Local News
Pilot and Pedestrian Recovering After Small Plane Crash-Lands in Long Beach Park
An experimental home-built plane made an emergency landing in Long Beach’s Heartwell Park, injuring the pilot and a deaf pedestrian. Both survived and are recovering as the FAA investigates.
Last Updated on October 25, 2025 by Daily News Staff
Officials and aviation community share updates after an experimental aircraft made an emergency landing in Heartwell Park.
LONG BEACH, Calif. — October 25, 2025 — A routine flight turned into a life-threatening emergency Tuesday afternoon when a home-built experimental aircraft made a crash landing at Heartwell Park in Long Beach. The two-seat plane, piloted by an experienced aviator from the Compton/Woodley Airport community, came down on a soccer field, injuring both the pilot and a pedestrian walking her dog nearby.
According to officials, the plane suffered a power loss before touching down near Carson Street and Clark Avenue, where families and athletes often gather for recreational sports.
Emergency Landing and Rapid Response
The Long Beach Fire Department arrived within minutes of the call, finding the small aircraft on its belly with its landing gear collapsed. Both the pilot, an older male, and the pedestrian — later identified as Tiffany Harrison, 43 — were transported to local hospitals in moderate but stable condition.
“When units arrived, they found one small aircraft on its belly with broken landing gear. The fuselage was intact,”
— Long Beach Fire Department statement.
Mayor Rex Richardson called the outcome “a miracle,” emphasizing that despite the severity of the crash, there were no fatalities or life-threatening injuries.
“The good news is it could have been a whole lot worse,” Richardson said. “We are fortunate in that there have been no fatalities, no serious injuries.”
— Mayor Rex Richardson, Long Beach.
Updates on the Victims
Harrison, who is deaf, did not hear the aircraft’s approach as she walked her dog through the park. She sustained significant injuries, including fractures to her pelvis and spine, and a deep leg wound that required surgery and multiple blood transfusions. Her family reports that her dog was miraculously unharmed.
Her sister, Brittany McFall, shared that Tiffany’s recovery will be long and emotionally taxing.
“She’s probably going to have PTSD,” McFall said. “A normal person wouldn’t just walk in the park and have this freak accident happen.”
— via People Magazine.
The pilot, a veteran flyer affiliated with EAA Chapter 96, is also recovering in stable condition. Members of the aviation group described him as experienced and safety-conscious.
“He’s a good pilot. He’s been flying for many, many years,” said Dennis Lord, hangar manager for EAA Chapter 96. “They are certified by the FAA — there are hundreds of these aircraft flying over Southern California all the time.”
— via ABC7 Los Angeles.
The Aircraft and Ongoing Investigation
The aircraft is categorized as home-built experimental, a designation common among aviation hobbyists who construct and operate FAA-certified planes. The aircraft reportedly took off from Compton/Woodley Airport, made a stop in French Valley, and was returning west when the engine lost power.
Investigators from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are now examining the wreckage to determine the cause of the power failure.
Local aviation enthusiasts say the pilot’s decision to aim for the open soccer field likely saved lives.
“He did exactly what a pilot should do in an emergency — look for a clear, open space,” Lord added. “Heartwell Park was the safest possible place under the circumstances.”
— EAA Chapter 96 comment.
Community Reflection and Safety Awareness
The crash has renewed discussions around aviation safety in urban areas where recreational spaces and flight paths coexist. Long Beach residents expressed gratitude that the park’s youth leagues were not active at the time of the crash.
City officials have temporarily restricted access to portions of the park while federal investigators complete their fieldwork.
“This was an incredibly close call,” said Long Beach Parks and Recreation spokesperson Lydia Campos. “We’re reviewing protocols with aviation authorities to understand how we can better communicate when small aircraft operate near populated areas.”
Footnote:
During the Heartwell Park crash, Tiffany Harrison was walking her dog. Thankfully, while Tiffany was injured, her faithful companion escaped unharmed, a small relief amid the chaos. The community has expressed support and relief for both Tiffany and her dog, though no further details about the dog’s name or breed have been shared. (People, CBS Los Angeles)
Further Reading
For those following the story, here are several reliable sources with in-depth coverage and updates:
- Plane making an emergency landing on soccer field leaves 2 hospitalized – People
- Deaf woman hit by plane while walking her dog – People
- Small plane hit deaf woman walking dog when it crashed on Long Beach soccer field – ABC7 Los Angeles
- Woman hit by small plane that crash-lands at busy Long Beach park – Long Beach Post
- 2 hospitalized after small plane crashes in Long Beach – CBS Los Angeles
STM Daily News will continue to monitor updates from the FAA and NTSB as the investigation unfolds, as well as recovery reports from Tiffany Harrison and the pilot in the coming weeks.
📍 For more local updates, visit STM Daily News.
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Valley Metro to Exit CAPEX Capitol Extension After Phoenix Council Shifts Focus to Indian School Road Corridor
Valley Metro is shifting its focus on high-capacity transit planning in west Phoenix following a City Council vote, prioritizing a new corridor along Indian School Road while exiting the Capitol Extension project, CAPEX, and seeking community engagement.
Last Updated on March 6, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Valley Metro is officially shifting gears on high-capacity transit planning in west Phoenix following a Phoenix City Council vote earlier this year.
In a message to the public, Valley Metro said that after the Jan. 27, 2026 City Council decision to re-evaluate high-capacity transit options and prioritize a proposed West Phoenix corridor along Indian School Road, the agency will exit project development and the Federal Transit Administration Capital Investment Grant (CIG) process for the Capitol Extension (CAPEX) project.
What the City Council voted to do
According to Valley Metro, the Phoenix City Council voted to take another look at high-capacity transit options for west Phoenix and to prioritize studying a new corridor alignment along Indian School Road.
What Valley Metro is doing next
Valley Metro emphasized it still supports expanding high-capacity transit in west Phoenix, citing demand and mobility needs in the corridor. But the agency says it will now pivot away from CAPEX and toward the new study effort.
Key next steps Valley Metro outlined include:
- Exiting the CAPEX project development process and the federal CIG pipeline
- Advancing planning for the West Phoenix study along Indian School Road
- Centering comprehensive community engagement, including outreach to residents, business owners, and stakeholders along the corridor
- Working closely with the City of Phoenix on project development
- Coordinating with the Federal Transit Administration to explore funding opportunities
How to stay engaged
Valley Metro is encouraging residents to sign up for updates as the next phase moves forward at valleymetro.org/notices.
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amusement and theme parks
Inside the Wait for Mattel Adventure Park & VAI Resort in Glendale, Arizona
Last Updated on March 4, 2026 by Daily News Staff
What was once pitched as one of the most exciting new additions to Arizona’s entertainment landscape — a world-class resort and theme park featuring some of Mattel’s most beloved brands — has become a long-anticipated project marked by persistent delays, evolving plans, and growing expectations.
A Vision Bigger Than a Theme Park
The centerpiece of the massive development near State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona is VAI Resort, a 60-acre luxury entertainment destination designed to combine upscale hospitality with dynamic entertainment. Plans include:
- Over 1,100 luxury hotel rooms spread across multiple towers, catering to visitors of all types.
- A beach-style water oasis with white sand and temperature-controlled pools — a first for Arizona.
- A state-of-the-art concert amphitheater for national performers and DJ-driven nightlife.
- Dozens of restaurants, lounges, shopping experiences, and convention spaces. And anchored within this resort footprint is the long-awaited Mattel Adventure Park — a theme park bringing Hot Wheels™, Barbie™, Thomas & Friends™, and other iconic Mattel brands to life.
Construction Progress — Visible and Ongoing
The resort and park construction continue visibly along Cardinals Way and West Cardinals Way just south of the State Farm Stadium area. Over the past several years, crews have been steadily working on building structures for the resort’s hotels, water features, and entertainment venues.
For Mattel Adventure Park specifically:
- Core infrastructure and coaster track supports have been erected, including sections of the distinctive Hot Wheels-themed attractions, though construction has been slower than initially anticipated.
- The project’s official construction live-camera feed continues to stream real-time activity, underscoring that work is not abandoned even if progress isn’t tracking toward imminent completion.
In support of the wider development, the City of Glendale approved construction of a large parking garage designed to handle tens of thousands of visitors tied to future resort events and park operations.
Most recently, the resort’s developer expanded its footprint by acquiring an additional 33 acres of land to support future hospitality, residential, and commercial uses — a sign of long-term confidence in the destination despite timeline shifts.
Opening Date Ambiguity and Shifting Targets
From the outset, Mattel Adventure Park was slated to open in coordination with major regional events — originally pegged for 2022 and the Super Bowl LVII timeframe — then revised for 2023, 2024, and late 2025.
Similarly, VAI Resort itself has repeatedly shifted its projected debut:
- In April 2025, resort officials were targeting late 2025 for phased openings.
- By late 2025, that target had quietly dropped from public materials, and the official website no longer listed a specific opening date.
- As of early 2026, VAI Resort officials have refused to commit to any set opening date, saying they intend to announce a timeline only 9–12 months prior to launch — a stance that has left Arizona residents and visitors without concrete expectations.
There’s no public evidence yet that Mattel Adventure Park will open in early 2026, and some observers speculate the project may slide further into the future before doors open to the public.
What Guests Can Expect (When It Opens)
When ultimately completed, Mattel Adventure Park promises a unique experience distinct from traditional amusement parks:
- Hot Wheels™ Bone Shaker™ and Twin Mill™ Racer coasters
- Barbie™ Beach House with themed experiences
- Interactive zones featuring Thomas & Friends™ and other Mattel franchisesAll designed to appeal to families, children, and thrill seekers alike.
Beyond the park itself, the resort’s expansive amenities — including beaches, concert venues, fine dining, luxury spas, and convention space — intend to make Glendale a year-round entertainment hub for visitors from across the Southwest and beyond.
Looking Ahead
With additional land purchased and visible work continuing on multiple fronts, the broader VAI Resort and Mattel Adventure Park project is far from stalled, even if its opening dates have become increasingly uncertain.
Industry watchers and local residents alike will likely continue to track construction progress closely, waiting for the first official announcement of firm opening dates — a milestone the resort has said it’s now hesitant to set prematurely.
Track updates on the VAI Resort official website and the project’s construction live camera feed.
For more information about Mattel Adventure Park and VAI Resort, visit the Official website
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Last Updated on March 2, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Early risers in Arizona are in for a celestial show.
On Tuesday, March 3, 2026, a total lunar eclipse will be visible across much of North America — including Phoenixand the Valley. During this event, the Moon will pass completely into Earth’s shadow, turning a deep copper-red color often called a “Blood Moon.”
Here’s what you need to know.
🌍 What Is a Total Lunar Eclipse?
A total lunar eclipse happens when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align perfectly, with Earth positioned directly between the Sun and the Moon. As the Moon moves into Earth’s darkest shadow (the umbra), it doesn’t disappear — instead, it glows red.
That reddish color comes from sunlight filtering through Earth’s atmosphere — essentially, we’re seeing all the world’s sunrises and sunsets projected onto the Moon at once.
🕒 Phoenix Viewing Times (MST)
Arizona does not observe Daylight Saving Time in March, so these times are in Mountain Standard Time (MST).
- 1:44 a.m. – Penumbral eclipse begins (subtle dimming begins)
- 2:50 a.m. – Partial eclipse begins (Earth’s shadow becomes clearly visible)
- 4:04 a.m. – Totality begins 🌕
- 4:34 a.m. – Greatest eclipse
- 5:03 a.m. – Totality ends
- 6:18 a.m. – Partial eclipse ends
- 7:20 a.m. – Penumbral eclipse ends
The most dramatic portion — totality — lasts nearly one hour.
🌅 Where to Look in Phoenix
The eclipse happens in the pre-dawn hours, so the Moon will be low in the western sky as it sets.
For the best view:
- Find a location with a clear western horizon
- Avoid city light glare if possible
- Consider desert viewpoints, parks, or elevated areas around the Valley
Because the Moon will be setting as the Sun begins to rise, the backdrop of early morning twilight could make for stunning photography.
🔭 Do You Need Special Equipment?
No.
Unlike a solar eclipse, lunar eclipses are completely safe to view with the naked eye. However:
- Binoculars enhance color detail
- A small telescope reveals subtle shadow gradients
- A tripod and DSLR or smartphone with night mode can capture impressive images
🌎 Why This Eclipse Matters
This will be one of the most accessible celestial events of 2026 for Arizona residents. Total lunar eclipses don’t happen every year in the same location, and the timing — just before sunrise — adds dramatic visual contrast.
If skies are clear, Phoenix could have a spectacular view.
📌 Quick Viewing Reminder for Phoenix
Set your alarm for around 3:45 a.m.
Step outside by 4:00 a.m.
Look west
Watch the Moon turn red
No tickets. No crowds. Just the sky putting on a show.
For more science, space, and Arizona skywatching coverage, visit STM Daily News.
Related Coverage
- NASA: What Is a Lunar Eclipse?
- Time and Date: March 3, 2026 Total Lunar Eclipse Details
- Sky & Telescope: How to Watch the March 2026 Lunar Eclipse
- Space.com: Where and When to See the 2026 Blood Moon
- STM Daily News – Science & Space Coverage
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