Long Beach · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Long Beach public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Appeal on case 23-D-2223
A disciplinary appeal the commission was set to hear was pushed to a later date because the employee's attorney fell ill. Staff will coordinate new dates with both sides.
Homeless Services Bureau quarterly operations report
The Health Department's quarterly data on homeless services operations was scheduled to be received and filed. The cancelled meeting delays the committee's review of how city homeless services are performing.
Resident's long-running parking and code complaint near Willmore/Bluff Park
James Richardson told the commission his historic home sits next to an eight-unit building with unpermitted attic units and cars parking two- and three-deep in a side yard with no driveway, creating safety problems. He's complained for years and threatened to seek removal from the historic district. The chair directed him to his council office and staff promised follow-up.
Class 3 e-bikes on sidewalks
A new ordinance would ban Class 3 e-bikes from all sidewalks and update outdated bicycle rules — first reading passed, final vote next meeting.
2028 Olympics marine update
The committee wants an Olympics update for the public around January 2028 planning, though security details remain tightly held by Secret Service and other agencies.
Jail worker wages and hazardous conditions
A jail special services officer described over 100 biohazard incidents in 2025 and asked that union contract negotiations reflect the hazards of the job with appropriate wages.
Brown Act compliance training
The commission received training on California's open-meeting law, covering what commissioners can and can't discuss outside public meetings — relevant to anyone following how local government decisions get made.
Ethics and transparency training for commissioners
The annual ethics update covered the upcoming FAIR Act ordinance consolidating city ethics rules, required trainings, and reminders that only authorized commissioners can speak officially for the commission.
Brown Act compliance refresher
Deputy City Attorney Millicent Usoro reminded commissioners that majorities can't discuss commission business privately — including through email chains, social media likes, or staff intermediaries — and that violations carry civil and criminal penalties.
Gender-inclusive facilities in Fire Department facilities
The Fire Department's update on gender-inclusive facilities at its Regional Training Center was pulled from the agenda because the department wasn't ready to present; it's expected back at a future meeting.
Smoking ordinance at golf courses
The smoking ordinance focused on driving ranges is still pending with the city attorney; staff want to map authorized smoking areas as public inquiries increase.
Dissolution of Ad Hoc Committee on Policies Review
The commission dissolved its policies review ad hoc because the FAIR Act will likely override any policy recommendations the group could make, and departments haven't sent it new policies to review. It could be revived once the FAIR Act is closer to adoption.
Officer election timing rules change
Resolution EC-01-2026 moves the commission's annual officer election to the last meeting before the first regular August meeting, fixing a conflict created when the commission goes dark in July.
Brown Act compliance and meeting transparency
The annual ethics training covered serial communications, social media pitfalls, and penalties for Brown Act violations. A member raised concerns that meetings leave too little time for commissioner discussion and public comment.
Ranked choice voting proposal
A resident urged the commission to consider ranked choice voting for Long Beach elections, arguing it would let votes count more fully and help less-funded candidates compete.
City litigation matters
The council discussed two potential lawsuits the city might file and one threatened or anticipated legal claim against it. Details remain confidential until the city chooses to disclose any action.
Lagunas v. County of Los Angeles litigation
The council met with the city attorney about an existing lawsuit, Fabiola Lagunas v. County of Los Angeles. Details were discussed privately, and no outcome was announced.