The vibrancy of Long Beach is never more alive than along its sandy shores. For those of us who cherish the sport and community of beach volleyball, this stretch of coastline is more than recreation. It is home. Yet each winter, our games and gatherings are cut short as the sun sets earlier, leaving the beach cloaked in darkness long before the day feels done.

This issue goes beyond squeezing in one more set. It is a matter of community safety. When darkness falls, navigating the beach becomes increasingly difficult. Families, athletes, dog walkers, and everyday beachgoers are placed at greater risk simply due to limited visibility. Proper lighting would dramatically improve safety, encourage evening use of the beach, and foster a stronger sense of security and togetherness for residents and visitors alike.

Other coastal communities have already recognized these benefits. Santa Monica and Venice Beach, for example, have implemented beachfront lighting with positive results, improving visibility, reducing safety incidents, and enhancing the overall visitor experience. These changes do not just support recreation. They strengthen local businesses and keep public spaces active, welcoming, and vibrant after sunset.

We are calling on the City of Long Beach to invest in the safety, accessibility, and well being of its community. Installing lighting at Rosie’s Dog Beach is not about extending playtime alone. It is about protecting our residents, supporting local activity, and ensuring our shoreline remains a safe and thriving public space.

Please support this effort by signing this petition. Together, we can bring light to our beach and ensure Long Beach continues to shine day and night.