Car Accident at Bixby Knolls Shop Highlights Rising Traffic Incidents in Long Beach
Tesla Crash Raises Safety Concerns on Atlantic Avenue
A recent crash involving a Tesla has intensified scrutiny over traffic safety on Atlantic Avenue in Long Beach, where rising incidents of traffic violence have resulted in more fatalities than homicides.
On Monday night, surveillance footage recorded the moment the Tesla veered off Atlantic Avenue and crashed into the facade of Sala Coffee and Wine. The incident is currently under investigation, and while the impact caused notable damage to the storefront, no injuries were reported. The coffee shop has temporarily closed as a result, but owners expressed relief that the situation was not worse.
“It turned our world upside down in a matter of minutes,” said co-owner Derrick Montiel. “A car ran straight into the building.”
Montiel and co-owner Brandee Raygosa described the crash as a significant setback for their small business, which had recently started to thrive. In response, friends have set up a GoFundMe campaign to assist with repair costs and lost revenue, while local coffee shops and customers have come together to offer support.
For many residents of Bixby Knolls, the crash comes as no shock. Community members report that Atlantic Avenue has long been known for its speeding drivers and frequent collisions. Raygosa noted that this incident marks the third crash directly in front of their shop, highlighting the ongoing dangers faced by pedestrians, cyclists, and local businesses.
“It needs to be looked at by the city council and the police department,” said neighbor Rashid Osheltree.
Recent city data underscores the growing concern. Long Beach has been identified as the eighth-deadliest city in California for traffic incidents. From July 2024 to July 2025, the city recorded 215 pedestrian-involved crashes, resulting in 13 fatalities, including individuals struck while in crosswalks. In total, 32 pedestrians, cyclists, or e-scooter riders lost their lives during this period, surpassing the 29 homicides reported.
City officials have initiated measures to enhance safety, including the installation of bike lanes and crosswalks, and planning for speed cameras. However, these cameras are not expected to start issuing citations until late 2026, a delay that has frustrated residents who believe immediate action is necessary.
A decade ago, Long Beach set an ambitious goal to eliminate traffic-related fatalities by 2026. In contrast, last year saw the highest number of traffic-related deaths in the city in a decade.
For business owners like Montiel and Raygosa, along with local residents who traverse Atlantic Avenue daily, the message is clear: urgent changes are needed to prevent further tragedies.
“We shouldn’t have to wait for these tragedies to keep happening,” Raygosa emphasized.
