|
|
(562) 570 5555 | district5@longbeach.gov | |
Weekly Updates & Community News | |
|
Good afternoon, District 5! With another busy week behind us, we have many updates to share. In this week’s newsletter, you will find news and information from various city departments including LB Utilities, Park & Rec., and LBPD.
To those who observe, I wish you a meaningful Yom Kippur! Throughout this observance, which begins at sundown today, Oct. 11th, and continues through sundown on Oct. 12th, Shul by the Shore will be holding services at the Expo Arts Center, as will Congregation Lubavitch, both of which are located on Atlantic Ave. in Bixby Knolls. Be aware that this may have impacts on traffic and parking in the surrounding area; see below for more information. G’mar chatima tova!
I know it has been a stressful couple of days for many in our community, but in case you missed it, I am pleased to report that the Boil Water Notice that was issued in response to this week’s Water Main incident has been lifted. Orange Ave between Wardlow and 36th will remain closed until further notice as city crews continue working to restore the physically affected area. See below for more information on the latest updates pertaining to the incident from LB Utilities.
During this past Tuesday’s Council meeting, my colleagues and I passed Item 18, which directs staff to begin identifying ways to enhance our city’s Code Enforcement Bureau, specifically as it relates to the maintenance and upkeep of vacant lots and storefronts. Across CD5 alone, we face continued challenges at sites such as the old Ralph’s on Los Coyotes Diag., the recently closed El Torito on Atlantic Ave. off the 405, and the vacant storefront on Orange Ave. near Carson St. It is clear that there are gaps in our current system’s ability to address the citywide concerns of health, safety, and blight conditions associated with vacant properties. This item initiates the process for the much-needed reassessment of our Code Enforcement’s tools and processes for addressing sites that need continued attention.
If you’re looking for things to do in CD5 this weekend, you can continue your Arts Month celebrations tomorrow, Oct. 12th, at the Bach Library with a free performance of “Ecos de España: Spanish Classical & Flamenco Music & Dance" starting at 3pm. Or, you can start getting into the Halloween spirit by joining neighbors in Parkview Village for their Second Saturdays Block Party tomorrow, Oct. 12th from 11am – 3pm. Similarly, the Hangar at LBX is hosting two Halloween themed pop-up markets—bring the little ones on Saturday Oct. 12th for "Family Not So Spooky Day" from 11am – 7pm, and return on Sunday, Oct. 13th for the "Spooktacular Marketplace" from noon – 7pm. I also encourage all who are interested to visit Willow Springs Park on Sunday, Oct. 13th from 3pm – 5pm for the next Willow Springs Experience, “Drawing in the Park.” No experience is necessary, but do remember to bring your own art-making materials. Lastly, you can "celebrate Oktoberfest, the Bixby Knolls way," by attending the BKBIA's annual Walktoberfest on Sunday, Oct. 13th from 2pm - 6pm. See the flyers below for more info on these and other upcoming events!
Looking ahead, I hope to see you at the annual Festival of Flight at the Long Beach Airport next Saturday, Oct. 19th from 10am – 4pm, as well the following weekend at the annual Historical Cemetery Tours at our Sunnyside and Municipal Cemeteries on Saturday, Oct. 26th from 8:30 am – 3pm. See the flyers below to learn more.
Finally, I’d like to remind you that the next City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 15th 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. Before the meeting, all are also welcome to attend a free celebration of Filipino American History Month!
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.
The work continues,
| |
|
Megan Kerr, Councilwoman
Long Beach, District 5
| |
Upcoming Meetings & Events | |
|
|
Long Beach Utilities
Latest Updates Regarding Water Main Incident & Impacts on Orange Ave
This week, we experienced a break in a city water main line near Orange Ave and Wardlow Rd. We understand that this was a stressful situation for those affected, and we are glad to report that official testing has declared our city’s water safe for drinking and cooking, and the Notice to Boil Water has been lifted after the first 24-hour testing period.
As noted above, Orange Ave. between Wardlow Rd and 36th St will remain closed as repairs are underway. The repair project is under the Long Beach Utilities purview and the goal is to open the street in a safe and timely fashion.
From my visit this Friday Morning, I was briefed that multiple steps need to be taken and the crews will be working daily (with an exception of a well-deserved rest on Sunday) to work on repair. Repairing and installation of concrete is a multi-step process that requires curing times for different phases. The tentative date for reopening fully is Thursday, 10/17/24. Starting today, the intersections at Orange/Bixby and Orange/36th will be operating in flash mode due to Long Beach Utilities working on restoration following the water main repair. The flashing signals will be in effect for about a week, as directed by Traffic Engineering, to encourage motorists to slow down during the ongoing work.
| |
For questions, please call the Utilities hotline at 562-570-2390. We appreciate everyone’s patience during this street closure. | |
LB Transit Service Alert
Due to the construction on Orange Ave. from Friday, Oct. 11, 2024 to Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, there will be a detour and bus stop closures on Route 71. Visit ridelbt.com/news for more info. Use LBT's Trip Planner to plan your trip or call the Customer Care team at 562.591.2301.
| | | |
|
Traffic & Parking Impacts on Atlantic Ave.
Yom Kippur Services in Bixby Knolls | Oct 11 - 12
Services for Yom Kippur will be taking place at the Expo Arts Center by Shul by the Shore and at Congregation Lubavitch, beginning from sundown on Friday Oct. 11th through sundown on Saturday, Oct 12th. Our office has been informed to anticipate many visitors across the time period, many of whom will be driving to attend. Anticipate parking and traffic impacts as well as increased pedestrian activity throughout the area for the duration of this religious observance. To all who observe, we wish you a blessed and meaningful Yom Kippur; G’mar chatima tova!
| | | |
|
Long Beach Police Department
Response to Non-Injury Collisions
Earlier this week, LBPD officials posted the following notice regarding the new response protocol for non-injury collisions:
In alignment with regional best practices and based on recent workload analysis, the LBPD is updating its current traffic collision response. Effective immediately, LBPD officers will no longer respond to non-injury traffic collisions except in specific circumstances, such as:
• Collisions involving pedestrians, bicyclists, or impaired drivers
• Collisions involving city property or public agency-owned vehicles
For non-injury traffic collisions that do not meet these criteria, residents should call Police Dispatch at 562-435-6711 for assistance and further instructions. In some circumstances, residents can also file an Online Report using the LBPD Online Police Reporting System by visiting https://bit.ly/LBPD_onlinereporting.
This change aims to streamline our response efforts, freeing up officers to better focus on emergency calls for service and further enhance public safety. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
| | | |
|
LBFD & Economic Development Dept.
Long Beach Fire Corps Internship Program
The Long Beach Fire Department, in partnership with Economic Development, offers a career exploration program called Long Beach Fire Corps. This fantastic opportunity is for young adults aged 18 to 30 from Long Beach and the surrounding areas. Participants can engage in various activities focused on fire service, public administration, communications, and disaster preparedness.
Applications are open until Oct 31st!
| |
| | |
|
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.
| |
| | |
|
Parks, Recreation, & Marine
JellyfishBot Art & Naming Contest
The City of Long Beach Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine (PRM) has announced its new Jellyfishbot, a remotely controlled debris-collecting device that can remove up to 100 pounds of debris from surface-level water in a single mission. The Jellyfishbot will enhance City efforts to clean Long Beach marina waters and raise awareness on larger marine pollution issues.
This new device will allow Marine Bureau staff to more effectively and efficiently address the removal of smaller water debris. The robot will be used as part of the Marine Bureau’s weekly operations, as well as after storm events where an influx of debris is traditionally seen.
| |
|
Local youth are invited to welcome this cool new critter by sharing their ideas for a chance to name the Jellyfishbot and have their art displayed on its sides.
Youth interested in submitting their ideas can apply on the contest webpage available at lbparks.org now through Friday, Oct. 25. The chosen artist will receive a $1,500 scholarship package, as well as other prizes generously donated by sponsors.
| | | |
Long Beach Television Wins Six STAR Awards for Government Programming | |  |
Beach Streets Open Streets and Veterans Day Celebration to Take Place November 9 in Uptown Long Beach | | |
LB Public Library Invites Residents to Join Community Quilt Project | | |
Long Beach Airport Hosts 2024 Festival of Flight | | |
City Expands Local Preference Program for Procurements to Enhance Opportunities for Long Beach Businesses | | |
Long Beach Public Library to Upgrade its Catalog System from October 7 through November 5 | | |
City of Long Beach Awards $85,000 to Local Startups & Micro-Entrepreneurs | | |
Upcoming
City Council Meeting
Tues. October 15, 2024, 5:00pm
411 W Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802
Item 16 Recommendation to receive and file a presentation from the City Manager, Financial Management, and the Health and Human Services Departments providing an update on the implementation of the City’s Sidewalk Vending Ordinance. (Item Details)
Item 17 Recommendation to enter into a contract with RS&H California, Inc., of Los Angeles, CA, for planning and design services for the Pad 11 Reconstruction and Taxiway K Rehabilitation project at the Long Beach Airport. (Item Details)
| | | | |
