Here is the latest local news to kick off the week of Monday, February 5, 2024.
L.A County Begins Mail-In Voting for the Primary Nominating Election
The Los Angeles Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk has initiated the distribution of Vote by Mail ballots for the upcoming Mar. 5 Primary Nominating Election. All registered voters in Los Angeles County, including Long Beach, will receive a mailed ballot. Voters have the option to return their ballots by mail (postage not required), in person at any Vote Center in the county, or through designated Vote by Mail Ballot Drop Boxes. Long Beach residents can access over 400 drop boxes, including 17 locations within the city, with 24-hour availability. The drop boxes will remain open until 8 p.m. on Election Day. Voters can track their ballots online, and additional information is accessible on lavote.gov, including a list of all 24-hour Vote by Mail Ballot Drop Boxes, registration details, and language-specific ballot requests. Learn more here.
Long Beach City Council Approves Sidewalk Vending Ordinance
The Long Beach City Council unanimously approved a new sidewalk vending ordinance during its Jan. 23, 2024 meeting, aimed at fostering entrepreneurial opportunities while prioritizing public health, safety, and ADA access. Effective from Feb. 23 of this year, the ordinance decriminalizes sidewalk vending but requires vendors to obtain a business license, sidewalk vending permit, and health permit. The city aims to streamline processes and reduce barriers, offering financial assistance to vendors in the first year. The ordinance also outlines regulations for food safety, placement, size, and accessibility considerations, with enforcement emphasizing education about the ordinance. The Sidewalk Vending Program, funded by the Long Beach Recovery Act, will offer this education to vendors during the first year. The ordinance and its enforcement will be evaluated approximately six months after implementation. Learn more here.
Long Beach Breaks Ground on Junipero Beach Sports Courts Project
The city of Long Beach celebrated the groundbreaking of the Junipero Beach Sports Courts project, which featured Mayor Rex Richardson and Vice Mayor Cindy Allen. The project, located off Ocean Boulevard and Junipero Avenue, aims to enhance recreational offerings with a roller skate area, a full basketball court, and integrated seating. Construction has already begun, with completion expected by spring 2024. The $1,050,000 project is funded by the Tidelands Capital Project program, with a pending $150,000 grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Fund South Coast Shoreline Parks and Outdoor Recreation Grants Program. For more information, visit longbeach.gov/juniperosportsproject.
Long Beach Health Department Expands Vital Records Services
The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services has extended its Vital Records services, now offering authorized copies of birth and death certificates for events within the past five years. Previously limited to records from the past year, this expansion aims to meet increased demand and enhance customer service. Residents can request certificates by completing an application at the Vital Records office. The Health Department’s Main Health Facility is open on weekdays, and no appointments are necessary. For records older than five years, individuals can contact the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder. More information is available at longbeach.gov/vitalrecords or by calling 562.570.4305.
City of Long Beach Opens Registration for Spring Recreation Classes
The City of Long Beach Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine is launching registration for a diverse range of new and existing recreation classes starting March through May 2024. With over 700 activities, classes include options for preschoolers, youth, teens, adults, and seniors, covering subjects from basketball and cake design to drawing fundamentals and tai chi. Residents can register online or in person at the PRM Registration Reservations Office (2760 Studebaker Rd.) starting February 5. The Recreation Connection catalog, available online and at various locations, provides details on classes, including free and low-cost activities. More information is accessible at LBParks.org or by calling 562.570.3111. Learn more here.
