Long Beach Sustainability Summer Newsletter, June 2022
LB Sustainability Quarterly Newsletter
Dear Friend,

Each quarter we create a newsletter with updates on sustainable programs, projects, and events from our office and others in the City of Long Beach.
The City of Long Beach began its first Youth Climate Ambassador program, or YOU CAP, on March 30. This 10-week paid internship was aimed for youth ages 16 to 24 who were very passionate about climate action and environmental justice. 11 youths from all over Long Beach were selected to participate in the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) led by Long Beach Climate Fellows. The plan envisions “to create a more sustainable, resilient and equitable city by addressing climate change in a way that remedies existing environmental health disparities while also improving health, quality of life, and enhancing economic vitality throughout Long Beach.” 

Join us for a community paint-by-number mural project at Willow Springs Park! It will be a fun-filled day for families and people of all ages. There will be crafts, music, games and more. Enjoy the beauty of your local park while getting creative.

While mural painting is taking place, the Office will host a craft table throughout the day for DIY seed balls and guided upcycling crafts. We will be utilizing invasive plants (and any bring-your-own-trinkets) to make wall hanging decorations and nature wands. Visitors are also encouraged to bring their own fabric scraps for an embroidered patch making activity. Sewing materials will be provided and beginners are welcome. Our goal is to inspire creative reuse instead of buying new whenever possible. Come learn about the global waste crisis, share materials, and have fun creating unique art! 
As part of the California Green Business Network (CAGBN), Long Beach certifies and recognizes green businesses for their efforts to protect the environment. Below are the businesses that were certified and recertified since Spring 2022.
$500 rebates are available to support your Green Business Certification!

Find other green businesses or get your business certified at www.greenbusinessca.org/cityoflongbeach

We are able to certify businesses digitally! If you're interested in getting started, please contact us at Sustainability@longbeach.gov.
Sustainability Workshops
Did you know you can access our virtual workshops any time? Check out Sustainability Workshops on our website.
Join us for our virtual Native Plant Workshops on Facebook and Instagram @LBSustainability.

Check out these Native Plant workshop videos:
  • Exploring Natives and Pollinators
  • Getting to Know Encilia Californica
  • Fall Planting Basics
  • What Makes a Naturalist
  • Native Plant Seed Saving Basics
  • Native Plant Diversity in Urban Settings
  • Native Plant Container Gardening
  • Native Plant Propagation
Join us on Facebook and Instagram @LBSustainability for our virtual Edible Garden Workshops!

Check out these Edible Garden workshop videos:
  • DIY Worm Composting Bin
  • Upcycled Potato Planter Box
  • Regrowing and Planting Potatoes
  • Summer Planting Basics
  • ReGROWceries
  • Upcycled Planters
Commissioner Spotlight
Sona Coffee is a sustainability professional that works with local governments to find ways to transform cities into environmentally sustainable communities. She is passionate about educating the public on climate emergency issues, implementing clean energy programs, and creating policies that prevent plastic pollutants from entering the marine environment. Sona also enjoys volunteering for local environmental groups, and serving on the Sustainable City Commission for her hometown of Long Beach.

Sona was recently recognized by the Institute for Local Government as a Sustainable & Resilient Communities Champion for her leadership of ambitious sustainability initiatives in the region over the last 15 years. With the need for urgent climate action made clearer every day, she spearheaded the effort for Irvine to become the first community in Southern California to endorse a carbon neutral by 2030 moonshot goal. Her work has also brought together varied community interests in favor of 100% renewable energy for several cities in Orange County, and she hopes to see that effort succeed in Long Beach very soon! 
Join us for the next Sustainable City Commission meeting: 
Thursday July 28th at 4pm
In-person at City Hall 411 W Ocean Blvd
Agenda Items: TBD
Meet The Team
Laureen Carroll joined the Office of Sustainability in April 2022 as a Clerical Aide. She assists with the Green Business Program, Mulch Program and Communications for the Office. She double majored in Environmental Science & Policy and Geography with a minor in Economics from California State University, Long Beach. Prior to joining the team, she was an Archaeological Research Assistant where she got to partake in an excavation in Corinth,Greece.
  
She feels grateful to have been born and raised in a city as dynamic as Long Beach and is looking forward to giving back to her community by providing resources to combat the effects of climate change. She has a passion for urban agriculture and building a prosperous future for local communities. In her free time, Laureen loves to travel and cook.