|
|
(562) 570 5555 | district5@longbeach.gov | |
Election Info, Water Main Updates, & Fall Events! | |
|
Happy Friday, District 5! I hope you’re all enjoying the cool weather as it is finally beginning to feel like fall. We have a number of updates to share this week; be sure to keep reading for information regarding voting centers, organics collection, and the proposed affordable housing community at Wardlow and Cerritos.
At Council on Tuesday, Oct. 22nd, I am bringing forth Item 20, a request that a report be prepared by Long Beach Utilities to provide an overview of the department’s infrastructure and communications plan, as well as a comprehensive after-action report regarding the significant water main breaks that occurred on Oct. 9th, and the subsequent Boil Water Notice. See our “Upcoming Council Item” section below for more information.
As of today, Oct. 18th, repairs along Orange Ave related to the incident have been completed. Orange Ave from 37th to Wardlow is again open in both directions, and repairs to the water mainline are complete. We appreciate your patience throughout this process, and a big thanks goes to the hard-working city crews for their diligent commitment to restoring the affected area as quickly as possible!
As November quickly approaches, so does Election Day! See the “Voting Information” section below for details on local voting centers and drop box locations as you prepare to cast your ballot on or before Tuesday, November 5th.
Looking for ways to spend time in CD5 this weekend? Tomorrow, Oct 19th, you can help close out the Long Beach Airport’s centennial celebrations by attending the Festival of Flight! Open from 10am – 4pm, the free, family-friendly event will feature food trucks, static aircraft, live entertainment and more. On Saturday, Oct. 19th, you can also bring the little ones to Camp Fire of Long Beach's Boo Bash from 4 - 7pm. Over the weekend, you can also check out some local history with the Los Cerritos Neighborhood Association, as they host walking architecture tours on both Saturday, Oct. 19th and Sunday, Oct. 20th, followed by a neighborhood meeting on Oct. 20th to learn about local historical preservation. Also on Sunday, Oct 20th, you can attend the next Willow Springs Park Experience, “Music in the Park,” from 3 – 5pm. See the flyers below for more information on these and other upcoming activities and events. Hope to see you out in the community.
Finally, I’d like to remind you that the next City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 22nd at 5pm in the City Hall Chambers. 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.
The work continues,
| |
|
Megan Kerr, Councilwoman
Long Beach, District 5
| |
Upcoming Meetings & Events | |
|
|
Upcoming Council Item
Item 20: Request of After-Action Report from LB Utilities
As noted above, I will be bringing Item 20 before Council on Tuesday, Oct. 22nd. This item, cosigned by Councilmembers Austin and Ricks-Oddie, will request a comprehensive after-action report regarding the recent water main incident to shed light on the Long Beach Utilities’ ongoing infrastructure work and emergency communication plans, and to examine ways of improving our city’s system of notifications to residents and stakeholders when an emergency arises.
| |
|
It is important that we take this recent incident as an opportunity to assess our current emergency response and public alert systems, both to highlight what was done well and to identify areas for improvement moving forward.
Residents, business owners, and stakeholders are encouraged to share their experience, feedback, questions, and concerns as public comment during the Oct. 22 Council meeting. Public comment can be submitted via email to cityclerk@longbeach.gov, or by attending the meeting in-person at the City Hall Chambers, 411 E Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90802.
| | | |
|
Community Development Dept.
1131 Wardlow / 3401 Cerritos - Latest Updates
As you may be aware, following the demolition of the previously existing building at the corner of Wardlow Rd and Cerritos Ave, the contractor’s temporary construction fence has been removed. More permanent white fencing has been installed around the perimeter of the vacant site, along with “No Trespassing” signs. This was done in the effort to keep the city-owned property secure and mitigate potential nuisance, blight, and criminal activity often associated with vacant structures. Until further notice, the site will be closely monitored and maintained by city teams.
| |
|
Additionally, our office has been informed that the Community Development Department, per the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970 (CEQA), is preparing to begin the Environmental Review Process for the proposed affordable housing community to be located at 3401 Cerritos (previously referred to as 1131 Wardlow). More details regarding the specifics of the Environmental Review Process for this proposed development, including details on how the public can stay involved and informed, can be expected early next week.
As is this office's practice, we will send any information as soon as we have it directly to our email list of interested parties and we will feature the update in our next weekly newsletter. If you'd like to be added to that update list to receive information related to this project earlier in the week, please send an email to district5@longbeach.gov.
| | | |
|
City Clerk's Office
Voting Information for Nov. 5 Election
Are you ready for Election Day? Cast your ballot, in person at any vote center or vote by mail drop box on or before November 5, 2024! Below are CD5-specific locations, but check out the full list of in-person vote centers and vote by mail drop boxes in Long Beach! Learn more at longbeach.gov/cityclerk.
On August 6, 2024, the City Council unanimously adopted a Resolution which approved placing three items on the November 5, 2024 ballot, Measures JB, LB, HC. We encourage all voters to do their research on these measures and more before casting their vote. You can visit the City Clerk’s website for impartial analysis, arguments for and against, and FAQs.
CD5 In-person Vote Centers
Open Oct. 26 – Nov. 4: 10am – 7pm & Nov. 5: 7am – 8pm
Multi-Purpose Room – T1200 4901 E Carson St, 90808
CD5 In-person Vote Centers
Open Nov. 2 – Nov. 4: 10am – 7pm & Nov. 5: 7am – 8pm
-
Dana Neighborhood Library Community Room
3680 Atlantic Ave, 90807
-
Pan American Park Gymnasium 5157 E Centralia St, 90808
| |
|
Social Hall
3457 Stanbridge Ave, 90808
CD5 Vote By Mail Drop Boxes
Open now – Nov. 5: ballots must be received by 8pm
- Dana Neighborhood Library
3680 Atlantic Ave. 90807
- Heartwell Park Community Center
5801 Parkcrest St, 90808
3457 Stanbridge Ave, 90808
| | | |
|
Public Works Dept.
Organics Collection - Phase 1 Rollout Has Begun!
This week, Public Works began the first phase of rolling out the new Organics Collection program. Per state mandate, city-provided green carts meant for yard trimmings and food scraps are beginning to be delivered to homes across the city, as are new blue recycling carts to replace the purple ones. Some CD5 residents in the Los Cerritos, Lakewood Village, and Plaza neighborhoods may be part of this first phase rollout—use this interactive map to check your address! Find answers to FAQs and more information at longbeach.gov/lbrecycles.
| |
| | |
|
Historical Society of Long Beach
Historical Cemetery Tours
The 28th Annual Historical Cemetery Tours at our local Sunnyside and Municipal Cemeteries, is coming up on Saturday, Oct. 26th. From 8:30am – 3pm, enjoy a self-guided tour of the cemeteries and learn about local history through graveside performances portraying the lives of those at rest.
| |
My office has 35 free tickets to the Cemetery Tours to give away on a first-come, first-served basis; please send us an email if you’re interested! | | | |
|
CD5 Community Shout Outs
I am extremely proud to represent such a diverse, active, and involved community here in District 5! I want to take a moment to highlight and thank a couple of groups doing great work for our communities and our city as a whole.
If your club or organization is doing good work that you would like to share with the CD5 Community, please reach out to our office and let us know!
Soroptimist International of Long Beach
Soroptimist International of Long Beach is celebrating its 100th Anniversary! This is an outstanding volunteer service organization for women who work to improve the lives of women and girls in the local community and throughout the world. This weekend, they will be honoring 39 Women Who Have Made an Impact in the Long Beach Community. Congratulations to SILB on this momentous accomplishment and thank you for all you do!
| |
|
Long Beach Church Collective
Last weekend, the Long Beach Church Collective hosted its second annual Love Our City event, a citywide/regional service day that brings faith organizations from around Long Beach to take part in service projects to show love for and serve our city in tangible ways. More than 600 volunteers dispersed to 50 different projects across the city, including a local cleanup of Heartwell Park! Thanks to all the volunteers and organizers who made this day possible!
| | | |
|
Health & Human Services Dept.
October MAC Schedule
The Mobile Access Center (MAC) vehicle is a form of street outreach that allows staff to begin the intake process on the street with people experiencing homelessness beyond the City's Multi-Service Center (MSC).
If you encounter someone who is experiencing homelessness, and aren’t sure what you can do, please review the Health & Human Services FAQ sheet for information on available resources. If you’re able, sharing or dispersing this pocket guide or the most up-to-date MAC schedule could greatly assist a person experiencing homelessness connect with City services and facilities.
| |
| | |
City Announces Grand Marshals for 2024 Día de los Muertos Grand Parade | |  |
LGB Achieves 38% Reduction in Carbon Emissions as it Renews Accreditation | | |
El Dorado Nature Center to Host Howl-o-Ween Festival on Saturday, October 19 | | |
Long Beach Pet Fair Returns to Promote Pet Care and Adoption | | |
Upcoming
City Council Meeting
Tues. October 22, 2024, 5:00pm
411 W Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802
Item 13 Recommendation to execute an agreement, and any necessary amendments, with the California State Library to accept and expend grant funding for Library Literacy Services. (Item Details)
Item 14 Recommendation to execute an agreement, and any necessary amendments, with the California State Library to accept and expend grant funding for the Zip Books program. (Item Details)
Item 19 Recommendation to request Police Department to provide a presentation to City Council in 60 days on the protocols and guidelines the Department employs when responding to cases of trespassing and occupying abandoned properties (“squatting”); and
Request Police Department to work with City Manager, City Attorney, and City Prosecutor to evaluate current legislation and associated impacts on the Department’s capabilities when addressing incidents of “squatting” and trespassing, and report back to City Council with recommendations in 90 days. (Item Details)
Item 20 Recommendation to request City Manager to work with Long Beach Utilities Commission on a presentation to City Council in 45 days on an infrastructure and communications plan overview of Long Beach Utilities; and
Request City Manager to work with Long Beach Utilities Commission, Long Beach Department of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Communications, Long Beach Fire, Long Beach Health Department, and other relevant departments on a comprehensive after-action report and presentation to City Council in 45 days regarding the significant water main breaks that occurred on October 9, 2024 and the subsequent Boil Water Notice. (Item Details)
Item 30 Recommendation to execute Memorandums of Understanding (MOU), and any necessary documents including any amendments, with the Rancho Los Alamitos Foundation (RLA) and Rancho Los Cerritos Foundation (RLC), respectively, to administer funding less the amounts identified for City administrative costs for the RLA and RLC deferred maintenance and capital improvement projects. (Item Details)
| | | | |
