Vol. 03 | Issue 15

April 12, 2025

Hello Kristina,

It's the 50th Year of the Grand Prix and our city is buzzing with energy and excitement today and tomorrow! Whether you are heading downtown to catch the action or simply enjoying the festivities from afar, it is a great reminder of the vibrant community we are lucky to be part of.

In our Upcoming Events section, be sure to check out the many fun and interesting events available over the next few weeks. Whether you are an artist or an environmentalist, a senior or a parent with young children, there are fun activities to choose from.

Finally, please check out an important message from the Long Beach Police Department about distracted driving awareness. Take a moment to read their tips below as your attention on the road can save lives.

As always, the District 3 team and I are here to help. You can reach us at District3@longbeach.gov or (562) 570-6300.

Sincerely,

Kristina Duggan

Councilmember | District 3

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Council Update

Upcoming City Council Meeting Highlight

On Tuesday, April 15, the City Council will hear the following items of interest:

Item #15: Request the City Attorney draft an ordinance, following the meet and confer process, to allow up to 12 cannabis events per organizer per year, with a required Equity Plan and temporary waiver for public consumption.

If this item is approved, Councilmember Duggan would like to include a buffer zone requirement to prevent cannabis smoke from drifting into nearby sensitive receptors, such as homes and schools.

Item #17: Request City Manager to work with Community Development and Economic Development Department to initiate a process to establish a new vision and update the land use regulations which govern the Long Beach Marina Planned Development District (PD4) for the Alamitos Bay Marina.

Councilmember Duggan authored this item to proactively update the land use regulations for the Alamitos Bay Marina (PD4) in response to the area’s growth and evolving needs. With new developments like 2nd & PCH and the Southeast Area Specific Plan (SEASP), she recognizes the need for a clear vision that supports existing businesses, improves public access, addresses traffic and circulation, and considers environmental impacts. This planning process will help PD4 evolve into a thriving waterfront destination while identifying opportunities to generate additional revenue, particularly into the Tidelands Fund, while prioritizing community input.

Item #18: Adopt a resolution authorizing the issuance of up to $103 million in Marina Revenue Refunding Bonds (Series 2025) to refinance the 2015 bonds, reduce debt service costs, and remove a covenant that currently restricts the use of excess Marina Fund revenues, allowing those funds to be used for Tidelands-related purposes.

Councilmember Duggan supports this item as a fiscally responsible move that will reduce costs to the Marina Fund and remove a restriction on how excess marina funds can be used. With oil revenue declining more rapidly than planned due to state law, she believes this flexibility is critical to protect services in the Tidelands area. She also emphasized the importance of continued investment in the marina, which is both a valued community asset and a revenue generator for the entire city.

Summary of Previous City Council Meeting

On Tuesday, April 8, the City Council heard following items of interest:

Item #18: Request City Manager to collaborate with Health & Human Services Department, Business Licensing, and other appropriate departments to develop a more streamlined and overarching event permitting process for established Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) and Business Improvement Associations (BIAs). Co-authored by Councilmember Duggan. This item passed unanimously.

Do you want to participate in a City Council meeting but don't know how? Check out the 3rd District's Guide to City Council Meetings here!

All City Council, Committee, and Commission agendas can be found here.

News & Resources

19th Annual Long Beach Motorsports Walk of Fame

I was glad to attend the 19th Annual Long Beach Motorsports Walk of Fame! It was great to see racing icon Scott Dixon, Grand Prix visionary Jim Michaelian, and our very own former Mayor Beverly O’Neill (accepted by her daughter Teresa) be inducted into Long Beach's Walk of Fame located on Pine Avenue in front of the Convention Center. Fans, friends, and community leaders came together to honor their incredible legacies. It was the perfect way to rev up the excitement for race weekend in Long Beach!

Learn More

Belmont Heights Community Association (BHCA) Monthly Meeting

Belmont Heights had a special guest this month at their Belmont Heights Community Association meeting. Francine Kerridge, our Police Oversight Director, shared insight into the important work her bureau is doing. From reviewing Police Department operations, policies, procedures, and training to auditing internal investigations, the bureau plays a key role in supporting transparency and accountability in our city.

My Field Deputy, Maria Delgado, also attended this month’s meeting and shared some District 3 updates.

BHCA

Office of Police Oversight

Long Beach Yacht Club: 96th Opening Day Ceremonies

I was honored to attend the Long Beach Yacht Club’s 96th Opening Day Ceremony, a beautiful celebration of our City’s rich maritime tradition. It was inspiring to see so many community members, leaders, and sailing enthusiasts come together to mark the start of another exciting boating season. Thank you to Long Beach Yacht Club for their continued commitment to Long Beach and inviting me to be part of this longstanding tradition.

Learn More

Friends of Belmont Shore Beach Cleanup

I had a great time this weekend connecting with Friends of Belmont Shore at their Bay Clean-Up and Beautification event. It was inspiring to see neighbors come together in support of keeping our coastline clean and beautiful. I am looking forward to seeing more projects like this in our neighborhoods! Thank you to Teresa and B.J. for your inspiration and coordination!

Learn More

Fronds-Be-Gone Cleanup!

The District 3 team is heading back out to collect palm fronds! For this round, we will have help from the Los Cerritos Wetlands Stewards. We heard your feedback and are ready to help. If there are any piles of fronds in your area that need to be picked up, please let us know by Thursday, April 17. You can reach us by email at District3@longbeach.gov or by phone at 562-570-6300.

District 3 Team

Los Cerritos Wetlands Stewards

Operation Easter Basket

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of joining Justin Rudd and dozens of dedicated volunteers for Operation Easter Basket in Belmont Shore. Together, we filled thousands of Easter baskets with essentials and treats for local children in need. It was heartwarming to see how our community comes together each year to spread joy and kindness.

Community Action Team (CAT)

Animal Care Services: Pet Supplies and Pet Adoption Event Coming Soon!

Long Beach Animal Care Services is hosting a special pet adoption event with Pet Supplies Plus on May 17, but you do not have to wait until then to make a life-changing connection! Dozens of lovable pets are ready for their forever homes right now. Visit longbeach.gov/acs to see who is waiting to meet you!

Learn More

Grand Prix Educational Series at Bryant Elementary School

My Field Deputy, Maria Delgado, had the chance to join the excitement at Bryant Elementary for the Grand Prix Educational Series, a tradition that has been going strong for over 16 years! The students were all smiles as they got to meet professional race car drivers Renger Van Der Zande and Nick Yelloly, who shared what it’s like to be behind the wheel. They shared their experiences from training and safety to chasing their racing dreams. A huge thanks to Tracy Murchison for continuing to bring the excitement of the Grand Prix to our local schools!

Bryant Elementary

Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach

Eyes Forward, Hands on the Wheel

A Message on Distracted Driving from the Long Beach Police Department

The Long Beach Police Department is urging all drivers to stay focused and keep their hands on the wheel. Distractions like texting, eating, or adjusting the radio, can have deadly consequences. In 2022, 148 people in California lost their lives in crashes involving distracted driving.

LBPD will be working to enforce the state’s hands-free law. Remember: even holding your phone at a red light is a violation. Let’s work together to keep our roads safe, stay alert, lead by example, and speak up when you see distracted driving.

Learn More

Watch Me Sport Bar - NCAA Women's Basketball Finals

What an amazing time at the NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship watch party at Watch Me! Sports Bar. The courtyard was packed with folks showing up to support women’s sports, and the energy was incredible. Jax has built such a vibrant and welcoming space for the community!

Learn More

2025 Ironguard Hat Design Contest

Submissions are now open for the 2025 Ironguard Hat Design Contest! Each summer, Junior Guards who complete the Ironguard in under two hours receive a commemorative hat. Submit your design to LBJG@longbeach.gov by April 28th, including your full name and age. The winning artist will earn hats for their family plus a $50 Katin gift card, runner-ups get $25 gift cards!

Learn More

Safety Topic of the Week

In an emergency, staying informed can make all the difference. That is why I am encouraging all District 3 residents to sign up for Alert Long Beach, the City’s official emergency notification system.

It is quick, free, and easy. Once registered, you will receive timely alerts by text, email, or voice message about local emergencies, severe weather, and other critical updates that could impact your neighborhood.

Preparedness starts with awareness. Take a minute to sign up and encourage your neighbors to do the same, because when we are informed, we are safer.

Alert Long Beach

Press Releases and Memos

Long Beach Hosts Second Annual Site Selector Conference	City of Long Beach Seeks Community Input on City’s First Universal Playground at El Dorado Park West	Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine to Celebrate Older American’s Month During May
Burnett Neighborhood Library to Undergo Energy Efficiency Upgrade	El Dorado East Regional Park Offers Tips for Visitors on Easter Sunday, April 20	EYES FORWARD, HANDS ON THE WHEEL: FOCUSED DRIVING SAVES LIVES