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— JULY 2024 SPECIAL ISSUE —

4th of July Block Party Recap

By Donna Sievers


At the end of the day, what was important about celebrating the Bluff Heights 4th of July Block Party this year? Let me count the ways…(from “How Do I Love You” from Elizabeth Barrett Browning).

 How Do I Love You, Let Me Count the Ways…

  1. Approximately 400 residents enjoyed a full day of events which included our popular Cake Walk, water balloon toss and Chili contest. The raffle and silent auction were so successful!
  2. Over 30 residents donated cakes for the Cake Walk which means that Bluff Heights can donate $200 to Horace Mann Elementary School.
  3. Approximately 15 residents donated pots of veggie and meat chili for the Chili Contest. 
  4. This year, volunteers received a free lunch and a Bluff Heights Neighborhood Association apron.
  5. Participants who purchased $20 worth of raffle tickets won a free Buff Heights tote bag.
  6. 50 participants were able to take home a thriving tomato plant which will bring nutrition and a planting experience to our community.
  7. Free hot dog lunches for kids and seniors were provided.
  8. Kids activities included face painting, 4th of July wreath making, creative painting, ring toss, hula hoop and other fun activities. 
  9. Pet Parade participants enjoyed a donation of chicken treats from TC Raw Eats.
  10. The Kevin Land Band wowed us with music throughout the day.
  11. The water balloon toss continued to be enjoyed by kids of all ages. 
  12. The wonderful bike parade. 
  13. A shout out to our new Uncle Sam & Board Secretary, Chris Hogan AND ceremony opening with our National Anthem, the Star Spangled Banner sung by Lee Apel! 
  14. Let’s give praiseto our neighborhood tree caring & charismatic Vince Jordan, who volunteered as Emcee.
  15. The VW Van attended for all of us nostalgic campers and ice cream sandwiches and drumsticks were such a hit!
  16. The Port of Long Beach sponsored our event. Thank You!
  17. Cindy Allen, Vice-Mayor of the City of Long Beach, sponsored our event. Thank You!
  18. The City of Long Beach sponsored our event. Thank You!
  19. Theresa on 3rd Street sponsored our event. Thank You!
  20. Anderson Realty sponsored our event. Thank You!
  21. Ocean Blvd. Team-Stephen Sutton sponsored our event. Thank You! 
  22. Thank you to all the sponsors who donated items for the silent auction and raffle:

John Thomas Queen Mary Tour for 4

Tru Nature

Gallagher's Pub & Grill

TC Raw Eats

Flamin Curry Restaurant

La Parolaccia Restaurant

The Wild Chive Restaurant

Naples Rib Joint

The Wine Crush

Bliss on Broadway

The Attic Restaurant

The Wine Country

Bembridge House Private Tour

Gusto Bread

Alder & Sage

The Art Theatre

J.W. Goodson Salon

TrunkShop Apparel

LaMon Desserts and Pastries

Donna and Lee Sievers

Sandy Winkler

Jug Band Coffee and Tea

Kitchen Lingo

Songbird

Hot Stuff

23. All the equipment (including set-up and tear-down) sponsored by John Brown—Thank You!

24. Two food vendors provided a variety of delicious food for purchase this year.

25. Well, I save the best for last. Here is a touching, true story…. At the Cake Walk, a young 4 or 5 year old girl was so sad that she did not win that she started to cry. Her parents comforted her, and then the young boy, who actually did win the cake for that round, well…he saw the little girl crying and just walked right up to her and presented her with the cake that he had just won. Both sets of parents witnessed this sweet moment and I think we all should applaud that young man who expressed his empathy and sweet nature by sharing his cake prize with the young girl. The epitome of kindness and empathy was the highlight of my day and the most important reason why I love the 4th of July on Vista Street.



A very special thank you to the Bluff Heights Board, the many volunteers and supporters who make this event possible. Please let us know if you would also like to volunteer next year. We need YOU! It really does take a village and we need you next year. 



We so appreciate your volunteer participation and support!


Successful events like this are made possible through generous individual donations.

Please consider a donation to BHNA.

We're looking forward to seeing you all again next year!

Beachy Keen Signpost

Being lost on Molino Avenue in Bluff Heights is never a problem because one resident's signpost covers just about all local beaches and some rather unique Long Beach landmarks. Surf's Up!!!

Each issue we will publish a photograph from our neighborhood. This photo of the Beach Bingo was submitted by Frank Ginipro.

If you have photos that highlight the beauty and uniqueness of our neighborhood, please send them to info@bluffheights.org





Backyard Bounty

The second Sunday of the month is Backyard Bounty day in Bluff Heights. Share the bounty from your backyard by placing it in front of your house. Take a walk through the neighborhood, get a little exercise, and enjoy the bounty. Find the label HERE.

Sunday, August 11, starting at 9:00 AM



Fresh Produce at Local Farmers Markets

Farmers Markets and farm stands are great places to browse, sample, and buy fresh produce and handmade products. Visit the market at Bixby Park (130 Cherry Avenue) every Tuesday starting at 3:00 PM and every Saturday starting at 9:00 AM 

Find more details HERE.



Saving Water Is the Long Beach Way 

As we face unprecedented drought across California, we all need to do our part to conserve water. HERE is a flyer from the Long Beach Water Department outlining the new rules. Find more information on water conservation HERE.



Is it Time to Trim your Waste-Line? 

It's really simple to trim your "Waste-Line!" All you need to do is collect your e-waste, hazardous waste, and/or old tire waste and bring it to one of three local collection centers under the conditions set by the City of Long Beach on this flyer.

You will feel much lighter now that you took care of those extra notches on your Waste-Line! Doesn't being a loser feel good?



STAY INFORMED ON CITY AND DISTRICT NEWS

District 2 - Councilwoman Cindy Allen
(562) 570-2222
Cindy.Allen@longbeach.gov or district2@longbeach.gov
Connor Lock, Chief of Staff

LBPD Blotter
On March 17 2022, the Long Beach Police Department debuted a new tool for the Long Beach community to access information about police activity and investigations.
To view this new community resource, and other Police Department information, please visit the LBPD Homepage and LBPD News.



PLEASE SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES,
ESPECIALLY OUR SPONSORS

Ms. Theresa Marino
aka
Theresa on 3rd
Neighborhood Advocate & A Neighbor Who Cares
 

Office of the Vice Mayor

Phone: (562) 570-2222 | district2@longbeach.gov

Coastal Real Estate Experts

Stephen W. Sutton | stephensuttonrealtor@gmail.com

SUPPORTERS

The Bicycle Stand

Cats & Dogs Animal Hospital

Dr. James Dohn

Flamin Curry

Gallagher's Pub and Grill

Granny's Donuts

Hot Java

Hug Life Ice Cream

Hug Life Ice Cream

La Parolaccia Osteria

Nice Alterations and Tailoring

Park Pantry

TC Raw Eats

Tru Nature Juice Bar

Syndicate Barber Shop

The Wine Crush


Click HERE to inquire about showing support in our newsletter.

YES, I'M A SUPPORTER!
The Bluff Heights Neighborhood and Historic District is a great place to live. Your $10 of support will go a long way toward making your neighborhood even better through our communication outlets, community events, and critical activities!
THANK YOU to all the neighbors who have already donated!
Support the BHNA
DO YOU KNOW A LONG BEACH LEGEND OR A BUSINESS WE SHOULD FEATURE?
SEND US STORY IDEAS!
If you would like to contribute, or have story ideas, send them here.