This season is a great time to dedicate ourselves to thinking of others and being thankful for those around us. It can take the form of volunteering, spending time with friends and family and being thankful for all that we have. This was certainly the case for me and my staff throughout the month of November.  In addition to bringing agenda items to City Council to make improvements to our already beautiful district.  I saw many new projects finalized throughout the district, as we held volunteering opportunities for residents to help beautify their neighborhoods. I am so, grateful to every resident who played a role in these service to the City.  I sincerely appreciate your input and partnership. 
Now, with November in our rear view mirror, December will continue to bring hard work from my office, as we look forward to improving our communities and enjoying the holiday season with family, friends and neighbors. I look forward to seeing you all tomorrow night at the Belmont Shore Christmas Parade as my float will be leading off the parade!  Happy Holidays!!

  
 
 
 
Suzie Price
3RD DISTRICT COMMUNITY EVENTS & NEWS
3RD DISTRICT COMMUNITY MEETING 

 
We will be "dark" for December, but we will continue our 3rd District Community meetings in January 2019.  Have a wonderful Holiday Season and New Year.

- By Councilwoman Suzie Price
PUBLIC SAFETY MEETING - DECEMBER 18

As Chair of the Public Safety Committee, Councilwoman Price has called for a committee meeting on December 18th, at 4:00 in the City Council Chambers. The Committee will be receiving a number of updates from city staff on issues related to police, fire department, and emergency response issues of public safety. The agenda for the meeting will be finalized in the coming days, and the meeting is available for all residents to attend. 

- By Jack Cunningham
3rd District, Chief of Staff
BRUIN WAY IS COMING YOUR WAY - DECEMBER 13

Woodrow Wilson Classical High School has been a cornerstone of Long Beach for nearly a century. Since 1926 its students and graduates have shaped Long Beach and have gone on to have an impact across the globe. Wilson High School has continually distinguished itself as a top high school in the nation for its strong academic record, not to mention its athletic history with 63 CIF Championships, 394 Moore League Championships, and has had an Olympian in every Summer Olympics since 1952. 
 
In recognition of Wilson High School's fantastic impact on Long Beach, last year Councilwoman Price initiated the process of having the section of Ximeno between 7th Street and 10th Street unofficially renamed as Bruin Way. Well, on December 13th our office will be partnering with Wilson High School for the grand opening. 

- By Jack Cunningham
3rd District, Chief of Staff
AS WE SAY GOODBYE TO A COUPLE OF OUR CD3 STAFF
 
I have had the pleasure of working for the 3rd District Council Office for four and a half years as the Communications Director for Councilwoman Suzie Price. I started this journey with Suzie during her campaign in 2014. Since then, there has been significant changes throughout our City.  As I look around the 3rd District, I see so many of the projects that our office contributed to in making our community a better place today. The Pacific Electric Right of Way, which was once a dirt lot is now the Red Car Greenbelt Park. I see improvements to the Alamitos Bay Marina, Marine Stadium, Naples Seawall, Colorado Lagoon, Leeway Sailing Center and the addition of the beach bike path and Bixby Dog Park. Along with the numerous upgrades to medians and round-a-bouts on Bellflower, Broadway, 2nd Street, 6th Street and Vista; there have been safety improvements to our district like crosswalks, stop signs, street and sidewalk repairs. There is no way I could list all the contributions from our office, but these are just a few highlights which show how busy our Councilwoman has been in getting things done! I am proud to have been involved as a contributing member of my community and a City employee. Most of all, my family and kids have also learned what it means to support their community by planting trees, picking-up trash, attending concerts in the park, parades, anti-bullying events and community meetings. Yes, I dragged them wherever I could.
 
I'm so grateful to have had the experience to work with Suzie, Jack, Lisa, Gabby, Paratoo and the residents of the 3rd District. I have learned so much about leadership, commitment and grace, all of which, would not be possible without the partnership Suzie has shown to her community to make it a better place for all of us to live. I leave my position with mixed emotions; excited about new opportunities ahead, but sad to be leaving such an amazing work family. I can only hope that my future accomplishments will provide me with as much of a rewarding experience as I have had working for the 3rd District Council Team. Thank you to everyone for the support and encouragement that was provided to me along the way. I look forward to seeing all the great things to come from the 3rd District Council Office.
--By Antonella Schaub
3rd District Communications Director
 


It is bitter-sweet saying goodbye to my CD3 team. I have been Councilwoman Price's Legislative Assistant for almost two years. I started working with this great team when I was a junior in college studying Business Management at CSULB and very recently, I got a new and exciting job at a local law firm in Long Beach. In the last two years, I met lots of great people and found amazing friends. Working with the CD3 team, constituents and other city departments has been a great experience for me that I will use for many years to come.

Thank you to the residents who always try to improve their neighborhood with new and exciting ideas. Your engagement with our office has made a great contribution to our district.

I can't leave without mentioning how amazing Suzie has been to me in these years; she has been my mentor and role model and quick boost of energy after having a short conversation with her! Suzie, I appreciate your support and guidance and I am very thrilled that this is not the end of working together.

-By Parastoo Toosi
3rd District Legislative Assistant
BELMONT SHORE CHRISTMAS PARADE -  
Saturday, December 1 at 6pm - 9pm 

The Council District 3 Dance Party will be participating in this fun event as we dance our way down 2nd Street.  We can't wait to see everyone on this fun and festive night to officially start the 2018 holiday season.

The theme of this year's parade is: "Parade of Lights" and the parade floats will be judged based on Spectator Appeal, Execution of theme and originality of design.   The Grand Marshal(s) is The Long Beach State Men's Volleyball National Championship Team!

Long Beach Padnet TV will be televising the parade with parade announcers, Bruce MacRae, UPS VP State Gov. Affairs and Misty May-Treanor, three-time gold medalist in Beach Volleyball.  Also conducting interviews on the street is Dede Rossi, Executive Director of the BSBA. 

The Belmont Shore Christmas Parade will begin on Livingston & 2nd and march down East Second Street to the beat of over a dozen local marching bands. Featuring over 100 entries, including floats designed by Long Beach businesses and associations, marching bands, and local personalities and dignitaries. And of course, no Christmas Parade would be complete without an appearance by good ole' St. Nick!
 
Belmont Shore side streets will be closed at 2pm and 2nd St. will be closed to traffic at 4pm
No property of any kind is permitted on the sidewalk or center median until 5:00pm (chairs, blankets, tables, coolers, tape, chains etc.  All items will be removed and taken to Bayshore Library for pick-up. Most importantly, the areas may not be "roped off". Such obstacles and possessions may be removed and taken to the Bay Shore Library for pick up after the event. The City of Long Beach has made this request for the purpose of protecting public safety and allowing pedestrian access along the sidewalk.
NO Alcohol will be permitted at parade site and will be enforced by LBPD
FREE parking is available at the Ocean Ave Beach Lot meters after 3p and at the Marine stadium parking lot.
FROM THE BELMONT SHORE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION
 
NAPLES ISLAND BOAT PARADE - DECEMBER 8

Naples Improvement Association gladly presents the 72 nd Annual Naples Island Holiday Boat Parade on Saturday, December 8 th. The theme this year is, "Star Spangled Christmas."   The large boat parade starts at 6 PM, with the small boat parade starting at 6:30 PM. Please keep in mind that Naples canal streets close at 5 PM.  For viewing purposes, it is best to park and walk to Naples Island. Alamitos Bay Marina off 2 nd Street and Marina Drive offers substantial free parking just over the Davies Bridge from Naples. Mothers Beach off Ravenna and Appian Way also has some metered parking with quick access to Naples. Marine Safety Officers will close the canals to boat access at 3:30 PM to prepare for the parade.  Please keep in mind that boats must have official parade numbers to participate in the Naples Boat Parade.
 
Look for Councilwoman Suzie Price in a pontoon boat decorated in a patriotic theme during the small boat parade this year! For more information about this great event click here.
- By Lisa West
3rd District, Director of Business Relations, 
Programming & Outreach
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.
Please check their website for meeting details

Friends of Belmont Shore
First Thursday of each month, 6:30 - 8:00 PM
Bay Shore Community Congregational Church - 5100 The Toledo

Friends of Bixby Park
Please check their website

Greenbelt Heights Neighborhood Association
All neighbors welcome
No meeting in December.  Next meeting Wednesday, January 9
Regular meeting:  3rd Tuesday at 8pm - 9pm
917 Bennett Ave., LB
2nd Sunday neighborhood clean-up at 9am
Next clean-up, December 9 - Loma Ave.  Meet at 8th & Loma

NW Belmont Park Community Watch
Approximately every 3 months as determined
Third District Field Office
Email Carleton Carlson for meeting confirmation at CarletonCarlson@aol.com 
 
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:   District3@longbeach.gov  
RECAP OF EVENTS
4th ANNUAL GREENBELT FEST
 
On Saturday, October 20, the Greenbelt Heights Neighborhood Association (GHNA) and the Belmont Heights Community Association (BHCA) partnered with Suzie Price to host over 350 neighbors at the 4th Annual Greenbelt Fest. Pumpkin decorating, face painting, and games were played in the Red Car Greenbelt (between Park and Ximeno), followed by a costume parade to Greenbelt East (between Bennett and Termino).  In Greenbelt East, neighbors danced to music by local band, Zero to 80, kids jumped in the bounce houses, played games, petted a kitten brought by the LB Animal Services and enjoyed Italian ice from Scooters and tacos from Garcia Shack.  Thank you to our sponsors and booths, BHCA, GHNA, Suzie Price and Council District 3, Port of Long Beach, Long Beach Animal Services, Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach Airport, California Native Plant Specialist Andrea Bell, photographer Will Cullen, and chalk artist Tom Gallo. It was a great welcome to the fall!



 

COLORADO LAGOON TREE LIGHTING
 
The Alamitos Heights Community Association sponsored the annual Colorado Lagoon Tree Lighting on Friday, November 23rd.  There were cookies and hot cocoa for the kids and adults, and the Wilson High School Chorus graced us with their lovely voices as they sang carols before the trees lit-up the Lagoon.  Of course Santa did not disappoint as he road in on his big red fire truck to take photos with all the little ones.  This annual tradition is always set for the day after Thanksgiving.  We hope to see you out there next year. 
 
-- By Antonella Schaub
3rd District Communications Director 
COMMUNITY POINSETTIA PLANTING 

This past Sunday morning, we planted beautiful poinsettias to bring a "pops of color" in a fun and festive way. We enlisted a local girl scout troop, some friendly neighbors, family, and friends to add these beauties to our beloved round-a-bouts on 6th Street and Vista St.  We even had breakfast treats, hot chocolate, and coffee to warm our spirits and fuel our energy!


 
Please drive safe and slow to admire these beauties that your local community and Council staff put together which were funded by private donations.

Fun Facts:
* Believe it or not, the United States has observed December 12th as the official Poinsettia Day to honor Joel Roberts Poinsett who sent cuttings to his home in Charleston, South Carolina. He discovered the plant when he was a Minister to Mexico. Thanks Joel Roberts Poinsett!
* Poinsettias remain the highest selling potted flowering plant. Surprisingly, the plant is most prized for its leaves. The flower petals are actually colored bracts which are modified leaves.
* Poinsettias are not poisonous. You'd have to eat over 500 leaves to have any harmful effect, plus it probably tastes awful- so don't bother! Ohio State University conducted a study for us to debunk this myth!
* In Mexico, the plant is called La Flor de la Nochebuena which translates to the Flower of the Holy Night. The Aztecs called the plant the Cuitlaxochitl meaning star flower.








- By Gabriela Yates 
3rd District, District Office Director 
VETERANS  DAY PARADE
 
On Saturday, November 10 th, the Veterans Day Parade took place in North Long Beach.
One of the most important local parades we can celebrate is the Veterans Day Parade.  Councilwoman Price and her family make a point of participating in this parade every year to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the United States.  I am always honored to staff her during this event as it puts into perspective the need to preserve the historical significance of this special date in US history. 
 
 
- By Lisa West 
3rd District, Director of Business Relations,
Programming & Outreach
FEATURED ARTICLES
PATH LIGHTS AT MARINA VISTA PARK

Have you seen the new light bollards at Marina Vista Park?  Here are some fun facts you may be interested in:

  • Total of 23 bollards
  • Construction time was only 12 working days.
  • A photo sensor is installed to automatically control the lights on and off.
  • The mulch path not only adds an architectural element but also helps protect the bollards from lawn care activities.

 

-- By Antonella Schaub
3rd District Communications Director 

TAKE THE E-SCOOTER SURVEY
 
As you've probably seen the City of Long Beach is undergoing a pilot program for electric scooter sharing. If you have an opinion in favor of, opposed to, or anywhere in between, I encourage you to fill out this survey below. There are sections specifically for those who have used them asking how your experience has been with various scooter companies, as well as sections related to any complaints or issues you have had with scooters.

The policy on electric scooters has not yet been set by the City Council, so feedback through surveys like this will help provide useful data in how the City proceeds in the future.

TAKE THE E-SCOOTER SURVEY
- By Jack Cunningham
3rd District, Chief of Staff
BUSINESS
ANCHORS AWAY BOAT RENTAL
 
Tucked away behind Nordstrom Rack at the Marina Pacifica Shopping Center is a hidden gem of a business that you may or may not be aware of.

This holiday season we're highlighting a new family owned business in District 3 called Anchors Away Boat Rental. This company rents out high end electric Duffy Boats and has reactivated the dock on the backside of the Marina Pacifica Shopping Center! They also have one of the most beautiful and unique spaces on the water to have company Christmas parties and events.

As local residents of District 3, Nigel and Leah Ohrberg, along with their 3 young children, (who you will regularly see helping and working at the dock) are the owners and operators of this local business.
  The company was started as an idea after Nigel and his now 11 year old son, Gavin, bought their first electric Duffy Boat a few years ago. They enjoyed it so much they would let friends take it out to share it. They quickly saw how fun and relaxing it was for other people to get out on the water in Alamitos Bay especially since they are able to bring food and drinks to celebrate their evening or just soak up the sunset. So they decided to play around with a website and see if they could create a rental business offering private electric Duffy Boats to local Long Beach residents and visitors alike. Though the start was slow, it has grown to 8 new 12 passenger, beautifully kept, luxurious Duffy Boats being rented in a permanent space as a tenant at the Marina Pacifica Shopping Center. 

It grew so much that Nigel recently left his ad agency, started in 2001, to pursue this dream to rent out high end Duffy boats on the water. Their claim to fame is that they want each of their guests to experience a 5 star service on the water! All of their boats look like private luxury Duffy boats with no advertising or signage on them. Nigel likes to say, "I'm living the dream here in Long Beach and traded in my suits for nice dock shoes and polo shirts!"

Anchors Away's boats have beautiful new custom interiors, candles, pillows, wine openers and captains hats. Each one is unique! And of course they have Bluetooth stereos and USB charging cables for guests to play music with. The goal is that every guest would feel special and that they're in their own private boat.

Their location has tons of parking in the lower level and an amazing space on the water for throwing holiday parties. They have outdoor games such as corn hole and life size Jenga to keep your group entertained while you wait. Anchors Away also offers gift certificates and has an annual club membership that includes unlimited Duffy rides per year for a person and their spouse. I suggest you call or go online to make a reservation!

It has been a pleasure meeting this new business and we wish them much success in the years to come.

Anchors Away Boat Rental
562-387-1776 
 
www.anchorsawayboatrental.com
Instagram: @anchorsawayboatrental

Located on the dock behind Nordstrom Rack at the Marina Pacifica Shopping Center at:
6274 E Pacific Coast Highway Long Beach Ca 90803. 
 
- By Lisa West
3rd District, Director of Business Relations,
Programming & Outreach
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 Jack Cunningham
3rd District, Chief of Staff
SHORT TERM RENTAL - CITY COUNCIL MEETING , DECEMBER 4

This upcoming Tuesday, December 4th we will be discussing the Short-Term Rental Ordinance at the Council Meeting Meeting. This is an important topic to our City and residents. We have heard a great deal of discussion, supporting, opposing and everything in between on short term rentals, and more importantly, what the best option is for Long Beach.

Last month the Councilwoman held a community meeting to hear from her residents on their concerns and suggestions for a future policy on short term rentals. This was on top of the previous meetings the City hosted over the past several months where the public was able to provide input and review various options provided by our consultants. 

Now this Tuesday the City Council will be hearing the proposed policy and will hear from residents who come to the meeting to provide their public comment on this topic. If you are interested in this topic I would encourage you to attend the meeting and provide input as the City Council begins discussing a policy. 


- By Gabriela Yates 
3rd District, District Office Director
UPDATE ON UTILITY WIRE SAFETY

Earlier this month the Councilwoman was able to get an agenda item passed with unanimously support to begin the process of identifying and reducing the utility wire blight we see throughout our City. Long Beach has large collections of utility wires crisscrossing streets, alleys, and over residences. Often these wires are wrapped in bundles hanging from telephone poles, or tied to other wires. Sometimes these wires are tangled among tree branches, or appear in disrepair, and have been left unremoved when a previous business or residential tenant moved.

Violations of maintenance standards by utility providers can cause safety concerns including increased risk of fire, high winds disconnecting poorly maintained wires, tree branches causing service interruptions, and downed power lines resulting in damage to private property. Additionally, utility wires that are not well maintained create visual blight throughout our city, and can contribute to the overall deterioration of a community. So, the Councilwoman wants to make sure the City is doing what we can to make sure they are taken care of.

LINK TO AGENDA ITEM

We look forward to the report coming back from Public Works on how we can work more closely with the utility providers to make sure these issues are being better addressed.

- By Jack Cunningham
3rd District, Chief of Staff
HOMELESSNESS AND ADDITION RELATED BED AUDIT

One of the most difficult parts of addressing homelessness is the availability of shelter beds that serve to help get those in need off the streets. Next week Councilwoman Price is bringing an item to the City Council requesting an audit of all shelter and rehab related beds in Long Beach to determine how many of each type exist. This includes beds for homelessness, rehabilitation, medical detox, and sobriety.
 
This item will also direct staff to evaluate the feasibility of developing incentives for private and non-profit groups to establish addiction related rehabilitation and detox beds in Long Beach with the expectation that priority would be given to those in need of these services who have been referred to them by the Long Beach Police Department or other Long Beach City entity.

LINK TO AGENDA ITEM
- By Jack Cunningham
3rd District, Chief of Staff
D O YOU KNOW.....
HOLIDAY TREE RECYCLING PROGRAM

The Department of Public Works is holding its Annul Holiday Tree recycling program from December 26, 2018 through January 11, 2019.  This program provides residents with numerous opportunities to recycle their holiday trees free of charge.

From December 26, 2018 through January 11, 2019 residents can drop off holiday trees at 12 locations throughout the City (see attached for drop off locations).

Residents with City refuse service can also have their trees picked up from their homes on Saturday, January 12, 2019.  Trees need to be set out for collection by 7:00 AM at the regular refuse collection location.

If you have any questions regarding this matter, please call Diko Melkonian, Manager of Environmental Services, at 652-570-2856.

 
DID YOU CATCH SUZIE IN NOVEMBER?
                
     Poinsettia Planting on 6th & Vista                  C-SPAN Video taping with Poly Students

Experience Speaks for Able ARTS                           WorkCity Council Meeting
 
Veteran's Day at the Naples Colonnade                    Walk the Walk Trash Pick-up

Veteran's Day Parade                  State of the County Address
 
Straight Talk with Art Levine                Community Meeting on Short Term Rentals
 
Beer and Politics



Visit the link to see all the upcoming events in Long Beach...

Other Events in Long Beach 



 
AAUW Pay and Benefits Negotiation Workshop - December 8 

The Third District is pleased to host once again this effective and free 2-hour workshop that was designed for working women but is open to anyone of workforce age. More than 280 have already benefited. If what you need are the nitty-gritty skills and a boost of confidence to be paid and to receive the benefits you deserve, then register now for the AAUW Work Smart in Long Beach pay and benefits negotiation workshop Saturday afternoon, 1:30pm-3:30pm, December 8, at the Conservation Corps Building in Marina Park, Long Beach. 

Sponsored by Wells Fargo, this workshop includes exercises, strategies and role-playing opportunities. Each workshop is limited to 40 attendees. Workshop details and registration at salary.aauw.org/longbeach.



FRIENDS OF BIXBY PARK - MONTHLY CLEANUP 
 
 


Please join Long Beach Community Foundation
for Around the Table:
Activating the Community on Homelessness

This event builds upon the Around the Table event conducted last year. Residents told us that the most important issue facing Long Beach is homelessness and housing, and that they want to help, but are not sure how. So this time, conversations will focus on ways that we, as individuals and businesses can make a positive impact for those experiencing homelessness. Specifically, come learn directly from nonprofit and community leaders:

1. Why are people affected by homelessness in Long Beach?
2. What is being done about it?
3. What can I as a resident or business owner do to help?

It's time we use our talents, strengths and resources to help.

Please visit: www.AroundtheTableLB.com to register for one of these events:

Complimentary parking. Refreshments available.
 
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