Welcome to our City Newsletter!
Greetings!

A lot is happening in Long Beach! Starting off with our Long Beach City Council voting to adopt our $3.2 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2024 (FY 24). The new investments made in the Adopted FY 24 Budget take into consideration priorities from the Long Beach City Council and key areas identified in the Long Beach Strategic Vision 2030 as well as community feedback from residents received during the budget development process throughout this year. We have all the details in this issue.

City Manager Tom Modica recently announced the appointment of Grace H. Yoon as the new Deputy City Manager for the City of Long Beach! Ms. Yoon has been employed with the City for more than 16 years, and most recently served as the Budget Manager for the Department of Financial Management since 2018 where she was instrumental in the management, administration and facilitation of the annual Citywide budget.

The City's homelessness emergency response efforts continue. Save the date and spread the word! We are hosting our seventh donation drive-thru to collect essential items to distribute to people experiencing homelessness on Saturday, Sept. 23, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. We also launched a digital timeline showcasing our local homelessness emergency response efforts throughout the emergency proclamation period from January 2023 through August 2023. Check it out!

Scroll down to get more information on resources, job openings, events and more.
Long Beach City Council Adopts Fiscal Year 2024 Budget
On Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023, the Long Beach City Council voted to adopt the City of Long Beach’s $3.2 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2024 (FY 24). The Adopted FY 24 Budget maintains current services while making significant one-time investments in key priority areas in line with the Long Beach Strategic Vision 2030, including commitment towards major infrastructure projects through the Elevate ’28 Plan. These initiatives aim to shape a future where all of the city’s diverse community members have a safe, clean, and healthy place to live, work and thrive.  
Long Beach City Manager Appoints Grace H. Yoon as Deputy City Manager
City Manager Tom Modica announced the appointment of Grace H. Yoon as Deputy City Manager for the City of Long Beach. Ms. Yoon will work alongside the City Manager and Assistant City Manager as part of the City’s Executive Management Team to implement City Council’s policies and programs serving the Long Beach community. Ms. Yoon will begin her role as Deputy City Manager starting on Oct. 7, 2023, with a transition period with the Budget Office until Dec. 1, 2023. Read more.
Long Beach Hosting Donation Drive Thru Event Saturday, September 23, to Support People Experiencing Homelessness
On Saturday, Sept. 23, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the City of Long Beach will host its seventh donation drive thru to collect essential items to distribute to people experiencing homelessness in Long Beach. The event will take place at the Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) Main Facilities Center, located at 2525 Grand Ave. Donations received during the event will be distributed at the Multi-Service Center to people experiencing homelessness and will also be available to local partner organizations to distribute.
Long Beach Launches Interactive Digital Timeline Showcasing Local Homelessness Emergency Response Efforts
Check out our newly launched timeline on the City's local homelessness emergency response efforts throughout the emergency proclamation period from January 2023 through August 2023. Stay informed and learn about our homelessness resources and programs.
Voices Of Homelessness: Searching For Polin Hem
Meet Polin Hem, he experienced homelessness and lived in the streets of Long Beach near MacArthur Park. He served in the military when his life took a sudden turn. Left with no where to go he was alone in the streets with his small dog Melfina. After multiple attempts from our Homeless Services Outreach team he finally agreed to get help. Fast forward to today, he has his own apartment. Check out our blog InsideLB and read our "People First: Voices of Homelessness" series where we share the lives of those who have overcome homelessness through the help of our services and resources.
City of Long Beach Seeks to Mass Distribute Water to People Experiencing Homelessness, Donating Water to Local Community Based Organizations to Further Efforts
In an ongoing effort to increase access to clean water and other essentials for people experiencing homelessness, the City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services’ Homeless Services Bureau is offering cases of water to local community-based organizations and advocates supporting people experiencing homelessness. Community organizations interested in receiving cases of water are encouraged to submit a water donation request form.
City of Long Beach Seeks Partnerships with Community Organizations to Serve Residents Experiencing Homelessness
The City of Long Beach is seeking partnerships with community organizations and local companies that are interested in collaborating with the City in our homelessness emergency response and assist in serving residents experiencing homelessness.
Participate in Long Beach's Donation Drive to Support People Experiencing Homelessness
We are still hosting our donation drive to collect a variety of essential physical items to provide to community members experiencing homelessness. We encourage everyone who is able to join the effort by donating needed items. Read more
City Continues to Accept Applications for Visual Improvement Program Grant
The application for the Visual Improvement Program (VIP) Grant is still available! This will support local businesses impacted by crime and vandalism on or after October 1, 2022. Eligible businesses can receive $1,500 to cover storefront repairs, boarding costs, insurance deductibles and business operating expenses. Read more
You Can Help People Experiencing Homelessness by Volunteering or Donating
Learn of ways you can help people experiencing homelessness in your community. For people experiencing homelessness or having trouble making ends meet, a token of kindness and support can brighten up their lives. Click below to get details on volunteer opportunities and ways to donate items or money.
Tune-in to Our Live Stream Tuesdays at 11 a.m.
On Tuesdays at 11 a.m. tune-in to the City's live stream with Mayor Rex Richardson and a special guest as they provide LIVE updates on the City's homelessness response. You can watch on the City's YouTube, Facebook or Twitter.
Community Invited to Attend LGBTQ+ Cultural District Visioning Process Evening Workshop September 25
The Long Beach Development Services Department has received community feedback and developed concepts for a vision and feasibility plan for the new LGBTQ+ Cultural District. Residents and local stakeholders are invited to attend an evening community workshop to learn more and give feedback on improvements that they would like to see along the corridor.

The community is encouraged to learn more and share feedback by attending the in-person workshop scheduled for Monday, Sept. 25, 2023, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the community center located at Bixby Park (130 Cherry Ave.). Those interested in attending are requested to RSVP online.
Community Invited to Attend Homebuyer Information and Resource Workshops
The Long Beach Development Services Department will host another workshop just added! These workshops provide residents with valuable homeownership information and resources. The free evening workshops will present details about the City’s First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program (Program) as well as information about various federal and county housing programs available to residents.

Full eligibility requirements and guidelines, including materials and applications in Spanish, Tagalog and Khmer, are available on the Program website.
The first human case of West Nile virus (WNV) this mosquito season has been reported in Long Beach. The person, in their 60s, was hospitalized and diagnosed with neuro-invasive illness, and is currently recovering. There have been 75 cases of WNV reported in California this year, including five deaths. This is a significant increase compared with last summer – at this time last year, only 34 cases had been reported.
Office of Youth Development Announces Recipients of Measure US Youth 100 Fund and Intergenerational Grant Funding for Summer Projects
The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services Office of Youth Development, in partnership with The Nonprofit Partnership, has awarded $600,000 to 59 youth-serving summer projects throughout Long Beach this summer. Fifty-five small projects were funded through the Youth 100 Fund process, which provides mini-grants to formal and informal community groups implementing youth neighborhood engagement opportunities. An additional four projects, which are larger in scope, were funded through Intergenerational Youth Development Grants, which focus on programming for youth and their parents, caregivers and/or adult allies.  
Long Beach Health Department Launches New Program to Equitably Distribute Drink Safety Test Kits
The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services has launched SipSafe Long Beach, a new initiative that promotes public safety by distributing drink safety test kits that detect illegal substances in beverages. The Health Department has acquired the drink safety testing kits and will implement a comprehensive approach to equitably distribute them to requesting businesses and organizations throughout the city. 
The City of Long Beach is seeking to partner with a community organization that can establish and facilitate an ongoing Latinx Health Collaborative. This opportunity will provide one-time seed funding to lead and sustain a collaborative space for Latinx-owned and -serving organizations to coordinate health equity efforts and direct services informed by the City’s Mi Vida Cuenta COVID-19 Latinx Health Initiative Report and Workplan (Mi Vida Cuenta).
Long Beach Volunteers Needed for 39th Annual California Coastal Cleanup Day, September 23
The City of Long Beach Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine (PRM) is inviting the community to get involved and make a positive impact on the local environment by participating in the 39th Annual California Coastal Cleanup Day taking place Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023.

Volunteers are invited to join in at any time from 9 a.m. to noon at any of the following locations:

  • Junipero Beach (2100 E. Ocean Blvd.)
  • Belmont Pier (3998 E. Allin St.)
  • Peninsula (72nd Place and Ocean Boulevard
  • Mother's Beach (5839 Appian Way)
  • Seal Beach Yacht Club (255 N. Marina Dr.)
Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine to Offer a Variety of Classes for Residents this Fall
Registration for a variety of new and existing recreation classes offered by the City of Long Beach Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine is still underway. More than 700 activities in art, music, nature, fitness, special interest subjects, adult sports leagues and aquatics will begin in September and continue through November 2023.
Long Beach Public Library Celebrates 5th Annual Vida Latina, a Celebration of Latin American Heritage
Long Beach Public Library’s 5th Annual Vida Latina celebration series will return Sept. 15 through Nov. 2, 2023. The Vida Latina celebration honors Latin American heritage through a series of captivating events at all Library locations, that will showcase the diverse and vibrant culture of Latin American communities.

The Library’s Vida Latina celebration is generously supported by MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach, Friends of the Long Beach Public Library, and the Long Beach Public Library Foundation. To see the full schedule of programs, visit the events calendar or call the Library at 562.570.7500 during operating hours.
Long Beach Public Library Celebrates the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop
The Long Beach Public Library will recognize the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop culture with a series of celebratory events this September and October. The Hip Hop Celebration: 50th Anniversary Series commemorates the influential history of Hip Hop, both in Long Beach and worldwide, and showcases its four fundamental elements: breakdancing, DJing, MCing and art.

The program series will commence with a kickoff celebration event taking place from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 23, at the Recreation Park bandshell, followed by a five-week workshop series for tweens and teens.
Long Beach’s 5th Annual Ranchos Walk Returns Saturday, September 23
The City of Long Beach will host the 5th Annual Ranchos Walk on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023. Community members are invited to take a walk through history as they follow the paths that link Rancho Los Cerritos and Rancho Los Alamitos. The 9.4-mile scenic route connects the highest points in Long Beach and Signal Hill, including Reservoir Hill, Longview Point at Willow Springs Park, and Hilltop Park in Signal Hill. This year, the Ranchos Walk will highlight native plants and feature a guided audio tour.
City of Long Beach Seeks Partner for Electric Bike Lending Library Program
The City of Long Beach announced an Invitation to Bid to provide bikes and equipment for the City’s upcoming Electric Bike (E-Bike) Lending Library program. By enabling Long Beach residents to borrow e-bikes for an extended period of time, the E-Bike Lending Library program will expand familiarity with e-bike technology, increase e-bike ridership within the city and encourage an active, zero-emission mode of travel.
Save the Date! The Port of Long Beach is Hosting the Green Port Fair on October 7
The Port of Long Beach will host the Green Port Fair on October 7 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.! Find out how the Port of Long Beach is working to become the world’s first zero-emissions port. Musical entertainment, local dance groups, zero-emissions equipment, beer & wine garden, a variety of food available, information booths, kids activities and more!
Get Ready for the Ultimate Cultural Celebration: ComplexCon Returns to Long Beach Convention Center on November 18 - 19!
We're thrilled to announce that the highly anticipated ComplexCon is making its triumphant return to the heart of Long Beach on November 18 - 19! As one of the year's most monumental conventions, ComplexCon is set to bring together an electrifying fusion of pop culture, fashion, art, and music under one roof. Hosted at the renowned Long Beach Convention Center, this event promises an unforgettable weekend filled with innovation, creativity, and the vibrant spirit of the city. Visit ComplexCon to learn secure your pass and learn more about the event.
🎉 Unveiling a Day of Gaming Extravaganza at the Long Beach Terrace Theater on November 11th! 🕹️
Get ready for a gaming-filled day like no other, all under the spotlight of the Terrace Theatre, hosted by none other than Misfits Gaming Tour. The excitement starts at 1 p.m. with "Pixel Playground LIVE." Discover the world of your favorite Roblox games alongside streaming sensations like KreekCraft and Karl Jacobs, who will take you behind the scenes of their creations, offering exclusive meet-and-greet opportunities, merchandise, giveaways, and immersive interactive experiences that bring the magic of Roblox to life.
 
As the sun sets, the thrill continues at 7 p.m. with "Name Your Price." AustinShow brings the beloved game show to life with a live audience, infusing it with 70s flair and boundless energy. 
Embrace Ballet's Beauty: BALLET FOR ALL Masterclass and Cinderella Performance at Long Beach Terrace Theater
Embark on a journey through the grace of ballet with the complimentary "BALLET FOR ALL Masterclass," a highlight of the "U.S. National Tour of World Ballet Series: Cinderella." Join us on November 12, 2023, at 2:00 pm to interact with cast members, learn the language of ballet, and relish the joy of dance, regardless of your skill level. Reserve your spot at www.worldballetseries.com/masterclass. Later that night, submerge yourself in the enchanting realm of Cinderella, a performance brimming with humor, charm, and exceptional ballet choreography, hosted at the Terrace Theater. Secure your tickets for this magical ballet performance on Ticketmaster.com, and immerse yourself in a full day of ballet enchantment at Long Beach Terrace Theater.
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