Recent Council Item

3/10/26 Item 17: Streetlight Infrastructure

At Tuesday’s meeting, my colleagues and I brought forth Item 17, requesting Public Works provide us with a comprehensive report back on the City’s streetlighting infrastructure, maintenance and repair practices, and public safety impacts, along with identified areas for improvement and proposed new guidelines for lighting standards citywide. We brought this item forward in response to increasing reports of current streetlight outages across the 5th District and throughout the city, and the concern over particularly lengthy timelines for repair. We know that copper theft and vandalism play a role in many of these outages, which are significantly more costly and take longer to repair than routine maintenance or equipment failure. However, we also understand that for many residents, the answer to “why” is not as important as the answer to “when can it be fixed,” particularly when we are being given a standard of “30-90 days.” As streetlights are such a crucial component to public safety and well-being, it is vital that we identify ways we can prioritize these repairs and find ways to meaningfully prevent extended outages.

In identifying those standards, I made sure to bring attention to the presence of historic districts, often lit with historic lampposts. In the discussion at Council, I requested the report consider the ways any new standards are translated to meet the unique maintenance and preservation needs within historic districts.

With the report providing a closer look at existing practices, we look forward to gaining a clearer picture of the current state of citywide streetlighting infrastructure and creating new standards to keep our neighborhoods lit and safe. Learn more by reviewing the item details or watching the recorded discussion.

District 5 Office

Bixby Strollers at Wardlow Park | March 14

The Bixby Knolls Strollers are back for another stroll from the CD5 Field Office! All residents are welcome to join in to explore the neighborhood around Wardlow Park and connect with neighbors from across our district during the approximately 3-mile stroll.

The walk will begin at 7:30am sharp on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at the CD5 Field Office at Wardlow Park (3457 Stanbridge Ave, 90808). We hope to see you there!

CD5 Community Meeting | March 26

Join us at the next CD5 Community Meeting! On Thursday, March 26th, we will be back at the Wardlow Park Community Center (3457 Stanbridge Ave), where we will be joined by Public Works Director Josh Hickman and his team to discuss infrastructure and traffic safety.

While not required, we ask that you please RSVP to help us prepare adequate seating. We hope to see you there! 

City of Long Beach

City Seeking Input to Improve Access & Participation in City Council Meetings

The City of Long Beach is inviting residents, community-based organizations, and local business owners to share feedback on how to increase participation in Long Beach City Council meetings, and how to make meetings more accessible to the whole community. Submit your feedback through this survey, designed to help the City better understand how people currently participate in City Council meetings and identify barriers that may prevent community engagement.

The online survey is open now through Friday, March 20th. Paper versions of the survey will also be available through the City Clerk’s Office at upcoming City Council and Commission meetings at City Hall. 

Citizens' Advisory Commission on Disabilities

Disability Data & Community Survey

The Citizens’ Advisory Commission on Disabilities (CACoD) is conducting a citywide survey to better understand the needs of people with disabilities in the City of Long Beach. People with disabilities possess unique skills in adaptation, innovation, and advocacy, all of which contribute to our city’s progress. The Office of Equity and CACoD invite you to share your insights through this important survey. Your voice matters!

People with disabilities who live, work, attend school, or spend time in Long Beach are encouraged to complete this 15-minute survey, available online in English, Spanish, Khmer, and Tagalog at bit.ly/4sIbRVc.

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

Register for Spring Classes | March 17

Registration for Spring classes at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at CSULB opens next Tuesday, March 17! OLLI is a welcoming lifelong learning community for adults aged 50+ in Long Beach and surrounding communities. There are no tests or grades—just the opportunity to explore new interests, meet new friends, and continue learning.

Spring classes begin April 6 and include more than 90 offerings in subjects such as history, music, literature, art, health, and technology. Learn more about membership and Spring classes at csulb.edu/olli.

Port of Long Beach

ADA Assessment Survey Virtual Public Meeting | March 18

On Wednesday, March 18, at 6pm, the Port of Long Beach is hosting a virtual public meeting regarding an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) assessment survey within the Port of Long Beach’s right of way. They are looking for input from the community and users of the Port for areas within the Port’s geographical boundaries where accessibility improvements are needed. Register now so you can share your input! For those who may not be able to attend, a recording of the meeting will be posted on the Port’s website.

Long Beach Police Department

The Long Beach Police Department has opportunities for all, whether you’re a young adult looking to jump start your career in law enforcement, or a senior wanting to give back to your community. 

LBPD Cadets Open House | March 24

Join LBPD for a Police Cadet Program Open House to learn about the hands-on program that allows you to explore a law enforcement career through training, mentorship, and real experience. The Cadet Program is designed for young adults aged 18-24 interested in preparing for professional and sworn roles in the Police Department.

Tuesday, March 24 | 5pm | 3205 N. Lakewood Blvd, 90808 | RSVP

Senior Police Partners Open House | March 26

 Join LBPD for a Senior Police Partners Open House, to learn about the rewarding volunteer program for residents aged 50+. Senior Police Partners work alongside LBPD to support local seniors and promote community safety through fraud prevention, wellness checks, resource referrals, and community events.

Thursday, March 26 | 10am | 3205 N. Lakewood Blvd, 90808 | RSVP

Confluence Rising

Interrupting Implicit Bias & Microaggressions Workshop | March 25

Confluence Rising (formerly CCEJ) invites all to a virtual Interrupting Implicit Bias & Microaggressions training on Wednesday, March 25th from 10am – 12pm. Everyone has biases and assumptions that we may not be aware of, and guide our thoughts, feelings, and actions. In this virtual training session, participants will explore how these biases form and sustain, and how in the form of microaggressions, create isolation, disrespect, and inequities. Participants will also identify real ways to begin to interrupt biases in their own work relationships with peers, partners, and communities. Learn more at confluencerising.org.

Wednesday, March 24 | 10am | Zoom | RSVP

Little Owl School

Scholarships Available for September 2026

The Little Owl Foundation for Childhood Education is excited to announce two scholarship opportunities for children to attend Little Owl School beginning September 2026 until they are Kindergarten ready.

Little Owl School is a Reggio-inspired school where children learn critical thinking and problem solving though meaningful interactions and play, teachers learn and research with children, and parents are partners. Little Owl is dedicated to the education of children through social constructivism, environmentalism, and a Reggio Emila inspired philosophy. Those interested in the scholarship opportunity must meet the following requirements:

• For children applying for the three-year scholarship your child's birthday must fall between September 2, 2023, and September 1, 2024
• For children applying for the one-year scholarship your child’s birthday must fall between September 2, 2021, and September 1, 2023
• Applicants must be Long Beach residents
• Due to conflict of interest, applicants may not be related to Board Members or Staff at Little Owl School and/or Little Owl Foundation
• One eligible child per household
• Applicant must meet income requirements to determine monthly tuition 
  

For more detailed eligibility guidelines, and for any additional questions, email admin@littleowlfoundation.org.

Long Beach Public Library Foundation

Film Screening Fundraiser | April 16

The Long Beach Public Library Foundation will be hosting a fundraiser screening of The Librarians on April 16th at the Art Theater. This powerful documentary, produced by Sarah Jessica Parker, underscores the essential role that librarians play in protecting our democracy. General admission tickets are $25, and all proceeds from the event will benefit Long Beach Public Libraries.

April 16 | 5pm | Art Theater of Long Beach (2025 E 4^th St., 90814) | Get Tickets

LA2050 Grants Challenge

Each year, the Goldhirsh Foundation funds organizations making Los Angeles better through their LA2050 Grants. This year, there are two opportunities that may be of interest to organizations and young people in our communities.

2026 LA2050 Grants Challenge - Part 1 (Organizations)

Together with their funding partners, LA2050 is granting an anticipated $3 million to organizations across Los Angeles County, with individual awards of up to $75,000.

This year, the application process has two parts. Part 1: Organization Screening (January 26th to April 22nd) is a competitive first stage focused on learning about organizations and determining which applicants move forward. From March 18th to April 22nd, Angelenos will vote on the issues that matter most, which will determine the issue areas open for funding in Part 2.

Finally, organizations selected through Part 1 will then be invited to submit Part 2: Funding Proposal (April 29th to June 5th) with an idea for a specific program, project, or initiative aligned with the top-voted issue areas. 

2026 LA2050 Youth Ambassador Program (Ages 14 - 24)

The LA2050 Youth Ambassador Program empowers young Angelenos, ages 14 to 24, to drive positive change in the Los Angeles region through civic engagement, leadership development, and to help shape which local issues receive funding through the annual LA2050 Grants Challenge. Prizes available for participants, up to $500!  

Learn more about these opportunities at the LA2050 Grants Challenge webpage.

Community Shout Out

YWCA Relocates to Bixby Knolls

Earlier this week, the YWCA of Greater Los Angeles relocated their South Bay Survivor Empowerment Center to a new location here in the Fifth District of Long Beach!

For more than 130 years, YWCA of Greater Los Angeles has been a lifeline for women and families across the region, and for more than 25 years, the South Bay Empowerment Center has been providing sexual assault survivor services in the area. The YWCA has long stood beside survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, offering compassionate support that helps them heal and reclaim their strength. We are honored to welcome them to their new space in the 5th District, as this new positioning allows them to serve even more clients in need. Learn more about the YWCA and their supportive and empowering programs at ywcagla.org, and join me in welcoming them to the District 5 community!