Weekly Updates | May 16, 2025 | | |
Happy Friday, District 5! This weekend is a busy one across CD5 and the City of Long Beach! See below for details, as well as for more info on this past week’s happenings.
During this week’s meeting, the City Council heard a presentation on the City’s new Age-Friendly Action Plan, which aims to provide guidance and goals on how to address the emerging needs of our growing demographic of older adults, their families, and their care providers. See below for more information.
This weekend in CD5, there are a number of ways to get involved with the community! On Saturday, May 17th, I encourage you to attend the 2nd Annual Adaptive Sports Fair starting at 10am at LBCC. This free event provides an opportunity for community members of all ages and abilities to engage in an active, inclusive, and accessible day of play! That afternoon, you can also exercise some mental health practices at LBX’s “Vibe & Thrive” Mental Health Awareness pop-up market. Over the weekend you can also continue your celebrations of Bike Month, with the Women’s Moto Project’s “Learn to Ride Bicycle Clinic” for youth ages 4 – 8, on Saturday, May 17th at 4pm; or with the BKBIA’s 13-year anniversary of their monthly Kidical Mass Community Bike Ride, at 11am on Sunday, May 18th. Lastly, I invite you to join the Friends of Willow Springs Park as they kick off their next series of Willow Springs Experiences with “Beekeeping in the Park” this Sunday, May 18th, at 10am. See below for more information on these and other great upcoming events!
Today, May 16th, in partnership with my office, the American Red Cross is hosting the first of 2 Blood Drives in CD5 at the Expo Arts Center until 3pm. In case you weren’t able to make it this time, be sure to save the date and sign up for the next one: May 30th from 9am – 3pm at Wardlow Park. Thank you to everyone who has already signed up or volunteered to donate and make a difference in someone’s life!
This week has also been Pride Week in Long Beach, during which we raised the Progress Pride Flag at the Civic Center Plaza, and have been looking forward to this weekend’s 42nd annual Pride Parade & Festival! Other Pride-related events are on their way next week, including Harvey Milk's Birthday Celebration and a Pride Party at Steelcraft. See below for more information.
Finally, I’d like to remind you that the next City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 20, 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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Recent Council Item
May 13 | Item 20: Age-Friendly Action Plan
Since 2018, when Long Beach made a pledge to join AARP’s Network of Age-Friendly States & Communities, the Health & Human Services Department has been working to establish an Age-Friendly Action Plan, which was presented as Item 20 before Council on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. As population trends project a significant shift in demographics towards a larger population of older adults, this plan provides a roadmap for identifying current challenges and creating opportunities for intentional planning around the “built, social, and service environments” necessary to meet residents’ needs. This plan provides guidance and outlines the City’s goals across 9 identified “domains of livability” as we continue working to ensure Long Beach is a vibrant, inclusive place where people of all ages and abilities can thrive. Learn more in the item description, presentation deck, meeting video, or the entire Age-Friendly Action Plan itself.
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Southern California Edison
May 10 | Recent Power Outage
As many of you are acutely aware, last Saturday, May 10th, Southern California Edison (SCE) services experienced an unexpected power outage in the 90808-zipcode, which at one point affected over 5,000 residents of CD5.
Upon my office’s awareness of the outage, at around 9:30am that morning, we maintained close contact with our SCE liaison and provided the updates shared with us via social media to help keep residents informed. Throughout the incident and after the fact, we received a number of reports expressing concern over a lack of information or an estimated timeframe for restoring power to the community. While it should be noted that SCE operates independently of the City, I have reached out to SCE to advocate for answers, to relay those concerns shared by residents, and to impress upon them the need for more active communication to customers throughout such an incident. I am awaiting their reply, especially in my request for more information specific to this incident or regarding any additional resources that SCE can provide to those who were affected, and I will provide any updates in future newsletters. In the meantime, check out the following general information, available on SCE’s website –
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Long Beach Police Department
LBPD Promotes New Leaders
Congratulations to the 15 Long Beach Police Department personnel who were recognized and promoted to their new roles at the LBPD Promotion Ceremony earlier this week! It is an honor and a privilege to have these hardworking individuals across our local Police force. I am continuously impressed by the passion and commitment of these valuable members of the department, and I look forward to continuing to see them lead by example, pursue excellence, and inspire the same in others. Learn more in the recent press release.
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Long Beach Playmakers
2nd Annual Adaptive Sports Fair | May 17
The 2nd Annual Adaptive Sports Fair is almost here—join in on Saturday, May 17th from 10am – 2pm at Long Beach City College for a free day of inclusive play for all ages and abilities!
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While admission and parking are free, be sure to register in advance to ensure entry. Attendees will have the opportunity to try a number of adaptive sports including Baseball, Standing and Wheelchair Basketball, Boccia, Dance & Movement, Goalball, Field Hockey, Fitness, Martial Arts, Pickleball, Paddleboarding, Soccer (Blind, Crutch, and Power), Tennis (Blind, Chair, and Standing), and much more!
RSVP today to enjoy a day of connecting with neighbors, families, athletes, and community members, all while experiencing the joy of play in a supportive and inclusive environment. To learn more, visit letsbeplaymakers.org or check out this video from last year's event!
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Long Beach Pride
42nd Annual Long Beach Pride Parade & Festival | May 17-18
Happy Pride, Long Beach! Join us in celebrating Long Beach Pride and showing our citywide support and acceptance for our LGBTQ+ family, friends, neighbors, and visitors. Earlier this week, we raised the Progress Pride Flag at the Civic Center Plaza, and this weekend you can join to celebrate acceptance, diversity, and inclusion in Long Beach at the 42nd Annual Pride Parade & Festival! This year’s theme, “The Power of Community,” reminds us of the effect we can have on the world when we take a stand together, and invites each of us to consider how we can contribute to the ongoing fight for justice, equality, and inclusion for all, regardless of how you express yourself or who you choose to love. The free, citywide Pride Parade will step off at 10am and travel along Ocean Ave. from Lindero Ave to Alamitos Ave, in a loud, proud, and colorful display of the diverse voices, experiences, and expressions that make up the fabric of our local and greater LGBTQ+ communities. To show your Pride all weekend long, grab your tickets to the Pride Festival, at Marina Green Park from 12 – 8pm on both Saturday and Sunday, featuring live music, dancing, drag shows, games, giveaways, resources, and more!
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Long Beach Fire Department
Hybrid CERT Training
On Saturday, May 17, 2025, LBFD will offer a hybrid Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training session. The CERT program equips community members with essential emergency preparedness and response skills, enabling them to assist neighbors, coworkers, and professional first responders during times of crisis. This is a valuable opportunity to gain life-saving knowledge and play a crucial role in building a more resilient community. We encourage all interested individuals to register and take part in this important training.
- Location: 3861 Worsham Ave, Long Beach, CA 90808
- Time: 7:45 AM – 7:00 PM. Registration will begin promptly at 7:45 AM and close at 8:00 AM. The training session will start immediately at 8:00 AM.
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To ensure compliance with the training requirements, FEMA requires that all participants complete or retake the FEMA online course within six months before attending the in-person skills training. As the number of available spots is limited and the demand is high, the training will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are interested and want to be included on the attendee’s roster, please complete the training online in advance. Be sure to follow these instructions to ensure you complete the correct course. Once completed, please email a copy of your certificate to CERT@longbeach.gov to register for the upcoming training session. If you have any questions or need additional information, email CERT@longbeach.gov.
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Community Development Dept.
Zone In: Bixby Knolls - 2nd Walk Audit | May 17
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Share your thoughts and ideas on the Zone In: Bixby Knolls project! The Community Development's next walk audit for this project will take place on Saturday, May 17th at 9am, and is expected to conclude at 10:30am. The walk audit will meet and depart from the northeast corner of Long Beach Blvd and San Antonio Dr, outside of the 7/11 at 4200 Long Beach Blvd.
This second walk audit will focus on the existing development patterns and new opportunities that rezoning provides for San Antonio Drive between Long Beach Blvd and Atlantic Ave, with an emphasis on the major shopping center between Atlantic & California Aves. Due to staffing limitations and for the safety of attendees, this event will limit attendance to 45 attendees with RSVP required. Click here to RSVP!
For more information, visit the project webpage, review the project area map, or sign up for updates and info on future outreach events!
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May is National Home Improvement Month!
May is National Home Improvement Month, and the Long Beach Community Development Department is leading a citywide celebration of neighborhood pride and the spaces we call home.
Whether you rent or own, residents are invited to share their projects, access helpful resources and join us for the culminating Home Improvement Expo at Whaley Park (5620 Atherton St) on Saturday, May 31, 2025 from 10am - 2pm. The family-friendly event will feature live demos, food trucks, DIY activities, composting tutorials, photobooths and more. Let’s come together to show what it means to Love Where You Live!
Share your project for a chance to be featured at lbcity.info/nhim-spotlights! Learn more at longbeach.gov/nhim.
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Public Works Department
May is Bike Month! Celebrate at Kidical Mass | May 18
May is Bike Month! The City of Long Beach and local community groups are hosting events every week to bring neighborhoods together and encourage bicycling.
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This year’s events include community rides like the BKBIA’s Kidical Mass on Sunday, May 18! This ride also happens to be Kidical Mass' 13th Anniversary; meet behind Pixie Toys (3914 Atlantic Ave) by 11am to join in and celebrate!
In the spirit of Bike Month, attendees are encouraged to bike or travel via other forms of active transportation, like walking or skating, to events. If you don’t have your own bike, the Long Beach Bike Share program has bicycles to affordably rent throughout the City.
Learn more about these and other events, as well as the city’s Bike Month Challenge at the Bike Month webpage.
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Parks, Recreation, & Marine Department | |
May is Older Americans Month!
During the month of May, the Parks, Recreation, & Marine (PRM) department will be celebrating Older American’s Month! From crafting to dancing, sports to hidden talents, as well as informational resources, there’s something for everyone in May, with a host of free events for residents aged 50+.
See the flyer for more details, and note, those events marked with stars require advance registration! Read this newsletter or call the park location for each event for more information.
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Youth Invited to Give Input in Survey on Park Programs & Amenities
The PRM and Health Depts have launched a youth community survey to promote and enhance physical and social activity in parks for middle school-aged youth looking for a safe space for recreation, exercise, and connection with peers. This survey is now open through Thursday, May 22nd, and will engage middle school youth ages 11 to 14 with questions about how local parks can support their health and well-being by enhancing resources and programs. Youth who fill out the survey online or in person will be eligible for a chance to win prizes such as t-shirts, hats, or gift cards from local vendors. Learn more in the recent press release or at lbparks.org.
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District 5 Office & American Red Cross
Blood Drive in CD5! May 30
Join us and make a difference in your community by donating blood at an upcoming blood drive!
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Friday, May 30th from 9:00am - 3:00pm at the Wardlow Park Community Center (3457 Stanbridge Ave).
As an extra incentive, every donor will receive a free camping lantern and will automatically be entered into a sweepstakes to win a trip for 2 anywhere in the US! Sign up to donate blood today!
| | To schedule an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code CD5 or click here. To learn more about the American Red Cross RapidPass, click here. | | | |
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Community Shout Out
CSULB Men's Volleyball Wins 2025 National Championship
Earlier this week, our very own Cal State University of Long Beach Men’s Volleyball team became the 2025 National Champions! While CSULB is not in District 5, our student-athletes come from all parts of the city, and represent the whole of Long Beach on a national scale. With this win, the 2025 Men’s Volleyball team contributes to our city’s ongoing legacy of excellence in sports. To celebrate, the Downtown Long Beach Alliance held a “Trophy Tour Parade” along Pine Avenue on Wednesday, where the community came together in celebration of our National Champions. Congratulations to the team, your hard work and commitment have truly paid off. Go Beach!
| | | | Upcoming Meetings & Events | | | Office of Youth Development Announces Youth Power PB (Participatory Budgeting) Long Beach 2025 Awardees | | | City Launches Pilot Program to Offer Smart Public Restrooms | |  | Long Beach to Celebrate Completion of Artesia Great Boulevard Project | | | City Announces Awardees for ClimateLB Youth Microgrant Program | | | Groundbreaking Launches 154-Acre Los Cerritos Wetlands Restoration – Single Largest Increase in Open Space in Long Beach in Decades | | |
Memos to the Mayor & Council
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Upcoming
City Council Meeting
Tues. May 20, 2025, 5:00pm
411 W Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802
FULL AGENDA
Item 13 Recommendation to adopt Plans and Specifications No. R-7257 and award a contract for the Long Beach Airport Gateway Sign. (Item Details)
Item 18 Recommendation to receive and file a presentation regarding an update on the City’s response to the Grants Pass v. Johnson Decision. (Item Details)
Item 19 Recommendation to receive and file a presentation from City Manager, Financial Management, and Health and Human Services Departments providing a second update on the implementation of the City’s Sidewalk Vending Ordinance. (Item Details)
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