Today I was honored to join the Stramski Children’s Developmental Center at MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach to “Light It Up Blue” in honor of Autism Awareness Month. 

This year is the 16th Annual World Autism Awareness Day, which advances awareness around the work to transform the narrative around neurodiversity and improve the lives of people with autism. 

On April 2, join supporters around the globe who wear blue and light up their homes or businesses blue in celebration of people with autism and those who love and support them.

Major electrical upgrades designed to improve the safety of the primary runway at Long Beach Airport are being installed from late March through July, necessitating some temporary runway closures. During Runway 12-30 closures, operations will occur on Runway 8L-26R. 

Due to the safety setback requirements of the construction work, there will be temporary runway closures between March 29 and mid-July: 

• Runway 12-30 will be CLOSED NIGHTLY, Sundays through Thursdays, from March 29 to mid-July. 
• Runway 12-30 will be CLOSED DAILY, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, from April 18 to May 24. 

More than 500 new LED lights will be installed as part of the electrical project. In addition to the safety benefits of brighter lighting, the LED bulbs use between 75 percent and 90 percent less energy and have a longer life expectancy than incandescent or quartz lights.  

More information on the project can be found on the public notice. 

LBPD Transitions to New Crime Data Reporting System

Last year, LBPD began transitioning form a Summary-Based Reporting System (SRS) to the National Incident Based Reporting System (NIBRS.) With the transition to NIBRS, they anticipate the crime incident mapping application will be back online in the near future. LBPD will make a social media announcement once the page is operational.

For more details, read the LBPD press release.

Homelessness Emergency Declaration

The City has launched the Homelessness Text Alert program to provide updates on service capacity updates, schedules at the MSC, and program sign-up. Those interested in signing up to receive text notifications can text keyword "HOME" to 99477.

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

2023 Spring Performing Arts Season

Don't miss out on exceptional Cultural Arts, Theatre, and Music performances in the heart of the Fifth District! Show your support of the Long Beach City College Performing Arts Department by attending one of the many events during their spring season. Your next opportunity is the Spring Orchestra Concert on March 31.

Go Vikings!

Are you looking for free or low-cost internet services?

Get connected through the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The ACP is a federal program provided by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. A low-cost internet service plan may be fully covered through the ACP. A household is eligible for the ACP if the household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or if a member of the household participates in a benefit assistance program.

Speak with a Human-I-T internet specialist and get connected today!

Call: (888) 391-7249

Text: (562) 561-2565

Email: info@human-i-t.org

Website: human-i-t.org/acp

Check out the Fifth's Favorite Happy Hours:

Dutch's BrewHouse – Submitted by Stuart G.

908 - Submitted by Brian M.

Tracy's Bar & Grill - Submitted by Stacy F.

For the next newsletter, let us know your favorite Fifth District business to shop for Unique Spring Gifts!