Dear Neighbor,

This past Tuesday, I was proud to testify in support of SB 1279, authored by Senator Lena Gonzalez, because this bill is about saving lives. I hear every day from residents who are deeply concerned about speeding and traffic safety. From parents who are afraid to let their children walk to school, to seniors who feel unsafe crossing the street, to small business owners and families who have witnessed far too many crashes and near-misses, these stories stay with me.

In the Sixth District, the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) has become a source of fear and loss. While it represents less than 1% of our roadway miles, it accounts for nearly 20% of traffic fatalities in Long Beach. That is unacceptable. I also want to address the privacy concern I hear often. SB 1279 includes important safeguards to ensure that people’s information is not stored or misused. The system is designed strictly for enforcement, with citations issued through Long Beach Public Works, not for surveillance.

This bill will allow Long Beach to include our portion of PCH in the existing speed camera pilot program, giving us a proven tool to address one of our most dangerous corridors. SB 1279 passed out of the Transportation Committee and will now head to the Senate Privacy Committee. Thank you, Senator Gonzalez and her fabulous team, as well as Paul Van Dyke from Long Beach Public Works, for testifying as well!

We must continue to act with urgency to protect our communities.

This past weekend, Long Beach came together for a beautiful celebration of culture, community, and the New Year across two incredible events at Long Beach City College.



On Saturday, the Cambodia Town Parade and Culture Festival brought thousands out to celebrate with vibrant performances, music, and community pride. I was honored to participate in the parade and to join Mayor Rex Richardson in unveiling the design for the Cambodia Town gateway, a meaningful step in recognizing the history and identity of this important corridor. The energy throughout the day truly reflected this year’s theme, “Peace Through Culture: Celebrating Unity in Diversity.”

On Sunday, the celebration continued with Sankranta, where families and community members gathered for a day rooted in tradition, reflection, and joy. From the morning blessing ceremony to the cultural performances and community festivities, it was a beautiful way to welcome the New Year together.

Thank you to everyone who attended, organized, and contributed to making this weekend so special. These moments are a powerful reminder of the strength and richness of our diverse community.

Join us as we celebrate Cambodian New Year at City Hall!

I am honored to invite our community to a special City Council presentation in recognition of this important holiday. This is a time to come together, celebrate culture and tradition, and uplift the rich history and contributions of our Cambodian community here in Long Beach.



We hope you can join us on April 14th for this meaningful celebration.

Today, we recognize Dolores Huerta Day and honor a leader whose courage, advocacy, and lifelong commitment to justice have left a lasting impact on our communities.

Dolores Huerta has been a powerful voice for farmworkers, women, and working families, helping to lead movements that challenged inequality and expanded opportunity for so many. Her work reminds us of the importance of speaking out, organizing, and standing firm in the pursuit of dignity and fairness.

At the same time, this moment also calls for reflection. History is complex, and as we continue to uplift the legacy of the farmworker movement, it is important to acknowledge the full scope of experiences and voices within it. Recognizing the contributions of leaders like Dolores Huerta also creates space for honest conversations about accountability, equity, and the treatment of those within these movements.

As we commemorate this day, let us honor her leadership while continuing to strive for a future rooted in respect, transparency, and justice for all.

Sí se puede.

Continue reading to also learn more about upcoming events and City Council Meetings!

Thank you to all of our residents that reached out about council items, requests and concerns, and vision for our district. My office is ready to listen and help. You can reach us by emailing district6@longbeach.gov or calling (562) 570-6816. 

Together, we will Forward the Sixth!

Dr. Suely Saro

Councilwoman, Sixth District

The next City Council meeting is scheduled for April 14, 2026. There will be three presentations.

• National Public Safety Telecommunications Week
• Cambodian New Year
• Public Health Month

Please click here for the agenda: https://longbeach.primegov.com/Portal/Meeting?meetingTemplateId=35416

On April 7, the City Council held a Budget Study Session to begin reviewing the 2027 budget and to better understand the City’s financial outlook. This early discussion is an important step in ensuring transparency and giving both the Council and the community a clearer picture of the challenges ahead. The City is currently facing a projected deficit of approximately $61.3 million, driven by rising costs to maintain existing services, economic uncertainty, and significant impacts from federal funding changes totaling over $300 million. Like many cities across California, Long Beach is experiencing slower revenue growth while costs, especially in public safety and health services, continue to increase.

During the session, staff outlined where City revenues come from and how those funds are spent, emphasizing that the deficit is not due to overspending but rather an imbalance between ongoing revenues and the rising cost of delivering core services. Addressing this shortfall will require difficult decisions and exploring alternative service models, while prioritizing the services residents rely on most. This study session marks the beginning of the budget process, with additional community engagement, discussions, and formal budget hearings to follow in the coming months.

Please click here for the presentation: https://longbeach.primegov.com/viewer/preview?id=91629&type=2

Regular Agenda The City of Long Beach has resumed in-person City Council meetings at the Bob Foster Civic Chambers, located at 411 W. Ocean Blvd. City Council meetings occur every Tuesday except for the last Tuesday of the month.



City Council meetings are streamed online on Long Beach Television’s (LBTV’s) website, cable channels, and YouTube Channel.

For more information about Long Beach legislative meetings, visit www.longbeach.gov/cityclerk. Media inquiries may be directed to the Office of the City Clerk at cityclerk@longbeach.gov.

For all public meeting live-streams and video archives: https://longbeach.primegov.com/public/portal

For public access on LBTV

Live: www.LBTV3.com or LBTV YouTube channel

The District 6 office is also here to help! If you have any questions regarding anything you want to see in your neighborhood make sure to reach out via email at District6@LongBeach.gov or by phone at (562) 570-6816.

The Long Beach Values Act is a local ordinance that protects the rights and privacy of all residents, regardless of immigration status. It limits how city departments collect and share personal information, restricts cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, and supports immigrant communities through funding for legal defense and public education.

Recycling Cart Exchange: SB State Law 1383

In compliance with SB state law 1383, the City will be exchanging the remaining purple recycling carts for blue recycling carts. There will be no change in service beyond the color of the cart. There is no additional cost to residents, no change in service levels, and no change in what is accepted in the recycling bin. Residents will receive the same size and number of recycling carts they currently have, just in blue.

The recycling cart exchange began Monday, February 2 and will take approximately six to eight months to complete. District 6 is scheduled to begin on Thursdays and Fridays.

Two teams will be deployed. One team will deliver blue recycling carts to all addresses on existing recycling routes, matching each household’s current cart size and quantity on their regular service day. A second team will collect the purple recycling carts, visiting each area at least twice on the delivery day and again the following week’s service day to ensure all purple carts are picked up.

Contact Info: 562-570-2876

Organics collection

The City of Long Beach is rolling out residential organics collection for City-serviced accounts as part of the State of California’s mandatory Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Strategy (SB 1383) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote waste reduction. SB 1383 aims to keep organic material out of landfills by diverting yard trimmings and food scraps into dedicated green carts.

Organics Collection Rollout Schedule

The City is rolling out the program in phases based on regular collection service days. For addresses with multiple service days, the schedule may be adjusted based on service needs.

Residents will receive a mailer with a start date and a new green cart before service is set to begin.

Service is set to begin in October 2025 for District 6!

Cart) Collection Program this month. City-serviced households will receive a new green cart up to 2.5 weeks before service begins.

While your cart may arrive early, collection will not begin until the service start dates listed below. Additional details, including collection tips and accepted materials, will be mailed directly to households ahead of their start date.

• Animal Care Services: (562) 570-7387
• Broken/Inoperable Traffic Light and Signs: (562) 570-3264
• Burnett Library: (562) 570-1041
• Code Enforcement: (562) 570-2633
• Damaged Trees: (562) 570-2700-Ext. 4
• Graffiti Abatement: (562) 570-2773
• Gas Emergency: (562) 570-2140
• To request special collection, call the hotline at (562) 570-2876
• Illegal Dumping: (562) 570-3867
• Mark Twain Library: (562) 570-1046

• Noise Abatement: (562) 570-4126
• Neighborhood Services Bureau: (562) 570-6866
• Overflowing Sidewalk Trash Can: (562) 570-2876
• Parking Enforcement: (562) 570-2866
• Police, Non-Emergency: (562) 435-6711
• Pothole: (562) 570-3259
• Public Works: (562) 570-5000
• Shoes hanging on Power/Utility Lines: (562) 570-2700-Ext. 8
• Trash in Street: (562) 570-2876
• Long Beach Utilities: (562) 570-5700

Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson is calling on the "Best and Brightest" across the city to apply to serve on City Commissions. Mayor Richardson has made access to these opportunities a priority and is seeking applicants from across the city to help ensure that our Commissions best reflect the communities they serve.

Below are the available Commission vacancies for the next round of appointments later this Spring. If you are interested, please submit your application on the Mayor's website at:

MAYOR'S COMMISSIONS PAGE: Commissions Boards Committees

Brooms Across West Long Beach

April 11, 2026

Silverado Spring Cleaning

April 11, 2026

Big Book Sale

April 11, 2026

City of Long Beach Unveils Design for Cambodia Town Grand Entrance

The City of Long Beach has unveiled the design for the Cambodia Town Grand Entrance, a planned signature landmark that will celebrate Cambodia Town’s rich history and cultural contributions. The final design was revealed to the Cambodia Town community by Mayor Rex Richardson and Sixth District Councilwoman Dr. Suely Saro at the annual Cambodia Town Parade and Culture Festival at Long Beach City College (1305 E. Pacific Coast Hwy.) on Saturday, April 4, 2026.

“After a meaningful process with the community, we are proud to unveil the Cambodia Town Gateway—a landmark that reflects the pride, history, and cultural richness of Long Beach’s Cambodian community,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “Cambodia Town is a cornerstone of our city, and this gateway stands as a powerful tribute to a community whose resilience and contributions have helped shape who we are. As we continue investing in neighborhoods through Elevate ’28, this grand entrance will welcome residents and visitors for generations to come.”

Cambodia Town, located along Anaheim Street between Atlantic and Junipero Avenues, is home to the largest Cambodian community in the United States. The district is home to many Khmer-owned businesses and serves as a hub for Cambodian art, music, cuisine and cultural heritage.

Throughout the design process, the City worked closely with the community and local organizations to design a grand entrance that both honors Cambodian culture and celebrates and uplifts Cambodia Town's history and identity. Initial concept designs were informed by the Cambodia Town Advisory Group, who provided insight and guidance on Cambodian culture, symbolism and significant motifs. The final design was informed by direct community feedback at the 2025 Cambodia Town Parade and Culture Festival and an online survey, made available in English, Spanish, Khmer and Tagalog, allowing residents to provide feedback and vote on their preferred concept. More than 1,000 votes and survey responses were collected both online and in person, with approximately 69% of respondents favoring Concept 1, the unveiled design.

City of Long Beach Celebrates Earth Month with Events Throughout April

Events include the annual City Nature Challenge, Community Clean-ups, and Urban Greening Efforts

The City of Long Beach is celebrating Earth Month by hosting a series of fun, free and family-friendly events, workshops and volunteer opportunities for residents throughout April. Festivities will highlight a range of sustainable topics such as supporting local wildlife, reducing waste and stewarding community spaces.

“Earth Month is a time for celebration and activation,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “This time of year reminds us to appreciate the natural world around us and to take steps to protect our environment for future generations. I encourage the community to join in the festivities and learn how we can work together to make Long Beach a more sustainable city.”

To commemorate Earth Month 2026, the City has published an Earth Month Calendar to promote a series of community activities and events throughout the month of April, including:

• Brooms Across West Long Beach, Saturday, April 11, 9 a.m. to noon – The Community Development Department invites residents to join their cleanup effort in West Long Beach. Volunteers can meet at the corner of Pacific Coast Highway and San Gabriel Avenue. Learn more about the event here.
• Earth Month Recycling Drives, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Join the Parks, Recreation & Marine Department and Retail Marketing Services Inc.’s CRV CONNX recycling program to bring new use out of old recyclable items. Community members are encouraged to collect eligible California Redemption Value (CRV) redemption items, such as bottles, cans, boxes and pouches made of aluminum, glass, plastic and bi-metals, to donate. Proceeds generated from the drives will be donated to Food Finders Inc. to help support food distribution sites in Long Beach. Drives will be held on Saturday, April 11, at El Dorado Nature Center (7550 E. Spring St.) and Saturday, April 25, at Cal Rec Community Center at McBride Park (1550 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave.).
• Earth Day Crafternoon, Wednesday, April 15, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. – Visit the El Dorado Neighborhood Library (2900 Studebaker Rd.) for an Earth Day-themed story-time and craft activity. This event is suitable for ages 6 and up. Learn more about the event here.
• Read More to see the full list of events and activities!

Long Beach Health Department Expands Fentanyl Test Kit Program to Include Mail-Based Delivery

The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) has expanded its Harm Reduction Program to include a mail-based delivery option for Long Beach residents seeking harm reduction supplies like fentanyl test kits, naloxone and educational materials at no cost.

“Overdose prevention is about protecting lives and meeting people where they are,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “Long Beach remains committed to making public health programs accessible, equitable and responsive to the needs of our community, especially those most impacted by the opioid crisis.”

The Health Department’s Harm Reduction Program provides resources and education focused on substance use dependency, particularly opioid use, which is linked to misuse and accidental overdose. The expanded program allows residents with a Long Beach mailing address to request a free Harm Reduction Response Kit online and have it delivered discreetly to their home. Each mail order kit includes:

• Fentanyl and xylazine test strips
• Instructional and educational materials
• Two doses of naloxone, the nasal spray medication used to reverse opioid overdoses

Fentanyl detection kits are single-use tools that enable people to identify the presence of fentanyl in medications or substances before use, helping reduce the risk of accidental opioid overdose.

Residents interested in requesting a kit may visit longbeach.gov/harmreduction to complete an online request form. Orders are typically processed within 48 hours, with discreet shipping that generally arrives within three business days. The Health Department also offers no-cost community workshops and provider training on opioid overdose prevention and naloxone administration. Information on requesting training and viewing the workshop calendar is available online.

Upcoming Events

Art is Education Festival

The Agape Children’s Museum is proud to host its 11^th annual Art Is Education Festival on Saturday, April 18th, from 11 AM to 3 PM. Held at the Ability First Educational Center (3770 E. Willow Street, Long Beach), this free community event is designed to bring families and communities together through cultural awareness, art, and hands-on learning. 



By educating children about their own heritage and the traditions of others, the celebration fosters respect, builds community, and honors diversity. Through 20 plus artistic booth experiences—including traditional dance, music, food, health, and literacy—children develop cultural awareness, as well as respecting artistic expressions. A major highlight of the day includes a raffle giveaway featuring over 100 toys!

El Museo Infantil Agape se enorgullece de presentar su 11.º Festival anual “El Arte es Educación” el sábado 18 de abril, de 11 a. m. a 3 p. m. Celebrado en el Ability First Educational Center (3770 E. Willow Street, Long Beach), este evento comunitario gratuito está diseñado para reunir a familias y comunidades a través de la conciencia cultural, el arte y el aprendizaje práctico. 

Al educar a los niños sobre su propia herencia y las tradiciones de los demás, la celebración fomenta el respeto, fortalece la comunidad y honra la diversidad. A través de más de 20 experiencias artísticas en puestos—incluyendo danza tradicional, música, comida, salud y alfabetización—los niños desarrollan conciencia cultural, así como el respeto por las expresiones artísticas. ¡Uno de los principales atractivos del día incluye un sorteo con más de 100 juguetes!

Let's End Overdose Workshops

April 18th, 2026

Become a Grand Prix Volunteer

April 18 & 19, 2026

1st Annual Long Beach's Favorite Pet Competition

Deadline: Sunday, April 26th

Pickleball For Parks

May 2nd & 3rd, 2026

Shred Events

June 13, 2026 & September 12, 2026

Neighborhood Clean-ups

Long Beach Animal Care Services Events

Coyote Safety

Long Beach and surrounding jurisdictions are home to a healthy population of urban coyotes, and while they are a permanent and important part of our local ecosystem, keeping our community safe is a shared responsibility.

Long Beach Animal Care Services (LBACS) follows a science-based Coyote Management Plan that focuses on coexistence with our native wildlife neighbors. This guiding principle for managing coyotes is based on balancing respect for, and protection of wildlife and their habitats, while prioritizing public safety for people and pets.

As springtime approaches, residents should expect to see an increase in activity during the coming months, as this is pup-rearing season and coyotes are more active while hunting for their litters.

Report bold or aggressive behavior via the Go Long Beach online portal or app or via the Coyote Incident online form. LBACS tracks these reports and coordinates directly with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to prioritize public safety and address any aggressive activity. Additional information and resources is available on the LBACS Wildlife Program webpage.

Disability Data & Community Survey

Second round of Love Your Block mini-grant applications now available!

Did you miss the first round of the Love Your Block mini-grants program? Good news. The City of Long Beach is accepting another round of applicants to help enhance the Westside Long Beach community (90810). If selected, recipients will receive up to $2,500 to support projects that improve air quality, transportation, and address community needs. 

Applications for Love Your Block will be accepted until March 31, so apply as soon as you can!  

To apply, go to: lbcity.info/LYB-MiniGrantApp 

For more information about the program, visit: longbeach.gov/loveyourblock. 

Or contact Jonatham Williams-Kinsel, Chief Innovation Officer at jonathan.williams-kinsel@longbeach.gov

Long Beach Sidewalk to Success

Drop-In Office Hours

Doing Business with the City Webinar

Calling all sidewalk vendors and mobile food operators!

The Long Beach Health Department is offering one-on-one open office hours to help you with:

• Food permitting
• Plan check requirements
• Food safety and more!

Meet us in person at:

Long Beach Health Department (2525 Grand Ave.)

Every Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Whether you're new to sidewalk vending or a seasoned pro, our team is here to help you navigate local and state regulations and keep your business on track.

Get support with one-on-one guidance and get your questions answered!

Long Beach Technology and Innovation

The City of Long Beach has launched its AI Strategy

Our roadmap ensures we use Artificial Intelligence responsibly and transparently—building public trust, minimizing risks, and safeguarding City data. We’re empowering staff, boosting efficiency, and supporting our entire LB community in learning about and safely using AI. 

Learn more about our AI Strategy and see how we’re shaping the future of Long Beach together

Long Beach Economic Development & Opportunity Department

Vacancy to Vibrancy Storefront Program

The Vacancy to Vibrancy Storefront Program, led by the Department of Economic Development & Opportunity, is designed to promote the revitalization of the City of Long Beach’s key corridors through art window installations to a select number of vacant storefront/commercial buildings as an effort to attract new tenants and improve curbside appearance.

Selected locations will benefit from pre-approved, free-of-cost storefront vinyl window wraparound installations, designed by local artists, with the aims to:

Attract new tenants to untapped business corridors and dormant commercial spaces

Improve curbside appearance and deter vandalism

Fuel visitation and sales at local businesses

Improve pedestrian comfort and enhance community spaces

Encourage community engagement through the creative economy

Eligible vacant storefront/commercial buildings for the Vacancy to Vibrancy Storefront Program must meet basic eligibility requirements, demonstrate proof of ownership, extent of vacancy and undergo a competitive review, evaluation and selection process that requires additional documentation to determine the following measures:   

Impact on Location and Surrounding Area

Level of Need for Program’s Implementation 

Feasibility of Project  

If there is need for language translation of application, please contact our BizCare Team at 4Biz@longbeach.gov.

For assistance with this application, please contact BizCare at 562.570.4BIZ (4249) or BizCare@longbeach.gov. 

Los Angeles County Emergency Rent Relief Program

LAERRP provides financial assistance to help eligible tenants and landlords cover past-due rent and related housing costs due to emergency financial hardship. Tenants and landlords are encouraged to review eligibility requirements and apply beginning Monday, February 9 by visiting  lacountyrentrelief.com. Free in-language application assistance will be available by phone through approved program partners listed on the website. Tenants can also apply by phone through approved program partners. This change improves access for households experiencing housing instability by allowing tenants to initiate the process themselves, rather than relying solely on landlord-initiated applications.

Exciting News, Long Beach Utilities customers! You can now pay your bill, schedule services, and view your bill usage all in one place! Utilities customers can register on longbeach.gov/myutilityportal  



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 

Long Beach Police Department (LBPD)

Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

Long Beach Public Works

City of Long Beach

 Digital Inclusion Initiative

Long Beach Office of Climate Action and Sustainability

Community Development

Don’t Miss Out – Go Solar in 2025!

The City of Long Beach Development Permit Center makes the transition to solar simple and accessible.  

The easy online permit process and expert staff are here to guide you every step of the way. Apply early to lock in your savings and join your neighbors in building a cleaner, greener Long Beach. For assistance, please contact us at 562.570.7648 or email Michael.Carrera@longbeach.gov.

Start your solar journey today! For more information, visit longbeach.gov/solarpermit.

❄️ New Year, Cozy Care: Supporting Your Childcare Needs!

The Long Beach Early Learning Hub helps families connect with childcare, explore tuition assistance, and enroll in care—all through one simple application linking to 140+ local providers. Create your account today to find a program that fits your needs.

Spring Classes and Programs Open for Registration February 2

Registration for spring recreation classes begins Monday, Feb. 2! This spring, the City of Long Beach Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine (PRM) will offer over 700 classes, activities, sports and leagues, and more for people of all ages and abilities, from preschool to older adult. Register online, by phone (562.570.3111) or in person (2760 Studebaker Rd.). Browse the Spring Recreation Connection below.

The Long Beach Public Library is now accepting applications for our 2026 - 2027 Youth Poet Laureate! If you're between the ages of 13 - 18 and have a love of poetry, we want to hear from you!

Discover Your Long Beach Digital Rights!

Are you interested in understanding how Long Beach’s tech works and the data it collects? We’re excited to announce a new series of short edutainment videos in partnership with 7Sun Media! These videos are designed to provide clear information, explain civic tech, and spark important discussions on technology.

Watch our first video here:  lbcity.info/civictech

Upcoming Increases to Utility Rates

The Long Beach Board of Utilities Commissioners has approved rate adjustments as part of the upcoming $397.4 million budget for Fiscal Year 2026. Starting October 1, residents will see a 12 percent increase in water and sewer rates. For a typical single-family home, this means an average monthly increase of $8.26 for water and $1.47 for sewer.

In addition, gas rates will rise 15 percent in August, with another 12 percent increase set for April 2026. This results in an estimated monthly increase of $4.67 for the average household.



For more information, visit lbutilities.org.

Long Beach Utilities: Water, Gas, and Sewer Service Programs

Long Beach Utilities (LBUD) offers a range of programs and resources to help residents and businesses conserve water and natural gas while improving sustainability across our city. Learn more at lbutilities.org or call 5625702140.

WaterSmart Portal

Track your daily water use and gain insights into your consumption with the WaterSmart Portal. Staying informed helps you conserve and save.

Direct Install Appliance Program

LBUD offers a no-cost direct installation program for qualified residents, providing water and gas-efficient appliances to help lower utility bills and conserve resources.

Certified Blue Program

This program highlights and supports Long Beach businesses that go above and beyond by installing efficient fixtures and adopting sustainable practices. Businesses that qualify receive official recognition from LB Utilities.

Lawn-to-Garden Program

Get paid to replace your lawn with a climate-appropriate landscape. LBUD offers not only financial incentives but also funding for professional landscape design assistance.

Native Plant Parkway Program

Transform your parkway with native, drought-tolerant plants. LBUD provides the materials and guidance needed to make the switch at no cost.

Conservation Toolkit

LB Utilities also offers a conservation toolkit, courtesy of Joy Contreras, with helpful resources and tips to support residents in saving water and energy every day.

CalKIDS is a program from the State of California that funds up to $1,500 in free money for eligible low-income public school students to save for college and career training. Visit CalKIDS.org to claim your account. 

The Long Beach Independent Redistricting Commission unanimously approved a new Council District Map and it went into effect on December 18th, 2021. This map is the new Council District 6 boundaries for the next ten years. For more information go to:https://www.longbeach.gov/redistricting/