Happy June!

Many of you are gearing up for the summer break and thinking about vacation plans with your families.   Fortunately for those of us living in this great city, we get to experience summer fun and aquatics recreation all year around. For those interested in something new, make sure to check out the new floating play area in the Alamitos Bay. E njoy it and let us know what you think of this new addition that will only be available during the summer months.

The June election is now behind us. Thanks for all of you who voted in favor of Measure M. This Charter amendment allowed us to correct a deficiency that was not created by the current City Council but one that could have certainly impacted our ability to maintain city services at the current levels. I look forward to starting the annual city budget discussions in July and passing a responsible budget in September.

As some of you know, the last few weeks were challenging for our community as we mourned the loss of our community member and great former Governor, George Dukemejian. Personally, I also mourn the loss of a friend who was a part of my "mom village." Both memorials will be on June 9th so I expect that to be a day where the best of Long Beach is demonstrated in the spirit of community and support. This past few weeks have definitely taught me to not take my own blessings for granted. We live in a beautiful city, and as my friend Justin Rudd often says, "Life is good and getting better."  Hope those words speak to you this week as they have spoken to me often over the past few weeks.

As always, please don't hesitate to reach out to my office at [email protected] if you need anything or need to clarify information you have read or heard that may seem concerning to you. We always encourage you to do so.

Best to all of you.  
 
 
Suzie Price 
3RD DISTRICT COMMUNITY EVENTS
3RD DISTRICT COMMUNITY MEETING and GRAND OPENING OF THE LEEWAY PIER, BAY SHORE SWIM DOCK and CONCESSION STAND - JUNE 16

We are holding our June Community
Meeting on Saturday, June 16th at 10 AM. The meeting will be at the new Bay Shore swim dock so we can highlight the fantastic projects that have been completed, and are still underway. We will have updates from the Police Department, Lifeguards, Marine Bureau, and the City's Tidelands Division who is leading many of these great new projects. Please arrive promptly as we will also be holding a grand opening for the Leeway Pier, Bay Shore Swim Dock and Concession Stand. Drinks and snack will be available for the grand opening which is scheduled for 11 AM at that same location.  

  - By Jack Cunningham
3rd District, Chief of Staff
MAKE MUSIC LONG BEACH - June 21

Make Music is an annual celebration of music around the world that happens on Summer Solstice. Launched in 1982 in Paris as the Fête de la Musique, it is now held on the same day in more than 750 cities in 120 countries.
Long Beach is joining the celebration with music in a variety of spaces across the city. You can be a part of it!

Long Beach businesses are invited to host a free music event as part of Make Music Long Beach. Go to  www.makemusiclb.org to sign up and for more information. There's no fee to participate. 
 
The event is spearheaded by the Arts Council of Long Beach and the Long Beach Music Council.
RECAP OF EVENTS
2nd ANNUAL "FESTA DELLA SENSA"

Councilwoman Suzie Price was honored to be asked to partake in the 2nd Annual Festa Della Sensa, the celebration of the marriage of Long Beach to the sea on Sunday, May 6th.  The event included a parade, ceremony, and a three-mile paddle around Naples Islands.  Following the Sensa, Michael O'Toole, owner of Gondola Getaway who is also the president of the Naples Improvement Association, organized a "Pasta Fest" for attendees.  






 Sandra and Michael O'Toole with Councilwoman Price

It is events like these that really help celebrate the amazing bay that is in our district, and who doesn't like a great wedding?

- By Lisa West
3rd District, Director of Business Relations, 
Programming & Outreach
MEETING ON SHORT-TERM RENTALS - RECAP

Last month the City began a public outreach process for the development of a
new ordinance on short-term rentals. 
Currently rentals of less than 30 days are not allowed in Long Beach; however, violations are hard to catch, track, and prove through our Code Enforcement Department. 

As a result there are a large number of short-term rentals operating in residential areas throughout the city. Because of this, the City Council has given City staff direction to develop proposals for a new policy, and is basing that proposal on the input received from residents through a number of public meetings that are being held.

The meeting held on May 2nd was attended by well over 150 people. Many residents expressed concerns about their individual bad experiences with neighbors operating short-term rentals and the negative impacts it caused to their community. There were also a large number of residents who spoke in favor of short-term rentals and the benefits it provides to individual owners, as well as those who use them. They pointed out that the bad experiences in neighborhoods are due to a specific operator and not necessarily to short-term rentals in general.   Below is a video that was developed following the first meeting.

Short Term Rentals - Community Meeting
Short Term Rentals - Community Meeting

- By Jack Cunningham
3rd District, Chief of Staff
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

Bluff Park Community Meeting
Our Savior's Lutheran Church
370 Junipero Ave.
June 27 - 7PM - 8:30PM
Please check their website for meeting details

Friends of Belmont Shore
First Thursday of each month, 6:30 - 8:00 PM
St. Bartholomew Meeting Hall - 5100 E. Broadway at Granada Ave.

Friends of Bixby Park
Please check their website

NW Belmont Park Community Watch
Approximately every 3 months as determined
Third District Field Office
Email Carleton Carlson for meeting confirmation at [email protected] 
 
Peninsula Beach Preservation Group
Alamitos Bay Yacht  Club

Stoneybrook Villas Association Meeting
3rd Wednesday of each month
7:00 PM - 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]  
FEATURED ARTICLES
100 DAYS OF SUMMER

The Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine (PRM) and the Long Beach
Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) invite you and your staff to "stay and play" in Long Beach. For the ninth year in a row, PRM has teamed up with the CVB to offer 1OO Days Of Summer. These activities are highlighted in the 2018 Summer Family Entertainment Guide (attached below). Activities include Movies in the Park, Municipal Band concerts, Mud Mania, Music in the Parks, Dancefest, and Be SAFE (Summer Activities in a Friendly Environment) events. In addition to the weekday Community Concert Series, we are also hosting Saturday community concerts throughout the summer. All activities are open to the public and provide a positive, family friendly environment for participants to enjoy.

Kicking off the "100 Days of Summer," Under Cover
performed a free concert at Marine Stadium, between Second and Colorado Streets, on Friday, May 25. Under Cover played high-energy dance music featuring Pop, Rock, Soul, Funk, Latin, R&B, Top 40, and favorites from the '50s to present day. 

For future concerts and events in Long Beach, please check-out   www.100daysofsummer.org and www.lbparks.org, which provide activity ideas without having to travel far or spend a lot of money. Listings include, but are not limited to:
* Free concerts and movies.
* Events at El Dorado Nature Center.
* Events at Rancho Los Cerritos and Rancho Los Alamitos historic sites.
* Ideas for spontaneous fun like biking, golf, tennis, kayaking, and swimming.
* Free drop-in youth and teen programs.

For more information about the free concert or any of the "100 Days of Summer" programs, residents can call 562.570.3150.



BUSINESS
LUNGU LAW GROUP

I have had the privilege of meeting an exceptional business owner recently, and I'm excited to share the news that Deanny Lungu, long-time Belmont Heights resident recently opened her estate planning and business law firm and office - right on 2nd Street!
 
Her firm works with local families and small business owners, striving to serve clients on a personal level, creating long-lasting relationships as they serve the community. Their mission is to get clients financially and legally organized, to ensure their estate plan is up to date and that it will work for their family when it is needed.  
              
If you have minor kids, they help you put a plan in place to ensure they are taken care of by the people you want, in the way you want, no matter what. "We advise you on the best way to title assets to ensure that your family doesn't get stuck in court if you become incapacitated or when you die," said Deanny Lungu. "We work with you to ensure that the assets you leave to your children and loved ones are protected. And most importantly, we help you pass on more than just your assets, so you can leave your true legacy."
 
In the spirit of welcoming summer, her firm is offering new clients, a no charge Family Wealth Planning Session to get your personal legal and financial life in order.  The normal charge for this session is $750.00 but this complimentary session is her gift to the community.  In addition, if it turns out you need additional planning, you will receive a $250 discount on any Estate Plan.  This offer is valid through June 30, 2018.
 
Deanny Lungu can be reached at the contact information below.  What struck me most about Deanny was the amount of experience she brings to the table, and her true LOVE of our LB community.  Councilwoman Price and I are thrilled to have another exceptional business open in the 3rdDistrict! 
 

Lungu Law Group, A Professional Corporation
5320 E. 2nd Street, Suite 6
Long Beach, CA 90803
562-533-2022
 
- By Lisa West
3rd District, Director of Business Relations,
Programming & Outreach
SMALL BUSINESS DOLLARS & SENSE

Your Child Has Graduated, What Next?
By Natasha Mata
 
As the sound of Pomp and Circumstance runs a constant loop in everyone's head this graduation season, small business owners with recent graduates have plenty to think about. With student loans, monthly living expenses and the grind of a new job, how do you and your children begin to plan their financial futures?    READ MORE
 
 
- By Lisa West
3rd District, Director of Business Relations,
Programming & Outreach
Long Beach Launches First Community-Sponsored
Micro-Loan Campaign for Local Small Business

The City of Long Beach has officially launched Kiva Long Beach. Through the Kiva Long Beach initiative, Long Beach entrepreneurs can now access no-fee loans to start or grow their business, and residents can help local small businesses with loans as small as $25. With a dollar-for-dollar loan match provided by the Los Angeles Local Initiatives Corporation (LA LISC), Kiva Long Beach borrowers can accomplish their fundraising goal quickly. Kiva loans service business owners who may not be able to afford loans with high interest rates, or are unable to access traditional commercial loans.

"The City is undergoing an economic resurgence and now is the time to ensure that this economic growth is equitable and reaches into every Long Beach neighborhood," said Mayor Robert Garcia. "Access to capital for small and diverse businesses is essential for creating local jobs and inclusive development within our local communities."

As of today, the first official Kiva Long Beach campaign has been fully funded. Tromaine Ellis, known to many as the LBC Photographer for his photography work in Long Beach, successfully raised a loan of $5,000 to help upgrade his photography and video equipment. Ellis is supported by the World-Famous VIP Business & Creative Media Incubator (VIP). Tromaine will run his business from VIP's incubator, which is slated to open in late June 2018.

"Last year we launched the, 'Everyone In' Economic Inclusion Initiative, which is designed to create a local economy that includes and benefits every Long Beach resident," said Vice Mayor Rex Richardson. "Kiva Long Beach is a step towards that economic inclusion by creating an environment where small businesses have an opportunity to thrive."

On November 7, 2017, the City Council directed the Economic Development Commission to conduct a deeper assessment of Economic Inclusion in Long Beach by implementing the "Everyone In" Economic Inclusion Initiative, including the introduction of the Kiva micro-lending program to the City of Long Beach. The Kiva program was funded by a grant from the Long Beach Community Foundation to the LA LISC to provide the technical support to establish the program in the city. Also, included in the recommendation were the recently completed "Everyone In Listening Tour" and report, Youth Banking and Financial Literacy, Equity Profile, and the recent "Equity Summit," which took place on May 17, at the Long Beach Convention Center.

"We are delighted to initiate Kiva in Long Beach through our Knight Donor Advised fund that works to make meaningful impact around economic opportunity, harnessing talent and civic engagement. We're looking forward to seeing this program support residents to grow their business in Long Beach," said Marcelle Epley, President and CEO of the Long Beach Community Foundation.

The City currently has nine established Kiva Trustees that identify entrepreneurs who may benefit from a Kiva loan and help support borrowers in launching and funding successful loan campaigns.

Trustees include:
* ABC Black Foundation.
* Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association.
* California State University, Long Beach Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
* Downtown Long Beach Alliance.
* StartItUp.
* United Cambodian Community.
* Valley Economic Development Center.
* World Famous VIP Business and Media Incubator.
* The Zaferia Business Association.
Kiva Long Beach originated with a Council item brought forth by Vice Mayor Rex Richardson, and supported by Councilwoman Lena Gonzalez, Councilwoman Stacy Mungo and Councilman Dee Andrews. City Council voted to approve the item on November 7, 2017.

For more information and to search for borrowers in Long Beach, the community can visit Kiva.org.

*** PRESS RELEASE ISSUED ON MAY 25, 2018 by the City of Long Beach ***
TOPICS COMING TO COUNCIL
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
D O YOU KNOW.....
BAR HOURS BILL - Legislature - SB905

Our office has received a couple of phone calls regarding State Bill 905 that proposes to begin a pilot program from the year 2021-2026 to allow seven California cities, including Long Beach, to extend the hours of legal alcohol sales to 4:00 AM. 
This bill is still being discussed in California State Senate and it does not mean that all bars would have the right to operate until 4:00 AM. It means that the city would have the right to allow later sales in specific limited circumstances. Those specific limited circumstances would be only in the Downtown area, and only about a major special event.
 
With this being said, I oppose allowing expanded hours of alcohol sales in Long Beach. Providing more time and access to alcohol presents increased concerns and opportunities for impaired driving, and creates an increased likelihood that people leaving bars are on the road in the early morning hours the same time as commuters beginning their day.

I have seen the terrible and tragic effects of too many DUI cases, and would be very concerned with the potential dangers to our Long Beach communities.

Link to Legislation:   Legislature - SB905
 
To oppose legislation that could increase drunk driving  Click to join MADD 

- Jack Cunningham
Chief of Staff, Councilwoman Price
MEMORIALIZE LUKE JOHNSON AND JOHN PARKIN

In recent months the Councilwoman has proposed honoring two Third District residents who passed. At the upcoming Neighborhood and Housing Committee meeting on June 12, they will be hearing the recommendation that originated with Councilwoman Price, and has been supported by the Parks and Recreation Commission, to memorialize Luke Johnson and John Parkin. The Luke Tatsu Johnson Court was proposed for Marina Vista Park, and the John Parkin Green Space for the landscaped area at the intersection of Loma Avenue and 1st Street. Once approved by this committee it will return to City Council for final approval. 
  - By Jack Cunningham
3rd District, Chief of Staff
MEDIAN SAFETY POLICY UPDATE

Councilwoman Price has taken the initiative to improving pedestrian safety by proposing the restriction of pedestrian access to medians due to safety concerns where the median is excessively narrow, or where traffic speeds present a pressing concern for safety. This proposal was passed by the City Council instructing City staff to develop an enforceable policy to improve safety. As an update, City staff is including research on median safety in their current Vision Zero plan to eliminate pedestrian fatalities, and will present recommendations to the City Council once that research is complete.   

- Jack Cunningham
Chief of Staff, Councilwoman Price
WILSON SOFTBALL ALUM IN DIVISION III COLLEGE WORLD SERIES

Wilson alum Arisa Cleaveland and her Case Western Reserve University softball team played in the NCAA Division lll College World Series.

Cleaveland plays left field and bats second for Case Western Reserve University, and was named to the All-Regional Team in Indiana. CWRU won the Notre Dame Regional as an at-large bid, and then won the Michigan Regional.


The562.org - photo and article from JJ Fiddler of the562.org (May 20, 2018)
MEASURE A UPDATE

Measure A was voted on and approved by the voters of Long Beach.  In addition to leading to additional police officers and fire fighters being hired, it has provided our Public Works Department with additional funds for new infrastructure repairs. Recently, Public Works Department has been paving alleys that have NEVER been paved before. Hard to believe in 2018 there are alleys in the city that have never, in the history of the city, been paved.  Well, in the Third District there is one less as the alley near 6th and Roswell has now been paved.

                (BEFORE)                                                         (AFTER)

- Jack Cunningham
Chief of Staff, Councilwoman Price
OVERSIZED VEHICLE PARKING BAN

As of July 1, oversized vehicles will be prohibited from parking on residential streets.  Nearly a year ago the City Council voted in support of Councilwoman Price's  recommendation to establish a ban on oversized vehicles on residential streets throughout the city. The policy would allow for free short term permits to be obtained for loading and unloading in preparation for usage of a vehicle. The ban on residential street parking is due to the safety concerns they create with lack of sight lines and visibility for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists. This policy required Coastal Commission approval, and the development of new signs at all entrance points to the City in order to notify everyone of the new policy.  As of today, these signs have been installed, and notices will be going out to residents in utility bills with the intention for the new ordinance being fully enforced beginning July 2018. 
 - Jack Cunningham
Chief of Staff, Councilwoman Price
GERARDO MOUET NAMED DIRECTOR OF PARKS, RECREATION AND MARINE DEPARTMENT 

Long Beach City Manager Patrick H. West named Gerardo Mouet as the  City's Director of Parks, Recreation and Marine. Mr. Mouet brings 28 years of local government experience in various leadership positions including  overseeing parks, recreation and community services operations, human resources administration, and city-wide functions in budget development and contract administration. 
 
Gerardo currently serves as the executive director for the City of Santa Ana's Parks, Recreation and Community Services Agency and has been in this role for the last 14 years. During his tenure, he managed 50 parks, 17 Recreation Centers, the Santa Ana Zoo and the Public Library System. He took lead in major department restructuring that resulted in merging the City of Santa Ana's Library services with the Parks and Recreation Agency, increasing efficiency and cost savings. He oversaw a budget of $24 million annually with 72 full-time employees and 350 part-time employees. Gerardo is also a member of the Orange County Fair and Event Center Board of Directors. 
 
"Mr. Mouet has a wealth of expertise having served in a similar capacity at a large urban municipality. He will be a great asset to the team as he has a proven track record of creative program development and general municipal management," said Mr. West. "We are excited to work with him to continue providing quality parks and services to our residents and those who visit our great city."
 
The Parks, Recreation and Marine department is comprised of over 1,000 full-time and part-time employees with a budget of over $55 million that provides animal care services, marine and beach maintenance, and community recreation services.
 
"The Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine Department has a national reputation for providing outstanding quality services to the community. I am honored to be joining the entire City of Long Beach team to work hard and continue delivering excellent programs and services. It is exciting to be part of this dynamic community," said Gerardo Mouet.
 
Mr. Mouet holds a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from the University of California, San Diego.
 
Mr. Mouet is replacing Stephen Scott, who filled the position on an interim basis. Mr. Scott will return to his Deputy Director position in the Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine. 
 
"It is without a doubt that Mr. Scott is a valued member of our team at the Parks, Recreation and Marine department. I would like to thank him for stepping into the leadership role as interim director once again and for his continued service with the City," said Mr. West.
 
Mr. Mouet's appointment will be effective June 18, 2018. 
CAMP AND CHILDCARE AT THE LOS ALTOS YMCA
 
The Los Altos Family YMCA will be offering a full 10 week summer summer camp from June 18th- August 24th.  The day camp will run from 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM and will accept kids entering transitional kindergarten through the eighth grade.  
 
Included in their summer camp, features trips to Knotts Berry Farm, The Grammy Museum, LA Rams Training Camp and many other destinations.  The Los Altos Y has also integrated other programs into their summer camp that focus on student literacy, water safety and a Healthy Kids program that ensures all campers are fed a healthy snack and meal every day.

Attached is the full press release, interested participants can sign up at the Los Altos branch at 1720 Bellflower Boulevard, Long Beach CA. Or contact Cole McDaniel, Director of Camp and Childcare at 562-596-3394.

Cole McDaniel
Program Director Camp & Childcare
YMCA OF GREATER LONG BEACH
LOS ALTOS FAMILY BRANCH
1720 Bellflower Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90815
(P) 562 596 3394 ext 4005
(E) [email protected] (W)www.lbymca.org
Visit the link to see all the upcoming events in Long Beach...

Other Events in Long Beach 
MADE by Millworks


STROLL and SAVOR

Please join the board of directors and staff of Conservation Corps of Long Beach (CCLB) on the evening of June 25th for our annual Dine on Pine Scholarship & Education Celebration & Fundraiser. Your attendance, sponsorship, and donations will help support the wonderful young people working to improve their community and brighten their future and the future of their families. Our young folks have a plan, a plan that includes an education that will help them fulfill their aspirations and goals.

Dine on Pine is a progressive dinner benefiting CCLB with all proceeds from the event dedicated to current corpsmember/student and alumni post secondary scholarships and support for our education programs. We're looking for help in supporting the worthy young people of the Conservation Corps of Long Beach and we would love for you to join our team.

This year we will be honoring the City of Signal Hill as our Founder's Award Recipient. The City of Signal Hill continues to be an outstanding CCLB partner by engaging the Corps in community projects, providing internships for our members, and hiring CCLB graduates as City staff.

Plesase click the link below to buy tickets, a sponsorship, or donate to the event.
Let me know if you have any questions. For further information or to purchase tickets over the phone please contact Tara Cannon, CCLB Event Coordinator 562-208-5059 or email at [email protected].

Thank you so much for supporting CCLB and I look forward to seeing you on June 25th!

FRIENDS OF BIXBY PARK - MONTHLY CLEANUP
 
 
On June 9th, the Main Library is hosting a Grand Opening for it's new Veteran's Resource Center, Main Library - 101 Pacific Ave., Long Beach

Spay and neuter of dogs and cats is mandatory in Long Beach and Fix Long Beach is committed to make this possible for the people and pets in the community. They need your assistance to fund their services, so they will be hosting a fundraiser on June 23rd at 6pm.  For more information about donating or their clinic on June 16th, please visit their website at www.fixlongbeachpets.com








 
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