Dear Friend --

Today, we welcomed Governor Newsom to Long Beach for a roundtable discussion about public safety with mayors and police chiefs from California’s 13 largest cities. Our nation is facing a gun violence public health epidemic, and every leader who spoke today, spoke about the incredible challenge posed by this increase in firearms.

Here in Long Beach, firearm-related arrests are up more than 60% from last year and total firearms seized are up 51%. We discussed ways in which cities and the State can come together to take on crime and keep our communities safe. After the discussion, we had a chance to visit local small businesses on Retro Row and talk about our city's economic recovery as we move out of this pandemic.

Just last night, the Long Beach City Council committed up to $5 million for our city’s Safety Recovery Plan, which will continue to make investments in our neighborhoods by ensuring resources are available to build community trust, develop economic opportunities, support our city’s youth and combat crime. You can see the plan as it was presented to the City Council here.

I want to thank the Governor, his team, the small businesses we visited on Retro Row: Portfolio Coffeehouse, Songbird Boutique, The Hangout, and all the elected and police chiefs for taking the time to visit Long Beach today – and for the conversation we had. It’s partnerships like the one we demonstrated today that show us we will build back better, and public safety is central to our recovery.

Thank you and Go Long Beach, 

Mayor Robert Garcia