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Happy March,
Traffic safety has been a major focus for me. Our Council office works closely with the traffic team within the Public Works Department to identify traffic issues and to implement solutions. I want to take a moment to update you on some of the major traffic safety projects that have been accomplished since January 2016.
A Broadway Traffic Calming Study was commissioned in March 2015. Since then, the study has been released, outreach has been conducted and several of the recommendations have been implemented. Broadway has received new crosswalk treatments, complete with flashing beacons. The street has also gone through a "road diet," a design option that reduces the speed of traffic by eliminating unnecessary traffic lanes on appropriate streets/corridors. We have received a lot of positive feedback from our residents regarding the improvements on Broadway. We hope you enjoy these new safety measures.
We have also added two dedicated left turn arrow signals on 7th street. The first was added at 7th Street and Santiago mid-week last week. The second will be installed at 7th Street at Ximeno in the next week or so. These two left turn signals will make it easier for people to make left turns from the often-congested 7th Street.
We continue to study traffic safety alternatives throughout the City. This Spring, we expect that the City traffic team will be presenting a few traffic calming solutions for two sections of Ocean Blvd. (Belmont Shore and the Peninsula). Please make sure you reach out to our office if you have a traffic calming/safety solution that you think we should look into.
On an issue unrelated to traffic safety, the City Council voted to put a proposed sales tax measure on the June ballot. The measure comes after much discussion about the City's current and future infrastructure and public safety needs. In a somewhat unusual correspondence, Mayor Garcia joined former Mayors' Foster and O'Neil in issuing a letter in support of the proposed tax measure. You can read the letter here. The City Council voted in late February to put a measure on the ballot that would raise sales tax by 1% (or 1 cent for every dollar) for a period of 6 years. After that time, the tax would be reduced to .5% (or 1/2 cent for every dollar). The tax would sunset (end) after a period of 10 years. The intended purpose of the tax would be to address the $2.8 billion dollar infrastructure needs, as well as increase our resources in Police and Fire. The first priority for restoration of fire resources in to restore Engine 8 in Belmont Shore. We are currently projecting budget deficits from 2017 through 2021 as a result of our pension liabilities. the City continues to address revenue generation efforts to address the projected deficits. As an example, we were expecting significant budget deficits in 2016, but as a result of an improved economy and the recruitment of new businesses to the City, the deficits appear to be inconsequential, not requiring any budget cuts in 2016. We will continue those efforts in 2017 to keep cuts to core services at bay. This tax measure is not powered but the projected deficits or pension liabilities, rather we are working diligently to maintain services at current levels. We have not been able to address many infrastructure needs and as a result, we have a growing deferred maintenance issue. Our current ability to fund 1-2 street repaves per district per year, is not allowing us to keep up with the growing infrastructure needs. Further, we have been unable to restore resources to our police and fire departments for many years. The projected tax increase would yield approximately $48 million per year in the first 6 years and $24 million for the remaining 4 years. The City Council's intent for this revenue, if approved by the voters, is to spend that money on infrastructure and public safety resources. In the next few weeks, I will be submitting an editorial on the tax measure and what it means to pass a general tax versus a specialty tax. I realize that this is an issue that we need to have much dialogue about in our community. I am not pushing the measure in any way. However, I do want our community to understand that without the measure, the best we can hope for is status quo in terms of City services. This means, no additional money for infrastructure (street paving) and no additional police officers or fire/rescue apparatus in operation. In fact, we may have to cut some of these services as we embark upon the 2017-2021 deficit years. As a City, we should always be looking for ways to be more efficient and to cut unnecessary costs. We continue to do that. But, a $2.8 billion dollar infrastructure need and more police and fire resources cannot be accomplished through the minimal cost savings options that we might be able to identify at this time. It's definitely something to think about and ultimately, the choice is yours as this is something that cannot be imposed by the government, it must be chosen by the voters.
Finally, I want to wish all of you and your families a very happy and healthy month. We are entering the Spring season, which is my favorite. Regardless of your religious background or beliefs, Spring is a time of fresh flower blooms and a reminder of the spirit of rebirth. It is a time to reflect on how we treat one another and how we can work together to bring more light and positivity to our community. This is what Spring has always signified for me. I hope you share the spirit of this season with me.
Looking forward to a great month!
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3RD DISTRICT COMMUNITY EVENTS
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Make a Difference Day (MADD) - March 6
Temple Israel Long Beach, Belmont Heights United Methodist Church, the Belmont Heights Community Association, and 3rd District Councilwoman Suzie Price are teaming up to host Belmont Heights Make a Difference Day on
Sunday, March 6th from 11:30-3:30pm.
There will be 18 different volunteer projects in and around Belmont Heights where you can make a difference. Projects range from making 2000 PB&J sandwiches for the homeless to supporting organic gardening to beautifying a local elementary school.
There is something for all ages and abilities. Come as a family, come by yourself, come with some friends. Come and help us make a difference in our community.
As a thank you for your service, the first 300 volunteers will receive a free Belmont Heights Make a Difference Day t-shirt to commemorate the day!
Here is a schedule for the afternoon:
11:30 a.m. - Pizza lunch available at Temple Israel
12:00 p.m. - Kick-off event at Temple Israel
12:30 p.m. - Depart from Temple Israel for service projects
3:00 p.m. - Reconvene at Belmont Heights United Methodist Church
3:30 p.m. - Event concludes
Temple Israel is located at 269 Loma Ave., Long Beach
Belmont Heights United Methodist Church is located at 317 Termino Ave., Long Beach
---by Ben Camp
Director of Community Ministries, Belmont Heights Methodist Church
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Rogers Middle School Mustang Run - March 6
Please join Councilwoman Price and many local runners, walkers and spectators at the 4th Annual Mustang Run Community 5K on
Sunday, March 6, 2016 at Marine Stadium. This is a wonderful event that helps support Rogers Middle School. The 5K will start at 8:30 AM, (check-in is at 8 AM) with with live music, pancakes and prizes to round out the event. You can register to run, walk or support the event through
www.EventBrite.com. Use keyword "Rogers Mustang Run." Prizes will be awarded in each of the following categories for both male and female racers: 6th grade, 7th grade, 8th grade, high school, community/adult. We look forward to seeing you on the 6th for a great community run, a delicious pancake breakfast, a fun swimwear show, an exciting raffle and cool prizes for the winners.
--- by Lisa West
3rd District, Business Relations Liaison
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Beach Streets Event - March 19
Councilwomen Price, Vice Mayor Lowenthal and the City of Long Beach are hosting an Open Street Event on
Saturday, March 19th from 10 AM - 5 PM. Beach Streets will open portions of Broadway, Pine Avenue, Linden Avenue, 1st Street, Cherry Avenue and 4th Street for walking, bicycling, and socializing by temporarily closing streets to vehicle traffic and giving the streets back to the community. Acceptable modes of transportation along the route include bicycles, skates, rollerblades, skateboards, etc. This is a great opportunity for you to explore local businesses and services. Councilwoman Price will have a booth set up at an entertainment hub located on Broadway between Redondo Ave. and Euclid Ave. Please come by as you make your way down the street. Streets closed to traffic will be posted with no parking signs 72 hours in advance of the event. We look forward to seeing you at Beach Streets!
--- by Lisa West
3rd District, Business Relations Liaison
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Persian New Year / Norooz Celebration at City Hall - March 22
On Tuesday, March 22, 2016, Third District Council will host the City of Long Beach's 2nd Annual Persian New Year/Norooz Celebration at City Hall. We will have Haft-sin tables, floral arrangements, and symbolic Persian food that is traditionally served for dinner. A reception will be held at 4 PM at the lobby level with a presentation set to take place during the City Council Meeting at 5 PM. Please don't miss out on this very special event in celebration of "The New Day."
--- by Lisa West
3rd District, Business Relations Liaison
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Pop-up Council at Farmers Market - March 23rd
Please meet Councilwoman Price and her staff at the Farmer's Market at Marine Stadium Park on
Wednesday, March 23rd, 3:00pm-5:00pm. Diagrams on the design and location of the new sports court, inspired by the youth participatory budgeting team, will be on display.
---by Antonella Schaub
3rd District, Communications Director
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3rd District Community Meeting - March 24
Please mark your calendars, tell your friends, and set your DVR because 5:30 PM on Thursday, March 24th you are going to want to attend our Third District Community Meeting. You have been to other community meetings, what is so different about this one you say? Well for starters, the meeting is being held at The Gaslamp at
6251 E. Pacific Coast Hwy
. For this night only the Gaslamp is changing its slogan to Music + Bar + Kitchen + COMMUNITY INFORMATION FROM CITY AGENCIES.
And since we are having it at the Gaslamp we thought we would keep the theme going by having a speaker from Long Beach Gas and Oil. So, if you are interested in keeping warm in your home and cooking food this is the meeting for you.
I know, I know, you are asking yourself "How could this get any better?" Well let me tell you, for those of you who enjoy converting O2 into CO2 (also known as breathing) a representative from the Southern California Air Quality Management District will also be one of our speakers.
Wow! Pretty impressive isn't it? No reservations are necessary, just show up. We look forward to seeing you there for a great evening with lots of great information.
--- by Jack Cunningham
3rd District, District Office Director
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3rd District Neighborhood and Association Meetings
Belmont Heights Community Association
2nd Wednesday of each month
7:00 - 8:30 PM
Belmont Heights United Methodist Church
Belmont Shore Resident Association
2nd Thursday of each month
6:00 - 8:00 PM
Bay Shore Library
Friends of Belmont Shore
Last Thursday of each month (except for January)
Thursday, March 31st
6:00 - 8:00 PM
St. Bartholomew Meeting Hall
NW Belmont Park Community Watch
Approximately every 3 months as determined
Third District Field Office
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Youth Participatory Budgeting Project Moving Forward with Marina Vista Sport Court
Last June the Councilwoman put together the youth participatory budget exercise to allow for our neighborhood youth to play a role in shaping their community in a unique way. This youth lead participatory budgeting exercise is only the second youth lead project like this in the nation where middle school and high school students were able to brainstorm project ideas, lead outreach efforts, and work with city staff to turn their ideas into concrete proposals.
 A total of 720 students from Long Beach's Third District cast ballots to pick which park improvement project they wanted to see come to fruition. The project that was selected is a youth sport court for Marina Vista Park. The half court will be a passive addition to the area and will not include any fencing so view corridors will not be affected.
 Parks, Recreation and Marine have developed a design for a modified youth basketball half court that will also include a 4 square court. The youth sized half court will be smaller than a standard court in order to encourage use by elementary and middles school aged kids. The half court will complement the park and contribute to the youth activities already available.
We want to share the designs with you and get your thoughts, so please stop by our
Third District Council booth at Marine Stadium Park Farmer's Market to see the designs on
Wednesday March 23rd., 3:00pm - 5:00pm.
Thank you again to all of the youth residents involved in this process:
A. Bishop L. Johnson
P. Bohn M. Matta
P. Bradney N. Mester
J. Deleray K. Price
A. Dunn E. Reed
3rd District, District Office Director
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Light Emitting Diode (LED) Streetlight Conversion Project
The City's Public Works Department continues to make progress on the conversion of the City's 25,000 streetlights from high-pressure sodium fixtures to light emitting diode (LED) fixtures. The conversion of the City's cobra-head fixtures is divided into two phases. The first phase, funded by a Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Grant from the Port of Long Beach, converts approximately 1,750 streetlights that illuminate the City's traffic intersections and the second phase includes the remainder of cobra-head streetlights citywide, totaling approximately 23,320.
LEDs provide superior lighting, using a soft neutral white light akin to moonlight rather than the orange glow produced by high-pressure sodium fixtures. Moreover, LEDs provide directional light rather than a diffused glow. As street lights point downward,
 LED streetlights reduce light pollution into the adjacent commercial spaces and residences, but provide better illumination for the City's streets. Since LED fixtures have longer life spans the City is expected to reduce its maintenance costs. Additionally, Public Works will install "smart" pin receptors on LED fixtures in expectation of future opportunities for smart lighting controls. These smart lighting controls provide an opportunity to dim, brighten, flash, and other modifications to the lighting system remotely.
The City's new LED fixtures will conserve energy, reduce light pollution, have longer lifespans, and employ smart control technology. LED streetlight fixtures reduce the City's energy consumption by approximately 40 to 50 percent. The City is expected to conserve 9.6 million kilowatts of energy as a result of the LED conversion over the lifespan of the LED fixtures. This equates to eliminating the carbon emissions of over 21,000 vehicles in the City.
-- by Julie Maleki
3rd District, Chief of Staff
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Luna in Belmont Shore - Interview with Harold Sturgeon, Owner
Opening on a full moon in 1993, LUNA Belmont Shore has flourished in the retail/entertainment scene of 2nd Street. At first glance, the bright red of the awning draws your eye to this cute boutique, and then the sparkle and color of the jewelry, toys and objects in the windows lure you inside. This shop is dangerous!
Harold Sturgeon, Owner, searches the world for the unique merchandise he offers at LUNA. He also commissions local artists to bring you the unique jewelry, blown glass, ceramics and gift items they showcase. "Having a personal relationship with my artists enables me to stock items unique to Luna for our clientele," says Harold. "I love what we sell, and I love the people who make what we sell."
The store has been in business for 23 years and remains the area's foremost retailer of unique gifts and beautiful things. Their concept is all about shopping local and encouraging customers to "shop small" by purchasing from local artisans. In the store, customer service is an art. Employees consult with customers on perfect gift giving and jewelry selection. Harold calls it "gift counseling" and you can't find that on the Internet.
As Third District business owners, residents and CSULB alums (Go Beach!), Harold and his retired business partner, Don Dame, are Long Beach through and through. LUNA is one of Belmont Shore's true neighborhood gems, with a great vibe and casually hip décor. This local retailer offers great service and a personal touch. LUNA thrives because it's an enjoyable place to experience: the atmosphere, the customer service and the unique merchandise. Stop in the next time you're in the Shore!
Oh, and he offers beautiful, free gift-wrap with your purchase!
LUNA Belmont Shore
4928 E. 2nd Street
Long Beach CA 90803
(562) 987-4780
Store Hours:
11 AM - 7 PM Monday-Thursday
10 AM - 9 PM Friday and Saturday
11 AM - 6 PM Sunday
--- by Lisa West
3rd District, Business Relations Liaison
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Target Express Update
GRAND OPENING IS
SUNDAY, MARCH 13th.
--- by Lisa West
3rd District, Business Relations Liaison
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City Council Meetings
City Council Meetings are held every Tuesday evening, with the exception of the last Tuesday of the month when council is "dark." Meetings are held in City Hall - Council Chambers (333 W. Ocean Blvd.) at approximately 5pm. Times do change, so please check with our office or website for exact times. City Council meetings are open to the public and we encourage your attendance, especially if there is an important topic up for discussion.
Charter (channel 3) and FIOS Verizon (channel 21) subscribers can view the City Council Meetings on their televisions or you can live stream the video through LBTV.com,
View City Council Meeting.
Agenda items change on a weekly basis so please check the city website for the most current agenda. The City Clerk is required to post the City Council Agenda the Monday, a week prior, to the Tuesday of City Council Meeting.
View agenda items
Important agenda items coming this month are as follows...
March 1 - Public Safety Meeting 3:30-4:30pm
- The Convention of the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against
Women (
CEDAW)
March 8 - City Recycling contract
March 15 - NO CITY COUNCIL MEETING
March 22 - Norooz Celebration
March 29 - NO CITY COUNCIL MEETING
--- by Antonella Schaub
3rd District, Communications Director
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Welcome CD3's Newest Intern Alexandra Escobar
The Third District Council Office is pleased to welcome our newest intern to our team, Alexandra Escobar. Ms. Escobar is a Long Beach Native, graduating from Long Beach Poly High School and receiving a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Loyola Marymount University.
 After graduating from college, Alexandra served in the Peace Corps teaching English in Guizhou, China. Currently Alexandra is working as an Administrative Support Specialist in the President's Office at Long Beach City College. When Alex is not working at Long Beach City College or interning for the Third District Council Office, she enjoys yoga, traveling, and graphic design. In addition to her many accomplishments listed above, Alexandra is also a graduate of the prestigious Leadership Long Beach program. During her Leadership Long Beach program Alexandra co-founded Project Long Beach, a user-friendly, interactive webpage to connect community members and encourage civic engagement. Please join us in welcoming Alexandra to the Third District!
-- by Julie Maleki
3rd District, Chief of Staff
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Sunday, March 13th - Daylight Savings (change your clocks)
Thursday, March 17th - St. Patrick's Day
Sunday, March 20th - First Day of Spring
Sunday, March 27th - Easter Sunday
Monday, March 28th - April 3 - Spring break for Long Beach Unified School District
-- by Antonella Schaub
3rd District, Communications Director
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Assemblymember Patrick O'Donnell along with special guests Councilwoman Suzie Price and School Board Member Jon Meyer invite you to join your friends and neighbors for a casual conversation over a cup of coffee. Come share your thoughts on legislative issues important to you.
Saturday, March 5th
9:00am - 10:30am
Boathouse on the Bay
190 N. Marina Drive
For more information and to RSVP please call 562-429-0470 or visit
www.asmdc.org/jm
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