The 3rd District news & updates
September | 2021
Upcoming Events
City of Long Beach Council Meetings
Tuesdays @ 5:00PM

Job Fair
September 8th, 10:00-2:00 pm

Citywide Meeting on Redistricting
September 8, 6:30 PM

Free 9/11 Concert
September 11th, 5:30PM

Barefoot Rider Band
September 12, 4pm

Shred Event
September 18, 8am

Belmont Heights "Last Saturday of the Month" Drive-Thru
September 25th, 2021

Community Concert: The 'ACE' Band
October 3rd, 4pm

*More information for all events can be found under "3rd District and City Community Events". Check it out!
New For You!
Helpful and important City phone numbers will now be included at the bottom of the newsletter. This contact information can be used for a variety of city services such as:
  • Graffiti
  • Pot Holes
  • Noise abatement
  • Broken Curbs
  • And much, much more!
Councilwoman Suzie Price
Greetings!
Welcome to September! Like many of you, my children returned to school in August and that has taken some getting used to in light of the COVID protocols and continuing realities. I am hopeful that as the weeks pass us by, we all adjust to the new realities and begin to develop some much needed routines to get us back to a steady pace of life, work, and play.

The City Council passed the FY 22 budget in late August. We were able to route a lot of money back toward public safety needs such as more money for patrol officers, and the restoration of the Air Support unit of the Long Beach Police Department.
I recently learned that our Police Commander, Chad Ellis will be retiring in mid September. I was very sad to hear this news as I am a huge fan of the Commander and he has done great work while in the East Division. I don’t know who his replacement will be yet but once I do I will send an email to all of you with that information.

I wanted to spend a little bit of time talking to you about an exciting pilot program I started this summer and the status of the program. I wanted to make sure that the treasure of Marine Stadium is known to and experienced by students from all over the city so this summer I sponsored a free rowing program for students in Long Beach who live in underserved communities. The program welcomed 14 youths from throughout the City to Marine Stadium every Saturday and Sunday for 6 weeks for a “Row the Stadium” beginning rowing camp. The program was run by Kristina Duggan of the Long Beach Rowing Association (LBRA), who was aided with countless volunteers from LBRA throughout the summer.
Youth program counselors from the Long Beach Junior Crew (LBJC) helped facilitate the program alongside LBRA. The student campers went from not knowing how to row to racing in a mini-regatta on the final day. I started fundraising for any of the students who wanted to continue their rowing skills and now have 3 students who have expressed an interest in getting a scholarship to join LBJC club rowing in preparation for college scholarships/admissions. It has been a hugely successful program and I am grateful that so many kids from outside of the district were able to spend time at Marine Stadium this summer learning about this sport and the collegiate opportunities it can provide to those who are committed and skilled. I look forward to seeing our scholarship recipients progress in the coming months/years.

Please continue to watch our weekly emails regarding items that are coming to council so that you are aware of what is happening on a citywide level. As always, feel free to email me if you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions.
Suzie Price
Councilwoman, 3rd District
3rd District Community News
Scooter Management Improvement Item
Last month I brought an item before the City Council with the goal of better managing the efficiency and responsiveness of electric scooter pick-ups.

Although there have been positive contributions to Long Beach from the scooter program that began in 2019, there have been ongoing concerns from residents and community groups on the efficiency, responsiveness, and follow through of vendors on their responsibility to pick up, rebalance, and adequately maintain their scooters in the public right of way.
 
With this issue in mind, I have directed the City Manager to evaluate the feasibility of including a third-party vendor to supplement the scooter operators’ with improved sidewalks management and retrieval efforts as part of any new agreements established with those businesses operating under the City’s Electric Scooter Program. 
Conductor Larry Curtis Concert Park
It has been so great to see residents out in our parks again enjoying the fantastic Muni Band. For those of you who knew and loved Larry Curtis, the late Muni Band Director, it has been fantastic to see the level of support I have received for the proposal to recognize Larry Curtis for his role leading the Muni Band by naming a section of Marine Stadium Park in his honor.
 
Larry was the Conductor for the Long Beach Municipal Band’s summer concerts for 27 years. Larry was instrumental in the success of the Municipal Band, always advocating for the continuation of this amazing part of our City which is the country’s longest running municipal band. During his time as conductor, he led the band for nearly 700 concerts. These concerts served to bring thousands of residents together on a weekly basis in friendship, and highlight the beauty our City has to offer.
 
My proposal to rename part of Marine Stadium after him has gone through a number of committees for approval, with the City Council as the last step before we should be able to hold a grand unveiling in October for the new Conductor Larry Curtis Concert Park.
COVID-19 Update
As a City, as a state and as a nation it continues to be important that we take precautions to protect ourselves and others from the COVID-19 pandemic. Although, progress has been made we have seen concerning trends in recent weeks related to the Delta variant.
 

Long Beach Update: 
  • 61,466 total positive results 
  • Increase in 73 cases since yesterday
  • Positivity rate: 8.1%
  • Daily new case rate is 30.2 per 100K population
  • 986 fatalities
  • 68 Long Beach residents hospitalized with COVID-19
  • 118 total COVID-19 hospitalizations in area hospitals (Long Beach Memorial Hospital, St. Mary Medical Center, College Medical Center, Lakewood Regional Medical Center and Los Alamitos Medical Center)
  • 918,921 total tests conducted
  • 298,133 Vaccinated residents
  • 77.1% of 18+ residents vaccinated
  • 63.9% of all age residents vaccinated
Jack Cunningham
3rd District Chief of Staff
Recap of Community Meeting
This month’s community meeting featured a presentation on the City of Long Beach's Strategic Vision for 2030. This gave residents the chance to provide thoughts, experiences, and suggestions on shaping the future of our City, and to create a plan for the future that builds on the City’s successes, embrace opportunities, and make important improvements. The meeting also featured neighborhood updates from our East Division Police Department, the Marine Bureau, Parks, Recreation and Marine Department, and our City Manager’s Office. Councilwoman Price would like to thank all City Staff and residents for joining this productive meeting and hopes to continue these discussions to create a sound 2030 Strategic Plan! 

Mollie Wilson
3rd District Legislative Assistant
Summer Fun in Council District 3!
The month of August was filled with so many great ways to enjoy summer in the City of Long Beach at our local parks! In the Third District, Parks, Recreation, and Marine hosted a showing of the movie Onward in Marina Vista park! Residents also enjoyed multiple concerts throughout the month of August, starting with Stone Soul at Marine Stadium Park hosted by Councilwoman Suzie Price and sponsored by the Port of Long Beach. This concert featured the Wilson Alumni Syncopated Drummers and Maya Somer as openers to Stone Soul, as well as food trucks, kettle corn, and face-painters for residents to enjoy! 

On August 5th, the Friend of Belmont Shore hosted Jumpin Jack Flash for a rocking community concert. 
Finally, the Long Beach Municipal Band returned for a two-week season of free performances at parks throughout the city. They performed in the Third District at Marine Stadium Park, featuring weekly themes of “Strike Up the Band,” taking listeners on a journey through major American music genres, including movie scores, musicals, the Big Band era and pop. They also featured renowned jazz and blues singer Ms. Barbara Morrison, and “A Celebration Through Music” as a tribute to the late conductor Mr. Larry Curtis, who led the band for 27 years, featuring vocalist Ms. Nicole Kubis. 
The month was an exciting end to the summer season, and Councilwoman Price would like to thank all performers and residents for coming out to enjoy a few evenings of fun and positivity in the Third District Community. 

Mollie Wilson
3rd District, Legislative Assistant
My Summer with the Interns
Whether it was 10-15 or all 18 interns at the same time, wow, what a great group of kids to have during our summer internship program. I’m just so impressed with these young and bright minds. The ages ranged from 12-17 years old and everyone had something special to bring to the table. Whether it was someone with a great sense of humor, an environmentally conscious kid reminding us that plastic bottles are the worst, or someone cracking jokes roasting another kid, we thoroughly enjoyed our time spent together learning about how our city operates.
We accomplished a variety of tasks in the district. There were a couple of times people would approach and ask the interns questions about what they were doing, and I loved seeing how our interns engaged in conversation with district residents. From cleaning the Colorado Lagoon after a busy summer weekend, going into neighborhoods to do fieldwork, we even had fun nature walks! We’ve seen moon jellyfishes, a leopard shark, sting rays, a great blue heron and an egrot. I’m amazed by the beauty we are so fortunate to have in the 3rd District.
I could go on about what other adventures we went on. We rode our bikes, walked around the district, and learned more about where we live. Working with middle school to high school students, I wanted their experience to be hands-on and enjoyable. A few sat in on Park’s Dept briefings, observed Councilwoman Price in meetings, and others helped with administrative tasks in the office.
Some of our favorite tours were going to the Rancho Los Alamitos Tour and learning about the history of the Bixby Family, and how the Rancho operates. Another favorite was learning about how our beaches get cleaned by our Beach Maintenance team in the Parks, Recreation, and Marine Dept. Special Shoutout to Cory Forrester for arranging the equipment and tour to show the students how the beaches get cleaned.
There was a great mix of responsibilities and lessons that I’ve personally had to do during my time. Ultimately, everyone had a great personality and got to work within a local government office and get a hands-on experience of being a Field Deputy.
My personal favorite that I think everyone learned to love was our community garden. Many would say that I’m biased to loving our council office’s garden plot but it was so nice to see them wanting to help or try raw produce. Zucchinis, berries, lettuce, and even mint. We saw our sunflowers grow up to 10 ft tall, and I’d like to say that we all grew during that time. Thank you for inspiring me and being apart of our summer internship program!

We wish all our interns a successful year ahead as the school year begins.

Gabriela Yates
3rd District Field Deputy
3rd District and City Community Events
Free 9/11 Concert
Long Beach Camerata Singers will be presenting a free concert on Saturday, September 11 to memorialize the 20th Anniversary of the World Trade events.  The concert is FREE to the public and will feature twelve professional singers, accompanied by piano. The concert will be amplified and will be presented in Marine Stadium Park at 5:30pm. The concert will feature works by American composers, beginning with music that memorializes our shared experience and end with pieces that offer words of hope and unity for our future. The concert will include “America the Beautiful” (arr. Mack Wilburg), “Bright Morning Stars” (arr. Shawn Kirchner), Eliza Gilkyson’s “Requiem” (arr. Craig Hella Johnson), “True Colors” (arr. Matt Brown), and many more. 
 
This concert is supported, in part, by Councilmember Suzie Price and 4th District Supervisor, Janice Hahn. 
 
The concert is FREE TO THE PUBLIC. Tickets can be obtained online at www.LBCamerata.org or by calling 310-686-5833. 
Citywide Meeting on Redistricting
Wednesday, September 8, 2021 at 6:30 PM
The Long Beach Redistricting Commission is continuing to hold meetings to engage Long Beach residents in the redistricting process. Their next meeting is Wednesday, September 8, 2021 at 6:30 PM, and I would encourage all residents to participate and learn more about the process and the important role residents play in providing input and information about their communities.
 
 
 
Background on Redistricting
The City of Long Beach is beginning its process of redistricting the City Council district lines. This occurs every ten years based on changes we see to the City's populations. Not every community has seen the same amount of population increase throughout the City, so in order to keep each council district with roughly the same number of residents, the City redraws the district lines based on the US Census data that seeks to count and identify every person residing in the county and in our City.
Redistricting is the process of adjusting district lines every 10 years after the release of the U.S. Census in accordance with the California FAIRMAPS Act and the Long Beach City Charter. The last time redistricting occurred in Long Beach was in 2011 when the City Council adopted the current map.
 
Council District maps determine who you can elect for your district. The maps drawn in 2021 create the stage for the next decade. Districts must be made as equal in population as practicable so that communities have equal access to political representation. If districts are redrawn to keep communities intact, people are better able to elect representatives who will further their interests. Participating in the process is crucial for your community.
 
Here in Long Beach, voters approved Measure DDD in 2018 and created the City of Long Beach Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission. This amended the City Charter to create a Commission of Long Beach residents to determine the boundaries of Council Districts.
 
As the Commission begins its work, there will be opportunities for residents to provide input and learn more about the process.

 

ZOOM DIAL IN NUMBER (213) 338-8477 / MEETING ID: 921 5689 6843
 
Job Fair
September 8, 2021
As workers and the local economy reactivate after the pandemic, we want to help spread the word on opportunities for interested job seekers. Join 2nd & PCH for an outdoor hiring fair on Wednesday, September 8, 2021 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. Participating businesses will be positioned outside their businesses and/or along Seaport Way.
 
Meet a variety of employers at 2nd & PCH. Employers will be seeking part-time and full-time positions. Come dressed for success and have your resume ready! Businesses may interview and hire on the spot.

For any questions please call (424) 217-2337 Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 am - 5:00 pm.
Confirmed participating businesses include:
  • Ample Hills Creamery
  • Anthropologie
  • Athleta
  • Boba Guys
  • BOXHAUS
  • Chase Bank
  • Linne’s Boutique
  • Noble Bird Rotisserie
  • Sephora
  • The Bungalow Kitchen
  • TSG Wealth Management
  • Warby Parker
  • Whole Foods Market
Third-party behind the scenes employers include:
  • LAZ (parking operations)
  • Merchants (housekeeping)
  • PSC (security)
Barefoot Rider Band
September 12 at 4pm
Shred Event
September 18 at 8am
The City of Long Beach Environmental Services Bureau is hosting a free shredding event to help residents securely dispose of confidential documents.

When: Saturday, September 18, 2021
Time: 8:00 am to 10:00 am* 
Where: Long Beach City College Pacific Coast Campus 1305 E. Pacific Coast Hwy. (corner of Orange Ave. & PCH)

• 3 box maximum per car (box size cannot exceed 10x12x15 dimensions)
* Mobile shredding truck on-site until truck is full

We Accept:
- Confidential documents, white or color paper
- Manila file folders, staples, and paperclips
- Envelopes and cardboard

Not Accepted:
- CDs, hard drives, and cell phones
- 3-ring binders, credit cards
- Hanging file folders, metal objects, plastics, glass, plastic bags, food materials, batteries, weapons

Belmont Heights "Last Saturday of the Month" Drive-Thru
September 25th, 2021
Join Belmont Heights Community Association for a "Last Saturday of the Month" food collection! 

Every month they collect food for a different local food pantry. Additionally they also collect a different household item that goes to different organizations in need. 
 
Their next collection is on Saturday, September 25th from 9 to 11 am in the parking lot of the Belmont Heights United Methodist Church. 

Will Cullen
 Vice President
Belmont Heights Community Association
562-881-4530 
www.mybelmontheights.org/
facebook.com/mybelmontheights/
Community Concert: The 'ACE' Band
October 3rd at 4pm
Councilwoman Price is organizing another community concert set to take place on Sunday, October 3rd at 4PM, featuring The 'Ace' Band. The concert will be held at Marine Stadium Park from 4pm to 6pm. Food trucks will be on hand to help with food options so mark your calendars as we spend time with the community, enjoy our gorgeous surroundings and welcome the fall season in District 3.
Business Spotlight
PLANTED LB
It’s not every day that you meet someone with such a vibrant and infectious personality that leaves you smiling from ear to ear. I met Kate Hockett, owner of Planted LB, prominently situated at the corner of Broadway and Temple, and was instantly impressed by her creativity and passion for indoor plants and fresh flowers. 

Situated on the border of Bluff Heights and Bluff Park, a wave of greenery and a breath of fresh air hits you as you enter Planted LB. The spacious craftsman-style home turned business is framed with shelves of plants stocked from floor to ceiling.
Recently acquired fresh flowers fill plastic pails on the floor of her outdoor design space. Kate admits she was up at 5 a.m. to shop for the highest quality roses for an event she is working on later that day. Kate opened her house of plants on May 30, and it has blossomed into a beautiful array of leafy greens, gorgeous orchids, and fresh cut flowers with lots of different pot and gardening selections.

While she didn’t think she would ever own a plant shop, Kate did grow up helping her mom’s local landscaping business, which helped her become the plant lover she is today. 
“Each week there’s a theme, there’s a vibe, and I design the bouquet based on my recent inspirations,” Kate says. “$25 bouquets of flowers are sold each Friday & Saturday until they sell out.” Here is my beautiful Friday purchase. At the end of the day, Planted LB hopes guests feel Zen during their time at the business, and perhaps leave with a newfound love for plants. I certainly did.

Planted LB is a fun stop and a great place to pick up your next plant or gift! Also, visit Planted LB’s Instagram page for more inspirational notes and instructional videos.
The store is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.
Planted LB is located at: 209 Temple Avenue
Instagram: @plantedlb
Lisa West
3rd District Director of Business Relations,
Programming and Outreach
Artist Spotlight
Allie Deep
Allie Deep is an artist that radiates through her art. There’s more than just color on the canvas, it’s a vivid chaos that is absolutely beautiful. She says that she picked up a paintbrush for the first time after her son was born, and he’s almost 5! It’s hard to believe that she’s been painting for a few years, but truly possesses the natural born talent that just can’t be hidden.
When I met Allie for the first time, it was at the 2nd anniversary of Craft and Light Studio’s opening on 2nd St. Her presence alone radiated that kind of energy that most artists’ carry. She is beautiful and we reflected on our shared love for the Long Beach community. We discussed the city’s diversity and the communal support that was generally felt last year, in the ways that we wanted to support our local businesses, connect with our neighbors, and help one another. There aren’t many cities or communities like what we have in Long Beach. A big city, with a small town feel. We both love Long Beach! I especially enjoyed hearing that she felt that support as a local artist and resident in our community.
Jessie Artigue from the Belmont Shore Business Association and Aaron Tofani from Rance’s Chicago Pizza did a great job with this fun and creative spin for the business corridor. Recently, BSBA has been placing art in empty windows, almost like an art exhibit pop-up! It makes me happy to see the business corridor find creative ways to uplift local artists and encourage businesses’ to support the locals’ artworks. Her artwork is located where the Citibank use to be at 5354 E. Second St.
Two other artists are also on 2nd St.- Michael Stearns and Cody Lusby are located at 5025 E. Second St where the Gap Store previously was. Next time you’re down 2nd St. wondering where to eat or what you’ve got to finish on your to-do list, I encourage you to take a break, stroll down, and check out the local art. You’ll stand there wondering, “how can I see more of their art?”

Gabriela Yates
3rd District, Field Deputy
Did You Catch Suzie In August?
Community Concert
Muni Band Concert
City Council Meeting
City's 2030 Strategic Plan
Updates to Spinnaker Bay Community
City Council Meeting
Wilson High School Key Club volunteering to help repaint the benches at the Rec Park Band Shell
Kim Hill - US Gold medalist in indoor volleyball from the Tokyo Olympics games
3rd District Neighborhood And Association Meetings
Alamitos Heights Improvement Association - AHIA Meetings calendared Quarterly. Please visit their website for more information.

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
Please check their website for meeting details

Friends of Belmont Shore
First Thursday of each month, 6:00 - 8:00 PM via Zoom
Visit their web site for the zoom link

Friends of Bixby Park
Please check their website
Greenbelt Heights Neighborhood Association
All neighbors welcome!
Regular meeting: 3rd Tuesday at 8pm-9pm
917 Bennett Ave., LB
2nd Sunday neighborhood clean-up at 9am

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 Neighborhood Association
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  
Important Phone Numbers For City Services
Abandoned Shopping Cart
(800) 252 – 4613

Broken / Inoperable Traffic Light (562) 570 – 2768

Broken Curb
(562) 570 – 2726

Broken Street Light
(562) 983 – 2000

Broken Parking Meter
(562) 570 – 2741

Damaged Banner
(562) 570 – 5333

Damaged Mailbox
(800) 275 – 8777

Damaged or Missing Tree Grate (562) 570 – 2726

Damaged Sewer
(562) 570 – 2726

Damaged Bus Shelter
(562) 591 – 8753
Damaged Trees
(562) 570 – 2700

Graffiti on Buildings
(562) 570 – 2773

Gas Emergency
(562) 570 – 2140

Leaking Fire Hydrant
(562) 570 – 2390

Noise Abatement
(562) 570 – 4126

Overflowing Sidewalk Trash Can (562) 570 – 2876

Pot Hole
(562) 570 – 3259

Shoes on Powerlines
(562) 570 – 2726

Trash in Street
(562) 570 – 2876 OR (562) 570 – 3867