Volume 258 | September 11, 2026 | | |
This was a challenging budget year for Long Beach. We entered this budget cycle facing a significant structural deficit and were faced with the difficult decisions on how to maintain the services our residents depend on while protecting the city’s long-term financial stability. A majority of the city council adopted a balanced budget, while protecting important services and making targeted investments in our communities.
Thank you to my colleagues, the Mayor, City Manager, city staff, Budget Oversight Committee, and most importantly, the residents who participated in this process and made their priorities known. I will continue working to ensure that Long Beach’s investments advance long-term economic stability, housing stability, public safety, healthy neighborhoods, community programs, infrastructure stability, and dignity for every resident.
This budget is not the end; it is the foundation for the work ahead. Please click here to read the budget actions.
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On this 25th anniversary of September 11, we pause to honor and remember the lives lost and the courage of the first responders and everyday heroes who ran into harms way for the sake of others. May we never forget their sacrifice or their example of standing together in resilience and compassion.
This morning the City of Long Beach observed a citywide moment of silence in remembrance and respect of all the lives lost 25 years ago.
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Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! From September 15 to October 15, we celebrate the rich cultures, traditions, histories, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities. Long Beach stands with our Hispanic and Latino community now more than ever and I honor their resilience, pride, and leadership in our communities.
This month also honors the independence days of many Latin American countries. September 15 marking the independence of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, and September 16 celebrating Mexico's independence.
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Continue reading to also learn more about upcoming events and City Council Meetings!
Thank you to all of our residents that reached out about council items, requests and concerns, and vision for our district. My office is ready to listen and help. You can reach us by emailing district6@longbeach.gov or calling (562) 570-6816.
Together, we will Forward the Sixth!
Dr. Suely Saro
Councilwoman, Sixth District
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The next City Council meeting will be on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.
Click here for the agenda:https://longbeach.primegov.com/Portal/Meeting?meetingTemplateId=36908
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Regular Agenda The City of Long Beach has resumed in-person City Council meetings at the Bob Foster Civic Chambers, located at 411 W. Ocean Blvd. City Council meetings occur every Tuesday except for the last Tuesday of the month.
City Council meetings are streamed online on Long Beach Television’s (LBTV’s) website, cable channels, and YouTube Channel.
For more information about Long Beach legislative meetings, visit www.longbeach.gov/cityclerk. Media inquiries may be directed to the Office of the City Clerk at cityclerk@longbeach.gov.
| View the Council Meeting Live Stream | |
For all public meeting live-streams and video archives: https://longbeach.primegov.com/public/portal
For public access on LBTV
Live: www.LBTV3.com or LBTV YouTube channel
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Notification of Delayed Refuse Collection
Thank you to all the residents who have brought their concerns regarding missed refuse collection to our attention.
The Department of Energy and Environmental Services Refuse Collection is experiencing delays with trash pick-up due to staffing shortages. Refuse is actively working to pick-up missed refuse collection the following day.
If you have experienced a missed refuse collection, please click here to report it or call the Refuse Hotline at 562.570.2876. You may also contact Council District 6 with questions and for assistance.
| Notification of Long Beach City Work | The MLK Park Community Center Roof Replacement is ongoing. | |
The Long Beach Utilities Department will be starting work, reconstructing a gas distribution regulator station at 324 E. Hill St. & alley east of Long Beach Blvd. The project start date is anticipated to begin the week of May 11th, 2026. The estimated duration for completion is approximately 2 months. For additional information, please contact Mr. Paul DeYoung, Manager of Pipeline Construction & Pipeline Maintenance, at (562) 570-2074. On-site Gas Maintenance Supervisor Mr. Tyler Diaz, at (562) 617-3457.
The Long Beach Public Works Department has started Street Improvement construction on the following streets:
- Long Beach Blvd from Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) to Willow Street - Beginning Summer 2026
- Orange Avenue from 11th Street to 15th Street - Beginning July 2026
- Werner Street from Orange Avenue to Warren Avenue - Beginning July 2026
- Dawson Avenue from E Anaheim Street to 14th Street- Beginning June 2026
For Project Information please call (562) 570-2700.
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Notification of Public Hearing
On Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at 4 p.m., The Long Beach Community Investment Company will
conduct a public hearing at Long Beach City Hall, 411 W. Ocean Blvd., 1st Floor, Civic Chambers, Long Beach, CA 90802.
The purpose of the public hearing is to allow for public input on the Permanent Local Housing Allocation Program (PLHA) Five-Year Plan for the 2024-2028 Formula Allocation (Plan), which describes how the allocated funds will be used to increase the supply of affordable housing. The City of Long Beach annually receives money from the California Department of Housing and Community Development PLHA Program for housing-related projects and programs that assist in addressing the unmet housing need of our local community. The 2024-2028 Formula Allocation includes funding available beginning July 2026 to February 2032.
Opportunity to Review and Comment on the City's Draft Plan for Expending PLHA Funding for Affordable Housing
Beginning August 27, 2026, draft copies of the PLHA Plan will be available for public review and
comment. Funding levels shown in the draft Plan are estimated amounts and are subject to change
based on final allocation amounts. The draft Plan can be downloaded from the “Stay Informed: Latest
News” section of the Long Beach Community Development Department website homepage at
longbeach.gov/lbcd, in-person at 411 W. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90802 or by contacting the
Housing and Neighborhood Services Bureau by email at NSB@longbeach.gov or by phone at (562) 570-6949.
Residents wishing to provide written comments must do so by September 8, 2026. Written comments maybe addressed to Housing and Neighborhood Services Bureau, Community Development Department,411 W. Ocean Blvd., 3rd Floor, Long Beach, CA 90802 or submitted via email to NSB@longbeach.gov.
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You can also always submit any concern via the Go Long Beach App!
Issues such as graffiti, potholes, and dumped items can be submitted for service requests at any time of day using the Go Long Beach app. You can track the status of any request receive communications from City staff about requests. The app is also fully available in Spanish, Khmer, and Tagalog.
| The District 6 office is also here to help! If you have any questions regarding anything you want to see in your neighborhood make sure to reach out via email at District6@LongBeach.gov or by phone at (562) 570-6816. | Be prepared with Alert Long Beach Emergency Notification System! | |
Alert Long Beach Emergency Notification System Restored on New Secure Platform
Residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts
The City of Long Beach’s Alert Long Beach emergency notification system has been restored on a new, enhanced and secure platform, following a nationwide cybersecurity incident affecting the vendor’s legacy system last year. Residents and businesses can once again sign up to receive emergency alerts via text messages and/or voice messages to their cell number and/or email address.
| Mark your Calendars! Upcoming Events | | |
9/11 Memorial Stair Climb
September 12, 2026
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Shred Event
September 12, 2026
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Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
September 15, 2026
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Latino Health Fair and Hispanic Heritage Celebration
September 19, 2026
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California Coastal Cleanup Day
September 19, 2026
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A Taste of Youth Community Event
September 19, 2026
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Family Health Festival
September 26, 2026
| | Doing Business with the City Webinar | | |
Long Beach Economic Development & Opportunity Department
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The Long Beach Safe & Secure Grant Program provides financial assistance for small businesses to improve visibility and help protect employees, customers and storefronts.
Businesses with a storefront of up to 1,500 square feet may receive a grants of either $750 or $1,500 to purchase and install eligible security improvements. Grant amounts are determined based on business square footage, total exposed exterior and number of entrances and exits.
Eligible improvements may include security cameras, floodlighting, alarm systems, reinforced windows, doors and locks, point-of-sale systems and other eligible security upgrades. Eligible improvements may also include security fencing on a case-by-case basis, subject to compliance with applicable City codes and permitting requirements.
Funding will be provided as reimbursement after eligible security improvements are installed. Eligible applicants must operate a publicly accessible storefront within the City of Long Beach and hold an active City of Long Beach business license.
- Who can apply: Small businesses operating a publicly accessible storefront in Long
Beach with an active City business license.
- Grant amount: Eligible businesses with storefronts up to 1,500 square feet may receive
up to $750.
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Vacancy to Vibrancy Storefront Program
The Vacancy to Vibrancy Storefront Program, led by the Department of Economic Development & Opportunity, is designed to promote the revitalization of the City of Long Beach’s key corridors through art window installations to a select number of vacant storefront/commercial buildings as an effort to attract new tenants and improve curbside appearance.
Selected locations will benefit from pre-approved, free-of-cost storefront vinyl window wraparound installations, designed by local artists, with the aims to:
- Attract new tenants to untapped business corridors and dormant commercial spaces
- Improve curbside appearance and deter vandalism
- Fuel visitation and sales at local businesses
- Improve pedestrian comfort and enhance community spaces
- Encourage community engagement through the creative economy
Eligible vacant storefront/commercial buildings for the Vacancy to Vibrancy Storefront Program must meet basic eligibility requirements, demonstrate proof of ownership, extent of vacancy and undergo a competitive review, evaluation and selection process that requires additional documentation to determine the following measures:
- Impact on Location and Surrounding Area
- Level of Need for Program’s Implementation
- Feasibility of Project
If there is need for language translation of application, please contact our BizCare Team at 4Biz@longbeach.gov.
For assistance with this application, please contact BizCare at 562.570.4BIZ (4249) or BizCare@longbeach.gov.
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Vendor & Mobile Food Operators Long Beach Sidewalk to Success
Drop-In Office Hours
Calling all sidewalk vendors and mobile food operators!
The Long Beach Health Department is offering one-on-one open office hours to help you with:
- Food permitting
- Plan check requirements
- Food safety and more!
Meet us in person at:
Long Beach Health Department (2525 Grand Ave.)
Every Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Whether you're new to sidewalk vending or a seasoned pro, our team is here to help you navigate local and state regulations and keep your business on track.
Get support with one-on-one guidance and get your questions answered!
| | | City Department Updates, Programs, & Resources | Parks, Recreation, & Marine Notifications + Programming | | |
Long Beach Parks, Recreation, and Marine Issues Updated Operating Hours for
Parks Reservation and Registration Office
Office frequently used by community for in-person services and assistance.
Beginning Thursday, May 7, 2026, the City of Long Beach Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine (PRM) Reservation and Registration Office, located at the PRM Administration Office (2760 N. Studebaker Rd.), will update its operating hours for in-person services and assistance. This change will help staff complete internal operations earlier in the day, improving overall service efficiency and ensuring greater support during peak community demand.
PRM’s Reservation and Registration Office is used frequently by community members for in-person recreation class registration and assistance, submitting facility reservation forms and permits, payment processing and other customer services. Currently the office is open to the public on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Starting May 7 and until further notice, the PRM Reservation and Registration Office will be open for in-person services:
· Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
· Thursdays, 1 to 5 p.m.
Information about PRM’s full lineup of parks, facilities, programs and services is available at LBParks.org.
Media inquiries may be directed to Jennifer De Prez, Community Information Officer, Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine, at Jennifer.DePrez@longbeach.gov.
| | Parks, Recreation and Marine's Fall 2026 Recreation Guide is here! | | |
Registration for Long Beach’s Free After School Program Begins August 10th
This fall, the City of Long Beach Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine (PRM) will once again offer its free After School Program at park sites throughout Long Beach. After School Programs engage children ages 5 to 12 in fun activities such as sports, games, arts and crafts, special events and homework assistance during the after-school hours.
Online registration begins Monday, Aug. 10, 2026, at 9 a.m.
Programs will run weekdays, Aug. 24, 2026, through June 11, 2027, from either 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. or 3 to 6 p.m. at participating parks. After School Programs are non-custodial programs where participants may come and go at their own discretion. Staff will be onsite to provide a variety of activities in a welcoming environment.
Pre-registration is required and available online at LB RecConnect. Residents should click “Activities” and search “After School” to register. People in need of registration assistance may contact their local participating park for support. Those with limited access to a computer or smart phone may visit a public computer lab available at any open Long Beach Public Library location to register.
More information, including the complete list of all participating locations and their operating times, is available at lbcity.info/afterschoolprograms.
| | More Parks, Recreation & Marine Programs! | | |
We love our pets in central Long Beach. However, our office has reported an increase in calls concerning pet defecation and other concerns. Please be aware that the dog owner can be issued a citation if this is witnessed by an Animal Control Officer. Residents are also able to submit photos or videos depicting this or any other violation to Long Beach Animal Care Services. If they also provide the address of where the owner lives, they can be issued a warning and possibly a citation.
Please email AnimalControl.Dispatch@longbeach.gov for more information or to report concerns.
| | Animal Care Services Events & Resources | | |
Coyote Safety
Long Beach and surrounding jurisdictions are home to a healthy population of urban coyotes, and while they are a permanent and important part of our local ecosystem, keeping our community safe is a shared responsibility.
Long Beach Animal Care Services (LBACS) follows a science-based Coyote Management Plan that focuses on coexistence with our native wildlife neighbors. This guiding principle for managing coyotes is based on balancing respect for, and protection of wildlife and their habitats, while prioritizing public safety for people and pets.
As springtime approaches, residents should expect to see an increase in activity during the coming months, as this is pup-rearing season and coyotes are more active while hunting for their litters.
Report bold or aggressive behavior via the Go Long Beach online portal or app or via the Coyote Incident online form. LBACS tracks these reports and coordinates directly with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to prioritize public safety and address any aggressive activity. Additional information and resources is available on the LBACS Wildlife Program webpage.
| | Energy & Environmental Services Department |
Recycling Cart Exchange: SB State Law 1383
In compliance with SB state law 1383, the City will be exchanging the remaining purple recycling carts for blue recycling carts. There will be no change in service beyond the color of the cart. There is no additional cost to residents, no change in service levels, and no change in what is accepted in the recycling bin. Residents will receive the same size and number of recycling carts they currently have, just in blue.
The recycling cart exchange began Monday, February 2 and will take approximately six to eight months to complete. District 6 is scheduled to begin on Thursdays and Fridays.
Two teams will be deployed. One team will deliver blue recycling carts to all addresses on existing recycling routes, matching each household’s current cart size and quantity on their regular service day. A second team will collect the purple recycling carts, visiting each area at least twice on the delivery day and again the following week’s service day to ensure all purple carts are picked up.
Contact Info: 562-570-2876
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Organics collection
The City of Long Beach is rolling out residential organics collection for City-serviced accounts as part of the State of California’s mandatory Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Strategy (SB 1383) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote waste reduction. SB 1383 aims to keep organic material out of landfills by diverting yard trimmings and food scraps into dedicated green carts.
Organics Collection Rollout Schedule
The City is rolling out the program in phases based on regular collection service days. For addresses with multiple service days, the schedule may be adjusted based on service needs.
Residents will receive a mailer with a start date and a new green cart before service is set to begin.
Service is set to begin in October 2025 for District 6!
Cart) Collection Program this month. City-serviced households will receive a new green cart up to 2.5 weeks before service begins.
While your cart may arrive early, collection will not begin until the service start dates listed below. Additional details, including collection tips and accepted materials, will be mailed directly to households ahead of their start date.
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Report a Collection Issue
To report a collection issue click below
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Accessibility Made Easy: Business Owner Workshop
Join us for a free workshop designed to help Long Beach businesses and property owners learn fast, low-cost ways to improve building accessibility and reduce the risk of ADA‑related lawsuits. Led by Architect and Certified Access Specialist (CASp) Janis Kent of Stepping Thru Accessibility, this session explains how accessibility rules apply to existing and older buildings, what “readily achievable barrier removal” means, and which simple improvements can make your business more welcoming to customers.
Thursday, Sept. 17, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
LBWIN Adult Career Services Center (4811 Airport Drive, Rosie Room)
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Don’t Miss Out – Go Solar in 2026!
The City of Long Beach Development Permit Center makes the transition to solar simple and accessible.
The easy online permit process and expert staff are here to guide you every step of the way. Apply early to lock in your savings and join your neighbors in building a cleaner, greener Long Beach. For assistance, please contact us at 562.570.7648 or email Michael.Carrera@longbeach.gov.
Start your solar journey today! For more information, visit longbeach.gov/solarpermit.
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Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) + Safety Tips
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Long Beach Fire Department
| | Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) | | Long Beach Public Library | | Click below to see library hours, library card services, and library events! | |
Exciting News, Long Beach Utilities customers! You can now pay your bill, schedule services, and view your bill usage all in one place! Utilities customers can register on longbeach.gov/myutilityportal
Key features of MyUtilityPortal include:
- 24/7 account access to view water, sewer, gas, and refuse billing and usage
- Projected bill estimates based on real-time usage patterns
- Online service scheduling, reducing the need to call for appointments
- Customizable alerts and notifications to stay on top of account activity and service updates
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Upcoming Increases to Utility Rates
The Long Beach Board of Utilities Commissioners has approved rate adjustments as part of the upcoming $397.4 million budget for Fiscal Year 2026. Starting October 1, residents will see a 12 percent increase in water and sewer rates. For a typical single-family home, this means an average monthly increase of $8.26 for water and $1.47 for sewer.
In addition, gas rates will rise 15 percent in August, with another 12 percent increase set for April 2026. This results in an estimated monthly increase of $4.67 for the average household.
For more information, visit lbutilities.org.
Long Beach Utilities: Water, Gas, and Sewer Service Programs
Long Beach Utilities (LBUD) offers a range of programs and resources to help residents and businesses conserve water and natural gas while improving sustainability across our city. Learn more at lbutilities.org or call 5625702140.
WaterSmart Portal
Track your daily water use and gain insights into your consumption with the WaterSmart Portal. Staying informed helps you conserve and save.
Direct Install Appliance Program
LBUD offers a no-cost direct installation program for qualified residents, providing water and gas-efficient appliances to help lower utility bills and conserve resources.
Certified Blue Program
This program highlights and supports Long Beach businesses that go above and beyond by installing efficient fixtures and adopting sustainable practices. Businesses that qualify receive official recognition from LB Utilities.
Lawn-to-Garden Program
Get paid to replace your lawn with a climate-appropriate landscape. LBUD offers not only financial incentives but also funding for professional landscape design assistance.
Native Plant Parkway Program
Transform your parkway with native, drought-tolerant plants. LBUD provides the materials and guidance needed to make the switch at no cost.
Conservation Toolkit
LB Utilities also offers a conservation toolkit, courtesy of Joy Contreras, with helpful resources and tips to support residents in saving water and energy every day.
| | Long Beach Office of Climate Action and Sustainability | | Long Beach Technology & Innovation | | |
Discover Your Long Beach Digital Rights!
Are you interested in understanding how Long Beach’s tech works and the data it collects? We’re excited to announce a new series of short edutainment videos in partnership with 7Sun Media! These videos are designed to provide clear information, explain civic tech, and spark important discussions on technology.
Watch our first video here: lbcity.info/civictech
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The City of Long Beach has launched its AI Strategy
Our roadmap ensures we use Artificial Intelligence responsibly and transparently—building public trust, minimizing risks, and safeguarding City data. We’re empowering staff, boosting efficiency, and supporting our entire LB community in learning about and safely using AI.
Learn more about our AI Strategy and see how we’re shaping the future of Long Beach together
| | Professional & Civic Engagement Opportunities | | |
Call for Commissioner Applications
Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson is calling on the "Best and Brightest" across the city to apply to serve on City Commissions. Mayor Richardson has made access to these opportunities a priority and is seeking applicants from across the city to help ensure that our Commissions best reflect the communities they serve.
Below are the available Commission vacancies for the next round of appointments later this Spring. If you are interested, please submit your application on the Mayor's website at:
MAYOR'S COMMISSIONS PAGE: Commissions Boards Committees
| | Community Corner: Resources & Programs | | Resources & Programs for Families | | Resources & Programs for Students | | CalKIDS is a program from the State of California that funds up to $1,500 in free money for eligible low-income public school students to save for college and career training. Visit CalKIDS.org to claim your account. | | |
Port of Long Beach Community Grant
The Port of Long Beach Community Grants Program invests in community projects outside the Harbor District to minimize port impacts related to air, noise, water, and traffic. The CGP prioritizes projects in the neighborhoods and corridors where these impacts are most acutely felt. It builds upon the success of the Port’s previous mitigation grant programs and provides additional funding for community programs and capital projects with long-lasting neighborhood benefits.
The Community Grants Program awards funding to support programs and projects in three key areas, each designed to reduce or alleviate the health impacts associated with port-related operations.
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Love Your Block Mini-Grant Application
| | Voice your opinion: Surveys! | | Long Beach Olympics Community Survey | | Port of Long Beach's ADA Assesment Survey | | |
Disability Data & Community Survey
| | City of Long Beach Values Act | | The Long Beach Values Act is a local ordinance that protects the rights and privacy of all residents, regardless of immigration status. It limits how city departments collect and share personal information, restricts cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, and supports immigrant communities through funding for legal defense and public education. | | City of Long Beach Digital Inclusion Initiative | |
- Animal Care Services: (562) 570-7387
- Broken/Inoperable Traffic Light and Signs: (562) 570-3264
- Burnett Library: (562) 570-1041
- Code Enforcement: (562) 570-2633
- Damaged Trees: (562) 570-2700-Ext. 4
- Graffiti Abatement: (562) 570-2773
- Gas Emergency: (562) 570-2140
- To request special collection, call the hotline at (562) 570-2876
- Illegal Dumping: (562) 570-3867
- Mark Twain Library: (562) 570-1046
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- Noise Abatement: (562) 570-4126
- Neighborhood Services Bureau: (562) 570-6866
- Overflowing Sidewalk Trash Can: (562) 570-2876
- Parking Enforcement: (562) 570-2866
- Police, Non-Emergency: (562) 435-6711
- Pothole: (562) 570-3259
- Public Works: (562) 570-5000
- Shoes hanging on Power/Utility Lines: (562) 2700 Ext. 8
- Trash in Street: (562) 570-2876
- Long Beach Utilities: (562) 570-5700
| | The Long Beach Independent Redistricting Commission unanimously approved a new Council District Map and it went into effect on December 18th, 2021. This map is the new Council District 6 boundaries for the next ten years. For more information go to:https://www.longbeach.gov/redistricting/ | | |
Councilwoman Dr. Suely Saro
6th District Council Office
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Chief of Staff: Chork Nim
Legislative Deputy: Jon'Nae Sylvester
Community Affairs Deputy: Emily Manus
Administrative Aide: Emily Arellano
City Hall
411 W. Ocean Boulevard, 11th Floor
Long Beach, CA 90802
Council District 6 Field Office Visits at:
- Dale E. Clinton Resource Center (formerly Central Health Facility at King Park) 1113 Rhea St. Long Beach, CA 90806
Phone: 562-570-4420
- Ernest McBride Park 1550 Martin Luther King Ave Long Beach, CA 90813
Phone: 562-570-4006
Email: District6@longbeach.gov
Phone: (562) 570-6816
If you are experiencing an emergency, please call: 911
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