Dear Friend --

I want to wish everyone celebrating this weekend a Merry Christmas and a safe holiday with loved ones. We've come an incredible way in just the last year and I'm grateful to be able to spend this time with family and friends.

From our team to yours, happy holidays! Here is our holiday card with me pictured with mascots from CSULB, LBCC and our LBUSD high schools.

Now, as families across our city gather to celebrate together, I also want to encourage everyone to continue to remain safe and help keep our community healthy. The best way you can do this is by getting vaccinated and boosted, gathering outdoors when possible, wearing a mask and getting tested for COVID-19. You can view our Health Department's schedule for vaccine and testing clinics with holiday closures here.

Thank you to the Long Beach residents who have made getting vaccinated a priority. Each of you has helped save lives and made it possible to celebrate these occasions with one another in person. Let's keep it up and keep our amazing community safe.

Thank you and Go Long Beach,

Mayor Robert Garcia