News Assistant/Reporter

Christina Merino

Christina Merino received her bachelors degree in journalism at California State University, Long Beach in May 2022. She worked as opinions editor and arts & life assistant at the Daily Forty-Niner, tha campus newspaper. She also got an associate degree in communication studies at Antelope Valley College. She is an avid concert goer and likes to explore new places and eateries in the area.

Poolside performs on the main stage during day three of the BeachLife Festival in Redondo Beach on Sunday, May 3, 2026. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram/SCNG)

Last day of BeachLife began with a delay, fans still enjoy the music

May 3, 2026 at 6:33 p.m.

The BeachLife Festival had its final day on Sunday, May 3, but it was delayed because of a police investigation nearby.

The Redondo Beach Pier was evacuated and some nearby streets were closed because of a police investigation on Sunday morning, May 3, 2026. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram/SCNG)

Redondo Beach Pier reopens after swatting threat leads to police evacuation

May 3, 2026 at 6:54 p.m.

The threat led to an extensive police search, authorities said, but in the end, nothing was found.

President Trump posted a photo on social media of law enforcement detaining a suspect, Cole Thomas Allen, after a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, D.C., on April 25, 2026. (President Donald J. Trump via Truth Social)

Cole Allen, accused of trying to kill Trump, described as ‘apolitical’ as an undergrad

April 27, 2026 at 9:56 p.m.

'I had to prompt him to get him to agree Martin Luther King was justified in his actions,' said a fellow member of the Caltech Christian Fellowship.

Driver Alex Palou celebrates after winning the 51st Grand Prix of Long Beach in Long Beach on Sunday, April 19, 2026. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)

Spain’s Alex Palou wins Grand Prix of Long Beach to cap thrilling 3 days of motorsports action

April 20, 2026 at 6:53 a.m.

The marquee Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach is one of the most iconic races in the IndyCar Series. It will begin shortly before 3 p.m. Sunday.

Nataly Stein, owner of Butter and Cream Bakery, is a vendor at the 51st annual Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. (Photo by Christina Merino, Press-Telegram/SCNG)

Orange County bakery brings sweet treats to the Grand Prix of Long Beach

April 17, 2026 at 8:19 p.m.

Butter and Cream Bakery is one of many local vendors offering desserts and other food and drinks to attendees of the 2026 Grand Prix of Long Beach.

Indycar driver Nolan Siegel (6) hustles through the track in a NTT Indycar Series practice session during the 51st Grand Prix of Long Beach in Long Beach on Friday, April 17, 2026. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)

2026 Grand Prix of Long Beach: First day draws crowds from across the region — and other states

April 18, 2026 at 9:29 a.m.

The 51st Grand Prix of Long Beach kicked off on Friday morning, April 17.

A crew positions an IMSA car for viewing at Thunder Thursday on Thursday, Apr. 16, 2026, at the Pike Outlets in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)

2026 Grand Prix of Long Beach: Thunder Thursday kicks off race weekend

April 17, 2026 at 8:16 a.m.

The popular event once again welcomed hundreds to Long Beach, commencing festivities for this year’s Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach.

Artist, LaJon Miller’s mural that includes the name Long Beach, photographed on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach partnered with Long Beach-based nonprofit Creative Class Collective to commission a series of special murals on three of the event’s pedestrian bridges. (Photo by Dean Musgrove, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

2026 Grand Prix of Long Beach: Local artists bring color, creativity

April 14, 2026 at 2:09 p.m.

Eight local artists have completed murals for the Grand Prix of Long Beach’s pedestrian bridges.

Hundreds of spectators get close up views of race cars and meet drivers on Thursday, Apr. 10, 2025, at Thunder Thursday at the Pike Outlets in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)

2026 Grand Prix of Long Beach: Thunder Thursday to kick off race weekend

April 13, 2026 at 10:09 a.m.

People can get a taste of the Grand Prix of Long Beach during the annual Thunder Thursday event at the Pike Outlets on Thursday, April 16.

The 17th annual Cambodia Town Parade and Culture Festival in Long Beach on Sunday, April 6, 2025. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram/SCNG)

Long Beach’s 18th annual Cambodian Town Parade, Culture Festival returns this weekend

April 2, 2026 at 3:49 p.m.

The parade and culture festival are one of the largest events in Long Beach, celebrating Khmer traditions through food, music, dance and more, organizers said.

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