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Weekly Updates | April 17, 2026
Happy Friday, District 5! This weekend, Long Beach will once again host tens of thousands of fans in town for the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach as it celebrates its 51st year. Much more than just a race, the weekend-long festival features car displays, food trucks, concerts, family-friendly activities, and more. Be aware of street closures and increased activity affecting traffic if you plan to head downtown! For those hoping to steer clear of the crowds, see below for local activities here in the 5th District, in addition to this week’s updates from the Public Works, Health, and Economic Development departments and more.
At the Council meeting next Tuesday, April 21st, my colleagues and I will hear a presentation on Denim Day, an annual observance celebrated on April 29th, during which people around the world wear denim to stand in solidarity and show support for victims and survivors of sexual violence or assault. Along with LBPD, the YWCA, and the 8th District Office, we are hosting Long Beach’s first Denim Day Rally & Resource Fair on Wednesday, April 29th, to uplift the local organizations and service providers that support survivors, to showcase the resources available for those in need of help, and to stand in solidarity against sexual assault. We hope you’ll join us at the Civic Center Plaza from 11am – 2pm for this meaningful event!
This weekend in District 5, local history buffs have two opportunities to learn about Long Beach history, either at Rancho Los Cerrito’s panel discussion of “Mexican Repatriation: Navigating Displacement & Remembrance” from 11am – 1pm on Saturday, April 18th; or, starting at 1pm the same afternoon, at the Historical Society of Long Beach’s “History Hangout” for a deep dive into the origins and development of our local Cambodian community. Those looking for a little springtime selfcare can head over to the Hangar at LBX on Saturday, April 18th, from 9:30am – 2pm, for the “Rooted & Radiant” event complete with morning yoga, mindful and calming crafts, and community connection. Then you can return to LBX on Sunday the 19th to get an early start to your Earth Day celebrations at the “Conscious Creators Earth Day Market” from noon to 6pm. Remember, Earth Day is on Wednesday, April 22nd; find even more ways to celebrate and do your part for our planet in the info blocks below!
Looking ahead, there is still plenty to do to fill your calendar in the coming week and as we near the end of April. Next Thursday, April 23rd at 6pm, I hope to see you at the next CD5 Community Meeting at the Expo Arts Center, featuring our City Manager’s Office. Then on Friday, April 24th, we encourage you to celebrate Earth Day with us as we join Caltrans for an Earth Day Freeway Cleanup from 9am – 12pm. On Saturday, April 25th, you can continue your environmental stewardship by participating in the City Nature Challenge at Willow Springs Park from 9am – 1pm. Then on Wednesday, April 29th, you can join my team and I at the free District 5 Aquarium Night from 6:30 – 8:30pm. Learn more about these and other upcoming events below. Next week,
Finally, I’d like to remind you that the next City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 5pm in the City Hall Chambers. The full agenda and 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.
Continuing the work,
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Megan Kerr, Councilwoman
Long Beach, District 5
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Public Works Department
Ongoing Streetlight Outages
As many of you are aware, we are continuing to see extended streetlight outages across our district and throughout the city, as copper wire theft continues to impact out citywide infrastructure. We understand that nighttime lighting is extremely important for maintaining safety and wellbeing in our neighborhoods, and resolving these concerns continues to be a top priority for me and my office.
Back in early March, my colleagues and I requested a full assessment and comprehensive report of our city's practices on maintaining, repairing, and protecting our street lights against theft and ongoing outages. We are still awaiting the report that will hopefully highlight opportunities for improvement, particularly when it comes to speeding up repair timelines and implementing anti-theft measures.
In the meantime, I have requested additional PD patrols in affected areas as I continue to push the City Manager and the Public Works Department to prioritize these repairs and restore safety and peace of mind in our communities.
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Carson St. Latest Updates
This week, Public Works shared their latest updates regarding the Carson St. Complete Streets project. Construction has progressed smoothly with minimal delays despite previous rain events. Approximately 95% of all concrete work is now complete, and installation of the bus shelters on Carson Street is underway. The roadway is anticipated to be ready for grind and overlay beginning next week. Be prepared for additional slowdowns and impacts to traffic over the next few weeks. Work will begin on the northeast portion of the project and will move west along the northern side of the street. Following completion of that work, the road will be prepared for new traffic striping. Overall, the project is currently about one week ahead of schedule. Learn more about the project and sign up for updates at the Carson project webpage.
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Clark Ave. Latest Updates
Public Works has also shared the latest on Clark Ave, as the Clark Ave. Complete Streets Project - Phase 1 (from Spring to Conant) continues. The Clark project has moved into the street milling phase, preparing the surface for new asphalt, which will be followed by paving throughout next week. Once the resurfacing is complete, protected bike lanes will be constructed followed by all traffic striping, safety improvements, and anticipated project completion in May. Learn more about the project and sign up for updates at the Clark Ave Phase 1 webpage.
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District 5 Office
CD5 Meeting | April 23
We hope you will join us at the next CD5 Community meeting, being held on Thursday, April 23rd at 6pm at the Expo Arts Center, featuring City Manager Tom Modica and his team.
While not required, we ask that you please RSVP to help us prepare adequate seating. We hope to see you there!
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Denim Day Rally & Resource Fair | April 29
This year, we are partnering with LBPD, YWCA, and the 8th District Office to bring you a Denim Day Rally & Resource Fair at the Civic Center Plaza on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 from 11am – 1pm.
Join us to learn about the ongoing work being dine throughout our city by the LBPD, the YWCA’s Survivor Empowerment Services, and the Human Trafficking Task Force, as they support and service survivors of sexual violence or sexual assault. Following a press conference, the resource fair will include info from other community-based organizations tied to this work, as well as a self-defense demo! We hope you will join us in your favorite denim to show support and stand in solidarity with survivors!
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FREE CD5 Aquarium Night | April 29
This spring, we’ve partnered with the Aquarium of the Pacific to bring you a FREE District 5 Aquarium Night on Wednesday, April 29th! Join the 5th District team and neighbors from across the district at this special community night with free Aquarium attendance for residents from 6:30 – 8:30pm.
RSVP here or by using the QR code on the flyer, and select your preferred entry time to reserve your tickets today! *NOTE: Maximum 6 free tickets per family.* We look forward to seeing you there!
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City of Long Beach
Earth Month Calendar
As you may know, Earth Day is celebrated internationally every April, and inspires many opportunities to help keep our planet clean and healthy.
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This year, the City is celebrating Earth Month, and has compiled an Earth Month Calendar to promote community activities and events throughout the month of April. Find beach cleanups, activities at local libraries, farmers’ markets, and more!
Additionally, I’ll remind you of some upcoming Earth Day events here in District 5:
Partners of Parks Ice Cream Fundraiser
Wednesday, April 22 | Handel's Ice Cream (4201 McGowen St, 90808) | from 12pm - 10pm, 20% of your purchase supports Partners of Parks!
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Caltrans District 7 Earth Day Cleanup of 405 Fwy
Friday, April 24 | 9am – 12pm | help pick up trash on the 405 Fwy's Atlantic Ave on-/off-ramps
City Nature Challenge
Saturday, April 25 | Willow Springs Park | 9am - 1pm | help collect data on local wildlife in our city, and enjoy activities, crafts, guided nature tours, a scavenger hunt, and more
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Economic Development & Opportunity Dept.
Accepting Applications for Public Service Fellowship 4th Cohort Now - June 9
The Economic Development & Opportunity (EDO) Dept. invites community members aged 18 – 30 to apply for the fourth cohort of the Long Beach Public Service Corps Program (LBPSC), a civic service initiative designed to build a pipeline of diverse, local talent committed to serving their communities. Through immersive placements in City departments (including legislative teams like our CD5 Office!), fellows contribute to real projects that advance Long Beach’s priorities while gaining meaningful experience in public service. Applications are available online now through Tuesday, June 9, 2026. Learn more about the program in the recent press release or at longbeach.gov/psc.
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Health & Human Services
Veterans Banner Program | Nominations Close May 15
The City is once again collecting nominations for the third year of the Veterans Banner Program, where we veterans are honored with individual banners displayed at locations across Long Beach. This year, up to 65 veterans will be selected. The Health Dept’s Office of Veterans Support, in partnership with the Long Beach Veterans Commission, will oversee the selection of banners to be displayed throughout the city for one year, beginning in Summer 2026.
To nominate a veteran, use the Veterans Banner Program Nomination Form. The application deadline is Friday, May 15, 2026. Learn more in the recent press release or on the program webpage.
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Vaccine Awareness Virtual Town Hall
The Health & Human Services Dept. invites you to save the date for a special virtual town hall focused on vaccine awareness for children up to age 5, happening on Thursday, April 23rd from 7 – 8pm.
The Health Dept. is partnering with MemorialCare to provide our community with up-to-date information, answer vaccine questions, and empower families to make informed health decisions. The event will be held virtually via Zoom, and will be offered in Spanish, American Sign Language (ASL), Khmer, and Tagalog. Register for the virtual town hall today!
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Confluence Rising
Bringing Restorative Justice Values into Juvenile Diversion Practices | April 27
On Monday, April 27th, Confluence Rising is hosting a virtual training on “Bringing Restorative Justice Values into Juvenile Diversion Practices.” During the training, participants will explore how Restorative Justice values naturally overlap with Juvenile Justice work and learn more strategies to put those values into action with young people. Participate to create a space of learning, reflection, and growth to become better equipped in your roles and a stronger supporter of the youth in your life.
Date: Monday, April 27, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Virtual: Zoom link will be provided after registration.
Registration Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RJDiversion2026
Registration Fee: $50
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Long Beach Indivisible
Whistlemania! LBC Good Neighbor Training | April 30
Whistlemania! LBC has been working hard to create informational packets and share whistles to help stand against the unjust actions of federal immigration enforcement agents across our city and our region. The next step for Whistlemania! LBC is to make sure you know how to use your community alert whistle and report an ICE detention. To learn, join the Good Neighbor Training being held via Zoom on Thursday, April 30th, from 6:30-8pm. Learn more and RSVP at the event webpage.
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Mayor's Office
Call for Commission Applications
Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson is calling on the "Best and Brightest" across the city to apply to serve on City Commissions. Mayor Richardson has made access to these opportunities a priority and is seeking applicants from across the city to help ensure that our Commissions best reflect the communities they serve.
Below are the available Commission vacancies for the next round of appointments later this Spring. If you are interested, please submit your application on the Commissions, Boards, & Committees webpage.
- Advisory Commission on Aging (2)
- Commissioner aged 50+
- Commissioner aged 50+
- Airport Advisory Commission (1)
- At large
- Belmont Shore Parking and Business Improvement Area Advisory Commission (1)
- Property Owner
- Board of Health & Human Services (2)
- State-licensed veterinarian
- State-licensed pharmacist
- Commission on Women & Girls (1)
- At large
- Commission on Youth & Families (1)
- Commissioner under the age of 19
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- Economic Development Commission (2)
- Education representative
- Workforce representative
- Equity & Human Relations Commission (2)
- At large
- At large
- Homeless Services Advisory Commission (2)
- Council District 8 representative
- At large
- Housing Authority (2)
- Tenant commissioner
- Tenant commissioner
- Long Beach Workforce Innovation Network (2)
- Business representative
- Vocational training
- Marine Advisory Commission (4)
- At large
- At large
- At large
- At large
- Planning Commission (2)
- At large
- At large
- Technology and Innovation Commission (1)
- Commissioner with experience in technology and education
- Transit Board of Directors (1)
- Directorship 2
- Veterans Affairs Commission (3)
- Council District 2 representative
- Council District 4 representative
- Council District 5 representative
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Memos to the Mayor & Council
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Upcoming
City Council Meeting
Tues. April 21, 2026, 5:00pm
411 W Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802
Item 3 Recommendation to provide contributions to the following organizations: to Long Beach BLAST (Better Learning for All Students Today) in support of their annual Breakfast BLAST event; St. Anthony High School in support of their 105th Hall of Fame Gala; Long Beach Century Club to support their annual Mayor’s Trophy Golf Tournament; the Cambodian American Cultural Center in support of the 4th Annual Long Beach Sankranta Festival; Long Beach Forward in support of the Long Beach LGBTQIA2S+ Community Health Summit; Partners of Parks in support of the 1st Annual Long Beach Favorite Pet Competition; the Cooper Steinhauser Foundation in support of their NICU Warrior Walk; BSA Troop 65 in support of their Annual Pancake Breakfast. (Item Details)
Item 17 Recommendation to receive and file a presentation in recognition of Cambodian Genocide Remembrance Day. (Item Details)
Item 18 Recommendation to request City Manager to work with relevant departments to evaluate the feasibility and process to consider the disposition of City-owned parcel identified as APN 7149-004-900 to facilitate a Teamsters-sponsored community park activation concept “Playground With No Bounds” and report back to council within 120 days. (Item Details)
Item 19 Recommendation to receive and file a presentation update on citywide public safety efforts. (Item Details)
Item 20 Recommendation to adopt resolution authorizing City Manager, or designee, to execute a contract with the Los Angeles County Housing and Homeless Services, Homeless Prevention Unit, of Los Angeles CA, to provide operations and supportive services for the Homeless Prevention Program to persons at risk of experiencing homelessness in the City of Long Beach. (Item Details)
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