Celebrate Safely this Independence Day | |
|
As we look forward to the forthcoming holiday weekend, it's a wonderful time to come together with friends and family, celebrating Independence Day in a manner that is safe and respectful to all. This is a reminder that personal fireworks, even those categorized as "Safe and Sane," are not permitted within the jurisdiction of Long Beach. Such fireworks not only pose a tangible physical risk, particularly to our younger ones, but they also significantly disrupt the tranquility of our neighborhoods.
It's vital to remember that our actions have a wider impact on the community. The loud noise and bright lights of fireworks can lead to a stress response in many pets, often causing them to run away in fear and overburden our local animal shelters. This is a great time to double check that your pet has a tag with identifying information, or consider microchipping through Animal Care Services. Similarly, the abrupt and unpredictable nature of illegal fireworks can trigger intense mental distress in individuals who have post-traumatic stress disorder, including our brave veterans and active military personnel. Let's commit to planning our celebrations with safety and respect for our neighbors at the forefront.
To proactively deter the use of fireworks, the Police Department will conduct ongoing citywide enforcement of illegal firework activity leading up to the holiday weekend. Anyone cited or arrested for fireworks violations may be faced with at least a $1,000 fine to as much as $20,000 in response costs, sentenced to jail for six months, or both.
|  | |
In lieu of personal fireworks, I urge you to consider attending one of the many professional fireworks shows in our area, including the spectacular displays right here in Long Beach:
For those choosing to celebrate locally, there are a multitude of enjoyable and safe alternatives:
- Host a backyard barbecue
- Participate in a community-sanctioned block party
- Have a fireworks-free dance party in your backyard, featuring glow sticks and noise makers
- Dedicate time to creating patriotic crafts with your family
- Make the most of a day at our beautiful beaches
- Embark on a scenic bike ride, hike, or walk
- Enjoy an outdoor picnic in one of our lovely parks
- Arrange an open-air movie marathon under the stars
If you encounter any fireworks-related problems over the weekend, the easiest way to report these is via the Go Long Beach app, available on both Apple and Android. Complaints can also be made through the Go Long Beach website.
In the event of an emergency, please dial 9-1-1. For non-emergency reports of firework usage or sales, please contact the non-emergency Communications Center at (562) 435-6711.
Email the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) patrol division where the firework activity is occurring and provide any details, such as addresses, videos, license plates, photos, or any other information that can be investigated. Please include your name, address, and phone number so that you can be contacted, if necessary:
LBPDNorth@longbeach.gov
LBPDSouth@longbeach.gov
LBPDEast@longbeach.gov
LBPDWest@longbeach.gov
Please note that in observance of Independence Day, many Long Beach city facilities will be closed. Visit the press release for more information. Let's make this holiday weekend a memorable and safe occasion, showing the spirit of unity and mutual respect that exemplifies our great nation. Have a very Happy Independence Day!
| |
|
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
| |
|
|
Pride Month Comes to a Close
As we say goodbye to Pride Month, let's remember that the spirit of acceptance, diversity, and love doesn't end on the last day of June. Keep standing up for equality and inclusivity, not just this month but every day. You are loved and every day is a day to be proud of who you are! 💙💚💛🧡❤️💜 #PrideMonth #EqualityEveryDay
| | | |
|
|
|
Public Works is currently experiencing delays in refuse collection. Recycling is not impacted at this time. If missed, refuse carts will be collected the next business day. Please leave carts out for collection until serviced.
The City is working to resolve this issue. Residents may call (562) 570-2876 if a collection does not occur on the following day. A collection request can also be submitted using the Report a Collection Issue form online.
|
Refuse Operator Hiring Event
Saturday, July 22, 8:30am – 3pm
2525 Grand Ave
| |
The City of Long Beach Departments of Public Works, Civil Service, and Human Resources is hosting a Refuse Operator Hiring Event to recruit interested applicants to become a part of the City’s dedicated Refuse Team. To help City staff prepare for this event, please register for this event.
There is an immediate need to fill up to 30 full-time and part-time Refuse Operator positions. The Refuse Operator I Non-Career position (part-time) and Refuse Operator II position (full-time) hourly pay range varies between $19.734 – $29.028. The pay range will be based on the candidate’s level of experience, work history, and operational needs.
Recruitment Incentive
All new refuse operators, including non-career employees, will be eligible for a recruitment incentive of $6,000 total that will be distributed as follows:
- 1st Payment: $1,000 upon starting and is included in the 2nd or 3rd paycheck
- 2nd Payment: $2,000 upon completion of the probationary period
- 3rd Payment: $3,000 upon completion of 3,132 scheduled hours
| |
Why can't I use plastic bags to bag my recyclables?
Plastic bags get tangled in sorting machines at recycling facilities and damage the equipment, increasing cost. Reuse your plastic bags, or drop them off at a participating location with a plastic bag, film, and wrap take-back program.
| |
Have a recycling question?
Read the LB Recycles Recycling Guidelines or submit your questions through email or social media at @LBRecycles on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
To learn more about our curbside recycling program, attend a Recycle Right LB workshop
| | | |
|
Join City staff for an in-person open house to learn about and provide feedback on a new local ordinance for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) as well as an ordinance for two-unit residential developments in alignment with Senate Bill 9 (SB 9).
The ordinances aim to make the City’s regulations on ADUs more accessible and implement SB 9, a relatively new State law that requires cities to allow a secondary primary residential unit on single-family-zoned lots, and in some cases would allow for a lot split.
When finalized, the ordinances will provide clear guidance for residential ADUs and SB 9 development in Long Beach.
ADU/SB 9 Open House
Wednesday, July 19, 2023, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Long Beach Utilities Auditorium
2400 E. Spring St.
RSVP online
To learn more, visit longbeach.gov/adusb9 and sign up to receive updates.
| | | |
Upcoming Events &
Community Meetings
| | |
|
The Long Beach Municipal Band will celebrate their 114th season this year with free outdoor summer concerts in Long Beach parks, from June 27 through August 4, 2023, with a different theme every week.
Residents can enjoy performances of the Long Beach Municipal Band on the dates listed below. All concerts begin at 6:30 p.m. and are free.
- Whaley Park North on Tuesdays, June 27 and July 11
- Bixby Annex Park on Tuesdays, July 18, 25; August 1
- Los Cerritos Park on Wednesdays, June 28; July 5, 12, 19, 26; August 2
- Recreation Park (behind Blair Field) on Thursdays, June 29; July 6, 13, 20, 27; August 3
- El Dorado Park West on Fridays, June 30; July 7, 14, 21, 28; August 4.
| | | |
|
Careers Taking Flight Program
I was honored to celebrate those who participated in the Long Beach Airport's Inaugural Careers Taking Flight Externship Program. Thirteen lucky students from Cabrillo and Jordan High Schools learned about a wide variety of aviation careers and how to make themselves competitive for future positions.
Over the course of the 40-hour, five-day program, students learned about the job duties, pay and credentials required for more than a dozen careers working for airports, airlines, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the business aviation sector. Congratulations to all who participated and I hope we see you back working in connection with our beautiful Long Beach Aiport.
|  | |
Ticketing Lobby Receives Construction Management Award
Long Beach Airport (LGB) was honored yesterday with a Project Achievement Award for its new Ticketing Lobby from the Construction Management Association of America Southern California Chapter (CMAASC). Awards recognizing outstanding construction management were presented at the CMAASC’s 30th Annual Gala in Long Beach.
LEARN MORE...
| |
Temporary Runway Closures
A friendly reminder that while daytime main runway closures at the Long Beach Airport have ended, some nighttime closures remain in place through July.
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 nighttime Runway 12-30 closures Sundays through Thursdays through mid-July. 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 Police Department
News & Events
| |
New Crime Data Reporting System
LBPD recently revamped the Crime Incident Mapping Application on its website, where community members can view where crime incidents have occurred in the City of Long Beach.
The FBI has mandated that law enforcement agencies across the country transition to National Incident-Based Reporting System to improve the overall quality, accuracy, and timeliness of crime data collected. Reported crime numbers will seem higher than they were in the past for certain offense categories. This does not mean that crime has increased; it just means the way crimes are reported has changed.
For more information, and for LBPD Crime Statistics, visit the LBPD website.
National Night Out
Save the Date! The 2023 National Night Out will take place on Tuesday, August 1st.
If you are hosting a National Night Out event for your neighborhood please register before July 18, here.
Don’t have an organized Community Watch group yet? National Night Out is the perfect time to start. For more information, visit bit.ly/LBPDCommunityWatch
LBPD thanks community members who plan to participate in National Night Out. It’s through your continued support and partnership with us that together we can solve crime. We look forward to seeing you on August 1st!
East Division Commercial Burglaries
LBPD Burglary detectives are investigating multiple commercial burglaries that have occurred over the past month; all involving unknown suspects disabling an outside lockbox.
LBPD encourages anyone with additional information to contact the Burglary Detail at (562) 570-7351. Anonymous tips may be submitted through LA Crime Stoppers by calling 800-222-TIPS (8477) or downloading the P3 Tips app.
For ways to help keep your business and employees safe, please see these Safety Tips.
| | | |
|
|
Homelessness Emergency Declaration
At the June 13th meeting, the Long Beach City Council approved the authorization for the purchase of property, located at 702 W. Anaheim St. and currently owned by the Long Beach Rescue Mission, Inc., to be utilized by the City of Long Beach as a permanent, year-round shelter for people experiencing homelessness.
This acquisition comes in response to the City’s local homelessness emergency proclamation and expanded efforts to increase access to interim housing, services and connections to permanent housing for people experiencing homelessness in Long Beach.
Additional information about other shelter beds and interim housing offered by the City and its partners is available at longbeach.gov/homelessness/homeless-services.
Information detailing the city's homelessness response efforts is now available on the Homelessness Digital Dashboard.
| | | |
|
|
|
Discover Downtown Summer Scavenger Hunt
Downtown Long Beach Alliance (DLBA) has launched a two-month Summer Scavenger Hunt designed to encourage residents and visitors to explore art, activations and support small businesses in Downtown Long Beach (DTLB). Winners with the most points at the end of the two-month challenge will be awarded gift cards to Downtown businesses.
The hunt is organized through a third-party scavenger hunt mobile application available in the Apple and Google app stores. The hunt opened June 21 and will close at 11:59 PM on August 20. To learn more about how to start earning points for the Summer Scavenger Hunt, visit the website here.
| | | |
|
Coastal Country Jam
Sep 16, 2023 & Sep 17, 2023
Marina Green
386 East Shoreline Drive
Long Beach, CA 90803
The West Coast’s biggest beachside festival is back and taking over Marina Green Park in Long Beach, CA for an expanded two-day event on September 16 & 17.
Long Beach residents receive 20% off any pass type now through July 15!
20% off code: LBRD
| |
| | |
Digital Rights Platform
CSULB has partnered with the City to look for a diverse group of people who live, work, or attend school in Long Beach to participate in the testing of civic apps and websites. Please share your experience using technologies deployed by the City and whether you have concerns about the data they collect. Sign up as a civic user tester now—and tell your friends about it!
To confirm eligibility, you will complete a brief survey. Once signed up, participants will be notified of new tests and focus group discussions - which we will use to ensure particular mobile applications, websites, or devices fit the needs of all users before the City deploys them. You will receive a $25 gift card for every study you participate in!
| | | |
Youth Advisory Council Applications
The City of Long Beach is now accepting applications for the Office of Youth Development’s second iteration of the Youth Advisory Council. The Youth Advisory Council is a body of 11 young people that help ensure authentic youth-led engagement in the design, oversight and implementation of the Youth and Emerging Adults Strategic Plan (YSP), the Measure US Youth Fund and other systems of youth development, ensuring that youth voices are uplifted throughout the City.
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be between the ages of 16 to 26.
- Reside in Long Beach.
- Be available to meet twice a month.
- Have a passion for issues affecting youth in Long Beach.
Now through Friday, June 30, youth may submit their application online. Those without computer or smart phone access can visit a public computer lab at the Ron R. Arias Health Equity Center (6335 Myrtle Ave.) or at any Long Beach Public Library location to fill out and submit their digital application.
| | | |
|
City Releases Preliminary Plan for a Proposed Special LGBTQ+ District
The City has released a preliminary plan highlighting various ways to activate the proposed special LGBTQ+ District that would be located along the East Broadway Avenue corridor between Alamitos and Temple avenues.
Community members are encouraged to share feedback on the plan by providing additional historical context, requested improvements, and further ideas via LGBTQVisioning@longbeach.gov through Sunday, August 25, and at a public event that will occur in conjunction with the 40th Annual Long Beach Pride Festival on August 4-5, 2023.
LEARN MORE...
| |  |
Violence Prevention Symposium
In honor of National Gun Violence Awareness Month, 'Long Beach Advancing Peace' will host a Leaders of Violence Prevention Community Symposium, addressing violence prevention efforts, best practices and challenges.
The symposium, which will take place Friday, June 30, from 5 to 9 p.m. at Miller Family Health Education Center (3820 Cherry Ave.), will bring a diverse group of community leaders to share the history and best practices of community violence prevention in Long Beach.
LEARN MORE...
| | |
LB Public Library Offers Free Business Resources
The Long Beach Public Library continues to build its repertoire of free business resources through its Digital Library, which offers free access to top professional development platforms that normally cost $1,000 or more per subscription.
With just a Library card, users can develop skills in business planning and entrepreneurship, management and strategic planning, finances and taxes, digital marketing, sales growth, market research and data, and much more.
LEARN MORE...
| | |
|
PRM to Offer Free Summer Food Service Program for Children
For the 44th year in a row, Parks, Recreation and Marine will offer the USDA Summer Food Service Program to provide free, nutritious meals to Long Beach children and youth over the summer months.
Beginning June 20 through August 25, PRM will provide free meals for children and youth Monday - Friday, with times varying at each site between 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. (excluding Tuesday, July 4).
LEARN MORE...
| | |
|
Recruitment for City’s First-Ever Director of Police Oversight
The City of Long Beach announced today the recruitment launch for selecting its first-ever Director of Police Oversight. This position will provide integral leadership for the newly adopted Office of Police Oversight and will work to support and collaborate with the Police Oversight Commission (POC).
Members of the community are encouraged to share their recommendations via online survey, available now through June 30.
LEARN MORE...
| | |
|
City Celebrates Official Opening of the New Junior Lifeguard Facility
The City of Long Beach today celebrated the official opening of the new Long Beach Junior Lifeguard facility. Located on East Ocean Boulevard and Claremont Place adjacent to the Claremont Launch Ramp, a ribbon cutting ceremony featured Third District Councilmember Kristina Duggan and other City leaders.
More information about the Long Beach Junior Lifeguard Program is available at longbeachjgs.com. More information about the Junior Lifeguard Facility Rebuild Project is available on its webpage.
LEARN MORE...
| | |
|
"Shop Long Beach" Program to Encourage Shopping Local
The City is launching the Shop Long Beach program, an initiative focused on supporting local small businesses and rewarding customers for shopping in Long Beach. This innovative rewards program is set to launch in July with a “Small Biz Blitz” contest and thousands of dollars in rewards prizes beginning this summer.
To participate, small businesses and shoppers are encouraged to sign up early at shoplb.org.
LEARN MORE...
| | |
|
Youth Power PB (Participatory Budgeting) Long Beach Awardees
The Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) Office of Youth Development, in partnership with The Nonprofit Partnership (TNP) and Invest in Youth Coalition anchored by Khmer Girls in Action, will award $300,000 to seven organizations selected by youth as part of a participatory budgeting pilot project. A total of 823 youth who live, work and/or play in Long Beach voted on which projects to fund this summer.
LEARN MORE...
| | |
Upcoming
City Council Meeting
Tues. July 11, 2023, 5:00pm
411 W Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802
*July 4th Meeting Cancelled due to Holiday
| |
|
|
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.
| | | | |
