Volume 232 | January 1, 2026 | | |
As we say goodbye to 2025, I’m proud to reflect on the incredible progress we made together. This year has been a testament to what we can achieve through collaboration and partnership. Thank you for your dedication to improving our community and neighborhoods—I couldn’t do this without you!
Wishing you and your loved ones a Happy New Year filled with health, safety, peace, prosperity, and joy. Let’s celebrate responsibly and with gratitude for all we’ve accomplished and all that lies ahead. Cheers to a better 2026!
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Continue reading to 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
| | 2026 MLK Parade and Celebration | | |
The City of Long Beach and Office of Sixth District Councilwoman Dr. Suely Saro proudly present the 38th annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade and Celebration, a family-friendly event honoring the life, legacy and values of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The event will take place Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, in Central Long Beach.
The 2026 festivities will begin with the parade kickoff at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue and Anaheim Street, followed by the park celebration from noon to 5 p.m. at Martin Luther King Jr. Park (1950 Lemon Ave.). The park celebration will include a main stage with live entertainment, a kid zone, food and merchandise vendors, and more.
The annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade and Celebration is a longstanding tradition that celebrates the diverse community of Central Long Beach. This festival serves to honor and keep alive the ideals of Dr. King through arts, remembrance and meaningful perspectives.
Local businesses, nonprofit organizations and community groups interested in participating in the parade may submit a parade application now through Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. Participants are encouraged to incorporate appropriate elements that honor the life and legacy of Dr. King, such as quotes, photos, banners or flags.
The City is also seeking friendly, eager and enthusiastic volunteers to support the parade and park celebration. Volunteers must be ages 18 years or older, and responsibilities will include standing at barricades to ensure the safety and enjoyment of parade participants and spectators, staffing the information booth, trash collection and general assistance with event set up and break down. Residents, local businesses, nonprofit organizations and community groups interested in volunteering at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade and Celebration can find more information and sign up for volunteer shifts via the online registration link.
More information about the parade and celebration will be available at a later date at longbeach.gov/mlkparade/.
The 38th Annual Dr.Martin Luther King Jr Parade & Celebration will be on January 17th, 2026
MLK Park, 1950 Lemon Ave, Long Beach, CA
Parade Application
tinyurl.com/2026MLKParade
Volunteer Form
tinyurl.com/2026MLKVolunteer
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The 2026 MLK Advisory Committee in partnership with We Got This LB Cares and Friends of MLk Park presents the 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Poetry Contest. The application is now open for this wonderful opportunity for Long Beach students to express their creativity and honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr by lifting up unity, equality, and justice in our community.
Students in grades K through 12 who attend a Long Beach school or are home-schooled in Long Beach are eligible to participate. Poetry should be inspired by this year's theme, “Rise Up, Stand Up for His Dream,” and entries must be 200 words or less.
Judges will review submissions for creativity, originality, and how well each poem reflects the theme. Winners will receive special recognition and will also have the chance to perform their poem at the 38th Annual MLK Celebration on January 17, 2026.
Entries are due by January 5th, 2026 at 11:59 pm.
Encourage a young writer in your life to apply today. Submit your entry by scanning the flyer or click this link.: https://tinyurl.com/2hy37j4y
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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 | | | |
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. | | 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 Preparing For Upcoming Weather Event, Encourages Residents to Take Precautions | | |
The National Weather Service has forecasted a storm system for the Los Angeles/Long Beach region starting Tuesday, Dec. 23 and fairly steady through Friday, Dec. 26. The storm is forecasted to bring moderate to heavy rain to Long Beach. The City of Long Beach is implementing its inclement weather action plans and will be monitoring and addressing major issues as they occur.
The City is advising residents to prepare now, commute safely and avoid flooded roadways and intersections. The City is advising residents in historically vulnerable, low-lying areas of the city, including along the peninsula and Alamitos Bay, to be vigilant and prepare for potential localized flooding, as is customary during these weather systems. Protective berms remain built and fortified in vulnerable beach areas to safeguard residents and property. Residents should call 9-1-1 for emergencies.
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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.
· Monday service: Started June 2025
· Tuesday & Wednesday service: Starts August 12–13, 2025
· Thursday & Friday service: Starts October 9–10, 2025
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- 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) 570-2700-Ext. 8
- Trash in Street: (562) 570-2876
- Long Beach Utilities: (562) 570-2390
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Holiday TreeCycling Drop-Off
December 24th 2025 - January 9th 2026
| | City of Long Beach Launches Vacancy to Vibrancy Storefront Program to Revitalize Business Corridors | |
The City of Long Beach Department of Economic Development & Opportunity (EDO), in partnership with the Arts Council for Long Beach (ACLB), has announced the Vacancy to Vibrancy Storefront Program (Program), a new initiative that will help transform vacant commercial properties into visually engaging community assets through art installations created by local artists.
The Program provides property owners with free-of-cost vinyl window wraps designed to enhance curb appeal, deter vandalism and attract new tenants to the city’s diverse business corridors. Eligible property owners can apply to have their storefronts temporarily wrapped in artwork inspired by Long Beach’s unique neighborhoods, culture and history. Property owners interested in participating can review eligibility requirements and apply online.
EDO staff will lead the application and selection process to identify suitable vacant commercial properties, while ACLB will manage artist engagement, design and installation. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, generally within 60 to 90 days. Preference will be given to long-term vacancies located along key commercial corridors. The Program application will remain open until all funds are exhausted. Once a vacant property is leased, the art installation will be removed, making way for new tenants while leaving behind a more vibrant and inviting corridor.
| | Long Beach Animal Services Launches New Pet Licensing Program with DocuPet | |
The City of Long Beach has enhanced its pet licensing process to be easier for local pet owners. Long Beach Animal Care Services (LBACS) has partnered with DocuPet, North America’s leading pet registration and lost pet recovery service, to introduce residents to a modern licensing system designed to protect pets and bring them home safely if they go missing.
Through the new service, every pet registration at LBACS will now include a DocuPet license tag and access to HomeSafe, a 24/7 lost pet service. Each tag features a unique identification code linked to a secure online pet profile where owners can upload photos and add behavior notes, medical information and emergency contacts to quickly identify and reunite a lost pet with their family. If a pet goes missing, pet owners can list a Lost Pet Report, which will be shared instantly with Petco Love Lost, the nation’s largest photo-matching lost and found database, and DocuPet’s National Animal Shelter Network. This allows shelters to quickly identify pets using identification codes, microchip data and unique markings. Combined with DocuPet’s dedicated dispatch team and community partners, these tools will help expedite lost pet reunifications, often before entering a shelter.
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CNAC Community Meeting
January 14th, 2025
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Disability Data & Community Survey Kick-Off Celebration January 14th, 2025
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Community Recreation Services Job Fair
January 24, 2025
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Long Beach Sidewalk to Success
Drop-In Office Hours
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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!
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Long Beach Economic Development & Opportunity Department
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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.
| | City of Long Beach Updates | | |
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
| | City of Long Beach Resources | | |
Long Beach Police Department (LBPD)
| | Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) | | | |
City of Long Beach
Digital Inclusion Initiative
| | | Long Beach Office of Climate Action and Sustainability | | | |
Don’t Miss Out – Go Solar in 2025!
The City of Long Beach Development Permit Center makes the transition to solar simple and accessible. By installing solar panels, you can save on monthly energy costs, increase the value of your home, and take advantage of federal tax incentives before they expire on December 31, 2025.
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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Save Time and Money on Your ADU Project with the City’s Pre-Approved ADU Program!
The City’s Pre-Approved Accessory Dwelling Unit Program (PAADU) helps property owners streamline their ADU projects with beautiful, pre-approved designs that simplify planning, reduce costs and speed up construction.
Please note: The City's current roster of PAADU designs expires Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. Submit your application before the end of the year to take advantage of this program!
Get started by contacting PlanCheck.Counter@longbeach.gov or visiting longbeach.gov/paadu.
| | 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
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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.
| | 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/ | | |
Councilwoman Dr. Suely Saro
6th District Council Office
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