New CSULB President Loren J. Blanchard

Friday, May 1st, was the official start date for the new CSULB President, Dr. Loren Blanchard. In an interview published on Monday, we were pleased to read that his first 100 or so days will be spent doing a lot of listening: meeting with all varied constituent groups interested in meeting with the external community. That prompted me to invite Dr. Blanchard to our CD4 community meeting on May 26th. We’ll let you know next week if he is able to attend. If he is our guest speaker, due to limited space, we will likely ask for an RSVP from those who would like to attend. You can read the entire interview at this link.

Kaleb Neal of Sato Academy Receives $50K SCE Scholarship

At Tuesday’s council meeting, I had the honor of leading a presentation recognizing Southern California Edison Scholar Award recipient, Kaleb Neal. Each year, this program awards 30 high school seniors across the SCE service territory with $50,000 STEM scholarships. For 2026, Kaleb Neal, who is a senior at Sato Academy of Math and Science in CD4, was the only award winner from Long Beach. The scholarships recognize academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement. Kaleb’s submission to the SCE Scholars program discussed how he organized robotics workshops to honor and unite sensory needs. He also introduced a programmable 3D-printed truck kit that empowers senses through guided creation. Thanks to Adrian Garcia, Government Relations Manager for Southern California Edison, for submitting the request for council recognition. Congratulations to Kaleb and his mom Keisha Brockington.

Best wishes for a successful college career and Go Fourth! Photo credit: Liezl Estipona

Mother's Day Brunch Box at Einstein Bagels

4508 E Los Coyotes Diagonal & 2310 N Bellflower Blvd. 

Einstein Bros. Bagels is celebrating Mother's Day with a Brunch Box! Order a Brunch Box and receive a free plain heart bagel. Offer available thru May 10th. Einstein Bros. also has a 20% off E-gift cards. Find the offers here.

Statement on Los Altos LA Fitness Closure

On Friday, April 24th, our office was alerted to permanent closure signs posted at LA Fitness in the Los Altos shopping center. We quickly reached out to the Economic Development and Opportunity department to discuss potential options/solutions to support LA Fitness in remaining in CD4, but we have learned LA Fitness’s parent company has plans to rebrand the site into a Club Studio. A major investment in remodeling the site is forthcoming. We know LA Fitness is a significant community staple in the Los Altos neighborhood and are saddened to see it go. It is expected to permanently close on Monday, May 25th.  

Storm Drain Work at Studebaker & Willow

As part of the Studebaker Road Project, there is currently storm drain construction on Willow at Studebaker. One lane will remain open during construction and work is expected to be completed in two weeks. For more project information and to sign up to receive updates directly to your email, visit the project website here.

CD4 Ballot Drop Box & Voting Locations

There are several ways to get out and vote on or by the Primary Nominating Election on Tuesday, June 2nd. CD4 has three Vote by Mail Drop Box locations. The locations include El Dorado Park West (2800 N Studebaker), Stearns Park (4520 E 23rd St) and CSULB (1250 Bellflower Blvd). The CSULB Drop Box is located between the McIntosh and Education buildings. Other Long Beach drop box locations are listed in the full press release here.

PRM Summer Class Registration Open

Registration open at this link

This summer, the City of Long Beach Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine (PRM) will offer over 700 classes, activities, sports and leagues for people of all ages, abilities and interests. Registration for new and existing recreation classes is available online at this link and in person at the Registration Reservations Office (2760 Studebaker Rd). Read more in the press release here.

605/Katella Ramp Closure Begins Monday

Thru May 13th | Find additional info at this link

Crews are performing paving and striping work on the southbound I-605 Katella Avenue loop on-ramp, requiring a 10-day closure. Closure began on Monday, May 4th and will reopen by 5 am on Wednesday, May 13th. Please expect extended ramp closure during construction, potential noise from nighttime work and additional intermittent ramp closures through summer 2026.

Celebrate Bike Month with T2 Triathlon

M, Th, F: 11-6; Sat: 10-4; Sun: 10-2 | 6400 E Stearns St.

Celebrate Bike Month by visiting one of Long Beach’s coolest spots for all things triathlon and cycling! T2 Triathlon & Cycling was founded in 2023 by local triathlete and bike whisperer Bryan Mewes (pictured with his wife, Nicole, in attached photo). T2 is located next to Simone’s Donuts at 6400 E Stearns Street. Whether you’re just curious about the sport or have been racing for years, T2 has something for everyone. Check out their website at t2triathlon.com or follow on Instagram at @t2triathlon. Stay tuned for more information on their upcoming triathlon.

CSULB Last Day of Classes Today

Classes end May 8th | Finals week May 11th-16th



The last day of classes for the Spring 2026 semester at CSULB is today, May 8th. Final exams are scheduled for Monday, May 11th through Saturday, May 16th. Commencement will take place on campus May 17-21, and the official end of the semester is May 23rd. Check out the “And Finally” feature below for the May ritual that takes place at Atherton & Merriam each year.

Sports Basement Ride Group

May 9th | 7:30 am | 2100 N Bellflower Blvd.



Every second and fourth Saturday of the month, the Sports Basement Long Beach Ride Group meets in front of the store. Tomorrow, May 9th, is the second Saturday of the month, so be there at 7:30 am for the meetup, route details and to sign a waiver. Wheels roll at 8 am! 

Long Beach K-9 Officers Car Show

May 9th | 9 am - 2 pm | POA Park - 7290 E Carson St.



Sultans Car Club and Long Beach K-9 Officer Association are hosting a benefit car show tomorrow, Saturday, May 9th at the Police Officers Association Park. The car show will feature music, raffles, trophies, food and a K-9 Demo at noon. The event and parking is free. Hosts ask that attendees avoid bringing personal pets. Find more information at this link.

FREE HHW & E-Waste Event

May 9th | 9 am - 2 pm | 2755 California Ave.



The City of Long Beach hosts FREE Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) & Electronic Waste Collection Events every 2nd & 4th Saturday of the month at EDCO Recycling & Transfer Center in Signal Hill. The next collection event is tomorrow, Saturday, May 9th. Drop off your hazardous household items, old electronics, and used tires safely. Learn more here. Option to reserve a spot for the event at this link.

Cinco de Meow at Pet Supplies Plus

May 9th | 12 - 2 pm | 2086 N Bellflower Blvd.



Come celebrate with your furry friends the Cinco de Meow event at Pet Supplies Plus. Bring your pet and enjoy free samples and giveaways. Earn Rewards points and enter to win a free year of Dr. Elseys litter. Offers valid for Rewards members only.

Inclusive Family Portrait Day & Picnic

May 9th | 1 - 4 pm | El Dorado Park West - 2800 N Studebaker Rd.



The LBC Hero Squad is hosting the first Annual Inclusive Family Portrait Day & Picnic tomorrow, Saturday, May 9th. The event will have FREE professional family photos. Each family will have the chance to take three pictures that will be digitized and emailed to you. Attendees will enjoy light refreshments, and a beautiful day celebrating connection, inclusion and togetherness. Event will be at El Dorado Park West. Once you enter the park, follow it down past the pond; you’ll see a parking lot and playground. Look for the Hero Squad yard signs and balloons. More info and RSVP here.

American Red Cross Blood Drive

May 11th | 10 am - 4 pm | 7550 E Spring St.



The Nature Center and American Red Cross are hosting a blood drive on Monday, May 11th from 10 to 4 pm. All blood types are needed. Please register to donate by using code ElDoradoLB at this link.

VA Research Fair and Resources

May 12th | 10 am - 1:30 pm | 5901 E 7th St.

Join the VA for the annual research fair on Tuesday, May 12th. Celebrate groundbreaking achievements of health science researchers and the incredible innovation happening at the facility. Discover scientific posters, explore information booths, learn about current clinical trials and hear firsthand experiences from Veterans who have participated in VA research. Event will be at the courtyard outside building 2.

Next on the City Council Agenda

May 12th | 5:00 pm | 411 W Ocean Blvd.

The City Council meeting will start at 5:00 pm in the Civic Chambers on the ground floor of City Hall, located at 411 W. Ocean Blvd. City council meetings are broadcast live online at: LBTV3.com and on Channel 3 for Charter cable subscribers and Channel 21 for FIOS subscribers. Comments can be submitted by email to: CityClerk@longbeach.gov. Items on Tuesday's meeting agenda include:

• R-27: Recommendation to receive and file a presentation on the City’s E-Bike Safety Initiative; and Request City Attorney to prepare amendments to the Long Beach Municipal Code (LBMC), Title 10, Chapter 10.48, to clarify that electric bicycles are included in the definition of bicycles, prohibit Class 3 electric –bicycles on sidewalks and multiuse paths, and remove an outdated provision no longer applicable as outlined in this City Council Letter and the attached memorandum. (Citywide) Office or Department: City Manager
• R-28: Recommendation to receive and file an update on proposed changes to the City Council order of business due to Senate Bill 707; and Request City Attorney to prepare ordinance to amend the Long Beach Municipal Code (LBMC), Title 2, Chapter 2.03 based on the proposed modifications outlined in this City Council letter and the May 1, 2026 staff memorandum regarding those proposed modifications, including but not limited to, adjusting the City Council meeting start time, public comment process, and supplemental agenda timeline. (Citywide) Office or Department: City Manager
• R-31: Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute an agreement and all necessary documents, including any amendments to the allocation amount, with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, BioWatch, to accept and expend funding in the amount awarded to maintain BioWatch Field Operations for biothreat detection, for a three-month period, from May 1, 2026, through July 31, 2026, at the discretion of the City Manager. (Citywide) Office or Department: Health and Human Services

The entire agenda can be found here under Meeting Title, City Council, May 12th, 2026. 

Craftin' Kids at Los Altos Library - Ddakji

May 13th | 3:30 - 4:30 pm | 5614 E Britton Dr.

Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with the monthly Craftin’ Kids program at Los Altos Library! This month, children will create and play ddakji, a traditional Korean paper game that’s fun, colorful, and full of energy. Kids will fold their own ddakji tiles and try to flip their opponent’s piece—building creativity, coordination, and a little friendly competition along the way. This program is designed for school-age children. No registration is required but space is limited.

Small Business Expo at Sports Basement

May 14th | 3 - 6:30 pm | 2100 N Bellflower Blvd.

The Long Beach Department of Economic Development & Opportunity, in partnership with the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, Signal Hill Chamber of Commerce and Small Business Council, is inviting entrepreneurs, small business owners and startups to participate in a Small Business Expo and networking event to celebrate National Small Business Week and Economic Development Week in May. The event features information and resource booths hosted by participating organizations and offer opportunities for attendees to learn about programs and services for small businesses, network with other entrepreneurs and meet with business professionals throughout Long Beach. Read the press release here. This event is for small businesses and has a fee to attend.

Sports Basement LB Outdoor Fest

May 16th | 9 am - 1 pm | 2100 N Bellflower Blvd.



Sports Basement Long Beach is hosting the Great Outdoor Fest on Saturday, May 16th! There will be many sports brands, discounts, samples and a chance to win the newest outdoor gear. Find more info and secure a spot here.

2nd Annual Rancho Estates Art Crawl

May 16th | 10 - 11 am | Rancho Estates



Join the Rancho Estates neighborhood for a day of art, craft, music and more for the 2nd annual art crawl. "Crawl" the neighborhood, meet up with friends and check in on your favorite artists' new projects. This self-guided event is FREE - no tickets or passes to buy. Find more info here.

Bird Walk at the Nature Center

May 17th | 8 - 10 am | 7550 E Spring St.

Whether you're a new birdwatcher or want to sharpen your skills, join volunteers and staff for a morning walk through the Nature Center. There is no sign-up fee, but pre-registration is required by calling (562) 570-1745. Parking is $8.

El Dorado Library Page Turners Book Club

May 19th | 4 - 5 pm | 2900 N Studebaker Rd.

El Dorado Library is hosting the Page Turners Chapter Book Club this month on Tuesday, May 19th. The book for this month is Amulet #1:The Stonekeeper by Kazu Kibuishi. Participants will discuss the book and do fun activities related to the story. This book club is intended for readers age 8 and up. Please call (562) 570-3136 with any questions.

Clark Avenue Project Update

Begins May 27, 2026 | M-F 7 am - 4 pm | Clark Ave



Construction for the Clark Avenue Complete Street Project is tentatively scheduled to begin Wednesday, May 27th on Clark Ave between Anaheim St and Spring St. Planned improvements include full roadway resurfacing, reconstruction of curbs and gutters and pedestrian safety improvements. One lane of travel will remain open during construction. Construction is expected to be completed Fall 2026. General questions can be made to Senior Civil Engineer Jorge Magana at jorge.magana@longbeach.gov or (562) 570-6678. Find more information on the project here.