Weekly Updates | November 14, 2025 | | |
Happy Friday, District 5! I hope you’re all staying safe and dry as we weather this weekend’s heavy storm. See below for tips on how to stay storm safe and info on who to call in case of downed trees, flooded streets, and more.
In November, communities across the nation come together to recognize Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month to shine a light on pancreatic cancer survivors, victims, and ongoing efforts into treatment and cure research. Tune in to hear a presentation at next Tuesday’s Council meeting to learn more, or find resources and info on risk factors, symptoms, and ways to support those affected by this disease at pancan.org.
As you plan for next week, keep in mind the following opportunities for engagement with city departments! On Wednesday, Nov. 19th, watch or attend the Mobility, Ports, & Infrastructure Committee meeting as we hear a presentation from Public Works regarding the Orange Ave Backbone Bikeway project. Then on Thursday, Nov. 20th, connect with local LBPD officers at the East Division’s Coffee with a Cop from 11:30am – 12:30 pm at the Nordstrom Rack at LBX. Later that evening, join my team and I at the next CD5 Community Meeting, featuring the Parks, Recreation, & Marine (PRM) Dept. at 6pm at the Wardlow Park Community Center. Find more details in the info blocks below.
Finally, I’d like to remind you that the next City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 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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City of Long Beach
Prepare for Rain!
Significant rainfall is expected to continue in our region throughout this weekend. The City advises residents to stay prepared, commute safely, and avoid flooded roadways and intersections.
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In anticipation of this storm, City crews have conducted inspections and performed maintenance to ensure catch basins in flood-prone areas are clear of debris, and pump stations and seawall plugs are functioning.
Sandbag distribution sites have been activated, available now throughout the duration of the storm. Long Beach residents can pick up empty sandbags at all LBFD neighborhood Fire Stations, while sand and sandbags are available at Stations 7, 12, 13, and 14, as well as the 72nd Pl. Lifeguard Station and the Claremont Beach Parking Lot.
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The Marine Safety Swift Water Rescue team has been conducting patrols along the riverbeds to advise people experiencing homelessness of the potential for fast rising and dangerous waters. The City has activated its Inclement Weather Shelter at the Multi-Service Center (1301 W. 12th St) through Tues. Nov. 18, for those experiencing unsheltered homelessness.
As you weather this storm, keep in mind the below Storm Smart tips:
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Sign up for AlertLongBeach to receive City emergency notifications via text message and/or voice messages to your cell phone and/or email address.
Avoid unnecessary trips! But if on the road:
- Dress in warm, loose layers
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Advise others of your destinations and estimated arrival times
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Avoid driving through flooded roads or walking across flowing streams of water
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Slow down at intersections, especially if signal lights are not working
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Be aware of utility workers on or near the roads
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Report unsafe conditions! Emergency crews are on standby for urgent needs.
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Downed power lines, call 9-1-1
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Street flooding & clogged storm drains, call 562-570-2700, option 3
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Downed trees, call 562-570-2700, option 4
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Broken Traffic Signals, call 562-570-2700, option 5
- Clogged storm catch-basin, downed trees, and damaged traffic signals and streetlights, can also be reported on the GOLB app or online portal
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Prepare at home!
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Keep pets inside and ensure they have shelter from the storm
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Place refuse/recycling bins on the parkway or driveway apron
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Secure personal property and vehicles in areas prone to flooding
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Check the status of street-sweeping by calling 562-570-2890 or follow @LBPublicWorks on socials for timely updates
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Make an emergency plan and prepare an emergency kit
Follow @LongBeachCIty and #LBRain on social media for more tips, updates, and alerts, or visit longbeach.gov/LBRain.
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Mobility, Ports, & Infrastructure Committee
Orange Ave. Project Presentation at MPI Meeting | Nov. 19
Next week, the Mobility, Ports, & Infrastructure (MPI) Committee will be hearing a presentation on Public Works’ final recommendations for the Orange Ave. Backbone Bikeway Project as Item 2 of the meeting being held on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025, at 5pm in the City Hall Chambers.
As Chair of the MPI Committee, I called for this meeting to allow residents to hear directly from the Public Works team regarding their intentions to move forward with the design plan known as Alternative 2, and to allow the opportunity for any interested stakeholders to provide official public comment. I encourage you to attend, watch online, and/or provide your thoughts via public comment. Online public comment can be submitted in advance of the meeting by emailing the City Clerk at cityclerk@longbeach.gov or online at the public meeting agenda page.
Review further details of the project and sign up for direct updates from Public Works on the project webpage: longbeach.gov/orangeaveproject.
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District 5 Office
CD5 Community Meeting | Nov. 20
Join us at next week's CD5 Community Meeting on Thursday, Nov. 20, at 6pm at the Wardlow Park Community Center, featuring the Parks, Recreation, & Marine (PRM) Department! Join to hear from Acting PRM Director Stephen Scott and learn about the PRM Department's responsibilities and programs.
While not required, we ask that those who plan attend please RSVP to help us prepare adequate seating. We hope to see you there!
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Long Beach Police Department
Coffee with a Cop, East Division | Nov. 20
Join LBPD’s East Division for a Coffee with a Cop! On Thursday, Nov. 20th from 11:30am – 12:30pm, spend time connecting with you local officers and fellow community members at the Nordstrom Rack at LBX (4260 E Carson St).
Ask questions, discuss issues, and get to know one another as we strive for safer, more well-connected communities!
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Long Beach Utilities
MyUtilityPortal Launched Nov. 10
The City of Long Beach’s new “MyUtilityPortal” has launched! Please visit longbeach.gov/MyUtilityPortal to set up your new log-in (user name and password) to access your account.
Key features of MyUtilityPortal include:
- 24/7 account access to view water, sewer, gas, and refuse billing and usage
- Projected bill estimates based on real-time usage patterns
- Online service scheduling, reducing the need to call for appointments
- Customizable alerts and notifications to stay on top of account activity and service updates
This new digital platform will empower Long Beach utility customers to manage their water, sewer, natural gas, and refuse services all in one place.
Customers who currently pay in-person may continue to do so at Long Beach City Hall (411 West Ocean Boulevard between 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM) or at their local 7-Eleven, CVS, Walgreens, Dollar Tree, Food4Less, or Ralphs locations. Customers wishing to continue customer service options via telephone may continue to call (562) 570-5700 to make their utility bill payment.
For utility bill assistance, please visit lbutilities.org/billhelp or contact the City of Long Beach at 562-570-5700.
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Food Assistance Resources
As the record-length federal government shutdown comes to an end, there continue to be impacts for those affected by a loss of CalFresh benefits during the closure. The City of Long Beach remains committed to keeping the community informed and sharing available resources to those in need. Residents in need of immediate food assistance are encouraged to explore the resources listed below. Those who are able may wish to support local food banks to help neighbors in this time of need.
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Community Food Distributions
(Sponsored by LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn)
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Food Finders at Admiral Kidd Park, (2125 Santa Fe Ave., 90810)
9am on Saturdays, Nov. 15 and Nov. 22.
- *CD5 Location: Free Food Giveaway at LBCC
Veterans Memorial Stadium (Entrance through Gate I, near 4783 Conant St)
Friday, Nov. 21, 9am - 12pm (queuing begins at 8:30am)
Volunteers needed!
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Local & Regional Resources
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CSULB: Support for Students
On Campus Resources:
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Laurén Chalmers '83 Beach Pantry - The Laurén Chalmers '83 Beach Pantry operates as the official food pantry for Long Beach State University (LBSU) students. The pantry provides food items and other essentials such as toiletries and school supplies for students in need. Located at the Student Health Services, entrance is at the back of the building on the ground floor.
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CSULB Basic Needs Department - CalFresh recipients whose benefits are delayed can receive meal swipes. Documentation of receiving CalFresh benefits required.
Office Located in Petersen Hall 127 | Open Monday – Friday, 8am - 5pm
562-985-2038
Additional resources:
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Long Beach Community Table - ANYONE may come to pick up food without an application, ID, or appointment. They also have popup locations on the weekends, listed on their website. Deliveries are possible, too, for those who qualify.
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Help Me Help You - You do not have to show ID or proof of income! Upon arrival, sign-in, answer a few questions, and receive free food! Two local locations:
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The Museum of Latin American Art (628 Alamitos Avenue, 90802)
Entrance on 6th Street, walk-up and drive-thru
Every 1st & 3rd Wednesday of each month | 4pm to 5pm
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Revive Church (668 Obispo Ave, 90814), walk-up and drive-thru
Every 1st and 3rd Friday of the month | 1pm to 2pm
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Long Beach Public Library
Youth Poet Laureate | Apps Open Nov. 15
The Long Beach Public Library (LBPL) has announced the launch of the 2026 Youth Poet Laureate (YPL) Program. This annual program celebrates young writers and community leaders who use the power of poetry to inspire change and uplift their voices.
Applications will be open from Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 through Feb. 28, 2026 for Long Beach residents ages 13 – 18. Applicants are required to submit a completed YPL application, a curriculum vitae outlining their civic and social engagement, a 100-word biographical statement, and a portfolio of 5 poems. Finalists will be invited to perform their work at a public celebration in May 2026, where the next Youth Poet Laureate and Youth Poet Ambassadors will be announced and awarded $1500 and $500 in scholarships (respectively) in recognition of their achievements. Learn more about application details and submission guidelines at the YPL webpage.
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Health & Human Services
Seeking Volunteers for 2026 Homeless Point in Time Count
The Health & Human Services Department is calling on 350 community members to volunteer for the 2026 Point in Time Count, an annual street and shelter count of people experiencing homelessness in Long Beach, taking place on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026.
The Point in Time Count is more than a data collection effort—it is a communitywide initiative inviting residents and businesses to connect with neighbors experiencing homelessness, learn about available resources and actively support the City’s response to homelessness. Information gathered during the Count plays a critical role in understanding the scope of homelessness in Long Beach, shaping services and identifying gaps in resources.
Volunteer registration is now open and will remain available until all slots are filled. If more than 350 people register, additional participants will be placed on a waitlist.
Learn more in the recent press release or at longbeach.gov/homelesscount.
| | | | Upcoming Meetings & Events | | |
Memos to the Mayor & Council
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Upcoming
City Council Meeting
Tues. November 18, 2025, 5:00pm
411 W Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802
FULL AGENDA
PANCREATIC CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
Item 6 Recommendation to adopt Specifications No. RFP CM-25-627 and award a contract to Public Counsel, of Los Angeles, CA, for implementing the Long Beach Justice Fund Program and providing legal services. (Item Details)
Item 13 Recommendation to execute all documents necessary for the Fourth Amendment to Right-of-Entry Permit No. 36501 between the City of Long Beach and Rocket Lab USA, Inc., to extend the term for an additional one-year period and expand the use to include an additional 20 parking spaces at City-leased property located at 3861 Worsham Avenue. (Item Details)
Item 23 Recommendation to request City Attorney to begin preparing ordinance that consolidates the City’s ethics policies, guidelines, and legal requirements into a single comprehensive ordinance called the Long Beach “Framework for Accountability, Integrity, and Reporting (FAIR) Act” reflecting the proposed policy modifications outlined by the Long Beach Ethics Commission to enhance transparency, accountability, and public trust, and incorporating staff recommendations regarding those proposed changes; request City Attorney to conduct any additional review as necessary to ensure the final recommendations and draft ordinance language are consistent with the City Charter, State law, and City policies; Request City Attorney to incorporate within the proposed Long Beach “FAIR Act” ordinance framework key amendments to the City’s Lobbyist Ordinance (LBMC Ch. 2.08) to expand the scope of this policy to improve transparency within the City’s decision-making processes, in line with the recommendations provided by the Long Beach Ethics Commission; and Refer to the Government Operations and Efficiency Committee for public input, discussion, and feedback on the proposed ordinance provisions. (Item Details)
Wednesday, November 19, 2025 – Mobility, Ports, and Infrastructure Committee, at 5:00 P.M., Civic Chambers.
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