Celebrate Black History Month, and Prepare for Rain! | |
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Happy Friday, District 5! A brief safety note to start: We have seen some heavy rain this week, and another, heavier storm is expected for this weekend! Click here to see what preparations and efforts have been made by City teams this week. As the second storm brings an increased risk of local flooding, residents in historically low-lying areas should prepare now. Sandbags are available to residents through the weekend at Fire Stations 7, 12, & 13; bags themselves are available at every fire station. Fire Station 14 has both sand and bags located south of the station due to construction. The City’s Emergency Communications Center is available for nonemergency inquiries at (562) 435 6711; for emergencies call 911. See below for more information and resources.
The start of February marks the beginning of Black History Month! February holds birthdays of notable figures of Black History such as Rosa Parks and Frederick Douglass, but more than that, this month is about the study and celebration of the countless Black men and women who have contributed to society and culture, especially in the pursuit of racial justice and equality. A time for acknowledgement, reflection, and inspiration, this month is a special tribute to the ongoing history and Black experience as told by those living it.
I hope to see you out at First Fridays tonight to kick off the local celebration with the African American Cultural Center of Long Beach (AACCLB) as well as the rest of Bixby Knolls! Engage with history via art, music, educational materials, and more! While you’re already at the Expo (4321 Atlantic Ave), you can check out the opening night of Able ARTS Work’s latest exhibit, CORE. Stop by to see the work from their amazing artists! More info can be found in the flyers below.
This Saturday, February 3rd, don’t forget you can drop off your unwanted mattress, box spring, or futon mattress for free recycling through Bye Bye Mattress. The rest of the day, you can get your creative juices flowing! On February 3rd, you can practice or learn to crochet at Dana Branch Library or learn about the shapes and symbols of Rancho Los Cerritos at their next artist-led workshop. Then on Thursday, February 8th, keep your artistic side active at Able ARTS Work’s monthly Creative Club, this month focusing on printmaking. Find out more about these great events in the flyers below.
In celebration of Transit Equity Day, Long Beach Transit is offering complimentary transit services on Sunday, February 4th! In honor of Rosa Parks’ birthday, LBT celebrates her contributions to equal rights and public transportation. Be aware of service changes going into effect on Sunday, February 4th, as well. Visit ridelbt.com to learn more.
Looking forward to next week’s events, continue learning and celebrating Black History Month on Saturday, February 10, at LBCC with a free discussion of “Public History, Private Memory: The Legacy of Ellen and William Craft” through the collaborative viewpoint of author and historian, Ilyon Woo, and a descendant of the Crafts, Peggy Trotter Dammond Preacely. Saturday the 10th, you can also shop for Valentine’s gifts from local vendors and creators at Parkview Village’s Second Saturday Block Party (5423 E Village Rd), LBX’s 714 Market (4165 McGowan St), or the first ever Norse Village Market (4145 Norse Way). See the flyers below for more details.
Next Saturday, February 10th, you can also learn more about helping the environment, by volunteering with the Bixby Highland Clean Streets Team, bringing e-waste and household hazardous waste (HHW) to a free drop-off for Long Beach residents, or participating in Recycle LB’s free recycling workshop. Find out more in the flyers below.
Finally, I’d like to remind you that the next City Council meeting will be on Tuesday, February 6th at 5pm. Due to maintenance at the City Hall Chambers, the Council meeting will be held at Long Beach City College (4901 E Carson St.). A list of items of interest can be found at the bottom of this newsletter. I encourage you to attend or watch online.
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.
The work continues,
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Megan Kerr, Councilwoman
Long Beach, District 5
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Upcoming Events &
Community Meetings
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Significant Weather Systems Updates & Information
Significant Rainfall Tips, Resources, & Advisories
As we continue to prepare for the second significant weather system of the week, please be advised of the following information.
It is highly likely that we will see periods of localized flooding, given the amount of water and the intensity of the rainfall. At times, storm drains will likely not be able to handle the volume of water and may back up. We strongly advise residents to prepare for this, deploy sandbags as needed, remove debris from their property, stay off the roads in periods of heavy rain, and report any blocked storm drains from debris that is expected to fall during the storm.
Additionally, pleased be advised of the following:
- During periods of significant rainfall, polluted runoff enters the ocean. People should avoid all ocean water contact for at least 72 hours after rainfall.
- Avoid areas that are subject to sudden flooding.
- Avoid driving through a flooded road or walking across a flowing stream of water.
- Slow down at intersections, especially if signal lights are not working, and treat them as stop signs. Be cautious while driving, especially at night.
- Take appropriate steps to be prepared by securing personal property and vehicles in areas that are prone to flooding.
- Avoid unnecessary trips. If you must travel during the storm, dress in warm, loose layers of clothing. Advise others of your destination and estimated arrival time.
- Be aware of utility workers working in or near the road.
- Stay off sand berms and stay away from City vehicles and machinery operating along the coastline.
- Keep pets inside and ensure they have shelter from the storm.
- Place refuse and recycling carts on the parkway or driveway apron.
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Report street flooding or downed trees by calling 562.570.2700 (option 4) or on the Go Long Beach website.
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Report downed power lines by calling 9-1-1.
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To check the status of street sweeping in localized areas, call 562.570.2890 or follow @LBPublicWorks on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for timely updates.
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Sign up for Alert Long Beach to receive free emergency notifications from the City of Long Beach.
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Long Beach Transit
News & Updates
Service Changes in Effect February 4th
Long Beach Transit has three annual service changes, in February, June, and August, to improve the efficiency and on-time reliability of bus schedules. The February service change is planned to take effect on Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024, and will include service changes for routes including the 131 and 41, both of which pass through or stop in CD5. For a full summary of changes, visit ridelbt.com/servicechange.
For comments or questions regarding LBT’s service, please email comments@lbtransit.com or call the Customer Care team at 562.591.2301.
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Long Beach Homeless Coalition
News & Events
First General Meeting of the Year - February 7, 2024
Join the Long Beach Homeless Coalition for their first general meeting of the year!
Wednesday, February 7, 2024 | 9:00am – 10:30am
Goodwill Long Beach | 800 W PCH
The Long Beach Homeless Coalition’s mission is to foster connection between individuals, groups, and organizations who desire to aid people experiencing homelessness.
The Coalition addresses homelessness in Long Beach through four main approaches:
- Coordinating information-sharing
- Advising the public and elected officials
- Advocating for legislation and funding for programs
- Supporting and participating in homeless services
LEARN MORE...
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Long Beach Health Department
News & Updates
Resolve to stay healthy this New Year!
With respiratory virus transmission increasing in Los Angeles County, consider taking simple safety measures, like staying home, testing and getting treatment if sick.
The safest and easiest way to limit your risks of becoming very sick from COVID-19 is by getting the updated vaccine. Testing and knowing if you are infected can reduce your chances of unintentionally spreading COVID-19 to others. At-home COVID-19 tests are easy to use and widely available in Los Angeles County at no cost to you. Learn how to get free test kits at ph.lacounty.gov/COVIDtests. You can order four free At-Home tests here.
If you do test positive, paxlovid, the antiviral medication to treat COVID-19, is widely available throughout Los Angeles County at retail pharmacies:
- At pharmacies, ask if the product is free when placing your prescription.
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If it is not free, ask about the co-pay savings program.
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If you are uninsured or under-insured, find information about a patient savings program at Paxlovid.com.
- COVID-19 treatment remains free through Public Health Telehealth services.
If you need a telehealth appointment or help getting a prescription for COVID-19 medication, call the LA County Public Health InfoLine at 1-833-540-0473 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., 7 days a week.
Mobile Outreach Vehicle
Mobile vaccination and mobile testing is being offered as a service for individuals who are not able to travel to Long Beach COVID-19 Vaccination/Testing Clinics, such as those in skilled nursing, elder care, sober living and other facilities, and older adults who cannot leave their homes. Mobile vaccination and testing will be available weekdays for Long Beach residents in an eligible tier with mobility issues and Long Beach facilities.
To request mobile vaccine for residents with mobility issues (in an eligible tier), complete this form or call the Public Health Info Line at (562)-570-4636 (open Monday-Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. To request mobile testing, complete this form or call the Long Beach Public Health Info Line at (562) 570-4636 (open Monday-Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
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South Coast Air Quality
Management District (AQMD)
Initial Concept for Building Appliances Rebate Program
South Coast AQMD will host a virtual community meeting to introduce a new Building Appliances Rebate Pilot Program that is under development. This pilot rebate program will incentivize the early adoption of zero-emission space and water heating technologies. Staff will present the initial concepts and anticipated timeline of the program development including the approval process, and projected launch. Staff is seeking input from the communities and interested parties and encourages participation during the program development.
Thursday, February 8, 2024 | 5:00pm
Virtual Meeting: https://scaqmd.zoom.us/j/97019671297
Webinar Meeting ID: 970 1967 1297 | Dial In: +1 (669) 900-6833
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Museum of Latin American Art
We Want to Hear From You - Annual Survey of Museum Goers
We at the Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA) are participating in a national survey of museum-goers, sponsored by the American Alliance of Museums. This survey will provide us with data from our visitors, as well as from visitors to museums nationwide, helping us be more effective in the coming months and in the communities we serve. The survey only takes about 9 minutes to complete, but in those 9 minutes you will help our team make better decisions for our future. Simply go to https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7639514/molaa to get started.
If you have any problems with the survey itself, please contact the survey administrator, Jessica Strube, at jessica@wilkeningconsulting.com. Thank you in advance for your time and thoughts!
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City Passes New Ordinance Regulating Sidewalk Vending
In an effort to support entrepreneurial and business development opportunities in the city while protecting public health, safety and ADA access, during its Jan. 23, 2024, meeting, the Long Beach City Council approved with a 9 to 0 vote a new sidewalk vending ordinance. This action creates a clear path for those who would like to sell food from compact mobile food operations, more commonly known as food carts, or other merchandise.
The new ordinance, which will go into effect on Feb. 23, 2024, aligns with California’s Safe Sidewalk Vending Act (SB 946), which decriminalized sidewalk vending. The City developed its own sidewalk vending ordinance, at the direction of City Council, following extensive outreach.
LEARN MORE...
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Los Angeles County Now Distributing Vote by Mail Ballots to Long Beach Registered Voters, Drop Boxes Now Available
The Los Angeles Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk began distributing Vote by Mail ballots for the March 5, 2024, Primary Nominating Election. All registered voters in Los Angeles County, which includes Long Beach, will be mailed a Vote by Mail ballot. Ballots may be returned by mail (no postage required), in person at any Vote Center in Los Angeles County, or at any Vote by Mail Ballot Drop Box.
Long Beach voters have 24-hour access to drop boxes at more than 400 participating locations across Los Angeles County, including 17 drop box locations throughout Long Beach.
LEARN MORE...
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Some Long Beach Swimming Areas Temporarily Closed Due to Sewage Spill
Long Beach City Health Officer, Dr. Anissa Davis, has ordered all recreational swimming areas at or near Colorado Lagoon and Alamitos Bay in Long Beach temporarily closed for water contact due to sewage spills. State law requires temporary closure and posting at beaches in these situations, out of an abundance of caution, until the water quality meets State requirements.
According to a report from the California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES), over 47,000 gallons of sewage was discharged into Long Beach bay areas in the morning of Feb. 1 as a result of infrastructure challenges experienced by the Los Angeles County Sanitation District during yesterday’s heavy rainfall.
LEARN MORE...
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City Shares Response Efforts During Recent Storm
Over a six-hour period today, Feb. 1, Long Beach experienced nearly three inches of rain, which is more than the historical rainfall for the entire month of February. As with any storm, cleanup efforts are underway while City crews also prepare for a second storm series expected to arrive in the Long Beach and LA area Saturday night, Feb. 3.
The significant amount of rain experienced over such a short period of time led to localized flooding in some areas of the city which resulted in response from various City departments.
LEARN MORE...
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City Reaches Tentative Labor Agreement with Service Employees International Union, Local 721
The City of Long Beach has reached a tentative three-year labor agreement with the Service Employees International Union, Local 721 (SEIU), which represents 127 Refuse Operators who provide trash collection services to City of Long Beach Refuse customers.
The tentative agreement between SEIU and the City includes an equity increase in the first year for Refuse Operators I-IV and Refuse Operators I-II Non-Careers, salary range modification to ensure 5 percent between steps, and general wage increases for the outlying years.
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Health Department Vital Records Program Announces Expanded Services
The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) has expanded its services to offer authorized copies of birth and death certificates for births and deaths that occurred in Long Beach within the past five years.
Prior to 2024, the department was only able to provide records for events that occurred within the past year. The expanded services will help meet demand and provide better customer service for people seeking records in Long Beach.
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Long Beach to Begin Construction for Youth Shelter & Navigation Center
The City of Long Beach today celebrated the beginning of renovations for its forthcoming Youth Shelter and Navigation Center, the City’s first-ever permanent shelter facility for youth experiencing homelessness, that will offer temporary shelter and supportive services for youth ages 18 to 24.
This $4.1 million project will add to the City’s suite of temporary housing facilities for people experiencing homelessness.
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LB Public Library Presents “Our History, Our Future,” a Celebration of Black History and Culture
The Long Beach Public Library is proud to announce the launch of "Our History, Our Future," a month-long celebration dedicated to honoring and showcasing the richness of Black history and culture. These vibrant events will feature a series of thought-provoking and inspiring activities that highlight Black love, self-identity, self-care, art and joy within the Black community.
The festivities will commence on Saturday, Feb. 3, with a dynamic “Black Excellence Professional Development Day” taking place at Billie Jean King Main Library (9200 W. Broadway) from 1 to 4 p.m.
LEARN MORE...
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Parks, Recreation and Marine to Offer a Variety of Classes for Residents This Spring
Registration for a variety of new and existing recreation classes offered by the City of Long Beach Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine (PRM) begins Monday, February 5.
More than 700 activities in art, music, nature, fitness, special interest subjects, adult sports leagues and aquatics will begin in March and continue through May 2024.
LEARN MORE...
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Upcoming
City Council Meeting
Tues. February 6, 2023, 5:00pm
4901 E. CARSON STREET LONG BEACH CITY COLLEGE
LIBERAL ARTS CAMPUS, BUILDING T, ROOM 1100
Item 7 Recommendation to provide a contribution to: California Conference for Equality & Justice in support of the 2024 Roots of Justice Breakfast and Convening; Lakewood Village Little League in support of their ongoing programming and support their ongoing mission. (Item Details)
Item 29 Recommendation to request City Council to approve a Support position on CA Proposition 1 - Behavioral Health Services Program and Bond Measure. (Item Details)
Item 31 Recommendation to execute an agreement with the California Board of State and Community Corrections to accept and expend grant funds for the City’s homelessness emergency activities, the City Prosecutor’s Reentry Services Program, and Rancho Los Cerritos and Rancho Los Alamitos. (Item Details)
Item 32 Recommendation to continue the local emergency caused by conditions or threatened conditions of homelessness within the City of Long Beach, which if not corrected, constitutes an imminent and proximate threat to the safety of persons and property within the City, with a date certain termination of February 29, 2024; and Receive and file an update on the emergency proclamation and associated activities and provide any additional direction to City staff regarding the emergency. (Item Details)
Item 34 Recommendation to adopt Specifications No. RFP ER23-246 and execute an Exclusive Negotiating Agreement (ENA) with Bioenergy Devco, LLC (BDC), of Annapolis, MD to design, permit, finance, construct, own, operate, and transfer an organic waste receiving and processing facility on the Southeast Resource Recovery Facility (SERRF) site located at 120 Pier S Avenue, Long Beach, CA, for a period of one year, with the option to renew for two additional one-year periods, at the discretion of the City Manager. (Item Details)
Item 35 Recommendation to approve and adopt the Long Beach Unit Annual Plan (July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025). (Item Details)
Item 37 Recommendation to adopt resolution approving a Letter of Agreement to the 2023- 2026 Memorandum of Understanding with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). (Item Details)
Item 38 Recommendation to adopt resolution approving 2023-2026 Memorandum of Understanding with the Service Employees International Union, Local 721 (Item Details)
Item 39 Recommendation to receive and file an update on the Elevate ’28 Infrastructure Investment Plan; and Increase appropriations in the Capital Projects Fund Group in the Public Works Department by $9,903,242 to fund the various projects identified in the Elevate ’28 Infrastructure Investment Plan, offset by a transfer of Measure A funds in the Citywide Activities Department. (Item Details)
Item 41 Recommendation to adopt Specifications No. RFP PW23-209 and award contracts to Arakelian Enterprises, Inc., of City of Industry, CA, Consolidated Disposal Service, L.L.C., of Long Beach, CA, and EDCO Transport Services, LLC, of Signal Hill, CA, for municipal solid waste processing and disposal services. (Item Details)
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