On July 23, Mayor Robert Garcia, councilmembers and city staff used the city council’s last meeting in its 1970s-era chambers as an opportunity to share their perspectives on Long Beach’s history and future. They were joined by past and present local elected officials and city staff, including former mayors Beverly O’Neill and Tom Clark, who took part in a celebratory cake cutting of a pastry shaped like the Brutalist-style city hall. In his speech, Garcia noted that many important debates and decisions took place inside the old council chamber, including on issues such as women’s and LGBTQ+ rights. The council held its first special meeting in the new Bob Foster Civic Chambers, named after the former mayor, on August 6, with the first regular council meeting taking place tonight, August 13.

Mayor Robert Garcia and City Manager Pat West exited the 42-year-old City Hall building at 333 W. Ocean Blvd. for the last time on July 26. The pair cracked jokes and laughed heartily as West collected and boxed the last of his belongings before they set off down the corridors one final time. City staff had already completed its move into the new Long Beach Civic Center next door, which opened to the public July 30. The Port of Long Beach is also moved into its new building adjacent to the new City Hall. (Photograph by Brandon Richardson)