D5 Community News: Budget Update

Budget Update

I hope you and your loved ones were safe and dry during last weekend's Tropical Storm. Thankfully, our city did not suffer as much damage as predicted. Over the weekend, Long Beach experienced over 2 inches of rain, winds up to 38mph and swells up to 6 feet. Clean-up efforts have been taking place across the city including debris, trash, and fallen tree limb clean-up with over 100 calls for fallen trees/tree limbs. Crews have responded to 82 streetlight outages and 20 traffic signal outages, restoring and replacing as needed, and will continue to address standing water and remaining debris. If you continue to see debris and effects from the storm, please connect with our office, either via email or phone and we will do our best to get our City Staff out there to assist.

On the budget front, we have heard all the departments slotted to speak on the Proposed

Fiscal Year 2024 and we are moving forward to adoption very soon. At last Tuesday's City Council Meeting, we heard the budget proposals from Parks, Recreation, and Marine (PRM), Development Services, Library Services, and Health and Human Services (HHS). You can watch the hearing here.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

Parks, Recreation, and Marine (PRM): Our public parks play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life in our communities and provide a wide range of benefits to everyone. I am happy to see funding allocated in this proposal to improving our urban forest, particularly for tree planting & maintenance, storm water capture, watershed improvements, and overall park and open space improvements. We know that as we maintain our urban forest, some parks are being hit harder than others. My staff and I are beginning to have conversations on how to address some of the immediate needs for shade and what re-planting of trees can look like. These things can bring our communities together, fostering a sense of civic pride and environmental stewardship. Please stay tuned.

Development Services: Our Development Services team manage more than permits and zoning, they also handle Code Enforcement and Neighborhood Services. Therefore, this department is being changed to the “Community Development" department to help provide a more robust identity for the community-building work they do. I am pleased to see the dedicated effort being put towards filling their vacancies & increasing customer support, all while adapting to the changing State regulations in planning.

Health and Human Services (HHS): Long Beach is one of the few cities in California that has its own Public Health Department. Our HHS team is working to address the need for Housing to combat Homelessness in our city. In the upcoming budget, I am happy to see prioritized funding for mental health services & youth development, as well as food safety to address the ongoing effects of sidewalk food vending through both education and enforcement.

There is no council meeting next Tuesday, August 29, 2023. Our next Council Meeting will be Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at 5pm; I encourage you to attend, or watch online as it will be one of the first times we can adopt the proposed budget. As we continue to work through this budget proposal for FY 24, we will continue to keep you updated on the process. I look forward to our continued conversations and hearing from our residents and youth.

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. Be sure to follow my social media @CWMeganKerr to stay connected!

Let's get to work,

Megan Kerr, Councilwoman

Long Beach, District 5

PUBLIC NOTICE OF CONSTRUCTION

Sinkhole and Storm Drain Project

Residents should anticipate potential delays in the area affected. Construction will impact several businesses whose storefront is located on Bixby Road. Public Works will post NO PARKING signs on Monday 8/21.

Type of Work: Replacement of storm drain pipe and catch basin, sinkhole repair, asphalt paving, and traffic control.

Location of Work: Bixby Road, between Atlantic Ave and Linden Ave.

Start Date: Wednesday, August 23, 2023

Project Duration: Approximately 7 days

Construction Hours: 7am – 5pm

UPCOMING SERVICE CHANGES

On Sunday, August 27, 2023 Long Beach Transit (LBT) will be implementing service changes to their bus services as the 3rd annual service change of the year. This will impact customers using LBT services as a primary mode of transportation, especially for those going back to school.

Below are highlighted changes in District 5. For more info click here.

Increased Late Night Service - 7 Days a Week

Routes: 22, 23, 46, 61, 93, 94, 121, 173, 174 and 191.

Route 22 – Cherry Avenue/Downey Avenue

On weekends, the 5:00 a.m. northbound trip leaving from Cherry Avenue at Anaheim Street will be changed to leave from the Transit Gallery, Shelter H, at 5:05 a.m. to provide an earlier trip option for bus stops between the Transit Gallery and Cherry Avenue. Additionally, one more northbound trip will be added on weekday mornings to improve service to Paramount High School.

Route 51 – Long Beach Boulevard

The last southbound trip arriving at the Transit Gallery at 10:55 p.m. will be removed. Customers can connect to the Transit Gallery through Metro’s Owl Route 60 which operates trips at the same time.

Route 61 – Atlantic Avenue

On weekdays, one northbound trip between 6:00 p.m. – 7:15 p.m. and one southbound trip between 5:50 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. will be removed. Frequency will be 20 minutes during this time.

Route 104/111 – Willow Street/Lakewood Boulevard

When leaving the airport, Route 104 and 111 will turn right onto Lakewood Boulevard and will no longer serve stop #5247 on Donald Douglas Drive. Please reference maps below.

**Additional Trippers (During Peak Student Times)**

School trippers will be added at peak student travel times to existing routes. These services are provided as-needed and are subject to change based on bus availability and customer demand during peak student times. (Highlight 61, 92, 101, 172)

Below are routes & respective schools where additional service can be expected:

Upcoming Events &

Community Meetings

First-Ever Statewide Needs Assessment for Californians Ages 55 and Up

Are you aged 55 or older and living in California? Your voice matters! The California Department of Aging is thrilled to announce the launch of the first-ever statewide needs assessment, tailor-made for Californians like you!

The Community Assessment Survey for Older Adults (CASOA) isn't just another survey – it's a gateway for you to shape the path ahead. Meticulously crafted by experts and underpinned by unwavering statistical rigor, CASOA empowers you to share your needs and preferences. Share what you need today and in the years ahead so that CDA can enhance or develop programs, supports, and services to help you and the millions of other Californians over the age of 55.

The CDA understands that surveys can sometimes feel complicated or intrusive, respects your privacy, and ensures that your responses remain confidential.

Your insights matter. To participate in the survey, click here to start.

CASOA is available online in multiple languages - English, Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Hindi, and Arabic. If you need any technical support in accessing the survey, please email us at: casoa@polco.us. For any other questions about the survey, please call 916-970-9948.

Nominate a CA44 Resident for International Day of the Girl!

Do you know a girl between 14-18 years old who is a leader of change and making a difference in their communities?

In honor of International Day of the Girl, which is celebrated on October 11, 2023, the White House Gender Policy Council is accepting nominations to recognize these change makers and young leaders for their activism.

Deadline to submit nominations is TONIGHT, 11:59pm ET, Aug 25.

Anyone can nominate a girl HERE. View the Privacy Policy HERE.

Long Beach Police Department

News & Events

Traffic Complaints Online Form

LBPD has it's 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.

Homelessness Emergency Declaration

City 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 Homeless Services Bureau (HSB) 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.

Upon submitting the form and receiving a confirmation email, community-based organizations will be instructed to pick up cases of water on weekdays at the City’s Multi-Service Center (MSC), located at 1301 W. 12st Street, to distribute through their existing outreach and service avenues.

Case quantity is subject to the requesting organization’s charitable outreach needs and up to 20 maximum cases at a time. Organizations also interested in receiving other donated items, such as hygiene kits, clothing, and sun and heat protection items, can submit a donation request form. Community-based organizations with questions or seeking additional information about this effort may contact donations@longbeach.gov or 562.570.4636.

Mobile Access Center Continues Homeless Services Outreach Throughout August

Long Beach will continue to deploy its Mobile Access Center (MAC) in select areas weekdays throughout August. The MAC significantly lowers barriers to providing case management services and other resources for people experiencing homelessness, as it allows the City’s Homeless Services Bureau outreach staff to conduct meaningful engagement and relationship building and start the intake process right on the street.

Beginning Monday, Aug. 14, the MAC will be stationed at the following locations from 9 a.m. to noon:

Mondays – MacArthur Park (1321 E. Anaheim St.) near the basketball courts.
Tuesdays – Christian Outreach in Action (515 E. 3rd St.), parked on Linden Avenue.
Wednesdays – Outside of Billie Jean King Main Library (200 W. Broadway) on Ocean Boulevard.
Thursdays – Drake/Chavez Soccer Fields (903-999 Fairbanks Ave.). Van will be parked facing Los Angeles River near the parking lot located on De Forest Avenue just south of the soccer fields.
Fridays – Alamitos Beach Parking Lot near the south end of the parking lot, at Shoreline Drive and Beach Access Road.

The MAC will also be stationed from 1:30 to 4 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout August at the locations below:

Mondays – Traffic Circle, in the area of Ximeno Avenue and East Atherton Street. Van will be parked on Ximeno Avenue.
Tuesdays – Houghton Park (6301 Myrtle Ave.), Atlantic Avenue side of the park.
Wednesdays – 6th Street and Long Beach Boulevard, on 6th Street between Long Beach Boulevard and Elm Avenue.

The second MAC vehicle is expected to begin operations mid-to-late August.

Information detailing the city's homelessness response efforts is now available on the Homelessness Digital Dashboard.

Other Local Events:

Parks, Recreation and Marine’s Free After School Programs for Youth Begins Aug 28

Parks, Recreation and Marine (PRM) is again offering its free After School Program, which safely engages youth ages 5 to 12 with educational and engaging activities during the after-school hours. Registration for the After School Program begins Monday, Aug. 28, 2023.

Pre-registration is required. To register, participants can visit the park of their choice during their designated hours now until all spots are filled. Additional information about the After School Programs and other activities for youth is available at LBParks.org or by calling 562.570.3150

LEARN MORE...

LB Awarded $5.3 Million from State in Encampment Resolution Funding to Address Key Areas of Need in Downtown

The City of Long Beach has been awarded $5.3 million in Encampment Resolution Funding (ERF) from the State of California. The funding will provide much needed additional attention and focus in parts of Downtown Long Beach with a high level of need. City Outreach staff, through focused and respectful outreach, will provide services to people experiencing homelessness in the area with the addition of immediate interim and emergency shelter options and the goal of transitioning to safe and stable permanent housing.

LEARN MORE...

Community Invited to Help Shape the Future of Downtown LB and Nearby Shoreline

The Long Beach Development Services Department is inviting residents and local stakeholders to provide input on a planning effort to update land use plans for the Downtown and adjacent waterfront areas.

The Department will host an in-person open house event to solicit public input on the plans, on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Billie Jean King Main Library (200 W. Broadway). Those interested in attending are requested to RSVP online.

Animal Care Services Joins NBCUniversal Local’s ‘Clear the Shelters’ Pet Adoption & Donation Campaign

Long Beach Animal Care Services (LBACS) has joined NBCUniversal Local’s 2023 Clear The Shelters national pet adoption and donation campaign, taking place through Aug. 31, 2023, holding adoption specials throughout the month and encouraging residents to get involved.

To encourage the responsible, mindful adoption of animals in need of a home, LBACS is offering $25 adoption specials for cats and dogs. Those interested in adopting can visit LBACS (7700 E. Spring St.) Wednesdays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Potential adopters can apply online.

LEARN MORE...

LB Seeks Community Input on Bike Share and E-Scooter Share Programs

The City is evaluating its shared mobility programs to better understand how customers are using Bike Share and E-scooter share programs in Long Beach. As a part of the evaluation, the City invites program users to complete a short 10-minute online survey now available until Aug. 28, 2023.

The online survey, available in English & Spanish, can be accessed by visiting longbeach.gov/goactivelb. Those with limited access to a computer/smart phone may visit one of the many public computer labs available at an open LB Public Library location to access the survey.

LEARN MORE...

City to Host Third Annual LB Youth Festival in September

The Health Department’s Office of Youth Development, in partnership with the City’s Youth and Families Commission, LB Public Library, Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine, Pacific Gateway, Office of Climate Action and Sustainability, and the Mayor’s Fund for Education, will host its third annual Youth Festival at the Long Beach City College Pacific Coast Campus (1305 E. Pacific Coast Hwy.) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 9.

Youth and emerging adults ages 11 to 26 are invited to participate in this free, empowering one-day event.

LEARN MORE...

‘READY Long Beach’ Set to Return September 9

On Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, the Long Beach Fire Department Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), in partnership with other City departments, regional disaster response agencies and community partners, will host the 7th Annual READY Long Beach Community Preparedness Expo.

The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Walter Pyramid on the California State University, Long Beach (Long Beach State) campus, at 1250 N. Bellflower Blvd. Community members are invited to attend and learn about how to prepare for natural disasters/emergencies.

LEARN MORE...

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 Long Beach Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine (PRM) begins Monday, August 7.

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. More information about PRM programs and offerings are available at LBParks.org.

LEARN MORE...

PUBLIC NOTICE OF CONSTRUCTION

Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation & Replacement Program (SSRRP) Project 9 (SC-0427)

Type of Work: Rehabilitation of sanitary sewer mains by Southwest Pipeline and Trenchless Corp. (Contractor for the Long Beach Utilities Department).

Location of Work: Various streets throughout Eastern District 5 including..

Between Wardlow Rd. and Spring St. West of Los Coyotes Diagonal (South of Conant, Woodruff neighborhoods)
Eastern Carson Park neighborhood
Albury Ave between Harco St. and Conant St.

Expected Start Date: July 12th, 2023

Expected End Date: January 2024 (Schedule is subject to delay due to inclement weather or other unforeseen complications)

Construction Hours: 7:00a to 4:00p, Monday thru Friday (Adjustments in working hours may be made as necessary to perform the work or as required by permit conditions.)

Please use caution when driving near the construction zone. Parking in the

construction zone is RESTRICTED during construction. Be aware of “NO

PARKING” signs that will be posted during construction.

A 48-HOUR NOTIFICATION will be provided IF there will be immediate traffic

impacts on your street.

A 48-HOUR and 24-HOUR NOTIFICATION will be provided to you IF your water

service will be interrupted during the construction process. Typical water service

interruptions last an average of 6 to 8 hours between the hours of 7:00 A.M. to 4:00

P.M. for ONE day only.

For questions about this notice please call (562) 570-2390