Long Beach · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Long Beach public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Mentorship and empowerment programs for women and girls
The Mentorship and Education Ad Hoc Committee is close to finishing a directory of Long Beach organizations serving women and girls, which the commission hopes to publish and grow into partnerships.
Mentorship and empowerment program directory
The commission created the first centralized list of mentorship programs for women and girls in Long Beach, to be posted on the Office of Equity website and updated twice a year. Commissioners hope it becomes a go-to resource for families.
Street cleaning and beautification funding
With a projected surplus, commissioners want more cleaning frequency, median landscaping, and decorative lighting on Second Street — and plan to invite public beautification ideas next month.
Drake Park Community Center reopening
The remodeled Drake Park Community Center reopened after three years of off-and-on improvements, with new bathrooms, roof, flooring, and energy-efficient upgrades.
Equity in contract class distribution
A commissioner noted most of the 17 renewed instructor classes are on the east side of the city. Staff explained space constraints and pointed to growing westside and downtown offerings, including a new karate class at Drake Park.
Senior adult education partnerships with Long Beach City College
LBCC offers free non-credit courses — computer skills, trades, financial literacy — and wants to host them at senior centers. Commissioners suggested a citywide survey of what classes seniors actually want.
Park vandalism and ambassador program savings
September vandalism and theft cost $5,396, lower than typical. The city's ambassador teams, which took over restroom opening, closing, and cleaning from a contractor, have cut evening vandalism repair costs by about 50%.
Community fee waivers for parks events
Four community events — a mental health awareness day, a school 5K, a charity softball tournament, and a church fall fair — received $6,041.50 in fee waivers, lowering costs for local nonprofits and community groups using city parks.
Inclusive and accessible playgrounds
Residents said no local playground fits older children and adults with developmental disabilities. Commissioner Jones noted Ramona Park is partially adaptive and a universally accessible playground is planned, but no funding was added this year and full build-out isn't expected until about 2030.
Facility naming honors
The banners reception is on for September 10 at the Long Beach Yacht Club thanks to cost savings and a sponsor. Honorees from 2024-2026 will be invited, with framed banner keepsakes as gifts.
Potential renaming of Chavez Park
The city is exploring whether to rename Chavez Park, with the Office of Equity leading a public input process. A recommendation could come back to the commission later.
County Park Grants for Neighborhood Projects
The council accepted $5.79M in county grant money for the 10th Street Greenbelt, Washington Neighborhood Community Center and Willow Springs Trailhead.