Volume 238 | February 26, 2026 | | |
I am happy to share that Senator Lena Gonzalez introduced legislation to reduce traffic fatalities along Pacific Coast Highway (PCH)! This bill would allow the City of Long Beach to install speed safety cameras on Pacific Coast Highway, a proven tool that slows speeds and helps prevent serious and fatal crashes. Thank you, Senator Lena Gonzalez!
The Department of Public Works will oversee the system; no individual citation information will be shared with the Long Beach Police Department or other enforcement agencies. The focus is safety, not surveillance. The goal is to change dangerous driving behavior and save lives.
It is important to be clear that license plate information will only be captured when a vehicle is driving 11 mph or more over the posted speed limit. All data collected through the speed safety system will be retained in accordance with CVC § 22425(I).
Under current state law, cities are not allowed to place speed safety devices on state highways, which is why Long Beach could not include the PCH in this year’s local speed camera pilot program. This legislation would change that by giving us the authority to use speed cameras on Pacific Coast Highway, where the need is urgent and the risks are high.
I also want to thank the Long Beach Governmental Team for their partnership and advocacy on this effort. I have long pushed for stronger traffic safety measures on the PCH, which has seen far too many preventable tragedies, and this bill moves us closer to safer streets where safety never depends on who you are or where you live.
Please visit Public Works for more information on Long Beach's speed enforcement program: https://www.longbeach.gov/pw/projects/automated-speed-enforcement-system/
Please visit this link for more information on Senator Lena Gonzales's item: https://sd33.senate.ca.gov/news/senator-lena-gonzalez-introduces-legislation-reduce-fatalities-pacific-coast-highway-long
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This month, the City Council adopted an ordinance to strengthen how the City responds to vacant lots, unsecured buildings, and neglected storefronts. I supported this item because it directly reflects what residents in District 6 have been clear about for a long time. When properties are left unsecured or ignored, they often attract illegal dumping, trespassing, and unsafe activity, and neighbors are left dealing with the impacts while enforcement tools fall short.
This ordinance gives the Community Development Department new and clearer tools to enforce property codes. It allows the City to act more quickly when owners fail to comply, reduces unnecessary delays in the enforcement process, and shifts our approach from reacting after conditions become dangerous to preventing harm before it escalates. It also strengthens accountability by allowing the City to hold the appropriate responsible parties accountable.
The need for these changes is clear. Community Development receives thousands of code enforcement complaints each year across Long Beach, covering issues such as unsecured buildings, illegal dumping, overgrown lots, and unsafe conditions. While the vast majority of cases are ultimately resolved, many require multiple inspections and repeated follow-ups when property owners do not act. In recent years, the City has resolved roughly 98 percent of reported code enforcement cases within 120 days, but staff have consistently identified a small number of problem properties that consume a disproportionate amount of time and resources. This ordinance is designed to address those chronic cases more effectively and free up staff to respond faster across neighborhoods. The ordinance also ensures that when the City is forced to step in to secure or clean a property due to noncompliance, the cost is recovered from the responsible owner rather than absorbed by taxpayers. Residents should not be subsidizing neglect through their tax dollars.
If you see a property that may violate City codes, you can report it directly to the Community Development Department online at https://www.longbeach.gov/lbcd/enforcement/.
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My team was out in the community this week. They recently joined a community cleanup hosted at CLIMB, formerly known as AOC7. My team was glad to be out there alongside residents and community leaders doing the hands-on work that makes a visible difference and reflects the care people have for where they live.
We were also honored to attend the Black History Luncheon hosted by the National Council of Negro Women. The luncheon was a powerful reminder of the leadership of Black women and Black communities, both historically and today. It was an opportunity to celebrate legacy, recognize ongoing work, and connect with community members and organizations who continue to lead with purpose and vision.
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Continue reading to 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
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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.
| | View the Council Meeting Live Stream | | | |
Issues such as graffiti, potholes, and dumped items can be submitted for service requests at any time of day using the Go Long Beach app. You can track the status of any request receive communications from City staff about requests. The app is also fully available in Spanish, Khmer, and Tagalog.
| | 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. | | City of Long Beach Values Act | | 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. | | Energy & Environmental Services Department | | |
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
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Door to Door Program
The City’s Energy and Environmental Services Department is partnering with the Conservation Corps of Long Beach on a door to door education campaign focused on proper trash, recycling, and organics sorting. This effort, funded through an EPA grant, will run from February 9 through March 6. Outreach teams may visit select neighborhoods during morning collection hours to share sorting tips, check carts for progress, and leave helpful tags with reminders or positive feedback. Residents receiving outreach will also get a postcard explaining the program. This is an educational effort only and no fines are issued.
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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.
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- 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
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- 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
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OCO Neighborhood Cleanup
February 28th, 2026
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Parent Information Workshop
February 28th, 2026
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Community Safety Implementation Team (CSIT) Meeting
February, 28, 2026
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Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) Open House
February 28, 2026
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Immigration Teach-In
March 1, 2026
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Alert Long Beach Emergency Notification System Restored on New Secure Platform
Residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts
| The City of Long Beach’s Alert Long Beach emergency notification system has been restored on a new, enhanced and secure platform, following a nationwide cybersecurity incident affecting the vendor’s legacy system last year. Residents and businesses can once again sign up to receive emergency alerts via text messages and/or voice messages to their cell number and/or email address. | City of Long Beach Opens Applications for Level Up LB: Extreme Small Business Makeover and Grant Program | The City of Long Beach Department of Economic Development & Opportunity (EDO) announced the opening of applications for the third cohort of its Level Up LB: Extreme Small Business Makeover and Grant Program (Level Up LB), an award-winning program designed to support entrepreneurs and help advance small businesses toward success and sustainability. Level Up LB will assist 20 small business owners with supportive services, workshops and $10,000 in grant funding to help take their small business to the next level. | | |
Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine to Offer Spring Fun Days
April 6-10
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The City of Long Beach Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine (PRM) will offer its free youth recreation program, Spring Fun Days, at various parks throughout Long Beach during the upcoming school spring break.
Spring Fun Days engage children ages 5 to 12 in fun activities such as sports, games, arts and crafts and special events. This is a free drop-in program where registered participants may come and go as they please. The program will run Monday through Friday, April 6-10, from noon to 5 p.m. each day at parks throughout Long Beach.
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City of Long Beach Launches Second Round of Love Your Block Mini-Grants
Applications for resident-led projects supporting the Westside Promise are open now through March 31
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The City of Long Beach is now accepting applications for the second round of mini-grants through the Love Your Block program, a community driven initiative that empowers residents to improve their neighborhoods. This round of mini-grants will continue to support the City’s Westside Promise Initiative, a 10-year community investment plan to address current and historic challenges facing West Long Beach.
“As Long Beach continues to invest in resident-driven solutions, Love Your Block plays a vital role in fostering collaboration between local government and community members,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “By providing mini-grants and hands-on support, the program helps residents transform public spaces, strengthen neighborhood connections and build pride in their communities. Thank you to the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins University for making this initiative possible.”
The Love Your Block program will provide mini-grants of up to $2,500, empowering community members to act and create lasting positive change in their neighborhoods. These mini-grants will support resident-led projects in West Long Beach that reduce exposure to poor indoor and outdoor air quality; promote clean air education, behavior, and tools; enhance pedestrian, bicycle, and rolling safety; and build community capacity to advocate for street and environmental improvements.
| | Explore Long Beach Parks with Virtual Reality Missions from Agents of Discovery | |
The City of Long Beach Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine (PRM) is encouraging the community to explore the outdoors, get active and learn about local parks by participating in one of several missions available through Agents of Discovery, a free educational mobile gaming platform.
“This innovative app encourages residents, especially youth, to explore our parks in an interactive and innovative way,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “It combines movement with technology while also fostering knowledge of our city and strengthening connection to our community and parks.”
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City of Long Beach Office of Climate Action and Sustainability to Host Fifth Annual Family Days in Nature Spring Event Series
Residents of all ages invited to participate in Monarch Day of Action and City Nature Challenge
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The City of Long Beach Office of Climate Action and Sustainability will host its Fifth Annual Family Days in Nature spring event series. These free events, which will take place at Willow Springs Park (2745 Orange Ave.), will increase engagement and curiosity around native habitat preservation through nature activities and community education. The spring event series will include the Monarch Day of Action, taking place from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 14, and City Nature Challenge, taking place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 25.
“These events have been a unique and engaging way for community members to participate hands-on in taking care of our local flora and fauna,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “People will also have the opportunity to learn about other ways they can get involved with local Long Beach organizations that are preserving and protecting our native ecosystems.”
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2026 Winter Para-Party
March 6, 2026
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Shred Events
Beginning March 7, 2026
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Neighborhood Clean-up
March 7, 2026
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Assistance League of Long Beach Open House
March 12, 2026
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ALLB's Cameo Fashion Show and Luncheon Fundraiser
March 14, 2026
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Author Talk with Bestselling Long Beach Author
March 14, 2026
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Cars & clippers
March 14, 2026
The Long Beach Fire Department is pleased to welcome any and all to attend our Cars and Clippers Event, March 14, 2026! The event supports childhood cancer research and has raised over 1 million dollars over the past 24 years! Everyone is welcome to come, look at some cars, enjoy some music, and if desired shave your head to support childhood cancer research! Shaving is not required to attend! The event will be held from 9am to 12pm at the Long Beach Police Officer Association Park at 7390 Carson Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90808. Looking forward to having you!
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Senior Security Seminar
March 18, 2026
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Coffee With a Cop
March 19, 2026
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Become a Grand Prix Volunteer
April 18 & 19, 2026
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Long Beach Animal Care Services Events
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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
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Long Beach Economic Development & Opportunity Department
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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. | | City of Long Beach Updates | | |
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
| | City of Long Beach Resources | | |
Long Beach Police Department (LBPD)
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Long Beach Fire Department (LBFD)
| | | Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) | | | |
City of Long Beach
Digital Inclusion Initiative
| | | Long Beach Office of Climate Action and Sustainability | | | |
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.
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❄️ 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.
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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.
| | Thank You McBride for the generous donation! | | 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
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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/ | | |
Councilwoman Dr. Suely Saro
6th District Council Office
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