The Problem & Solution

During the pandemic, the global supply chain ground to a halt, and the Port of Long Beach found itself overwhelmed, with over 200 ships waiting offshore to offload containers. In response to the unprecedented surge in demand and the congestion at the port, the community was told that “temporary” industrial sites would be established to help process the backlog and clear the vessels more efficiently. These makeshift truck yards were intended to serve as a stopgap measure—just a temporary solution to a once-in-a-lifetime crisis. However, nearly five years later, in 2025, these “temporary” yards remain in operation, continuing to disrupt the quality of life for residents in surrounding neighborhoods. 

 

The promise of a quick resolution has long been forgotten, and instead, these industrial zones have become a permanent blight on the community, their noise, air pollution, and traffic congestion exacerbating the daily lives of local families. What was supposed to be a temporary fix has instead turned into a chronic problem, one that seems to have no end in sight. Behind this prolonged issue lies a web of corruption and greed, as local officials, developers, and port authorities have turned a blind eye to the harm caused by these ongoing operations. Despite clear evidence of the negative impact on the environment and residents' health, powerful lobbying groups and wealthy interests continue to benefit from the continued existence of these industrial sites. 

 

The lack of accountability and transparency has allowed these temporary yards to become entrenched, with local politicians prioritizing the economic interests of corporate stakeholders over the well-being of their constituents. Land deals, zoning loopholes, and have ensured that these truck yards remain operational, even as the initial crisis has long passed. It's clear that the needs of the community have been sidelined in favor of corporate profits, and the residents—who were promised that this would be a short-term solution—now face the long-term consequences of unchecked industrial development. The time has come to end this cycle of neglect and corruption, and demand that these harmful practices cease once and for all. It is time for the community to reclaim its neighborhoods and restore the quality of life that was promised when these “temporary” measures were first introduced.