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.

Anti-Trump protesters gather at the intersection of Main Street and Pacific Coast Highway for the “Good Trouble Lives On” protest against the Trump administration’s policies at the Huntington Beach Pier in Huntington Beach on Thursday, July 17, 2025. The nationwide rally takes place on the fifth anniversary of the death of Congressman John Lewis. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Hundreds protest Trump policies at ‘Good Trouble Lives On’ rallies across Southern California

July 17, 2025 at 5:55 p.m.

Community members across the region came out to honor the fifth anniversary of Congressman John Lewis' death and protest Trump administration policies.

Thirty-one workers, aided by rescuers, made it out safely after a stretch of tunnel under construction collapsed in Wilmington on Wednesday night, July 9, 2025. The employees were removed and received medical assessments, but none had visible injuries, said Brian Humphrey, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles Fire Department. (Photo courtesy KABC7)

Work stops and probe starts on tunnel that partially collapses in Wilmington — prompting rescue of 31 workers

July 11, 2025 at 6:20 a.m.

More than 100 firefighters, including members of the urban search and rescue team, responded.

Elijah West, 2 from Chino, scampers away as a large bucket dumps cool water onto visitors at The Cove Waterpark in Jurupa Valley on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. Temperatures are forecasted to reach into the high 90’s and low 100’s in the Inland Empire in the coming days. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

As heat wave ramps up, Southern California residents search for relief

July 10, 2025 at 7:01 a.m.

A mini heat wave is expected to bring triple digit temperatures to some parts of Southern California this week.

Zariah Walton, a 10-year-old from Lakewood, was presented with an award by Long Beach Fire Chief Dennis Buchanan at the 9-1-1 for Kids heroes award ceremony on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at the Long Beach Convention Center. (Photo by Christina Merino, Press-Telegram/SCNG)

Long Beach area youth, public safety dispatchers recognized for their efforts to save lives

June 26, 2025 at 3:58 p.m.

The organization 9-1-1 for Kids held a heroes award ceremony to honor local children and public safety dispatchers this week.

Cyber Yogurt owner Pablo Tamashiro prepares to make a delivery on Monday, June 16, 2025, in El Monte. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)

Immigration raids ratchet up anxiety, empty some businesses of customers and workers

June 16, 2025 at 5:15 p.m.

It is far from business as usual at Southern California car washes, restaurants, and shops.

ICE protesters face off with National Guard at a federal building in Los Angeles on Monday, June 9, 2025. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

Protesters return for 4th day as anti-ICE demonstrations continue in LA; Marines deployed to assist

June 10, 2025 at 10:45 a.m.

National Guard troops with riot shields pushed protesters into the streets, as tear gas was deployed and less-than-lethal rounds exploded in the roadway.

U.S. Marine Corps veterans Oso Gris, left, and Fabian Serrano run a vendor booth at L.A. Fleet Week on Monday, May 26, 2025, in San Pedro.The brothers served in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2005-06. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)

Fleet Week: Brothers served in military together; now share business with bold, hand-drawn designs

May 26, 2025 at 6:17 p.m.

WUN55, a military merchandise brand based in Riverside, was a vendor at this year’s LA Fleet Week. Brothers Fabian and Albert Serrano shared their story and welcomed all to their...

Throngs of visitors attend L.A. Fleet Week on Monday, May 26, 2025, in San Pedro. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)

Hundreds celebrate Memorial Day at final day of LA Fleet Week

May 26, 2025 at 4:33 p.m.

The day was packed with active duty ship tours, military displays and equipment demonstrations, live entertainment, food trucks and more.

Attendees of the annual LA Fleet Week tour the USS Carl M. Levin, an Arleigh Burke-class Aegis guided missile destroyer in San Pedro on Friday, May 23, 2025. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram/SCNG)

Day 1 of LA Fleet Week welcomes hundreds to celebrate nation’s service members

May 25, 2025 at 10:41 p.m.

The 10th annual LA Fleet Week started early Friday, May 23, with hundreds visiting active duty ships, Battleship Iowa, and more throughout the day.

Members of So Cal Pride Guard perform during the 42nd annual Long Beach Pride Parade as it travels west down Ocean Boulevard on Sunday, May 18, 2025. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram/SCNG)

Long Beach Pride Parade celebrates power of local LGBTQ community

May 19, 2025 at 11:14 a.m.

The annual Long Beach Pride Parade took place on Sunday morning, May 18, with thousands celebrating the local LGBTQ+ community.

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