Shoppers across the country visited the large department stores for deals on Black Friday and will purchase more gifts online on Cyber Monday, but one special day sandwiched in between brings more of a local flavor to the holiday shopping season.

Small Business Saturday is a newer tradition designed to entice shoppers to spend some money at the places that aren’t on every street corner or are in every city.

One city making Small Business Saturday a priority is Long Beach. The city announced that, in support of its local entrepreneurs and business owners, it is making metered parking free in the following areas on Saturday:

• Downtown Long Beach: Street parking south of 10^th Street, including the Pike Outlets.
• Belmont Shore: Street parking and the five public parking lots.

“Long Beach is home to a vibrant and diverse small business community,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “By shopping local on Small Business Saturday and all holiday season long, residents can discover hidden gems, support local entrepreneurs and help create a thriving economy.”

Businesses in the area include Coffee Drunk, which offered shoppers discounts on Saturday morning, I Luv Ur Buns, which is offering a free Baognet for every $30 spent, Prism Botique and Adelita’s Revenge. KTLA’s Erin Myers was at all four locations on Saturday, sampling some of their tasty treats and talking to some of the owners.

“Small businesses are the backbone of the country and it’s really important that consumers realize that,” said I Love Ur Buns chef Sonya Suon. “You’re giving back to your community and we really do need that support.”

Officers arrested a possible DUI and stolen vehicle suspect following a Friday evening pursuit in Los Angeles, police confirmed to KTLA.

According to the Simi Valley Police Department, an officer started following the car around 7:45 p.m. when they suspected the driver was operating the vehicle under the influence.

While following the car, police confirmed that it was a stolen vehicle out of San Diego.

The officer who was following the car tried to pull it over, but the driver took off, initiating the pursuit.

The chase moved onto a nearby freeway, and the Los Angeles Police Department soon assisted with an airship. LAPD continued to follow the car, eventually making its way into the West Hollywood area.

Details are limited, but the suspect was believed to be driving a black Chevy Camaro southbound on the 101 Freeway before they exited in Silver Lake just after 8 p.m.

The driver and passenger ran out of the car at around 8:15 p.m. and fled in separate directions. An LAPD airship stayed overhead.

Police say one suspect, the passenger, was detained almost immediately.

The driver went into the backyard of a residence after Sky5 observed them throw what looked like a cell phone over the fence into another yard.

Police say the driver was later detained following a brief search in the area of Edgemont Street and Melrose Avenue in East Hollywood.

Initial reports said the driver was eventually found hiding in a dumpster, but police did not immediately confirm this detail.

Police did say that there was suspicion that the two subjects were burglary suspects, as Simi Valley had a residential burglary shortly before the pursuit, but so far there is no connection.

Simi Valley Police did not immediately reveal the identity of either suspect.

Two suspects were arrested for allegedly offering prostitution services at their Riverside County massage parlor.

The suspects were identified as Li Guan, 40, from Monrovia, and Xao Tao, 47, from San Gabriel, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies received an anonymous tip that prostitution was reportedly occurring at a massage parlor located in the 27400 block of Jefferson Avenue in Temecula.

On Nov. 27, authorities from the sheriff’s department and the Riverside County Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force served a search warrant at the business.

Evidence found at the scene led to the arrests of Guan and Tao. Both suspects were taken into custody for solicitation of prostitution and booked into the Cois Byrd Detention Center. 

At least one victim discovered at the scene was offered resources and connected with victim advocate case managers.

“Human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation remain significant concerns in our community,” said the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office. “These crimes often involve manipulation, coercion, and exploitation, leading victims to engage in illegal activities against their will.”

Authorities emphasized that human trafficking is not a “victimless” crime. 

“Research shows that a majority of trafficking victims are women or children, many of whom have histories of abuse or trauma,” officials said.

Any suspicious or criminal activity can be reported by calling Sheriff’s Dispatch at 951-776-1099 or 911 for an emergency. Anonymous tips can be provided to We-Tip at 1-800-782-7463 or online at wetip.com.