I was honored to attend and speak at the groundbreaking ceremony for the restoration of over 150 acres of wetlands at the Synergy Oil Field in District 3. This vital effort, led by Synergy Oil & Gas in partnership with the Los Cerritos Wetlands Authority, shows a strong commitment to revitalizing our coastal ecosystem and protecting natural resources.

Together, we are taking a significant step toward ensuring that this remarkable stretch of land can be enjoyed by our community for generations to come.

This past week, I attended the annual Police and Fire Memorial Ceremony, honoring the courageous police officers and firefighters who gave their lives in the line of duty. This tradition stands as a meaningful tribute to their selfless legacy of service.

Yesterday, I spoke before the California Coastal Commission to advocate for Big Bang on the Bay. While similar fireworks displays have been approved by the Commission in other parts of the state, and despite being told that a drone show is not feasible at this location, Commission staff recommended requiring this event to replace its fireworks with a drone show this year.

I urged the Coastal Commission to give our community the same consideration as others that have been allowed to host firework shows in the Coastal Zone. If the environmental impact of fireworks is so significant, I called on the Commission to adopt a consistent statewide policy rather than approving some shows while denying others, especially one as meaningful to Long Beach as Big Bang on the Bay.

The Coastal Commissioners amended staff's recommendation to allow the firework show to continue this year, and directed staff and the applicant to explore transitioning to a drone show in future years. I want to thank Vice Mayor Uranga, who also serves on the Coastal Commission, for advocating for a just transition to other options.

Join me at the next District 3 Townhall on May 28, at the Recreation Park Community Center. Representatives from the City Manager's Office will share updates on the 2028 Olympics, and the Environmental Services Bureau will provide information about the new organic waste bins. Before the meeting begins, there will be time to connect with various City departments and learn more about the services they provide.

I had the pleasure of attending the 99th Annual Opening Day at Alamitos Bay Yacht Club. They are set to host the US Sailing Team and other international sailors for their training sessions leading up to the 2028 Olympics. Alamitos Bay Yacht Club is a great example of how District 3 can combine local tradition with a place on the world stage.

I had the opportunity to tour the Los Cerritos Wetlands, gaining firsthand insight into the restoration work underway as part of this long-anticipated project. From fire-resistant native plants, like bladder pods, to carefully planned tidal and bird surveys, the restoration is designed to welcome new species and reestablish natural water flow.

Construction is expected to begin this fall, with cultural stewardship at its core. Tribal partners are playing a vital role helping to guide access planning and incorporate traditional practices.

The Southern Marsh Trails stand as a testament to decades of effort, collaboration, and volunteer-driven conservation. Soon, even more of our coastal landscape will be restored and open for the public to experience and enjoy.

I am happy to share that we will be accepting resumes and cover letters starting May 12 for this year's Summer Internship available to incoming juniors and seniors.

Spots are limited, get your submissions in as soon as possible!

This past Wednesday, I joined community leaders in honoring Marine Safety Battalion Chief Scott Dixon, recipient of the 2025 Distinguished Citizen Award from Scouting America. Chief Dixon’s heroic rescue of three people from a flood channel back in December 2024 demonstrates his unwavering leadership and commitment to our community’s safety.

Last weekend, about 100 community members came together for the Farm-to-Table Garden Reception at St. Luke's. Here, neighbors celebrated community, fresh food, and the joy of growing together. Read more about it in the link below!

Congratulations to Jenny on the recent certification of Taco Shore as a new Long Beach Legacy Business. At this week's City Council meeting, Taco Shore was honored alongside 19 other longstanding establishments for their significant contributions to our city's cultural and economic fabric. Taco Shore now joins the many other Legacy Businesses in District 3. Congratulations once again!

May is National Home Improvement Month, and the Long Beach Community Development Department is leading a citywide celebration of neighborhood pride and the spaces we call home. Whether you rent or own, residents are invited to share their projects, access helpful resources, and follow along on social media @LongBeachBuilds.

Home Improvement Month will wrap up with a free, family-friendly Expo on Saturday, May 31, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Whaley Park (5620 Atherton St.). This event will feature live demonstrations, free giveaways, hands-on activities and a plenty of resources. Homeowners and renters are all welcome. Residents will have the opportunity to connect with City Departments and home improvement professionals to explore ideas, tools and strategies for creating stronger, more sustainable homes. 

Let’s come together to show what it means to Love Where You Live!

• Share your project for a chance to be featured: lbcity.info/nhim-spotlights
• Learn more at: longbeach.gov/nhim
• Follow along @LongBeachBuilds and #LoveYourHomeLB on Instagram, Facebook and X 

CSULB 2025 Summer Sessions are open, offering over 600 online, hybrid, and in-person courses in 3-week, 6-week, and 12-week formats. Flexible and affordable options let you catch up, get ahead, or explore new interests.

This is the last weekend to apply for the Summer Activation 2025 Mini-Grant! This grant supports community events that promote social connectedness and helps reduce violence in the city. The deadline to submit your application is May 12, 2025.

Since 1904, the Jewish Free Loan Association (JFLA) has provided interest-free, fee-free loans to residents of Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties. These loans assist with expenses such as rent, education, medical bills, small business needs, and emergencies. Open to all, regardless of faith, JFLA offers a dignified alternative to high-interest debt.

Learn more about eligibility in the link below.

Mosquito Season is here! Check out the link below for tips and resources to help you stay protected and bite-free.