Last month was a busy month for us.  In addition to my City Council committee meetings, regular briefings with City department heads, monthly community meetings, and constituent meetings, we had 6 additional community meetings added to our schedule.  For those of you who are interested, here is a breakdown of where my time was spent on council business this month. (Note, this list this does not include the marathon council meetings on Tuesday nights or the meetings that my staff attend on my behalf, which are numerous!)

 

This month, I spent my council-related time attending the following: 

- 16 community or non-profit events; 

- 9 community meetings sponsored by my office; 

- 17 constituent meetings; 

- 9 Department Head briefings; 

- 2 staff meetings with my council office team; and 

- 7 meetings related to committees that I sit on or chair as a result of my work on Council. 

 

As you can see, it has been a busy month especially since ALL of these meetings were held, before or after my regular work day, during my lunch hour or on the weekends!! Anyone else feel tired after reading that? I am always amazed at how much we accomplish in a month's time.   

 

November is a special time of the year.  On November 11th we have the opportunity to honor our veterans.  Veteran's Day is a time when we stop to reflect on the sacrifice men and women who serve our country make for our freedom.  I want to wish all of our veterans a very restful Veteran's Day.  I want to especially thank my husband for his service in the US Coast Guard during the Gulf War. 

 

November is also a time we give great thanks for the blessings we have in our lives. Since I have been serving on council, I have learned so much about the goodness in our community.  There are literally hundreds of non-profit organizations in Long Beach that work day-in and day-out to help people who are in need. Whether the issue is homelessness, helping crime victims, supporting our youth, promoting education, easing poverty, supporting the Arts, historical preservation, etc. we have people who are committed to making the world around us good for everyone.  To me, the energy these people bring to our city, is what fuels me.  Not surprisingly, these people always approach me from a place of appreciation and mutual collaboration. I consider the men and women who serve on non-profit boards and staff my partners in my ONLY goal of making our community a better place. It takes a village and I am grateful for our village of Long Beach.  These people don't just talk the talk, they walk the walk. Which brings me to our newest adventure, called CD3 Walks the Walk.  This new walking/community service group will meet monthly for a 2 hour walk and community service project.  This idea was developed when resident Lori Barber came to me and said she didn't just want to complain about problems in her community, but she wanted to be a partner in helping find a solution.  Together we developed the idea of a walking group, dedicated to also doing good in the community.  Join us on November 13th at 8 am at Marine Stadium Park. Lori will map out a walk for us to Granada Beach parking lot. There, we will pick up trash, enjoy some coffee and donuts, and then walk back. We will do this every month. PLEASE join us and help make Lori's goal of being a solutions-oriented member of the community a reality. 

 

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you and your family.