|
May is an exciting time of year. Weekends like this remind us that we are on the cusp of summer, full of community events that make our city such a dynamic place to live, work, and play. Our community's vibrancy and unity come to life during this time, and I hope to see many of you come out over the next few months to enjoy some of the citywide events Long Beach is known for.
This weekend in particular, I encourage you to join me at Ruth Bach Public Library for the Long Beach Public Library Pride Month Kick Off and “Paw Walk." Following that, grab your bike and participate in Beach Streets Downtown from 11am – 5pm; for one day, we close a major corridor to cars and open it up for walking, bicycling, and more! On Sunday in Bixby Knolls, join us for KIDical Mass Bike Ride at 11am where there will be fun, games, and bike riding for children of all ages and families. Details for this fun weekend are all below. I hope to see you there!
On the legislative side, it has been a busy couple of weeks. I attended my first Mobility, Ports, and Infrastructure Committee. We received a ridership update from Long Beach Transit and a presentation of a potential regional bus corridor that connects Pasadena to Long Beach. Did you know that Long Beach Transit is only $1.25 a ride and free for children under 4 years old? Long Beach Transit is a clean, safe, and efficient way to get residents anywhere in Long Beach. Visit the Long Beach Transit site to view the Trip Planner, or download the Moovit app to use on the go. While discussions around a regional bus corridor connecting Pasadena to Long Beach remains in the conceptual stages; this is an opportunity for broader discussions on best practices to slow down traffic on our busiest corridors. I will keep you updated on the progress of this potential project.
I also chaired the City’s inaugural Housing and Public Health Committee meeting this week. Our committee’s task ahead is filled with opportunities and challenges, but we are driven by our commitment to the health and well-being of our community. We received a presentation on our Health Department’s 2021-2026 Strategic Plan, which highlighted how our Health Department works tirelessly to anticipate, prevent, and manage public health issues, as well as connect residents to a variety of wellness and prevention services, manage environmental health programs, and oversee Homeless Services. They also lead our Housing Authority, which is at the forefront of addressing one of the most critical and crucial social determinants of health – housing.
We then heard an overview of the recently adopted Long Beach Housing Element. I look forward to continuing discussions around strategies to ensure we meet the housing needs of current and future Long Beach residents and improve housing affordability. I look forward to working with my colleagues and help implement new policies that help move our city forward.
As always, I am grateful for your continued engagement with me and my office, and I look forward to seeing you out in the community soon. Be sure to follow my Social Media @CWMeganKerr to stay connected!
Let's get to work,
| |
|
Megan Kerr, Councilwoman
Long Beach, District 5
| |
|
|
Memorial Day Activities & Updates
As Memorial Day approaches, let us all take a moment to honor and remember the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. May we never forget the tremendous sacrifices of our fallen heroes and may their memory inspire us to strive for a better future.
The Office of Veterans Support will host a free, family-friendly community event on Sunday, May 28 to commemorate Memorial Day. The inaugural event will honor military service members who have died, with several local historical, veteran-led and veteran-supporting organizations represented.
Honoring Our Heroes – A Sunset Ceremony
5:30 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, May 28
Long Beach Navy Memorial in Shoreline Aquatic Park
Free parking is available in the lot adjacent to the Navy Memorial site
In observance of Memorial Day on Monday, May 29, some City facilities and services will adhere to modified schedules. For more information and a list of changes, read the press release.
| | | |
|
|
Refuse Collection Delays
Long Beach residents with City-serviced refuse accounts may experience delays in their regularly scheduled refuse collection. Public Works is currently experiencing significant challenges due to staffing shortages, such as illness, vacancies and injuries. Recycling collection is not impacted at this time.
City refuse customers are advised to leave their refuse carts or bins out for service if they are not collected on the regularly scheduled day. Every effort will be made to collect carts on the following service day; if collection does not occur on the following day, residents may call 562.570.2876 and a collection will be scheduled.
The City is working to resolve this issue through a variety of operational and administrative adjustments that aim to minimize service disruptions.
| | | |
Upcoming Events &
Community Meetings
| | |
 | |
Temporary Runway Closures
A friendly reminder that next week is the last of six weeks of runway closures during daytime hours at the Long Beach Airport. Major electrical upgrades designed to improve the safety of the primary runway at Long Beach Airport are underway to bring the Airport’s largest runway in line with the latest FAA standards and add to the Airport’s sustainability efforts. The Rehabilitate Runway 12-30 project necessitates temporary daytime Runway 12-30 closures, and persons living near Long Beach Airport may see a temporary change in aircraft activity due to the upgrades. As a result, Runway 12-30 will close daily, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, from April 18 to May 24. Exact dates are subject to change, and details are available on the Airport’s Current Noise Advisories webpage.
Are you wondering how you can stay informed about scheduled noise advisories?
In addition to following the Airport’s social media accounts (@LGBAirport) and lgb.org for updates, residents may sign up for LinkLB notifications and select to receive Airport news.
|  | | | |
|
Long Beach property owners can now save money and time on their next accessory dwelling unit (ADU) project with the City's Pre-Approved Accessory Dwelling Unit (PAADU) Program, which provides access to City-approved design plans.
The standardized project plans are for residential single-story, freestanding ADUs of less than 1,200 square feet. Once a design is selected, property owners can work directly with the registered design professional to obtain construction documents for a negotiated fee.
Benefits of using a pre-approved plan
One- to three-month reduction in working time to develop architectural and structural plans
Same day over-the-counter plan reviews from the City in lieu of the normal four- to six-week processing time
Timely project approvals
Cost savings due to the repetition & frequency of using the pre-approved design plan
| | | |
|
|
Long Beach Police Department
News & Events
| |
Traffic Complaints Online Form
LBPD has just launched a new Traffic Complaints Online Form, which allows the community to report traffic items such as speeding vehicles at a regular location, habitual parking issues and/or violations, abandoned vehicles, sign or signal damage and/or obstructions.
E-Commerce Exchange Zones
Long Beach Police Department offers three e-commerce exchange zones where you can safely conduct in-person transactions. At our North, West, and East stations, we have designated spaces with 24/7 video surveillance so that you can reduce the risk of theft and have a peaceful transaction.
Gun Buy Back Event
In partnership with Supervisor Janice Hahn's office, LBPD encourages community members to turn in their firearms to receive a gift card at the Gun Buy Back event in June at MacArthur Park.
| | | |
|
|
Homelessness Emergency Declaration
The Homeless Services Bureau is now offering evening mental health therapy programming for people experiencing homelessness in Long Beach, including those who are unsheltered and those staying in congregate or non-congregate shelters in Long Beach.
This new offering is in addition to existing mental health services currently offered during business hours and includes scheduled 45-minute phone therapy sessions, available weekday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m.
Information detailing the city's homelessness response efforts is now available on the Homelessness Digital Dashboard.
| | | |
May is Older Americans Month
Long Beach Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine will celebrate Older American’s Month, recognized nationally each May, by offering a wide variety of free activities throughout the city for adults ages 50 and above. Adults ages 50+ can enjoy art activities, a beach day, gardening, enrichment activities, nature hikes, physical fitness activities and more at facilities throughout Long Beach.
| |
ART WORKSHOP IN FIFTH DISTRICT
Tuesday, May 23
Expo Arts Center
4321 Atlantic Ave.
10:30 am - 1:30 pm
Pre-Registration is required by calling 562-270-1618
| For more information about the Expo Arts Center Senior Program, please call 562-570-1618 or view the Event Calendar. | | | |
Leadership ARTS Mentoring Program (LAMP)
Youth Internship Opportunity
Long Beach Community Action Partnership youth services department operates the Leadership ARTS Mentoring Program (LAMP) and is currently accepting applications!
This income-qualifying paid summer internship offers leadership skill development in combination with digital media arts education for youth 14-24 years old in the following art disciplines taught by experts at their facility in North Long Beach: Film/TV Production, Graphic Design, Music Production, and Photography.
| | | |
2023 Propeller Club of LA-LB Scholarship Applications Open
The Propeller Club of Los Angeles-Long Beach is offering scholarships ranging from $250 to $1,000 to graduating high school seniors. In 2019, the Board of Governors established two additional scholarships in memory of David Arian (former ILWU President and member of Port of LA Harbor Commission) and Adam Birkenbach (former Port of LA Chief Harbor Engineer and Propeller Club board member).
This scholarship is open to high school seniors currently attending schools located in the cities of Long Beach, Lakewood, San Pedro, Wilmington, or Carson and to students of all intended majors. Applications due Friday, June 16.
| | | |
E-Learning Resources for K-8 Students
The Energy Resources Department, Long Beach Water Department, and the Department of Public Works’ Environmental Services Bureau have partnered with The National Theatre for Children (NTC) to educate and inspire Long Beach and Signal Hill students and their families about the environment. The program has been adapted into an all-digital alternative to safely bring the environmental curriculum to students amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Conservation Caper and LBC E-Team digital programs, which can be accessed remotely by teachers, students, and their parents, are an effective way to deliver novel curriculum and foster student engagement during this time of distance learning. Both digital programs provide vital information on water conservation, natural gas safety and conservation, and waste reduction.
If you are a parent and are interested in this free digital resource for your child, please contact your child's teacher to request access.
| | | |
Community Partners Sought for Safe Passage Program
Long Beach is seeking to partner with three qualified organizations to support the expansion of its existing Safe Passage Program and increase the safety of youth walking to and from school in North, West and Central Long Beach.
The Health Department has researched the potential for Safe Passage programming at local area school sites as part of its violence prevention initiative, Long Beach Advancing Peace.
LEARN MORE...
| |  |
Long Beach Recognized for City Planning
Long Beach has received four prestigious awards from American Planning Association (APA), Los Angeles, a professional organization which recognizes and celebrates many of the most noteworthy governmental planning projects, programs and environmental plans in the region and statewide.
Planning projects on comprehensive housing, climate action and park services, along with an individual City planner, have all been recognized for demonstrating exceptional planning work that serves to create more livable, vibrant and equitable communities.
LEARN MORE...
| | |
Cambodian American Cultural Center Vision Plan
At the May 9th meeting, the Long Beach City Council voted 7 to 0 to adopt the Proposed Cambodian American Cultural Center Vision and Feasibility Plan, directing the City Manager to implement the recommendation and implementation measures within. With this motion, the City will move forward with plans to establish a Cambodian American Cultural Center (CACC) in Long Beach to serve as a community hub for local and regional Cambodian and Khmer arts, culture and history.
LEARN MORE...
| | |
Long Beach Fresh Start Program
Long Beach announced the completion of awarded business credits to local businesses through its Fresh Start Program, a Long Beach Recovery Act funded initiative to provide financial relief to select Long Beach businesses. The program provided a one-time credit of up to $599 per business, and a total of over $930,000 in awards to 1,790 Long Beach businesses that have outstanding business license tax or fees, Health Department fees, or Fire Department fee balances with the City in sectors highly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
LEARN MORE...
| | |
|
Summer Classes and Camp Registration
Register for a variety of new and existing recreation classes and camps offered by Long Beach Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine (PRM)
More than 700 activities in art, music, nature, fitness, special interest subjects, adult sports leagues and aquatics will begin in June and continue throughout the summer months.
LEARN MORE...
| | |
Celebrate Pride with LB Public Library
The Long Beach Public Library celebrates LGBTQIA+ Pride Month each year with a series of special events, book and film lists and other activities for community members.
Each Pride activity will highlight the importance of visibility through history, culture, art, storytelling or film. LBPL Pride Month kicks off Saturday, May 20 at Bach Neighborhood Library with a fun, festive day in the park for families and their furry friends at the Paw Walk with Pride.
LEARN MORE...
| | |
|
Virtual Public Workshop on Zoning Code Update for Parking
Long Beach is exploring a new Zoning Code Update that will help shape the regulation of on-site parking requirements for changes of use for older business buildings (constructed 10 years ago or more) when a new business or new use of an existing building is proposed.
A virtual community meeting that will be hosted by the Planning Bureau Staff of the Development Services Department to learn about and provide input on the Zoning Code Update for parking. Once completed, the draft update will be presented to the Planning Commission and the Long Beach City Council for reviews and approvals.
LEARN MORE...
| | |
Los Angeles County Bicycle Master Plan Survey
Los Angeles County Public Works (PW) is working on updating the Los Angeles County Bicycle Master Plan (BMP). The current BMP was last updated in 2012 and established a vision for the future of biking in the County. The BMP will serve as a guide for the development of safe and accessible bikeways and paths within unincorporated LA County.
Your input is valuable to the planning process of this project. Please let us know locations where you see issues and routes you would like to bike.
This interactive mapping tool will be open from Friday, April 14 through Tuesday, May 30.
LEARN MORE...
| | |
Upcoming
City Council Agenda
Tues. May 23rd, 2023, 5:00pm
411 W Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802
| |
|
|
Items of Interest
Item 3 Recommendation to provide a contribution to The LGBTQ Center Long Beach (The Center) for their annual Black and White Ball. (Item Details) (eComment)
Item 17 Recommendation to conduct an audit on impacts to the City of Long Beach stemming from California’s transition away from crude oil and natural gas production to assist in the City’s transition planning efforts, and refer findings to the Climate, Environment, and Coastal Protection Committee for input and discussion. (Item Details) (eComment)
Item 18 Recommendation to direct Public Works to provide a comprehensive update on the status of the Studebaker Road major corridor improvements project at the June 6, 2023 Council meeting. (Item Details) (eComment)
Item 22 Recommendation to adopt resolution approving a list of projects citywide for repaving and resurfacing that are proposed to receive Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account funding in the Fiscal Year 2024 Paving Program. (Item Details) (eComment)
Item 24 Recommendation to declare ordinance amending the Long Beach Municipal Code by amending Chapters 21.25, Division IX (Local Coastal Development Permits), 21.65 (Interim Motel/Hotel Conversions) and 21.66 (Unpermitted Dwelling Unit Amnesty Program), read and adopted as read. (Item Details) (eComment)
Members of the public have the option to use eComment to provide comments on agenda items. Written Comments may also be submitted by email to CityClerk@longbeach.gov.
| | | | |
