Residents tell Long Beach council volunteers led wildfire relief efforts and urge more city action

Two members of the public used the council’s public‑comment period to say volunteers have led much of the relief work for nearby wildfires and to criticize the city’s response.

A resident who identified herself as speaking for District 1 said she had “been ready to give up on Long Beach, my home of 36 years” but described volunteers and community groups stepping in after the fires. She urged more city help and said volunteers such as Chris Sweeney of Right Meals have “delivered food, essential items, etcetera, directly to those affected.” The resident said the experience left her “embarrassed and disappointed in the entire council … for failing its city, who turned to community pages to seek ways to truly assist those in need.” She said two of the dead “suffered from cerebral palsy,” described personal health impacts from her volunteer work and appealed, “Help your community.”

Samuel Parker, who identified himself during public comment, told the council he was “thoroughly disappointed in how this council has conducted business in the past month,” accused the council of inaction during the fires, and said volunteers worked “13, 14 hours a day to help people I don't even know.” He warned elected officials that voters “will remember. We will not forget the impotence that has been shown the past year.”

A city manager spoke after public comment to note the city is participating in wildfire relief efforts and to provide a donation option, directing people to the Long Beach to LA campaign and a text‑to‑donate number. The council did not take formal action in response to the public comments during the meeting.