The Press-Telegram Voter Guide
It is critical to have a vision for our community's future. I am proud to have taken the time to thoughtfully respond to this questionnaire. I encourage you to read both of our answers and see the contrast in our visions.
CLICK HERE to view the Press-Telegram Voter Guide on their website.
What’s your strategy to ensure your city meets affordable housing development requirements as dictated by the state?
Herlinda Chico
Speaking to Fourth District residents, it’s clear many support the expansion of affordable housing but to accomplish this we need a leader with the knowledge and determination to pursue opportunities that maintain the character of our community. There are several types of housing available, including tribal and senior housing, but I believe we can start with student, veteran and workforce housing.
As president of the Board of Trustees at LBCC, I proudly signed the Long Beach Housing Promise alongside prominent education and city leaders. Student housing not only strengthens our learning community and increases our skilled workforce, but also frees up single-family homes currently rented by college students.
Additionally, the VA Hospital is another opportunity for us to prioritize housing for veterans. I am committed to partnering with Rep. Robert Garcia to secure funding and explore new opportunities for veterans housing on the VA campus.
Lastly, workforce housing was the reason many families flourished in Long Beach. These homes allowed workers to raise their families and create lasting legacies for future generations. It’s time to make the same investment again. With new industries locating their facilities in Long Beach, we need to ensure workforce housing is part of the conversation.
Daryl Supernaw
Build more housing projects, as I did with the 26.2, 77-unit apartment building at Pacific Coast Highway and Loma Avenue.
For years now, the state and the region have struggled with a massive homeless crisis, and numerous advocates and state leaders have called on all local governments to do their part in helping solve the crisis. What role, if any, should the city play in addressing the homelessness crisis, particularly amid state affordable housing quotas for cities and other similar mandates?
Herlinda Chico
Homelessness is a complex issue that requires strong local leadership and the engagement of multiple jurisdictions and organizations. In the Fourth District, we have seen the harmful effects of that void in leadership as homelessness increased citywide by 77% between 2017 and 2022. During that same time, the Fourth District council staff was reduced down to one. Exasperating the problem is the lack of leadership on any regional boards where we could address challenges that span multiple jurisdictions.
As a deputy for LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn, I helped repurpose existing resources to create a county-funded position within the city’s Health and Human Services Department. The primary role is to coordinate our multi-jurisdictional homeless outreach taskforce, which was the first of its kind for the city. This position also leads coordinated efforts for encampment clean-ups and additional resources for individuals in need. And as a voting member of the Gateway Cities Council of Governments, I supported the creation of an Affordable Housing Trust that fights for our fair share of state, regional and local funding to support affordable housing projects. This is an example of what we can implement when we work together and have leaders proactively fighting for our communities.
Daryl Supernaw
Continue to provide outreach services and supportive housing.
Many cities in the region have struggled hiring and retaining police officers, with some implementing hiring bonuses and other incentives to bolster their ranks. What would you like to see the city do to ensure sufficient law enforcement capacity?
Herlinda Chico
I am proud to be a strong supporter of our Long Beach police officers and firefighters. As someone who works for the LA County Fire Department, I bring a unique perspective to the dais. I see firsthand the challenges facing our public safety teams. We need a leader who will fight for more resources to combat the continuous rise in property crime. For example, eastside neighborhoods are seeing double-digit increases in residential crime, and yet another budget passed without additional funding to address this spike.
When we talk about law enforcement, we need to include addressing the low-level, nuisance crimes that impact our recreational spaces. This is why, in addition to increasing the number of police officers, I will push to bring back a robust park ranger program and explore new ideas like a river ranger program along the San Gabriel River. Park rangers and river rangers will serve as additional patrol, and a safe presence for residents and visitors. These positions can also create a career pathway for residents interested in public safety and law enforcement, it aligns with the mayor’s Public Service Corp, and frees up officers to respond to more serious calls for service
Daryl Supernaw
Continue to provide hiring incentives and streamline the process of hiring public safety personnel and demonstrate support of LBPD with every council vote.
As the impacts of climate change continue to worsen around the globe, local communities are witnessing various impacts, ranging from more extreme storms to dangerously high temperatures. What are the most significant impacts of climate change on your city, and how do you plan to provide remedies and resources for residents impacted?
Herlinda Chico
I am committed to addressing climate change through sustainable practices, emission reductions, and building resilient infrastructure throughout our neighborhoods, airport and port, with a strong emphasis on engaging the community. We must also empower our Climate Resilient and Sustainable Commission to play a more significant role in these efforts.
The Fourth District has over 1,000 acres of parks, open space and much of the San Gabriel River. I’ll work to safeguard our wetlands and enhance our parks to ensure they are safe and inviting for residents and visitors of all ages and abilities. I will champion our city’s climate action plan, with a focus on air quality action, specifically electrifying small emission sources like lawn equipment, and investing in clean technologies for healthier neighborhoods.
At Long Beach Airport, my focus will be on green aviation, which invests in electric ground support equipment, shifts airport operations to renewable energy sources and collaborates with airlines on fuel-efficient, environmentally friendly aircraft.
Lastly, I am determined to ensure we adhere to state regulations and align with the community’s environmental goals, particularly in transitioning away from oil reliance while protecting local jobs and providing a just transition.
Daryl Supernaw
The greatest threat to Long Beach would be sea level rise and significant storm events. I’ve studied this topic and served on the Sustainable City Commission as a private citizen. As an elected, I chaired the City Council’s Environmental Committee and currently serve on the Climate Action and Environmental Committee.
What are your top two priorities if elected onto the city council?
Herlinda Chico
Ensuring neighborhood safety is my absolute top priority. It is the foundation of a thriving city, and I am committed to protecting the residents in the Fourth District. Our parks are beautiful, but they must also be safe for our residents to enjoy. Our neighborhoods are lovely, but if our children’s bikes are stolen from our porches, our garages are broken into and our catalytic converters are taken in the middle of the night, our sense of security is lost.
My second priority is enhancing recreational opportunities for everyone, including visitors and residents with different abilities. Long Beach takes pride in its history, but it’s time to acknowledge that the original design did not consider everyone’s needs. We must include the voices of our very active, aging population and the disability community for adaptive recreation opportunities. This could involve creating wheelchair-friendly pathways, accessible amenities for seniors, and inclusive programming and educational classes. By promoting health and well-being, organizing community events, and preserving the environment through sustainable practices, we can create welcoming spaces that foster connections and improve the quality of life.
Daryl Supernaw
Budget and public safety.
If elected, what would be your strategies to support economic development in the city?
Herlinda Chico
The Fourth Council District is home to more than 51,000 residents, larger in population than our neighboring city of Paramount and 42 of the 88 cities in Los Angeles County. It is critical that our council office be fully staffed to support economic development. While our district benefits from some large chain businesses, I believe investing in local businesses brings a greater return, including job creation and community growth.
My office will have a dedicated staff member focused on cultivating economic opportunities by working closely with residents and city staff to promote businesses that reflect the unique character of our district. Collaboration will be key and I will work with trusted community partners, such as the Los Angeles Regional Small Business Development Centers Network at Long Beach City College, which offers free programs and technical assistance on issues from operations, to finance, to exporting, completely dedicated to small businesses. I understand that supporting businesses goes far beyond attending ribbon cuttings. We will build meaningful, long-term relationships with business owners, helping them navigate the challenges they face and ensuring they have the resources they need to thrive.
Daryl Supernaw
Continue to be the most business-friendly council district in the city.
What experience do you bring to the table for this role?
Herlinda Chico
With over 25 years of local government experience, I have a strong track record of navigating bureaucracy and bringing people together in a coordinated effort to address complex issues. As a Parks and Recreation Commissioner, I worked to expand opportunities for local artists and small businesses, to enhance our green spaces while boosting the local economy. My yearlong work as co-chair of the mayor’s Animal Care and Visioning Task Force resulted in a strategic plan that garnered critical funding to improve shelter conditions. I also played an active role in the creation of the city’s Mental Health Report, which serves as a comprehensive roadmap, outlining the necessary changes, services and resources required to improve the mental health landscape in Long Beach.
I have served on regional boards and commissions that address challenges that cross government agencies and jurisdictional boundaries. During my tenure on the Gateway Cities Council of Governments, I supported the creation of the Affordable Housing Trust and the Regional Broadband Plan, both of which benefit Long Beach. And as chair of the Watershed Conservation Authority, I approved millions of dollars for various projects aimed at promoting urban greening, wilderness conservation and wildlife protection.
Daryl Supernaw
Restoration of Fire Engine 17, bringing forth the street racing takeover ordinance, running the most efficient council office in the city, which saved 46% of our office operating budget, equaling $1.7 million reinvested in our district and publishing nearly 500 weekly e-newsletters containing over 8,000 community updates.