Weekly Updates | April 18, 2025 | | |
Happy Friday, District 5! This weekend, many of us will celebrate Easter with family, friends, and community—to all who observe, I wish you a peaceful day of reflection today, Good Friday, in preparation for a joyful celebration of renewal and rebirth this Easter Sunday. As it tends to be a popular place to enjoy the holiday, check out these tips if you plan to spend Easter at El Dorado Park! Keep reading for news and updates from Congressman Robert Garcia, LA28, several City of Long Beach departments, and more.
At Council next week, I’ll be introducing Item 10, a formal request to collaborate with our Long Beach Public Libraries to evaluate options for expanding LBPL’s online Libby services to residents outside California, to actively protect freedom of access and the right to read against increasing censorship and book-banning attempts across the nation. Review the item details to learn more.
Want to get involved in the CD5 community this weekend? You can kick off your weekend bright and early tomorrow, April 19th, by joining me, my team, and the Bixby Strollers for an “offsite” stroll, starting from the CD5 Field Office at Wardlow Park at 7:30am. Whether a seasoned Stroller or a first timer, we encourage all CD5 residents to join in to meet and connect with neighbors from different parts of our large district! Later that afternoon, Saturday, April 19th, you can visit the Hangar Lawn at LBX for the “Boots & Soul” country-western themed pop-up market from 12 – 6pm, complete with family-friendly crafts, activities, and line-dancing! This weekend you can also show your support for LBCC’s performing arts program by attending the Spring 2025 Dance Ensemble in Concert at the LBCC Bob & Barbara Ellis Auditorium. Visit lbcc.edu/performingarts to find tickets for one of three showtimes – tonight, April 18th at 7pm, or tomorrow, April 19th at 1pm or 7pm – to support our local student performers!
As you plan for next week, keep in mind that my team and I will be hosting our next CD5 Community Meeting on Thursday, April 24th at 6pm at the Wardlow Park Community Center. If you plan to attend, please RSVP to help us prepare appropriate seating! Next week also holds Earth Day—check out the city’s Earth Month calendar for ways to celebrate, such as the City Nature Challenge at Willow Springs Park on Saturday, April 26th, or at Rancho Los Cerritos all weekend long! See below for more information on these and other upcoming events.
Finally, I’d like to remind you that the next City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 5pm in the City Hall Chambers. The full agenda as well as 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.
Working together,
| | |
Megan Kerr, Councilwoman
Long Beach, District 5
| | |
District 5 Office
CD5 Community Meeting | April 24th at 6pm
Join us at the next CD5 Community Meeting! On Thursday, April 24th at 6:00pm, visit the Wardlow Park Community Center (3457 Stanbridge Ave) to hear from Community Development staff on the wide range of work in their department, as well as from members of the LBFD for tips on emergency preparedness. This is a great opportunity to learn more about CD5 and the City of Long Beach! To help us prepare seating, please RSVP here or by scanning the flyer's QR code.
| |  | |
Long Beach Police Department
East Division Coffee with a Cop | April 24th at 11am
Join our LBPD East Division officers for Coffee with a Cop on Thursday, April 24th! From 11:00am – 12:00pm, stop by Cassidy's Corner Cafe (5900 East Spring St) to have a conversation, ask questions, and voice your concerns to local police officers in your area.
More information can be found here.
| | |
|
City of Long Beach
2023 Network Security Incident Update
Earlier this week, the City of Long Beach announced the latest updates to the ongoing investigation of the network security incident that occurred on or about Nov. 14, 2023, which resulted in an unauthorized actor obtaining access to the city's network. On Monday, April 14, 2025, the City began notifying people whose information may have been accessed and/or acquired as a result of the incident via US Mail. While there is no indication that any information has been misused for the purpose of committing fraud or identity theft, the City is providing these notifications by law and out of an abundance of caution so that those impacted have the information, tools, and resources to safeguard their personal information, should they feel it appropriate to do so.
A dedicated call center number has been established to provide information and resources to those impacted, available Monday - Friday, 6am - 6pm, at 888-802-9667. The toll-free and confidential response line is staffed with professionals familiar with this incident and knowledgeable on what people can do to protect against the misuse of personal information. It's important to note that the call center staff will not ask for, nor should people provide, a Social Security number or other personal information when calling.
More information on the network security incident can be found in the press release issued Monday, 4/14/25, in the updated Incident FAQ sheet, or on the city's webpage at longbeach.gov/networksecurityincident.
| | | |
|
Office of Congressman Robert Garcia
Congressman Robert Garcia Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Reduce Lead Exposure Near Airports
Earlier this week, Congressman Robert Garcia announced the introduction of a bipartisan bill, "Cutting Lead Exposure & Aviation Relief (CLEAR) Skies Act," aimed to protect the health of communities near airports by reducing harmful lead emissions from aviation fuel and accelerating the transition to unleaded alternatives. The CLEAR Skies Act will support the aviation industry's transition away from leaded gasoline by creating a federal production tax credit to reduce the cost of unleaded aviation gas (avgas). Review the bill's full text to learn more.
The introduction of this bill, authored by our local Congressional representative and former Mayor of Long Beach, represents another significant step towards mediating community concerns around General Aviation activity. Should it pass, I am hopeful that this bill that rewards innovation and swift action will kickstart a much-needed increase in unleaded avgas production, which will increase accessibility, lower costs, and help keep the aviation industry on track for the FAA's Eliminate Aviation Gasoline Lead Emissions (EAGLE) Initiative's goal to phase out the use of leaded avgas by the end of 2030. Thank you, Congressman Garcia, for your continued support for the health and well-being of our communities! For questions, please contact Congressman Garcia's office at (202) 225 7924.
| | | | |
2028 Olympics
Long Beach Confirmed to Stage 11 Sporting Events for the 2028 Olympic Games
As of this week, Long Beach is confirmed to host 11 Olympic events as an LA28 Venue City for the 2028 Olympic Games—more than double LA28's initial bid assignments for Long Beach. With LA28's recently updated Olympic Venue Plan, four events have been added to our list to now include Beach Volleyball, Sport Climbing, Target Shooting, and the Olympic debut of Coastal Rowing. Read the recent press release to learn more. More information about Long Beach's role in the Paralympic Games is expected in the coming months. Stay up to date on LA28 news at longbeach.gov/2028games.
| | | |
Economic Development Dept.
Long Beach Amphitheater FAQ Now Available
The Economic Development Department has developed a comprehensive frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the Long Beach Amphitheater that is now available electronically on their website. The FAQ addresses several of the most common questions the department has this far received, including details about the cost of developing the amphitheater, funding sources being used, anticipated economic benefits for Long Beach, and the temporary nature of the venue. The FAQ will be updated regularly to ensure it reflects the latest information and developments related to the project. Learn more at longbeach.gov/waterfront.
| | |
|
Public Works
Work on Wardlow from Stevely to Norwalk
Public Works has informed us that transportation safety and maintenance work is planned to begin towards the end of April or early May on Wardlow Rd between Stevely & Norwalk (on the border between CD4 & CD5). This improvement, part of the Elevate 28 Infrastructure Investment Plan, will include upgraded Class IV bikeways, rehabilitation and reconstruction of pavement, curbs, gutters, curb ramps, sidewalks, and more, to improve road conditions, visibility, accessibility, and safety for drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, and transit users alike. Expect traffic impacts at the intersections of Wardlow at Stevely, Claremore, Lama, N. El Dorado, and Norwalk, in addition to El Dorado Park points of entry/exit. At least one travel lane in each direction will be open during construction. The work is expected to take three or four months, with anticipated completion by mid-August, pending inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances. For more information, contact Public Works at David.Lew@longbeach.gov or 562-570-5262.
| | | | |
Long Beach Public Library
National Library Month 2025
Celebrate National Library Month with Long Beach Public Libraries! With reading challenges, digital resources, community programs, and more, there’s something for everyone at the library. Head out to your local branch for access to all that LBPL has to offer! CD5 Branches:
o Bach Neighborhood Library – 4055 N Bellflower Blvd, 90808
o Dana Neighborhood Library – 3680 Atlantic Ave, 90807
All April long, visit any one of the 12 LBPL locations to receive a stamp passport card and LBPL lanyard, and receive a unique button for every branch that you visit. Participants who receive all 12 stamps by Wednesday, April 30th, will be entered into an opportunity drawing!
Additionally, check out last Tuesday’s Council Meeting for a presentation on our Long Beach Public Libraries in honor of National Library Week & Month!
| | | |
Office of Sustainability
Earth Month Calendar
The City of Long Beach is celebrating Earth Month this April by hosting a series of fun, free, and family-friendly events, workshops, and volunteer opportunities for residents throughout the month. Festivities will highlight a rand of sustainable topics such as supporting local wildlife, reducing waste, and stewarding community spaces. Check out the new Earth Month Calendar to find local cleanups, workshops, and activities near you, and save the dates for such events as the upcoming City Nature Challenge at Willow Springs Park on Saturday, April 26th from 9am – 12pm. Explore trails, help identify wildlife, and take part in fun activities that celebrate Long Beach’s native habitat at District 5’s recently dedicated park! Review the recent press release or visit lbcity.info/lbem to learn more.
| | |
|
Community Development Dept.
National Community Development Week
The Community Development Department will host a variety of workshops and community meetings from April 21 - 26, 2025, as part of National Community Development Week to engage and inform residents of the use of federal funding for local housing and community programs.
- Senior & Youth Services Workshop
Monday, April 21 | 5:30 - 6:30pm | Bret Harte Neighborhood Library (1595 W. Willow St) | An in-person workshop to learn about the City's Afterschool & Weekend Recreation and Senior Service programs.
- Neighborhood Leadership Program Workshop
Wednesday, April 23 | 6 - 7pm | Silverado Park (1545 W. 31st St.) | An in-person workshop to learn about the City's Neighborhood Leadership Program that provides residents with the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to make a difference in the quality of life in the community.
- FY 2025 - 2026 Action Plan Virtual Meeting
Thursday, April 24 | 6 - 7pm | Online or by phone at 213.338.8477, Meeting ID: 980 7443 6774 | A virtual presentation and opportunity to provide input on how federal funding should be prioritized for the City's FY25-26 Action Plan.
- 2025 - 2026 Action Plan & Housing Element Mid-Cycle Assessment Community Meeting
Saturday, April 26 | 10am - 12pm | Orizaba Park (1435 Orizaba Ave) | An in-person meeting featuring a presentation and opportunity to discuss the City's FY25-26 Action Plan and share input on prioritizing federal funding for affordable housing and community programs, and to discuss the upcoming Housing Element update and assessment of fair housing goals in Long Beach.
Additionally, residents are encouraged to participate in a community survey to help shape the FY25-26 Action Plan. The survey is available at lbcity.info/CDWeekSurvey through Saturday, April 26th. For more information about Community Development Week, visit longbeach.gov/hudgrants.
| | | |
|
Long Beach Utilities
Large Valve Replacement Project - Orange/Carson & Orange/San Antonio
| |
The Long Beach Utilities Department (LBUD) is scheduled to conduct underground utility construction at the intersections of Orange & San Antonio and Orange & Carson, to replace large valve equipment which will help improve the flow of water for distribution and to improve the Utilities’ underground pipeline infrastructure. The work on both of these intersections is expected to begin the week of April 21st and expected to end in late August 2025, barring inclement weather or other unforeseen complications.
| |
Traffic in all directions (North/Southbound on Orange, East/Westbound on Carson, and East/Westbound on San Antonio) at each of these intersections will be reduced to one-single lane. Please plan your routes accordingly, and keep an eye out for posted Detour and No Parking signs. LBUD does not anticipate any interruptions in water service during this construction.
For more information, visit lbutilities.org/LargeValve.
| |
Work Near Spring/Bellflower
As part of Long Beach Utilities’ ongoing maintenance and replacement program, construction has been scheduled to renew portions of the buried natural gas piping system in the area of Spring & Bellflower. The system upgrades are anticipated to begin around the week of April 21st, and will continue for approximately 2 months. Project locations will include the intersection of Spring St & Charlemagne Ave, and the alley north of Spring St, between Montair Ave & Bellflower Blvd. Keep an eye out for posted no parking signs in the area. For additional information, please contact the LBU Manager of Gas Construction, Paul DeYoung at (562) 570 2074.
| |
Upcoming FY26 Budget Workshops
The Long Beach Board of Utilities Commissioners will host a series of community budget workshops as they prepare for Fiscal Year ’26 (FY26). The workshops will include discussion on proposed water, sewer, and gas rates for FY26, as utility rates are established annually to fund infrastructure, maintenance, and operation services to the greater Long Beach community.
Long Beach rate-payers are invited to share your input at 3 public workshops:
Long Beach Utilities Administration Building
(1800 E Wardlow Rd) at 9am
Thursday, May 1 | Thursday, May 15 | Thursday, June 12
The department budget, inclusive of rates, is expected to be adopted by the Board of Utilities Commissioners at the final public workshop on Thursday, June 12. Members of the public are encouraged to attend; comments can also be submitted via email to commission@lbutilities.org. Learn more about these meetings and the proposed FY26 Utilities Budget at lbutilities.org/budget.
| | | |
|
Marine Mammal Care Center
Continued High Level of Marine Mammal Strandings
The Marine Mammal Care Center continues to see high levels of marine mammal strandings as levels of the algae that produces domoic acid continue to be reported, and has now elevated to a multi-toxin event with two different algae species present. As the unprecedented crisis continues, remember that the toxins affected these marine mammals can make them especially aggressive. Please see the following reminders for What to Do If You Encounter a Live-Stranded Marine Mammal:
-
Stay Back - Keep at least 50 ft away to minimize stress and prevent unintentional harm.
-
Call for Help Immediately - Contact the MMCC at 1-800-39-WHALE (94253).
-
Do NOT Push the Animal Back into the Water - Stranded animals often come ashore due to illness or injury. The best thing to do is reduce the animal's stress and suffering and wait for rescuers to arrive.
-
Minimize Noise & Disturbance - Avoid loud sounds, keep dogs and crowds away, and speak in hushed tones.
The MMCC has cared for more than 280 marine mammals since January 1, 2025, compared to their normally expected operations of 300 animals in care over 12 months. In March alone, the MMCC received more than 2,200 calls to their hotline, compared to their average annual total of 4,000. Learn more about this ongoing event and how you can support response efforts at marinemammalcare.org.
| | | |
|
CD5 Community Shout Out
Welcome New Business: Perspire Sauna Studio
This week, District 5 welcomed a new business at the LBX complex, Perspire Sauna Studio! The new wellness studio combines the age-old practices of sauna heat therapy with the science-backed properties of infrared saunas, to bring the therapeutic health benefits to the community in a friendly, comfortable, spa-like environment. Congratulations to the Perspire team on this significant achievement, and thank you for bringing your innovative health and wellness services to our community! Visit perspiresaunastudio.com or stop by (4201 McGowen St, Suite 210) to learn more.
| | | | Upcoming Meetings & Events | | | Long Beach Public Library Celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with Community Programs | | | LBPD Lieutenant Steven Costa Promoted To Commander | | | City of Long Beach Named Certified Age-Friendly Employer | | | Long Beach Launches Online Applications for Birth and Death Certificate Requests | | | City of Long Beach Awarded $1.2 Million in State Funding for Cannabis Equity Program | | | Long Beach Hosts Space Beach Workforce, Education and Training Symposium | | | Long Beach Airport Celebrates Completion of Terminal Roadway Improvements | | |
Memos to the Mayor & Council
| |
Upcoming
City Council Meeting
Tues. April 22, 2025, 5:00pm
411 W Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802
FULL AGENDA
Item 5 25-54994 Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute an agreement, and any necessary documents including any subsequent amendments, with Environmental Innovations, Inc. of Santa Cruz, CA, to receive and expend grant funding in the amount of $10,000, through a main grant under Resource Innovations, Inc. to conduct outreach and provide enrollments into Southern California Edison’s direct install program for disadvantaged small businesses from upon execution of the contract to March 30, 2026; and Increase appropriations in the Community Grants Fund Group in the Economic Development Department by $10,000, offset by grant revenue. (Citywide)
Item 8 25-54997 Recommendation to receive and file the application of Ajiwai Corporation, dba Sushi West for an original application of an Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) License, at 4105 Atlantic Avenue, Suite C, submit a Public Notice of Protest to ABC; and direct City Manager to withdraw the protest if a Conditional Use Permit Exemption (CUPEX) is granted. (District 5)
Item 10 25-55033 Recommendation to request City Manager to collaborate with Long Beach Public Library and other appropriate departments to evaluate options to expand the Long Beach Public Library’s Libby services nationwide and report back to the Council within 90 days.
Item 15 25-54771 Recommendation to declare ordinance amending the Long Beach Municipal Code by amending and restating Chapter 16.43 related to Airport Noise Compatibility, read and adopted as read. (Citywide)
| | | | |
