Residents press council on school-bus cameras, sight-line hedges and high-voltage cable concerns

During public comment at the Sept. 2 Long Beach City Council meeting, several residents urged the council to address distinct public-safety issues.

Ron Paganini said he is concerned about proposed high-voltage transmission cables associated with a broader North American Super Grid study and asked whether the project (referred to as 'Empire 2' in comment) is permanently canceled; he urged the council to send certified mail to state officials and contact media and utility companies. Council members said they are monitoring the issue, relying on outside counsel for advice, and that positions may change as new information emerges.

Jacob Spielberg submitted documents and pressed the council on a previously filed list of about 60 corners around the city where hedges or fences obstruct sight lines near schools. He said several flagged corners remained unaddressed and urged the building department to apply the ordinance consistently to restore safe sight lines for students and pedestrians. Council members acknowledged the concern, noted that multiple agencies are involved, and said some corners had been addressed while more work is required.

Joe Slarawada described a $250 ticket received by his wife from a contractor administering school-bus camera enforcement. He criticized the notices and enforcement process, saying the system lacked routes to reduce fines or clear appeal guidance. He asked whether cameras could be calibrated to take photos only when the bus stop sign is deployed; police and council noted that New York state law ties the prohibition to flashing red lights on a bus and that legislative action would be required to change the state rule.

Residents urged clearer communication about enforcement and faster action on sight-line hazards before school sessions began; the council and staff agreed to continue working on these issues and said some enforcement and remediation have already been completed.