Weekly Updates | July 3, 2025 | | |
Happy Independence Day, District 5! As friends, family, and neighbors gather tomorrow to celebrate the 4th of July, I wish each of you an enjoyable holiday, whether here at home or traveling over the long weekend. Stay safe and stay cool!
In observance of Independence Day, a number of city services and facilities will be closed on Friday, July 4, 2025, including our CD5 office. Refuse and recycling will be collected as scheduled, however street sweeping and associated parking enforcement will not occur. Additionally, Long Beach Transit buses will operate on a modified schedule with a reduced service span. See below to learn more.
As a reminder, all personal fireworks are prohibited within Long Beach city limits. Consider enjoying a professional, permitted fireworks show, such as the one taking place tonight, July 3rd, at 9pm overlooking Alamitos Bay, or tomorrow, July 4th, at 9pm along the Downtown waterfront. See below for more information on how to celebrate safely this weekend, how you can report firework activity, as well as the City’s 2025 Illegal Fireworks Action Plan Status Report.
If your weekend schedule isn’t fully booked with BBQs, block parties, beach days, and the like, consider spending time connecting with community in CD5! Although there is no "First Fridays" event tomorrow due to the holiday, you can enjoy a one-night-only "First Thursdays" tonight at Dutch's Brewhouse on Atlantic Ave! Then on Saturday, July 5th, from noon to 6pm, you can spend time celebrating “small business independents” at LBX’s Red, White, & Boom market. Also, be sure to stop by Cassidy’s Corner Café on Atlantic Ave this weekend to congratulate them on 5 years in Bixby Knolls! As we move through the month of July and beyond, I encourage you to continue to keep an eye on the variety of free community events and outdoor concerts listed below.
Finally, I’d like to remind you that the next City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at 5pm in the City Hall Chambers. The full agenda and list of items of interest will be included in a future newsletter.
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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District 5 Office
CD5 Community Meeting | July 15
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On Tuesday, July 15th at 6pm, my team and I are hosting the next of our community meeting series, this time at the Expo Arts Center, featuring City Attorney Dawn McIntosh & City Prosecutor Doug Haubert. City Prosecutor Haubert can speak to topics of interest such as trespassing and the 602 Program, or illegal fireworks enforcement, and City Attorney McIntosh will discuss her work and can answer questions relating to clarifications on city ordinances, claims processes, or providing legal guidance to the city.
Learn more on our webpage, and if you plan to attend, please consider RSVPing to help us prepare seating!
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City of Long Beach
2025 Illegal Fireworks Action Plan Status Report
On Friday, June 27, 2025, the City Manager's office released the 2025 Illegal Fireworks Action Plan Status Report as a Memo to the Mayor & Council, to provide the latest updates on data and strategies regarding illegal firework activity and enforcement in the City of Long Beach.
The Status Report contains a detailed overview of the work and key actions of the Interdepartmental Fireworks Working Group (tasked to build upon efforts already in place to reduce illegal fireworks activity) since its formation in 2020 in the following focus areas: Supply Chain Confiscation, Regional Coordination, State Legislation, Increased Fines & Penalties, Community Outreach & Education, and Data Collection & Reporting Mechanisms. Review the report or visit longbeach.gov/fireworks to learn more.
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Celebrate Safely This 4th of July
The City of Long Beach is encouraging residents and visitors to celebrate safely this Fourth of July to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the community. The City has launched its annual Celebrate Safely campaign to showcase the dangers of fireworks activity and encourage alternative fun, family-friendly ways to celebrate on Independence Day and all summer long. All personal fireworks, including sparklers and those labeled “safe and sane” are prohibited within Long Beach city limits.
The only safe way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a professional show. The City encourages residents and visitors to attend Long Beach’s professional shows on Thursday, July 3rd at 9pm, overlooking Alamitos Bay Marina, or Friday, July 4th at 9pm, along the Downtown Waterfront.
Among other fireworks-free suggestions included in the recent press release, the City is encouraging neighbors to connect with one another with by hosting a block party! In an effort to support neighborhood activation and community, the City is waiving the $100 application fee for permitted block parties, as well as barricade rental fees, which can be anywhere from $200-$500, available on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted. For more information and to apply, visit the City's Block Parties webpage.
To report fireworks activity, you can submit a fireworks complaint on the Go Long Beach app or website, call the non-emergency Communications Center number at 562-435-6711, or email the LBPD patrol division where the firework activity is taking place. For emergencies, always dial 9-1-1. For more information on fireworks enforcement and reporting, review the recent press release or visit longbeach.gov/fireworks.
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Animal Care Services
Foster the Fourth!
Animal Care Services is requesting assistance from short-term fosters this Independence Day! The days before and after July 4th are some of the busiest times at the shelter. Pets get scared and runaway from their homes because of fireworks. Many of these pets in one way or another are brought to the shelter. For more details, visit bit.ly/LBACSfoster to learn how you can help care for a precious life this 4th of July.
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Long Beach Transit
4th of July Service Alert
In observance of Independence Day on Friday, July 4, 2025, Long Beach Transit buses will operate on a modified schedule with reduced service span.
LBT's Transit & Visitor Information Center (TVIC) and Customer Call Center will be closed for the holiday and all LBT operations will resume regular service, Saturday, July 5, 2025. If you require assistance with planning your trip, visit ridelbt.com.
Additionally AquaLink Service will end early on Thursday, July 3, 2025 for the Big Bang on the Bay fireworks events, with final trips departing at:
- 4:30 p.m. from the Queen Mary
- 5:15 p.m. from Alamitos Bay Landing
- 6:00 p.m. from Aquarium Dock 4
On Independence Day, Friday, July 4, 2025, water taxi service will operate on its regular schedule, so you can continue your summer adventures! For more information and summer schedules, visit ridelbt.com/watertaxis.
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Museum Express Returns!
Hop aboard the Museum Express this summer for a cultural adventure! From July through August, ride in comfort as you explore Southern California’s top destinations, including the Huntington Library, Museum Row, and Mission San Juan Capistrano – all without the hassle of driving.
Through July 10, 2025, enjoy our early bird special with round-trip tickets for only $14. After that, tickets will be available for $15 for the rest of the season.
The full schedule, as well as information on how to purchase tickets, is available at ridelbt.com/museumexpress.
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Long Beach Police Department
Summer 2025 Park Activations
This summer, LBPD is organizing a calendar of Park Activations throughout the city! Park Activations are family friendly events hosted at Long Beach Parks designed to strengthen relationships between members of the community and the Long Beach Police Department.
Join LBPD in the Park at one of these upcoming events, where you can meet your local Commander and officers in your neighborhood while enjoying a fun, family-friendly day at the park! Visit longbeach.gov/police/events to find upcoming events with North & East Divisions in and near CD5. Not sure what Division you’re in? Check this map to find out!
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North Division
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Saturday, July 19 @ Ramona Park, 11am - 2pm
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Saturday, August 16 @ Houghton Park, 11am - 2pm
East Division
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Monday, July 28 - Friday, August 1 @ Pan American Park, 10am - 2pm
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Saturday, August 9 @ El Dorado Park, 8am - 4pm
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Monday, August 11 - Friday, August 15 @ Orizaba Park, 10am - 2pm
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Saturday, August 16 @ Recreation Park, 10am - 2pm
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Saturday, August 23 @ Rose Park, 10am - 2pm
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Port of Long Beach
Citywide Community Harbor Tours | July 12
The Port of Long Beach will host free ”Green Port Celebration Tours” on Saturday, July 12, commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Green Port Policy by showing the public waterfront views of the nation’s largest seaport complex.
This special day of harbor tours will offer the community a chance to experience the sights and sounds of a working port while highlighting the Port of Long Beach’s environmental achievements over the last two decades.
The 90-minute tours will leave every two hours--10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m.--from Dock #3, adjacent to the Aquarium of the Pacific (100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach 90802). No advance registration – first-come, first-served! Learn more at polb.com/porttours.
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Zone In: Bixby Open House | July 16
The Long Beach Community Development Department invites you to participate in an in-person Open House hosted at Longfellow Elementary School for the Zone In: Bixby project on Wednesday, July 16, from 7 – 8:30 pm. This will be the second open house held for Zone In: Bixby.
The event will provide an overview of the project and feedback heard so far as well as explain the principles, approach and options available for the rezoning initiative. Participants will have the opportunity to share additional feedback and ask questions during the event. RSVP here!
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Open Space & Recreation Element Update
The Community Development Dept. is updating the Open Space & Recreation Element, and they want to hear from you! Long Beach has changed a lot since our last Open Space and Recreation Element Update, over 20 years ago, and our parks and open spaces need to reflect the needs of our communities today. This is your chance to help shape a healthier, more inclusive, and more sustainable Long Beach for the future. Take the survey and share what matters most to you – such as your experiences with parks and green space, city trails and recreation areas, park amenities and events, and park programs enjoyed by you and your community. For more info, sign up for updates or email CD-OpenSpace@longbeach.gov with questions.
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Immigration Resources - Know Your Rights | |
With the US Immigrations & Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity occurring throughout our region, it’s increasingly important for everyone, including our immigrant communities, to know their rights and have access to resources. While immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility, we understand that the current actions are continuing to escalate tensions and can undermine trust within our neighborhoods. All residents of Southern California and Long Beach deserve to live in peace and with a sense of security, regardless of their background.
I and the City of Long Beach remain committed to upholding the dignity and rights of every person. As evidenced by our Council-supported Long Beach Values Act, we remain committed to work alongside community organizations to ensure that all who call Long Beach home feel safe, supported, and valued.
For more information on the Long Beach Values act, visit: longbeach.gov/valuesact. For information and resources on a local community organization who is doing supportive work in Long Beach, visit orale.org. Additionally, The LA County Office of Immigrant Affairs regularly holds “Know Your Rights” Workshops that you can join; review their full calendar and learn more at oia.lacounty.gov.
| | | | Summer 2025 - Free Events in & near CD5 | | |
Parks, Recreation, & Marine Dept - Long Beach Municipal Band Concerts in the Parks
This summer, The Long Beach Municipal Band will celebrate their 116th season of free outdoor summer concerts in Long Beach parks. See the dates below for concerts in and near CD5! All concerts are free and begin at 6:30pm. Learn more in the recent press release.
- Every Wednesday @ Los Cerritos Park from July 9 - July 30
- Every Friday @ EL Dorado Park West from July 11 - August 1
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Parks, Recreation, & Marine Dept - Movies in the Parks
Sponsored by Signal Hill Petroleum and Partners of Parks, Movies in the Park will offer free, family-friendly movies at various parks throughout Long Beach and Signal Hill from June 16 through August 22. Movies begin at dusk, Residents are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, picnic-style dinners, and their family and friends! Check out the full lineup or see below for locations in and near CD5!
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Monday, July 7 @ Pan American Park – Moana 2
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Friday, July 25 @ EL Dorado Park West – Sonic 3
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Wednesday, July 30 @ Scherer Park – Snow White (2025)
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Thursday, August 1 @ Cherry Park – Snow White (2025)
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Friday, August 8 @ El Dorado Park Archery Range – Minecraft
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Friday, August 15 @ Wardlow Park – Wicked
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BKBIA - Concerts in the Park(ing Lot)
The BKBIA’s Concert in the Park(ing Lot) series is back! Grab takeout from a local restaurant and gather and groove with neighbors at the free, family-friendly community concerts all throughout the summer. Learn more at bixbyknollsinfo.com/concerts.
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Monday, July 14 – AbSOULute @ Bixby Joe Lot (4245 Atlantic Ave) – 6:30pm
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Monday, July 21 – Mic Dangerously & the Royal We @ Bixby Joe Lot (4245 Atlantic Ave) – 6:30pm
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Friday, August 1 – Beatles ’65 Tribute by MOVE @ Bixby Joe Lot (4245 Atlantic Ave) – 7:30pm
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Monday, August 11 – Western Standard Time Ska Orchestra @ Howard CDM Lot (3737 Long Beach Blvd) – 6:30pm
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Discover LBCC Summer Concert
For the 3rd year in a row, my office has partnered with Long Beach City College to bring you the Discover LBCC Summer Concert this August! Spend the evening enjoying the beautiful LBCC campus with neighbors, featuring food trucks, a beer garden, and the musical stylings of Knight Ryder!
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Friday, August 15 @ LBCC Front Lawn (4901 E Carson St) from 5 – 8pm
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Lakewood Village Neighborhood Association Summer Concert
The Lakewood Village Neighborhood Association (LVNA) will once again be holding their annual Summer Concert at Pan American Park! Enjoy the summer evening and music with neighbors in this community-led event!
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Saturday, August 23 @ Pan American Park from 4 – 7pm
| | Upcoming Meetings & Events | | |
Memos to the Mayor & Council
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Upcoming
City Council Meeting
Tues. July 22, 2025, 5:00pm
411 W Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802
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