(August 30, 2010) A community planning discussion hosted by Steven Neal, new councilmember for the district, brought community members together at Houghton Park on Saturday morning.
The morning began with food...a free pancake breakfast provided by We Love Long Beach. According to their website, the group "is a community-building organization with a vision to know and serve the people, neighborhoods, and city of Long Beach, California."
(July 24, 2010) Be prepared for slow traffic on Atlantic Avenue between 52nd Street and San Antonio Drive for the next couple of months. Work is now underway on a paving and beautification project.
Saw cutting crew working at a bus stop.
Median ready for new landscaping.
From 52nd to Del Amo, survey crews have been busy leaving colored "tracks" on the street. The construction crews, use the "tracks" to tell them where it is safe to make saw cuts in preparation for street grinding, some new curbs and sidewalks.
Crews have also started work on the medians, removing the brick pavers in preparation for relandscaping.
Patience counts. The finished street upgrade should be worth the delays!
New Mural Brightens Corner
(July 25, 2010) The newest addition to the North Long Beach mural collection has been completed. NLB Artist Roy Herweck presents passersby with a look at the variety of views along the Long Beach beachfront.
New mural by Roy Herweck at Market St. & Atlantic Avenue.
Next time you pass by the intersection of Atlantic and Market, find a place to park and take a look at the new mural. It just might brighten your day.
The new mural, funded by the Redevelopment Agency, will be dedicated in the near future.
Yoga figure bike racks.
New Bike Racks Installed
(July 25, 2010) Red, yellow and blue bike racks have installed in the North Village Center (Atlantic Avenue between 56th and South Streets). The latest additions, figures in yoga poses (see photos to the left), are a colorful addition to the Atlantic Avenue streetscape.
The new bike racks, appearing all over town, were funded by a grant received by the City of Long Beach.
Bill Baker Celebrates 85th Birthday
(July 25, 2010) Lifelong NLB resident Bill Baker recently celebrated his 85th birthday. Baker, chair of the Redevelopment Agency Board was feted by staff and community members after the RDA Board meeting on Monday, July 19.
Before being appointed to the RDA Board, Baker was chair of the NLB Redevelopment Project Area Committee.
Baker blowing out birthday candle.
Low-Cost Microchip and Licensing Clinic Successful
According to Animal Care Services Staff at todays clinic held in Scherer Park, adjacent to the new Uptown Dog Park, todays clinic was a success.
ACS Mobile Clinic at Scherer Park.
NLB residents Calab Zalzana and Jason Roy waiting to get furry friend Dolce microchipped.
Without much advertisement beyond Facebook, an e-noify to residents from Councilwoman Rae Gabelich and a story posted today on NLBCentral.com, more than twenty dogs and cats received microchips and/or licenses.
Animal Care Services will be hosting microchip and licensing clinics around the city on a regular basis. NLBCentral.com will publish the schedule and add it to our calendar as soon as it is available.
See below for NLBCentral's story on Cat Licensing.
(July 16, 2010) The new Long Beach Cat Licensing Ordinance took effect today. Local residents will be required to get their feline friends licensed. Currently there is no fee for the license. If you cat is microchipped, the chip number will double as the license number.
Need a license for your feline but don't know the chip number? Take you furry friend (in a carrier please) to a low-cost microchip & licensing clinic hosted by Long Beach Animal Care Services. They will have a device to read the information on the chip.
For more information about the Saturday, July 17 clinic at Scherer Park, check our Coming Events page.
At left, NLBCentral.com publisher Linda Ivers, visited the ACS office on Thursday and demonstrates how the microchips are read with help from the family feline, Shadow (aka PITA). Pet owners should update the contact information connected to the microchip when they move or change phone numbers by calling the microchip company. Information on the microchip (chip number and chip company) can be recovered by a visit to your veterinarian or LB Animal Care Services at 7700 E. Spring Street.
Additional coverage of Friday's kickoff licensing event can be found at LBReport.com in a special report by Diana Lejins.
Community Supported Agriculture at the Growing Experience
(July 17, 2010) On Thursday, The Growing Experience, Long Beach's first locally operated community supported agriculture (CSA) program completed the first round of deliveries of farm fresh fruit and produce to subscribers.
The Growing Experience is an urban farm and training program located at the Carmelitos Housing Community in North Long Beach. More→
Jimmy Ng and Laurie Craig discuss the contents of the box of fresh produce she received on Thursday.
Parades and Fireworks!
(July 5, 2010) Another July 4th holiday weekend is coming to a close. As in previous years, Long Beach residents celebrated the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence with a variety of activities that included neighborhood parades in Los Altos, Los Cerritos and Belmont Shore and fireworks all over town.
To view photos of the fireworks display at Virginia Country Club taken by NLBCentral Publisher Linda Ivers, click the photo at the right.
Photos from other events can be found at LBReport.com.
Fireworks display. Click to view slideshow.
Uptown BK hosts Fire Dancers
(July 5, 2010) A First Friday evening stroll on Atlantic Avenue to enjoy art and music hosted by the local businesses has become an institution in Bixby Knolls.
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In honor of Independence weekend, Nino's Restaurant parking lot was lit up by the fire dancers of Sirena Serpentina.
There were many oohs, ahhhs and gasps as strollers thronging the edges of the parking lot watched the dancers perform.
To view more photos of the performance, click here.
Pictured at the Geography Club Antique Auto Show, June 2, 2010: Retired LBUSD Administrators Mr. Whitmore, Mr. Hopkins, and Dr. Merle Anderson (far right) representing the Kiwanis Club; Nataka Billingsley, 7th grade student and Club President; Alan Sheppard, Lindbergh teacher and Club Facilitator, and Veronica Servin, 8th Council District Representative.
Kiwanis Supports Lindbergh Geography Club
Alan Sheppard
Over the last two years students have been volunteering their lunch time to expand their understanding of Geography, a subject that has been squeezed into the umbrella of History curricula. We have ranged from as many as 30students to our solid group of 15 consistent members.
The Geography Club was first challenged to memorize and replicate on a blank map with accuracy in spelling, all 50 states as well as their capitals. This task is not part of any middle school level curriculum and most students needed assistance in their study materials. Of course, they had some encouragement to complete their task.
The KIWANIS CLUB of BIXBY KNOLLS-NORTH LONG BEACH provides us with an array of treats and prizes to entice our club members. From backpacks stuffed with school supplies, tee shirts, candy, money and a classic car show, our sponsors are a critical motivation for our students. Connected to North Long Beach their entire lives, KIWANIS has instilled a deep understanding of giving back to our communities to the Geography Club members.
Alan Sheppard, submitter of the above article is the Geography Club Facilitator.
Jordan Grad to Intern at U.S. Supreme Court from Mary Stanton
(April 18, 2010) I'd like to announce the great news from Eric Bennett, student at Howard University. Eric was the Student Body President at Jordan High for 2 years, 2008 and 2009.
Eric graduated from Jordan with a full 4-year scholarship to Howard University in Washington D.C. I've just received word that Eric was just granted a summer internship at the US Supreme Court. Congratulations to a fine young man, a great Jordan Panther.
(April 18, 2010) Congratulations to the Willmore City Heritage Associtation (WCHA)! Neighborhoods USA (NUSA) recently announced that WCHA has been named as a finalist in the 2010 "Neighborhood of the Year" competition.
WCHA is one of eleven neighborhoods from around the country selected as a finalist for projects completed in the past year in one of three categories. WCHA's project, "Willmore's School House on the Move" was entered in the Physical Revitalization - Single Neighborhood catagory. More about WCHA's project.
First, second and third place winners will be selected in each category after presentations are heard by the NUSA panel of judges at the 2010 conference in Little Rock, Arkansas at the end of May. Winners in all categories, as well as an overall Grand Prize Neighborhod of the Year, will be announced on Friday, May 28.
Spring at Dominguez Gap Photo Essay by Linda Ivers
(4-4-10) Spring flowers have been blooming in flower beds around the neighborhoods for weeks and daffodills and tulips have been available in the stores and farmers markets. When I exited the freeway on Del Amo at the north end of the Dominguez Gap recently, I noticed that there were spots of color mixed in with the normal browns and greens of the winter vegetation.
The Dominguez Gap is a hidden oasis on the edge of our neighborhood, home to California native vegetation and wildlife. The gap can be accessed from the intersection of Oregon and Del Amo. If you haven't taken the opportunity to walk through the gap recently, now is a good time.
(4-4-2010) Community members of all ages came out yesterday (Saturday) to help paint a new mural at 49th and Long Beach Blvd. Students at nearby Dooley Elementary worked with artist Greg Pickens on the mural last week. Several students returned Saturday, with parents or grandparents in tow, to spend some more time painting.
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Details on the dedication of the new mural can be found on our Coming Events page.
Opportunity Studio Graduation
(April 1, 2010) Eighteen talented Long Beach youth were the first students to complete the free technology training offered by the Opportunity Studio in North Long Beach. More→
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Police Pursuit Ends at Plymouth and Pine
(March 31, 2010) For the second time in four days, there was a heavy Police presence at Plymouth and Pine. Tonight, a Police pursuit ended in a shooting near the intersection.
As reported by LBReport.com, "...LBPD doesn't believe the officer fired any rounds...but the suspect sustained a gunshot wound to the head...and was taken to a hospital." Coverage from LBReport.com.
In the previous incident, on Sunday evening, March 29, a shooting occurred at about 8:40 p.m. and a male victim was transported to the hospital. Further details have not been released.
South 40 Community Garden Opens
(March 27, 2010) Ground clearing started today for the second community garden in North Long Beach. The South 40 Community Garden is the brainchild of the Grant Neighborhood Association in partnership with Long Beach Organic. More→
(March 18, 2010) In 1923, residents of an unincorporated part of LA County called Virginia City voted to become part of Long Beach in an annexation election. The area soon became known as North Long Beach.
Imagine the surprise of residents of Long Beach zip code 90805 (aka North Long Beach) when they started receiving mail that identified them as residents of Lakewood!
First came the letter telling them that their official 2010 US Census form should arrive the following week and reminding them how important it was to their City that the form be filled out and returned promptly. A few folks noticed that the letter had their correct name, street address and zip code. But the city was wrong...it said Lakewood not Long Beach! Those that noticed the error, didn't get too excited -- they thought it was just a typo. But then, this week the Official 2010 Census form arrived. And there it was again! It was addressed to them but the city was Lakewood.
Everyone who noticed had the same question. If they filled out and returned the form, would they be counted correctly? According to the Census Bureau, the answer is yes. Apparently Long Beach was not the only city with this problem. The Director of the Census, Robert M. Groves, addressed this concern in his March 17, 2010 Director's Blog on the 2010 Census website.
Dr. Groves stated: "IF YOU RECEIVED A CENSUS FORM AT YOUR HOME, YOUR RETURN WILL BE COUNTED IN THE JURISDICTION WHERE YOUR HOME IS PHYSICALLY LOCATED." (Empasis in the original) He noted that "To streamline delivery in a mailing this large, addresses in a particular ZIP code sometimes were all labeled using a single city name that is valid for the ZIP code, even though some people in that area usually receive mail addressed to a different city name." To read the entire article, click here.
After reading Director Groves blog and checking out the rest of the information about this census that can be found on the 2010 Census Website, residents should be reassured about filling out and mailing in their 2010 census form. We will be counted correctly.
Good News from Lindbergh Middle School by Mr. Michael Flynn
(March 16, 2010) The third annual Math Madness competition was held on Saturday March the 6th at Hughes Middle School in Long Beach. Math Madness is an academic competition in which each of the 26 Long Beach Middle Schools vie for individual and school honors in the area of mathematics. Each school is represented by a total of 15 students, comprising five students from 6th grade, 5 from 7th grade and 5 from 8th grade.
Almost 800 students from throughout the district participated in this event in some form last week. When the dust had settled, the last question answered, the auditorium at Hughes Middle school was filled to overflowing with administrators, teachers and parents all anxiously awaiting the final tally.
This year there was a tie for first place. Bancroft Middle School which is located in Lakewood was tied for first place with Lindbergh Middle School from North Long Beach. Lindbergh's achievement in placing joint first in a district wide math competition was viewed by some as a startling accomplishment. A school from an economically disadvantaged area of the city is never expected to surpass those from the more affluent suburbs. Yet those who have followed the steady rise in academic achievement at Lindbergh during the tenure of its principal Dr. Avery Hall would not be surprised.
Lindbergh Middle school is at the forefront of academic achievement in the area of mathematics. In the last 5 years Lindbergh has averaged not less that an astonishing 97% proficiency in Algebra. Its math department has been lauded by the Superintendent of Schools, Chris Steinhauser who recently directed that teachers from other inner city schools visit Lindbergh's dynamic math department. Lindbergh's example shows that inner city education is making progress despite some of the harsh financial difficulties confronting education at this time.
Congratulations to the following students of Lindbergh on their outstanding accomplishment: Johnson Ly, Luisa Vaaiga, Paul Jsames, Jennifer Esquivel, Joseph Izag, Yesenia Perez, Yesenia Inzunza, Kathlyn Doriman, Henry Rodriguez, Mathew Roseles, Devin Mesa, Johnny Sanachez, Jesus Ruvalcaba, David Falcon and Ezekial Taroma. A special thank you should also be extended to the teachers and administrators of these students for without their dedication this achievement would not be possible: Mr. Gallo, Mr. Flynn, Mr. Martens, Mr. Vecchiolla, Mr. Hernandez, Ms. Chambliss, Mr. Belvin and Mr. Tom.
Well done Lindbergh Middle School you certainly do lead the way!
Building Community by Mary Uht
"Building Community" is the theme chosen by Community Presbyterian Church as they prepare to celebrate their 80th anniversary in North Long Beach in September.
Almost by definition, community organizations, whether secular or religious, are community builders. Community Presbyterian Church has been building community in North Long Beach for almost 80 years. In addition to traditional church related activities, Community Presbyterian is home to the NLB Chapter of the Binky Patrol, sponsors ESL and computer classes that are open to the entire community, and recently held a Police Appreciation Breakfast. More→
C.A.R.E. Project Comes to NLB
(January 31, 2010) C.A.R.E. Project -- Community Area Revitalization through Education -- is an eight year collaborative effort between Claremont Graduate University, Pitzer College, Harvey Mudd College and the North Long Beach Community.
The C.A.R.E. project is embarking on a one year planning phase to develop the implementation plans. The first of multiple opportunities for community members to give input into the project occurred this past Saturday at Jordan High School.
Coverage of Saturday's event was provided to NLBCentral by LBCC Journalism student Veronica Vega. Thank you Veronica.
The overarching goal of the project is to provide the centerpiece for a model of school-centered community revitalization. There are eight such programs in effect in the United States today; North Long Beach will be the site of the first program west of the Mississippi.
More information about school-centered community revitalization can be found on the website of Enterprise Community Partners, Inc. Along with Abt Associates, Inc., Enterprise sponsored the publication in 2007 of a report titled "Reconnecting Schools and Neighborhoods". The report provides excellent information about the concepts and the other programs currently in progress in other parts of the country.
If you would like more information or are interested in becoming a part of the effort, contact Lisa Loop at lisa.loop@cgu.edu.
Rate the Priorities in Selecting a in a New Police Chief
(January 16, 2010) Residents, employees and business owners are encouraged to take an oline survey to rate their most important public safety issues and leadership qualities to help the City of Long Beach select its next Chief of Police.
The brief survey survey will lhelp to identify public safety challenges and opportunities facing the City, as well as the skills and attributes residents feel are most important for the position.
The survey will be available on the City Website until January 22nd.
Aftermath of Violence? Blood on the Sidewalk! A Commentary by Linda Ivers
(Jan. 13, 2010) The new decade has barely started and the chilling aftermath of violent crime has been felt by another family in another neighborhood..there is blood on the sidewalk!
At 11:25 this morning Long Beach suffered another shooting! (Details at LBReport.com) Arriving at the scene about an hour later, there wasn't much to see. The only sign of violence was drying blood and fluids on the sidewalk guarded by two police officers waiting for the crime scene investigator. In a few hours, the hazmat team would arrive and remove the blood from the sidewalk.
I don't normally go to crime scenes and I didn't know the young man who had been shot. So why go to this crime scene? Because he was shot on the sidewalk in front of my home.
Thirteen days since New Year's Eve and now 10 Long Beach families and neighborhoods have suffered the aftermath of 7 shootings and 3 stabbings. Those 10 violent crimes have claimed the lives of 2 young men...a 19 year old was shot and a 7 year old was stabbed!
In the aftermath of a violent crime families are devastated. A piece of their heart is either in the hospital or dead. Neighbors are shocked and worried about the violence in their midst.
The temptation is to allow fear of what might happen to control how we respond to the violent activities of a very small percentage of the population who choose to use violence to solve their problems. I'm not sure why people choose to look the other way and refuse to tell the police what they've seen or heard.
Is it because we don't know our neighbors and therefore no longer feel any civic responsibility for reporting crime? Is it because we forget that we outnumber the criminals? Is it because we forget that WE are the adults and WE do have a responsibility as members of the community?
The one thing I do know is that WE are responsible for the quality of life in our neighborhoods and our city! It is up to US to report crime. It is up to US to take ownership of our block, our neighborhood, and our city. It is up to US to be involved in the life of the community outside of our front door! Only then will WE have a chance to put an end to the violence that is consuming the lives of our families, friends and neighbors!
Redevelopment and the Atlantic Theater
(December 5, 2009) -- North Long Beach has been getting a lot of press in the past few weeks regarding the eventual fate of the old Atlantic Theater building located within the area designated by redevelopment as the North Village Center. LBReport has covered the issue in depth. Several stories have also appeared in the Press Telegram.
Tomorrow, the Redevelopment Agency Board is expected to vote on the certification of the environmental impact report clearing the way for development to begin on the west side of Atlantic Avenue. The board is also expected to discuss the demolition of the Atlantic Theater. The RDA Board will be meeting Monday morning at 9 a.m. in City Council chambers.
Mr. Hank Waddles, Language Arts teacher was just named as a National Board Certified Teacher. The Lindbergh community is privileged to have a highly honored teacher on our campus.
This is Mr. Waddles 19th year of teaching at Lindbergh. During his last year at Stanford University he went to a career fair, and Long Beach had incentives for new college grads. They could enter an internship program and earn their credentials while teaching. So he officially started with his own classroom at 21 years of age!
"To become a National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT), teachers volunteer to go through a rigorous assessment that includes a nearly year-long process of documenting their subject matter knowledge, showing evidence that they know how to effectively teach their subjects and demonstrating their ability to manage and measure student learning. "
Editors Note: Congratulations Mr. Waddles!!!
A Taste of the Fall Harvest at Carmelitos By Cindy Frye, Special to NLBCentral.com
A public housing project is an unlikely site for an oasis of thriving native plants, hearty organic vegetables, and egg-laying chickens. But for the past 14 years, The Growing Experience, the collaboration between the Housing Authority of the County of Los Angeles and the University of California Cooperative Extension, has helped residents at the Carmelitos Housing Project in North Long Beach develop a community garden in an urban setting, while also providing job training and valuable skills in a "green" industry. More→
(Nov. 8, 2009) -- Saturday was a great day for a parade, bright, sunny and not too hot. Thousands of residents lined Atlantic Avenue in North Long Beach (NLB) paying tribute to the men and women who have served in the United States military, putting themselves in harms way to protect our freedom.
This year marks the thirteenth time that residents of NLB have planned and staged the Veterans Day Parade. More →
Lindbergh Student Hits Perfect Score by Renny Chu, GEAR UP Program Facilitator
With high-stakes testing each year, schools feel the pressure to perform their best and show what their students have learned. Brittany Tautolo, an 8th grader at Lindbergh Middle School in the Long Beach Unified School District, hit the magical number of 600, a perfect score on last spring's California Standards Test in Mathematics. "In my 30 years in education, I have not seen a student with a perfect math score. These tests are obviously not that easy, otherwise, we would see more students with perfect scores," said Michael Flynn, Lindbergh Administrator and former high school and middle school math teacher.
Brittany is also an Honor Roll student, a member of Student Council, and plays on the Girls' Volleyball Team. When asked about her reaction when she first received the news of her achievement, she said, "I wasn't't all that shocked because I knew I did well. But my dad gave me a speech about how proud he was." She is still deciding which high school program she wants to enter next year, but she has expressed interest in attending either Penn State University or Stanford University after high School. Brittany also added, "I just try to make sure I'm proficient on my tests so I can be prepared and have choices later on." As for her future career, she is still undecided. Certainly, this young lady will be successful at any endeavor she chooses.
Congratulations go out to Brittany, her family, and the teachers that have helped her along the way!
Photo Essay - First Minutes at an Accident Scene Updated
Nov. 1, 2009) - At 3:26 PM today, a traffic accident occurred in the northbound lanes of Atlantic Avenue, immediately north of Del Amo Boulevard. There were unconfirmed reports from observers at the scene that the the vehicle involved in the accident was fleeing from another accident further to the south on Atlantic. Photos →
The deadline for public comment on the North Village Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) is this Friday, September 18th at 4:30 p.m.
NLBCentral first reported the release of the Draft EIR on August 8th. For details about the EIR -- where to download a copy and where to send comments -- see our original story North Village Draft EIR Released.
Want to learn more about EIR's and commenting on them? Check out "Influencing Environmental Decision-Making Under CEQA" by Joan Greenwood, a chemist with specialized training in CEQA and environmental remediation.
In her article, Ms. Greenwood points out that "Members of the public are free to comment on any aspect of a proposed project under CEQA." They only need to address whether or not the document has sufficiently addressed potential impacts to the environment and the proposed methods to avoid or mitigate the impacts. Comments from the public and can also provide "substantial insight" into whether or not the alternatives have been evaluated fairly and objectively.
Ms Greenwood also points out that public comments "can carry the weight of an "expert" in CEQA proceedings provided that the factual backup for opinions is cited or presented for inclusion in the administrative record."
Influencing Environmental Decision-Making Under CEQA by Joan Greenwood
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) is regarded as the foundation for environmental law and policy in California.Through its comprehensive policies and rigorous procedural requirements, CEQA's main objective is to communicate to decision makers and the public the significant environmental impacts of proposed actions and what will be done to avoid, minimize, rectify, reduce over time or compensate for those impacts consistent with constitutional requirements.
In its decision-making process, the agency must document its findings by certifying the EIR.There are three general categories for findings.More →
DineOut 90805 Concept Spreads
(September 3, 2009) DineOut 90805 started over ten years ago as a once a month event for NLB residents and friends to gather at a local restaurant on the last Monday of the month to meet new friends, discuss community events and support a neighborhood business. For many years, DineOut was organized and promoted by both the NLB Business Association and the North Long Beach Community Action Group (CAG). With the demise of the business association, CAG has kept the monthly tradition going, with Douglas Burger on Cherry the site of DineOut last monday evening.
Last year, the concept spread to Bixby Knolls as Supper Club. Through the efforts of Blair Cohn, Executive Director of the Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association, Supper Club was an immediate success and residents fill the designated restaurant on the first Monday of the month. Advance reservations are necessary.
Just received is an announcement from Gavin McKiernan of the Wrigley Association. Their new event, A Taste of Wrigley, will premier on September 16th, at Buono's Restaurant, 401 Willow. Gavin provided the following description of "A Taste of Wrigley": "Each month a different Wrigley dining establishment will be selected and the entire community will come together for a bite to eat and some good conversation among neighbors."
If you are interesting in taking the opportunity to meet your neighbors and while supporting a local business, contacts for the events mentioned are:
(August 26, 2000) New public art has been added to Atlantic Avenue. Funded by the Redevelopment Agency, three projects are underway.
A second mural evoking the history of NLB is nearing completion on the south wall of Super Mex. The Veterans Mural, located on the south side of Harding Street, across from the Vietnam Memorial at Houghton Park was the first mural on The Avenue.
Two of four temporary art installations have been completed. Visable from The Avenue, they are located in building windows in the 5600 block. Both of these installations are lit at night, creating an interesting experience for pedestrians and drivers alike.
(August 8, 2009) Residents of North Long Beach have gotten a step closer to seeing development on 6 acres of vacant property at Atlantic and South Streets. On August 5th, the Long Beach Redevelopment Agency released the long awaited and several times delayed Draft Environmental Impact Report for the North village Project.
The Planning Department website provides the following description of the North Village Project: "The proposed project involves the redevelopment of an approximately 6.3-acre site in the City of Long Beach with a mixed-use “village center” project."
The document is in two volumes. Volume I "...describes the project location, characteristics of the site and the proposed development, project objectives, and the approvals needed to implement the project." Volume II contains the appendices. Both volumes are available for public review online and at the following locations during business hours:
Long Beach Main Library, 101 Pacific Avenue Long Beach Library North Branch, 5521 Orange Avenue Long Beach City Hall, 5th Floor
To download the documents, click here. The documents can also be purchased on CD-ROM for a fee of $20.00
The Redevelopment Agency will be accepting written public comment beginning August 5th and ending at 4:30 p.m. on September 18, 2009. Comments should be sent to:
Craig Chalfant City of Long Beach Department of Development Services 333 W. Ocean Blvd., 5th Floor Long Beach, CA90802 Via Fax:(562) 570-6068 Via e-mail:craig.chalfant@longbeach.gov
Truck vs Tree...Stolen Pickup Recovered!
(Aug. 8, 2009) About 11:30 this morning, North Division patrol officers made an easy recovery of a late 70's Chevy pickup stolen in Lakewood about 2 weeks ago.
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Officers were called to the scene by residents who heard the truck slam into a large tree when the driver lost control while apparently trying to use the truck as a "Drift" car.
Residents of the 5600 Block of Linden reported hearing the sounds of rapid acceleration and tires squalling before the truck rammed into the tree, causing extensive damage to the vehicle.
Bystanders reported seeing a young, Black male exit the vehicle and limp rapidly away from the scene on foot. There were no reports of anyone else injured in the incident.
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"Meet the Press" in North Long Beach Submitted by Cindy Frye
The tables were turned during the North Long Beach Community Action Group's monthly meeting on Sunday, July 12, as members of the public got the chance to ask questions of local media representatives.
On hand during the Sunday afternoon meeting at the North Long Beach Police Substation were Paul Eakins, Long Beach City Hall reporter for the Press-Telegram, Neena Strichart, publisher of the Signal Tribune, Bill Pearl, publisher of LBReport.com, and Harry Saltzgaver, executive editor of the Gazette newspaper group. CAG member Christopher Hicks moderated the panel discussion, asking the first few questions, followed by questions from a few of the dozen or so in attendance.
The panelists discussed how their individual news outlets work, either online or in print, agreeing that with across the board downsizing of newspaper staff, along with the decline of advertising, which drives the industry, things are definitely changing regarding how people receive the news. Although Bill Pearl's "online newspaper without the paper" was the online-only news outlet represented at the meeting, the three other journalists agreed that increased access to news online is the wave of the future.
But that doesn't change how the news is gathered, just presented. And what seemed to be the top question of the afternoon was, how does the community of North Long Beach get better, and more frequent, coverage of their part of the city?
Saltzgaver said that the Gazette group "is very interested" in covering North Long Beach. The group's free weekly community newspapers include the Grunion Gazette covering the communities of Belmont Shore and parts of East Long Beach; the Downtown Gazette, and the newly-established Uptown Gazette, which covers Bixby Knolls and North Long Beach. "We started (the Uptown Gazette) in October and are trying to deal with the North Long Beach issues, " Saltzgaver said.
Like all outlets, advertising money drives the direction, the amount, and the frequency of news-worthy events covered by local media. It determines how many reporters are available to cover and report the news, community activities and the like, how many pages will run, and what determines the areas of distribution for free community publications such as the Gazette newspapers and the weekly Signal Tribune. Again, newspaper ad revenue directly influences what is covered, when and by whom. This also effects what is covered and reported online as well.
What all four panelists suggest to do to get news coverage for a community activity, a school event or other news-worthy opportunities, is to notify the media outlet as early as possible, with complete information. That means supplying the "who, what, when, where, why and how." Strichart suggests not too far in advance, however, saying that two weeks, not a month in advance, is plenty of time. "Call me, e-mail me, come in," she told the group. Eakins and Pearl agreed that the sooner, the better. Saltzgaver chimed in with "Just let us know." And to guarantee that something will run in the paper, and even online, the panel's unanimous answer was: "Buy an ad."
To find out how to contact the four media outlets, log onto their Web sites at: www.signaltribune.com, press-telegram.com; LBReport.com; www.gazettes.com
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July 4th Event Photos
(July 5, 2009) The July 4th holiday weekend is coming to a close. Long Beach residents celebrated the 233rd anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence with a variety of activities that included concerts by the LB Municipal Band (celebrating their 100th birthday this year), parades in Los Cerritos and Belmont Shore and fireworks all over town.
To view photos of the fireworks display at Virginia Country Club taken by NLBCentral Publisher Linda Ivers, click the photo at the right.
Photos from other events can be found at LBReport.com.
North RDA Funds to be Used to Pay Portion of Aquarium Debt with LBReport.com
(June 26, 2009) On Monday, June 22nd, Harbor Commissioners voted 5-0 to approve an MOU with the City and the Redevelopment Agency for "Aquarium Debt Service Assistance" as proposed by City Manager Pat West.
Under the terms of the MOU, the Harbor Department will loan the City over 8 million dollars to pay Aquarium Debt for Fiscal Years 2008-09 and 2009-10. Excess tax increment from two of Long Beach's redevelopment project areas--North Long Beach (NLB) and West Long Beach Industrial (WLBI)--will be used to reimburse the Harbor Department for public improvements in an amount equal to the loan for Aquarium Assistance. The tax increment will be generated by two projects that have yet to be built--Pier S (in WLBI) and the Middle Harbor project (in NLB).
(June 26, 2009) Construction on Atlantic Avenue between 52nd and South Street is almost complete. Crews have completed resurfacing the street with rubberized asphalt and motorists have a much smoother ride.
The Avenue has been marked for stripping, which should occur in the next week or so. Crews will also clean and repair (as necessary) the pavers in the crosswalks in the North Village Center.
In the Bixby Knolls section, although the resurfacing is complete, crews are currently installing decorative pavers at Carson, Roosevelt and Bixby Road. Be alert for restricted traffic flows at those intersections.
(June 10, 2009) On Saturday, June 6, 2009, over 350 Long Beach residents came from all around to attend the inaugural North Long Beach Community Health & Wellness Fair at Houghton Park. The fair was hosted by Leadership Long Beach Class of 2009. Vice Mayor Val Lerch and First Lady Nancy Foster opened the event with speeches, and dozens of free prize drawings were given away during the fair, which offered free medical services including blood pressure, vision and hearing screenings to the public.
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The event was a community service project of this year's Leadership Long Beach class, with the goal of promoting health awareness among families, and to increase the public’s understanding of available health care resources in the North Long Beach community.
As a result of hundreds of health screenings, alarming statistics were revealed thanks to the free on-site medical services provided by Long Beach Memorial Hospital and other exhibitors. Of those who were checked for blood pressure, 42% were found to have elevated levels. Of those attendees who were checked for cholesterol, 41% were found to have elevated levels. Six people were advised to seek medical attention at their local emergency rooms when they were found to have had critically high blood pressure levels. A total of 45% of the 350+ attendees were residents of the 90805 zip code which includes Houghton Park and all of North Long Beach.
YMCA Early Childhood Educational Program hosted a children's corner consisting of arts and crafts activities along with face-painting and a clown, while prizes from bicycle helmets to Aquarium of the Pacific tickets were given away each hour.
100% of the exit evaluations collected indicate the attendees would like to see the fair again next year.
(June 1, 2009) Councilwoman Rae Gabelich welcomed Walgreen's to North Long Beach at the grand opening of their newest location at 5400 Cherry Avenue. Councilwoman Gabelich was joined by (pictured left to right) Victor Dominguez, Fairfield YMCA; Reginald Harrison, Deputy City Manager; Vice-Mayor Val Lerch and representatives of Walgreen's in cutting the ribbon decorated with $100 in cash.
A Walgreen's tradition, the cash used to decorate the ribbon is donated to a non-profit serving the local community--in this case, Fairfield YMCA.
Stop by, check out the new store and welcome Walgreen's to NLB.
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Photo Credit: Linda Ivers
Summer Fun Days
(May 30, 2009) Many adults look back on the summers of their youth as a time of freedom from the responsibilities of school with three months to spend "playing" with friends and taking summer trips with family. Today we worry about the economy and wonder what activities are available to keep our kids busy and out of trouble while we work.
(May 21, 2009) On Monday evening, Assemblymember Warren Furutani recognized the NLB Community Action Group for their achievement in being named 2008 Neighborhood of the Year by Neighborhoods USA. More→
4.7 Earthquake Shakes Area
(May 17, 2009) Residents of Long Beach felt the earth move at 8:39 p.m. today. According to an interview on KNX at 9:38 p.m. with John Sousa, windows in his business on the SE corner of South Street and Lime Ave. were blown out.
Click It or Ticket -- LBPD Announces Enforcement Mobilization
Keep you and your family safe and $132 in your wallet by making sure everyone wears their seat belts for every trip. That’s the message that the Long Beach Police Departmentis telling drivers as part of the 2009 start-of-summer Click It or Ticket mobilization, May 18 - 31. Fines and fees have gone from under $100 previously to $132 this year for first time adult seat belt violations. For children under 16, the fine is now $435 for the first time offense.More →
Sunday, May 10th at approx. 5:30 p.m. Shooting, area Artesia/LB Blvd.; victim taken to hospital; further to follow on LBReport.com.
(May 9, 2009) Houghton Park was the site for the Top of the Town Art Festival. Produced by Project Oasis, the Festival brought together an eclectic mix of artists, crafters, musicians, and photographers who displayed their skills to the community.
Late in the afternoon, with the booths in the background and a band playing on a nearby stage, Blair Cohn, Executive Director of the Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association; John Royce, California Heights Neighborhood Association, and Carina Cristiano Leoni discuss the days events. More...
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Trendy BK Skateboard Shop Reopens with High Profile Event
As reported by LBReport.com, local skateboard enthusiasts turned out in droves for the re-opening of "District 8", the trendy Bixby Knolls skateboard shop as word spread via the internet that...(more at LBReport.com)
(May 2, 2009) Today's tree planting and presentation of certificates from Councilman Dee Andrews and a representative of Councilwoman Rae Gabelich marked the culmination of the three month Youth Beautification Project 2009. Since Februay, 91 young people aged 12 - 18 took part in a program designed to help them learn first hand about the importance of a "clean and green" City and some of what it takes to keep it that way.
The youth, residents of Council Districts 1, 6, 8 and 9, took part in neighborhood cleanups and an environmental workshop. Their participatation was both a learning and "earning" experience...they had the opportunity to earn a stipend of $100 if they participated in all events. They will also have the opportunity to register for summer jobs through the Youth Opportunity Center.
We offer our congratulations to the 46 students from North Long Beach--14 members of the LB Blast afterschool program at Northpointe Apartment Homes, 12 Youth Ambassadors from the Grisham Community and 20 Youth Ambassadors from Andy Street. View the event photo gallery...
Updated: Shooting near Orange and 52nd...Now a murder!
Reported jointly by LBReport.com and NLBCentral.com
(May 2, 2009) At 1:31 p.m., LBPD responded to a hit shooting in the vicinity of Orange Avenue and 52nd street. One victim was transported to the hospital.
Police immediately established a perimeter around the area where the suspect was last seen. Operating from a command post in the shopping center parking lot at Orange and 52nd, police actively searched the surrounding area for the suspect.
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At 8:30 p.m., a Police Department release announced that the shooting resulted in the death of a 25-year-old male adult.The release continues:
When officers arrived, they found the victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to the torso area. He was transported to a local hospital by Long Beach Fire Department paramedics, and was pronounced deceased a short time later. His identity is being withheld pending notification of his family, and his city of residence has not yet been determined.
The suspects, who were described only as African American males, fled the area in a dark colored vehicle in an unknown direction on Orange Avenue.It is believed that this incident is gang-related, however, the investigation is ongoing.
Police are asking for the public's help.Since the shooting occurred mid-day and on a weekend, it is believed that there are witnesses that have not yet come forward. Additional witnesses coming forward would greatly assist detectives in solving this crime. Anyone with any information on this crime is urged to call Long Beach Police Homicide Detectives Russ Moss and Teri Hubert at (562) 570-7244.
LBPD Targets Impaired Drivers With Artesia Blvd. Checkpoint
(May 1, 2009) The Long Beach Police Department will conduct a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and Driver’s License Checkpoint on Saturday May 2, 2009, from 6:00 p.m. until 2:00 a.m. on Artesia Boulevard, east of Cherry Avenue. Traffic volume and weather permitting, all vehicles may be checked and drivers who are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs will be arrested. The objective is to send a clear message to those who are considering driving a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol and/or drugs – Drunk Driving, Over the Limit, Under Arrest.
Nationally, drivers impaired by alcohol and/or drugs cause one death every 33 minutes. Sobriety checkpoints have been proven to reduce impaired driving related accidents by removing these drivers from the streets, as well as ensure that drivers have a valid driver’s license. Checkpoints also increase public awareness and deter impaired driving by encouraging the use of sober designated drivers.
As always, the public is encouraged to help keep roadways safe by calling 9-1-1 anytime they see a suspected impaired driver.
Funding for this operation is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Shooting leaves one wounded, one dead via LBReport.com
(April 29, 2009) Second shooting incident on South Street in less than a week leaves one man wounded and another dead. Details of todays noon hour shooting via LBReport,com.
As previously reported by NLBCentral.com, during the investigation of a "shots fired" call last Saturday, a man suffering from a non life threatening gunshot wound was found in a parking lot near South St. and Paramount Blvd. No other details have been released about Saturday's shooting by LBPD.
Police arrest second suspect wanted in connection with the murder of 27-year-old Garrett Norris of Long Beach.
Tyree Tradell Joyner arrested in connection with April 4 Orizaba Park shooting. LBPD Photo.
(April 25, 2009) At approximately 2:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 25, 2009, Long Beach Police Officers were dispatched to a shots call in the parking lot of a bar in the area of South Street and Paramount Boulevard.
Arriving at the scene, officers observed a vehicle possibly involved with the incident leaving the location. Officers stopped the vehicle and recognized the passenger in the vehicle as 24-year-old Tyree Tradell Joyner of Long Beach. He was taken into custody without incident and booked for murder and a parole violation. A second subject in the vehicle was also taken into custody for a parole violation.
During the investigation of the "shots fired" call, a man suffering from a non life threatening gunshot wound was found in the bar parking lot and transported to a local hospital. No other details are available according to a LBPD spokesperson.
Joyner was being sought in connection with the murder of Garrett Norris near Orizaba Park. His arrest was first reported on LBReport.com. For details on the murder of Garret Norris, we link, with permission, to the April 5, 2009 story on LBReport.com.
Anyone with information regarding the murder of Garrett Norris is asked to contact Homicide investigators Mark McGuire or Hugo Cortes at (562) 570-7244.
Ramona Neighborhood Cleanup A Success Brad Shore Special to NLBCentral.com
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(April 16, 2009) On Saturday, April 11th twenty-two people joined together to clean-up the Ramona Park neighborhood.
Organized by Brad Shore in partnership with "Litter Free Long Beach", the clean-up was a wonderful success with countless bags of trash picked-up and many discarded appliances and electronic items properly disposed of. Participants included concerned neighbors, high-schoolers and Vice Mayor Val Lerch.
Afterward, Dan Pressberg invited all participants to his beautiful North Long Beach home for a barbeque and beverages!
Many thanks to all who participated for their hard work and to the City of Long Beach for providing us with 'Litter Free Long Beach' as a wonderful tool!
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Horrific Accident Atlantic Avenue Near Artesia Boulevard
by Dan Pressburg
(April 11, 2009) Saturday evening at approximately 8:20 p.m. while exiting the westbound 91 Freeway at Atlantic Avenue, a tractor trailer was struck by an auto as the big rig turned southbound on Atlantic Avenue.The auto, headed northbound on Atlantic Avenue, ran under the rear of the trailer, reducing the vehicle to approximately four feet in height.
The rear axle of the truck appeared to be almost completely severed, turned askew and bent under the trailer area.
Fire and other emergency personnel were on the scene. It appeared they were able to speak to the occupants of the car. This writer could not determine if there were any fatalities or injuries at this time.
Original Story... (April 6, 2009) As reported on LBReport.com, an officer involved shooting occured near the intersection of Falcon Avenue and Hardwick Street at about 5 p.m. today. To read the story, click here.
Fire Damages RDA Owned Building Updated Information
Engines from Stations 6 (Technical Rescue), 7, 10, 11, 18, 24 and paramedic units rolled to a late Sunday afternoon a fire in a vacant, RDA owned structure in the 5800 block of Atlantic Avenue (north of South Street). Smoke was seen rising from the roof and the fire appeared to be confined to the interior of the building.
Originally built as a restaurant and club the building was more recently used as an adult book store.
According to reports from the Long Beach Fire Department, units from Station 11 (Market Street) were on scene within 3 minutes of the call and began aggressively battling the fire. They were backed up by units from Stations 9 (Long Beach Blvd,) and 12 (Gundry Ave.) providing additional hose lines to help with fire supression. Firefighters on the roof reported smoke and heavy flame in the attic areas and coordinated with units inside the building. A 2nd alarm was called in to provide additional manpower and resources.
The fire was knocked down within 20 minutes with no injuries to fire fighters or civilians. Public works personnel were called in to board up the roof and secure the building. A Building Inspector was also on scene to evaluate damage to the roof and structure.
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Math Madness by David Downing, Principal Hamilton Middle School
On March 21, 2009 students from all Long Beach Middle and K-8 schools competed in an event focusing on the subject areas of mathematics and language arts.
In addition to fielding 5 finalists in the Jeopardy round, Hamilton Middle School took three first place finishes, one second place and one third place to end the overall mathematics competition in first place, emerging as champions.
Students first competed in classrooms using a process of elimination, until three contestants remained. Finalists were then placed in competition by grade level in a live Jeopardy Game in the gymnasium and auditorium at Hughes Middle School and the auditorium at Longfellow Elementary. Student winners from those final rounds were awarded gift certificates and medals in a concluding ceremony at Hughes.
North Long Beach is proud of Hamilton's accomplishments, not only in overall academic achievement, but in this significant victory last Saturday. A wonderful championship trophy is on display at the school at this time.
Coffee and Conversation with Wright and Furutani by Dan Pressburg
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Following on the heels of the Bixby Knolls Strollers, an overflow crowd estimated at 100 people jammed “It's A Grind” at 4245 Atlantic Avenue Saturday morning to have Coffee and Conversation with Senator Roderick Wright and Assemblyman Warren Furutani. Joining the State representatives was 37th District Congresswoman Laura Richardson who fielded questions regarding AIG and the federal bailout.
Both Senator Wright, presiding as Master of Ceremonies for most of the meeting, and Assemblyman Furutani answered questions regarding education funding, taxes, the overall poor condition of the state budget and what they would be doing to remedy the current downturn. The direct and straight forward answers from the Assemblyman were appreciated by the crowd. Senator Wright followed with his usual frank and detailed honesty in his descriptions of what was occurring in the Senate and the affect the current budget would have on his constituency.
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Wright and Furutani indicated they were working together to resolve the current crisis with an eye toward the future. When asked, Assemblyman Furutani replied he thought the meeting was a success and he would be having more similar meetings in the future. Senator Wright said he was amazed and pleasantly surprised that so many people would give up their Saturday morning to learn what the state legislature was doing.
Other electeds in attendance were Councilwoman Rae Gabelich, 8th District; Vice Mayor Val Lerch, 9th District, and Lillian Kawasaki, Metropolitan Water Board.
To support the local economy, the City of Long Beach Economic Development & Cultural Affairs organization has joined forces with a recently formed Long Beach business group, the Council of Business Associations (COBA), to launch a new promotional website, www.CityofNeighborhoods.com.
City of Neighborhoods.com offers an introduction to the City's business districts, mapping, web links, featured businesses, and local events. Events are syndicated from www.LimelightLB.com, an online events calendar that is also syndicated to local news and business websites. Smolarcorp, a Long Beach-based creative marketing and web design firm, donated the design and construction of the website.
The City of Long Beach is using this technology to help it be the most business-friendly city in Southern California. By promoting local businesses, the City is encouraging consumers to spend their money in Long Beach, which generates tax revenue to pay for important City services.
According to Blair Cohn, COBA's chairman," This really is public/private partnership working in concert to benefit the entire community. With the tough economic times we are facing, it's important to think and act beyond the normal retail strategies."
COBA includes Long Beach's Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) and Business Associations from Downtown, Belmont Shore, Bixby Knolls, Cambodia Town, Broadway, East Anaheim and also includes the tourism BID as managed by the Long Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. COBA meets monthly to share news and develop cross-promotional relationships. Meetings are open to the public.
Optometry Office Opens On Artesia Boulevard by Cindy Frye Special to NLBCentral.com
Dr. Alina Ho grew up in North Long Beach, attending McKinley Elementary, Hamilton Middle School and Jordan High School. She attended college at UCLA and Florida's NOVA Southeastern. After practicing in Florida, she has come back home to offer her optometry services to the residents of North Long Beach. “It’s what I’ve always known,” said Dr. Ho at the Feb. 21 grand opening of her new optometry office at 1150 E. Artesia Blvd. in North Long Beach. The 29-year-old Doctor of Optometry offers a variety of services, including free vision screenings in the community and is involved in the Infant program, which is a non-profit that provides one complete eye exam, for free, to youths ages 12 months and younger. “This way we can catch conditions like cataracts and retina problems early, before they go too far” Dr. Ho said. The Optometry office also is part of Youth Opportunity, which gives students interested in the eye care industry the chance to intern in an office. Although surgery is not a part of her practice, Dr. Ho’s services include complete eye exams, vision therapy for all ages, laser surgery consultations and contact lens fittings. She also offers a large variety of high-end eyeglass wear. Office hours are Mondays, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesdays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information call 562-728-8087.
THINGS ARE MOVIN’ AND SHAKIN’ AT THE DAIRY – again by Jack C. Smith Special to NLBCentral.com
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Dan Pressburg hosted another terrific brunch at his historic home – the Long Beach Dairy and Creamery – on Saturday, February 21.His events draw out politicos (the “movers”) as well as community activists (the “shakers”) with the press observing it all.It was an opportunity to get to know candidates for the 1st District Council election in April, discuss issues with elected officials, and express one’s views while enjoying some good food.It seems real men and women do eat quiche.
Five of the six candidates for the 1st District Council seat – Robert, Evan, Rick, Bill, and Misi – were there chatting everyone up.A terrific aspect of these brunches is their informality which allows one to know – and call – everyone by their first name.(For those who need them, the last names of those five candidates are Garcia, Braude, Berry, Grisolia, and Tagaloa). Not only was I able to talk to at length individually to the candidates, it was easy to engage a couple of them at one time about issues.The casual atmosphere is really conducive to polite but meaningful discussion.
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Elected officials included Assembywoman Bonnie Lowenthal, Vice Mayor and Councilman for the 9th District Val Lerch, Councilwoman for the 7th District Tonia Reyes-Uranga, Long Beach City College Trustee Roberto Uranga, LBUSD Board member Felton Williams, and probably others I can’t think of at the moment.
There were also some appointed officials including Phil Saumure of the Planning Commission and me, Long Beach Housing Development Board member, Jack C. Smith. In addition, there were staff members there from other Council Districts (including Linda Ivers from the 8th District office) and the 54th Assembly office (Niki and Bianca). As an appointed official and a community activist, I find the face time I’m able to get with elected officials and staff members at these Pressburg events to be incredibly valuable.
And then there are the community activists – relaxed, pleasant, and very chatty.I hesitate to try to list them because there were so many I know I’ll miss some, but let me give it a try.In addition to myself, I spoke with Gabrielle Weeks, Coby Skye, Jane Kelleher, Tony Rivera, Dan Pressburg (of course), Laurie Angel, Chuck Fowler, Kathy Ryan, Tom Stout, Alan Tolkoff, Harvey Cochran, Eunice Sato, and many others I’m sure I’m forgetting.Needless to say, it was a great crowd.
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So, take candidates, politicos, activists, and interested citizens, stir vigorously with food and coffee and you get and enjoyable, productive party.When was the last time you called a party “productive”?I was able to, effectively, have more than a dozen meetings within just a couple of hours – and got to eat, too.These events have turned out to be “must-attend” for the movers and shakers in Long Beach.
On Friday, February 20, 2009 sculptor Kathleen Caricof supervised the installation of her large public art sculpture known as the “Orange Twist.” The sculpture is located in the median at 45th Way and Atlantic Avenue. The Redevelopment Agency has invested $104,000 in the sculpture, which will remain on permanent display near Scherer Park.
According to an article found on her website, Caricof's sculpture is made of AerBlock, a stone-like material and is 12 feet long and 9 feet wide. It was placed atop a granite base as part of a commercial corridor project.
The sculpture and it's large, granite base arrived on two trailers and the installation took several hours and required the use of a crane. Pictures of the Orange Twist and the installation process can be found in the Orange Twist Gallery.
Predawn Fire at Calvery Chapel Updated coverage by LBReport.com
As first reported by LBReport.com, at 5:13AM units from Long Beach Fire Department responded to a fire at Calvery Chapel located at South and Lime Streets. This fire has been listed as suspicious in nature by LB Fire Department. With permission, we are linking to LBReport's story which has been updated with video coverage.
by Dan Garcia, Coach Junior Varsity Softball Jordan High School
Special to NLBCentral
During the Super Bowl, Kellogg’s announced a opportunity for individuals to nominate a playing field in their community that needs to be refurbished. The winning field will be chosen based on votes cast via computer. I’ve “Planted a Seed” in hopes of rebuilding the Houghton Park baseball/softball fields in North Long Beach with the help of the Kellogg's Corporation.And I need your help.North Long Beach deserves to have a "Field of Dreams" – a place we can feel proud to call our own.
(February 9, 2008) Over 200 Eighth District residents of Bixby Knolls, Los Cerritos, Virginia Country Club, CaliforniaHeights and North Long Beach had the opportunity to express their vision for the Atlantic and Long Beach Boulevard corridors in Bixby Knolls at a "Visioning Session" Monday night hosted by the City of Long Beach Redevelopment Agency.
The ideas expressed by well over 70 speakers followed a theme that is heard repeatedly in community meetings where the focus is on economic enhancement or business recruitment. Residents want a pedestrian friendly area with slower traffic, quality retail, more restaurants, entertainment including a movie theater, places that teens can go, a chain bookstore, a pet store, a gym, businesses that are open later and parking.
None of the ideas expressed should be surprising to the Redevelopment Agency who contracted the services of HyettPalma, Inc. to hold a series of interviews and meetings to update an economic enhancement report they originally prepared for the Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association (BKBIA) in 1993. Many of these same suggestions have been made at each meeting the RDA has held to talk about the plans for the North Village Center or Virginia Village in North Long Beach.
At the urging of Eighth District Councilwoman Rae Gabelich, HyettPalma was contracted by the Redevelopment Agency to update their original 1993 plan that would again create a blueprint and suggested guidelines for the city and the BKBIA to pursue. This visioning session was created concurrent to the monthly 8th District Visioning Committee meetings created by Councilwoman Gabelich that have been meeting over the last six months to discuss local issues for improvement. For further information about the current study, contact Blair Cohn, Executive Director of the Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association at 562-595-0081 or email Blair@bixbyknollsinfo.com. See more of his event photos and read his background story about the meeting on LBReport.com by clicking here.
(February 9, 2009) The storm front that has been moving through Southern California for the past few days has left both beauty and damage in its wake.
Today (Monday) unusual rainbows could be seen from downtown as the storm continued on east and the sun came out.
On Friday evening, intermittent gutter filling downpours didn't stop the hardy souls who braved the weather and enjoyed First Friday in Bixby Knolls, using the Big Red Bus to move between the restaurants and other participating businesses along Atlantic Avenue.
In many North Long Beach neighborhoods, overloaded storm drains caused intersections and gutters to flood temporarily until the storm drain system could catch up with the amount of runoff entering the system.
In other North neighborhoods, correctable problems such as streets and gutters uplifted by tree roots...
...prevent flooded intersections from draining for days.
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And some unlucky residents are in danger of having their homes flooded anytime it rains and a vehicle goes down their street too fast.
North Long Beach residents fared pretty well in comparison to one West Long Beach neighborhood. Saturday morning, residents of Arlington Street in suffered thousands of dollars of damage on as homes and cars were flooded and residents were evacuated. Several news reports including photos of the damage can be found on LBReport.com.
At the annual meeting of the NLB Redevelopment Project Area Committee (NorthPAC) on January 22nd, chair Martha Thuente reported on the projects that had been completed during the past year.She reported that while a number of the supported infrastructure projects had been completed (paving of Long Beach Boulevard from San Antonio to Del Amo; a new median in front of Jordan High School) and the project for a new Fire Station 12 was well underway, one improvement is on hold – screening of the railroad trestle on Atlantic, just north of Del Amo.
Many months ago, NorthPAC was asked to support and fund a trial project to screen the railroad trestle that crosses Atlantic Avenue just north of Del Amo using preprinted fence fabric.Since the Union Pacific Railroad would not allow the painting of the metal structure of the trestle to remove graffiti, it was hoped that screening would be a way to remove the increasing vandalism from public view.
Redevelopment defines graffiti as a blighting influence.The six railroad trestles that cross major streets at the southern entrances to North Long Beach are continuing locations for graffiti.And the graffiti is getting worse. The two photos at the top of this story illustrate what has happened over twelve days.
For several years, Eighth District Councilwoman Rae Gabelich has been involved in a frustrating process of negotiating with Union Pacific Railroad and the Port of Long Beach to clean the graffiti from the six trestles. Why the Port you ask?They own the right of way and the railroad is responsible for the maintenance.
After first agreeing with the screening solution, not only has the railroad stopped the project, they have not removed the graffiti from their trestles after repeated requests made through Long Beach Graffiti Abatement.
How can you help?Call Union Pacific and report the graffiti on their railroad infrastructure and ask that it be removed! According to the Union Pacific website… to report criminal activities call 1-888-UPRRCOP (877-7267).
Long Beach Transit Board Approves Fare Adjustments Effective February 15, 2009 To help make up for a $6.4 million unfunded budget shortfall, which includes $4.3 million in reduced state budget funding approved by the Governor, the Long Beach Transit Board of Directors has approved an increase in local bus fares. The new fares will become effective February 15, 2009, and additional adjustments will be implemented February 14, 2010.
The charts show the new fare structure, and the adjustments scheduled for 2010. For questions or more information, please call (562) 591-2301 or check LBTransit.com.
Earlier this evening (Jan, 10, 2009), the biggest and brightest moon of the year rose in the night sky. Why was it so bright? Check the details at Space.com.
Ever wondered which dark spot was the Sea of Tranquility or which crater was Thyco?
The picture at the left (with lines and numbers added) was taken this evening at Skyline Park in Signal Hill. Using The Skywatcher"s Guide to the Moon found at Space.com as a reference, the main lunar features seen in the photo were identified as follows:
1. Mare Crisium - The Sea of Crisis 2. Mare Tranquillitatis - The Sea of Tranquility 3. Tycho Crater 4. Mare Serenitatis - The Sea of Serenity 5. Copernicus Crater 6. Kepler Crater 7. Grimaldi Crater
A history note: The Apollo 11 astronauts were the first humans to walk on the moon. They landed near the lower edge of The Sea of Tranquility on July 20, 1969.
LBPD Website Adds Interactive Online Map Displaying Crimes in LB (And Adjacent Areas) At Detailed Neighborhood Level; LBReport.com Links To It (Jan. 10, 2009, updated w/reader responses) -- In a development that LB neighborhood advocates have long sought and until now could only imagine, LBPD has added a powerful online data system...more
National Champs!
NLB Panthers are Jr. Pee Wee Division II Champions!
In a 32 - 12 victory over the Capital City (NC) Steelers, the NLB Panthers won the National Championship at the Pop Warner Jr. Pee Wee Games Friday, Dec. 12th. The Panthers were one of 64 teams from 17 states and 33 Pop Warner Leagues competing in this year's Pop Warner Super Bowl. To be invited to Disney's Wide World of Sports™ to compete for a national championship, teams had to first win their regional championship.
This is the second year that a team from NLB has won a Pop Warner National Championship. In 2007, an older team won the Division II/Tomlin Division Nat'l Championship in the Jr. Midget age/weight classification.
Incredible pictures of the Panthers in action taken by Todd Anderson can be seen by clicking here.
To learn more about Pop Warner football check out their website.
The Holidays are generally a time for reminiscing with family and friends about shared memories and family history.This seems like a good time to add a new feature to NLBCentral…a page dedicated to reminiscing about the people, places and things that are part of our North Long Beach (NLB) community history. A discussion of the first historic landmark in NLB seems like a good place to start, especially since a photo from the interior of the home graces our website for the holidays.More...
We've added a page for Job Opportunities -- if you are looking for work, check it out. Several of the opportunities are being offered through the Pacific Gateway Workforce Investment Network. The Pacific Gateway Workforce Investment Network, administered by the City of Long Beach, offers free services to both businesses and job seekers. Check out their website: Pacific Gateway
Environmental Document Available for Fire Station No. 12
The environmental document ND 14-08 Fire Station 12 -- New City Fire Station project, now is available online.
The Long Beach Redevelopment Agency proposes to build a new city fire station with a 100-foot tall radio antenna and an emergency resources center (a disaster support and training building.)
The fire station will be 11,080 square feet and the support building will be 4,632 square feet, for a total of 15,712 square feet. The project site is 56,181 square feet (1.29 acres) and will be assembled through the merger of seven parcels combined with the vacation of portions of existing alleys and dedication of new alley segments. This project will require demolition of the existing retail commercial building and parking improvements on the site, and modification and under-grounding of utilities that cross the site. See story below, "Welcome to the 21st Century Fire Station No. 12," for more details.
About 50 residents of North Long Beach and a handful of firefighters from Fire Station No. 12 got a first glimpse at what may be the newest fire station in Long Beach in more than 20 years.
At a community meeting at St. John's Lutheran Church on Oct. 9, Mary McGrath of San Francisco-based Beverly Prior Architects presented renderings of the proposed facility, which included a look at the building design, construction materials and landscaping. The schematics of the fire station also were included in the presentation, showing where the firefighters would sleep, eat, meet and change from their street clothes to their firefighting apparatus.
In recent years, city officials have been faced with the increasing cost of maintenance and upkeep of a number of antiquated fire stations throughout Long Beach. They also have been challenged with accommodating the growing numbers of female firefighters, long hours of duty and meeting the safety demands of hazardous waste material calls and new Homeland Security services.
"Our firefighters go out on about 60,000 responses a year," said Jeffrey Reeb, Deputy Chief of Operations for the Long Beach Fire Department. "We want to pull the engines out of the neighborhood and onto a major thoroughfare."
The current Fire Station No. 12 has been a mainstay at the corner of 65th Street and Gundry Avenue for years. Now, as the population has grown, along with service demands, better accessibility to the community as a whole is paramount.
Ms. McGrath talked about how the fire station will fit into the surrounding neighborhood near Artesia Boulevard and Orange Avenue with masonry construction, curving elevation features and resistant, laminated glass at the lobby area. All the lighting will be downcast, keeping lights from illuminating nearby residential streets and the alley will be reconfigured to accommodate the station's engines.
Other key project goals for the new fire station are:
to provide a North Area Disaster Support Building to support the North area of the city in times of major disasters
to construct a 9,981 square-foot fire station to accommodate living/dining and day rooms and separate bedrooms for each firefighter
separate bedroom and bathroom facilities
a workout/fitness room
a courtyard with a featured tree
apparatus bays
turn-out gear storage areas with separate "clean-type" room
medical storage and cleanup space
will have full emergency power during a disaster
on-site fueling with above-ground 3,000 gallon gas/diesel tanks
an Emergency Services Center
a 100-foot tall "elegant-looking" communications tower
a space for RV parking in back if needed for Red Cross disaster relief
If all goes according to schedule, the groundbreaking for the new facility will be January 2010, with the facility completed in about 18 months.
Paramount Petroleum Receives Chamber Award
The Long Beach Chamber of Commerce recognized a number of businesses and individuals during its 117th Inaugural Gala on June 25 at the Hyatt Regency, bestowing its most notable award to Paramount Petroleum.
The Gala event, attended by more than 700 government and business representatives, allowed the Chamber to publicly acknowledge the outstanding achievements of a number of businesses, which included AES Alamitos, KPMG, PeacePartners, Inc., Healstone, HR Network and the Long Beach Rescue Mission.
Among the many award recipients, the night’s top honor went to Paramount Petroleum as the Chamber’s 2008 recipient of the Destination: Tomorrow award. Paramount Petroleum, a subsidiary of Alon USA, was recognized for its environmentally sound policies while producing rubberized asphalt that out lasts and out performs concrete. The company, in living up to its “good neighbor” philosophy, also makes every effort to lowering plant emission as it produces California grade gasoline and diesel fuel.
The company is investing millions of dollars in plant modernization and enhanced operations, and is implementing beautification projects at its facility at Paramount and Artesia boulevards, in conjunction with the Long Beach Redevelopment Agency and its partners. Jeff Morris, president and CEO of Alon USA, accepted the Destination: Tomorrow award.
Neighborhood Notebook
Message Board...
We're starting to see some activity on the Message Board, accessable by following the links on our Home Page.
On the Message Board, a discussion is starting about the type of development that residents would like to see on Atlantic. Currently, the Redevelopment Agency is working with a developer to build on the vacant property north of South Street. The discussion is just starting about possibilities for the area from 56th south to Del Amo. Join the other posters on the board and let your opinions be heard.
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