Long Beach police officers responded to a report of an intoxicated woman and identified her as Trish Herrera Spencer on October 18 around 12:12 a.m. The Alameda councilmember was attending the 2024 League of California Cities Conference and Expo, an event for local government leaders “looking to take their organization to the next level,” according to the event website.
On the scene just outside the location of the conference, the Long Beach Fire Department provided Spencer with medical treatment then assessed she needed to be transported to a local hospital.
“On October 18, 2024, at approximately 12:12 a.m., officers responded to the area of Pine Avenue and Broadway regarding an intoxicated female adult,” Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) told the Alameda Post in a statement about the incident regarding Spencer. “Long Beach Fire Department personnel responded to the scene, provided medical treatment, and transported the individual to a local hospital.”
The LBPD Information Officer said that, at this time, there is no indication a crime has occurred. Despite this, Spencer maintains she was the victim of a crime.
When contacted by the Alameda Post, Spencer shared the following statement:
Dear Alamedans,
As some of you may know, I sustained serious injuries during my recent trip to Long Beach for the League of California Cities Conference. Many of you have reached out to me expressing genuine concern and well wishes – thank you.
Unfortunately, a few social media sites and posters are posting that I was arrested and many other false statements. They are lies fabricated by political opponents attempting to smear my reputation. They’re the same people who have done this throughout my political career.
I have little recollection of the event. However, I believe I was the victim of a crime. I am still suffering from my injuries, including a concussion. Thus, I am not able to engage with journalists, bloggers and social media posters, but I am happy to share with Alamedans the information I am able to recollect regarding the Long Beach incident:
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- Prior to suffering my injuries, I left a Conference related function around 11 p.m. I was not arrested or charged by the police. I was treated by EMS and ER staff in Long Beach for medical attention.
- Notwithstanding my injuries, I was able to catch my scheduled flight home on Friday afternoon and began follow-up treatment early the next morning.
- Follow-up treatment at a local hospital ER Department documented a concussion and abrasions and bruising to the top and side of my head as well as bruises on the inside and outside of my arms. My medical provider explained that she was required by law to file a Suspicious Injury Report, which is required when there’s a reasonable suspicion that my injuries were from an assault or abusive conduct by a third person against me, etc.
- Some of my valuable personal belongings, including jewelry, are missing.
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It’s been an honor to serve you and volunteer alongside you for the past 25+ years. Again, thank you to all of you who have and continue to support me in my recovery from this horrific event. I look forward to continuing to serve all Alamedans.
The League of California Cities Conference attracts hundreds of leaders from all sections of city government, including mayors, councilmembers, city managers, city clerks, city attorneys, fiscal officers, and other city staff. This year’s conference, which took place from October 16 – 18, offered a roster of more than 100 speakers discussing innovative leadership education. The California League of Cities is a membership organization representing California’s cities and advocating for their interests at the state and federal levels. The organization provides resources, training, and a platform for collaboration among city officials to address common issues and promote effective governance.
Spencer is up for re-election next month for one of two seats on Alameda City Council. The Post will continue to follow this story as more details emerge.
Kelsey Goeres is the Managing Editor of the Alameda Post. Contact her via [email protected]. Her writing is collected at AlamedaPost.com/Kelsey-Goeres.
