Long Beach · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Long Beach public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
2026 Visibility Plan and commission ad hoc structure
The commission finalized its Visibility Plan for Council transmittal and debated how commissioners can participate in interest areas without overloading ad hoc committees.
National Community Planning Month and department initiatives
October is National Community Planning Month, and the city's planning department used the occasion to highlight its work: rezoning efforts, housing element implementation, the downtown waterfront plan, and an internship program for students. Residents can join a community planning day with pizza at the next commission meeting.
Utility box artwork repair and beautification
Graffiti and weather have damaged the utility box murals on Second Street; repairs with the original artists will run about $1,800 and appear in the October budget. With new revenue headroom, commissioners want to explore more beautification projects.
Beverly O'Neill Way street renaming
East Lew Davis Street near Long Beach City College will be renamed for former Mayor Beverly O'Neill, a 30-year LBCC leader and mayor from 1994 to 2006, who just turned 96. A legacy event is planned at LBCC on October 1.
Disability Advocates of the Year Awards
The commission set up an interim process for this year's advocacy awards after 2026 leadership changes disrupted the usual cycle. Nominations are due within a week, with honorees selected next month by a three-member panel.
Aging bathrooms at Recreation Park 18
A resident asked the city to upgrade the decades-old on-course bathrooms at Recreation Park 18. About $40,000-$50,000 is already earmarked, and American Golf plans to bid all the bathroom projects together.
VIP Records sign community workshop
Public Works is hosting an August 13 workshop at the MLK Jr. Community Center to gather community input on a new public space honoring the historic VIP Records sign at MLK Jr. Avenue and PCH.
Commission tabling at Long Beach Jazz Festival
The commission hopes to have a booth at the August 1 Jazz Festival at Houghton Park but is on the wait list. Commissioners divided setup, midday, and closing shifts and agreed to hold off buying materials until participation is confirmed.
Waves of Ability event participation
The commission will staff a resource table at the second annual Waves of Ability event at Marine Stadium on September 26, 2026, to raise awareness of its work and recruit public participation.
Naples Sperrato Trail public walkway restoration
Design work is done for the first segment of the restored public walkway, with community outreach planned for late summer. A commissioner asked that outreach extend beyond the immediate Naples neighborhood.
Long Beach Golf Hall of Fame class of 2026
Three new inductees — Joey Cerule, Bill McCormick, and Mike Ortega — will be honored August 9 following the Long Beach Open.
Community partnerships for park stewardship
Two similarly named parks in District 4 have caused real problems — police dispatched to the wrong park, maintenance crews at the wrong site, and confused residents. The rename would tie the small plaza park to the Park Estates neighborhood it serves.
New Alamitos Beach volleyball courts
Eight new volleyball courts are open at Alamitos Beach — two for drop-in public use, six reservable for permitted events — potentially enough to host tournaments like the Manhattan Beach Open.
Youth rowing program with Long Beach Rowing Association
A new city-run rowing program will offer weekend classes at the Peter Rowing Center this summer, with eight full scholarships per session. Commissioners asked staff to coordinate with Long Beach Junior Crew to avoid confusion.
Youth participatory budgeting
Young Long Beach residents are deciding how to spend $500,000 in city funds on free summer youth programs, with 14 proposals on the ballot and voting open through April 28.
Surfing memorial at the Aquarium of the Pacific
After two years, the Point of Historical Interest committee picked a site on Aquarium grounds for a proposed memorial and will launch fundraising in June with about $20,000 to start.
Learn to Row Day 2026
The Long Beach Rowing Association's annual June event introduces the public to rowing. Commissioners want better city promotion — website, social media, and council office outreach — since many council offices didn't know about it.
Pickleball expansion and noise concerns
New dedicated pickleball courts opened at Marina Vista Park, bringing the city total to 24. Commissioners and a resident raised noise concerns, which staff say are being managed through self-regulation and operator programs.
Dog beach at Hunter/Dog Beach area
A February community meeting explored a new dog beach near downtown at Councilmember Allen's request; next steps are permits and CEQA review before going to the Coastal Commission.
Regatta fee waivers
The commission endorsed waiving $13,500 in fees for three yacht club regattas, keeping sailing events affordable for local clubs, with staff asked to track actual expenditures this year.
Marine Stadium electrical upgrades
New underground high-voltage service from SCE will power restrooms, the Lifeguard Museum and future EV chargers — and LA28 is interested in the infrastructure for Olympic rowing events.
Long Beach Players' Club program updates
Proposed updates to the Players' Club membership program were endorsed and will go to the City Council via the Director.
Public feedback survey on golf course conditions
American Golf is rolling out a survey so the public can weigh in on course conditions — a new channel for golfers to report how the courses are playing.
Belmont pool remodel timeline
Commissioner Lim asked about the Belmont pool remodel; staff said the budget was approved by council the prior night but the project remains several years out, and a firm timeline will be shared with the commission.
Commission Collaboration Ad Hoc Committee
The commission formed a new Ad Hoc Committee aimed at improving collaboration, staffed by Commissioners Chinchilla, Salcedo, and Schmidt. Its work could shape how the commission coordinates with other bodies on senior issues.
Board visibility and community engagement
Board members discussed wearing branded name tags at city events and possibly convening all city commissions together, so residents and other commissioners actually know the health board exists.