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(562) 570 5555 | district5@longbeach.gov | | Weekly Updates | Mar. 14, 2025 | | |
Happy Friday, District 5! I hope you all remained safe and dry throughout this week's weather. As the storm passes, we can look forward to warmer days to come with the transition to spring. In this week's issue, find updates from local agencies and city departments such as Parks, Rec, & Marine, Community Development, Long Beach Transit, and more.
This weekend, there are a number of ways to engage with the local community here in District 5. Onn Saturday, March 15th, I invite you to spend the morning at Willow Springs Park for this year's Monarch Day of Action from 9am - 12pm. Join in to learn about Monarch Butterflies and help plant native pollinators to support their natural habitat! Then, you can visit LBX for one of two pop-up markets on the Hangar Lawn—start on Saturday, March 15th to celebrate female entrepreneurs at the Women’s History Market, then return on Sunday, March 16th, to get into the spirit of the changing seasons with a “Groovin’ Into Spring” themed market. On Sunday the 16th, you can also join neighbors in Bixby Knolls for Kidical Mass, the monthly neighborhood bike ride taking off from behind Pixie Toys at 11am. Lastly, you can celebrate Almost St. Patrick’s Day in Bixby Knolls with deals at local bars and restaurants, complete with a free beer trolley to help you get around the area. See the flyers below for more information on these and other upcoming events.
Looking ahead, start preparing your unwieldy, difficult-to-dispose-of items for District 5 Dump Day on Saturday, March 29th! See below to learn more. Then, save that Sunday afternoon, March 30th, to join me and some members of my team at a Long Beach State Dirtbags game—with discounted tickets for CD5 residents! Follow this link to buy your tickets to the game.
Finally, I’d like to remind you that the next City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at 5pm in the City Hall Chambers. The full agenda as well as 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
CD5 Dump Day | March 29th
In the spirit of spring cleaning, join us for District 5 Dump Day on Saturday, March 29th! In partnership with Public Works and Conservation Corps of Long Beach, our office will provide dumpsters at three locations throughout District 5 (Expo Arts Center, Pan American Park, and Wardlow Park) to give residents the opportunity to get rid of large, bulky, difficult-to-dispose-of items for free! Visit any one of the three locations provided to dump those items that have been taking up space in your home, yard, or garage, and help keep often-abandoned items off our streets, curbs, and alleyways! E-waste will also be collected at each site, however hazardous waste such as batteries, paint, or household cleaners will not be accepted.
For seniors or residents that have difficulty with transportation or mobility, please reach out to us at district5@longbeach.gov or (562) 570 5555, and we can help schedule a curbside pick-up of your items, pending availability from volunteers and local partners.
| | For anyone else who may not be able to participate during our Dump Day, don’t forget that you can utilize a special pick-up! All Long Beach refuse customers are entitled to 12 special pick-ups per year at no additional cost. Visit the Public Works’ Special Collections page or call (562) 570 2876 for more information. | | | | |
Long Beach Transit
Share Your Priorities with LBT!
Long Beach Transit is developing it’s budget for Fiscal Year 2026 (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026) and they want your feedback! Please take this short survey to help LBT understand what is most important to you.
For any questions, please reach out to LBT's Customer Care Team at (562) 591 2301.
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Parks, Rec, & Marine
Cherry Park Tree Trimming | March 17
The PRM Department’s contractor, Great Scott, is scheduled to trim the trees in the parking lot at Cherry Park on Monday, March 17th. A nesting survey will be completed prior to the work being done, and a banner has been posted to notify park patrons.
No parking signs will be placed in the parking lot on Monday.
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The Queen Mary
Upcoming Events Onboard the Queen Mary
Enjoy exciting events and social activities aboard the Queen Mary! Be sure to check out What’s On Deck for even more events!
Saturday, March 15 | 9am – 4pm
Join in for a special event featuring local women leaders, inspiring speakers and women-owned businesses. From empowering talks to unique showcases of entrepreneurial talent, this celebration will spotlight the strength, creativity, and resilience of women in our community.
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day aboard the Queen Mary with a festive twist! Step back in time and enjoy period-inspired, true-themed games like classic shuffleboard, giving you a taste of the ship’s rich history, alongside St. Patrick’s Day festivities with lively music, green-themed treats, and a fun-filled atmosphere.
Join in celebrating women’s empowerment, self-expression, and community by creating your own artwork with step-by-step guidance from an instructor. All painting supplies are provided, and no prior experience is necessary, making it a fun and creative experience for everyone.
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Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at CSULB
Spring Session Registration Opens March 17th, Classes April 1st
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at CSULB is announcing its Spring Session – registration starts on March 17th and classes begin April 1st! Review THE SUN, for more information on the upcoming spring session, including class descriptions, schedules, and registration instructions. Members have access to over 80 classes, including 28 new offerings as well as several free programs. There are no test, grades, or homework—just learning for the joy of it. Classes will be held on campus at CSULB, at several community satellite locations, and online with Zoom. Learn more at www.csulb.edu/olli or by calling the OLLI office at (562) 985 8237.
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Rancho Los Cerritos
Special Film Screening & Panel: Fire on the Hill | March 22nd
On Sunday, March 22nd, Rancho Los Cerritos presents “Fire on the Hill” Film Screening and Panel under the stars! Enjoy this critically acclaimed documentary about the history of Black Cowboys of Compton and South Central L.A., the mysterious fire that burned their inner-city horse stable, and their fight to preserve their culture. The film is followed by a Q&A with Director Brett Fallentine and Ghuan Featherstone, the film’s lead, as they share the challenges of making the film and the dramatic story that inspired it. Check out the film's trailer to learn more and get your tickets today!
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Community Development Department
Save the Date! Share Your Thoughts & Ideas on Zone In: Bixby Knolls | March 29th
The City of Long Beach is hosting a community walk audit for the Zone In: Bixby Knolls Project. This Zoning Update is part of the broader Zone In Program, a systematic rezoning of areas throughout Long Beach to implement the General Plan Land Use Element and the 6th Cycle Housing Element, and to ensure the City’s compliance with state planning and housing laws. The rezoning will help the City establish sufficient zoned capacity to meet existing and future housing needs as required by state law. We invite you to attend the community walk audit to learn more about the project and provide feedback on the types of uses and buildings that you want to see in your community. Click to RSVP for the first walk audit.
Zone In: Bixby Knolls Project Community Walk Audit
Saturday, March 29, 2025 at 9:00-10:30 AM
Departing from the Long Beach Boulevard frontage of SteelCraft Long Beach,
3768 Long Beach Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90807
After a brief introduction to the project, we will walk together for roughly 5-6 blocks (1 hour), as we discuss observations and ideas for the neighborhood. For more information about this event, please contact Alejandro Sánchez-López at alejandro.sanchez-lopez@longbeach.gov.
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Long Beach Animal Care Services
Free Spay & Neuter Services to Community Cats | Grand Opening March 29
The City of Long Beach Animal Care Services, in partnership with The Little Lion Foundation, is launching the Long Beach Community Cat Project. This project, a first of its kind in the city, is focused on significantly reducing the overpopulation of free-roaming community cats in Long Beach and its service cities of Cerritos, Los Alamitos, and Signal Hill by providing free and accessible sterilization surgeries and animal care resources to community cats.
Community members and animal serving organizations with community cats are encouraged to participate in this program to help support the City’s goal of drastically reducing community cat overpopulation. Those interested may submit an application at The Little Lion Foundation website or call LBACS at 562.570.7387 for more information.
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To celebrate the project launch, the City and The Little Lion Foundation invite the community to a Grand Opening event and ribbon-cutting ceremony, taking place from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at The Little Lion Foundation headquarters (1179 E. Wardlow Rd.).
Review the recent press release to learn more.
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Health & Human Services
Nominations Open for 2nd Year of Veterans Banner Program
The Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) is accepting nominations for the second year of the Long Beach Veterans Banner Program.
The community is encouraged to nominate any veteran, living or deceased, who served honorably and meets one of the following eligibility criteria:
- Born or raised in Long Beach.
- Currently working or previously worked in Long Beach.
- Currently residing or previously resided in Long Beach.
- Educated in Long Beach.
- Formerly stationed or worked at the Long Beach Naval Station or Shipyard, the Long Beach Naval Hospital or the Long Beach Armory.
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Nominations for the Veterans Banner Program are now open and will be accepted through March 31, 2025.
Review the recent press release to learn more and apply!
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Economic Development Department
Veteran & Service Member Job Fair | April 17th
The Economic Development Department, in collaboration with the Office of Veterans’ Support, invites the community to participate in a Veteran & Service Member Job Fair on Thursday, April 17, from 10am to 1pm at the Long Beach Workforce Innovation Network (LB WIN) Adult Career Services Center (4811 Airport Plaza Dr.).
The event will offer opportunities for veterans and service members transitioning from military to civilian life to network and meet with prospective public and private sector employers and will feature a resume review bar and interview stations. Additionally, mental health, health care, housing, and homelessness prevention resources, including a Veteran Administration (VA) home loan workshop, will be available for attendees. While the job fair will focus on resources for veterans and transitioning service members, this free event is open to the public. Those interested in attending are encouraged to RSVP online. Learn more in the press release.
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Los Cerritos Elementary School
Centennial Celebration Open House | April 25th
Los Cerritos Elementary is turning 100 years old! The quaint elementary school located in the Los Cerritos neighborhood, has a long history of strong community-building activities, traditions, and an enhanced family atmosphere. To celebrate the school’s centennial, an Open House is scheduled for Friday, April 25th from 3pm – 7pm. The whole community is invited to come see what 100 years of learning looks like. For those who may have attended as a child, you can take the time to walk the halls and reminisce about your time as a Roadrunner, visit old classrooms, and perhaps even run into old teachers and classmates. The event will feature games, crafts, food, and history exhibits. Learn more at the Los Cerritos Elementary Centennial Celebration Facebook page.
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CD5 Community Shout Out
Honoring Dr. Geraldine Stramski
In honor of Women’s History Month, I asked the City Council to take some time on Tuesday to hear about the impactful and influential life and work of Dr. Geraldine Stramksi. A huge thanks to Allison, Dr. Stramski’s niece, for attending the meeting to share details of your aunt’s life and work!
Dr. Stramski was pediatrician at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center for over 20 years, and in her work, identified the need for a comprehensive, team-based approach to provide care and support for the multiple health issues often encountered in children with developmental conditions. In 1975, she founded what was later renamed as the Stramski Children’s Developmental Center, to provide that needed space for comprehensive, continuing care for children with developmental needs, which has now been operating and expanding for the past 50 years. Not only was she a visionary in her field, Dr. Stramski was also a mentor and supporter of fellow women in healthcare. It has been said by a close friend and colleague that Dr. Stramski “was the sort of person every woman in medicine would like to be.” May her inspiring legacy continue to live on, not only at her namesake center, but throughout the community and beyond. Learn more by watching the presentation at Council.
| | | | Upcoming Meetings & Events | | | LBPD Promotes New Deputy Chief | | | Long Beach Temporarily Closes Open Swimming Areas Along Coastal Beaches Due to Sewage Spill | | | City to Offer Free Youth Recreation Program in Local Parks During School Spring Break April 14-18 | | | City Appoints Bryce M. Tyler as Director of Human Resources | | | Long Beach Issues Rain Advisory Due to Recent Showers | | | Long Beach Hosts Sixth Annual Celebration of the Young Child | | | Long Beach Airport Introduces New Online Flight Planning Tool | | | City Launches Youth Opioid Awareness Campaign | | | City of Long Beach to Celebrate Grand Opening of Junipero Beach Sports Court | | |
Memos to the Mayor & Council
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Upcoming
City Council Meeting
Tues. March 18, 2025, 5:00pm
411 W Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802
FULL AGENDA
Item 16 Recommendation to request City Manager to work with the Community Development Department and the Arts Council for Long Beach to expand the City’s Percent for the Arts Program to boost support for public art installations, local artists, and live music, and refer to the Arts, Culture, and Tourism Committee for input and discussion. (Item Details)
Item 20 Recommendation to declare ordinance adopting Zoning Code Amendment and the proposed findings thereto, to amend Chapter 21.67 of the Zoning Regulations to expand the existing Inclusionary Housing Ordinance applicability beyond the Downtown Plan and Mid-Town Specific Plan submarkets and apply the ordinance citywide, including sites within the coastal zone; change the affordability requirements for Inclusionary Housing Ordinance, read for the first time and laid over to the next regular meeting of the City Council for final reading (Item Details); and Adopt resolution directing City Manager, or designee, to submit the Local Coastal Program Amendment and associated materials and findings related to changes to Title 21 of the Long Beach Municipal Code to the California Coastal Commission for its review and certification in compliance with the Certified Local Coastal Program. (Item Details)
Item 21 Recommendation to declare ordinance of the City Council of the City of Long Beach (City) amending the Long Beach Municipal Code (LBMC) by amending and restating Section 2.01.210.B; and repealing Section 1.15.020.A, all relating to municipal elections, read and adopted as read. (Item Details)
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