This year's Grow Long Beach presentation highlighted the City’s progress, with updates on new investments and emerging opportunities driving economic growth. Mayor Rex Richardson also welcomed Sublime as a special guest, offering a preview of the upcoming Vans Warped Tour 2025, Long Beach’s biggest music event yet.

Here is an update from the project team: As previously reported, the construction team has completed the first phase of deep excavations and trenching along Colorado Street, using a slide-and-rail shoring system for structural support. With the excavations complete, crews lowered equipment to install a double-barrel sewer siphon system.

To accomplish this phase of work, the contractor used jack-and-bore equipment to push steel and concrete pipes horizontally through the lowest sections of the project area (see photos below). This method was selected to be able to install the siphon beneath an existing underground box culvert, which must remain protected and operational until both bridges and the open channel waterway are completed. The culvert currently serves as the only hydraulic connection between the lagoon and Alamitos Bay.

The installation of the deepest portions of the sewer siphon marks a key milestone in the project. Numerous rounds of review with regulatory agencies were required to approve the siphon installation method, shoring system, and materials. Installation of sewer piping and the siphon in the vicinity of the future bridge structure is expected to continue for another two months.  The completion of the sewer siphon, along with the placement of sewer lines in the cross section of the future Colorado Street bridge, will allow this area to be backfilled in preparation for concurrent bridge construction to resume. During this time, contractors will backfill, compact, and obtain approvals from the County Sanitation District as they progress on the work. As each sewer segment is completed and backfilled, crews will proceed with the next set of additional deep excavations along Colorado Street, installing piping horizontally, and gradually working their installation towards shallower depths.

Elsewhere on the project, construction crews have begun installing storm drain lateral lines that connect to the main drainage system. At Marina Vista Park, new irrigation lines have been installed, rough grading is complete, and sand and topsoil have been placed in preparation for final topsoil work (see photos below). The remaining work at Marina Vista Park includes amending the topsoil, now spread across the site, and salt leeching to reduce salt concentrations before sod installation. This leaching process is expected to take five to six weeks. Combined with a modernized irrigation system, it will help the future turf establish and thrive.  

This week, I joined the Long Beach Fire Department at Bay Shore beach to honor Captain Dave Rosa, who was killed in the line of duty on 6/25/18.

I participated in the Rosa Hero Workout, which consisted of:

17 rounds, for the 17 years he served, of 6 burpees, 25 meter swim, and 18 lunges representing the date he passed on 6/25/18.

I heard incredible stories about Captain Rosa from fellow firefighters. He is missed and will not be forgotten.

As of June 19, the free LB Circuit micro-transit service has expanded to connect 19 neighborhoods from Alamitos Bay to Downtown. The upgrade includes electric vehicles, extended hours, and improved accessibility with wheelchair accessible vans to support clean-air travel and local businesses. Click below for more information.

The 3rd Annual Chili Cook-Off in Greenbelt Heights brought neighbors together for an afternoon of great food and friendly competition!

I am excited to ride in the 21st Annual Great American 4th of July Kids Bike Parade. My office co-sponsored this festive celebration with the Port of Long Beach

The parade kicks off at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 4, at the Granada Avenue boat launch ramp. This free, 2-mile ride along the beach path and Bay Shore Avenue is open to all ages and is a fun way to celebrate Independence Day with our community. Hope to see you all there!

Thursday marked the return of the Long Beach Municipal Band to Larry Curtis Concert Park after two years! If you missed it, don't worry as they will be performing here for the next five weeks with a different theme each week. Join us next Thursday for a patriotic theme celebrating Independence Day!

This week, I attended the Dine on Pine fundraiser in support of the Conservation Corps of Long Beach (CCLB). For the past 38 years, CCLB has provided opportunities for young adults through education, job training, and conservation work. All proceeds support CCLB’s mission to continue their impactful programs for local youth.

This survey is intended to gather feedback from residents, community-based organizations, and business owners. We want to understand how to increase participation in City Council meetings and identify barriers that may prevent community members from attending or engaging.

Your responses will help guide the Government Operations and Efficiency (GOE) Committee in an upcoming discussion on:

What can we do to make our City Council meetings more welcoming and accessible for everyone in the community to voice their opinions?

Last week, the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce and I attended the grand re-opening of Coldwell Banker Realty on Ximeno Avenue. It was great connecting with their team and welcoming them back to their new space in District 3!

Message from LBACS: "The days before and after July 4th are some of the busiest times at our shelter. Pets get scared and run away from their homes because of fireworks. Many of these pets in one way or another are brought to our shelter. All info is provided in the art above. Help care for a precious life this 4th of July."

If you see something, say something. You can report illegal fireworks at www.longbeach.gov/fireworks or by using the GO Long Beach app.

This week I attended the Let's Talk Port event, where residents heard directly from Port of Long Beach staff about the Port's impact on our economy and environment. It was a valuable opportunity for the community to ask questions, learn about upcoming projects, and stay connected to one of Long Beach’s most vital industries.

Big Bang on the Bay returns July 3, for a celebratory fireworks show over Alamitos Bay! Enjoy an evening of food, music, and fireworks, all while supporting local youth-serving nonprofits.

The Long Beach Dragon Boat Festival returns Saturday, July 26, at Marine Stadium. Enjoy a full day of races, cultural performances, and food as you celebrate this annual tradition.

Long Beach has launched InsideLB News, a new digital platform that makes it easier for residents to stay informed about city news, programs, and events. With a user-friendly layout and organized topics, InsideLB News highlights the progress happening across Long Beach, from infrastructure upgrades to community celebrations. Click below to learn more about this new platform.

Shakespeare by the Sea brought Julius Caesar to the Bandshell at Recreation Park last week. It’s great to see the community come out to enjoy live theater at this cultural gem right here in District 3. Thank you to Live at the Shell for their summer programming.

The Trauma Intervention Program of Long Beach is recruiting volunteers for its October 2025 Training Academy. TIP trains community members to support survivors at the scene of emergencies in partnership with local police, fire, and hospitals. Help spread the word or consider joining this important community service.

"How has the library helped you grow?"

If you have children 6-18 years old, they can write a short essay answering this question for a chance to win a Barnes & Noble gift card. Essays can be dropped off to your neighborhood librarian or emailed to lbfriendsessaycontest@gmail.com.

Did you know Long Beach residents can drop off old mattresses anytime? Yes, that means 24/7! Drop offs can be made at 970 W. Chester Place, free of charge.

This service helps prevent illegal dumping and reduce landfill waste by ensuring that 75 percent of each mattress is recycled into new products such as carpet padding and construction materials.