Upcoming Council Item

Item 18: Smoke Shop/Tobacco Retailer Buffer Zones from Schools & Sensitive Use Areas

On Tuesday, April 7, 2026, I along with Councilwoman Tunua Tharash-Ntuk are bringing forward Item 18 requesting that we reassess and amend our current zoning requirements for tobacco and smoking paraphernalia retailers, or “smoke shops,” to include “buffer zones” that limit their ability to operate within close proximity to schools, daycares, parks, elder care facilities, and other sensitive use areas.

This item came about as my office received a number of concerns about the opening of a “smoke shop” directly across the street from McBride High School. Upon further research, we found that there are currently no location-based restrictions as to where tobacco retailers, smoke shops, or smoking lounges may operate within the City. We recognize the impact that proximity and ease of access can have in exposing youth to unhealthy behaviors such as smoking and vaping. Tobacco retailers, smoke shops, or smoking lounges can also have disproportionally adverse impacts on our senior community, particularly those in elder care facilities such as nursing homes or convalescent homes. With this item, we are requesting to take a closer look at what existing tobacco retail permitting looks like in Long Beach, to explore models of other local jurisdictions that impose similar restrictions, and to begin amending and updating local requirements to create buffer zones that help protect health and wellbeing of youth and older adults in our communities. 

I encourage you to review the item details for more information. Those interested in submitting public comment in advance of the meeting can do so by emailing any thoughts and feedback to cityclerk@longbeach.gov.

District 5 Office

CD5 Meeting | April 23

We hope you will save the date for next month's 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! 

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 District 5 team and neighbors from across the district at this special community night with free Aquarium attendance for District 5 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!

Disaster Preparedness & Emergency Communications

New 9-1-1 Dispatch Recruits

This week, the Department of Disaster Preparedness & Emergency Communications (DPEC) announced their new Public Safety Recruit Class! Nine new Police and Fire Communications Dispatcher recruits began the POST and Fire Academies on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.

Once recruits complete their 30-day classroom training in the Academy, they will transition to their assigned centers, where they will be paired with a Communications Center Training Officer (CTO) to begin 11 months of on-the-floor training, additionally supported by the existing cadre of dispatchers.

The new recruits are eager to begin their careers as Public Safety Dispatchers. Join me in congratulating and welcoming them to the City team! 

Parks, Recreation, & Marine

Tips for Easter Sunday at El Dorado Park

This Sunday, April 5, 2026, is Easter Sunday, El Dorado East Regional Park's busiest day of the year! For those planning to be among the many families and neighbors celebrating in the park this weekend, the Parks, Recreation, and Marine (PRM) Department shares the following tips for a smooth and enjoyable visit:

• Park hours are 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. All visitors must leave the park by closing.
• Visitors should plan to arrive early, as vehicle entry, parking, picnic space, barbeque grills and other amenities are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• The holiday daily parking rate is $9 per car. Only cashless payment options will be accepted (debit, credit, prepaid credit cards and smart pay).
• Gate 1 (southside of Spring Street), Gate 2 (north side of Spring Street) and Gate 4 (north side of Wardlow Road) will be open for vehicle entry. Gate 2 will only be accessible from westbound Spring Street turning right; the left-hand turn lane will be closed.
• Extra parking and picnic space will be available in Area 3, north of Wardlow Road. Please follow the signs to the overflow lot. Parking may not be near your picnic location, so plan accordingly.
• To prevent blocking traffic, drop-offs and unloading are not permitted on Spring Street or Wardlow Road.
• The park may close to vehicle entry if parking lots reach capacity; vehicles exiting the park may not be granted re-entry if this occurs.
• Parking on the grass is prohibited, unless in designated areas. Vehicles parked in unauthorized grassy areas will be cited or towed.
• The El Dorado Frontier Theme Park, located inside El Dorado East Regional Park, and El Dorado Nature Center will be closed on Sunday, April 5, in observance of the holiday. Long Beach Animal Care Services will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with pet adoption hours available from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Youth Summer Day Camps | Registration Opens April 11

This summer, the PRM Department will once again offer Summer Day Camps, Aquatics Camps, and Kids Discovery Camps for local youth. Camps will run on weekdays beginning June 15 through August 21, 2026. Registration for all camps begins Saturday, April 11 at 9am online at lbcity.info/DayCamps. Additionally, from 9am – 12pm on April 11, PRM will offer self-enrollment stations at the park locations listed below for families who do not have personal access to a computer or smart phone. Staff will be available to assist with registration questions, but customers will be responsible for completing the self-enrollment. 


Self-Enrollment Station Locations (CD5 location is noted in bold):

• Pan American Park (5157 Centralia St.)
• Bixby Park (130 Cherry Ave.)
• Silverado Park (1545 W. 31st St.)
• Veterans Park (101 E. 28th St.)
• Whaley Park (5260 E. Atherton St.)
  

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to register early as enrollment space is limited. Learn more about enrollment and the offered camps in the recent press release.

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 over age of 50
• Commissioner over age of 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