District 5 Office

CD5 Community Meeting | Thursday, Feb. 26

Join us for the next CD5 Community Meeting, being held on Thursday, Feb. 26, at 6pm at the Expo Arts Center (4321 Atlantic Ave), where we will be joined by Fire Chief Dennis Buchanan, as well as the Community Crisis Response (CCR) Team.

While not required, we ask that you please RSVP to help us prepare adequate seating. We hope to see you there!

Public Works Department

Studebaker Rd. Transformation Project Latest Updates

Street construction pertaining to the Studebaker Rd. Transformation project is scheduled to begin on Monday, Feb. 23rd in the “Segment 3 area,” between the I-405 and Wardlow Rd. While this segment is mainly located within the Fourth District and along our shared Council District boundaries, we know many residents utilize this corridor for travel to and from the I-405 and El Dorado Park.

Construction activities are scheduled to take place Mondays – Fridays from 7am to 4pm. “No Parking” signs will be posted a minimum of three days prior to the start of construction in affected areas. As work gets underway, be sure to drive carefully, follow all posted signage, and plan ahead for potential delays in traffic.

As a reminder, this segment indicates the beginning of “Phase 1” of the multi-phased transformation project. As construction progresses through additional phases, particularly those segments affecting the Fifth District, our office will continue to amplify updates as we receive them from Public Works. In the meantime, learn more about the project and sign up for direct updates from Public Works at the project website.

Recent Council Item

Item 25: Protected Left-Turn Signalization

At the City Council meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, my colleagues and I approved Item 25, awarding a contract for construction services related to the Protected Left-Turn Signalization (dedicated traffic signals) of six intersections. This project focuses on six signalized intersections with historically significant rates of crashes that are correctible with protected left turn treatments. The six intersections are as follows, with CD5 locations noted in bold: South St. & Downey Ave.; Carson St. & Orange Ave.; Cherry Ave. & Bixby Rd.; Bellflower Blvd. & Wardlow Rd.; Willow St. & Magnolia Ave.; and Willow St. & Easy Ave. These intersections were selected through the State’s Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Cycle 10 screening process based primarily on fatal and severe injury crash history, Benefit-Cost Ratio, and correctable crash pattern, as well as geometric feasibility and the HSIP grant competitiveness, consistent with Caltrans HSIP requirements.

Left-turn phasing can be described in the following ways:

• Permissive-Only Left-Turn Phasing: a traffic signal control method where left-turning vehicles must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians while turning on a solid green light, with no dedicated green arrow phase.
• Fully-Protected Left-Turn Phasing: a traffic signal configuration that provides a dedicated, exclusive green arrow for turning vehicles while stopping all conflicting traffic and pedestrians.
• Protected-Permissive Left-Turn Phasing: a traffic signal configuration combining a protected green arrow (exclusive turn) with a permissive flashing yellow arrow or green ball (yield-on-green), allowing left turns both with a dedicated right-of-way and by yielding to oncoming traffic.

The three intersections in the Fifth District are currently permissive only, where left-turning cars must yield to oncoming traffic on green lights, but are soon being changed to add left-turn arrows signals in the following ways:

• Orange & Carson: Fully-Protected Left Turn Phasing on Orange Ave (N/S) and Protected-Permissive Left Turn on Carson St (E/W)
• Cherry & Bixby: Fully-Protected Left Turn on Cherry Ave (N/S) and Protected Permissive Left Turn on westbound Bixby Rd. (Eastbound Bixby does not have a left-turn pocket.)
• Bellflower & Wardlow: Fully-Protected Left Turn Phasing on Bellflower Blvd. only. (Wardlow has a frontage road configuration and no left-turn pocket.)

Learn more by reviewing the item and its attachments or the recent meeting recording. Some of these installations, such as at Carson & Orange and Bixby & Cherry, are tied to existing and future infrastructure projects on the major corridors. My team and I understand that many intersections across the Fifth District need similar improvements, and we will continue to work with Public Works as they conduct their ongoing evaluations to assess traffic conditions and implement safety measures where possible.

Long Beach Police Department

Commander Promotions, New Roles Effective Feb. 21

Earlier this week, LBPD Chief Wally Hebeish announced the promotion of Lieutenants Danielle Quinones, Justin Krueger, and Joshua Brearly to the rank of commander, effective Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. Congratulations to these well-deserving and hard-working LBPD leaders!

Join me in congratulating our newly promoted East Division Commander Quinones! Commander Quinones began her career with LBPD as a police officer in 2006. She promoted to sergeant in 2020, lieutenant in 2022, and now commander in 2026. In her most recent role as a lieutenant, she was assigned to the Office of Constitutional Policing Division, where she oversaw a team of nine to ensure compliance with legal mandates and best practices to inform departmental recommendations. We also send a huge thank you to former East Division Commander Shaleana Benson for her active partnership and strong leadership as she helmed the East Division. As LBPD rotates Command staff positions in conjunction with these promotions, Commander Benson will be assigned to the Detective Division.

With the rotation, we will also be welcoming Commander Steven Costa as our new West Division Commander! Commander Costa started as an LBPD recruit in 2005, promoted to sergeant in 2017, lieutenant in 2023, and commander in 2025. While much of our district is split across North and East Divisions, we cross over into West Division as well, between Wardlow Rd. and the 405 North. Not sure where your home lies? Check out this map to find out!

Learn more in the recent press release or at LBPD’s Command Staff webpage.

Economic Development & Opportunity Department

Level Up LB | Applications Open Now - March 31

This week, the Department of Economic Development & Opportunity (EDO) announced the opening of applications for the third cohort of the Level Up LB: Extreme Small Business Makeover & Grant Program. This program is designed to support entrepreneurs and help advance small businesses towards success and sustainability. Level Up LB will assist 20 small business owners with supportive services, workshops, and $10,000 in grant funding to help take their small business to the next level.

Applications are open through March 31, 2026. Find details regarding eligibility requirements at longbeach.gov/levelup. EDO’s BizCare staff will provide in-person technical assistance with the application process on Tuesday, Feb. 24th from 9am – 11am at the Long Beach Workforce Innovation Network (LBWIN) Adult Career Services site (4811 Airport Plaza Dr.) Additional times and locations will be made available on the Level Up LB webpage as they are scheduled. Learn more in the recent press release. You can also find more small business assistance and resources by visiting longbeach.gov/bizcare, calling the BizCare Hotline (562-570-4249), or emailing BizCare@longbeach.gov.

Technology & Innovation Department

Long Beach's AI Strategy

As you may already know, the City of Long Beach has launched its AI Strategy, originally shared as a memo to the Mayor and Council on Nov. 21, 2025. The roadmap ensures Artificial Intelligence is used responsibly and transparently, thus building public trust, minimizing risks, and safeguarding City data. The City aims to empower staff, boost efficiency, and support the entire Long Beach community in learning about and safely using AI. Learn more about the AI Strategy and see how we’re shaping the future of Long Beach together. 

Energy & Environmental Services

Ongoing Blue Recycling Bin Exchange

As a reminder, the ongoing blue recycling cart exchange as required by Senate Bill 1383 began earlier this month. Check out our reminder flyer for some reminders on why this exchange is occurring and what to expect!

Visit the city webpage for more info, answers to FAQs, and an interactive map that will show you your address’ anticipated exchange date throughout the 6 – 8 month process. 

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

OLLI Open House | Feb. 28

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at CSULB invites adults age 55+ to a free Open House on Saturday, February 28, from 10am–12pm on the CSULB campus (Human Services & Design Building). Meet instructors and members, learn about the 90+ classes offered each term, and experience this welcoming lifelong learning community. Complimentary parking provided.

RSVP: OLLI@CSULB.edu

LA County Emergency Rent Relief Program

Applications Open Now - March 11

Help with housing costs is available now! If emergency-related hardship caused past-due rent or mortgage payments, the Los Angeles County Emergency Rent Relief Program (LAERRP) is open as of Monday, February 9th.

LAERRP provides financial assistance to help eligible tenants and landlords cover past-due rent and related housing costs due to emergency financial hardship. Tenants and landlords are encouraged to review eligibility requirements and apply between now and March 11th by visiting lacountyrentrelief.com. 

City of Long Beach

City Seeking Input to Improve Access & Participation in City Council Meetings

The City of Long Beach is inviting residents, community-based organizations, and local business owners to share feedback on how to increase participation in Long Beach City Council meetings, and how to make meetings more accessible to the whole community. Submit your feedback through this survey, designed to help the City better understand how people currently participate in City Council meetings and identify barriers that may prevent community engagement.

The online survey is open now through Friday, March 20th. Paper versions of the survey will also be available through the City Clerk’s Office at upcoming City Council and Commission meetings at City Hall. 

Community Shout Out

Two New Small Businesses in District 5!

Earlier this week, we welcomed two new small businesses to the Fifth District: The Sunrise Shack and Kai Superfoods!

The Sunrise Shack just opened up on Norse Way, marking the Hawaii-based business’ first mainland location, right here in Long Beach! Stop by to try out their healthy acai bowls, smoothies, and coffee served with bright and cheerful vibes.

Kai Superfoods is located right next to Cassidy’s Corner on Atlantic Ave, as the same owners have expanded into the neighboring location to bring fresh acai bowls, smoothies, and juice to the Bixby Knolls corridor. Stop by to show them your support!

Congrats to both of these businesses, and welcome to District 5! Thanks for bringing your bright visions to our community, together providing healthy and fresh options on both east and west sides of our large district!