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Weekly Updates | May 8, 2026
Happy Friday, District 5! This Sunday, May 10, we celebrate Mothers’ Day, giving thanks and showing appreciation for the mothers and mother-figures in our lives. I hope you are able to spend time with family and loved ones this weekend as we acknowledge and honor the sacrifices made and enduring love shared by the women who have raised, cared for, and guided us.
As we head into the summer season and begin the transition out of spring, I look forward to the busy schedule of summer concerts, bike rides, block parties, and other community-building events that make our neighborhoods so special. It’s hard to believe the year is flying by, as have the last few years I have been in office. See below for some reflections on what my team and I have accomplished over the last few years.
This weekend, there are plenty of ways to engage with the community right here in the Fifth District. You can start Mothers’ Day celebrations a bit early—or finish up some last minute gift shopping—by visiting LBX tonight, May 8th, from 5 – 9pm, or tomorrow, May 9th, from 12 – 6pm, for either one of two Mothers’ Day–themed pop-up markets. You can also stop by the “Mothers Day Festival” at Parkview Village’s monthly Second Saturdays Block Party from 11am – 3pm. Other local events on Saturday, May 9th include the Taste of AAW open house at Able Arts Works from 1 – 3pm, and the 4th Annual Halfway to Halloween Hootenanny (a 21+ event) at Rancho Los Cerritos from 1 – 5pm.
Looking ahead, I hope you will save the date for my office’s next CD5 Community Meeting on May 28th at 6pm, where we will be joined by Long Beach Animal Care Services. See below for more details on these and other upcoming events.
Finally, I’d like to remind you that the next City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, 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.
Continuing the work,
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Megan Kerr, Councilwoman
Long Beach, District 5
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Office of the City Clerk
Vote by Mail Ballots & Drop Box Info for June 2 Election Day
The LA Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk began the distribution of mailing Vote by Mail ballots on April 30th for the June 2nd Primary Nominating Election. All registered voters in LA County will be mailed a Vote by Mail ballot which may be returned at any Vote by Mail Ballot Drop Box, in person at any Vote Center in LA County, or by mail (no postage required).
As you may know, I am running for reelection to continue serving as your 5th District Councilwoman. It is an honor and a privilege to serve this community. I am proud of the work my team and I have been able to accomplish, from expanding green space, promoting widespread access to information and Library resources, finding ways to support small business growth, and ensuring our public safety departments have the resources they need. There is still much to do as the economic landscape continues to shift. There are many important issues facing our country, state, and at the local level, and we encourage everyone to vote.
Long Beach voters have 24-hour access to drop boxes at more than 400 participating locations across Los Angeles County, including 20 drop box locations throughout Long Beach, five of which are located within District 5 or nearby in neighboring Districts:
Within CD5:
- Dana Neighborhood Library (3680 Atlantic Ave.)
- Heartwell Park Community Center (5801 Parkcrest St.)
- Wardlow Park (3457 Stanbridge Ave.)
Nearby in Neighboring Districts:
- El Dorado Park West Community Center (2800 N. Studebaker Rd.)
- Scherer Park (4600 Long Beach Blvd.)
Vote by Mail Ballot Drop Boxes will remain open until 8pm on Election Day, Tuesday, June 2, 2026. All voters may track their ballots at california.ballottrax.net/voter. Find more information (including a list of all LA County 24-hr Ballot Drop Boxes), request a ballot in a different language, or check your registration status at lavote.gov. As a reminder, you can still register to vote or update your information until May 18. In person voting centers will open as early as May 23.
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District 5 Office
CD5 Community Meeting | May 28
Join us for the next District 5 Community Meeting, being held on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 6pm at St. Luke’s Evangelical Lutheran Church (5633 Wardlow Rd, 90808). This time, we will be joined by Long Beach Animal Care Services Director Melanie Wagner to learn about her team’s work on topics from urban wildlife to pet adoptions and more.
Please note the change from regular meeting location, as the Wardlow Park Community Center will be used as a Voting Center for the upcoming elections.
While not required, we ask that you please RSVP to help us prepare adequate seating. We hope to see you there!
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Parks, Recreation, & Marine Dept.
Tree Trimming at Somerset Park | May 11
This week the Parks, Recreation, & Marine (PRM) Department informed us that tree trimming is scheduled for Somerset Park on Monday, May 11th. A nesting survey will be conducted prior to any work takin place, and a banner has been posted at the site. Please be mindful of ongoing work if you visit the park or the area!
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Economic Development & Opportunity Dept.
The Biggest Small Business Expo | May 14
In celebration of National Small Business Week and Economic Development Week, both recognized nationally in May, the Economic Development & Opportunity (EDO) Department invites entrepreneurs, small business owners, and startups to participate in the Biggest Small Business Expo on Thursday, May 14, 2026 from 3 – 6:30pm at the Sports Basement (2100 N Bellflower Blvd).
The expo will feature several information and resource booths hosted b participating organizations and event partners including the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, the Small Business Council, and the Signal Hill Chamber of Commerce. The event will also offer opportunities for attendees to learn about programs and resources for small business, network with other entrepreneurs, and meet one-on-one with business professionals throughout long beach.
Attendees must register online to attend. Registration is free through today, May 8th, using promo code SUPPORTSB26. Thereafter, a $30 fee will apply for participants. Refreshments and a catered meal will be available. Learn more in the recent press release.
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Port of Long Beach
Sponsorship Call | Open May 1 - May 29
The Port of Long Beach invites local nonprofit organizations to apply for their Community Sponsorship Program, which funds community events and activities that help inform residents about the Port and are centered around the arts, environment, education, social justice, and/or historic preservation. The Port accepts sponsorship applications three times a year, in January, May, and September. For the previous call in January, Harbor Commissioners awarded a record 364 community sponsorships totaling in $1,174,900.
Community groups may submit sponsorship applications online from Friday, May 1st through 5pm on Friday, May 29th. Note, events in this sponsorship call must take place after Aug. 1st. For more information on the Community Sponsorship Program and how to apply, visit polb.com/sponsorships.
The Port will also be offering drop-in office hours for community nonprofit organizations during the month of May. These informal sessions offer an opportunity to connect one-on-one with Port staff and get answers to your questions about the Sponsorship Program while the May call is open. Drop in for office hours from 8am - 4pm on Wednesdays May 6th, May 13th, or May 20th. All office hours will take place in the Port of Long Beach Administration Building Lobby (415 W. Ocean Blvd, 90802), and parking is available at the Civic Center Parking Garage (332 W Broadway).
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Health & Human Services
Veterans Banner Program | Nominations Close May 15
The City is once again collecting nominations for the third year of the Veterans Banner Program, where we veterans are honored with individual banners displayed at locations across Long Beach. This year, up to 65 veterans will be selected. The Health Dept’s Office of Veterans Support, in partnership with the Long Beach Veterans Commission, will oversee the selection of banners to be displayed throughout the city for one year, beginning in Summer 2026.
To nominate a veteran, use the Veterans Banner Program Nomination Form. The application deadline is Friday, May 15, 2026. Learn more in the recent press release or on the program webpage.
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Fair Housing Foundation
Upcoming Workshops in May
In alignment with their goals to promote the enforcement of fair housing laws and encourage an atmosphere of open housing through education, counseling, and outreach programs, the Fair Housing Foundation is hosting several free workshops in person and online this May, on topics from knowing your rights to financial empowerment. Visit fhfca.org/events for their full list of upcoming events, or check out those taking place here in Long Beach or online:
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Long Beach Landlord/ Tenant Clinic
Virtual via Microsoft Teams
5/14/26, 9:00AM-10:00AM
Tester Training
Virtual via Microsoft Teams
5/19/26, 9:00AM-11:00AM
Financial Empowerment Program
Virtual via Microsoft Teams
5/20/26, 1:30-4:00PM
Financial Empowerment Workshop
Virtual via Microsoft Teams
5/27/26, 1:30PM-4:00PM
Long Beach Fair Housing Workshop
Mark Twain Library
1401 E Anaheim St., Long Beach, CA
5/28/26, 2:00PM-3:30PM
Fair Housing Workshop on Tenant’s Rights
Virtual via Microsoft Teams
5/28/26, 2:00PM-3:30PM
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District 5 Office
Mid-Year Report
As we near the midpoint of 2026, I’d like to take this time to reflect on the year so far, as well as all we have accomplished throughout my last three years in office.
Since taking office, my team and I have responded to more than 9,000 constituent cases, helping residents, like you, resolve problems and working to make our city a better place. From tree trimmings to tree plantings, from filling potholes to full street repairs, from neighborhood cleanups to connecting those in need with homelessness services, and so much in between, we help connect residents with the resources and information needed to keep our city running safely and smoothly for all. In addition to traditional methods of reaching us, such as phone, email, or dropping in to our field office, we make a point to make ourselves available by hosting monthly community meetings, attending community events like First Fridays or Concerts in the Parks, and meeting residents where they are, often in their own front yards!
In my opinion, Long Beach is an extremely special place to live and to work. Over the years, I have supported efforts to ensure there are viable, successful career opportunities no matter your field or mission. I have supported small businesses and community safety by advocating for the continuation of programs like the Visual Improvement Program (VIP) Grants that provide financial assistance for businesses targeted by vandalism and the Safe & Secure program that will help businesses install preventative measures. I have hosted business walks and round table discussions with local nonprofits and small businesses on corridors like Norse Way and Parkview Village, and have provided our robust Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association with ongoing support, particularly as they plan to expand their efforts even further. I have also helped welcome the ever-growing new technology industry, “Space Beach,” and will continue to advocate for student programming and career pathways to show youth that they can achieve their wildest dreams here in Long Beach.
With the goals of increasing public safety and quality of life, I am honored and proud to have been in this seat to see through the fruition of long-awaited projects like the dedication of Willow Springs Park, and the forthcoming completion of a new Fire Station 9. The dedication of Willow Springs Park as park space in perpetuity is a significant achievement in our efforts to expand park space in a largely built-out city. Especially as we transition away from our dependence on oil, the park’s unique history and natural landscape remind us of the impacts we have on our planet, both positive and negative, and the collaborative efforts it takes to leave the world better than we found it. As Fire Station 9 is nearing completion, I look forward to the rehousing of our local firefighters in a state-of-the-art facility that provides them with the support and access they need to better serve our communities.
So far in 2026, I have authored or cosigned on several items aimed at addressing larger scale concerns being brought forth by residents. As we await the reports back regarding smoke shop buffer zones, house numbers on curbs, and increasing efficiency in Public Works related to traffic safety measures and streetlights, I look forward to the opportunities coming our way to adjust outdated regulations and further promote healthy and safe environments across the city.
I am extremely proud to represent such an active and engaged constituency, and I am grateful for all the ideas and conversations we have shared. While I know there is still much to be done, I am proud of the work we have accomplished together thus far. My team and I will continue to do our best to meet the needs of the Fifth District as we strive for a stronger, safer, better Long Beach for all who call this city home.
There are important issues facing our city, our county, and our nation as we approach the next half of 2026. I encourage everyone to reflect on their values and priorities as we head into the rest of the year, and to utilize your civic power, do your own research, and vote!
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Community Shout Out
Two Recent Small Business Recognitions in CD5!
As you may know, National Small Business Week is recognized in the month of May, this year from May 3 – 9, 2026. Join me in uplifting and celebrating two local small businesses that have recently been honored with significant achievements and milestones!
Last week, The Donut Place (5476 E Del Amo Blvd, 90808) celebrated its 40th Anniversary! This local favorite has been owned and operated by the Ngo family for four decades, consistently serving delicious donuts, pastries, coffee, and tea to the community. Congratulations to The Donut Place and the Ngo family on this significant milestone, and thank you for your longstanding commitment to serving our community. We look forward to seeing The Donut Place continue to thrive for decades to come!
Earlier this week, local home business Mila's Keeper earned the Small Business Association's Small Business Manufacturer of the Year Award! We had the pleasure of joining to honor their President and Founder Lara Vu for the work Mila's Keeper does to advocate for working mothers and prioritize sustainable materials in their products that allow safe storage and temperature control for taking breast milk on the go. Congratulations Lara on this well-earned recognition, and thanks for all you do to support women and mothers in our community!
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| Long Beach Pride Parade 2026 | We have Pride in District 5! My team and I are gearing up for another great year celebrating our diverse LGBTQ+ community at the 2026 Long Beach Pride Parade! We have plenty of room for friends and neighbors to celebrate with us on or alongside our float. Would you like to join us? | | | |
Memos to the Mayor & Council
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Upcoming
City Council Meeting
Tues. May 12, 2026, 5:00pm
411 W Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802
FULL AGENDA
Item 3 Recommendation to provide contributions to the following organizations: to Long Beach Lesbian and Gay Pride, Inc. in support of the 43rd Annual Long Beach Pride Festival; to St. Mary’s Medical Center Foundation “CARE Center” in support of their Easter Walk; to the Conservation Corps of Long Beach (CCLB) in support of the annual Dine on Pine event; to the Patrick Henry PTA in support of the End-of-Year Celebration for the Patrick Henry Elementary School Running Club; to the Long Beach Nonprofit Partnership (TNP) in support of their annual Nonprofit Community Breakfast;
to Care Closet LBC to support their ongoing operations to assist and provide opportunities for people experiencing homelessness. (Item Details)
Item 27 Recommendation to receive and file a presentation on the City’s E-Bike Safety Initiative; and Request City Attorney to prepare amendments to the Long Beach Municipal Code (LBMC), Title 10, Chapter 10.48, to clarify that electric bicycles are included in the definition of bicycles, prohibit Class 3 electric –bicycles on sidewalks and multiuse paths, and remove an outdated provision no longer applicable as outlined in this City Council Letter and the attached memorandum. (Item Details)
Item 28 Recommendation to receive and file an update on proposed changes to the City Council order of business due to Senate Bill 707; and Request City Attorney to prepare ordinance to amend the Long Beach Municipal Code Chapter 2.01 based on the proposed modifications outlined in this City Council letter and the May 1, 2026 staff memorandum regarding those proposed modifications, including but not limited to, adjusting the City Council meeting start time, public comment process, and supplemental agenda timeline. (Item Details)
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