Two ballot measures that Long Beach voters approved in the Nov. 8 elections are slated to overhaul a pair of city commissions—the Board of Water Commissioners will be retooled to oversee all public utilities, while a new Police Oversight Commission will replace the Citizens Police Complaint Commission.
The outcome of the East Long Beach race could have significant consequences for the next mayor and the balance of power on the nine-member City Council. Just 113 votes separates the two candidates.
A new poll found that Measure Q, which would raise property taxes to fund school improvements, is a toss-up.
A “yes” vote would allow the city to merge the departments. A “no” vote would keep them separated.
The move to strengthen police accountability in Long Beach began after George Floyd’s murder, but there’s debate over whether voting for Measure E achieves that goal.
Because of a lawsuit, Long Beach residents now have to vote on when they want to hold elections.
Villanueva called Luna a puppet candidate for the Board of Supervisors. Luna said Villanueva was wrong to investigate his enemies.
Local officials are blaming the mistake on a proofreading error and confusion over shifting election dates.
Discontent with Sheriff Alex Villanueva has reached a fever pitch, but it would be a rare feat for retired Long Beach Police Chief Robert Luna to boot him from office.
Leaders will discuss three charter amendments that could be added to the November ballot: A consolidation of the city’s utilities, aligning election cycles permanently with the state, and changing the way the police oversight is conducted in the city.
