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(562) 570 5555 | district5@longbeach.gov | |
Weekly Updates | Jan. 10, 2025 | |
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Happy Friday, District 5! It has been a harsh and scary week for our region as high winds have sparked numerous wildfires across LA County. My thoughts are with those affected, and I am grateful for the brave emergency responders working tirelessly to contain the fires and stop further damage and loss. Below you’ll find more information on how Long Beach is supporting our neighbors throughout this incident, along with tips, resources, and other city updates.
With the holidays behind us, I’d like to remind you that the city’s Holiday Treecycling program ends today, January 10th at 5pm! Drop your tree off at CD5’s Wardlow Park or any of the 12 drop-off locations by 5pm. For those unable to make a drop-off, Public Works will be conducting a special collection tomorrow, Jan. 11th; be sure to remove all decorations and place your tree in your normal refuse collection spot by 7am. That said, please allow some patience and grace as staff work overtime hours to make these collections all over the city.
Tomorrow, Jan. 11th, you can kick off your year with a clean start and join the neighborhood Clean Streets teams for their monthly clean up at 8:30am. If you’re looking to clean out some of your own spaces, you can bring some difficult-to-dispose-of items to the Conservation Corps of Long Beach’s e-waste and tire recycling events tomorrow, Jan. 11th. Later, you can visit Parkview Village for their Second Saturdays Block Party, complete with activities, food, music, and shopping from local vendors. See the flyers below to learn more.
Looking ahead, the citywide MLK Day Parade & Celebration, is on Saturday, Jan. 18th. The free, family-friendly event honors the life, legacy, and values of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Then on Monday, Jan. 20th, you can take part in Leadership Long Beach’s 16th annual MLK Day of Service! Choose from a variety of projects to join in service to the community and in honor of Dr. King’s legacy. Details in the flyers below.
Finally, I’d like to remind you that the next City Council meeting will be held a bit early on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at 3pm 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. Following the meeting, Mayor Richardson will deliver his State of the City address, beginning at 5:30pm at the Long Beach Terrace Theater. Learn more and RSVP for the free event at longbeach.gov/stateofthecity.
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,
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Megan Kerr, Councilwoman
Long Beach, District 5
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Alert Long Beach
Stay Informed of Emergency Incidents & Weather Events
With the ongoing fires throughout LA County, it’s important to ensure that we are well-connected and can remain informed about serious incidents that affect Long Beach and the surrounding area. If you haven’t done so already, please sign up for Alert Long Beach, one of the city’s emergency response systems designed to keep the community as informed as possible. In the event of an emergency, severe weather, or any incident that impacts city operations, a text message and/or voice message will be sent to the cell number and/or email address that you specify. If you are already enrolled, ensure your information is accurate and up to date! Keep reading below for additional tips, resources, and information regarding the ongoing fire suppression efforts in LA County.
*Important Note*
Some residents in Long Beach received emergency alerts last evening (8pm) and this morning (4am) notifying to evacuate. As with the false alarm issued yesterday afternoon (4pm), these notices were sent by another agency in error, and there continues to be no evacuation order in effect in Long Beach. The City is in contact with the County, and have confirmed the County is experiencing technical issues with their alerting system and some people are receiving multiple notices. LA County is working to resolve it.
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Public Works
High Winds & Large Debris
High winds can result in downed tree branches, large palm fronds, or other large debris falling and blowing around. Thanks to the Public Works Clean Team who have been working hard this week to keep our streets and storm drains clear!
If you see downed trees, palm fronds, or other large debris, report it using the Go Long Beach app or website, or call 562-570-2700.
As winds may continue over the weekend, remember to secure any outdoor items, stay indoors and away from windows, watch out for blowing objects while driving, and stay informed during weather events by signing up for AlertLB!
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Storm Season - Street Sweeping Reminders
Street sweeping is conducted weekly by the Department of Public Works to improve the cleanliness, health and safety of the city.
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Street sweepers remove debris from our streets and prevent it from entering our storm drains and ocean. This is especially crucial during stormy and windy weather seasons! To learn more, visit lbcity.info/StreetSweeping. In addition, keep in mind the following friendly reminders to ensure street sweepers can do their job as effectively as possible:
- Avoid raking or blowing leaves into the street or gutter: Leaves and lawn clippings are too large for street sweepers to collect. Instead, sweep them up and place them in your refuse bin or consider composting them for a sustainable option.
- Keep gutters and streets clear: By preventing leaves and debris from entering the storm drain system, we can protect our waterways from pollution. Remember, placing leaves or debris in the street, alley or gutter is a violation of federal law.
- Dispose of litter properly: Litter in gutters and alleys contributes to blockages and pollution.
- Keep streets dry on street sweeping days: Wet streets reduce the effectiveness of street sweepers, so try to keep the area in front of your home dry.
- Never pour oil, antifreeze or any other hazardous materials in the street, gutter, alley or on the ground. Residents may call 562.570.2890 for information on proper disposal of these materials.
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Long Beach Utilities
Ongoing Capital Improvement Work on Long Beach Blvd & Wardlow Rd
Long Beach Utilities is conducting work along Long Beach Blvd from Wardlow Rd to 36th St, and along Wardlow Rd from Cedar Ave to Long Beach Blvd. This work is part of a Long Beach Utilities Capital Improvement Project, an ongoing maintenance and replacement program to improve Utilities infrastructure along Wardlow Rd and Long Beach Blvd. Per contractual agreement, all excavations are to be returned as close to their original condition as possible after the work is completed. The work is currently anticipated to be completed in June 2025.
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District 5 Office Reminder
How to Best Reach Our Office
Our office values your feedback and concerns as the residents of Council District 5. We have recently been made aware that some residents may be using incorrect email addresses when attempting to reach our office. For the best and most efficient assistance, we encourage you to connect with us directly via:
- Email: district5@longbeach.gov
- Phone: 562-570-5555
- In-person: visit our Field Office at Wardlow Park on Mon/Wed/Fri from 1pm - 5pm, or by appointment
You can also reply directly to these newsletter updates, which will automatically correctly address your email to district5@longbeach.gov. Please do not use the email from which this newsletter is sent, as that is based in the third-party app we use to create and format the content, but does not have monitored inbox. Ensuring you send your inquiries, concerns, and feedback to the correct place helps us to best address your needs promptly and efficiently. Thank you for understanding, and we look forward to assisting you.
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City of Long Beach
Join the Budget Conversation
The City is kicking off the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY 26) Budget development process, which prepares for the fiscal year starting October 2025 through September 2026.
Members of the community are invited to participate in the City’s fiscal year 2026 budget development process by sharing their service priorities at one of the upcoming community budget meetings or by completing the Long Beach Budget Priority Survey.
For more information, visit the FY 26 Budget website: longbeach.gov/FY26.
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Long Beach Community Development Department
Mills Act Property Tax Abatement Program
Do you or someone you know own a historic landmark property or live in one of Long Beach’s designated historic districts? If so, you may qualify for the Mills Act Property Tax Abatement Program (Mills Act), which offers tax savings in exchange for preserving and maintaining the historical character of your property.
Whether your property is already designated, or you are interested in landmarking it, we encourage you to explore this opportunity. Attend our workshops to learn about the program, eligibility requirements and application process.
Pre-Application Workshop (In-Person and Virtual)
Date: Saturday, January 25, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. – noon
Location: Jenny Oropeza Community Center (401 Golden Ave.) or Zoom (link to join will be sent upon registration)
The Mills Act is a state program administered locally, offering property tax reductions to encourage the restoration, rehabilitation, and maintenance of historic properties. This program is especially beneficial to recent property owners planning preservation efforts. Learn more by visiting longbeach.gov/mills-act.
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Health & Human Services Dept
Jan./Feb. 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.
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Upcoming Meetings & Events | |
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LA County Fires News & Resources | | |
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Long Beach Fire Department
Long Beach Firefighters Deployed to Assist in LA County
Earlier this week, a number of Long Beach Firefighters—Engines 1, 8, 11, 12, and 14—were deployed as a part of a strike team to assist in battling the fires across LA County. LBFD is joining forces with other agencies to protect lives, property, and our communities. The LBFD Strike Team continues to work tirelessly on the frontlines while additional firefighters have been deployed to various support roles for the incident.
Meanwhile, Long Beach residents can rest assured that all fire operations at home remain fully staffed and unaffected. LBFD’s unwavering commitment to protecting our community remains strong, even as we lend a helping hand to our neighbors.
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South Coast AQMD
Wildfire Smoke & Ash Tips
With the wildfires currently burning throughout LA County, South Coast AQMD reminds us that wildfires can often cause very high air pollution levels that are harmful to your health. Protect your health by taking steps before, during, and after wildfires to reduce how much pollution you breathe. See the graphics below for South Coast AQMD’s health & safety tips!
You can also get air quality alerts, current air quality conditions, and forecasts by downloading the South Coast AQMD mobile app or visiting the interactive map online. Additionally find air quality advisories on the South Coast AQMD Advisory page or by email by subscribing at AirAlerts.org.
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Health & Human Services Dept
How to Stay Safe from Smoke
Our Department of Health & Human Services recently alerted Long Beach residents about unhealthy air quality due to multiple fires in LA County, which are producing heavy smoke. Air quality has already reached potentially unhealthy levels in parts of Long Beach. All people are urged to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary outdoor activities. In any area impacted by smoke, residents should take the following precautions:
- Avoid any vigorous outdoor or indoor exertion.
- Remain indoor, especially for people with respiratory or heart disease, those who are pregnant, older adults, and children.
- Keep windows and doors closed or seek alternate shelter.
- Run your air conditioner if you have one.
- Change the standard air-conditioner filter to a medium or high-efficiency filter.
- If you have a wall-unit or window-unit air conditioner, set it to “recirculate.” Avoid the use of a swamp cooler or whole-house fan to prevent bringing additional smoke inside, if possible.
- Avoid indoor or outdoor wood-burning appliances, including fireplaces, to avoid worsening the health effects of wildfire smoke.
Follow South Coast AQMD for regular updates on air quality.
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City of Long Beach
Inclement Weather Shelters Activated
Due to continued air quality concerns in Long Beach related to the multiple fires in LA County, the City of Long Beach has extended the activation of its Inclement Weather Shelter, located at the Multi-Service Center for people experiencing unsheltered homelessness. Check-in begins at 5pm each day and will operate on a first-come, first-served basis. No registration is required.
The Inclement Weather Shelter is an emergency overnight shelter available during extreme weather conditions. It can host up to 60 people, with separate sleeping areas for men and women, and offers a variety of amenities and services including a cot and blanket, hot dinner and a small breakfast, restrooms and hygiene supplies, and access to supportive services via the MSC.
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People experiencing homelessness are encouraged to sign up for text alerts about available resources. For English alerts, text “HOME” to 99411. For Spanish alerts, text “HOGAR” to 99411. Learn more at lbcity.info/inclementweathershelter. | | | |
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How You Can Help Those Affected by Fires
We extend our heartfelt sympathy to those affected by the recent wildfires. In these challenging times, your support can provide critical resources and assistance to those in need.
To help make a difference, we invite you to consider donating to organizations such as:
Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation
They are raising funds to equip LAFD members with the necessary tools and supplies, including emergency fire shelters, hydration backpacks, and wildland brush tools.
Los Angeles Regional Food Bank
The Food Bank is accepting monetary donations and food donations at their two distribution centers from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. located at:
1734 East 41st Street, Los Angeles, California 90058
2300 Pellissier Place, Industry, CA 90601
The American Red Cross American Red Cross Los Angeles Region
The Red Cross is seeking monetary donations to aid wildfire victims and support their recovery efforts.
The Salvation Army USA
They are accepting monetary donations and in-kind items to assist those affected. If you're able to volunteer, reach out to your local Salvation Army to offer your help to those impacted by the wildfires.
For more information, check out the organizations linked to learn more and get involved. Additionally, the Press Telegram released an article earlier this week with even more organizations to support as they work to assist victims experiencing loss, displacement, health concerns, and lack of resources.
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Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson Hosts State of the City Address Tuesday, Jan. 14 | |  |
City of Long Beach Extends Activation of Inclement Weather Shelter Through Sunday Evening | | |
Office of Youth Development Announces Third Year of Youth Power PB (Participatory Budgeting) Long Beach | | |
City to Host Community Meeting to Share Updates on the Belmont Beach and Aquatics Center Project | | |
Memos to the Mayor & Council
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To continue to enhance the way we keep neighbors informed of city news and updates, we are now including the recent Memos to the Mayor & Council in our weekly newsletters. These memos will range in topics as various department heads and city teams develop and post reports or updates as needed to inform the Mayor, the Council, and the public. The full list (and all archived memos) can always be found at the City Manager's webpage. | |
Upcoming
City Council Meeting
Tues. January 14, 2025, 3:00pm
411 W Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802
Link to Full Agenda
Item 3 Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute a Student Fieldwork Placement Agreement, and all necessary documents, including any subsequent amendments, with the Trustees of the California State University on behalf of California State University, Long Beach, to allow enrolled students to participate in clinical ambulance ride-alongs, for a period of five years. (Item Details)
For more details and supportive documents on any agenda item, they can be found at the item number in the full agenda.
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