Energy & Environmental Services

Free Shred Event TOMORROW | March 7

This Saturday, March 7th, is the first of this year’s free shred events, for residents to securely dispose of sensitive documents for free, being held at Veteran’s Stadium from 8am – 10am, or until the mobile shredding trucks are full! For those who may miss it, note that there will be two additional opportunities later this year.

District 5 Office

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! 

Upcoming Council Item

Item 17 - Streetlight Maintenance

At next week’s meeting, my colleagues and I are bringing forward Item 17 on the 3/10/26 Agenda, requesting Public Works provide a comprehensive report back on the City's street lighting infrastructure, maintenance practices, public safety impacts, and proposed standardized lighting guidelines in 90 days. We are currently experiencing streetlight outages throughout the district and across the city, and it is an important time to take a look at why these outages occur, how these issues are addressed, and what can be done to prevent them in the future. We know that rising copper theft and vandalism play a role, as does aging infrastructure, as streetlight outages are primarily caused by vandalism or equipment failure. Most extended outages are due to copper wire theft and vandalism, which are significantly more costly and take substantially longer to repair than routine outages. The area just north of Wardlow Rd between Atlantic and Cherry has been identified as a "hot spot" and is being prioritized for prevention strategies focused on keeping lights on and reducing repeat theft. Review the item details to learn more. 

Public Works Department

Last week, I visited the worksites of two of our current major infrastructure projects in the Fifth District. After checking in with the crews and hearing about their work, I wanted to provide the following latest updates: 

Clark Ave. Project Phase 1 - Latest Updates

Construction efforts on Clark continue to progress. Due to the rain over the past few months, the overall construction schedule has been extended to late March or early April. As of now, all curb, gutter, and sidewalk improvements (outside of bus boarding island areas) have been completed. New sidewalk on the west side of Clark Ave now connects Spring St to Mezzanine Way and Wardlow Rd to Fire Station 19 (FS19). New curb ramps have been installed at Monlaco Rd, Mezzanine Way, and the northeast corner of Spring & Clark. Next steps include the construction of the street and bus shelter pads, bus boarding islands, and remaining sidewalk. Replacement of FS19’s driveway, and construction of the final sidewalk segment connecting FS19 to Rosie the Riveter Park is scheduled for later this month. Learn more about the project and its features by reviewing the project website.

Carson Complete Street - Latest Updates

This project has also experienced delays as a result of recent weather events. As of now, the gutter along the north side of Carson St has been demolished in preparation for new concrete to be poured in the coming weeks, aimed to address drainage issues and reduce ponding. In addition to pavement, infrastructure, and accessibility improvements, upcoming safety improvements in next stages of construction will include continental crosswalks at Orange, Cherry, Gundry, and Walnut for increased visibility and refuge islands at Gundry and at Walnut to support safer pedestrian movement. Additionally, left-turns from Gundry onto Carson will be limited to reduce conflicts. Learn more about the project and its features at the project website. 

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.

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

Scholarships Available for September 2026

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.

Arts Council for Long Beach

2026 Youth Art Contest for Grades 1 - 8

The City of Long Beach and the Arts Council for Long Beach (ArtsLB) invite youth in grades 1 – 8 to showcase their creativity in the 2026 City of Long Beach Youth Art Contest!

The annual citywide contest celebrates the beauty and essence of Long Beach through student artwork and photography. Two winners from each Council District will be honored with a cash prize, an award ceremony at City Hall, and their artwork displayed in the Legislative Offices. Eligible mediums include painting, drawing, collage, printmaking, mixed media, digital art, or photography. Submit your work now through April 20th!

Congressman Robert Garcia

2026 Congressional Art Contest for High School Students

The 2026 Congressional Art Competition for High School Students is officially underway! Congressman Garcia is hosting his 4th annual contest this spring. The winning artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol, and the winning artist will be invited to Washington, D.C., where they will represent their city and school.

Submissions are now open! All students attending a school within California’s 42nd Congressional District, regardless of where they reside, are invited to participate. Students residing in the district but not attending school in CA-42 are also eligible. The deadline is April 8, 2026, by 11:59pm. You can view the form and the submission instructions here.