Spring is right around the corner and I am pleased at all of our accomplishments thus far in 2015.  The CD3 staff has been busy attending meetings, planting trees, helping businesses cut through the red tape, and tackling some of the biggest issues facing this great City.  In February we kicked off the 6 month pilot program to open the Bay Shore library on Sundays. It was a huge success. My family and I plan to visit the library on Sundays as often as we can from now to the end of August. I encourage you to join us. 

I had the privilege of being invited to witness the kick off A Day of Mitzvah ( Day of Service) hosted by the Belmont Heights Community Association, the Belmont Heights United Methodist Church and Temple Israel.  I was truly overcome with emotion as I looked out at the green shirts worn by volunteers who packed the synagogue that day.  The volunteers dispersed into small teams to help domestic violence victims, the homeless and the environment.  Children and seniors worked side by side to make sandwiches and put together emergency kits, all in the name of community service. It was a beautiful thing to experience. My family and I will be among the volunteers at the 2nd Annual Day Of Mitzvah next year and hope you can join us too. 

The City is currently tackling a few major policy issues. The issue of whether to allow medical marijuana dispensary in the City of Long Beach and specifically, where to allow them is an issue that is being debated.  The current proposal calls for 2 dispensaries per district and opens up the potential store sites to properties located in commercial zones. The two proposed 3rd District location are at 7th and PCH (the Iron triangle) and 7th and Newport. I am seeking the public's input on this and urge you to share your concerns with me by emailing me at: District3@longbeach.gov. 

The Council is also addressing a request by JetBlue to have the City request the Federal Government to look into the possibility of building a custom terminal at Long Beach Airport.  JetBlue would like us to explore the possibility of building a customs terminal so that we could accommodate flights to South America. The process is a lengthy one and at the March 3, 2015 meeting, the City Council voted to delay the start of this process until 60 days after a 4th District Council person is seated (the seat is currently vacant due to Patrick O'Donnell's recent election to the State Assembly).  

The month of March is going to be very busy for CD3. As you will note in the article below by Mark Bloeser, the Third District will be hosting the first ever free small business workshop on March 31st. The event is something I committed to hosting during the election and I am very excited to make this idea a reality. Our small business forums are meant to bring our small business owners together to learn about enhancing and improving their businesses. Our guest speaker will be Third District resident and author, Olga Mizrahi. 

I hope that you and your families take some time to enjoy the start of Spring. This is my favorite time of the year. When I walk around the community in the Spring, I see flowers blooming and people filled with a sense of re-birth and optimism.  Enjoy this month!  

Have a great March!