one with music and entertainment activity, to first learn about event permits and understand if their event is subject to one, and if so, they should fill out an application and/or connect with an Event Coordinator to discuss further. More information regarding permits can be found here.

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