In a recent incident that has left the Long Beach community disheartened, two individuals were captured on surveillance video stealing Christmas decorations from f/8 Studios, a local photography business. The event, taking place across from California Heights United Methodist Church, occurred early Tuesday morning. According to KTLA, a man and woman can be seen detaching and absconding with holiday blow molds of Frosty and Santa from right in front of the business.
Described by the co-founder of f/8 Studios, Marni Farmer, as "vintage holiday decorations," these cheerful yuletide figures were not merely ornamental – they were tokens of the studio's love for the season and its tradition of sharing that joy with the community. "We love Christmas. We love holiday time. We do a lot of decorating for our business and for our home. To have somebody walk up and take them ... It was really upsetting to us," Farmer said in a statement shared with KTLA.
This latest theft echoes past grievances, adding to a history of break-ins that the studio has endured. In July, f/8 Studios was the victim of a burglary where thieves made off with $50,000 in camera equipment. Despite Farmer's efforts to track down the equipment online and notify police, no restitution or closure was achieved. "Even though I know who stole my stuff, nothing has come of it. So now when two things worth a couple hundred dollars are stolen, there is no use talking to Long Beach PD," Michael Farmer told ABC7.
Despite the unpleasant event and their previous experiences with crime, the Farmers remain resolute in their commitment to festivity and community spirit. Michael Farmer, who also serves as a local Santa Claus and sponsor for the Cal Heights Christmas tree lighting, insists that the latest incident will not deter their holiday spirit or impact the studio's ongoing Santa experience, currently in its fifth year according to ABC7. In addition, the business still plans to hold its second annual tree-lighting event on Dec. 5, undaunted by the Grinch-like theft.
