Dear Neighbors,
In my first year in office I brought on a full team who have worked so hard to learn all of our neighborhoods, hot spots and major issues, and opportunity areas. We also based our activities on a foundation of good constituent service, and in our policy and research focused on Housing and Renter Protections, Climate Action, Public Safety, supporting the City’s admirable COVID-19 Response and Economic Recovery, Infrastructure Upgrades, and both Equity and Equality in City policies and operations.
|
|
But before we could even begin our work last year, we watched in horror as insurrectionists assaulted the US Capitol in an attempt to overturn a valid election, and we got urgent briefings on priority items that had been underway well before my swearing-in. The Queen Mary in bankruptcy and facing concerns about structural integrity, Carnival unable to sail, and the ongoing blight of Pier H without events and without Queen Mary or Carnival activities. I got up to speed as fast as I could, and worked with my colleagues on a plan to direct Port and City staff to analyze the possibilities at Pier H and figure out the right entity to control the future of the site, based on development and positive outcomes. The City now has full control, and we’re looking forward to the eventual plan. As you know, the Port has been dealing with something of a massive influx in container cargo (15% more than in any year before), how to move it faster than before, and how to continue to reduce emissions at the same time. I will continue to push hard for accelerating our timelines for reducing emissions from goods movement, it is crucial for the health of our frontline communities.
|
|
And then in April 2021, our City was called on to help with the situation at the border, where unaccompanied children were arriving with nothing but the clothes on their backs. We opened our Convention Center to them, connected federal health and human services staff with local legal aid and service organizations, and did everything in our power to make sure that their stays in Long Beach were positive experiences.
And I can honestly say that I was hopeful for, but never truly expected, the sheer scale of the federal assistance that was allocated through the Long Beach Recovery Act. I listened to over 40 hours of economic development forums featuring the brightest and most experienced minds in every sector of our economy, from finance and international trade to laborers and hospitality workers, from childcare and senior care nonprofits to business improvement district leaders, and everything in between. These voices drove the design of the Recovery Act, and we couldn’t have built such a robust distribution of resources without all of their help.
And in September I was proud to lead my colleagues in establishing a Commission on Women and Girls for our community. This effort has been underway for over 40 years, and I am beyond excited to watch the process of selecting and seating the inaugural members of this Commission play out this year. Please contact my office if you are interested in more details or in applying, and we will keep you updated throughout.
This was an unprecedented year, and my team and I worked with constituents, advocacy groups on multiple sides of many issues, and stakeholders in neighborhoods, downtown, and the port to craft the best policies we could. Below are descriptions of some of our accomplishments this year, and some policies we supported that were championed by my colleagues.
|
|
Renter Protections & Housing |
|
Last summer, I spearheaded the process to better manage renovation projects. This was an ongoing issue that began long before I was elected, and I am proud of the work we have accomplished. We moved the needle in a big way on this. Renters facing displacement due to renovation projects are now provided more assistance and support, while landlords may still upgrade their properties at their discretion. These actions make a difference, and I look forward to continuing to work to create a more equitable housing climate in our City.
|
|
I was also proud to vote to pass our City’s first Inclusionary Housing Ordinance and alongside changes to the Mello Act that will ensure we maintain and supplement the affordable housing supply in our City. And I was also proud to join my colleagues in supporting SB 679 that may be able to provide additional affordable housing funding throughout LA County.
And in our downtown we have seen major housing investments break ground, top out, and open for tenants. These are driving renewal and reawakening corners and whole blocks of downtown Long Beach, and will continue to do so for years to come. All of these are now in the new 1st District, and I want to thank the developers and the workers who are creating our reinvigorated downtown. These include:
- Shoreline Gateway
- 500 W. Broadway - Broadway & Magnolia
- Broadway Block
- Broadstone on the Promenade
- Inkwell at 3rd and LB Blvd
- The Aster on Broadway/LB Blvd
- 107 Long Beach Boulevard - 5 story boutique hotel
- 210 E. Ocean - Breakers Hotel
- 200 W. Ocean Boulevard - Former Verizon Building
- 110 W. Ocean - Ocean Center
|
|
Since being sworn into office, I have learned so much about what our City and region are doing to address climate change. I serve as the Chair of the City’s Climate Action and Environmental Committee and serve on the Energy and Environment Committee for the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG). I have so much planned for the Climate Action and Environmental Committee this year and I can’t wait to share it. |
|
This year, I led my colleagues in legislating a Clean Air Day Resolution reaffirming our commitment to reducing emissions locally and regionally. I supported a Citywide Tree Replacement Program to help clean up local air, provide shade, and help tackle urban heat island effects. And I got into office just in time to vote to support our City Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, which we will hear an update about in the coming months. Also, at SCAG we are working on a Greenprint to change the way we design development and future housing and community expansions with more of a focus on the environment.
At the Climate Action and Environmental Committee, this year I requested a number of informative reports and assessments to guide this upcoming year’s actions. The climate affects every aspect of our lives, and it is affected by so many of our policies as well. It’s a broad list, but an important one.
-
Recommendation to receive and file a presentation on battery charging stations and hydrogen fueling stations throughout Long Beach
- Future presentation on potential development of anaerobic digestion at SERRF and future plans for the site
- Future presentation on potential impacts of the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act on the goals of the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
- Future presentation on California’s E-Bike Grant Program administered by CARB and what residents may expect
- Future presentation on various efforts aimed at removing trucks from the I-710, including Pier B on-dock rail, future electrification efforts, and any other relevant efforts or proposed projects identified by staff
- Future presentation on the "Reducing Reliance on City Revenue from Oil Production" Memo and the next steps for the City of Long Beach.
- Working with City staff and stakeholders to develop the City’s Youth Climate Corps program to align jobs for young people with the emerging clean energy sectors that will power the future of our region and address climate change.
|
|
Public Safety & Homelessness |
|
Many residents in the past year have called and emailed myself and my office to voice concerns about increasing violence on our streets. At the same time, we have seen what seems to be a significant rise in homeless populations throughout our community. I have worked with my colleagues, with Mayor Garcia, and with City staff to help tackle these two challenges. My office has been in regular communication with the appropriate departments, and we also hosted an open-air community meeting in downtown to connect with residents and answer questions, as well as solicit feedback about the programs we have instituted. |
|
Below are some of the items I have worked on in year one, and there is so much more to come!
|
|
COVID-19 Response & Economic Recovery |
|
The response to COVID-19 was my greatest priority upon being sworn into office. We were facing a frightening surge in cases and hospitalizations, and action was needed. In my first few months in office my team and I went door to door and kitchen to kitchen to do vaccine outreach during nights and weekends. Many individuals had a lack of trust or a lack of knowledge that they were eligible to get their shots, and it was important to get vulnerable folks their doses as quickly as possible. Additionally, I supported a neighborhood clinic at the Museum of Latin American Art to help bring vaccines into the community (this was at the time when all vaccinations were being done at the Convention Center). I was also proud to support a prioritization of available vaccines for in-home health workers, who are predominantly women and some of our most vulnerable to COVID-19. |
|
But recovering from COVID-19 isn’t just about tackling the disease, it’s about supporting our businesses and nonprofits, restoring our economy. To that end I organized the Spring Downtown Cleanup as well as an East Village Cleanup, supported Open Streets program extensions in areas that made sense, and supported an unsolicited proposal policy to help us create a fair process to assess development and redevelopment proposals in our city. I also supported the streamlining of our Emergency Rental Assistance Program and have been actively pushing City staff to ensure that our contractor gets assistance out as quickly as possible to tenants, property owners, and everyone who is eligible so that we can recover.
Additionally, during the recovery and reopening of downtown, we got worrying news. The State of California had issued a new RFP for companies to provide MediCal services county by county, and Molina Healthcare, who employs 2,500 employees in Long Beach, of whom 1,000 are residents, might not win that contract. I worked with Molina to figure out how to support them staying in Long Beach and support their bid for the RFP. I introduced a resolution of formal City support and, with Mayor Garcia, our County Supervisor Janice Hahn, and our State Senator Lena Gonzalez, we all have pushed the state to support Molina Healthcare’s application to provide services in Los Angeles County. Molina Healthcare’s longtime, deep presence in our community is integral for our healthcare industry locally, and for economic activity in downtown specifically.
As I mentioned earlier, the Long Beach Recovery Act was created through collaboration with every sector of our economy in Long Beach, and I cannot wait for more of that funding to be rolled out this upcoming year, to our childcare providers, to our small businesses and nonprofits, to our artists, and to so many people who make our community so great.
We were also privileged to welcome the return of the Grand Prix to our streets. Hosting the finale of the IndyCar season really signaled to the region that Long Beach is back and open for business. Yes, while businesses may require wearing a mask, sitting outside, or having virtual meetings, (including Council Meetings), but we are persevering and finding ways to keep moving through the challenges we face.
|
|
On the larger side, I was proud to support the City’s designs and grant application for the new Shoemaker Bridge and redesign of the freeway on/off ramps. In that design I pushed for separated bike lanes and improvements to pedestrian and cyclist safety in our Shoreline and West Gateway neighborhoods and around the park. The rendering for the proposed new bridge is beautiful, and it would be an incredible enhancement to the area.
More locally in Rose Park, Carroll Park, and Alamitos Beach, we were happy to facilitate and see significant improvements take place. Some of the work we were able to complete includes:
- Sidewalk and driveway repairs - standing water tree root issues
- Curb repair and repainting
- Cleaning of alleyways
- Adding speed bumps to busy neighborhood streets
- Alleyway repaving in Rose Park
|
|
Additionally, my office has been in constant communication with Public Works about street safety improvements on 3rd St and Obisbo, and we are looking forward to the upcoming Pavement Management Plan that will outline the next several years of street improvements.
Also, in the upcoming budget year, I know we can look forward to pedestrian and cyclist improvements at intersections throughout our neighborhoods, including at Junipero and PCH, a Rapid Flashing Beacon at Falcon and Ocean, and many more to come.
Finally, I brought an item to the City Council to conduct an assessment of the Alamitos Beach Parking Lot to determine if there are opportunities to overhaul it and add a vehicular security gate, personal item storage, electric vehicle and e-bike charging stations, solar generation, and additional amenities to reduce emissions and enhance active transport capabilities on site as we eagerly await the new Wibit water play area and the opening of the concessions stand.
|
|
The year 2021 was a big one for advancement of equity and equality for many of our underserved and underrepresented populations in Long Beach, especially in the face of bigoted and misguided actions taking place in statehouses and city halls elsewhere in the Country.
In March, we witnessed the burning of our Pride lifeguard tower, and I was privileged to work with Dan O’Brien and Sal Flores-Trimble at Long Beach Home and Living to quickly organize a rally for unity and love at the site of the burned tower. And within a few months we were able to replace the tower in a celebratory rededication, with an ADA access mat and speakers, and the giant flag once again courtesy of AIDS Food Store. Our community came together to say not in our town, we love one another here, and it was inspiring.
|
|
On another inclusionary note, I was proud to lead the Council in passing our first Gender-Inclusive Language Policy, which removes gendered pronouns from future ordinances and ballot measures. This is a key step towards all residents feeling seen, heard, and fairly represented by their government. Thank you to Tonya Medrano-Martin for all your work getting this one put together and across the finish line with a unanimous vote and the support of major statewide organizations.
With regards to the status of women in Long Beach and across our country, we have done so much this year, though there is much more to be done.
In September, I led my colleagues in establishing a Commission on Women and Girls for our community. Women represent 50% of the City’s potential. While there are many issues specific to women & girls, every issue needs to be looked at through a woman’s lens. It is my duty as an elected woman to uplift women. I have spent much of my career working in predominantly male fields and I know the impact that a specific focus on promoting the needs and concerns of women can have.
Additionally, Long Beach recently celebrated the 100th anniversary of Women’s Suffrage, with educational demonstrations by silent sentinels at major events in the city and educational programming including more recent events surrounding the Equal Rights Amendment to the Constitution, which has yet to be passed.
On March 2nd, 2021 I co-sponsored a City Council resolution to support the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment, acknowledging explicitly the continuing unequal status of women and girls in our country’s most important founding document.
The creation of a Long Beach Commission on the Status of Women & Girls will provide a space for specific education, outreach, and advocacy in our communities for the advancement of women and girls that is long overdue. This commission will create leadership roles for cis, trans, and all who identify as female, and will discuss women-specific issues like the wage gap and disproportionate domestic violence, among others. Thank you to our Equity and Human Relations Commission and Commissioner and 2nd District resident Zoe Nicholson for your relentless, persistent leadership on this.
With regards to economic equity, I was proud to support the Race and Reconciliation process that the City Council began in 2020, and especially proud to see an increased focus on Equity in the Equity and Human Relations Commission. Here are several items I was proud to support and/or Co-Sponsor that promote equity:
And finally, on the topic of accessibility to our wonderful waterfront amenities for all Long Beach residents, I was proud to begin working with our Citizens Advisory Commission on Disabilities last spring on how to implement beach access mats at priority locations. I am proud to have joined with Councilwoman Price to establish a pilot program, and I have already pledged Divide by Nine funds to cover additional accessibility improvements as identified within that pilot program in the 2nd District. We must all have equal opportunities to enjoy the city in which we live and recreate. Thank you to all our Advisory Commissioners for your leadership
|
|
My office was proud to support a variety of community events and projects, with many more in the works for Year 2! These sponsorships came out of Divide By Nine funds, which is annual funding set aside equally to each district for community projects, events, and services. In Year 1 my office support totaled $26,735 in infrastructure, community development, and event support for the following:
|
|
From the return of new beautiful and inspiring Pow Wow! murals to our downtown, to a brand new Lincoln Park rising from what used to be the old Civic Center, from the return of the East Village Art Walks and community activations, to the return of conventions and Terrace Theater Plaza events at the Beverly O’Neill Performing Arts Center, downtown Long Beach is waking back up after the trials of COVID-19.
Carnival is sailing again, the Aquarium is open, Shoreline Village is getting a makeover and new amenities, (and better parking!). We have one beach concession stand at Junipero Beach open and another soon to open at Alamitos Beach, and I have requested a full analysis of how to improve the situation at that parking lot, both for nighttime issues and for clean transportation and for active transportation enhancements.
Alongside our partners at the Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Downtown Long Beach Alliance, and our downtown neighborhoods, my office hosted a Big Downtown Spring Cleaning to get ready for the summer season in 2021, and boy did we see visitors return. We hit record numbers for the July 4 fireworks, our first conventions back were overbooked, and spaces that went dark early in COVID-19 have had new leases signed (looking at you Rock Bottom site).
But downtown isn’t the whole district, it’s just one part that has moved to District 1.
In AOC7, which has moved to District 6, we have supported resource festivals, food giveaways, block parties, and sidewalk chalk events for children and families. In Craftsman Village, also now in District 6, my office attended nearly every neighborhood activation and cleanup, and were just starting to develop ambitious pedestrian and cyclist safety plans to slow down cars on their streets.
In Rose Park we have new restaurants, beautiful art in newly-paved alleyways and plans to develop a blighted corner into townhomes, and we are working with neighborhood leaders on plans to begin rolling out some new traffic calming measures to slow cars down on narrow neighborhood streets.
And in Alamitos Beach and Bluff Heights we are investigating opportunities to increase safety at intersections, slow traffic on 3rd Street, continue to clean up and activate Bixby Park and Junipero Beach. Additionally in Alamitos Beach, my team has been back and forth with Public Works and Development Services on idea after idea for how to improve the parking situation.
And I want to welcome Zaferia, the rest of Bluff Heights, and Bluff Park to the 2nd District after our City’s first ever independent redistricting process. We’re already getting to know you here as I start my second year and I’m excited to walk your neighborhoods.
This is indeed a lengthy update, but I wanted you to know what we have been up to in the district, on behalf of the whole city, and what we have been working on that hasn’t yet come to fruition. One year seems like a long time in one sense, but in another sense it’s nowhere near enough time to make the progress that this district deserves.
Welcome to Year 2 everyone, please keep reaching out to me and my team with your ideas and vision, and we’ll keep working hard on your behalf.
Working together to serve,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
