Weekly Updates | May 9, 2025 | | |
Happy Friday, District 5! This Sunday is Mother’s Day, which I hope will be a special day for all in honor and celebration of all the mothers and mother-figures in our lives who provide us with guidance, care, and love. Additionally, as we mentioned last week, May is full of month-long celebrations, including Bike Month and National Home Improvement Month, to name a few. See below for ways to celebrate citywide this May, in addition to updates from city partners and departments, including Public Works, LBPD, Playmakers of Long Beach, and more.
As Chair of the Mobility, Ports, & Infrastructure Committee, I led this week’s meeting as we heard important presentations from the Port of Long Beach and Long Beach Transit. These agencies that provide vital support to our city in various ways filled us in on current operations, consumer trends, and planning for our city’s future, while facing the present-day challenges resulting from national policy decisions being made at the federal level. See below to learn more.
If you’re still looking for gifts or activities to celebrate Mother’s Day, consider attending one of this weekend’s pop-up markets in CD5! You can start tonight, May 9th, from 5 – 9pm, at the Hangar at LBX for a 2nd Fridays Night Market. Then on Saturday, May 10th, from 11am – 3pm, visit the Parkview Village Shops for a Mother’s Day Festival at the monthly Second Saturdays block party or head back to LBX for a Mother’s Day Market from 12 – 5pm. For those seeking to support the local arts, you can attend Rancho Los Cerritos’ next Artist Workshop on May 10th at 10am, or get tickets for the Long Beach Shakespeare Company’s New Works Festival. Lastly, you can celebrate Bike Month with the community, as Beach Streets is back this Saturday, May 10th from 11am – 3pm! See below for more information on these and other upcoming events!
Looking ahead, I encourage all who are able to sign up for one of our upcoming Blood Drives in District 5! In partnership with the Red Cross, my office is hosting two Blood Drives this month, one on Friday, May 16th at the Expo Arts Center, and the next on Friday, May 30th at the Wardlow Park Community Center. Choose an appointment time on either day from 9am – 3pm by visiting RedCrossBlood.org and using sponsor code CD5. Check out this short video to see how you can make a difference with your blood donation. As an extra incentive, every donor will receive a $20 e-gift card via email and will automatically be entered into a sweepstakes to win a trip for 2 anywhere in the US! Sign up today!
Finally, I’d like to remind you that the next City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 13, 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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Mobility, Ports, & Infrastructure Committee
Recent Meeting, Presentations from Port & Long Beach Transit
Earlier this week, my colleagues and I on the Mobility, Ports, & Infrastructure Committee met for our regular meeting, during which we heard valuable presentations from the Port of Long Beach and Long Beach Transit. As we continue to plan for our city's future, it is important to continue to hear from these agencies that provide vital services and resources to our city.
We first heard from the Port, as they provided insight on how tariffs and federal policy decisions are affecting consumer trends and cargo volumes, and how those trends will affect operations, budget, and more. Learn more by reviewing the presentation or watching the meeting video.
We then heard from Long Beach Transit, as they discussed current operations, initiatives, and ways to keep Long Beach connected. They highlighted such efforts as their moves towards a zero-emission fleet, and considering ways to improve our city's mobility and access needs, especially in preparation for the upcoming 2028 Olympics. Learn more by reviewing the presentation or watching the meeting video.
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District 5 Office & American Red Cross
Blood Drives in CD5! May 16 & May 30
Join us and make a difference in your community by donating blood at one (or both) of our upcoming blood drives!
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Friday, May 16th from 9:00am - 3:00pm at the Expo Arts Center (4321 Atlantic Ave).
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Friday, May 30th from 9:00am - 3:00pm at the Wardlow Park Community Center (3457 Stanbridge Ave).
For both of these drives, every donor will receive a $20 e-gift card via email 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 at either location, 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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Public Works Department
May is Bike Month! Celebrate at Beach Streets | May 10
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), workshops, and even the highly anticipated Beach Streets Open Streets event, next Saturday, May 10th! Check out the recent press release to learn more about the festivities planned for 2025 Beach Streets West!
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 National Bike to Work Week from May 12 - 16 and the city’s Bike Month Challenge at the Bike Month webpage.
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Long Beach Police Department
Coffee with a Cop, North Division | May 14
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Join LBPD's North Division at Starbucks for Coffee With a Cop! Meet your local officers, ask questions, and stay connected with your community. Hope to see you there!
Wednesday, May 14
10:00am - 12:00pm
Starbucks
4704 Cherry Ave, 90807
Not sure which LBPD Patrol Division you're in? Check out this map to find out!
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Long Beach Playmakers
2nd Annual Adaptive Sports Fair | May 17
The 2nd Annual Adaptive Sports Fair is almost here—mark your calendars for 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 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.
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.
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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—a family-friendly event featuring 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!
Home Improvement Expo
Whaley Park (5620 Atherton St.)
Saturday, May 31, 2025
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Share your project for a chance to be featured at lbcity.info/nhim-spotlights! Learn more at longbeach.gov/nhim.
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Zone In: Bixby Knolls - 2nd Walk Audit | May 17
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 wuith 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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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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Long Beach Public Library
May is Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month!
The Long Beach Public Library (LBPL) will host its annual celebration of Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, May 1 – 31, 2025, through a variety of engaging and educational programs that honor the rich cultural traditions, histories, and contributions of Asian and Pacific Islander communities in Long Beach.
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Check out LBPL’s dedicated webpage for more information on events and activities all month long, culminating with the Grand Opening of LBPL’s Filipino American Cultural Heritage Collection being celebrated on Saturday, May 31st at Harte Neighborhood Library!
Additionally, visit LBPL’s Reflections of Long Beach page for at-home activities and resources to explore and engage with the local AAPI community!
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Arts Council for Long Beach
Call for Grant Panelists
The Arts Council of Long Beach’s annual grant applications are now open, and they’re seeking passionate individuals from the Long Beach community to join as panelists in selecting next year’s grant recipients. If you have a love for the arts and want to make a difference, visit artslb.org to learn more about this rewarding opportunity!
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City of Long Beach
Spring Cleaning is Back!
Spring Cleaning is back in Long Beach! This May, the City is teaming up with residents, neighborhood associations, businesses, and community organizations across the city to roll up our sleeves and make sure Long Beach is in tip-top shape for summer. This year, we’ll be cleaning parks and neighborhoods, filling in potholes, and having tons of fun with our neighbors while doing it. Find an event near you to join, sign up to host your own, and learn more at longbeach.gov/springcleaning.
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Long Beach Utilities
Upcoming FY26 Budget Workshops
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The Long Beach Board of Utilities Commissioners will host a series of community budget workshops as they prepare for Fiscal Year ’26 (FY26). The workshops will include discussion on proposed water, sewer, and gas rates for FY26, as utility rates are established annually to fund infrastructure, maintenance, and operation services to the greater Long Beach community.
Long Beach rate-payers are invited to share your input at public workshops:
Long Beach Utilities Administration Building
(1800 E Wardlow Rd) at 9am
Thursday, May 15 | Thursday, June 12
The department budget, inclusive of rates, is expected to be adopted by the Board of Utilities Commissioners at the final public workshop on Thursday, June 12. Members of the public are encouraged to attend; comments can also be submitted via email to commission@lbutilities.org. Learn more about these meetings and the proposed FY26 Utilities Budget at lbutilities.org/budget.
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District 5 Office
Honoring the Fallen at Annual Police & Fire Memorial Ceremony
Earlier this week, I joined fellow City leadership alongside our Long Beach Fire and Police Department employees and families to honor our fallen city family at the annual Police & Fire Memorial Ceremony. With ceremonial elements including the posting of the colors, the flag presentation, and two time-honored traditions of the Police and Fire Departments (a 21-gun salute and a "Last Alarm" tribute), we paid our respects to the 29 police employees and 14 firefighters who lost their lives in service to our community. We took this time to stand in solidarity with the families, loved ones, and fellow public servants left behind, as we honored the incredibly bravery, courage, and selflessness of those who made the ultimate sacrifice while acting in the service of others. To the families, friends, and loved ones of our fallen heroes, I extend my sincere condolences. May their legacy of fearless action for the benefit of our communities live on and inspire us for generations to come.
To learn more, review the recent press release or watch the ceremony's recording.
| | | | Upcoming Meetings & Events | | | Parks, Recreation and Marine and Fire Department to Host Water Safety Day | | | Long Beach to Commemorate its Naval History with Commemorative Community Event | | | City Celebrates Inaugural National Home Improvement Month: Love Where You Live | | | Parks, Recreation and Marine to Host Summer Kickoff Concert at El Dorado Park West on May 23 | | | City Shares Event Details for 2025 Beach Streets West | | |
Memos to the Mayor & Council
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Upcoming
City Council Meeting
Tues. May 13, 2025, 5:00pm
411 W Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802
FULL AGENDA
Item 20 Recommendation to receive and file the Long Beach Age-Friendly Action Plan. (Item Details)
Item 24 Recommendation to adopt resolution approving a list of projects citywide for repaving and resurfacing that are proposed to receive Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account funding totaling an estimated $13,300,000, in the Fiscal Year 2026 Paving Program. (Item Details)
Item 26 Recommendation to approve the Technology and Innovation Department’s Information Technology (IT) Strategic Roadmap (TID28) to ensure a connected, secure, and future-ready Long Beach. (Item Details)
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