[{"_1":2,"_120":-5,"_121":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6492141,"mediaKeyId","5444767-05c83f2eea258bcd276b3a15bc003657","parentId",5444767,"title","Votes at a glance: key Long Beach City Council actions and approvals","audioSeconds",5143,"startMs",1284000,"endMs",6427000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5444767-05c83f2eea258bcd276b3a15bc003657&start=1284&end=6427","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5444767-05c83f2eea258bcd276b3a15bc003657/thumbnail_1284000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6492141/Long-Beach/Los-Angeles-County/California/Votes-at-a-glance-key-Long-Beach-City-Council-actions-and-approvals","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6492141-d58b26887dbef79f485f1b60294994c3/orig.mp4?Expires=1775714776&Signature=F6m0McGRwAZZ0uyxaM3KPuAhxNKEb8Hc9qGp9nbwe5hq5l6FDuiQjgYou7x1uvtuifxi66pWFc9LYe0k69uu~D3XZR04b7R2Dwv3xfb4CMdiA6rCm5~27TyyVv9BQ9WpuAr22-Wm4WSooj6ni2JM0IJFV~WUQALHglqc8kkYC7UNSO-cMSRZW5Mh3GVZSNaYGwA7bCBvFcpeX5wCdd6vqu2LPce9LraWbR2PxxmtsMMM6wpPEZcKoL95vct3FivmfnNyIbbCxx8KClF3tGd-ZjVnvUUetKRgANKa5t6s39uZYqyvjmnnCipSf6apdAe1cTmIA3~Hm91AYUCHPdLi6Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-07-23T03:19:54.237Z","article","The Long Beach City Council voted on a range of items in a meeting that combined ceremonial recognitions with policy actions, contract approvals and funding acceptances. Below are the main outcomes of items containing formal council actions.

Key votes and outcomes

- Blair Field partnership (Item 50): Council directed the city manager to work with California State University, Long Beach, the Long Beach Baseball Club Inc. and other stakeholders to explore a collaborative partnership for use of Blair Field as a new professional baseball team home venue. Outcome: motion carried; staff to report back.

- Child‑watch pilot feasibility (Item 51): Council asked the city manager to evaluate the feasibility of a child‑watch program during council meetings and report back in 90 days. Outcome: motion carried.

- Convention center living wage (Item 64): First reading of an ordinance to extend living‑wage coverage to airport and convention center workers was read and laid over for final reading. Outcome: first reading carried; second reading required for adoption.

- Self‑checkout staffing ordinance (Item 65): Council advanced a draft ordinance to establish staffing requirements for self‑checkout at grocery and drug stores but requested edits. Council directed the city attorney to remove the word “adequate” from the observation requirement and agreed to change a proposed monitoring ratio from 1:2 to 1:3; the revised draft will return for further reading. Outcome: motion carried to revise and return; no final adoption yet.

Selected additional actions (consent and contract items)

- Convention & Entertainment Center capital improvement supplemental agreement with ASM Global management for capital projects: approved (amount noted in packet). Outcome: motion carried.

- Execute agreement with City of Los Angeles to receive 2024 Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) grant funds: approved. Outcome: motion carried.

- Accept and expend $12,341,587 from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (Homeless Housing Assistance and Prevention Program, Round 6): approved. Outcome: motion carried.

- Accept and expend Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program funds ($13,114,644 total allocation): approved. Outcome: motion carried.

- Multi Service Center upgrades: appropriations increase approved (grant from California Natural Resource Agency): outcome: motion carried.

- Multiple public-works and transportation grants and contracts, including Pacific Avenue protected bike lanes (federal U.S. DOT grant, $25 million) and First Street pedestrian improvements (LA County grant, $1.5 million): approvals carried.

- Utilities rate action: The Board of Utilities’ recommendation to adjust gas rates was discussed; council heard the presentation and related outreach will continue (specific rate actions to come through board and city budget processes). Outcome: presentation and next steps acknowledged; rate schedule action to follow through required board/city adoption steps.

What this means

Several items will return to the council for final adoption, implementing steps or budget adjustments. Notably, the two draft ordinances (living wage and self‑checkout staffing) have been advanced but require further council action before they can take effect. Grants and contracts approved at the meeting will enable near‑term capital and program work across public safety, homeless services and transportation.

Provenance: The agenda items and outcomes above are taken from the council meeting record and public testimony at the July session.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Long Beach City Council Meeting 7/22/25","oneSentenceSummary","A roundup of the council’s formal votes and notable approvals from the meeting, including directed negotiations for Blair Field, a child‑watch feasibility report, first readings of two ordinances and multiple grants and contracts carried as consent or action items.","taxTitle","Long Beach, Los Angeles County, California","taxId",4676,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6492144,"Council advances draft ordinance requiring staffing at grocery/drug self-checkouts with edits for clarity",2482,3672000,6154000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5444767-05c83f2eea258bcd276b3a15bc003657&start=3672&end=6154","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5444767-05c83f2eea258bcd276b3a15bc003657/thumbnail_3672000.jpg","/articles/6492144/Long-Beach/Los-Angeles-County/California/Council-advances-draft-ordinance-requiring-staffing-at-grocerydrug-self-checkouts-with-edits-for-clarity","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6492144-f662ef5a92964697446822791e1ff800/orig.mp4?Expires=1775714776&Signature=Rp5e1Z4tGap5mRucFgB24WeMYpqbrFLH2HlcBaY99NPwn1oLmcUnR~zYtZJ5201B2XgXaEQt2JkZx9vy29kJNV37PGiji-7eNpT~3KqaZtfWDWgc1X6m4TC5OgcNPBiqrnUWBnvQzdSS0Pet3eI9zWuigxlp1GEKVNjJxHXtHKGp9GGkbzxiRBADhAiPgI~yPV85SAmINOK0aPrzJBFqugI2c0LxpY3gH9iUNsHWCcDQH0X-Do7rhB1sS-iPRk5wJzhw~aUtzyteg2eYss0gMgYQGBq7d-muXn4VYFXwrRwnKOUrfZrYAgCHeLv60VFOlNVmpBAMYxtNs6yQIMg3ww__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Long Beach City Council advanced on first reading a proposed ordinance that would establish staffing and operational requirements for self‑checkout stations at grocery and drug stores, after making two directed edits and asking the city attorney to return with the revised draft.

Councilmember Mary Zendejas, the ordinance author, framed the measure as a public‑safety and worker‑protection step. “Our residents and local workers deserve to feel safe at work and in our grocery stores,” Zendejas said in opening remarks. The proposal followed months of stakeholder meetings and a staff memo of options.

Workers, union representatives and community groups provided a high volume of public comment urging the council to adopt firm staffing rules. Grocery workers described stress and safety incidents at unattended self‑checkout areas. Long‑time cashier Linda Mounia said, “Working 6 self checkouts at the same time is just as stressful and difficult…,” and other employees and union organizers echoed calls for guaranteed staffing and clearer enforcement tools.

Business groups urged caution and asked the council to align with pending state legislation. The Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce submitted a letter urging the council to consider a provision that would defer to future state law (SB 442 referenced) to avoid creating a regulatory island. The California Grocers Association asked the council not to move forward while similar state legislation and recently negotiated contracts remain under way.

Council deliberations focused on vagueness in several draft provisions and potential exposure to private lawsuits. Councilmember Kerr proposed a friendly amendment to change the minimum monitoring ratio; councilmembers agreed to move from a 1:2 ratio to a 1:3 staffing ratio (one employee per three self‑checkout stations). The council also asked the city attorney to remove the word “adequate” from a phrase describing observation requirements to reduce ambiguity. The council then carried a motion to have the city attorney return with the edited ordinance for first reading at the next meeting.

Outcome: The council carried the motion to revise the draft ordinance, removing the word “adequate” from the observation requirement and changing the monitoring ratio from 1:2 to 1:3. The city attorney will return with the revised text for a future reading; the ordinance has not yet been finally adopted.

What’s next: City attorney staff will edit the ordinance language as directed, and the item will return for a future reading after those clarifications are incorporated. Stakeholders on both sides said they would continue negotiating and monitoring related state legislation.","On first reading the council advanced a draft ordinance that would set staffing requirements for self‑checkout stations at grocery and drug stores to reduce retail theft and improve worker safety; the council asked the city attorney to remove a vague term and adjusted the staff-to-station ratio before returning the ordinance for further review.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6492145,"Council advances first reading to extend living‑wage coverage to airport and convention workers",913,3088000,4001000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5444767-05c83f2eea258bcd276b3a15bc003657&start=3088&end=4001","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5444767-05c83f2eea258bcd276b3a15bc003657/thumbnail_3088000.jpg","/articles/6492145/Long-Beach/Los-Angeles-County/California/Council-advances-first-reading-to-extend-livingwage-coverage-to-airport-and-convention-workers","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6492145-330bb5710a4687647bfe882cc38854ad/orig.mp4?Expires=1775714776&Signature=e-LAUjYPWn1eDQG55UWhB7AkhRKRctatu276Ur1N~puKxxcpVhBG4b~S-rNWPTL5E03HnZA4WeOcIEZWd9mhjL3OyjTL7RibArTt9KERLlb2rPlj9VmyQdc95saBHhi9Z7K-ck8sR~ssIVFsGu7zW13axZvT4vXjf540RP-ioQOrLn0D1yKWiH-Y6ovzG6XKdyEZx7cCbayuO4NfgcTZ2IUYOvaenmidQri3OtV3YIb0xL1Z7Y8HujnlAOiSoPb1p9NomuQexNUkrPOojrL1lfk8xu0FUFId0UooBpjuOrK6zww8N3u7lntRfaw1G5LLWQkQS6U5CLHORXqBkC8W-A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Long Beach City Council read for the first time, and laid over for a final reading, an ordinance that would amend the municipal code to extend living-wage protections to workers at Long Beach Airport and the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center.

Councilmembers framed the ordinance as a continuation of the city’s Measure RW work to raise wages for hospitality workers. Councilmember Saro — who led the ordinance presentation for the council — thanked workers and industry stakeholders and said ensuring “fair wages and living wages” supports a stable workforce that can remain in Long Beach. The item drew a series of public comments from airport and convention workers and allied organizations, who urged council approval.

Workers described the local economic context and the demands of airport and convention work. Gloria Hernandez, who identified herself as an airport cashier, told the council many workers are “barely hanging on,” and asked for wages that allow them to “live in the city we serve.” Other advocates from Laine (Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy), Unite Here Local 11 and clergy groups supported the measure.

City staff and council members noted the timing ahead of major global events and the city’s role as an Olympic host-region venue. Mayor Rex Richardson and Councilmember Saro both emphasized the policy would align the airport and convention center concession workers with previously approved hotel wage standards and would come back for a required second reading before taking effect.

Outcome: The council carried the ordinance on first reading and laid it over to a subsequent regular meeting for final reading. No final adoption occurred at this meeting; a second reading and final vote will be required to enact the ordinance.

What’s next: The item will return to the council for final reading and the formal adoption vote at the next regular meeting date specified by the city clerk. Meanwhile, proponents and city staff will continue implementation planning for the broader coverage if the ordinance is adopted on second reading.","On first reading the council voted to amend the municipal code to extend the city's living wage policy to workers at the airport and the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center; the measure was read for the first time and laid over to a future meeting for final reading.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6492146,"Council asks manager to study child-watch pilot for council meetings, report due in 90 days",988,2052000,3040000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5444767-05c83f2eea258bcd276b3a15bc003657&start=2052&end=3040","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5444767-05c83f2eea258bcd276b3a15bc003657/thumbnail_2052000.jpg","/articles/6492146/Long-Beach/Los-Angeles-County/California/Council-asks-manager-to-study-child-watch-pilot-for-council-meetings-report-due-in-90-days","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6492146-b793489807d002387733cfd383ee0f47/orig.mp4?Expires=1775714776&Signature=ATiwwIuLnD0ZGw0U4cd17Ui5-nw9qGKagxH3XO3drFm2dDJR0az1HU26zc0spWp-ApjWvU61zJCN3DZWgM34R21boYXTeXh3pRSsl~LZXNfEsMM5vdsQOV4-XoUcOksTUeLFEpAb4LeXHnVdcF35axip78I4elsVJSjnP6PISmiSXhTXBzD9YXE3x6gsJGaODOf9Dkfezw~YoNC7Xfz2ZkoppwGFZ6LFBwY8HV10cICwV0vOpMjirklOgnxNb6Q7iAhs6OLhW~lgmiLKbh0qsZ8mSyWi2-3ZzxKCHEBvC25iwyWdSfXsaU4xPCXFys-NDk2GTj3C7nGIjcNS2gbgcg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Long Beach City Council voted to ask the city manager to evaluate the feasibility of a child-watch pilot during council meetings and return to the council with a report within 90 days.

Councilmember Ricks Odey introduced the item alongside Councilmembers Saro and Thrash Ntuk, saying the pilot would support working families and increase civic participation by offering safe, supervised child care while parents attend or participate in meetings. \"The purpose of this proposal is to support working families and increase civic participation by exploring the launch of a child watch service program during city council meetings,\" the councilmember said.

Sponsors described the proposal as continuing earlier efforts begun in 2019 and stalled by the COVID-19 pandemic. Councilmembers emphasized equity and accessibility: Councilmember Thrash Ntuk said the pilot could begin “starting small” and suggested testing the service with city staff or a limited group to work through logistics and safety protocols.

Councilmembers raised practical questions staff should address in the feasibility study: expected hours and staffing needs, whether the clerk’s office can handle registrations, liability and background checks, how long children might be expected to remain during long meetings, and whether the pilot could coordinate with neighborhood sites or other city facilities. Councilmember Kerr suggested looking at models used by other cities and considering a reservation system to avoid long waits for parents.

Public commenters and former Councilwoman Janine Pierce — an early proponent of the idea — spoke in support. The council received letters of support from state and local elected officials and civic groups, including Senator Lina Gonzalez and the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce, according to the item’s presentation.

Outcome: Motion carried. The city manager was directed to prepare a feasibility report and return within 90 days with recommendations on piloting a child-watch service during council meetings.

What’s next: Staff will evaluate logistics, staffing implications, liability and cost, and report back to the council with implementation options and any recommended budget or staffing changes.","The council voted unanimously to direct the city manager to evaluate a pilot child-watch program during council meetings and return with feasibility findings in 90 days to increase civic access for caregivers.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":44,"_45":114,"_47":115,"_49":50,"_51":116,"_53":117,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":118,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":119,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6492147,"Long Beach council directs staff to negotiate use of Blair Field for new professional baseball team",746,2030000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5444767-05c83f2eea258bcd276b3a15bc003657&start=1284&end=2030","/articles/6492147/Long-Beach/Los-Angeles-County/California/Long-Beach-council-directs-staff-to-negotiate-use-of-Blair-Field-for-new-professional-baseball-team","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6492147-5895e37b520a3c9d1b984c78aa95a28e/orig.mp4?Expires=1775714776&Signature=IAGvnNPr3a4ymO-IsqAC7B~VcN3K~AbOnInc1ntQjbzzoeDw7MzWui64q~6-O-kJlZhIqX-0XdCLUIqimE7yHtPwGSHdbb7lnOnMOygoKWYheBahS5c9cYlxs4aFRMrAFwCjufVIAjKvST-964Bzp02hXlsiKNF4Wn1plMrwRRLi7pcM-HCIA95GuBX4mg~GUewzG-g~lYVoKcIoW67qpbIuoEZ4w65AG-ikvyvd7NHF06zUTZf-wTUASd~Xmt~GUHMbZ7pjkGGIYaX64kYTcSoxUlKOqkjyhhUN3mr1gSK3izjvzJy4quciOm8Pb~4r12bQbg9A5IM7jjJL8RCe3w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Long Beach City Council voted to direct the city manager to work with California State University, Long Beach, the Long Beach Baseball Club Inc. and other stakeholders to explore a collaborative partnership to use Blair Field as the home venue for a new professional baseball team.

Supporters framed the proposal as an opportunity to boost local recreation, bring economic activity and restore Blair Field’s historic role as a community venue. Mayor Rex Richardson said the effort could “invigorate local pride” and help “generate the kind of economic activity to help ultimately invest and restore Blair Field to its glory.”

The motion, presented by Councilmember Duggan, asks staff — including economic development and parks, recreation and marine — to work with the university and the ownership group to identify concerns, preserve designated public-access days and report back as the parties explore a mutually beneficial agreement. Duggan said the proposal seeks to create a “brand new professional baseball team for Long Beach,” not to relocate an existing franchise.

Ownership representatives told the council they aim to build a community-rooted team. Brian Carmel, co‑founder of the Oakland Ballers and part of the ownership group, described the approach as “build with radical participation from community at every level.” Carmel said his Oakland startup sold thousands of hats and drew large crowds in its first season and that the same model could work in Long Beach.

Chase Darnot, a Long Beach native and former professional player who runs a baseball development program, said Blair Field is “where the game lives in the city, and this new independent league team belongs there.” Members of the council noted public enthusiasm and said the city’s role would be to help shape scheduling, access and potential upgrades.

Council members emphasized protections for the university schedule and neighboring residents. Councilmember Kerr noted Long Beach’s long baseball history and said the city should ensure arrangements are “mutually beneficial for the university, for Blair Field, for athletes” and the surrounding neighborhoods.

Outcome: The council carried the motion directing staff to pursue the discussions and report back. The item does not commit the city to a final lease or contract; it authorizes staff to negotiate and return with a proposed collaborative agreement for further council consideration.

What’s next: Staff will begin formal discussions with Cal State Long Beach and the Long Beach Baseball Club Inc., and report back to the council with potential terms and any recommended changes to city operations or facility management needed to accommodate a professional season.","The Long Beach City Council voted to direct staff to work with Cal State Long Beach, Long Beach Baseball Club Inc. and other stakeholders to explore a partnership to use city-owned Blair Field as the home venue for a new independent professional baseball team.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: key Long Beach City Council actions and approvals

Council advances draft ordinance requiring staffing at grocery/drug self-checkouts with edits for clarity

Council advances first reading to extend living‑wage coverage to airport and convention workers

Council asks manager to study child-watch pilot for council meetings, report due in 90 days

Long Beach council directs staff to negotiate use of Blair Field for new professional baseball team