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<h4>Dr. Joni Ricks-Oddie, Ph.D. represents North Long Beach on the Long Beach City Council, proudly representing the diverse neighborhoods and communities of the Ninth Council District. Elected in 2022, she brings a rare blend of scientific expertise, community advocacy, and policy experience to City Hall — all rooted in her deep commitment to equity, public health, and North Long Beach families.</h4><img src="https://run.imgix.net/3ea80544-57d0-4852-8665-4e4df15ca23d/1007f89c-6cb3-4481-8808-cee1d5c20294/1007f89c-6cb3-4481-8808-cee1d5c20294.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C8192%2C5464&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">Dr. Ricks-Oddie currently serves as Chair of the Budget Oversight Committee, Vice Chair of the Government Operations and Efficiency Committee, and Vice Chair of the Housing Authority of the City of Long Beach. She also plays a key role on the Housing and Public Health Committee, the I-710 Oversight Committee, and the City Charter Amendment Committee. Regionally, she represents Long Beach on the Gateway Cities Council of Governments and the 91/605/405 Corridor Cities and Homelessness Committee, ensuring the voices of North Long Beach residents are heard beyond city boundaries.Since taking office, she has focused on delivering measurable results: strengthening city services, increasing transparency in the budget process, expanding access to affordable housing, and advancing public health initiatives tailored to underserved neighborhoods. Her leadership reflects a commitment to using data and community feedback to create policies that work for everyday residents.Before her election, Joni served as Chair of the Long Beach Planning Commission and was deeply engaged in civic life through her work with the North Long Beach Neighborhood Alliance, Uptown Property and Business Improvement District, and Citizens Police Complaint Commission.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/3ea80544-57d0-4852-8665-4e4df15ca23d/001084a2-3d7b-4106-87e3-00cfcc5c5ec1/001084a2-3d7b-4106-87e3-00cfcc5c5ec1.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C8192%2C5464&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="right" alignwidth="50" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">Professionally, she is the Director of the Center for Statistical Consulting at UC Irvine, where she specializes in Biostatistics and Epidemiology. Her work has focused on health disparities impacting communities of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and women facing systemic barriers, experience she brings directly into her policymaking.A proud mother of two and a resident of Deforest Park with her husband Keith, Joni holds a Ph.D. in Epidemiology from UCLA, a Master’s in Public Health from the University of Michigan, and a B.S. in Microbiology from the University of Iowa.Whether she’s analyzing a city budget or walking her neighborhood streets, Dr. Ricks-Oddie leads with integrity, preparedness, and a clear vision: to build a healthier, more equitable Long Beach — one policy at a time.

Dr. Joni has been leading the Uptown Renaissance for the past 4 years and needs your help to continue to bring resources to North Long Beach.

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I’ve secured $1.1 million for violence prevention, built pickleball courts and playground upgrades at Ramona and DeForest Parks, and won nearly $10 million to build a greenbelt along the 91 freeway. My next term will focus on delivering new signature playgrounds, expanding green infrastructure, and making our neighborhoods healthier and safer.

Community Wellness

For the first time in seven years, homelessness in Long Beach is down. I’ve helped expand shelters, launched a Safe Parking Program, added modular housing, and secured homes for 570+ residents through vouchers. My priority now is scaling permanent supportive housing and mental health services to keep people stably housed.

Homelessness Solutions

As Chair of the Budget Oversight Committee, I led the most transparent budget process in city history, including evening hearings so every resident could participate. I’ve also modernized services through Go Long Beach reports and driving assessments. I’ll continue ensuring taxpayer dollars are used efficiently and equitably in every neighborhood.

Transparent Budgeting

Councilmember Dr. Joni Ricks-Oddie today announced her campaign for re-election to represent the Ninth District on the Long Beach City Council. Since first being elected in 2022, Dr. Ricks-Oddie has focused on delivering measurable results for North Long Beach — from significant investments in infrastructure, new housing, and business investment to expanded parks, open space, and public health programs.“It has been the honor of my life to serve the North Long Beach community. A place where I live and choose to raise my family. Together, we’ve delivered real results — more housing, stronger small businesses, safer neighborhoods, and new investments into our parks, open spaces and streets. But our work is far from finished. I’m running for re-election to keep building a healthier, more equitable Long Beach where every family has the opportunity to thrive.”During her first term, Dr. Ricks-Oddie has:<ul><li>Supported more than 2,900 small businesses with grants and outreach, and brought new investments like El Super and Chuze Fitness.</li><li>Advanced housing opportunities, including 84 new townhomes, a 200-unit affordable housing campus, and student housing for LBCC families.</li><li>Secured nearly $10 million to create a greenbelt along the 91 freeway, plus new pickleball courts, playground upgrades, and hydration stations in DeForest, Ramona, and Houghton Parks.</li><li>Completed significant investments into our main corridors, including the Artesia Great Boulevard Project, an over $50 million investment into making our streets safer and more accessible.</li><li>Helped Long Beach achieve its first reduction in homelessness in seven years, expanding shelters, safe parking, and permanent housing placements.</li><li>Chaired the Budget Oversight Committee, leading the most transparent budget process in city history with evening hearings and aggressive community engagement.</li><li>Championed environmental justice, piloting cool pavement for climate resilience, preserving and enhancing tree canopy and advocating for cleaner air along the 710 and 91 freeways.</li></ul><h3>About Dr. Joni Ricks-Oddie</h3>Dr. Joni Ricks-Oddie represents North Long Beach on the Long Beach City Council, where she has served since 2022. She currently chairs the City’s Budget Oversight Committee and serves as Vice Chair of both the Government Operations and Efficiency Committee and the Housing Authority. Regionally, she represents Long Beach on the Gateway Cities Council of Governments. In her first term, she prioritized community engagement through community meetings and neighborhood canvassing, expanding affordable housing, supporting small businesses, improving city services, investing in public health, and delivering millions of dollars for parks, open space and infrastructure investment in District 9. Professionally, she is the Director of the Center for Statistical Consulting at UC Irvine, specializing in Biostatistics and Epidemiology. A proud mother of two, she lives in the Deforest Park neighborhood with her husband Keith and their family.

It has been the honor of my life to serve the North Long Beach community. A place where I live and choose to raise my family. Together, we’ve delivered real results — more housing, stronger small businesses, safer neighborhoods, and new investments into our parks, open spaces and streets. But our work is far from finished. I’m running for re-election to keep building a healthier, more equitable Long Beach where every family has the opportunity to thrive.

Councilmember Dr. Joni Ricks-Oddie Announces Re-Election Campaign for LB City Council, District 9

Long Beach, CA — State Senator and Chair of the California Legislative Latino Caucus Lena Gonzalez has formally endorsed Councilmember Dr. Joni Ricks-Oddie for re-election to the Long Beach City Council, District 9.Senator Gonzalez, a former Long Beach City Councilmember, highlighted Councilmember Ricks-Oddie’s proven record on environmental justice, public health, and community-centered policymaking as key reasons for her endorsement.In her statement, Senator Gonzalez said:“As a State Senator and Chair of the Latino Caucus, I know how critical it is to have local leaders who fight for equity, opportunity, and a healthier future for all of our communities. As a former Long Beach City Councilmember myself, I know just how challenging and rewarding this work can be. Joni Ricks-Oddie has been a strong partner on the issues that matter most to North Long Beach families. Together, we’ve stood up against a freeway expansion project that would have harmed the health of residents, and we’ve fought to advance environmental justice in one of the most impacted parts of our city. Joni brings both expertise and heart to her role, and she has consistently delivered results for her district. I’m proud to support her re-election because Long Beach needs leaders who combine vision with action — and Joni is that kind of leader.”Councilmember Ricks-Oddie expressed deep gratitude for Senator Gonzalez’s support:“Senator Gonzalez has been a powerful statewide voice for equity and environmental justice, and her partnership has been invaluable to North Long Beach. I’m honored to receive her endorsement, and I look forward to continuing our work to protect families, strengthen our neighborhoods, and create a healthier, more sustainable future for our city.”Dr. Ricks-Oddie, a public health scientist and community advocate, has led significant progress in District 9 — including expanding affordable housing, advancing climate-resilient infrastructure, securing millions for parks and neighborhood improvements, and delivering one of the most transparent city budget processes in Long Beach history.Her re-election campaign continues to build broad support from community leaders, labor partners, small businesses, and residents across North Long Beach.### Learn more at:<a href="http://www.votedrjoni.com">www.votedrjoni.com</a>

State Senator and Chair of the California Legislative Latino Caucus Lena Gonzalez has formally endorsed Councilmember Dr. Joni Ricks-Oddie for re-election to the Long Beach City Council, District 9.Senator Gonzalez, a former Long Beach City Councilmember, highlighted Councilmember Ricks-Oddie’s proven record on environmental justice, public health, and community-centered policymaking as key reasons for her endorsement.

Senator Lena Gonzalez Endorses Dr. Joni Ricks-Oddie for Re-Election

District 9 residents live with the impacts of the 710 and 91 freeways, some of the worst pollution in Long Beach. That’s why I’ve championed cool pavement projects, tree canopy growth, and clean air initiatives at the Port. I’ll keep leading on clean energy, green jobs, and environmental justice so our families can thrive.

Climate Action

<a href="https://www.presstelegram.com/author/christina-merino/">Written by Christina Merino</a> | <a href="mailto:cmerino@scng.com">cmerino@scng.com</a> After years of the community bringing attention to the issue and city efforts to resolve it, Long Beach leaders and staff are revisiting ways to address human trafficking and other public safety concerns along the Long Beach Boulevard corridor in North Long Beach.City staffers released a memo last month that lays out the efforts that have been used in the past to combat this long-standing issue, as well as what needs to be enacted in the future. That includes establishing an interdepartmental city team to oversee all of the anti-human trafficking city programs and initiatives, within the scope of current city resources.Addressing the human trafficking and public safety concerns along the corridor – near several businesses, homes and elementary schools – is being spearheaded by Councilmembers Tunua Thrash-Ntuk and Joni Ricks-Oddie.The councilmembers have partnered with community leaders to host a series of community-focused events designed to build a new, comprehensive five-year strategic plan that tackles the issue. The first event, a town hall meeting, is scheduled for next month.Bring back the SAT at CSU - or admit we are failing our own students, and other top stories from February 08, 2026.“The challenges on our streets are symptoms of a deeper, more complex issue: human trafficking is a public health crisis, not just a crime problem,” Thrash-Ntuk said in a statement. “My colleague, Councilwoman Joni Ricks-Oddie, and I are uniting our community to provide the leadership this moment demands. We are committed to moving our city beyond short-term fixes toward long-term, healing-centered solutions.”In April, the City Council directed the City Manager to coordinate with all relevant city departments and return with a comprehensive report assessing the city’s current strategic framework to address human trafficking and public safety concerns in North Long Beach. The request also asked for proposals to strengthen and enhance that framework moving forward, such as current programs, barriers to more effectively counter these activities, regional coordination with other jurisdictions, updating ordinances, and identifying state and federal legislation that focuses on enhancing enforcement tools, according to the memo.The <a href="https://www.longbeach.gov/globalassets/city-manager/media-library/documents/memos-to-the-mayor-tabbed-file-list-folders/2025/august-28--2025---addressing-human-trafficking-and-public-safety-concerns-on-long-beach-boulevard-in-north-long-beach">Aug. 28 memo</a> provided both an assessment of existing efforts and potential opportunities for further strategic investment. It also covered background, local and regional partnerships, gaps and challenges, opportunities for legislative advocacy, and council-requested focus areas.Commercial sex operations have been identified as a persistent concern along Long Beach Boulevard, but are not isolated to North Long Beach, according to city staff. Neighboring jurisdictions such as Compton and Lynwood have reported similar challenges, underscoring the need for coordinated regional strategies and cross-jurisdictional partnerships.“My office has already been engaged in planning and partnerships with the cities of Compton and Lynwood,” Ricks-Oddie said. “We have met multiple times with representatives from each city, including Compton Mayor Emma Sharif and now Lynwood Mayor Rita Soto, to discuss ways that we can better coordinate enforcement on the corridor and jointly advocate for legislative action at the state level.”Preliminary data from the Long Beach Police Department indicates a marked increase in service calls pertaining to the issue, rising from 126 calls between Jan. 1 and July 4, 2024, to 453 during the corresponding period in 2025, according to city staff.Community testimonies, the memo says, reveal a pattern of distress and disruption tied to the visibility and prevalence of prostitution and trafficking in the area. Residents have reported that the presence of sex work along public corridors, particularly near schools and residential zones, has compromised the mental health of families and diminished overall neighborhood quality of life.Long Beach City Councilmembers Tunua Thrash-Ntuk and Joni Ricks-Oddie will be hosting a town hall on Saturday, Oct. 18, to gather community input on how to address human trafficking and public safety concerns along Long Beach Boulevard in North Long Beach. (Photo by Christina Merino, Press-Telegram/SCNG)In the past, Long Beach has tried to address this complex issue in different ways, including legal guidance, survivor support, enforcement, outreach, and environmental design, through cross-departmental collaboration, according to the memo.The Health and Human Services, for example, has led trauma-informed programs focused on prevention and care. The Police Department and 9-1-1 dispatch play frontline roles in enforcement and emergency response, and the Business License Division supports inspections and regulatory compliance. Community Development has led the efforts around Nuisance Motel Regulation and Alcohol Abatement.Long Beach’s Economic Development Department has even conducted a walk-along in June, covering the stretch between Long Beach and Artesia Boulevards, where the team interviewed approximately 20 businesses, asking local owners about the lived realities affecting their operations, safety, and ability to thrive in the current environment.In gathering testimonies along this corridor – home to a variety of small, immigrant-owned businesses such as auto shops, barbershops, and service-based storefronts – Economic Development staff found that the majority of businesses expressed serious concerns related to visible sex work and human trafficking occurring nearby, according to the memo. Some of the most prevalent issues expressed included: witnessing sexual acts and drug activities, concerns about daytime prostitution being visible to children, increases in shoplifting and loitering at their stores, and fears of retaliation for reporting incidents.One business owner shared, “We’ve invested in this community, but it’s hard to keep the doors open when what’s happening outside drives people away.”The walkthrough also revealed patterns in the physical environment that may signal deeper issues. Staff said that they observed that many suspected locations were storefronts disguised as legitimate businesses. In particular, barbershops and massage parlors were flagged as potential sites of commercial sex operations due to their opaque appearance, such as blacked-out windows, lack of signage, and minimal foot traffic or public accessibility.Economic Development remains actively engaged along Long Beach Boulevard, according to Chelsey Magallon, spokesperson for the department. They will continue to conduct targeted business outreach and corridor walks in partnership with Long Beach Police, Code Enforcement, and community-based groups. Currently, they expect to keep these walks at regular intervals throughout the fall, with timing informed by field conditions and coordination with public safety partners. The focus is on sustained visibility and building trust so that owners, workers, and residents feel comfortable reporting concerns.“These walks provide a valuable opportunity to connect with business owners, hear their concerns directly, and demonstrate the city’s support,” Ricks-Oddie said. “Many business owners expressed their appreciation for the city’s presence and the sense of partnership it brings.”The city staff’s report also outlined a range of potential opportunities to address human trafficking and associated public safety impacts, which would require additional resources, staffing, and council direction to advance.Recommendations include aggressively supporting state and federal legislation; exploring a structural budget enhancement for the creation of a dedicated Human Trafficking Program Team; strengthening interdepartmental coordination; continuing corridor, business and neighborhood engagement efforts; pursuing and strengthening regional and cross-sector partnerships; extending the Safe Passages Program; improving ordinances; and accelerating Long Beach Boulevard improvements, among others.The City Council has already taken a step toward addressing the issue by approving $150,000 in anti-human trafficking corridor funding as part of the fiscal year 2026 budget, which was <a href="https://www.presstelegram.com/2025/09/10/council-oks-long-beachs-3-7-billion-budget-for-2026-fiscal-year/">approved earlier this month</a>. This allocation is part of a broader investment of Economic Redevelopment Proceeds, generated from former redevelopment agency land sales, which aims to support inclusive economic development and neighborhood revitalization across Long Beach.The funding will be used in three strategic focus areas: environmental deterrence, community activation, and education and awareness, according to city staff.At this time, there is no set date for a Council presentation on the topic, said Deputy City Manager Grace Yoon. However, the City Council may choose to request or agendize a discussion on the report and its recommended actions.The Council’s request for this report was an important first step in raising awareness, documenting existing efforts, and identifying challenges and next steps, Yoon said. As noted in the report, Council could consider directing staff to prioritize or conduct feasibility analyses, allocate or identify resources to support implementation, and adjust direction based on available capacity.“The recent memo lays out several potential action steps,” Ricks-Oddie said, “and I plan to work closely with city staff to ensure we pursue every avenue necessary to sustain progress on this issue, including allocating the funding needed to properly staff these initiatives.”Councilmember Thrash-Ntuk echoed similar sentiments of taking forward steps toward addressing human trafficking and public safety concerns.“The city’s recent reports reflect important foundational work, and my focus is on building upon that to create our future,” Thrash-Ntuk said. “We are moving from discussing tactics to building a comprehensive, long-term strategy.”The councilmembers will begin hosting community meetings next month to gather testimonies and create a framework for action. The first meeting will be on Saturday, Oct. 18, from 9:30 a.m. to noon at&nbsp; Starr King Elementary School, 145 E. Artesia Blvd. Community members can RSVP at <a href="http://bit.ly/D9Townhall">bit.ly/D9Townhall</a>.The city leaders, in collaboration with the Long Beach Human Trafficking Task Force and its fiscal agent, Covenant House, will work on creating a survivor-informed, data-driven five-year plan to address North Long Beach residents’ and businesses’ concerns.“We are shifting from managing a crisis to strategically dismantling it,” Thrash-Ntuk added. “By uniting our city’s resources, expertise, and community voices, we will build a model of effective and compassionate action that can lead the entire region.”

After years of the community bringing attention to the issue and city efforts to resolve it, Long Beach leaders and staff are revisiting ways to address human trafficking and other public safety concerns along the Long Beach Boulevard corridor in North Long Beach.

PRESS TELEGRAM: City to address human trafficking, public safety concerns in North Long Beach

By: John Donegan (<a href="https://lbpost.com/news/illegal-promote-street-racing-sideshows-long-beach/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CLICK HERE</a> to read the article on Long Beach Post)Promoting illegal car sideshows and street races in Long Beach, whether through social media, print, or group chats, could soon cost you up to $1,000 and six months in jail.&nbsp;The Long Beach City Council on Tuesday <a href="https://longbeachca.new.swagit.com/videos/361392">voted to create</a> a new <a href="https://longbeach.primegov.com/viewer/preview?id=0&amp;type=8&amp;uid=83484d76-49cf-45e7-84bb-d76f56ed9315">ordinance</a> that makes it illegal to encourage or advertise street takeovers, saying these exhibitions are an outstanding danger to the public and a nuisance to neighborhoods.The item will come back to the dais as a draft prepared by the city’s attorney’s office, which would then be voted into law.It will allow police to levy penalties on those they can prove promoted or encouraged people to attend the illegal exhibition, which often includes cars doing donuts and burnouts in public intersections ringed by crowds. Police will track promoters through testimony and social media. Promotion bans like this one already exist in other municipalities like San Jose and Alameda County.It builds on a 2022 city law targeting those who attend these events, making it a misdemeanor for those within 200 feet of a street takeover. Tuesday’s vote also included an amendment that exempts accredited news reporters from the existing <a href="https://lbpost.com/news/council-approves-ordinance-targeting-attendees-of-illegal-street-takeovers-in-long-beach/">spectator ban</a>.The city’s northernmost 9th City Council District, where the proposal originated, continues to claim the majority of reported street races across Long Beach, with more instances reported there than other parts of the city combined.Ninth District Councilmember Joni Ricks-Oddie said the law was a direct response to what her constituents experience regularly.“Illegal street racing and sideshows remain some of the most dangerous public safety challenges in our city,” she said.Between 2022 and 2023, the police received 349 calls about street racing or other exhibitions of speed — 210 of which were in Ricks-Oddie’s <a href="https://www.longbeach.gov/globalassets/ti/media-library/documents/resources/map-catalog/council_small_8.5x11l_photos">district that encompasses most of the city above South Street</a>. When asked, police did not provide more up-to-date statistics.Councilmember Tunua Thrash-Ntuk, whose district borders Rick-Oddie’s, said in the Longwood neighborhood, sideshows are a common occurrence on Susana Road, a street that borders unincorporated land and is next to an elementary school.“Reckless driving is harmful for everyone,” she said. “It is unacceptable in areas that are highly utilized by children, and we must return our streets and neighborhoods to a state of normalcy.”In the city’s <a href="https://www.longbeach.gov/globalassets/go-active-lb/media-library/documents/programs/safe-streets-lb-action-plan---07-07-20v2">plan</a> to eliminate all vehicular deaths by 2026, commonly known as Vision Zero, a survey section found nearly a quarter of respondents listed traffic enforcement as the top priority. Ahead of the 2026 budget, respondents ranked public safety among the top three priorities for the city.The city also plans to install three <a href="https://lbpost.com/news/speed-cameras-long-beach-delayed-when-where/">automated speeding ticket cameras</a> in the 9th District, along Artesia Boulevard from Harbor Avenue to Butler Avenue; Atlantic Avenue from the L.A. River to Artesia Boulevard; and Long Beach Boulevard from Artesia Boulevard to 70th Street.Long Beach is on track to have more than 50 traffic deaths this year.

Promoting illegal car sideshows and street races in Long Beach, whether through social media, print, or group chats, could soon cost you up to $1,000 and six months in jail.&nbsp;The Long Beach City Council on Tuesday <a href="https://longbeachca.new.swagit.com/videos/361392">voted to create</a> a new <a href="https://longbeach.primegov.com/viewer/preview?id=0&amp;type=8&amp;uid=83484d76-49cf-45e7-84bb-d76f56ed9315">ordinance</a> that makes it illegal to encourage or advertise street takeovers, saying these exhibitions are an outstanding danger to the public and a nuisance to neighborhoods.

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LB Post: Long Beach will penalize people for promoting street races, car sideshows

I’ve helped more than 2,900 North Long Beach businesses connect to city resources, launched Small Business Walks to bring support directly to storefronts, and opened new businesses like El Super and Chuze Fitness. In my next term, I’ll keep strengthening our corridors, supporting micro-businesses, and making North Long Beach a hub for jobs and opportunity.

Economic Stability

I led a regional effort to confront human trafficking impacting North Long Beach, bringing together neighboring cities, law enforcement, and community partners. We strengthened enforcement against traffickers, hosted a public town hall, and adopted a comprehensive Strategic Plan in February 2026 to improve safety along key corridors. I will continue protecting survivors while keeping our neighborhoods safe and secure.

Combating Human Trafficking

This work doesn’t happen alone. From town halls to community walks, I’ve made sure residents have a seat at the table. If you have an idea, see a challenge, or want to help shape our next policy priorities, connect with us — and let’s build the future of North Long Beach together. Email us at joniricksoddie@gmail.com

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I led North Long Beach’s first major rezoning in 30 years, unlocking space for affordable housing and new amenities. Already, we’ve delivered 84 townhomes, advanced a 200-unit affordable housing campus, and created new student housing for LBCC families. I’ll keep driving smart, equitable growth while protecting families from displacement.

Housing Affordability

Re-elect Dr. Joni Ricks-Oddie to Long Beach City Council District 9 in North Long Beach. Championing equity, public health, housing & stronger neighborhoods.