Weekly Update & February Festivities | |
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Happy Friday, District 5! I hope everyone stayed safe and dry throughout last weekend and this week’s storms. Thank you to our incredible emergency response and Public Works teams for all hard work keeping our city safe and running as smoothly as possible. If you are still seeing effects of the storm such as standing water or fallen trees/branches, please contact Public Works (see below) or reach out to our office. You can read more here for a recap of the City's storm preparedness and response efforts as cleanup efforts continue.
As the weather clears for the time being, we have plenty of reasons to gather and celebrate, such as Lunar New Year! Based on the 12-year cycle of the Chinese Zodiac, where each year is represented by an animal, the lunar calendar begins its new cycle this Saturday, February 10th. This holiday is one of the most important of the year among East and Southeast Asian cultures. Each culture celebrates differently, but traditions are tied to symbols of prosperity, abundance, and togetherness. I wish all who celebrate a year of prosperity and good fortune as we enter into the Year of the Dragon.
As February continues, so do celebrations for Black History Month. Tomorrow, February 10th, is LBCC’s free author event with Ilyon Woo as she discusses her book, Master Slave Husband Wife: An Epic Journey from Slavery to Freedom, with Peggy Trotter Dammond Preacely, a descendent of the book’s subjects, Ellen and William Craft. The discussion begins at 2pm, and admission and parking are free! See the flyer below for more details, and click here for more Black History events at LBCC.
In addition to discussions of history and culture, supporting local Black-owned businesses is another meaningful way to celebrate Black History Month! Using the Shop Long Beach program, spend and earn rewards at Black-owned businesses throughout the month of February. See below for more details and a list of CD5’s participating businesses.
To continue supporting local small business owners, stop by one (or all!) of CD5’s neighborhood markets this Saturday, February 10th. Norse Village is holding their first ever “Village Market” from 10am – 2pm, Parkview Village is back for their monthly “Second Saturdays Block Party” from 11am – 3pm, and LBX is hosting a “Valentine’s Makers Market” from 12pm – 5pm. See the flyers below for more information.
This weekend is also the time to start celebrating Mardis Gras! Though the “Fat Tuesday” in question is February 13th, start the party early on Saturday, February 10th, at Shoreline Village’s annual Mardi Gras festivities, with Councilwoman Mary Zendejas as Queen! The free, Citywide event begins at 1pm, with a parade beginning at 2:30.
Looking forward to next week, Valentine’s Day! Find deals and events all over Bixby Knolls throughout the whole week. Visit bixbyknollsinfo.com and sign up for their newsletter to stay in the know about these and any future specials and see flyers below. Then next Saturday, February 17th, kick off the Year of the Dragon by ringing in the Lunar New Year at 2nd & PCH! Find more info in the flyers below.
Finally, I’d like to remind you that the next City Council meeting will be on Tuesday, February 13th 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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Long Beach Public Works
Contact Public Works for Remaining Storm Debris
In the wake of this week’s storms, there still may be some lingering debris or other hazards remaining throughout the City. See the phone numbers below to contact Public Works for assistance.
- Clogged Storm Drain – (562) 570 2700, option 3
- Downed Tree – (562) 570 2700, option 4
- Malfunctioning Traffic Signals – (562) 570 2700, option 5
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Downed Power Lines – call 911
You can also reach out to our office at (562) 570 5555 or district5@longbeach.gov.
For any emergencies, or if there is any risk to life or public safety, please call 911.
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Celebrate Black History Month With Shop Long Beach
Earn Extra Rewards by Shopping at Black-owned Businesses in February
Celebrate Black History Month and support local Black-owned businesses through the Shop Long Beach program! Use the Shop Long Beach Rewards Program powered by the Localight App to spend and earn rewards at participating Black-owned businesses during the month of February, and earn an additional 10% back. Below are the participating businesses within CD5!
*These are the Shop Long Beach Spotlight Businesses where you can spend earned Shop Long Beach reward money.
Let’s invest in Black-owned businesses, to help provide financial support to entrepreneurs looking to grow their ventures, and let’s shop Black-owned businesses that reflect the diverse cultural influences of our vibrant communities in Long Beach.
Your ongoing support can help sustain these businesses during this Black History Month celebration and create a more inclusive and equitable economic landscape for everyone throughout the year! Learn more at shoplb.org.
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Long Beach Police Department
Apply to Become an LBPD Police Cadet
The Long Beach Police Department currently has an opening for the position of Police Cadet. This is a unique opportunity to join one of the nation’s finest and most diverse Police Departments. This position is ideal for current college students or recent graduates who have an interest in preparing for a career in law enforcement and is designed to give Police Personnel the opportunity to interact with and identify high-potential individuals for a future full-time position within the Police Department. Click here to learn more and apply!
Recruitment will close at 11:59pm on February 14, 2024.
LBPD Holding DUI Checkpoint Friday Feb. 9, 2024
On Feb. 9, 2024, the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) will conduct a Driving Under the Influence (DUI)/Driver License (CDL) checkpoint from 6:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m. in the WestDivision area.
DUI checkpoint locations are determined based on data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes. The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints is to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off the road. Click here to learn more.
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Parks, Recreation & Marine
Spring 2024 RecConnect Classes for All Ages
Registration opened February 5th for Parks, Recreation & Marine's Recreation Connection classes offered from March through May 2024.
Classes will be offered for ages preschool to 50 years and older, and include a variety of physical, intellectual, and fun interests. From cooking to dance classes to sports leagues and more, there's something for everyone! Click here to view the class catalog or visit lbparks.org to learn more.
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City of Long Beach
News & Updates
Ballot Drop Boxes Now Open, Two in CD5
Vote by Mail ballot distribution for the March 5, 2024 Primary Nominating Election has begun! All registered voters in LA 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 LA County, or at any Vote by Mail Ballot Drop Box.
There are over 400 participating locations in LA County with 24-hour drop boxes, including 17 in Long Beach. Below are the two located within CD5:
Vote by Mail Drop Boxes are now open and will remain open until 8:00pm on Election Day, Tuesday, March 5, 2024. All voters may track their ballots here. More information, including a current list of all LA County 24-hour Vote by Mail Ballot Drop Boxes, or to check registration information or request a ballot in a different language, is available at lavote.gov.
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Long Beach Recycles
News & Updates
SERRF Update & New Bins to Come
At Tuesday’s Council meeting, the City’s contract with the Southeast Resource Recovery Facility (SERRF) officially came to an end. As described in the item, utilizing SERRF to dispose of the City’s solid waste is no longer a viable option because the 3rd-party manager, Covanta, terminated their lease with the City effective January 31, 2024. New solutions are in the works, with an assessment of the impact on the City’s sustainability goals to come soon. On the note of waste, be on the lookout for future updates regarding the addition of new recycling and green waste bins in Long Beach! Per State standards, our recycling bins will be changing from purple to blue, and the City-wide implementation of green waste bins will begin rolling out soon. We will keep you informed as new updates arise.
Become a Recycling Ambassador
If you are a Long Beach resident 18 years or older, apply to join our Compost and Recycling Ambassador Program! Registration for the program opens on 2/12/24 at 10 am. Offered at no cost, you’ll learn about waste reduction, recycling, and composting through lectures and hands-on experiences over the course of 8 weeks.
The Spring session begins 03/21 from 9 am-12 pm and meets weekly every Thursday for 8 weeks, until 5/1. The course takes place in-person at the Environmental Services Bureau located at 2929 E Willow St. Long Beach, CA 90806.
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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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All Swimming Areas Temporarily Closed Due to Sewage Spill
Long Beach City Health Officer, Dr. Anissa Davis, has ordered all recreational swimming areas temporarily closed for water contact due to two separate sewage spills that occurred on February 5th.
These spills occurred early on the morning of February 5th, prompting immediate action from local authorities. The exact cause of the sewage spills is currently under investigation, with capacity issues due to heavy rains and potential sewer damage being considered as possible factors.
LEARN MORE...
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Long Beach Airport Seeks Development Proposals for 17-Acre Wardlow Parcel
In an effort to attract new investment and jobs at Long Beach Airport (LGB), the City of Long Beach has released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the aeronautical development of 17 acres at LGB. The available land, known as the Wardlow Parcel, is located on the west side of the airfield.
Qualified organizations are encouraged to submit proposals through the City’s vendor portal, Long Beach Buys, by 11 a.m. on April 2, 2024. Specific details related to eligibility requirements and submission instructions are available on the Long Beach Buys website. To obtain a copy of RFP Number AP-23-325, go to the Bid solicitation.
LEARN MORE...
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Mobile Access Centers Continuing Homeless Services Outreach
Long Beach will continue to deploy its Mobile Access Centers (MAC) in select Long Beach areas weekdays throughout February.
The MAC vehicles significantly lower 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. Throughout February, MAC vehicles will be stationed at the following locations...
LEARN MORE...
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Lane Closure on Northbound Shoemaker Bridge
Commuters accessing the northbound 710 Freeway from Downtown Long Beach should expect delays due to a temporary closure of the northbound right-hand lanes of Shoemaker Bridge. The closure includes the bridge’s off-ramp to Ninth Street in West Long Beach.
Put in place as a precaution, the lane closures will likely remain until crews can repair damage to the underside of the bridge where it passes over the connector from the eastbound Long Beach International Gateway Bridge to the northbound 710 Freeway.
LEARN MORE...
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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.
As the month unfolds with a variety of events for all ages, the celebration will reach its pinnacle with a Black Voices Open Mic event on Saturday, Feb. 24 from noon to 3 p.m. at Burnett Neighborhood Library (560 E. Hill St. 90806).
LEARN MORE...
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Upcoming
City Council Meeting
Tues. February 13, 2023, 5:00pm
4901 E. CARSON STREET LONG BEACH CITY COLLEGE
LIBERAL ARTS CAMPUS, BUILDING T, ROOM 1100
FULL AGENDA
Item 1 Recommendation to suspend Council rule contained in Municipal Code Section 2.03.020 (B) relating to the meeting schedule of the City Council in order to cancel the City Council meeting on March 5th. (Item Details)
Item 11 Recommendation to receive supporting documentation into the record, conclude the public hearing, and adopt resolution continuing the Belmont Shore Parking and Business Improvement Area assessment levy for the period of October 1, 2023, through September 30, 2024; and authorize City Manager, or designee, to extend the agreement with the Belmont Shore Business Association for a one-year term. (Item Details)
Item 12 Recommendation to receive and file the supporting documentation into the record, conclude the public hearing, and determine issuance of a Parklet Permit to Anaheim and Stanley, LLC, dba Supply and Demand Bar, at 2500 East Anaheim Street. (Item Details)
Item 13 Recommendation to receive and file the supporting documentation into the record, conclude the public hearing, and determine issuance of a Parklet Permit to Shore Restaurant Group, LLC, dba Legends Sports Bar, at 5236 East Second Street.(Item Details)
Item 15 Recommendation to receive and file the Fiscal Year 2023 Year-End Budget Performance Report and increase appropriations in several funds across several departments for various purposes to reflect final expenditures. (Item Details)
Item 16 Recommendation to declare ordinance finding and determining that a Transportation Improvement Fee (TIF) credit is due for the development project located at 2401 East Wardlow Road; and, authorizing City Manager to execute an agreement with GCC Long Beach, LLC, providing for a TIF credit, read the first time and laid over to the next regular meeting of the City Council for final reading.(Item Details)
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