Downtown living
In the seven months he lived in Orange, all Darryl Cox could think about was returning to Long Beach as soon as possible. "Every day I missed Long Beach," said the 41-year-old real estate business owner who - after selling his home in Orange - moved into the newly built Lofts at Promenade about a month ago. "I love being in downtown," he said. "And I'm originally from New York, so I like the whole loft thing. Continue reading Press Telegram.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Bicycle “Kitchen” Helps Train People To Repair Bikes
Long Beach has become a more bicycle-friendly city, with sharrows painted on Second Street, an expanded Bikestation set to open downtown, and plans geared for more bike lanes and boulevards connecting different areas of the city. But like most methods of transportation, bicycles can break. Continue reading Downtown Gazette.
Long Beach has become a more bicycle-friendly city, with sharrows painted on Second Street, an expanded Bikestation set to open downtown, and plans geared for more bike lanes and boulevards connecting different areas of the city. But like most methods of transportation, bicycles can break. Continue reading Downtown Gazette.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Lost Dreams: Aquatic Center?
4. New Freestanding Aquatic Center
It is not entirely clear whether this is part of Dreams Lost or whether this is a relatively silent part of Long Beach's waterfront development. According to the architect's (David Jay Flood) website, there are/were four concepts for the aquatic center. If based solely on the quality of architecture, the Belmont Plaza expansion is the best of the three. The three ground up concepts proposed in the downtown lack inspiration demanded of such a site, scale and use. A civic structure such as this demands the most enlightened hand, perhaps worthy of a design competition.
4. New Freestanding Aquatic Center
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Report on North Long Beach redevelopment ready
"Finally guys, after six years we're getting there," said Martha Thuente after hearing the latest details for a redevelopment plan in North Long Beach. On Thursday night, Craig Chalfant of the Department of Development Services, told members of the North Project Area Committee that an initial or draft Environmental Impact Report was available for public perusal. The city will also take written comments on the plan until September 18. Continue reading Press Telegram.
"Finally guys, after six years we're getting there," said Martha Thuente after hearing the latest details for a redevelopment plan in North Long Beach. On Thursday night, Craig Chalfant of the Department of Development Services, told members of the North Project Area Committee that an initial or draft Environmental Impact Report was available for public perusal. The city will also take written comments on the plan until September 18. Continue reading Press Telegram.
LB gets 2-year extension on desalination facility
The Long Beach Water Department received a two-year extension today to continue operating its desalination ocean intake facility, a pilot project designed to turn sea water into drinking water without harming the environment. The extension from the California Coastal Commission will give the water department two more years to refine its technology, said the department's Matthew Veeh. Continue reading Press Telegram.
The Long Beach Water Department received a two-year extension today to continue operating its desalination ocean intake facility, a pilot project designed to turn sea water into drinking water without harming the environment. The extension from the California Coastal Commission will give the water department two more years to refine its technology, said the department's Matthew Veeh. Continue reading Press Telegram.
New Lakewood wells will help filter trash
As much as 300 pounds of trash will be filtered from street gutters and ultimately local beaches annually, thanks to a pair of new tree wells installed in Lakewood. Rep. Linda Sanchez, Mayor Todd Rogers and L.A. Regional Water Quality Control Board Chairwoman Mary Ann Lutz will be on hand on Monday to dedicate two bio-retention tree wells that will clean stormwater runoff from Paramount Boulevard and surrounding streets. Continue reading Press Telegram.
As much as 300 pounds of trash will be filtered from street gutters and ultimately local beaches annually, thanks to a pair of new tree wells installed in Lakewood. Rep. Linda Sanchez, Mayor Todd Rogers and L.A. Regional Water Quality Control Board Chairwoman Mary Ann Lutz will be on hand on Monday to dedicate two bio-retention tree wells that will clean stormwater runoff from Paramount Boulevard and surrounding streets. Continue reading Press Telegram.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Sun shades cool parking lots, pump out solar energy
Add up all the asphalt parking lots surrounding the nation’s malls, offices and commuter hubs, and there’s more than enough blacktop to pave over Connecticut. Envision Solar International hopes to tranform those barren expanses into green-energy oases by erecting forests of “solar trees”. About 12 feet tall, each “tree” is capped with a 1,000 sq-ft canopy covered in solar cells. Already installed or being built in a handful of California parking areas, Envision’s high-tech sun shades not only make the lots cooler and more comfortable, they generate clean power during daylight hours when it’s most needed. When “planted” in the parking lot of a typical regional shopping mall, a grove of the square-shaped shades can generate up to half a megawatt, enough to power about 500 homes. And since the property owner purchases the power the trees generate over their lifetime, Envision can finance and install them with no additional charge to the owner. In time, the San Diego-based company hopes its solar structures will help fuel tomorrow’s electric cars. Continue reading Business Week.
Add up all the asphalt parking lots surrounding the nation’s malls, offices and commuter hubs, and there’s more than enough blacktop to pave over Connecticut. Envision Solar International hopes to tranform those barren expanses into green-energy oases by erecting forests of “solar trees”. About 12 feet tall, each “tree” is capped with a 1,000 sq-ft canopy covered in solar cells. Already installed or being built in a handful of California parking areas, Envision’s high-tech sun shades not only make the lots cooler and more comfortable, they generate clean power during daylight hours when it’s most needed. When “planted” in the parking lot of a typical regional shopping mall, a grove of the square-shaped shades can generate up to half a megawatt, enough to power about 500 homes. And since the property owner purchases the power the trees generate over their lifetime, Envision can finance and install them with no additional charge to the owner. In time, the San Diego-based company hopes its solar structures will help fuel tomorrow’s electric cars. Continue reading Business Week.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Float On - An elevated deck brings some much-needed green space to São Paulo.
São Paulo, Brazil, is a famously raucous city of 11 million people, with precious little open space. The place does possess, however, a gritty urban pluck, fueled in large part by its extreme expressions of poverty and affluence. That resourcefulness is on full display at a new park, Victor Civita Plaza, which debuted last fall on the site of a deactivated municipal incinerator. Continue reading Metropolis.
São Paulo, Brazil, is a famously raucous city of 11 million people, with precious little open space. The place does possess, however, a gritty urban pluck, fueled in large part by its extreme expressions of poverty and affluence. That resourcefulness is on full display at a new park, Victor Civita Plaza, which debuted last fall on the site of a deactivated municipal incinerator. Continue reading Metropolis.
Long Beach taxpayers spend around $20 million a year on affordable housing, but little more than 60 percent of the homes, condos and apartments they subsidize go to people who already live or work here. The other 40-or-so percent of the occupants arrive from outside the city on moving-in day. Continue reading The District.
Bus Popularity With CSULB Students Causes Route Changes
Bus routes serving California State University, Long Beach, are among those being considered for a change by Long Beach Transit. A series of public meetings is taking place to discuss the changes proposed to go into effect next February. There is one tonight at Whaley Park, and another on Sept. 28 at City Hall. After that, the issue will go back the LBT board for a vote. Continue reading Grunion Gazette.
Bus routes serving California State University, Long Beach, are among those being considered for a change by Long Beach Transit. A series of public meetings is taking place to discuss the changes proposed to go into effect next February. There is one tonight at Whaley Park, and another on Sept. 28 at City Hall. After that, the issue will go back the LBT board for a vote. Continue reading Grunion Gazette.
Skaters protest park cuts at 6th District budget event
A crowd of skateboarders led by former 7th District City Councilman Mike Donelon demanded that no more cuts be made to youth programs at Wednesday night's 6th District community budget meeting. Youth programs make neighborhoods safer, they told 6th District Councilman Dee Andrews and other city officials. Continue reading Press Telegram.
A crowd of skateboarders led by former 7th District City Councilman Mike Donelon demanded that no more cuts be made to youth programs at Wednesday night's 6th District community budget meeting. Youth programs make neighborhoods safer, they told 6th District Councilman Dee Andrews and other city officials. Continue reading Press Telegram.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Deal covers debts of downtown venues
The city's Redevelopment Agency narrowly approved a controversial three-way business deal Monday with the port and a deficit-ridden City Hall to pay off the city's nearly $35million in debt on the aquarium and convention center. The deal would essentially allow the RDA to repay the port for covering city debt. Continue reading Press Telegram.
The city's Redevelopment Agency narrowly approved a controversial three-way business deal Monday with the port and a deficit-ridden City Hall to pay off the city's nearly $35million in debt on the aquarium and convention center. The deal would essentially allow the RDA to repay the port for covering city debt. Continue reading Press Telegram.
Visiting With Assistant City Manager Suzanne Frick As assistant city manager for the City of Long Beach, Suzanne M. Frick has a long title and an equally long list of responsibilities, but she says her number one goal is transforming the state’s sixth-largest municipality into a green-jobs powerhouse that can compete with the greatest cities in the nation. Continue reading Long Beach Business Journal.
Nickels bows out; spotlight shifts to Mallahan, McGinn With his re-election prospects dimming by the day, Mayor Greg Nickels conceded Friday morning that he had lost the primary election. It's a stunning defeat for the two-term incumbent. "I think the people of Seattle have decided it's time for a new generation of leadership," he said at a morning announcement and news conference. Continue reading Seattle Post Intelligent.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Delaware North Companies To Manage Queen Mary; Hostmark Hospitality Group Out
Rumors about possible management changes on the Queen Mary are true, according to several sources. New York-based Delaware North Companies is set to assume hotel operations of the historic ship on September 14, replacing Hostmark Hospitality Group and General Manager Jay Primavera, whose successor is Delaware’s Uwe Roggenthien. Continue reading Long Beach Business Journal.
Long Beach RDA approves plan to borrow from set-aside funds
To make a mandatory $30 million state payment, the Long Beach Redevelopment Agency voted Monday to borrow all of its housing set-aside funds and cut $10 million in property acquisitions, major renovations to the American Hotel and parking for Bixby Knolls from next year's budget. The Agency also narrowly approved their part in a multi-agency deal that would allow the Port of Long Beach to pay Aquarium of the Pacific debt in exchange for reimbursement for public improvements to two major projects. Continue reading Press Telegram.
To make a mandatory $30 million state payment, the Long Beach Redevelopment Agency voted Monday to borrow all of its housing set-aside funds and cut $10 million in property acquisitions, major renovations to the American Hotel and parking for Bixby Knolls from next year's budget. The Agency also narrowly approved their part in a multi-agency deal that would allow the Port of Long Beach to pay Aquarium of the Pacific debt in exchange for reimbursement for public improvements to two major projects. Continue reading Press Telegram.
School Board Reviews Measure K Building Plans
Staff with the Long Beach Unified School District presented an update of the $1.2 billion Measure K school construction bond Tuesday morning to the Board of Education as part of a two-day workshop comprised of reports on such topics as student attendance, various learning programs, the budget and more. Continue reading Downtown Gazette.
Staff with the Long Beach Unified School District presented an update of the $1.2 billion Measure K school construction bond Tuesday morning to the Board of Education as part of a two-day workshop comprised of reports on such topics as student attendance, various learning programs, the budget and more. Continue reading Downtown Gazette.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
(An old book review, but this is the book Tom is reading in 500 Days of Summer. "It is surely significant that directors are now content to let downtown, so long a cinematic stand-in, play itself and even to put the neighborhood at the center of their story lines.")
The 'Architecture of Happiness': Where Beauty, History Meet
Do aesthetic and functional attributes of your home make you happy? Do the exterior and interior architectural characteristics of your workplace induce feelings of contentment and optimism each day when you arrive? Do you experience visual and psychological joy as you walk the streets of the city where you live? Continue reading Washington Post
Friday, August 21, 2009
New Design District Receives Support
Organically, a new Design District — filled with graphic design studios, architectural firms, product development firms and more — has sprung up in Long Beach. Now the Redevelopment Agency plans to help it grow. This week, the RDA board approved an implementation plan for the Long Beach Design District, which lays out a series of steps that can start now and run for a decade to help grow this pocket of business in Long Beach. Continue reading Grunion Gazette.
Organically, a new Design District — filled with graphic design studios, architectural firms, product development firms and more — has sprung up in Long Beach. Now the Redevelopment Agency plans to help it grow. This week, the RDA board approved an implementation plan for the Long Beach Design District, which lays out a series of steps that can start now and run for a decade to help grow this pocket of business in Long Beach. Continue reading Grunion Gazette.
Listen up, students: not everyone is happy to see you. Your teachers are bound by goodwill and a paycheck to tell you how great it is to have you back, how exciting this year is going to be, and oh, the places you’ll go. The rest of us? Continue reading The District.
RDA turns to reserve for $30M for state
To make its mandatory $30million state payment, the Long Beach Redevelopment Agency intends to borrow all of its housing set-aside funds and cut $10million in property acquisitions, major renovations to the American Hotel and parking for Bixby Knolls from next year's budget. Continue reading Press Telegram.
To make its mandatory $30million state payment, the Long Beach Redevelopment Agency intends to borrow all of its housing set-aside funds and cut $10million in property acquisitions, major renovations to the American Hotel and parking for Bixby Knolls from next year's budget. Continue reading Press Telegram.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
The residents of Island Village are once again thinking about leaving Long Beach and joining Seal Beach. “This comes up from time to time,” says Jenny Pack, a mother of two young children and the editor of The Village Voice, the homeowners’ association newsletter for the upscale, gated enclave. “Some say it’s a five-year cycle.” Continue reading The District.
Drain plans finally move ahead
After nearly 20 years of haggling, disputes, a court case, designs, redesigns and Environmental Impact Reports, the long-awaited Termino Avenue Drain Project is nearing the finish line. Or, more accurately, the start line. Continue reading Press Telegram.
After nearly 20 years of haggling, disputes, a court case, designs, redesigns and Environmental Impact Reports, the long-awaited Termino Avenue Drain Project is nearing the finish line. Or, more accurately, the start line. Continue reading Press Telegram.
Tesla Motors Chooses Palo Alto To Make Power Trains; No Decision Yet on LB
Following-up on a story on which LBReport.com has led, Tesla Motors has leased an approximately 350,000-square-foot building on a 23-acre parcel in Palo Alto's Stanford Research Park...but a decision on a So. Cal location for an assembly plant remains pending. Continue reading Long Beach Report.
Following-up on a story on which LBReport.com has led, Tesla Motors has leased an approximately 350,000-square-foot building on a 23-acre parcel in Palo Alto's Stanford Research Park...but a decision on a So. Cal location for an assembly plant remains pending. Continue reading Long Beach Report.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Is Hollywood In Or Out?
The Boeing Company’s former site for the assembly of the 717 aircraft has attracted the interest of several companies looking to lease or purchase the facility. They include Long Beach Studios LLC, which fell out of escrow for the property in March, and Tesla Motors Inc., an electric car manufacturer looking for space to produce the Model S sedan. Continue reading Long Beach Business Journal.
The Boeing Company’s former site for the assembly of the 717 aircraft has attracted the interest of several companies looking to lease or purchase the facility. They include Long Beach Studios LLC, which fell out of escrow for the property in March, and Tesla Motors Inc., an electric car manufacturer looking for space to produce the Model S sedan. Continue reading Long Beach Business Journal.
The state of California’s water crisis has motivated both state and local officials to require that residents reduce their water usage. These new regulations, as well as the “Green” movement and the current state of the economy have homeowners across the nation becoming proactive in cutting down on their water consumption. Continue reading Long Beach Post.
LB libraries, parks linked to safety
Public safety wasn't technically on the agenda for the City Council's budget workshop Tuesday, but supporters of Long Beach's libraries and parks made clear that their programs play an important role as well in keeping neighborhoods safe. "It's true the library doesn't save lives the same way that police and fire do, nor is our work immediately visible," said Jennifer Songster, librarian at the Dana Library. Continue reading Press Telegram.
Public safety wasn't technically on the agenda for the City Council's budget workshop Tuesday, but supporters of Long Beach's libraries and parks made clear that their programs play an important role as well in keeping neighborhoods safe. "It's true the library doesn't save lives the same way that police and fire do, nor is our work immediately visible," said Jennifer Songster, librarian at the Dana Library. Continue reading Press Telegram.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Stimulus Grant Helps Eliminate Trash
A $10 million economic stimulus grant will go a long way toward doing what att-empted stiff water quality regulations failed to accomplish — get cities upstream to catch trash and pollutants before they get to the Los Angeles River. The award, from the American Recovery and Re-investment Act through the state Water Board, is designated for installation of catch basins on storm drains in 16 cities. The grant will be administered by the LA Gateway Region In-tegrated Regional Water Man-agement Authority. Continue reading Downtown Gazette.
A $10 million economic stimulus grant will go a long way toward doing what att-empted stiff water quality regulations failed to accomplish — get cities upstream to catch trash and pollutants before they get to the Los Angeles River. The award, from the American Recovery and Re-investment Act through the state Water Board, is designated for installation of catch basins on storm drains in 16 cities. The grant will be administered by the LA Gateway Region In-tegrated Regional Water Man-agement Authority. Continue reading Downtown Gazette.
LB Airport To Receive $4.3 Million For Improvements
The Department of Transportation's Airport Improvement Act will grant the Long Beach Airport more than $4 million to improve ramps and taxiways, according to a press release from the office of Congresswoman Laura Richardson. We'll have more on this story shortly, but in the meantime, click here to read our July interview with Airport director Mario Rodriguez. Continue reading Long Beach Post.
The Department of Transportation's Airport Improvement Act will grant the Long Beach Airport more than $4 million to improve ramps and taxiways, according to a press release from the office of Congresswoman Laura Richardson. We'll have more on this story shortly, but in the meantime, click here to read our July interview with Airport director Mario Rodriguez. Continue reading Long Beach Post.
Termino Avenue Drain Project hearing set for Wednesday
The public will be given details Wednesday about the pending construction phase of the Termino Avenue Drain Project. The meeting will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Wilson High School auditorium, at 4400 E. 10th St. Continue reading Press Telegram.
The public will be given details Wednesday about the pending construction phase of the Termino Avenue Drain Project. The meeting will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Wilson High School auditorium, at 4400 E. 10th St. Continue reading Press Telegram.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
RDA to meet on Long Beach Design District
Despite budget woes that include likely raids from state government, the city's redevelopment agency plans to move forward on a number of multimillion-dollar projects downtown and in the city's industrial Eastside. The agency Monday will consider final approval of a master plan and financing scheme for what's being called the Long Beach Design District northwest of Anaheim Street and Redondo Avenue. Continue reading Press Telegram.
Despite budget woes that include likely raids from state government, the city's redevelopment agency plans to move forward on a number of multimillion-dollar projects downtown and in the city's industrial Eastside. The agency Monday will consider final approval of a master plan and financing scheme for what's being called the Long Beach Design District northwest of Anaheim Street and Redondo Avenue. Continue reading Press Telegram.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Producer Peter Jackson’s new movie opens Friday, the story of some aliens who come in peace, but are held in some blown-out place called District 9—straight out of a Jeff Gillette painting—until we can exploit their awesome capacity for war. Continue reading The District.
Spat brewing over Long Beach's role in bringing business to former Boeing 717 site
As prospects for development of the former Boeing 717 site stagnate, the fate of the landmark property has led to political infighting and finger-pointing at City Hall. Fifth District Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske released a statement Friday and posted on her blog www.gerrieschipske.com) criticisms of Mayor Bob Foster and city management. Continue reading Press Telegram.
As prospects for development of the former Boeing 717 site stagnate, the fate of the landmark property has led to political infighting and finger-pointing at City Hall. Fifth District Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske released a statement Friday and posted on her blog www.gerrieschipske.com) criticisms of Mayor Bob Foster and city management. Continue reading Press Telegram.
Expert tells Santa Rosa: Raise parking fees
A UCLA urban planning professor told Santa Rosa’s City Council Tuesday he has the the answer to critics who say they don’t shop downtown because it’s the one Sonoma County city that charges for parking. His solution: charge more. But Donald Shoup’s answer, however, was a bit more detailed than that. Continue reading Press Democrat.
A UCLA urban planning professor told Santa Rosa’s City Council Tuesday he has the the answer to critics who say they don’t shop downtown because it’s the one Sonoma County city that charges for parking. His solution: charge more. But Donald Shoup’s answer, however, was a bit more detailed than that. Continue reading Press Democrat.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
There is likely no greater value to a city’s environment that trees. They provide the oxygen we breathe while filtering pollution in the air. Trees supply shade for those on the ground and shelter for animals above. They raise property values and give character to communities. Some trees bear fruit while others simply provide comfort. They reduce the heat island effect while managing urban stormwater runoff. Continue reading Long Beach Post.
Then and Now: Two views of Ocean Boulevard
Looking west on Ocean Boulevard in 1976, The Breakers, built as a hotel in 1926, is on the left and the Ocean Center Building, built in 1929, on the right. In the center is the now-demolished Jergins Trust building. The Ocean side housed the Loew's State theater. Continue reading Press Telegram.
Looking west on Ocean Boulevard in 1976, The Breakers, built as a hotel in 1926, is on the left and the Ocean Center Building, built in 1929, on the right. In the center is the now-demolished Jergins Trust building. The Ocean side housed the Loew's State theater. Continue reading Press Telegram.
Sacramento Project ‘Almost a City in Itself’
SACRAMENTO — The western terminus of the first transcontinental railroad is a forlorn place these days. All that is left of the historic railyards are seven immense brick buildings, the remnants of an era when this site was the busiest industrial center in northern California. There is little indication yet of a $5.3 billion redevelopment plan to transform the site. Continue reading New York Times.
SACRAMENTO — The western terminus of the first transcontinental railroad is a forlorn place these days. All that is left of the historic railyards are seven immense brick buildings, the remnants of an era when this site was the busiest industrial center in northern California. There is little indication yet of a $5.3 billion redevelopment plan to transform the site. Continue reading New York Times.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
The 27-year-old driver of a new Ford SUV who turned left in front of a scooter early Monday was cited for failing to yield to the other motorist, police said Tuesday. Police and firefighters were called to the corner of Seventh Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue for a truck versus motorcycle crash shortly before 10 a.m. Monday, authorities said. Continue reading Press Telegram.
Bold Idea #2: Queen Mary Casino
While there are those who regret permanently anchoring the historic cruise ship along the downtown waterfront, there are those who have seen and continue to extol the opportunity to make the Queen Mary a landmark destination. Already, the Queen Mary has been the venue for national and international conferences, as well as weddings, proms and other events. Continue reading Long Beach Post.
While there are those who regret permanently anchoring the historic cruise ship along the downtown waterfront, there are those who have seen and continue to extol the opportunity to make the Queen Mary a landmark destination. Already, the Queen Mary has been the venue for national and international conferences, as well as weddings, proms and other events. Continue reading Long Beach Post.
Sidewalks Offer Safety and More
The District plans to build sidewalks along city streets without them whenever these streets are scheduled for repaving. This is prudent public policy. But heated controversy has arisen along several sidewalkless D.C. neighborhood streets where residents have taken -- pardon the expression -- opposing sides. Continue reading Washington Post.
The District plans to build sidewalks along city streets without them whenever these streets are scheduled for repaving. This is prudent public policy. But heated controversy has arisen along several sidewalkless D.C. neighborhood streets where residents have taken -- pardon the expression -- opposing sides. Continue reading Washington Post.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Man hurt in scooter crash at MLK and 7th
A 20-year-old man suffered moderate injuries after his motor scooter became trapped beneath an SUV in a crash early Monday. The crash occurred shortly before 10 a.m. at the corner of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and Seventh Street, said Long Beach Fire Capt. Jackawa Jackson. Jackson said paramedics and firefighters were responding to call of a scooter-rider pinned beneath a truck when they found the victim lying in the middle of the intersection and his scooter crushed beneath the front bumper of a white SUV. Continue reading Press Telegram.
A 20-year-old man suffered moderate injuries after his motor scooter became trapped beneath an SUV in a crash early Monday. The crash occurred shortly before 10 a.m. at the corner of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and Seventh Street, said Long Beach Fire Capt. Jackawa Jackson. Jackson said paramedics and firefighters were responding to call of a scooter-rider pinned beneath a truck when they found the victim lying in the middle of the intersection and his scooter crushed beneath the front bumper of a white SUV. Continue reading Press Telegram.
Bold Idea #3: Naturalize Waterways
Between the Los Angeles River, San Gabriel River, Los Coyotes Creek and numerous other creeks and culverts there are over forty miles of fortified waterways in Long Beach. Some were created for flood control having always been encased in concrete while others were natural waterways channelized to control their alluvial past. Returning the Los Angeles and San Gabriel Rivers to more natural forms has been discussed for at least a decade while the city’s more local tributaries have received little attention. Continue reading Long Beach Post.
Between the Los Angeles River, San Gabriel River, Los Coyotes Creek and numerous other creeks and culverts there are over forty miles of fortified waterways in Long Beach. Some were created for flood control having always been encased in concrete while others were natural waterways channelized to control their alluvial past. Returning the Los Angeles and San Gabriel Rivers to more natural forms has been discussed for at least a decade while the city’s more local tributaries have received little attention. Continue reading Long Beach Post.
In a city known for its aggressive drivers, flummoxing street layout, confusing rotaries and overall rudeness on the road, what is a cyclist to do? Nicole Freedman, the city’s "bike czar," said, "The grand plan is to change the culture, which is an incredible task." Start pedaling, some say. Continue reading New York Times
Monday, August 10, 2009
What Can We Learn from the Dutch Self Explaining Roads?
Recently, I had the opportunity to spend a week touring the Netherlands with Fred Kent and Kathy Madden of Project for Public Spaces. Our mission? To learn more about the Dutch approach to Sustainable Safety, bikeped accommodations and community based transportation. Here is some of what we learned about the Dutch efforts to reduce injuries on their roadways. Continue reading Sustainable City Collective.
Recently, I had the opportunity to spend a week touring the Netherlands with Fred Kent and Kathy Madden of Project for Public Spaces. Our mission? To learn more about the Dutch approach to Sustainable Safety, bikeped accommodations and community based transportation. Here is some of what we learned about the Dutch efforts to reduce injuries on their roadways. Continue reading Sustainable City Collective.
After Bold Idea #5 - the development of a waterfront airport - the question becomes what happens with the twelve hundred acres of city-owned land that makes up the current airport? Perhaps the most compelling reason to move the airport is the opportunity that the large plot of land would provide for stitching together Long Beach’s urban fabric. Continue reading Long Beach Post.
Strollers get Bixby Knolls moving
Blair Cohn's Saturday morning exercise regimen is simple and the equipment is basic; get a cadre of people with "can-do" attitudes to put on comfortable walking shoes, meet for coffee and take a neighborly stroll. The Bixby Knolls Strollers, currently numbering about 50, meets each Saturday before 7:30 a.m. at It's a Grind Coffee Shop on Atlantic Avenue. Continue reading Press Telegram.
Blair Cohn's Saturday morning exercise regimen is simple and the equipment is basic; get a cadre of people with "can-do" attitudes to put on comfortable walking shoes, meet for coffee and take a neighborly stroll. The Bixby Knolls Strollers, currently numbering about 50, meets each Saturday before 7:30 a.m. at It's a Grind Coffee Shop on Atlantic Avenue. Continue reading Press Telegram.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
First District residents attended the final Drake Park expansion meeting this week concluding the community design process. The expansion now moves into the EIR phase. First District Councilmember Robert Garcia has been working with the Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine Department to secure the EIR money. Continue reading Long Beach Post.
Help improve Pine Avenue
Does Pine Avenue need more trees or places to sit? Would adding more lighting affect the street's image? On Aug. 17, residents and merchants will get to weigh in on a project that seeks to improve the look of Long Beach's iconic business corridor. Continue reading Press Telegram.
Does Pine Avenue need more trees or places to sit? Would adding more lighting affect the street's image? On Aug. 17, residents and merchants will get to weigh in on a project that seeks to improve the look of Long Beach's iconic business corridor. Continue reading Press Telegram.
Azteca Bar Demolished by LBHDC, Clearing Way For Workforce Housing
Sixth District LB Councilman Dee Andrews puts on a hard hat and climbs on a bulldozer to take the first shot at the former Azteca Bar on LB Boulevard @ 19th St. Wearing a white T-shirt and jeans, Andrews looks like he means business. Continue reading Long Beach Report.
Sixth District LB Councilman Dee Andrews puts on a hard hat and climbs on a bulldozer to take the first shot at the former Azteca Bar on LB Boulevard @ 19th St. Wearing a white T-shirt and jeans, Andrews looks like he means business. Continue reading Long Beach Report.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Residents get look at master plan for Long Beach Boulevard
Residents and community leaders viewed visions of what parts of Long Beach Boulevard could look like at a presentation of the Long Beach Boulevard Master Plan Thursday at City Council Chambers. John Fregonese, president of Fregonese Associates, presented several scenarios and options for development along Long Beach Boulevard and what needs to happen to revitalize the thoroughfare. The report was given at the regular meeting of the Planning Commission attended by members of the Central Project Area Committee. Continue reading Press Telegram.
Residents and community leaders viewed visions of what parts of Long Beach Boulevard could look like at a presentation of the Long Beach Boulevard Master Plan Thursday at City Council Chambers. John Fregonese, president of Fregonese Associates, presented several scenarios and options for development along Long Beach Boulevard and what needs to happen to revitalize the thoroughfare. The report was given at the regular meeting of the Planning Commission attended by members of the Central Project Area Committee. Continue reading Press Telegram.
Bold Idea #5: Waterfront Airport
One bold idea that seems to have the greatest diversity of voices is that of a waterfront airport. In 1980, the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) began a feasibility study of developing an artificial island south of the port complexes for a new offshore airport. As Long Beach’s Naval Shipyard was being decommissioned in the nineties there were those in the community who wanted to see it converted into a new airport. Continue reading Long Beach Post.
One bold idea that seems to have the greatest diversity of voices is that of a waterfront airport. In 1980, the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) began a feasibility study of developing an artificial island south of the port complexes for a new offshore airport. As Long Beach’s Naval Shipyard was being decommissioned in the nineties there were those in the community who wanted to see it converted into a new airport. Continue reading Long Beach Post.
New lights for East Village
Let there be light in the East Village. City and redevelopment officials on Saturday will debut 92 new energy-efficient light posts in the Arts District as part of $1.8 million in infrastructure improvements to the area. Those improvements include drought resistant landscaping, bulbouts, trees, irrigation, new bollards, sidewalks, curbs, gutters and storm drain laterals. Bulbouts extend the corners of sidewalks. Bollards are posts arranged to obstruct traffic. Continue reading Press Telegram.
Let there be light in the East Village. City and redevelopment officials on Saturday will debut 92 new energy-efficient light posts in the Arts District as part of $1.8 million in infrastructure improvements to the area. Those improvements include drought resistant landscaping, bulbouts, trees, irrigation, new bollards, sidewalks, curbs, gutters and storm drain laterals. Bulbouts extend the corners of sidewalks. Bollards are posts arranged to obstruct traffic. Continue reading Press Telegram.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Bold Idea #6: Return Of The Film Industry
The origins of filmmaking in Southern California in part began in Long Beach at the Balboa Studios. While Hollywood is now perceived as the heart of the film industry; its economic footprint spans across the region. This has occurred in part because of available real estate, evolving technology and government incentives in other communities. Continue reading Long Beach Post.
The origins of filmmaking in Southern California in part began in Long Beach at the Balboa Studios. While Hollywood is now perceived as the heart of the film industry; its economic footprint spans across the region. This has occurred in part because of available real estate, evolving technology and government incentives in other communities. Continue reading Long Beach Post.
We’re standing at the edge of a small garden on the campus of Fremont Elementary School when Brady Redman pulls a few leaves from one of the plants below and hands them to me. “Rub those in your hands and then smell them,” he says, and when I do, the sharp sage bouquet nearly knocks me back into a classroom. Continue reading The District.
Cities along LA River getting $10 million to fight trash problem
Long Beach, Downey, Paramount, Signal Hill, Compton and South Gate and 10 other cities will benefit from a $10 million federal grant that will help them curb thousands of tons of trash from streaming into the Los Angeles River. Continue reading Press Telegram.
Long Beach, Downey, Paramount, Signal Hill, Compton and South Gate and 10 other cities will benefit from a $10 million federal grant that will help them curb thousands of tons of trash from streaming into the Los Angeles River. Continue reading Press Telegram.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Fare Free Transit Zones
New York Mayor Bloomberg is pushing for free cross town buses. Read the New York Times article
Downtown Portland has had a transit free zone known as the Transit Square for years that speeds trips and makes it simple to get around the City's core without a personal vehicle. View at TriMet
This would be an excellent program to improve Downtown Long Beach mobility. Imagine being able to jump on the Passport, a bus, or the Blue Line to travel a few blocks within the Downtown.
Talk about a walk extender!
New York Mayor Bloomberg is pushing for free cross town buses. Read the New York Times article
Downtown Portland has had a transit free zone known as the Transit Square for years that speeds trips and makes it simple to get around the City's core without a personal vehicle. View at TriMet
This would be an excellent program to improve Downtown Long Beach mobility. Imagine being able to jump on the Passport, a bus, or the Blue Line to travel a few blocks within the Downtown.
Talk about a walk extender!
City Council Approves Wetlands Trade; Acquires 37.7 Acres
The Long Beach City Council Tuesday approved a contentious motion by a 5-4 vote (Gabelich, Garcia, Schipske and Reyes Uranga dissenting) allowing city management to move forward with a land swap of 37.7 acres of private wetlands property for 13.4 acres of City property currently being used as a public service yard. Continue reading Long Beach Post.
The Long Beach City Council Tuesday approved a contentious motion by a 5-4 vote (Gabelich, Garcia, Schipske and Reyes Uranga dissenting) allowing city management to move forward with a land swap of 37.7 acres of private wetlands property for 13.4 acres of City property currently being used as a public service yard. Continue reading Long Beach Post.
Bold Idea #7: Solar Power City
As the demand for fossil fuels grow and the world oil reserves dwindle, a growing number of cities and regions are developing strategic plans to deal with the effects of peak oil and Long Beach should be no different. Developing reliable, renewable energy resources is a key component to most plans. Continue reading Long Beach Post.
As the demand for fossil fuels grow and the world oil reserves dwindle, a growing number of cities and regions are developing strategic plans to deal with the effects of peak oil and Long Beach should be no different. Developing reliable, renewable energy resources is a key component to most plans. Continue reading Long Beach Post.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Bold Idea #8: New Main Library
Almost a year ago, the City Manager and Mayor approached closing downtown’s main branch library, opening a temporary location until a new library at an undisclosed location would be developed to replace it. The reasons behind closing the current library were that of an unmanageably leaking roof and potential structural failure during significant seismic events. Continue reading Long Beach Post.
Almost a year ago, the City Manager and Mayor approached closing downtown’s main branch library, opening a temporary location until a new library at an undisclosed location would be developed to replace it. The reasons behind closing the current library were that of an unmanageably leaking roof and potential structural failure during significant seismic events. Continue reading Long Beach Post.
Three Long Beach post offices could close as the nation's letter carriers grapple with a sharp decline in mail and increased costs. Locations at 5227 E. Second St. in Belmont Shore, 1 World Trade Center downtown and 101 E. Market St. in North Long Beach are on a list of 677 possible closure locations nationwide. About 200 branches are expected to shutter. Continue reading Press Telegram.
Long Beach RDA will support legal fight against state takeaways
The Long Beach Redevelopment Agency Board on Monday voted to cooperate with the League of California Cities and the California Redevelopment Association in their fight against the state, which is seeking to take nearly $30 million in redevelopment funds from Long Beach RDA's 2010 budget. Continue reading Press Telegram.
The Long Beach Redevelopment Agency Board on Monday voted to cooperate with the League of California Cities and the California Redevelopment Association in their fight against the state, which is seeking to take nearly $30 million in redevelopment funds from Long Beach RDA's 2010 budget. Continue reading Press Telegram.
Where Vacancy Rates Are Rising
The big news in Kansas City is the Chiefs' off-season acquisition of quarterback Matt Cassel. Filling in for injured superstar Tom Brady in New England last season, Cassel became a starter for the first time since his senior year of high school. When trading for a backup quarterback is cause for citywide celebration, it's a sign of a metropolis starving for good news--and perhaps an indicator that other troubles are afoot. Continue reading Forbes.
The big news in Kansas City is the Chiefs' off-season acquisition of quarterback Matt Cassel. Filling in for injured superstar Tom Brady in New England last season, Cassel became a starter for the first time since his senior year of high school. When trading for a backup quarterback is cause for citywide celebration, it's a sign of a metropolis starving for good news--and perhaps an indicator that other troubles are afoot. Continue reading Forbes.
Monday, August 3, 2009
As fellow Poly High School classmates of 1978 drifted into Hotel Maya's Miramar Room, a smiling Chip Conley was at the ready, extending a handshake, a hearty hug or a kiss on the cheek. "He's the type of person you feel like no time has passed," said classmate Laura Lovekin, who hadn't seen the Joie de Vivre Hotels founder in years. Continue reading Press Telegram.
Bold Idea #9: Streetcar
The loss of the Red Car streetcar lines was deemed by readers as one of the worst decisions in the history of Long Beach. The closure of the Red Car meant the loss of streetcar routes along Ocean Boulevard, Broadway, Seventh Street, Livingston Drive, Long Beach Boulevard, California Avenue, Daisy Avenue and obviously the Pacific Electric right-of-way. Continue reading Long Beach Post.
The loss of the Red Car streetcar lines was deemed by readers as one of the worst decisions in the history of Long Beach. The closure of the Red Car meant the loss of streetcar routes along Ocean Boulevard, Broadway, Seventh Street, Livingston Drive, Long Beach Boulevard, California Avenue, Daisy Avenue and obviously the Pacific Electric right-of-way. Continue reading Long Beach Post.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Los Cerritos Land Trust calls for delay on council's wetlands vote
In an 11th-hour move, Los Cerritos Land Trust board members issued a call Friday for a 30-day delay of Tuesday's schedued City Council vote on the wetlands land-swap deal. The land-swap deal has sparked considerable heat since the properties have not been appraised, and critics contend wetlands owner Tom Dean is benefiting from the deal - at a time when the city is facing a fiscal crisis. Continue reading Press Telegram.
In an 11th-hour move, Los Cerritos Land Trust board members issued a call Friday for a 30-day delay of Tuesday's schedued City Council vote on the wetlands land-swap deal. The land-swap deal has sparked considerable heat since the properties have not been appraised, and critics contend wetlands owner Tom Dean is benefiting from the deal - at a time when the city is facing a fiscal crisis. Continue reading Press Telegram.
What the Federal Government Can Do to Foster Vibrant Neighborhoods, Successful Schools
Every parent recognizes the inextricable connections between where we live and the quality of our children’s education. In fact, for many families, the composition and quality of local public schools are primary factors in choosing a neighborhood and investing in a house or apartment. Continue reading Brookings Institute.
Every parent recognizes the inextricable connections between where we live and the quality of our children’s education. In fact, for many families, the composition and quality of local public schools are primary factors in choosing a neighborhood and investing in a house or apartment. Continue reading Brookings Institute.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Bold Idea #10: Great Parks
El Dorado Park on Long Beach’s Eastside is one of the greatest municipal parks in Southern California. The park’s expansive size (over 800 acres), large amount of activity and convenient freeway access draws visitors from across Long Beach as well as outside of the city. Heartwell Park; an incredible park that is directly adjacent to El Dorado, together providing the residents of the Eastside ample recreational activities and open space. Continue reading Long Beach Post.
El Dorado Park on Long Beach’s Eastside is one of the greatest municipal parks in Southern California. The park’s expansive size (over 800 acres), large amount of activity and convenient freeway access draws visitors from across Long Beach as well as outside of the city. Heartwell Park; an incredible park that is directly adjacent to El Dorado, together providing the residents of the Eastside ample recreational activities and open space. Continue reading Long Beach Post.
Pacific Avenue looking north from Ocean Boulevard. Above, Lincoln Park is on the left with the old public library in the center of the park. The building blocking Pacific is City Hall. In the background of both the view from yesterday and today, center, you can see the steeple of the First Congregational Church in front of the Willmore Building. Continue reading Press Telegram.
Details of Agendized Swap of Public Service Yard For Wetlands
City management has uploaded an agendizing memo to acompany its August 4 item seeking Council authority "to execute all documents necessary to enter and consummate a real estate exchange of approximately 13.4 acres of City-owned land for approximately 37.77 acres of land owned by LCW Partners, LLC. Continue reading Long Beach Report.
City management has uploaded an agendizing memo to acompany its August 4 item seeking Council authority "to execute all documents necessary to enter and consummate a real estate exchange of approximately 13.4 acres of City-owned land for approximately 37.77 acres of land owned by LCW Partners, LLC. Continue reading Long Beach Report.
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