City Council Recaps
What happened at the City Council Meeting this week?
February 17, 2026
Meeting Length: 5:09 PM – 9:18 PM Presiding: Mayor Rex Richardson Absent: Councilmembers Kristina Duggan and Daryl Supernaw
It was a busy and emotionally charged evening at Long Beach City Hall. The February 17th meeting saw the council tackle a massive agenda spanning nearly four hours, balancing heavy national political issues with critical local infrastructure, budget maneuvering, and multi-million dollar public safety investments.
Here are the key takeaways from the chambers:
1. A Strong Stand on Federal Immigration Policies
The most politically charged moment of the evening came with Item 16, a resolution pushing back against federal immigration enforcement. The council unanimously passed a resolution demanding federal immigration accountability, which included expressing support for the impeachment or removal of the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. The resolution formally urged an end to federal enforcement operations that subject local communities to harm and reaffirmed Long Beach’s commitment to protecting the civil rights and dignity of all its residents. This item drew heavy public participation, reflecting ongoing community protests echoing chants of “Evict ICE, not us”.
2. Big Spending on Public Safety and Equipment
The council approved several massive expenditures to equip and staff the city’s first responders:
• Marine Patrol Upgrades: The council approved a $1.48 million contract for two new 29-foot full-cabin patrol vessels from SAFE Boats International to bolster water response.
• Search and Rescue: The Fire Department is getting a major upgrade with the approval of a $1.86 million Pierce Enforcer Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) unit, complete with related equipment and accessories.
• Police Recruitment: Facing ongoing staffing challenges, the council approved a Letter of Agreement with the Police Officers Association (POA) establishing new recruitment and retention incentives for the 2026 calendar year.
3. Budget Maneuvering and Measure M Fallout
As the city continues to navigate its complex financial situation, the council received the Fiscal Year 2025 Year-End Budget Performance Report (Item 20). Notably, the council adopted a resolution to defer a massive $21.8 million interfund loan payment. This 10-year loan was originally established between the Fleet Services Fund and the General Fund to reimburse the Water Fund following the outcome of the 2022 Measure M litigation (which ruled certain utility transfers to the General Fund unconstitutional). The payment is now deferred for FY 25, keeping the money in the General Fund for now.
4. Community, Culture, and Accountability
• Uptown BID Put on Notice: The council approved the annual report and extended the agreement for the Uptown Property and Business Improvement District (BID) for another year. However, an amendment was attached demanding more accountability; the Economic Development Department must now work with the BID to establish clear performance benchmarks, provide progress updates, and create a stronger strategy to ensure the priorities of local property and business owners are actually driving the work plan.
• Honoring a Local Legend: The council initiated a study to rename the Central Facilities Center at Martin Luther King Jr. Park to the “Dale Clinton Facilities Center”.
• Olympic Legacy: With the 2028 Games approaching, the Historical Society of Long Beach delivered a presentation highlighting the city’s rich Olympic history, reminding everyone of Long Beach’s legacy as a venue city.
5. Public Comment: The Renters’ Plea
Throughout the evening, and particularly during the closing public comment period, housing advocates dominated the microphone. Numerous speakers associated with the “150 Days Eviction Freeze” movement pleaded with the council, signaling that housing insecurity and renter protections remain a boiling point for the community.
Adjournment: Mayor Richardson officially adjourned the meeting at 9:18 PM, dedicating the close of the session to the memory of the late civil rights leader, Reverend Jesse Jackson.
February 3, 2026
Here is the recap of the February 3, 2026 Long Beach City Council meeting, updated to include the official attendance record.
The Big Picture: Safety, Rights, and Revitalization
The Council moved through a substantive agenda that balanced hyper-local quality-of-life issues with broad political statements regarding federal immigration policy. A significant portion of the evening focused on public safety strategies in North Long Beach and the management of police equipment.
Key Decisions & Votes
1. North Long Beach Safety Strategy (R.E.A.C.T.) The Council unanimously adopted the R.E.A.C.T. Strategic Framework, a comprehensive plan designed to enhance public health, safety, and the response to human trafficking along the Long Beach Boulevard corridor in North Long Beach.
• The Action: The Council directed the City Manager to report back within 45 days on how to implement the framework, specifically looking for regional partnerships and investment priorities to address safety gaps in the corridor.
2. Federal Immigration Resolution In a significant political move, the Council voted 8-0 (with Councilman Supernaw absent) to request a resolution calling for “federal immigration accountability.”
• The Details: The resolution explicitly expresses support for the impeachment or removal of the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. It calls for an end to federal enforcement operations that harm local communities and affirms the City’s commitment to protecting civil rights and community trust.
3. Police Military Equipment (AB 481) The Council adopted Ordinance No. ORD-26-0003, approving the 2025 Military Equipment Special Order for the Long Beach Police Department.
• The Law: Required by state law (Assembly Bill 481), this policy governs the funding, acquisition, and use of military-grade equipment by local law enforcement. The item passed unanimously (8-0).
4. Code Enforcement Overhaul The Council updated the municipal code regarding code enforcement definitions and fees. The ordinance (Titles 5, 8, 9, and 18) allows for modified procedures to “strengthen enforcement tools” and improve compliance with city safety standards.
Business & Infrastructure
• Business Improvement Areas (BIAs): The Council renewed the annual assessments for two major commercial districts: Belmont Shore and Fourth Street.
• Contract Awards: The Council approved contracts for heavy-duty towing services (Supreme Towing and Kustom Towing), vehicle disposal (SA Recycling LLC), and a $1.5 million annual contract for solid waste containers (Rehrig Pacific Company).
Public Comment
Community engagement was active, with numerous residents addressing the Council on various items. Speakers included Carolyn Essex, Rogelio Martinez, Anthony Bryson, Lou Rosen, Samantha G., Forest, Peter E., Renee Lupinetti, Marlen G., Dave Shukla, Peter Enzminger, Lexie Nguyen, Sashi Murahdharan, Nohemy, Rachel W., Leslie, Carrie W., Brittany Martin, Amy H., and Lourdes N. Dixon.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned in memory of Shirley Raines.
January 20, 2026
The $65 Million Tuesday: A New Pool, Slower Traffic, and a Police Contract
On Tuesday night, the City Council moved through a heavy-hitting agenda that committed significant funding to infrastructure and public safety. With Councilmember Ricks-Oddie absent, the remaining eight members voted unanimously on every major item.
Here is the breakdown of what was decided and how it impacts your neighborhood:
1. The Big Ticket: The Pool is (Finally) A Go
After a decade of temporary fixes and design debates, the Council officially greenlit the construction of the permanent Belmont Beach and Aquatics Center.
• The Decision: The Council awarded the construction contract to Bernards Bros. Inc.
• The Cost: The contract authority is set at approximately $59.8 million.
• The Funding: As noted in the budget breakdown, this isn’t coming from the General Fund (your taxes). It is being financed through the Tidelands Operating Fund, essentially borrowing against future coastal revenues.
2. Public Safety: Contracts, Calming, and Street Racing
Three separate items on Tuesday will shape how the city handles safety and streets for the next few years.
• Police Contract Signed: The Council finalized a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Long Beach Police Officers Association. This contract sets wages and conditions for officers through 2028, aiming to stabilize staffing levels.
• $5 Million for Slower Streets: If you have been asking for speed humps or digital speed feedback signs ,help is ont he way. The Council authorized a $5 million contract with Traffic Logix Corporation to purchase traffic calming devices for neighborhoods citywide.
• Cracking Down on Takeovers: The City Attorney has been directed to draft a new ordinance targeting spectators at street races and sideshows. The goal is to discourage these events by penalizing the audience that fuels them.
3. Neighborhood & Development News
• New Life for Atlantic Ave: In a win for District 6, the city entered an “Exclusive Negotiating Agreement” (ENA) with the United Cambodian Community and LTSC Community Development Corporation. This is the first formal step toward developing the surplus city land at 1858 Atlantic Avenue into a community asset.
• Zaferia District: The Business Improvement District (BID) for the Zaferia area (around Anaheim St. and Redondo Ave.) was renewed for another year, ensuring continued services for local businesses.
• North Long Beach Education: The Council updated its agreement with Long Beach City College to continue supporting the Higher Education Center at 635 South Street, keeping college resources accessible in North Long Beach.
One More Thing: The Council formally adopted the 2025 Military Equipment Special Order, a state-mandated annual transparency report that outlines what specialized equipment (like drones or armored vehicles) the police department possesses and how it is used.
Want to know more about this? Keep reading!
The Military Equipment Special Order is a transparency and oversight policy mandated by State law regarding how the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) acquires and uses specialized equipment.
Here is a breakdown of what the order entails, the legal requirements, and the specific equipment involved.
1. The Legal Requirement (Assembly Bill 481)
The Special Order is required by California Assembly Bill 481 (AB 481), which was enacted to increase transparency and accountability for law enforcement agencies.
• The Mandate: The law requires the Police Department to obtain approval from the City Council (the governing body) before funding, acquiring, or using military-style equipment.
• The Policy: The “Special Order” serves as the official department policy that outlines the funding, acquisition, use, and reporting requirements for this equipment.
2. The Annual Process
The approval of this equipment is not a one-time event; it is an annual recurring legislative process.
• Annual Report: The LBPD must submit an Annual Military Equipment Use Report detailing how the equipment was used in the previous year.
• Public Meeting: The City Council must hold a public hearing to review the report and the policy before voting.
• Ordinance Adoption: The Council formally adopts the Special Order via an ordinance. These are often passed as “emergency ordinances” to ensure they take effect immediately, allowing the department to continue using the equipment without interruption.
3. Examples of Equipment Covered
While the term “military equipment” is broad, the City Council documents identify specific items purchased or authorized under this framework or related public safety grants:
• Armored Vehicles: The purchase of a BearCat armored tactical vehicle (manufactured by Lenco Industries) was approved with specific reference to these conditions.
• Less-Lethal Munitions: The Council has authorized the acquisition of 40mm Exact Impact sponge munitions (manufactured by Defense Technology) in compliance with AB 481.
• Drones (UAVs): The budget and policy documents include funding for “Drone Program equipment” to enhance situational awareness for large-scale events and daily patrol operations.
4. Recent Legislative Actions
The City Council has consistently voted to approve these orders over the last several years:
• October 2022: The Council declared an ordinance adopting the Special Order following the initial implementation of the state law.
• April 2024: The Council received the 2022 Annual Military Equipment Report and directed the City Attorney to draft the ordinance for the 2023 Special Order.
• December 2024: The Council received the 2024 Annual Report and adopted the 2025 Military Equipment Special Order.
• January 2026: The agenda included a recommendation to declare the ordinance for the 2025 Special Order.
January 13, 2026
Long Beach City Council Meeting Recap
Date: Tuesday, January 13, 2026 Time: 3:00 PM
At a Glance
The Council convened for a streamlined session focused heavily on upcoming events and infrastructure adjustments. Key actions included logistical approvals for the 2026 Grand Prix, the acquisition of new digital equipment for city use, and the final adoption of an ordinance affecting the Belmont Shore business district.
Attendance
• Present: Mayor Rex Richardson presiding. Councilmembers Cindy Allen, Kristina Duggan, Megan Kerr, Dr. Suely Saro, Roberto Uranga, Tunua Thrash-Ntuk, and Dr. Joni Ricks-Oddie.
• Absent: Councilmembers Mary Zendejas and Daryl Supernaw.
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Key Legislative & Administrative Actions
1. 2026 Grand Prix of Long Beach Preparation
The Council moved forward with essential approvals for the city’s premier racing event:
• Revocable Permit: The City Manager was authorized to execute a permit granting the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach permission to occupy specific areas for hospitality and parking during the event.
• Street Closures (Resolution No. RES-26-0010): The Council authorized temporary closures of streets, alleys, walkways, the Promenade, and the Downtown Shoreline bike path. These closures will occur as needed between February 26, 2026, and May 7, 2026, to accommodate construction and racing activities.
2. “Insane Impact” LED Trailer Acquisition
• The Purchase: The Council authorized the purchase of a MAX2313 mobile Light-Emitting Diode (LED) trailer from Insane Impact LLC, based in Des Moines, IA.
• Cost: The contract is not to exceed $309,965, inclusive of taxes and fees.
• Procurement Method: This purchase was approved via Resolution No. RES-26-0011, utilizing a “piggyback” contract arrangement based on terms previously negotiated by the City of Los Angeles.
3. Belmont Shore Business Improvement Area (Ordinance Adoption)
• Action: The Council adopted Ordinance No. ORD-26-0002, which amends Ordinance No. C-5963.
• Impact: This legislation modifies the assessments levied within the Belmont Shore Parking and Business Improvement Area (District 3).
• Vote: The ordinance passed with 6 votes in favor (Duggan, Kerr, Saro, Uranga, Thrash-Ntuk, Ricks-Oddie). Councilmembers Zendejas, Allen, and Supernaw were absent for this specific vote.
4. Financial & Real Estate Items
• Carnegie Library Grant: The City accepted a $10,000 donation from the Carnegie Corporation of New York. These funds were appropriated to the Library, Arts, and Culture Department as part of the “Carnegie Libraries 250” special initiative.
• Contract Amendment: The Council approved a motion to increase a specific contract amount by $200,000, bringing the total not-to-exceed amount to $400,000. This is for a legal expense for the case: Los Angeles Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals v. City of Long Beach, Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. 25STCV07086.
• Utility Easement: The Council accepted an easement deed from NASH-HOLLAND 3PAC INVESTORS, LLC for the property at 131 West 3rd Street. This easement allows for the installation of public utilities.
5. Administrative Procedures
• Damage Claims: Claims received between December 29, 2025, and January 5, 2026, were referred to the City Attorney for handling.
• Public Comment: There was no public comment recorded for the items on the agenda during this session.
No Dissent or discussion was recorded at this meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 3:25pm.
January 6, 2026
Council Doubles Down on Waterfront Music Venue
On January 6, 2026, the Long Beach City Council kicked off the new year by approving approximately $15.1 million in spending and appropriations. The voting streak from late 2025 continued, with zero “No” votes recorded across the entire agenda, as every item passed unanimously among the members present. While the meeting covered diverse topics—from digital sidewalk kiosks to the preservation of the VIP Records sign—the centerpiece was a massive injection of cash into the “Long Beach Bowl,” a temporary amphitheater project intended to transform the city’s waterfront. With millions flowing from the Tidelands Fund, does unanimous consent signal a unified vision or a lack of rigorous debate on financial risk?
The Big Ticket: The Long Beach Amphitheater The most significant financial commitment involves the new Long Beach Amphitheater, a temporary 11,000-seat venue located adjacent to the Queen Mary. The City’s strategy relies on the venue generating sufficient net operating profit to offset the upfront capital investments. However, the costs to launch this temporary venue have risen substantially over the last year.
To date, the City Council has approved approximately $22.8 million in appropriations and contracts to get the amphitheater operational:
• April 1, 2025: The Council appropriated $1.5 million for pre-opening services to be provided by the operator, ASM Global, covering sales, general, and administrative expenses.
• June 17, 2025: A contract was awarded to InProduction, Inc. for the fabrication, transportation, and installation of grandstands and seating, for a total not to exceed $5.46 million.
• January 6, 2026: The Council approved an additional $7.3 million appropriation to cover higher costs for site improvements as well as furniture, fixtures, and equipment.
• With the project costs escalating by over $7 million in less than a year, will the projected revenue streams materialize quickly enough to replenish the Tidelands Fund before the “temporary” venue reaches the end of its lifespan?
Shaping the Cityscape: Digital Kiosks and Historic Signs Beyond the amphitheater, the Council addressed the city’s physical landscape through two distinct items involving both modernization and preservation:
• Digital Kiosks: A 10-year contract was awarded to IKE Smart City, LLC to design, install, and operate a network of up to 50 digital kiosks citywide. These kiosks will handle content management and advertising sales.
• VIP Records: Preserving a piece of local history, the Council authorized a $170,000 contract to refurbish, publicly display, and license the iconic VIP Records sign. The Council also referred a proposal to name the site at PCH and MLK Jr. Ave “The VIP Records Park” to the Government Operations and Efficiency Committee.
Real Estate and Fleet Investments The meeting also finalized a notable real estate transaction regarding the Long Beach Yacht Club at 6201 Appian Way. The Council authorized a lease amendment that extends the club’s term and facilitates capital improvements. Crucially, the agreement establishes “rent offsets,” allowing the private club to deduct construction and renovation costs against the rent they would otherwise owe the City. With public tidelands being a finite resource, is subsidizing private improvements through rent deductions the most effective way to manage city assets?
Finally, the Council authorized the purchase of heavy fleet equipment to modernize City operations:
• Electric Trucks: A $315,961 contract for six all-electric Ford F-150 trucks for the Airport.
• Solar Charging: A $409,261 contract for four portable solar-powered electric vehicle chargers.
• Heavy Lifters: A contract increase for $880,000 for heavy-duty vehicles including refuse trucks and sweepers.
Thanks for this recap - pleasantly surprised to hear about the preservation of the VIP records sign - and encouraged to think that hard-hit corner might get a little beautification/park space.