Bars in Long Beach's Belmont Shore neighborhood agreed to close at midnight for the next month due to public safety concerns.

Once mostly retail and restaurants, the area transformed into a late-night bar scene that is often rowdy and sometimes violent. Following a deadly shooting two weeks ago, Mayor Rex Richardson denounced the behavior and vowed to hold late-night establishments in the area accountable for "growing disorder."

"Let's be clear — the growing disorder and unsafe behavior linked to certain late-night establishments is unacceptable and will not be ignored," he said. "Belmont Shore is a residential neighborhood first, and our residents deserve peace and safety in their own community."

Councilwoman Kristina Duggan said the problems have continued this past weekend, with

See Full Page