Weekly Updates | June 6, 2025 | | |
Happy Friday, District 5! For many students and families, summer break is just on the horizon. As the season kicks off, be sure to keep an eye out for great local events and community activities! More on that below, as well as updates from City departments including Community Development, Economic Development, Health & Human Services, and more.
This week, as Vice Chair of the Intergovernmental Affairs (IGA) Committee, I traveled to Washington, DC, with Mayor Richardson and city staff, to meet with Senators, Congressmembers, and federal partners to discuss Long Beach’s legislative agenda and local concerns across a variety of topics. Learn more in the info block below.
This weekend, get into the summer spirit starting tonight, June 6th at the BKBIA’s First Fridays “Summer Kickoff.” From 6:30 – 9:30pm, find art, music, deals, and community up and down the Bixby Knolls business corridors. If you head to the Expo Arts Center early, you can also attend tonight’s opening reception for the African American Cultural Center of Long Beach’s newest exhibit, “Don’t Leave Me This Way”: The Legacy of Thelma Houston, starting at 5pm. As you and your family continue to plan for summer break, I encourage all local teens to visit Rancho Los Cerritos on Saturday, June 7th, for a Teen Volunteer Open House beginning at 10am, to find out about the variety of youth volunteer opportunities available at the local historic grounds. That afternoon, June 7th, you can also spend time supporting local businesses and vendors at LBX’s next country-western themed pop-up market, open from noon to 6pm. Lastly, you can round out the weekend at Willow Springs Park with their next Experience, “History in the Park,” on Sunday, June 8th. Join the walking tour starting at 10am to hear about the rich history of this unique natural space!
Looking ahead, make note of other upcoming city and community opportunities to connect, including the third and final Zone In: Bixby Walk Audit, hosted by the Community Development Department on Wednesday, June 11th; next weekend’s monthly Bixby Highland/Ridgewood Triangle Clean Streets neighborhood clean-up or Parkview Village’s Second Saturdays Block Party, both on June 14th; as well as the next CD5 Community Meeting, featuring Public Works and Port of Long Beach staff, on Thursday, June 26th at the Wardlow Park Community Center. Learn more about these and other upcoming events in the flyers and info blocks below!
Finally, I’d like to remind you that the next City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 5pm in the City Hall Chambers. The full agenda and a list of items of interest can be found at the bottom of this newsletter. I encourage you to attend or watch online.
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
Save the Date! Next CD5 Community Meeting | June 26
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On Thursday, June 26th at 6pm, my team and I are hosting the next of our bi-monthly community meeting series, this time featuring staff from the Public Works Department and the Port of Long Beach to discuss topics including infrastructure, traffic, and the ways they support our city every day.
Learn more on our webpage, and if you plan to attend, please RSVP to help us prepare adequate seating!
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Intergovernmental Affairs Committee
Legislative Trip to Washington, DC
This week, as Vice Chair of the Intergovernmental Affairs Committee, I traveled to Washington, DC, in order to discuss the needs and challenges of Long Beach with our federal partners. We met with Senator Adam Schiff, Senator Alex Padilla, Congresswoman Nanette Barragan, Congressman Robert Garcia, to discuss with each of them topics ranging from the upcoming LA28 Olympic Games, activity and updates related to our growing Space Beach business sector, impacts to Long Beach concerning federal funding cuts to our Health & Human Services department and the suspension of the Job Corps Program, as well as concerns related to GA activity and the use of leaded fuel at the Long Beach Airport. We also met with House, Science, Space, & Technology Committee members Congressman Vince Fong, Congressman Jay Obernolte, John Piazza, and Kristen Kopshever, for a more in-depth discussion about Space Beach; with representatives of the US Department of Transportation staff to highlight our local need for federal support through the LA28 Olympics, as well as for further development and support for regional transportation needs; and with the Office of the Associate Administrator for Airports from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to share recent upgrades to Long Beach Airport and further convey our local concerns with GA activity, particularly around the impacts of the use of leaded fuel.
I am grateful for this opportunity to represent our city and serve our community as the Vice Chair of the IGA Committee by highlighting our needs and developments at the local level to our federal legislative delegation. I look forward to continued conversations and the ongoing work towards meaningful solutions and support from our intergovernmental partners.
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Planning Commission
Recent Item: 3701 Pacific Place
| At their regular meeting on Thursday, June 5th, the Planning Commission made a ruling on Item 3 related to the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and its associated recommendations on the proposed development at 3701 Pacific Place. This means that the Planning Commission determined the findings of the EIR were completed and submitted appropriately, and that the Commission will recommend to Council the approval of the General Plan Map Amendments, Site Plan Review, Zoning Changes, and Conditional Use Permits for the development of this project. Thank you to all who submitted your public comment either virtually or in person, and who have remained actively engaged in this process. To learn more, you can review the item and its attachments, as well as the recording of yesterday’s meeting. | | | |
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Community Development Department
Zone In: Bixby Final Walk Audit
Join the Community Development Department for a community walk audit in Bixby Knolls! This third final walk audit to discuss the Zone In: Bixby Knolls Project will take place on Wednesday, June 11th from 6:00-7:30 PM, departing from the northwest corner of Reservoir Park, on the corner of Brayton Ave & Wardlow Rd. This walk will focus on the neighborhood character and new development opportunities that rezoning provides along the Wardlow corridor, with additional focus on the commercial spaces and transitions that occur along the corridor.
Due to staffing limitations and for the safety of attendees, this event will limit attendance to 45 attendees with RSVP required. For more information about this event, please contact Alejandro Sánchez-López at alejandro.sanchez-lopez@longbeach.gov.
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Long Beach Police Department | |
Etch & Catch Event | June 7
The LBPD has partnered with the City of Long Beach’s Fleet Services Bureau to host “Etch & Catch – A Catalytic Converter Theft Prevention Event.” This free event is open to any Long Beach resident to have their vehicle’s license plate number etched onto the catalytic converter of their vehicle. This process can assist LBPD investigations if your catalytic converter is stolen, and may also discourage criminals from stealing it. The event will be held at the Long Beach Health Dept., 2525 Grand Ave, from 8am – 1pm. Learn more about requirements and registration to participate. Please direct any questions to the LBPD Auto Theft Detail at LBPDAutoTheft@longbeach.gov or (562) 570 7362.
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Economic Development Department
Youth Invited to Summer Kickoff Event at LBWIN Youth Career Services Center | June 13
On Friday, June 13th from 2 – 6pm The Economic Development Department is inviting young people to attend the second year of its Summer Kickoff event at the Long Beach Workforce Innovation Network (LBWIN) Youth Career Services Center (508 W Willow St) to learn about exciting internship opportunities for the summer months and more.
The LBWIN Youth Services Center administers a comprehensive array of internship and employment prep programs designed to facilitate youth engagement in the workforce and enhance career readiness, such as the Long Beach Public Service Corps Program, now accepting applications for their third cohort (see below).
The free event on June 13th will feature information booths from approximately 30 participating agencies, including City departments, nonprofits, and community organizations, offering a variety of programs and services, including internship and employment opportunities, job training, case management, mental health support, and more. Music, food, and creative and engaging activities will also be offered throughout the event. Those interested are encouraged to RSVP. Learn more in the recent press release.
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Long Beach Public Service Corps (LBPSC) Program | Apply by June 30
Do you know a college student or young adult interested in learning more about careers in public service? Now through June 30th, the City is accepting applications for the third cohort of the Long Beach Public Service Corps (LBPSC) Program! The program offers paid internships that provide local college students and recent graduates ages 18 to 30 with hands-on experience working in City government and exploring careers in public service. Learn more in the recent press release or on the LBPSC webpage, and feel free to share with those young people in your life!
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Public Works
Free Shred Event | June 7
The City of Long Beach's Department of Public Works is hosting a free shred event to help residents securely dispose of confidential documents on June 7, 8:00 - 10:00 AM, at Veterans Memorial Stadium (enter on Conant St.)
Learn more at lbcity.info/shredevent
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Notice of Upcoming Encroachment Near 640 E Wardlow Rd
Per their approved work permit, an independent contractor, Genesis Engineering & Redevelopment, reached out to our office this week to inform of upcoming groundwater sampling work to occur along Wardlow Rd next week on June 11 & 12. The work will take place from 8:30am - 3:30pm on these days, will consist of collecting groundwater samples along Wardlow Rd, and will encroach on Wardlow Rd resulting in lane closures for approximately 1.5hrs at each location to collect groundwater from existing well locations. Please be vigilant when driving through work zones, watch for posted signage, and plan your routes accordingly!
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Long Beach Public Library
"Level Up at the Library" Summer Reading 2025
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The LBPL invites readers of all ages to “Level Up at the Library” with their annual Summer Reading Program, kicking off on Saturday, June 14th and running through Saturday, August 9th. Participants can enjoy a summer of adventure by reading, completing activities, and attending special events and programs at all 12 LBPL locations.
Readers aged 12 and under can earn incentives for every 5 books read, and those aged 13+ can earn a reward for each finished book! Children who read at least 10 books and teens or adults who read 2 books will be entered into a drawing for a grand prize. The more books you read, the more chances you’ll have to earn incentives!
Sign up and join the Summer Reading kickoff event at BJK Main Library, on Saturday, June 14th, with a special performance by The Alley Cats at 11am. Otherwise, you can register for Summer Reading starting on June 14th in person any Library location, such as CD5’s Dana Branch or Bach Neighborhood Library, or online at longbeach.beanstack.org. Be sure to keep an eye on the LBPL event calendar for even more free, family-friendly events at LBPL locations all summer long! Review the recent press release or visit lbpl.org to learn more.
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Friends of the LBPL
2025 Essay Contest | June 14 - Aug 18
The Friends of the Long Beach Public Library want to know, “How Has the Library Helped You Grow?”
Summer is almost here and so is the Friends of the LBPL’s summer essay contest. From June 14 – August 18, youth aged 6–18 are invited to submit their essays that answer the question, “How has the library helped you grow?” for a chance to win up to $100 in Barnes & Noble gift cards. Essays can be submitted in person to a neighborhood librarian at any LBPL location or via email to lbplfriendsessaycontest@gmail.com. Winners will be announced on social media and the Friends’ website on Friday August 18, and celebrated at an awards ceremony at Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library on Saturday, August 23rd at 10:30am. Learn more at lbplfriends.org.
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Health & Human Services Department
Long Beach Point in Time Count 2025 Results Available
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Earlier this week, the City announced the results of the 2025 Homeless Point in Time (PIT) Count, conducted in the early hours of Jan 23, 2025. My team and I took part in the Count alongside hundreds of other volunteers as we conducted surveys across the entire city. The 2025 Count identified 3,595 people experiencing homelessness in Long Beach, a net increase of 219 people or 6.5% compared to 2024.
The City has released a comprehensive report detailing this year’s count, including key findings, demographics, a comprehensive look at the causes and underlying conditions of homelessness, and case studies of the youth and riverbed populations. Notably, there was a rise this year in those who are “newly homeless,” or experiencing homelessness for the first time, suggesting that more people in Long Beach have become homeless within the past year.
We know that this issue is top of mind for the Fifth District and the City. While 1,595 people were able to be housed last year, with assistance from the city, the rate of people falling into homelessness continues to outpace the City and its partners best efforts. The reasons for many people are multilayered and often complicated, yet the City remains steadfast in its response to the statewide housing crisis. For more information, review the recent press release, which provides an overview of this year’s data and the city’s upcoming initiatives. In addition, you can join city staff to learn more about local strategies and local resources at the Long Beach HOME Community Roadshow on June 12.
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LA28 Olympic & Paralympic Games
Long Beach Confirmed to Stage 7 Sporting Events for the 2028 Paralympic Games
Earlier this week, the Los Angeles Organizing Committee for the 2028 Olympic & Paralympic Games (LA28) announced that seven Paralympic sporting events are confirmed to take place in Long Beach for the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympic Games. We can look forward to hosting Para Climbing for its Paralympic debut, along with Para Swimming, Shooting Para Sport, Sitting Volleyball, Blind Football, Para Rowing, and Para Canoe-Sprint. With these additions, Long Beach is now confirmed to stage 18 sporting events across seven venues citywide for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, as we continue to lead the Venue Cities in staging the most sporting events outside of the host City of Los Angeles. Learn more in the recent press release.
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Public Works Department
Organics Collection Rollout Update
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Last week, Public Works announced the next steps for the phased rollout of the Organics (Green Cart) Collection program. The City will continue rolling out the program in phases based on your regular collection service days, as follows:
Service Day – Rollout Month:
- Monday – June 2025
- Tuesday & Wednesday – August 2025
- Thursday & Friday – October 2025
Residents will receive a mailer with a start date and a new green cart before service is set to begin. Increased rates to cover the cost of the organics collection will be charged only once service begins, no sooner than Aug. 1, 2025.
For more information, visit longbeach.gov/LBOrganics. There you can use the map tool to double check your service days and start month, find answers to FAQs, and review organics collection guidelines to help prepare for the transition.
| | | | Upcoming Meetings & Events | | |
Ezequiel Correa Selected as Long Beach’s 2025 Youth Poet Laureate | | | | Parks to Offer Free Summer Food Service Program for Children and Youth June 16 through August 22 | |  | Long Beach Airport Celebrates Southwest’s New Daily Nonstop Service to Baltimore, Washington D.C. | | | Long Beach Recognizing Pet Preparedness Month with Series of Community Events Throughout June | | | City Launches Community Roadshows to Engage Residents on Citywide Efforts to Address Homelessness | | | City Celebrates 16 Certified Green Businesses | | | City Launches Community Survey for the Open Space and Recreation Element | | | Parks, Recreation and Marine to Offer Free and Low-Cost Recreation Programs Starting June 16 | | | Long Beach Airport Launches Airwaves: Summer Concerts at LGB | | |
Memos to the Mayor & Council
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Upcoming
City Council Meeting
Tues. June 10, 2025, 5:00pm
411 W Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802
FULL AGENDA
Item 23 Recommendation to receive and approve Commission appointments and reappointments for Non-Charter Commissions. (Item Details)
Item 25 Recommendation to request City Council approval of the 2025 Legislative Agenda as recommended by the Intergovernmental Affairs Committee. (Item Details)
Item 26 Recommendation to receive and file the 2024 General Plan Implementation Report. (Item Details)
Item 30 Recommendation to receive and file presentation for the Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKO) program from the Health and Human Services Department providing the result of the feasibility study; Request City Attorney to amend the Long Beach Municipal Code (LBMC) to comply with the most recently enacted state legislation regarding the MEHKO. (Item Details)
Item 31 Recommendation to accept Categorical Exemption CE 23-105; Adopt Plans and Specifications No. R-7203 and award a contract to All American Asphalt, of Corona, CA, for the Studebaker-Loynes Complete Street Project. (Item Details)
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