CD5 Community Meeting | June 26

Next Thursday, June 26th at 6pm at the Wardlow Park Community Center, my team and I are hosting the next in our community meeting series, this time featuring staff from the Public Works Department and the Port of Long Beach. Public Works staff will discuss their work and will be available to answer community questions about topics of interest like streets maintenance and infrastructure, tree trimming, organics collections, and more. Port of Long Beach staff plan to provide an overview of Port operations, the Green Port initiatives, and will be available to answer questions about topical concerns such as the impacts of tariffs and current economic trends.

Learn more on our webpage, and if you plan to attend, please consider RSVPing to help us prepare adequate seating!

CD5 Community Meeting | July 15

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 adequate seating!

Item 50: Dana Branch Library

Council voted unanimously to approve Item 50, the allocation of existing funding to prioritize much-needed repairs to the Dana Branch Library. One of CD5 two neighborhood libraries, Dana Branch is a beloved and vital institution, providing resources, connectivity, and even reprieve from the heat as a cooling center in the summers. It’s crucial to keep this community asset open, operational, and safe, and I look forward to seeing the repairs and improvements that will support 

Item 33: Grocery/Self-Checkout Ordinance

With a 5-2 vote, Council approved Item 33, to prepare an ordinance that will enact new labor standards requirements for self-checkout staffing and operations at subject grocery retail stores and retail drug establishments in Long Beach, in an effort to address retail theft and advance public safety and welfare. The approved recommendation follows “Option 4” of the City Manager’s 6/6/25 memo, maintaining the original recommendations outlined in Item 23 from the 4/1/25 meeting. A number of community members came forward to share their experiences and concerns. To learn more, review the item details or watch the meeting discussion.  

City of Long Beach

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.

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!

Let's Talk Port! | June 25

On Wednesday, June 25th, from 5 – 7pm, the Port of Long Beach is hosting, "Let's Talk Port," a community meeting at the Port Administration Building (415 W Ocean Blvd) to provide the community with direct access to Port experts and a comprehensive understanding of topics of interest including the latest updates on tariffs and current economic trends. This event will be a great opportunity for community members to engage directly, ask questions, and get an insider’s perspective on these vital issues, and learn firsthand about the impactful work going on at the Port. Visit polb.com/impactRSVP to confirm your attendance. 

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.

Youth Art Contest Winners

This week, Mayor Richardson announced the winners for the 2025 Youth Art Contest. Congratulations to our two CD5 winners, Ellie and Rebecca! Ellie, a student at Burcham Elementary, showcased our beautiful oceanfront in an expression of her appreciation for living so close to the beach, one of her favorite places to spend time with her family. Rebecca, a student at Bethany School, created a depiction of the joys brought to her by the “Bixby Knolls National Park,” which has brought more nature and beauty into the neighborhood. Thank you and congrats again, Ellie and Rebecca! Each of your artworks encompassed the spirit and beauty of our community, and I am happy to see them proudly displayed at City Hall for all to see. Keep up the great work!