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Happy New Year!
I hope that you all enjoyed the holiday season and your 2017 is off to a great start. December was a very busy time for our office, in particular, I attended or participated (via conference call) in the following:
18 Council and committee meetings
10 Department Head briefings
19 Constituent meetings/community forums
8 Community Association meetings or events
5 Non-profit events/programs
January is looking to be a very busy month as well. The Mayor will be presenting his "State of the City" address on January 10th. Please register at the following link if you would like to attend 2017 State of the City by Mayor Garcia. On January 17th, Council will take up an agenda item that I have drafted on youth access and marijuana impaired driving education. As many of you know, I have been very cautious about how we reintegrate the marijuana industry in Long Beach. I continue to be concerned about the resources that will be required to maintain, license, and enforce the industry but am hopeful that the taxes that will be collected as a result of Measure MA will help offset the costs to the City. Having said that, I believe it is important to partner with the marijuana industry to focus on how we can educate users on the dangers of youth access and drug-impaired driving. My agenda items calls on our Health Department to partner with key stakeholders to come up with an educational campaign that can be used throughout our city. I believe Long Beach has an opportunity to be a statewide leader in establishing best practices for marijuana use and education. Now that Proposition 64 has passed, this type of proactive approach is needed and Long Beach is in a great place to start establishing protocols that allow marijuana business owners and the City to collaborate on safe use and access. You can view the agenda item here Youth Marijuana Outreach Campaign. The Council meeting will be at 5 pm if you would like to come and speak to the item.
On January 24th, the City Council will resume the discussion regarding the airport FIS study. There has been much debate on this topic in recent months. For those who have not already done so, I encourage you to write to my office and share your thoughts on Jet Blue's request for a customs facility and international flights.
Finally, we have several major projects lined up for 2017. I look forward to working in partnership with you as I work to complete the following 2017 goals:
1. Starting and completing the PeROW project;
2. Completing the Colorado Lagoon Phase II project (north shore side);
3. Completing the youth sport court project at Marina Vista Park;
4. Installing new, safer, bathrooms in Marina Vista park;
5. Bringing a new development to the site of the Seaport Marina Hotel;
6. Finalizing the SEASP plans;
7. Identifying funding for the Belmont Pool project;
8. Re-doing the medians on 2nd street in Belmont Shore;
9. Improving the medians along the 7th Street exit, between Bellflower and the 22 Freeway; and
10. Implementing a number of traffic enhancements including traffic signals, stop signs, crosswalks, flashing beacons, and other recommended road design features.
I wish you and your families a very happy New Year. May the year be filled with much positivity and good health. Please feel free to reach out to our office at any time to talk about any ideas, suggestions or concerns that you may have.
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3RD DISTRICT COMMUNITY EVENTS
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Third
District Community Meeting and Ribbon Cutting
Councilwoman Price will be holding the next 3rd District Community meeting and Ribbon Cutting for the Marina Vista Sports Court on
Saturday, January 21st at Marina Vista Park at 10 AM (in front of the tennis courts, weather permitting).
 The Sports Court was part of our youth participatory budgeting process, which enlisted the youth in our community by voting on a park improvement. Finally after almost two years, their wish is a reality. We are happy to have Mayor Robert Garcia as our speaker to start our 2017 year off on the right foot. In
addition, we will also have updates from key department heads. Refreshments will be provide, so we hope to see you there.
--- by Antonella Schaub
3rd District Communications Director
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Peninsula Beach Nourishment MAC meeting - Jan 12th
For many months the consulting group Anchor QEA has been studying the issues, causes, and effects of beach loss on the Peninsula and have developed a feasibility analysis for sand management. The issues around sand erosion along the Peninsula have been long lasting, which have caused the frequent trucking of sand and building up of berms to protect residences from ocean swells.
The results of this study will be presented at this month's Marine Advisory Commission (MAC) meeting on January 12th at the Long Beach Yacht Club at 2:30 PM. We encourage any interested residents to attend this meeting and learn more about the potential measures that could be implemented to address this problem.
--- by Jack Cunningham
3rd District, Chief of Staff
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CD3 Walks The Walk - Jan 22nd
CD3 Walks The Walk
is a group that doesn't just talk about making a difference, we do it! Conceptualized during a meeting with local 3rd District resident Lori Barber, Councilwoman Price created CD3 Walks The Walk to combine Community, Exercise and Clean Up!
Our monthly event will meet on Sunday, January 22 at the Claremont beach lot at 8 am where we will pick up trash along Ocean Blvd to the end of the peninsula. Coffee and donuts will be waiting for us at Alamitos Park and then we'll make our way back to the parking lot via the other side of Ocean Blvd. Trash bags, gloves and trash pickers will be provided.
We'd love to see you!
photo taken on 1st walk the walk 11/13/16
photo taken on 2nd walk the walk 12/11/16
Details
Who
: Councilwoman Suzie Price
and CD3 Resident Lori Barber
What
: CD3 Walks the Walk
When
: Sun, Jan. 22 - 8 am - 10:30 am
Where
: Claremont Beach Parking Lot
--- by Lisa West
Business Relations Liaison
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Leadership Forum - Empowerment for Girls & Young Women
On Saturday, December 3, Councilwoman Suzie Price along with Kristi Allen, VP of Hotel Operations at Hotel Maya, Dr. Sandy Blazer, Principal of Wilson HS and Long Beach City Auditor Laura Doud held its first Leadership Forum - Empowerment of Girls & Young Women at Wilson High School.
The idea was sparked by 3rd District resident Mary Scott, and was facilitated by Sharon Wie of the Interval House. During the Forum, over 100 young girls/women and many parents were led through a series of discussions and videos that helped generate ideas surrounding the topic of dissolving barriers and successful women makers. The attendance reflects the overwhelming interest in addressing topics specific to female role models in the area of government, education and business. Councilwoman Price concluded the speaker series by instilling each girl with embracing their own individual feminine genius and realizing that each person has the capacity to affect change in the world. We look forward to hosting this event annually.
Parking Commission approval of funds for the Belmont Shore Medians
On December 15th, the Parking Commission approved up to $100,000 for Hirsh & Associates to redesign the Belmont Shore 2nd Street medians. Up until this time, Hirsh & Associates has been gathering feedback from the community and presenting preliminary design idea for the medians. We're looking forward to seeing actually renderings in the near future.
The Parking Commission is currently funding this project with revenue, minus
expenditures
, generated from our parking meters on 2nd Street.
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Menorah Lighting on 2nd and PCH
I
t was such an honor for me to attend the annual Shul by the Shore Menorah Lighting that took place on December 28 at Seaport Marina Hotel.
Being part of this group as they lit the menorah and celebrated Hanukkah was very inspirational as Rabbi Abba Perelmuter spoke to the crowd with his message of freedom, growth and the symbol of culture. Thank you for including me.
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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 Residents Association
2nd Thursday of each month
6:00 - 8:00 PM
Bay Shore Library
Friends of Belmont Shore
First Thursday of each month at 6:00 pm
St. Bartholomew Meeting Hall - 5100 E. Broadway at Granada Ave.
NW Belmont Park Community Watch
Approximately every 3 months as determined
Third District Field Office
Peninsula Beach Preservation Group
Do you have a community or
neighborhood meeting that you
would like to add to the 3rd
District calendar? Email:
Nina.Moussavi@longbeach.gov
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Meet our new staff member Nicholas West - Policy Advisor
 I am happy to introduce you to Nicholas West, my newest staff member. Nick began working for my office as an intern approximately two years ago to help with constituent servicing projects and facilitating community events and programs. In his current role as a policy advisor, Nick helps me research and analyze various policy considerations that appear on the Council agenda. Nick is a 3rd District resident, a senior at Millikan High School and a varsity rower with Long Beach Junior Crew. He is also part of the Youth Leadership Long Beach class of 2017, where he seeks to make a positive difference in the Long Beach Community. Nick carries himself with confidence and has the work ethic and intelligence to back it up. We are so excited to have him on our team.
--- by Councilwoman Suzie Price
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 Last month an item that is very near to my heart came before the City Council. The 1% for the Arts program creates a new ongoing funding source for public art, grants for local artists, and support for our established art institutions and groups like the Long Beach Symphony, Musical Theatre West, the Museum of Latin American Art, the International City Theater, and the Long Beach Opera.
These funds are created through an additional 1% added to new public capital construction projects built in Long Beach, and provide an opportunity for new development to further help reinforce a sense of community and inspire residents to take greater ownership over their neighborhoods.
We know that art helps improve entire communities by activating under-used space, and bringing residents together. This occurs because public art is uniquely inclusive allowing all people to experience it and enrich their life. Yes, science and technology are important and they help us live, but art inspires us and gives reason to live. A life without art would lack creativity, and provide less opportunity to share public experiences with neighbors.
This program stands to have an amazing impact on Long Beach as we join with many other cities across the country that have dedicated programs like it. This will serve to ensure that public art will continue to be nurtured in our city giving way to vibrant cultural events and future generations who find inspiration in sculpture, music, dance, drama, and all other forms of art that serve to reaffirm our humanity.
--- by Councilwoman Suzie Price
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Airport Feasibility Study on Customs Facility at LGB
A study session examining the feasibility study on a federal customs facility that would potentially allow international flights at Long Beach Airport (LGB) was presented to the City Council on Tuesday, December 13, 2016.
The Study analyzed seven components to assess the feasibility of a FIS facility at the Airport. These components included market analysis, environmental compliance requirements, economic impact, facility siting alternatives, airport scope and capability, financial feasibility, and security risk assessment. Based on a thorough analysis of these components, the Study concluded that a FIS facility would be feasible.
Aircraft noise is both a worldwide and local concern. Our society is dependent on aviation services and balancing the benefits and opportunities of air transportation requires education and community participation. Historically, Long Beach has been at the forefront of these efforts and the Airport is very proud to have played a part. The Long Beach Airport Noise Compatibility Ordinance makes Long Beach one of the strictest noise-controlled airports in the United States.
 Air carrier allocation of the established minimum 41 flight slots and the 9 supplemental flight slots (total of 50 slots) could not increase with the introduction of international service at the Airport, because the Noise Ordinance does not consider flight origination or destination but rather cumulative noise levels as monitored and measured by the Airport's robust noise management program. Additionally, based on the City Attorney's Opinion and in observing international operations at other noise restrictive airports, LGB can continue to effectively manage and maintain the Ordinance.
Long Beach Airport is currently operating very close to maximum capacity. International operations would be subject to the same noise restrictions as domestic operations and would not be allowed to exceed the established noise budgets. In short, the number of aircraft operations would not increase and, because of the terminal and aircraft parking limitations, the size of aircraft operating internationally would be very similar, if not identical, to the aircraft currently operating at the Airport.
The City Council will consider the issue and vote on Tuesday, January 24 in Council Chambers. For questions concerning Long Beach Noise Ordinance please email
lgbnoise@longbeach.gov.
--- by Ron Reeves
Long Beach Airport, Noise & Environmental Affairs Officer
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Coral Trees Dying, Must Be
Removed to Ensure Public Safety
Five coral trees on Ocean Boulevard and Cherry Avenue are dying, with significant trunk and root decay, and are at risk of falling. These trees experienced limb failure over the summer at an increasing rate, and members of the public are often within the fall zone. To ensure public safety at the popular Bixby Annex location, the Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine (PRM) must remove these trees.
"We are always saddened to see any of our beloved trees removed, but as these specific trees die and pose a significant safety risk, our priority is to ensure that our parks are safe and the rest of our trees are as healthy as possible," said Marie Knight, Director of Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine.
Health and safety risk assessments from two arborists concluded that the risk categorization for the five trees is "probable" failure with "severe" consequences, and recommended removing the trees. These five trees have multiple problems that cannot be mitigated through the pruning process.
Twelve other trees in the area will be structurally pruned, as recommended by arborists, in an effort to prolong their lifespan.
The work will begin in early January 2017, and signage has been posted to inform the community.
Twenty-two coral trees in the area range in height from 20 to 60 feet, and have canopies spreading the same distance. All had increased limb failure over the summer. These soft wood trees are naturally brittle, multi-trunked and prone to decay, causing them to split apart or drop limbs during periods of extreme heat and drought.
The City is dedicated to ensuring that all trees enjoy a long and healthy life, and will continue to monitor their conditions. A replacement plan for the trees, utilizing best practices, will be developed as the ongoing drought conditions continue.
For more information about Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine tree trimming activity, please visit www.lbparks.org.
The above photos were taken by the skate park in Bixby Park. This tree fell at about 10AM on January 4th. Luckily, no one was around the tree. This is an example of safety concerns surrounding the Corral Trees off of Ocean Blvd.
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Mattalou Shoe Boutique
 We are thrilled to spotlight Mattalou Shoe Boutique on Ximeno and 4th Street this month. Their web site motto, "Euro Fashion X Cali Comfort," fits them like a cozy pair of slippers!
With numerous European and American brands, you are sure to find a shoe that is comfortable and fashionable too! They bring with them 55 years of experience in the shoe industry, but they also feature products from local artists and crafters too. This is a great boutique to find an extra special gift for a friend or something for yourself, and they have parking that helps you get in and out with ease. We are thrilled to have this great boutique in the 3rd District!
Mattalou Shoe Boutique 
398 Ximeno Avenue
(562)343-5588
Web: Mattalou.com
Hour of Operation:
Wednesday - Friday: 11 am - 5 pm
Saturday - Sunday: 11 am - 4 pm Monday - Tuesday: closed
--- by Lisa West
3rd District, Business Relations Liaison
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City Council Updates
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...
Jan 3 - No City Council Meeting
Jan 10 - State of the City
Jan 17 - Education and outreach campaign regarding youth marijuana use and impaired driving
January 24 - Airport feasibility on international terminal
January 31 - No Council Meeting
--- by Antonella Schaub
3rd District, Communications Director
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Homelessness HEART Team
With Homelessness continuing to be an issue throughout the country, state and city, Long Beach has developed a new technique to responding to emergency calls relating to homelessness. The Long Beach Fire Department's Homeless Emergency and Response Team (HEART) is two teams of paramedics/firefighters, which are available for responding to the public's needs as a limited pilot program.  These paramedics have been trained specifically to deal with the special needs of the homeless, and are also in liaison with outreach teams from the Multi-Service Center. Not only do they deal with medical emergencies among the homeless population, as a result they also make an effort to get injured people the long-term help they need for their homelessness. This is meant to be a more rapid and targeted response for 9-1-1 calls specifically related to homelessness, and can be responded to without dispatching a hook and ladder fire truck, or ambulance.
With the recent elevation of homelessness from simply being an individual council district issue to a city-wide issue we hope this and other programs will continue being implemented to improve this situation.
Additionally, please find the link below for more information and opportunities to get involved in helping reduce homelessness, including donations as well as volunteering in this year's homeless count on January 26th.
--- by Jack Cunningham
3rd District, Chief of Staff
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Redondo Ave. Storm Water
 Some of you may have noticed the construction on Ocean Blvd and Redondo Ave and asked yourself, "What in the world is going on down there?" Well, thanks to the Clean Beaches Initiative Grant Program, the City of Long Beach has been able to implement a few Low Flow Diversion systems to help control the urban runoff that often pollutes our beaches and oceans. The Low Flow Diversion systems divert bacteria and other pollutants away from the ocean to sewer treatment centers. The implementation of these systems will remove trash from the sewer and decrease the amount of pollutants that are being deposited into our beaches.
The project is scheduled to be finished by the end of February 2017. Once the construction on the system is finished, the concrete and the grass will be restored and the park area will be put back to new. The grant program has funded several other Low Flow Diversion systems throughout California and the systems have been extremely successful. We look forward to the positive effects that this Low Flow Diversion system will have on keeping or beaches and oceans clean."
--- by Nina Moussavi
3rd District, District Office Director
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New Stop Sign coming to 1st and Orizaba
 News like this always fills our office with joy. Recently some Bluff Park residents contacted our office with concerns around traffic safety at 1st and Orizaba. Our office then worked with the Traffic Engineering Department to evaluate the intersection's safety and found that a stop sign was warranted.
Public safety is always something we work hard to improve so stop signs, signals, crosswalks, flashing lights, and beacons are cause for celebration as we continue to try to make the Third District a little better every day. Thank you to the residents for bringing this location to our attention, and to city staff for making this happen.
--- by Jack Cunningham
3rd District, Chief of Staff
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Special Trash Collection
Did you know that the City of Long Beach provides each residential account two free special trash collections per year? This means you can do spring cleaning in January. To request a special collection please call 570-2876
or fill out a form online -
Special Collection
Special collection items include: furniture, appliances, computers and monitors, televisions, tires, yard debris, and other odd items.
 As for your Christmas tree, you can haul it out by fire station 14 for recycling or there will be a special curb side collection on Saturday, January 7th. Just place the tree outside on your curb where you would normally place your trash bins and our Refuse Department will collect them.
--- by Antonella Schaub
3rd District, Communications Director
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Watch out for those ducks!
There are days where big decisions and projects have a huge impact on the city, things that are important or contentious and create waves throughout our communities and region of the state. However sometimes there are small things that make a difference for a quiet few who do not write letters to city hall or call their council offices, this is one of those things. Recently the duck crossing sign was replaced near the corner of Colorado and Eliot making it safer for ducks, and ducklings to safely cross from Colorado Lagoon to Marina Vista Park and back again.
--- by Jack Cunningham
3rd District, Chief of Staff
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Visit the link to see all the upcoming events in Long Beach...
Events
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Other Events in Long Beach
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