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 It's back to school season and if your home is anything like ours, you are busy adjusting to the Fall school, sports, music lesson, etc. schedules. I don't know about you, but LBUSD's earlier start date this year was a bit challenging for us to adjust to. We were able to squeeze in our annual family vacation last week, but moving the vacation up a week meant that I had to take the council meeting from August 22nd from Hawaii. This was the first time I have remotely participated in a council meeting. I was grateful that the Mayor of Maui allowed me to use his office for the meeting. It was a public meeting, but no Long Beach residents joined me at the Mayor's office. I wonder why? It seems like such a natural place to spend 7 hours of your day while on vacation! I enjoyed meeting the Mayor of Maui and talking with him about some of the similarities
in our two municipalities. Of course, their tourism industry is huge and sets them apart from many other cities. One example of that is in their budget. Since our council meeting on Tuesday was about the budget, I talked at length to the Mayor and his staff about their budget. Did you know that they have a population of about 150,000 residents but they have an annual budget of $700 million? That's about $200 million more than our general fund, operating budget. No wonder it looks like paradise there.
Speaking of budgets, it is budget season in Long Beach. A few weeks ago we held a community meeting on the City Manager's proposed budget and sometime in the next couple of weeks, we will approve the budget. My top priorities continue to be a steady increase in our police force and continued street and infrastructure work citywide. As many of you know, I started the Sunday library hours pilot project in 2014, which has led to 4 libraries now being open on Sundays! The proposed budget recommendations by the Mayor continues this program. I am also a HUGE supporter of the Long Beach Municipal Band and am happy that the Mayor's proposed budget also supports continuing to fund a 6 week muniband concert series.
Another area where we continue to set new objectives is in the area of homelessness. The proposed budget shows new funding sources from the County as well as continued grant funding from the national government. Additionally, the City has received a commitment from Supervisor Hahn for funding to operate a year-round homeless shelter. The city team is working diligently to identify a site for this shelter so that it can remain a viable option for those choosing to participate in the services offered by the City.
For those who completed the survey on issues/priorities that we sent out last month, thank you! If you have any thoughts or concerns about the budget that you wish to convey to me prior to the passage of the budget, please don't hesitate to reach out to me at
[email protected].
Have a great September!
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3RD DISTRICT COMMUNITY EVENTS
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CONCERT AT MARINE STADIUM PARK WITH ASSEMBLYMEMBER
PATRICK O'DONNELL'S OFFICE - Sept 8
Councilwoman Price will partner with Assemblymember Patrick O'Donnell to host two events in the 3
rd
District this weekend. Our 3
rd
Annual Concert with Assemblymember Patrick O'Donnell is scheduled to take place this Friday evening, September 8, at Marine Stadium Park, 6 PM. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets for this fun community event! Food Trucks will be on hand to help with dinner needs, and everyone's favorite band, Knyght Ryder will perform.
Location: Marine Stadium Park, 5255 E. Paoli Way
Food Trucks 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Blast Ice Cream, BrewWings, Canvas, & Cousins Maine Lobster
Concert 6 PM - 7:30 PM
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COFFEE WITH ASSEMBLYMEMBER O'DONNELL & COUNCILWOMAN PRICE - Sept 9
The other event hosted by Assemblymember O'Donnell and Councilwoman Price is a Community Coffee at Ballast Point on Saturday morning, September 9 at 10:30 AM. Come enjoy the beautiful weather and gorgeous views of the bay while discussing hot topics with these two leaders. Please attend these events to discuss your questions, concerns, or ideas on legislative issues.
Location: Ballast Point, 110 N. Marine Drive
Time: 10:30-11:30 AM
3rd District, Director of Business Relations, Programming & Outreach
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GREENBELT FEST IS THIS SATURDAY!
Please join the Greenbelt Heights Neighborhood Association
as they host Greenbelt Fest, an evening filled
with food, live music, family fun and fellowship!
Date: September 9th, 2017
Time: 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: 7th to 8th St. Greenbelt Park East @ Roswell Ave
Music: DAD Company
Food: BrewWings Food Truck
Join us in celebrating projects like the Red Car Greenbelt, Bike Lane Expansion, and Community Improvements in this beautiful East Side Pocket of Greenbelt Heights. Dad Co will perform during the event.
-By Lisa West
3rd District, Director of Business Relations, Programming & Outreach
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3RD DISTRICT COMMUNITY MEETING - Sept 23
 Please join us for our monthly Third District Community Meeting on Saturday, September 23rd from 10am to 12 noon at Gaslamp (6251 Pacific Coast Hwy). This month's Community Meeting will host a panel of architects who will present on the topic of developing near ecologically sensitive areas. The Panel will discuss ways in which developers can build while being respectful to and accounting for ecological areas, such as the Los Cerritos Wetlands. The experts will answers questions pertaining to different ways in which developers can integrate the invaluable wetlands into the design of nearby buildings, making the developments reflective of the beautiful ecology that surrounds. Attendees will also receive an update from Councilwoman Suzie Price on various projects around the District and the City! It has been a busy Summer here in the Third and we are keeping the momentum going into Fall. We are so excited to update you on all of the exciting projects to come!
3rd District, District Office Director
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3RD DISTRICT HOSTS A TABLE FOR AROUND THE TABLE - Sept 23
Many of you have heard about Around the Table. This is a one-day event, presented by the Long Beach Community Foundation and We Love LB, featuring hundreds of connected conversations throughout the City. Around the Table is an opportunity for community members to explore new ideas and possibilities that can have a positive impact on our beautiful City.
The Third District will be hosting an
Around The Table Lunch on
S
eptember 23rd from 12:30 pm to 2 pm at the Third District Field Office (340 Nieto Ave). Space will be limited, so be sure to R.S.V.P. for the Third District Council Office's Table on
Around the Table - CD3
. At our table you will participate in a productive conversation intended to benefit the community. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided.
If you are unable to join our table on September 23rd, you can find dozens of other tables throughout the City. The goal of Around the Table is to host over 1,000 tables during this one day event. Can't find a table that suits you? You can even host your own! A table can happen just about anywhere: front yards, backyards, coffee shops, parks, you name it! We are so looking forward to the positive and productive conversations that will come out of this wonderful event.
"When we have a chance to listen to others and share our own experiences, we begin to learn what matters most and collectively imagine how to make Long Beach even better."
3rd District, District Office Director
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RECAP - 3RD
DISTRICT BUDGET MEETING AUGUST 31
 In honor of budget season, our office hosted a community meeting focusing on the upcoming budget cycle. We had a full house as residents gathered at the Third District Field Office for a riveting presentation about next year's city budget. Oh and who could forget the delicious feast from Sancho's Tacos? Atten
dees received updates from the City Manager's office, from the Public Works Department, and from countless other members of City Staff. Dozens of residents had the opportunity to ask questions and voice concerns about the upcoming city budget. Thank you to everyone who came and contributed to the positive and productive evening!
3rd District, District Office Director
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3rd District Neighborhood and Association Meetings
Belmont Heights Community Association
2nd Wednesday of each month - Sept 13
7:00 - 8:30 PM
Belmont Heights United Methodist Church
Additional Meeting with Alan Lowenthal - Sept 18
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
Bluff Park Community Meeting
Community Meeting at
Temple Israel Sept 27
@ 7:00 PM
Stoneybrook Villas Association Meeting
3rd Wednesday of each month
7pm - Clubhouse at 500 Bellflower Blvd
Do you have a community or
neighborhood meeting that you
would like to add to the 3rd
District calendar? Email:
[email protected]
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LONG BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY WINS NATIONAL MEDAL
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) announced Long Beach Public Library as one of ten recipients (five libraries and five museums) of the 2017 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the nation's highest honor given for service to the community. The award has celebrated institutions that respond to societal needs in innovative ways, making a difference for individuals, families and their communities for 23 years.
This honor recognizes the contributions of Long Beach Public Library, including its Family Learning Centers, The Studio, Information Center for
People with Disabilities and Special Connect services for families with special needs. Additionally, this award celebrates the significant community partnerships and connections with Long Beach Unified School District, YMCA Early Childhood Education, Campaign for Grade Level Reading, Safe Long Beach, Miller Children's Hospital, United Cambodian Community and Preschool without Walls, to name a few.
Glenda Williams, Director of Library Services, attended the award ceremony at the National Archives Museum in Washington, D.C. on July 17. The keynote speaker was journalist and author Cokie Roberts. Ms. Williams was joined by community member Bryant Ben, who volunteers his time to teach some of the Khmer classes on Saturdays at the Mark Twain Library. Mr. Ben shared the impact of the library on his life.
In addition to the national medal, Long Beach Public Library will receive a $5,000 award in recognition of extraordinary civic, educational, economic, environmental and social contributions. Later this year there will be a three-day visit from StoryCorps to provide members of the Long Beach community to share the stories of their lives. These stories will be preserved at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress.
Ms. Williams was proud to accept the national medal on behalf of the women and men of the Long Beach Public Library. It is a testament to the services and resources that they provide to Long Beach residents every day to help them reach personal and education goals.
- Submitted by
Library Services
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ONE SIMPLE TRICK TO MAKE OUR STREETS SAFER FOR FAMILIES
We all love having wonderful bike access here in Long Beach. Living in the 3rd District we can easily bike to Downtown, to Seal Beach, to any one of a dozen parks, and most of the trip is reasonably safe. But there are some stretches of road where, no matter how vigilant we are, we know we aren't safe. When you ride along a line of parked cars, such as on every street in Belmont Shore, on Junipero north of Ocean, or on a number of other high-traffic roadways for bikes and cars alike across Long Beach, you run the risk of avoidable injury. This is one reason many children and youth in our community can be found riding their bikes on sidewalks, creating different dangers, as they aren't as sure of themselves, may be distracted more easily, and may not have practiced the reflexes to avoid being "doored."
Being "doored" is exactly what it sounds like. You're riding your bike, enjoying the exercise and easy parking at your destination, then Wham!, you're on the floor and an apologetic driver is attempting to help you and your broken bike up out of the roadway. But this situation can be all but eradicated with a simple motion now called the Dutch Reach. Cyclists and drivers worked together in the Netherlands over 50 years ago to reduce high numbers of tragic accidents on shared roads, and today their simple solution is gaining widespread usage and acclaim across bike-friendly cities in Europe and the Northeastern US.
The Dutch Reach, as it is known, is the process of opening your car door with your far hand, you know, the one usually grabbing a coffee cup, phone, or handbag. This simple change of habit causes the driver to turn their shoulders to the door, their eyes across their left mirror, and their peripheral vision to the rear. This photo, courtesy of
Dutchreach.org, provides the same simple explanation visually.
The Dutch Reach is cheaper than building protected bike lanes, safer for driver and cyclist alike, and safer for other cars in the street
as fewer cyclists will have to swerve to avoid doors. With simple education in newsletters, local publications, and word-of-mouth conversation, we can reduce tragic accidents within a matter of days to weeks.
When we cycle to work, jet to the store for groceries or an ice cream cone, or leisurely ride over to relax with a neighbor and catch up, we shouldn't fear for our safety. The Dutch Reach is an easy, free solution to make our neighborhoods safer. Simply speaking, we have nothing to lose and so much to gain.
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PURPOSEFUL AGING LOS ANGELES
The older adult population (65 years and above) in the Los Angeles region will double between 2010 and 2030, from approximately 1.1 million to more than 2.2 million people. To prepare our region for this dramatic demographic shift, the County and City of Los Angeles launched Purposeful Aging Los Angeles (PALA), a landmark initiative that unites public and private resources, ideas and strategies.
 Our goal is to change the future of aging in the Los Angeles Region by creating an area that is more age friendly, allowing people to age in place and in community. You can help us do this by completing the PALA Survey at PurposefulAgingLA.com
, and sharing this email with your networks. The
confidential PALA Survey takes about 20 minutes to complete and can be filled out by anyone 18 years of age or older who resides in the County or City of Los Angeles.
Thank you for helping us ensure this survey reaches every community in the County and City of Los Angeles.
-By Herlinda E. Chico
Field Deputy to Janice Hahn
LB County Board of Supervisors, 4th District
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THANK YOU TO OUR INTERNS
This summer, the Third District had a team of hard-working young interns helping out with projects around the community. Our amazing interns worked with our team at community events, around the office, and in our parks! These young professionals were able to gain experience doing community outreach at local events and doing research in our office on many of the topics that are important to our District. We were so lucky to have a diverse team of interns representing many of the schools in the City including Woodrow Wilson Classical High School, Long Beach Polytechnic High School, The California Academy of Math and Science and even Chadwick School in Palos Verdes. Some of our interns have just started their high school careers and some are preparing to head off to college and we are so proud to have played a small role in their future! We hope everyone will join us in thanking these dedicated young women and men for spending their summer with us in the beautiful Third District! Thank you to Erica, Blanca, Alli, Maria, Theo, Orlando, Emma, Ava, Monica and Nate!
3rd District, District Office Director
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Working for Councilwoman Price has given me the opportunity to meet some exceptional people in the City of Long Beach. One of those people is 3rd
District resident and business owner, Bobby Bluehouse and his wife, Maria. They live in Belmont Shore on E. Ocean Boulevard, and are successfully operating two businesses, Arcadia Blues Club and Always Kiting on Huntington Drive. They have been supporting Long Beach events such as the Annual Kite Expo in Belmont Shore and Long Beach Blues Festivals for many years. Bobby teaches kite surfing every Sunday to Thursday in Belmont Shore for So Cal Kite Surfing. He is an IKO certified instructor and especially enjoys teaching our local residents and sharing his passion for kite surfing. It is a relatively new sport and if all goes well, they expect it will be in the Olympics soon. Bobby and Maria are a real asset to the sport by helping to sponsor several riders and are looking to grow the sport. He has instructed students from 9 years of age to 75.
Bobby has served in several Downtown Business, Parking, Resident, Service Associations and has instructed handicapped/youth/seniors in various swimming, skiing, boating and water sports. They also enjoy participating in community groups, one of which is Friends of Belmont Shore. Bobby is a director and handles the meeting programs. They meet the first Thursday of each month. "Belmont Shore is a wonderful community to live and work in, with good schools and housing as its base. We are thrilled to feel like we are in the heartbeat of the city and try to give back to the community at every possible opportunity."
If you're interested in lessons or receiving more information about his businesses, contact him at the links below.
Have Kites Will Travel
Bobby Bluehouse
- By Lisa West
3rd District, Director of Business Relations, Programming & Outreach
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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
- By Antonella Schaub
3rd District, Communications Director
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NEW EAST DIVISION COMMANDER FOR THE 3RD DISTRICT
Approximately every year the Police Department rotate their Command staff.
Long Beach Police Chief Robert Luna has selected Lieutenant Erik Herzog, a 27-year-veteran of the Police Department, for the positions of Commander.
Lieutenant Herzog began his career with the Long Beach Police Department in 1990. He promoted to sergeant in 1997 and to lieutenant in 2016.
Lieutenant Herzog has worked a variety of assignments including: Patrol, Field Training Officer Program, Gang Enforcement, Office of the Chief of Police, Organized Crime, FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, and Homicide. His most recent assignment has been with the Special Enforcement Section, where he has also served as the acting commander of the Field Support Division, which includes the Police Service Dog Unit, S.W.A.T, Air Support, Traffic Section, and Special Events & Planning.
Lieutenant Herzog holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Vocational Education from California State University, Long Beach, and is a graduate of the Sherman Block Leadership Institute, USC Safe Communities Institute and Force Science Institute. Lt. Herzog will begin his new assignment as the Commander of the East Patrol Division.
Lieutenant Herzog will be replacing Commander Elizabeth Griffin who is being rotated to the Port Police Division.
- Jack Cunningham
Chief of Staff, Councilwoman Price
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HOMELESSNESS
Funding to Address Homelessness
The City's approach to addressing homelessness is a coordinated effort that involves multiple City departments led by the Health and Human Services Department. The FY 18 Budget includes $11.5 million in funding to address homelessness as follows:
Health Department
- $7.64 million in federal grant funds for the Long Beach Continuum of Care (CoC) to provide permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, rapid rehousing, supportive services, data collection, planning and Unified Funding Agency administration.
- $786,233 in federal grants for the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) and HOME Programs to provide rapid rehousing and shelter services, Multi Service Center (MSC) costs related to oversight and coordination and security deposits for households.
- $11,093 in federal pass-through grant funding for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program to provide motel vouchers for short-term placement of individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
- $500,000 in Los Angeles County grant funds from Supervisor Hahn's Office to extend the Homeless Veteran's Initiative.
- $100,000 in grant funds from the Council of Governments to assist in regional efforts to expand capacity for Service Planning 8 to address homelessness.
- $134,550 in the Mayor's Fund to provide gap funding for support services not otherwise covered by grants.
- By Jack Cunningham
Chief of Staff, Councilwoman Price
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PROGRESS ON 6TH STREET BIKE BLVD.
Phase One of the 6
th street Bike Boulevard project has been completed and Phase Two is on its way to completion right on schedule! Phase One included a new roundabout at the intersection of 6th Street and Park Avenue. With the start of the new school year, this roundabout has provided effective traffic calming measures for motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians who use this frequently traveled thoroughfare. This particular intersection was completed prior to the start of the school year to give commuters the opportunity to become familiar with the new traffic feature. The City has also placed temporary signage to caution drivers of the changes. The Public Works Department will continue to monitor the effects of the new traffic circles and roundabout as the contractors finish each phase. Phase Two includes traffic circles at Santiago and Ultimo. Phase Three is scheduled to begin in mid-September and will include traffic circles at Flint and Havana.
When driving in a roundabout or traffic circle, here a few things to remember:
1. Slow Down
2. Watch for Pedestrians in the Crosswalk
3. Yield to Traffic already in the Roundabout
4. Use your Turn Signal when Exiting
- By Nina Moussavi
3rd District, District Office Director
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MAKING ROSIE'S DOG BEACH A SAFER PLACE
After a recent incident with some aggressive dogs at Rosie's Dog Beach, resident David Freeman became interested in improving this environment by learning more about the city departments involved and what the specific rules for dog at the beach.
He writes:
The objective of this article is to bring safety and civility to Rosie's Dog Beach and to educate all dog beach users of the rules and laws pertaining to the dog beach. By following a few basic rules and Municipal codes Rosie's can be safer and more pleasant for all. Our Councilwoman has taken significant steps to bring clarity to this issue and make Rosie's safe for all.
So, I decided I would learn the rules and regulations in effect at Rosie's. I first called Justin Rudd and he sent Rosie's Dog Beach Rules to me. He said he is not responsible for Rosie's anymore and suggested I contact the City.
The rules he sent read:
DOG OWNERS WHO FAIL to comply with the regulations set forth by Ordinance may be cited. Citations may be issued by: Animal Control Officers, Police Officers, Marine Patrol Officers, Park Rangers and/or Lifeguards.
This is quite an enforcement team
, so I decided to find out how the enforcement worked on day-to-day practice, chose to key in on the two most important rules in my opinion.
- 1. Rule B: One Dog per Adult
- 2. Rule F: Aggressive dogs are not permitted
Owners are legally responsible for any injury caused by their dogs (6.16.310B). If these 2 rules/laws were enforced, Rosie's Dog Beach would be a much safer place. IMPORTANT NOTE: Aggressive Dogs does not relate to the size of your dog. Applies to all aggressive dogs regardless of size.
In addition to there being no aggressive dogs allowed and only one dog per adult, Rules also include:
- Current Rabies Shots/Vaccinations
- Licensing is required
- No spiked collars
- No female dogs in heat
- Dogs must respond to owner commands
- No food of any kind
- No dogs under 4 months old
- Public Rest Room and Showers are not to be used for and with dogs
Link to Full Rules on Dog Parks including Rosie's Dog Beach
I proceeded to contact the heads of those City Departments listed and learned a lot of interesting details. For instance, Animal Control have four officers available for the entire City of Long Beach until 4:00 PM daily, and two officers on duty after 4:00 PM through morning. I talked to several Lifeguards for clarification and although they can enforce rules for the dog beach their priority is to watch the water, and take care of people. I regard all of them totally professional and committed to their job but dog beach enforcement is not a focus. I additionally talked to several Police Officers and was told many are unfamiliar with the laws at the dog beach as this is typically an Animal Control or Parks issue. These issues can also be addressed by calling 9-1-1 and they can route you to Animal Control, or you can use the GOLongBeach app to report dogs off leash outside of dog parks. Additionally, I met with Deputy City Manager Kevin Jackson, at City Hall. I explained that I usually go to the dog park for about 10 minutes and see 3-4 violations each time and he explained some of the limitations that exist for enforcement.
In response to my concerns Mr. Jackson and Councilwoman Suzie Price, have talked with me and answered questions I have asked while working with me to find ways of fixing these problems. The Councilwoman had new signs installed stating clearly "One Dog per Adult" at my request. They also added signs that say "All Dogs must be leashed until Dog Zone" in an effort to better inform the users of these rules. Councilwoman Price also offered to let me write this article to help get the word out to residents on rules at the dog park to improve safety for everyone.
My objective is simply to make Rosie's a safe place where civil and law-abiding people can enjoy their dog (every day of the week). I do not want to see it closed just enforced properly.
Thanks to Councilwoman Price and staff for all their help defining and resolving the problems.
-David Freeman
Concerned Citizen and Victim
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PENINSULA SINK HOLE REPAIRED
Recently a pot hole was identified near the entrance to the Peninsula on Ocean Blvd. just East of 54th Place in front of the Leeway Sailing Center. Public Works inspected the area and found that the pothole, thought to just be damage to the road surface, was actually a small sinkhole that developing below the roadway. In order to ensure the area was properly inspected and drivers were kept safe the center of the street was blocked off until repairs were completed. This resulted in the need for crews to work on this area of the roadway for several weeks. Much of that work involved underground cameras inspecting the water pipes for leaks to ensure these repairs were able to hold. The repairs have now been complete and the roadway is safe for traffic.
- Jack Cunningham
Chief of Staff, Councilwoman Price
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7TH STREET CAL TRANS PROJECT
September 5th Caltrans will begin a repair project to 7th Street between PCH and the San Gabriel River. The phases of the project are expected to occur intermittently and be completed in February of 2018. The project includes rehabilitating both east and westbound traffic lanes, ADA curb ramps, pedestrian push buttons, and new lane striping.
This is a major artery in and out of Long Beach for commuters every day, so this project is expected to create delays. So, in an effort to minimize those delays I want to make sure residents are aware of this Caltrans project so they can plan ahead where possible.
The curb ramps will be the first phase of the project beginning September, with roadway rehabilitation beginning in October barring weather impacts that delay the schedule.
During This Work:
- Sidewalks will be closed during ADA improvements and detours will be provided.
- During pavement work, lanes will be closed.
- Construction noise is anticipated.
Delays will also be expected.
For questions or updates on this project feel free to contact Karina Vargas with Caltrans District 7 at (213)897-7602 or by email at
[email protected],
- Jack Cunningham
Chief of Staff, Councilwoman Price
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Visit the link to see all the upcoming events in Long Beach...
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Other Events in Long Beach
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