Bits 'n' Pieces

Pilot Program Offers Smart Public Restrooms

The City of Long Beach has partnered with Throne Labs to launch a new four-month pilot program to improve the local restroom experience across the city and offer additional clean, safe and family-friendly smart public restrooms. In addition to 52 freestanding public restrooms across the city, Throne smart restrooms are now available for public use at DeForest Park, Harvey Milk Promenade Park, Belmont Pier and Shoreline Marina. These locations were chosen based on a review of restroom demand and funding availability of existing restrooms at the locations.

Throne restrooms are Americans with Disabilities Act-accessible facilities that feature running water sinks, flushing toilets, baby changing stations and free menstrual products. Each unit is equipped with 21 sensors that provide real-time data on the restroom’s status, cleanliness and usage statistics, including potential misuse. During the pilot phase, users can access the units via text message or mobile app, creating accountability while maintaining user privacy.

All Long Beach community members, including those without mobile phones, will continue to have access to the city’s other 52 freestanding, accessible public restrooms. The units are cleaned four times a day and are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

The four-month program, which will run until mid-August 2025, is facilitated through the city’s Parks, Recreation and Marine (PRM) Department and Technology and Innovation Department (TID).

Data from the pilot will be evaluated by measuring key performance metrics, including usage patterns, user satisfaction ratings, cleanliness levels, uptime percentage, maintenance responsiveness and comparative cost analysis. Throne’s built-in sensors will provide real-time data on these metrics, while the city will track changes in cleanliness in the immediate area and vandalism incidents compared to traditional facilities. Additionally, a public survey posted at all Throne locations will gather direct feedback from residents and visitors about their experiences and perceptions of safety, ensuring community voices help shape future restroom infrastructure decisions.

There are currently 22 Thrones across Los Angeles County that maintain cleanliness ratings that exceed 4 out of 5 stars, from suburban parks to busy transit stations. These cleanliness ratings are provided by users real-time after each visit, helping the operations team maintain consistently excellent experiences. A Throne has served Long Beach’s Willow Street Station since May 2024 as part of Throne’s partnership with Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority and has proven successful with nearly 13,000 visits by 2,900 users and no security issues.

“Access to clean bathrooms is essential for vibrant communities and our mission is to create facilities that everyone wants to use,” said Jessica Heinzelman, COO and co-founder of Throne Labs. “We’re thrilled to be partnering with the City of Long Beach to demonstrate how access to delightful smart public restrooms can transform public spaces to be more welcoming to residents and visitors.”

Funding for the pilot is from the TID Innovation Fund and the PRM Department operating and maintenance funds. Following the pilot, the city will assess the program and determine if a more permanent program should be considered and explore funding sources to pay for the technology, including seeking external partners. With the establishment of a more permanent program, the city would also assess how best to provide access to users without access to mobile phones.

Port Has Strongest April on Record

Following its strongest April on record and 11 consecutive months of cargo increases, the Port of Long Beach is preparing for a double-digit decline for shipments in May due to tariffs – and retaliatory tariffs – that were paused earlier this month.

Dockworkers and terminal operators moved 867,493 twenty-foot equivalent units in April, up 15.6% from the same month last year and surpassing the previous record set in April 2022 by 5.7%. Imports rose 15.1% to 419,828 TEUs and exports decreased 4.5% to 93,842 TEUs. Empty containers moving through the Port jumped 23% to 353,824 TEUs.

“After moving the most containerized cargo of any American port in the first quarter of 2025, we are now anticipating a more than 10% drop-off in imports in May – and the effects will be felt beyond the docks,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero. “Soon, consumers could find fewer choices and higher prices on store shelves and the job market could see impacts, given the continuing uncertainty.”

“Even as the biggest tariffs were paused, we still should brace for the effects of tariffs following 11 straight months of cargo growth,” said Long Beach Harbor Commission President Bonnie Lowenthal. “As we monitor these dynamic changes in trade, the Port of Long Beach will continue to invest in rail and terminal improvements that will allow us to move cargo efficiently, safely and sustainably.”

The port has moved 3,403,069 TEUs during the first four months of 2025, a 23.6% increase from the same period in 2024.

For complete cargo numbers, visit polb.com/statistics.

NCL Awards Local Area Teen Scholarships

National Charity League, South Coast Chapter recently awarded 17 graduating high school seniors with over $27,000 in scholarships at a ceremony that took place at the Los Alamitos Community Center on April 30. The South Coast Scholarships are funded from this year’s Glitter Gala Fashion Show. The NCL Fashion Show is an annual event that takes place and is sponsored by the mothers and daughters of the high school Freshman Ticktocker Class. This year’s fashion show was held at Ovation Square in downtown Long Beach in February.

National Charity League, Inc is celebrating its 100th Anniversary this year. NCL was established in 1925 with the mission to foster the mother-daughter relationship through year-round commitments to philanthropy, culture and leadership.

The NCL South Coast Chapter was founded in 1962 and serves the communities of Los Alamitos, Seal Beach, Cypress and Long Beach. Learn more by following us on Instagram @nclsouthcoast

2025 South Coast Scholarship Recipients:

• Cypress High School: Hannie Lee, Julia Piper, Monica Ocampo
• Jordan High School: Chrystel Joy Tenepere, Katelin Lewis Kyvalee Nguyen, Valencia Sepin
• Lakewood High School: Jazbeiry Gonzalez, Katelyn Chhou, Sandy Saad
• Los Alamitos High School: Delilah Martinez, Phyllisia Rosen, Rianna Norman
• Millikan High School: Savannah Martinez, Sienna Robinson
• Marina High School: Evelyn Vu and Jolie Tran

Million Veteran Program

More than 33,000 veterans who receive care at VA Long Beach have now joined the Million Veteran Program (MVP), VA’s largest research effort. MVP is working to improve veteran lives by studying how genes, lifestyle, military experiences and exposures affect health.

Over 1,000,000 veterans across the nation have already joined MVP. VA Long Beach was the first to reach the 33,000 veteran enrollment milestone, enrolling more veterans than any other VA healthcare system.

“Participating in MVP is another way veterans are helping all Americans. MVP allows scientists and physicians to better understand the risk of developing diseases and to identify more effective treatments. We thank every veteran who has joined MVP nationwide and at VA Long Beach.,” said Dr. Timothy Morgan, MVP local site investigator.

Thanks to the over one million veterans nationwide, including over 33,000 veterans who have joined MVP at VA Long Beach, scientists understand certain health conditions better than ever before.

Already, MVP data supported the largest genetic studies to date on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depression and heart disease. Some of the other areas being studied include tinnitus, cancer, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, Gulf War Illness, endometriosis and suicide prevention.

To learn more, visit the Million Veteran Program website or call toll-free at (866) 441-6075 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST.

For more information, please contact Alyssa Rivas at (562) 276-5873 or email alyssa.rivas@va.gov.

Stay Safe on the Road

Memorial Day and Labor Day are often associated with beach days, road trips and summer memories. But for traffic safety experts, this stretch of time is known as the “100 Deadliest Days,” a period when teen and adult drivers are statistically more likely to be involved in serious and sometimes fatal car crashes.

According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, more than 30% of deaths involving teen drivers occur during this period. From 2013 to 2022, there were 6,700 people killed in crashes involving teen drivers nationwide during the “100 Deadliest Days.”

The summer months see an increase in vehicle use, late-night driving, and unfortunately, a higher incidence of impaired driving. As the season officially kicks off on May 26, Dr. Ali Jamehdor, Emergency Room Physician at Dignity Health – St. Mary Medical Center (SMMC), is reminding the Greater Long Beach community to stay cautious behind the wheel.

“Emergencies happen when you least expect them,” says Dr. Jamehdor. “That’s why we’re committed to educating the public on how to prevent them through safer driving habits, especially during the high-risk summer months. But if a trauma-related incident does occur, know that our skilled and compassionate teams are here, ready to provide expert care for you and your loved ones when it matters most.”

Follow these safety tips to help prevent tragedy on the roads this summer:

• Stay focused: Distracted driving, including texting, adjusting music, or eating, takes your eyes and mind off the road. Even a split second of distraction can lead to disaster.
• Drive sober, always: Never drive under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or impairing prescription drugs. Impairment slows your reaction time and judgment.
• Buckle up every time: Seat belts are one of the most effective ways to save lives and reduce injuries in crashes.
• Slow down: Speeding increases the likelihood of a crash and the severity of injuries. Follow posted speed limits and drive at speeds appropriate for road conditions.
• Avoid drowsy driving: Fatigue can be just as dangerous as impairment. If you’re tired, pull over and rest.
• Maintain your vehicle: Before hitting the road, make sure your brakes, tires and lights are in proper working condition.

“I’ve seen firsthand the devastating effects of distracted and impaired driving,” added Dr. Jamehdor. “Most crashes are preventable. If drivers slowed down, stayed focused and made smart choices, we could save thousands of lives each year.”

Dignity Health – St. Mary Medical Center, a verified Level II Trauma Center, provides 24/7 care from board-certified trauma physicians, surgeons, sub-specialists and a full spectrum of support services for critically injured patients. We remain committed to advancing safety and well-being in the communities we serve.

E-Scooter Bike Path Test

Beginning May 24, the City of Long Beach is launching a 12-month E-Scooter Pilot, allowing private and shared electric scooters to operate on designated portions of the Shoreline Pedestrian Bike Path. The pilot will explore how these devices can safely and responsibly coexist with other users along the scenic coastline while supporting the city’s commitment to expanding sustainable and accessible transportation options.

With growing tourism and recent enhancements along the shoreline, including the opening of the Junipero Beach Sports Court and new premium food concessions at Gaucho Beach and Saltwater Deck, the Long Beach City Council approved updates to the Long Beach Municipal Code with a vote of 6 to 1 at the April 1 City Council Meeting, enabling this new pilot and reintroduction of e-scooter access along the beach path between Alamitos Avenue and 54th Place and setting an implementation goal of Memorial Day.

E-scooters will be limited to bike lanes only and will not be permitted on pedestrian walkways. To reinforce this separation, the city will install new signage at key zones and intermittently along the path to direct users to appropriate areas. E-scooters will be governed by the California Vehicle Code, which limits their speed to 15 mph.

In areas with high pedestrian activity, designated slow zones will be enforced via geofencing, reducing speeds to 5 mph. A new and separate 20 mph speed limit will apply to bicycles, both electric and conventional.

Micromobility operators will also be required to rebalance deployment and parking locations using car-free methods and must provide daily monitoring and operational oversight. New e-scooter corral locations for permitted vendors will also be established. Privately owned scooters must comply with all state speed regulations but are not subject to the parking requirements in place for permitted e-scooter vendors. 

To evaluate the pilot, the city will monitor a range of performance metrics, including the number of trips that begin and end on the beach path, e-scooter parking behavior and violations, ride duration and purpose, and general community feedback.

The pilot will also assess compliance with speed limits, right-of-way rules and helmet use across all modes of transportation. The city’s Micromobility Team will release a six-month report summarizing key findings and recommending whether to move forward with the program, provided no significant issues are identified.

The pilot, which is led by the Department of Public Works, will be supported by an education-first enforcement approach in collaboration with the Fire and Police Departments, focusing on outreach and awareness during the early stages of implementation. Community members are encouraged to report shared e-micromobility device violations on the Go Long Beach app.

In July 2018, the city launched its first E-Scooter Pilot Program. At the time, e-scooters were banned from the beach path due to widespread issues with improper parking and abandonment of devices in unauthorized areas. Notably, no crashes involving e-scooters were reported on the path during that period. Since then, advancements in technology and operational practices have helped cities in the region, such as Los Angeles with its Venice Beach pilot, successfully manage shared e-micromobility in busy recreational zones.

This initiative supports the goals outlined in the city’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) by helping reduce vehicle traffic near the coast and increasing access to beach amenities through low-emission, shared transportation options. For ongoing updates and more information, visit lbcity.info/micromobility.