Winter at the Shore

President’s Message

by BJ Newell

WE’RE BA-ACK!

Friends and neighbors!

We hope you are facing 2026 with optimism and enjoying the warm “summer weather” days of January in the Shore!

Have you heard about the “Everybody’s Coast” project?

Come February 5th when…

Alejandro Sanchez-Lopez

and

Paola Tirado Escareno

from

Community Development / Planning Bureau

 Thursday, February 5th

6:30 PM

Bay Shore Community Church Fellowship Hall on the Toledo

Doors open 6 PM

…

What is it?

“Everyone’s Coast: A Zone In Update & Mobility Plan” focuses on all of Long Beach’s shoreline communities: Alamitos Beach through Bluff Park, Belmont Shore, Naples and the Peninsula…from the beaches up to Broadway Avenue. The goal is to update the building codes in those communities to implement the city’s General Plan, which is to support a wider range of housing options in the city and to improve mobility and access between our coastal communities and our central communities.

Why is this important to you?

While the city is in the process of defining its new General Plan, this is our chance to express what we want and what we don't want regarding housing, land use, and our major corridors. Changes to our building codes for options we’ve been pining for can be considered. A few sample issues: Ever wished we had a grocery store in the Shore, but told we can't because of our current building code? Would parking requirements be considered into the city's new building plans? Our speakers will also introduce the survey sponsored by City Fabrick. Come February 5th to be filled in!

Also on the Agenda: Updates from…

• “Who are those guys on bikes?” Heather Kern, BSBA executive director will explain the role of the private security patrol and what they do.

• Third District Infrastructure Projects — Chief of Staff, Nick Kaspar

• Parking Commission Update — Matt Peterson

Social Media

Are you active on social media? FoBS is looking for a volunteer to post about our upcoming monthly meetings and gatherings on our Facebook / Instagram account(s). Who’s in? Contact us at info@shorefriends.org!

Upcoming FoBS events

(Jot these into your 2026 calendar!)

Saturday, March 7: FoBS Beautification Project on Second Street.

Thursday, April 9: LB Yacht’s Lisa Meier: all sailing events in our waters right off the LB Pier

Thursday, May 7: Mix & Mingle

Thursday, June 4: our State Senator Lena Gonzalez

Thursday, August 13, Summer Community Concert featuring Jumping Jack Flash

Stay tuned for details!

Late Night Belmont Shore Public Safety Meeting

Remember our November 6, 2025 community meeting discussion? Announcing Late Night Belmont Shore Public Safety Meeting, Wednesday, January 28, 5 pm

The City of Long Beach is sponsoring a virtual meeting taking public comment regarding initial recommendations to address late-night public safety considerations in the Belmont Shore commercial corridor. To learn more about the meeting and how to sign up to attend, see additional information below from the 3rd District Office.

New Year … New Membership Dues Drive!

Twenty-one of you have already paid your 2026 dues. WOO HOO and THANK YOU! Membership dues and our fundraiser are used to pay our annual operating costs. We will continue to be an information hub for Belmont Shore and Belmont Park residents by bringing speakers that address our concerns, enhance our understanding, and strengthen our sense of community. We thank you for your support!

$30 Single

$40 Couple

$50 Business

$100 Advocate

To pay your 2026 dues: click here

Or pay in person at the February meeting!

We’re always looking for new members, so feel free to invite your friends and neighbors!

See you on Second Street!

BJ Newell

FoBS President

info@shorefriends.org

Friends of Belmont Shore is a neighborhood organization made up of residents, business owners, and property owners of Belmont Shore, Belmont Park, and Marine Stadium working together to improve our community through advocacy, education, and involvement.

CONTACT US

Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have. We welcome everyone and thank you for your support.

You may also write to:

FRIENDS OF BELMONT SHORE

PO BOX 14553

LONG BEACH, CA 90853-4453

Email:

INFO@SHOREFRIENDS.ORG

BELMONT SHORE, CALIFORNIA