Dear Neighbor,

Thank you to everyone who attended the Historic VIP Records Sign Restoration and Installation Workshop at Martin Luther King Park. It was a packed house full of memories, ideas and vision for this project. Thank you to all the community members who provided invaluable feedback, I look forward to the continued progress of this restoration. Your input will help guide the design of this future destination for World Famous VIP Records.

I would also like to extend my congratulations to Ellen May Dillepre on your retirement after 32 years with the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department. I wish you all the best!

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

I also encourage all District 6 residents to attend the upcoming budget oversight committee meetings, share your ideas, and make your voice heard. Together, we can build a budget that reflects the needs and priorities of our community.

While we know some difficult choices lie ahead, our goal is to preserve the programs and services that our residents value most. Your feedback will help inform these important budget discussions.

Please do not forget to submit a digital comment card. The form closes tonight on August 14th at 11:50pm.

click here to submit a comment.

Watch the full budget presentation here.

To review the budgets, click here for the City's budget website.

The next City Council meeting will take place on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.

I want to bring to your attention that there will be a continued Budget Hearing for the Police Department:https://longbeach.primegov.com/search/itemsearch?searchItemId=63085

Please find the full agenda here: https://longbeach.primegov.com/Portal/Meeting?meetingTemplateId=36583

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

• 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

• 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) 570-2700-Ext. 8
• Trash in Street: (562) 570-2876
• Long Beach Utilities: (562) 570-5700

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

Long Beach Job Corps Center

Doing Business with the City Webinar

Port of Long Beach's ADA Assesment Survey

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl Live in Concert

August 20, 2026

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. 

Upcoming Events

New Hope Academy of Change

Backpack Giveaway

August 21, 2026

Back to School Uplift the 6th Neighborhood Clean-Up

August 22, 2026

Local Hearts Foundation

Back to School Event

August 22, 2026

Wrigley Back to School Supply Fair

August 29, 2026

Shred Event

September 12, 2026

Neighborhood Clean-ups

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.

Disability Data & Community Survey

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!

Long Beach Technology and Innovation

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

Long Beach Economic Development & Opportunity Department

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. 

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 

Long Beach Police Department (LBPD)

Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

Long Beach Public Works & EES

City of Long Beach

 Digital Inclusion Initiative

Long Beach Office of Climate Action and Sustainability

Community Development

Don’t Miss Out – Go Solar in 2025!

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.

❄️ New Year, Cozy Care: Supporting Your Childcare Needs!

The Long Beach Early Learning Hub helps families connect with childcare, explore tuition assistance, and enroll in care—all through one simple application linking to 140+ local providers. Create your account today to find a program that fits your needs.

The Long Beach Public Library is now accepting applications for our 2026 - 2027 Youth Poet Laureate! If you're between the ages of 13 - 18 and have a love of poetry, we want to hear from you!

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

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.

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. 

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/