Rapid Open Space Development
I often find it helpful to look to precedents when discussing urban design: there is value in learning from the experiences of other cities. However, for the precedents to be as useful as possible, I seek those which have some relevance in terms of historic, physical, and cultural context. I thus often turn to cities like Portland, San Diego, and Seattle for inspiration—West Coast cities roughly the size of Long Beach. One city I usually avoid is New York: it is a much larger East Coast city with no real peers. Many would understandably be skeptical at any attempt to seek inspiration from a world city of such grand scale and density. Today, however, is an exception: I will draw from recent experiences in creating open space in New York for the lessons it might provide us here in Long Beach. Contine reading Long Beach Post.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Alamitos Bay Rebuild Update Topic Of Community Meeting
Tomorrow (Thursday, Oct. 22) is the long-planned public update on the rebuilding of the Alamitos Bay Marina. While at times this project has sparked controversy, Marine Bureau Manager Mark Sandoval said he thinks that compromises have been worked out. “The one big issue, which I think has been worked out, is the rowers and their space,” Sandoval said. Rowers complained that the new design took away some lanes at the end of Marine Stadium that were used for competition. Changes were made to Basin Four (the slips near the Long Beach Yacht Club) and Sandoval said he has sat down with groups from the rowers and other stakeholders to show them the changes. Continue reading Grunion Gazette.
Tomorrow (Thursday, Oct. 22) is the long-planned public update on the rebuilding of the Alamitos Bay Marina. While at times this project has sparked controversy, Marine Bureau Manager Mark Sandoval said he thinks that compromises have been worked out. “The one big issue, which I think has been worked out, is the rowers and their space,” Sandoval said. Rowers complained that the new design took away some lanes at the end of Marine Stadium that were used for competition. Changes were made to Basin Four (the slips near the Long Beach Yacht Club) and Sandoval said he has sat down with groups from the rowers and other stakeholders to show them the changes. Continue reading Grunion Gazette.
Does North Long Beach Deserve A Landmark?
While attending the Book by Authors event at the Long Beach Town Center Barnes and Noble bookstore [LBReport.com on-scene coverage with video click here], I listened intently to the many and varied stories that weave the rich tapestry known as North Long Beach. Among the distinct and repeated patterns arising in that verbal textile were oft repeated names of places now committed to treasured memory and faded sepia tone photos: Shady Acres Miniature Golf Course, Mexico City Restaurant, Lou’s Book Store, The Mustard Seed Restaurant, and the legendary Dooley’s Hardware. Continue reading Long Beach Report.
While attending the Book by Authors event at the Long Beach Town Center Barnes and Noble bookstore [LBReport.com on-scene coverage with video click here], I listened intently to the many and varied stories that weave the rich tapestry known as North Long Beach. Among the distinct and repeated patterns arising in that verbal textile were oft repeated names of places now committed to treasured memory and faded sepia tone photos: Shady Acres Miniature Golf Course, Mexico City Restaurant, Lou’s Book Store, The Mustard Seed Restaurant, and the legendary Dooley’s Hardware. Continue reading Long Beach Report.
Atlantic Theater’s Fate Hot Topic In EIR Debate
The comment period for the North Village Center Environmental Impact Report ended a month ago, and the likely date for a certification hearing of that document is almost a month away. Yet the fate of the vacant Atlantic Theater building is one of the hottest topics in North Long Beach. The theater is in the 5800 block of Atlantic Avenue — in the middle of the eastern block slated for the Village Center. It was built in the early 1940s, includes an RKO-style tower, a terrazzo floor in the entrance and a basic Art Deco design. Continue reading Uptown Gazette.
The comment period for the North Village Center Environmental Impact Report ended a month ago, and the likely date for a certification hearing of that document is almost a month away. Yet the fate of the vacant Atlantic Theater building is one of the hottest topics in North Long Beach. The theater is in the 5800 block of Atlantic Avenue — in the middle of the eastern block slated for the Village Center. It was built in the early 1940s, includes an RKO-style tower, a terrazzo floor in the entrance and a basic Art Deco design. Continue reading Uptown Gazette.
The Madison plays elegant role in new movie
One would be tempted, were The Madison on Pine Avenue not such an elegant and handsomely appointed place, to say that schmucks eat there. And, yet, they do, at least for a few days. Since last Thursday, and continuing through Wednesday, "Dinner for Schmucks," starring Steve Carell, Paul Rudd and Zach Galifianakis, will be filming the eponymous scene for the movie — a remake of the 1998 French comedy classic "Le Diner de Cons" (which translates to "the dinner of idiots," though it was more politely called "The Dinner Game" on this side of the Atlantic. Continue reading Press Telegram.
One would be tempted, were The Madison on Pine Avenue not such an elegant and handsomely appointed place, to say that schmucks eat there. And, yet, they do, at least for a few days. Since last Thursday, and continuing through Wednesday, "Dinner for Schmucks," starring Steve Carell, Paul Rudd and Zach Galifianakis, will be filming the eponymous scene for the movie — a remake of the 1998 French comedy classic "Le Diner de Cons" (which translates to "the dinner of idiots," though it was more politely called "The Dinner Game" on this side of the Atlantic. Continue reading Press Telegram.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Rosie The Riveter Historic Park Begins Taking Shape
During World War II, millions of American women left their homes to work in production plants and other sectors of civilian service in an effort to support their country. In American history, these women are referred to as Rosie the Riveters, adopting the iconic image of a strong and determined woman rolling up the sleeve of her work shirt with the phrase “We Can Do It!” emblazoned behind her. In Long Beach, that can-do attitude will be honored on Monday at a groundbreaking ceremony for the Rosie the Riveter Park and Interpretive Center situated at Clark Avenue and Conant Street. Continue reading Grunion Gazette.
During World War II, millions of American women left their homes to work in production plants and other sectors of civilian service in an effort to support their country. In American history, these women are referred to as Rosie the Riveters, adopting the iconic image of a strong and determined woman rolling up the sleeve of her work shirt with the phrase “We Can Do It!” emblazoned behind her. In Long Beach, that can-do attitude will be honored on Monday at a groundbreaking ceremony for the Rosie the Riveter Park and Interpretive Center situated at Clark Avenue and Conant Street. Continue reading Grunion Gazette.
Alamitos Bay Rebuild Update Topic Of Community Meeting
Tomorrow (Thursday, Oct. 22) is the long-planned public update on the rebuilding of the Alamitos Bay Marina. While at times this project has sparked controversy, Marine Bureau Manager Mark Sandoval said he thinks that compromises have been worked out. “The one big issue, which I think has been worked out, is the rowers and their space,” Sandoval said. Rowers complained that the new design took away some lanes at the end of Marine Stadium that were used for competition. Changes were made to Basin Four (the slips near the Long Beach Yacht Club) and Sandoval said he has sat down with groups from the rowers and other stakeholders to show them the changes. Continue reading Grunion Gazette.
Tomorrow (Thursday, Oct. 22) is the long-planned public update on the rebuilding of the Alamitos Bay Marina. While at times this project has sparked controversy, Marine Bureau Manager Mark Sandoval said he thinks that compromises have been worked out. “The one big issue, which I think has been worked out, is the rowers and their space,” Sandoval said. Rowers complained that the new design took away some lanes at the end of Marine Stadium that were used for competition. Changes were made to Basin Four (the slips near the Long Beach Yacht Club) and Sandoval said he has sat down with groups from the rowers and other stakeholders to show them the changes. Continue reading Grunion Gazette.
DeMille Traffic Study Results Released At Public Meeting
Results from a recently completed traffic study regarding the proposed conversion of DeMille Middle School into a thematic high school will be made available to the public at a community meeting tonight, Thursday. According to Chris Eftychiou, spokesman for the Long Beach Unified School District, the purpose of the meeting is to provide an update on the proposed project and to begin the 30-day comment period during which residents can provide their feedback and concerns in writing. Eftychiou said the traffic study indicated that no major impacts would result from the conversion of DeMille into an Early College Academic Technical School for students in grades 9 through 12. Continue reading Grunion Gazette.
Results from a recently completed traffic study regarding the proposed conversion of DeMille Middle School into a thematic high school will be made available to the public at a community meeting tonight, Thursday. According to Chris Eftychiou, spokesman for the Long Beach Unified School District, the purpose of the meeting is to provide an update on the proposed project and to begin the 30-day comment period during which residents can provide their feedback and concerns in writing. Eftychiou said the traffic study indicated that no major impacts would result from the conversion of DeMille into an Early College Academic Technical School for students in grades 9 through 12. Continue reading Grunion Gazette.
Council OKs eminent domain for PCH turn lane
The City Council made the rare decision Tuesday to use its power of eminent domain to acquire a sliver of property along Pacific Coast Highway in order to widen the roadway. The council voted 8-1, with Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske dissenting, to force the sale of the 9,934-square-foot strip of land in southeast Long Beach to create a right-turn lane on southbound PCH north of Second Street. Continue reading Press Telegram
The City Council made the rare decision Tuesday to use its power of eminent domain to acquire a sliver of property along Pacific Coast Highway in order to widen the roadway. The council voted 8-1, with Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske dissenting, to force the sale of the 9,934-square-foot strip of land in southeast Long Beach to create a right-turn lane on southbound PCH north of Second Street. Continue reading Press Telegram
LA Times Features Long Beach Success Story
The Los Angeles Times today reports on the turnaround success of Long Beach’s own Henderson Avenue, a westside neighborhood that was violence-ridden before blighted apartments were replaced with a community-wide garden. The Times’ Robert Faturechi tells the tale: Just a few years ago, two adjacent apartment complexes on the 1900 block of Henderson were havens for drug dealers and prostitutes, according to city officials. Neighbors were leery of leaving their homes, and the complexes drew a high number of police calls.But these days the scene is decidedly peaceful. The crime-plagued apartments have been replaced by healthy plots of squash, golden chard, watermelon and cucumbers thriving in Long Beach's salty breezes. Continue reading Long Beach Post.
The Los Angeles Times today reports on the turnaround success of Long Beach’s own Henderson Avenue, a westside neighborhood that was violence-ridden before blighted apartments were replaced with a community-wide garden. The Times’ Robert Faturechi tells the tale: Just a few years ago, two adjacent apartment complexes on the 1900 block of Henderson were havens for drug dealers and prostitutes, according to city officials. Neighbors were leery of leaving their homes, and the complexes drew a high number of police calls.But these days the scene is decidedly peaceful. The crime-plagued apartments have been replaced by healthy plots of squash, golden chard, watermelon and cucumbers thriving in Long Beach's salty breezes. Continue reading Long Beach Post.
Tough Love
In an exclusive interview with Sean Hitchcock, the wealthy and well-connected construction company owner who last spring ravaged nine acres of protected wetlands-area habitat near Studebaker Rd. and Loynes Dr. without bothering to get a city permit, The District Weekly has learned . . . well, that Sean Hitchcock reads The District Weekly. “You’re from The District?” Hitchcock repeated when I introduced myself to him—technically, reintroduced myself, but more on that later—in the foyer of city hall’s council chamber after a zoning hearing on Oct. 12. “Dave, I’ve read your stuff.” Flattering! Continue reading The District.
In an exclusive interview with Sean Hitchcock, the wealthy and well-connected construction company owner who last spring ravaged nine acres of protected wetlands-area habitat near Studebaker Rd. and Loynes Dr. without bothering to get a city permit, The District Weekly has learned . . . well, that Sean Hitchcock reads The District Weekly. “You’re from The District?” Hitchcock repeated when I introduced myself to him—technically, reintroduced myself, but more on that later—in the foyer of city hall’s council chamber after a zoning hearing on Oct. 12. “Dave, I’ve read your stuff.” Flattering! Continue reading The District.
Tough Love
In an exclusive interview with Sean Hitchcock, the wealthy and well-connected construction company owner who last spring ravaged nine acres of protected wetlands-area habitat near Studebaker Rd. and Loynes Dr. without bothering to get a city permit, The District Weekly has learned . . . well, that Sean Hitchcock reads The District Weekly. “You’re from The District?” Hitchcock repeated when I introduced myself to him—technically, reintroduced myself, but more on that later—in the foyer of city hall’s council chamber after a zoning hearing on Oct. 12. “Dave, I’ve read your stuff.” Flattering! Continue reading The District.
In an exclusive interview with Sean Hitchcock, the wealthy and well-connected construction company owner who last spring ravaged nine acres of protected wetlands-area habitat near Studebaker Rd. and Loynes Dr. without bothering to get a city permit, The District Weekly has learned . . . well, that Sean Hitchcock reads The District Weekly. “You’re from The District?” Hitchcock repeated when I introduced myself to him—technically, reintroduced myself, but more on that later—in the foyer of city hall’s council chamber after a zoning hearing on Oct. 12. “Dave, I’ve read your stuff.” Flattering! Continue reading The District.
Fateful Choice Looms For City On Atlantic Theater
It's eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places...and it's been proposed for demolition as part of the "North Village Center" project. Whether North Long Beach's Atlantic Ave. Theater (5870 Atlantic Ave.), closed for years, is destroyed or reused as part of LB's Redevelopment process will ultimately involve City Hall actions. Continue reading Long Beach Report.
It's eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places...and it's been proposed for demolition as part of the "North Village Center" project. Whether North Long Beach's Atlantic Ave. Theater (5870 Atlantic Ave.), closed for years, is destroyed or reused as part of LB's Redevelopment process will ultimately involve City Hall actions. Continue reading Long Beach Report.
NorthPAC members have had many informal discussions regarding the Atlantic Theater, but have not taken a stand inconsistent with what is contained in the draft Environemntal Impact Report (EIR). The Atlantic Theater first was officially discussed more than six years ago. At the beginning of serious discussions regarding the over-all North Village Center project a tour of the interior of the building was given to all interested parties. In addition to NorthPAC members, individuals from the preservationist "community" were present, as were a number of residents of North Long Beach. Continue reading Long Beach Report.
SP Bay projects gaining traction
Despite growing federal deficits and broken promises in the past, federal authorities Wednesday said there's a "renewed sense of urgency" in Washington to help fund a litany of long-overdue infrastructure projects in and around San Pedro Bay. The comments came during a hearing with top transportations officials and Congresswoman Laura Richardson, D-Long Beach, who recently introduced legislation to help fund such projects. Continue reading Press Telegram.
Despite growing federal deficits and broken promises in the past, federal authorities Wednesday said there's a "renewed sense of urgency" in Washington to help fund a litany of long-overdue infrastructure projects in and around San Pedro Bay. The comments came during a hearing with top transportations officials and Congresswoman Laura Richardson, D-Long Beach, who recently introduced legislation to help fund such projects. Continue reading Press Telegram.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
The Lastest in Bikes -- Getting Around Simply
The latest trend in biking, bikes for transportation. The bike industry is retooling toward practicality. This reflects the trends we are seeing in Long Beach, where more trips are being made by bike than ever before. Bike Retailers See Transportation as Newest Market
The latest trend in biking, bikes for transportation. The bike industry is retooling toward practicality. This reflects the trends we are seeing in Long Beach, where more trips are being made by bike than ever before. Bike Retailers See Transportation as Newest Market
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Best of: Art + Architecture
Creativity Network’s Antonio Ruiz takes Theo Douglas on a tour of his favorite places to eat, drink and stare at old trees, while Vy Pham learns what Phantom Galleries curator Liza Mitchell loves about Long Beach, besides its backyards. Also discover the best place to embroider a Victorian bell pull, the best place to watch paint dry and the city’s best damn mural, period. Continue reading The District.
Creativity Network’s Antonio Ruiz takes Theo Douglas on a tour of his favorite places to eat, drink and stare at old trees, while Vy Pham learns what Phantom Galleries curator Liza Mitchell loves about Long Beach, besides its backyards. Also discover the best place to embroider a Victorian bell pull, the best place to watch paint dry and the city’s best damn mural, period. Continue reading The District.
New site for downtown Long Beach Courthouse approved
Plans to replace "one of the worst courthouses in California" moved forward this week when state officials supported the property acquisition for a new Long Beach Courthouse. The State Public Works Board on Monday approved the acquisition of the 6-acre downtown site bordered by Broadway, Magnolia Avenue, Third Street and Maine Avenue for a new Long Beach Courthouse, said Administrative Office of the Courts spokesman Philip R. Carrizosa on Wednesday. Continue reading Press Telegram.
Plans to replace "one of the worst courthouses in California" moved forward this week when state officials supported the property acquisition for a new Long Beach Courthouse. The State Public Works Board on Monday approved the acquisition of the 6-acre downtown site bordered by Broadway, Magnolia Avenue, Third Street and Maine Avenue for a new Long Beach Courthouse, said Administrative Office of the Courts spokesman Philip R. Carrizosa on Wednesday. Continue reading Press Telegram.
Council To Consider Eminent Domain
City Council will decide next Tuesday whether to use the power of eminent domain to get enough land to create a dedicated right turn lane off eastbound Pacific Coast Highway onto Second Street. The hearing is scheduled as the third item on the council’s agenda Tuesday. According to the staff report provided by the Development Services and Public Works departments, the city has been trying since January to purchase the property, which consists of the sidewalk and some landscaping on the border of the parcel where City National Bank is located. Continue reading Downtown Gazette.
City Council will decide next Tuesday whether to use the power of eminent domain to get enough land to create a dedicated right turn lane off eastbound Pacific Coast Highway onto Second Street. The hearing is scheduled as the third item on the council’s agenda Tuesday. According to the staff report provided by the Development Services and Public Works departments, the city has been trying since January to purchase the property, which consists of the sidewalk and some landscaping on the border of the parcel where City National Bank is located. Continue reading Downtown Gazette.
Homeless people on streets cost Long Beach more than finding housing
In two years on the streets of Long Beach, an unidentified formerly homeless man cost taxpayers about $70,000 in services, hospitalizations and police contact, including a 90-day stay in jail. In two years since the man was placed in permanent supportive housing, the community has saved $44,000. The man was one of four homeless surveyed for a homeless cost study done for the United Way of Greater Los Angeles. Continue reading Press Telegram.
In two years on the streets of Long Beach, an unidentified formerly homeless man cost taxpayers about $70,000 in services, hospitalizations and police contact, including a 90-day stay in jail. In two years since the man was placed in permanent supportive housing, the community has saved $44,000. The man was one of four homeless surveyed for a homeless cost study done for the United Way of Greater Los Angeles. Continue reading Press Telegram.
Demolition Man
Just when you thought talks to replace Bixby Knolls’ long-vacant Roberts Department Store with a brand new Marshalls might have come to a grinding halt … well, they haven’t. Demolition begins at 10 a.m. Thursday on the Roberts, long owned by the erstwhile Gaska family; and city officials go so far in their press release as to promise that a combination of “skiploaders and bulldozers” will have the 52,000-square foot edifice flattened in one day. Are they totally stoked about this one? Continue reading The District.
Just when you thought talks to replace Bixby Knolls’ long-vacant Roberts Department Store with a brand new Marshalls might have come to a grinding halt … well, they haven’t. Demolition begins at 10 a.m. Thursday on the Roberts, long owned by the erstwhile Gaska family; and city officials go so far in their press release as to promise that a combination of “skiploaders and bulldozers” will have the 52,000-square foot edifice flattened in one day. Are they totally stoked about this one? Continue reading The District.
Battle Lines Drawn Early Around 2nd+PCH Plans
A meeting last week designed to help decide what would be covered in an Environmental Impact Report for the 2nd+PCH project threatened to turn into a contest between supporters and opponents, ultimately ending in a promise for more meetings. A combination scoping meeting and public forum drew more than 100 people to Rogers Middle School’s auditorium Oct. 7. The topic was the proposal to replace SeaPort Marina Hotel with a mixed-use development including a 100-room boutique hotel, shops, restaurants, a space for live theater, a bicycle center, a marine learning center and 325 residences. Continue reading Grunion Gazette.
A meeting last week designed to help decide what would be covered in an Environmental Impact Report for the 2nd+PCH project threatened to turn into a contest between supporters and opponents, ultimately ending in a promise for more meetings. A combination scoping meeting and public forum drew more than 100 people to Rogers Middle School’s auditorium Oct. 7. The topic was the proposal to replace SeaPort Marina Hotel with a mixed-use development including a 100-room boutique hotel, shops, restaurants, a space for live theater, a bicycle center, a marine learning center and 325 residences. Continue reading Grunion Gazette.
Sub-area 23 or Area 51; Revisited
Another chapter has now been written in the strange and continuing saga of SEADIP Sub-area 23, near the intersection of Studebaker Road and Loynes Drive. To best follow this continuing story, one almost has to read it backwards, reverse engineering it in a way that leads the reader to better understand why so many are now so angry with Sean Hitchcock and 2H Construction -and others- and so frustrated and disillusioned with some aspects of our City government. Continue reading Long Beach Post.
Another chapter has now been written in the strange and continuing saga of SEADIP Sub-area 23, near the intersection of Studebaker Road and Loynes Drive. To best follow this continuing story, one almost has to read it backwards, reverse engineering it in a way that leads the reader to better understand why so many are now so angry with Sean Hitchcock and 2H Construction -and others- and so frustrated and disillusioned with some aspects of our City government. Continue reading Long Beach Post.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Beaches from downtown to Belmont Shore remained closed on Monday after a backed-up sewer line in South Pasadena gushed 10,000 gallons of raw sewage into the Los Angeles River over the weekend, authorities said. The stretch of shore from Belmont Pier to Third Place was closed Saturday after the sewage flowed down the river and emptied into Long Beach, said Nelson Kerr with the city's Bureau of Environmental Health. Continue reading Press Telegram.
Federal Money Needed For Breakwater Review
Lowering parts of the Long Beach breakwater is not something that can be done overnight, as residents and City Council members have pondered the potential changes for several years. However, the city announced Oct. 1 that $90,000 for the Army Corps of Engineers review of the Long Beach Breakwater Reconnaissance Study has been included in the Senate’s Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee Conference Agreement. What that means for Long Beach is that if the funding is approved by both branches of Congress and signed by President Barack Obama, the Army Corps would have the money and authority needed to review the City Council-commissioned study of the breakwater and East San Pedro Bay Ecosystem. Continue reading Downtown Gazette.
Lowering parts of the Long Beach breakwater is not something that can be done overnight, as residents and City Council members have pondered the potential changes for several years. However, the city announced Oct. 1 that $90,000 for the Army Corps of Engineers review of the Long Beach Breakwater Reconnaissance Study has been included in the Senate’s Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee Conference Agreement. What that means for Long Beach is that if the funding is approved by both branches of Congress and signed by President Barack Obama, the Army Corps would have the money and authority needed to review the City Council-commissioned study of the breakwater and East San Pedro Bay Ecosystem. Continue reading Downtown Gazette.
No Action Taken In Ruling Of Wetlands-Area Destruction
The City of Long Beach's Zoning Administration today approved permits for 2H Construction to perform weed abatement on a 9.38-acre zone and apply a 6-inch soil cap on the land, nearly seven months after the action had already been performed without proper permits or notification. (The LBPOST.com covered the event live on Twitter.) Planning Officer Derek Burnham approved the "after-the-fact" permit process that essentially pardons the grading that 2H Construction performed over two days in March without applying for necessary permits or checking for coastal-dependent plantlife or wildlife in the area. Continue reading Long Beach Post.
The City of Long Beach's Zoning Administration today approved permits for 2H Construction to perform weed abatement on a 9.38-acre zone and apply a 6-inch soil cap on the land, nearly seven months after the action had already been performed without proper permits or notification. (The LBPOST.com covered the event live on Twitter.) Planning Officer Derek Burnham approved the "after-the-fact" permit process that essentially pardons the grading that 2H Construction performed over two days in March without applying for necessary permits or checking for coastal-dependent plantlife or wildlife in the area. Continue reading Long Beach Post.
Council to review annexing parts of Long Beach to Seal Beach
A proposal to annex parts of Long Beach to Seal Beach and other Orange County areas will get a vetting by the Long Beach City Council today. The Orange County Local Area Formation Commission is asking Los Angeles County's own commission and cities along the county line to approve a rare border revision. The council will have a study session at 3:30 p.m. at City Hall, 333 W. Ocean Blvd., to discuss the proposal. Continue reading Press Telegram.
A proposal to annex parts of Long Beach to Seal Beach and other Orange County areas will get a vetting by the Long Beach City Council today. The Orange County Local Area Formation Commission is asking Los Angeles County's own commission and cities along the county line to approve a rare border revision. The council will have a study session at 3:30 p.m. at City Hall, 333 W. Ocean Blvd., to discuss the proposal. Continue reading Press Telegram.
Nation`s Second Mobile Emergency Room Test Run in Long Beach
In partnership with the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Agency of Los AngelesCounty, Long Beach Memorial Medical Center and Miller Children`s Hospital willpremiere the nation`s second Mobile Emergency Room (ER) unit today at the 25thAnniversary of the Long Beach International City Bank Marathon and HalfMarathon. The 1,000+ square foot unit, which will be staffed by Long Beach Memorial`sEmergency and Trauma team on race day, is equipped with 12 patient beds, four ofwhich can monitor heart rates and administer oxygen, and a two-bed operatingroom. Used to treat minor injuries and dehydration on race day, the Mobile ERunit can provide services including basic triage, x-rays, ultrasounds, EKGs, andeven minor surgery, making it ideal for disaster scenarios. Continue reading Reuters.
In partnership with the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Agency of Los AngelesCounty, Long Beach Memorial Medical Center and Miller Children`s Hospital willpremiere the nation`s second Mobile Emergency Room (ER) unit today at the 25thAnniversary of the Long Beach International City Bank Marathon and HalfMarathon. The 1,000+ square foot unit, which will be staffed by Long Beach Memorial`sEmergency and Trauma team on race day, is equipped with 12 patient beds, four ofwhich can monitor heart rates and administer oxygen, and a two-bed operatingroom. Used to treat minor injuries and dehydration on race day, the Mobile ERunit can provide services including basic triage, x-rays, ultrasounds, EKGs, andeven minor surgery, making it ideal for disaster scenarios. Continue reading Reuters.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Imagine Vista Street between Temple and Nieto avenues as a bike-friendly street, with roundabouts to slow car traffic and other steps to make the street a better east-west cycling corridor through the city. Making that vision a reality was the focus of a meeting at Lowell Elementary School Tuesday (Oct. 6), laying out the details of the plan for the street, said Charles Gandy, city mobility coordinator. Continue reading Grunion Gazette.
Council to take closer look at wetlands land-swap
From Day One, Gerrie Schipske has been pushing for transparency on the land-swap deal involving Los Cerritos Wetlands - and she won support this week on the effort to take a closer look at possible contaminants there. The 5th District councilwoman won unanimous council vote Tuesday to review the Environmental Protection Agency's findings on a study of possible hazardous substances, polychlorinated hydrocarbons, or PCBs, on the property owned by Tom Dean and his LCW, LLC. Continue reading Press Telegram.
From Day One, Gerrie Schipske has been pushing for transparency on the land-swap deal involving Los Cerritos Wetlands - and she won support this week on the effort to take a closer look at possible contaminants there. The 5th District councilwoman won unanimous council vote Tuesday to review the Environmental Protection Agency's findings on a study of possible hazardous substances, polychlorinated hydrocarbons, or PCBs, on the property owned by Tom Dean and his LCW, LLC. Continue reading Press Telegram.
Three months with the green “sharrows” have seen a 29% increase in bicycle traffic on Second Street in Belmont Shore and some business owners said they have seen an increase from it — but concerns about a big accident loom. Sept. 26 and 27, city staff and volunteers were out counting the number of cyclists on Second Street, as they had done back in June before the green-stripe sharrows were painted. The goal of the sharrows was to increase the number of bicyclists that come to Belmont Shore and get them off the sidewalks and into the first lane of traffic, where statistics show there are fewer accidents, said Charles Gandy, mobility coordinator for Long Beach. Continue reading Grunion Gazette.
An Inspiring Development
Before becoming a contributor to the Long Beach Post and exploring problems and solutions across the city’s urban fabric, I was active in my old neighborhood, the Craftsman Village Historic District (as well as the larger Hellman Area of which it is a part). My neighbors and I planted drought-resistant gardens, did street cleanups, advocated for historic preservation, and fought for new open space. I have since moved to nearby Alamitos Beach but retain a keen interest in the accomplishments of my former neighbors, due to continuing friendships as well as projects still in process when I departed. My old neighborhood continues to rack up impressive achievements, but what may represent the most inspiring development in some time is one for which we can claim little credit. Continue reading Long Beach Post.
Before becoming a contributor to the Long Beach Post and exploring problems and solutions across the city’s urban fabric, I was active in my old neighborhood, the Craftsman Village Historic District (as well as the larger Hellman Area of which it is a part). My neighbors and I planted drought-resistant gardens, did street cleanups, advocated for historic preservation, and fought for new open space. I have since moved to nearby Alamitos Beach but retain a keen interest in the accomplishments of my former neighbors, due to continuing friendships as well as projects still in process when I departed. My old neighborhood continues to rack up impressive achievements, but what may represent the most inspiring development in some time is one for which we can claim little credit. Continue reading Long Beach Post.
Long Beach’s Leap Toward Liability – Part 2 of 2
Long Beach's mobility coordinator Charlie Gandy has big plans. During L.A. Streetsblog's interview with Gandy, he mentioned a wide range of facilities and programs planned. These aren't far-off dreams. No. They're funded dreams, scheduled for implementation in 2010. Streetsblog will be there reporting on them. The city has aggressively pursued bike funding, securing $15M in grants for bike programs and facilities. Highlights of these follow after the jump. Continue reading LA StreetsBlog.
Long Beach's mobility coordinator Charlie Gandy has big plans. During L.A. Streetsblog's interview with Gandy, he mentioned a wide range of facilities and programs planned. These aren't far-off dreams. No. They're funded dreams, scheduled for implementation in 2010. Streetsblog will be there reporting on them. The city has aggressively pursued bike funding, securing $15M in grants for bike programs and facilities. Highlights of these follow after the jump. Continue reading LA StreetsBlog.
Extended Vacation
You’re 29 years old, living in a rented home near College Estates Park with roommates Biggie, One Puff and Rahman, when the landlord tells you he needs his home back. You say OK and decide to move in with your girlfriend of three years, but that lasts all of six days. Now what do you do? If you’re Brad “Struz” Newton, you pack your belongings and move to the SeaPort Marina Hotel, that’s what. For five months, Newton has called the intersection of Pacific Coast Hwy. and Second St. home. The 6’6” blonde (his nickname is a shortened version of the Spanish word avestruz, which means “ostrich”) looked at studios in Belmont Shore but realized the average asking rate of $1,000 a month—with a $1,000 deposit—“seemed like a rip-off,” so he swallowed his pride and moved into a hotel. Continue reading The District.
You’re 29 years old, living in a rented home near College Estates Park with roommates Biggie, One Puff and Rahman, when the landlord tells you he needs his home back. You say OK and decide to move in with your girlfriend of three years, but that lasts all of six days. Now what do you do? If you’re Brad “Struz” Newton, you pack your belongings and move to the SeaPort Marina Hotel, that’s what. For five months, Newton has called the intersection of Pacific Coast Hwy. and Second St. home. The 6’6” blonde (his nickname is a shortened version of the Spanish word avestruz, which means “ostrich”) looked at studios in Belmont Shore but realized the average asking rate of $1,000 a month—with a $1,000 deposit—“seemed like a rip-off,” so he swallowed his pride and moved into a hotel. Continue reading The District.
Tesla ‘Model S’ Car May Be Built Here
Reportedly negotiations are underway between Tesla Motors and the Boeing Company about the use of the large manufacturing building immediately west of Long Beach Veteran’s Stadium on Conant St., which previously had been earmarked as a movie studio.Boeing Realty Development Group spokesman Stephane Wandel would not respond to inquiries about this matter, stating, “We don’t discuss our marketing efforts.” Tesla did not respond to an email on the subject. Continue reading Long Beach Beachcomber.
Reportedly negotiations are underway between Tesla Motors and the Boeing Company about the use of the large manufacturing building immediately west of Long Beach Veteran’s Stadium on Conant St., which previously had been earmarked as a movie studio.Boeing Realty Development Group spokesman Stephane Wandel would not respond to inquiries about this matter, stating, “We don’t discuss our marketing efforts.” Tesla did not respond to an email on the subject. Continue reading Long Beach Beachcomber.
Lots to talk about 2nd+PCH, but not much to talk about
It was difficult to get a sense of the prevailing opinion of the proposed Second+PCH development during Wednesday night’s initial public scoping meeting at Rogers Middle School. Just about anything that anybody said—and the statements often reached to opposite extremes—seemed to earn a warm round of applause. Perhaps that’s because the city’s Development Services department put so little on the table to scope. There were beautifully wrought drawings on easels, glossy brochures generally indicating the way space would be allocated —among restaurants and shops, a boutique hotel, condominiums and a coastal science—and a roster of so-called community partnerships. But most of this fell under the gauzy category of “vision.” Very little has been officially proposed. In fact, there really isn’t a project to discuss, yet. Continue reading The District.
It was difficult to get a sense of the prevailing opinion of the proposed Second+PCH development during Wednesday night’s initial public scoping meeting at Rogers Middle School. Just about anything that anybody said—and the statements often reached to opposite extremes—seemed to earn a warm round of applause. Perhaps that’s because the city’s Development Services department put so little on the table to scope. There were beautifully wrought drawings on easels, glossy brochures generally indicating the way space would be allocated —among restaurants and shops, a boutique hotel, condominiums and a coastal science—and a roster of so-called community partnerships. But most of this fell under the gauzy category of “vision.” Very little has been officially proposed. In fact, there really isn’t a project to discuss, yet. Continue reading The District.
Marlin Rogers doesn’t really like to eat vegetables, but he now knows how to grow them through his time spent gardening last month at the Long Beach Civic Center. Called the Edible Garden Project, the 20 container boxes constituting the urban garden outside the main entrance to City Hall have been maintained by Rogers, 19, and three other youngsters from the Pacific Gateway Workforce Investment Network’s Hire-A-Youth Program since Sept. 7. Continue reading Downtown Gazette.
City Consultant says most, probably all Loynes parcel is not Wetlands
A firm hired by LB city management has concluded that most and probably all of the Loynes-South parcel (6400 Loynes Dr. between Los Cerritos Channel and mobile home estates) cleared of vegetation by bulldozers in March without permits by Sean Hitchcock (who acquired the property from a Tom Dean-LLC) isn't wetlands. Continue reading Long Beach Report.
A firm hired by LB city management has concluded that most and probably all of the Loynes-South parcel (6400 Loynes Dr. between Los Cerritos Channel and mobile home estates) cleared of vegetation by bulldozers in March without permits by Sean Hitchcock (who acquired the property from a Tom Dean-LLC) isn't wetlands. Continue reading Long Beach Report.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske's won unanimous support Tuesday for her push to have the city take a closer look at the potential pollution problems at Los Cerritos Wetlands. The push comes on the heels of a finding by the Environmental Protection Agency that there is a substantial threat of a release of hazardous substances -- polychlorinated hydrocarbons, or PCBs -- into the environment at the LCW Oil Operations owned by Tom Dean. Continue reading Press Telegram.
Long Beach council unanimously approves Boeing's revised Douglas Park plan
The City Council unanimously approved a revised plan for the massive Douglas Park business development Tuesday, despite protests from housing advocates who called for the restoration of a payment to the city's housing trust fund. The new plan calls for up to 3.75 million square feet of commercial and light industrial uses, up to 250,000 square feet of retail uses and up to 400 hotel rooms at the development located at a 238-acre former Boeing manufacturing site on Lakewood Boulevard north of Long Beach Airport. The plan also includes 10 acres of open space, which would consist of several plaza areas, bike paths, pedestrian connections, street gateways and landscaping. Continue reading Press Telegram.
The City Council unanimously approved a revised plan for the massive Douglas Park business development Tuesday, despite protests from housing advocates who called for the restoration of a payment to the city's housing trust fund. The new plan calls for up to 3.75 million square feet of commercial and light industrial uses, up to 250,000 square feet of retail uses and up to 400 hotel rooms at the development located at a 238-acre former Boeing manufacturing site on Lakewood Boulevard north of Long Beach Airport. The plan also includes 10 acres of open space, which would consist of several plaza areas, bike paths, pedestrian connections, street gateways and landscaping. Continue reading Press Telegram.
New CSULB Housing Open To Students… And Faculty
With a student population of 38,000, Long Beach State's student body far outpaces the university’s campus housing capacity, which can accommodate approximately 2,000 students. So, the recent opening of the Residential Learning College (RLC) at 4825 E. Pacific Coast Highway was welcome news for students and university officials alike.About 134 students are now living in the building that was once occupied by Brooks College just a mile away from campus. Although the building previously housed students for many years, the newly-renovated RLC is not your typical college dorm. In fact, university officials don’t even refer to it as a dorm; they prefer to call it a learning community. Continue reading Long Beach Post.
With a student population of 38,000, Long Beach State's student body far outpaces the university’s campus housing capacity, which can accommodate approximately 2,000 students. So, the recent opening of the Residential Learning College (RLC) at 4825 E. Pacific Coast Highway was welcome news for students and university officials alike.About 134 students are now living in the building that was once occupied by Brooks College just a mile away from campus. Although the building previously housed students for many years, the newly-renovated RLC is not your typical college dorm. In fact, university officials don’t even refer to it as a dorm; they prefer to call it a learning community. Continue reading Long Beach Post.
LBCC gets grants for 'green,' construction training
Long Beach City College has been awarded about $2.4 million in grants to train students to work in the "green" transportation and construction industries. The three grants will help the college train about 400 workers over the next 18 months to handle jobs in the green transportation and construction sectors. The college also is partnering with other agencies in an effort to place the students in internships, apprenticeships or jobs. Continue reading Press Telegram.
Long Beach City College has been awarded about $2.4 million in grants to train students to work in the "green" transportation and construction industries. The three grants will help the college train about 400 workers over the next 18 months to handle jobs in the green transportation and construction sectors. The college also is partnering with other agencies in an effort to place the students in internships, apprenticeships or jobs. Continue reading Press Telegram.
Informational Hearing On Port Infrastructure Growth Projects Below is the text of an Oct. 6 media release from the office of Councilwoman Bonnie Lowenthal (D., LB): Bonnie Lowenthal to convene port hearing in Long Beach Chair of Assembly Select Committee on Ports to talk infrastructure as the state prepares for a post-recession economy. Continue reading Long Beach Report.
Informational Hearing On Port Infrastructure Growth Projects Below is the text of an Oct. 6 media release from the office of Councilwoman Bonnie Lowenthal (D., LB): Bonnie Lowenthal to convene port hearing in Long Beach Chair of Assembly Select Committee on Ports to talk infrastructure as the state prepares for a post-recession economy. Continue reading Long Beach Report.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Volunteers Needed For City’s Annual Bicycle Count
Bicycle enthusiasts or community service-oriented residents can help make Long Beach a more bike-friendly city by volunteering for the Second Annual Bicycle Count on Thursday, Oct. 15, or Sunday, Oct. 18, at 35 locations throughout Long Beach. Coordinated by the city of Long Beach, Bikestation and California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), the event will build upon last year’s data. The goal of the count is to help the city acquire a better understanding of bike and pedestrian activity and where infrastructure improvements need to be made. Time slots for the count are from 7 to 9 a.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 15, and from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18. Continue reading Downtown Gazette.
Bicycle enthusiasts or community service-oriented residents can help make Long Beach a more bike-friendly city by volunteering for the Second Annual Bicycle Count on Thursday, Oct. 15, or Sunday, Oct. 18, at 35 locations throughout Long Beach. Coordinated by the city of Long Beach, Bikestation and California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), the event will build upon last year’s data. The goal of the count is to help the city acquire a better understanding of bike and pedestrian activity and where infrastructure improvements need to be made. Time slots for the count are from 7 to 9 a.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 15, and from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18. Continue reading Downtown Gazette.
CNBC: Mayor Says 80% Reduction In Truck Pollution Likely By End Of 2010
Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster appeared this morning on the CNBC talk show “The Squawk Box" to talk alternative energy and air quality, on a special edition of the television show guest-hosted by billionaire energy advocate T. Boone Pickens. Mayor Foster explained the various alternative energy methods that Long Beach has used, from a 20% alternative fuel City vehicle fleet to the use of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) in trash trucks and street sweepers. He also spoke at length about the Clean Trucks Program at the Port, which he says has worked more quickly than expected and that an 80% reduction in greenhouse gasses that was expected to be achieved by 2012 may actually be achieved as early as the end of next year. Continue reading Long Beach Post.
Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster appeared this morning on the CNBC talk show “The Squawk Box" to talk alternative energy and air quality, on a special edition of the television show guest-hosted by billionaire energy advocate T. Boone Pickens. Mayor Foster explained the various alternative energy methods that Long Beach has used, from a 20% alternative fuel City vehicle fleet to the use of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) in trash trucks and street sweepers. He also spoke at length about the Clean Trucks Program at the Port, which he says has worked more quickly than expected and that an 80% reduction in greenhouse gasses that was expected to be achieved by 2012 may actually be achieved as early as the end of next year. Continue reading Long Beach Post.
Schipske Oct. 6 Council Item Seeks EPA Public Briefing on Wetlands
Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske has agendized an item for the October 6 City Council meeting that asks City Manager Pat West to arrange for the Environmental Protection Agency's on-scene coordinator, Robert Wise, to publicly present the City Council with information on the status of contamination (PCBs) on SE LB property that a Council majority voted (5-4) on August 4 to acquire from LCW Partners, LLC. Continue reading Long Beach Report.
Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske has agendized an item for the October 6 City Council meeting that asks City Manager Pat West to arrange for the Environmental Protection Agency's on-scene coordinator, Robert Wise, to publicly present the City Council with information on the status of contamination (PCBs) on SE LB property that a Council majority voted (5-4) on August 4 to acquire from LCW Partners, LLC. Continue reading Long Beach Report.
Noise map of Long Beach Airport on council agenda
When aircraft take off from Long Beach Airport, the Gardenia Avenue home of Leslie Reimer and Olga Echerri northwest of the airport's runway shakes with the roar of the jet engines. Conversations stop, and the couple's dogs begin a frenzied barking as the airplanes soar overhead. "If you came to my house now, you could reach out and touch the planes, it's that bad," Reimer said Monday. The airport noise happens about 41 times a day, which is the maximum number of commercial flights that are allowed to take off from Long Beach, not including commuter flights, private planes and military aircraft that regularly use the airport. Continue reading Press Telegram.
When aircraft take off from Long Beach Airport, the Gardenia Avenue home of Leslie Reimer and Olga Echerri northwest of the airport's runway shakes with the roar of the jet engines. Conversations stop, and the couple's dogs begin a frenzied barking as the airplanes soar overhead. "If you came to my house now, you could reach out and touch the planes, it's that bad," Reimer said Monday. The airport noise happens about 41 times a day, which is the maximum number of commercial flights that are allowed to take off from Long Beach, not including commuter flights, private planes and military aircraft that regularly use the airport. Continue reading Press Telegram.
Second+PCH Proposal Topic Of EIR, Community Meeting
Redevelopment of the SeaPort Marina Hotel at Second Street and Pacific Coast Highway will be the topic next Wednesday of a community meeting combined with an effort to define the scope of the Environmental Impact Statement. The city’s Department of Development Services will host the meeting. After a description of the proposed project, public comments will be taken concerning what the EIR should cover. Continue reading Downtown Gazette.
Redevelopment of the SeaPort Marina Hotel at Second Street and Pacific Coast Highway will be the topic next Wednesday of a community meeting combined with an effort to define the scope of the Environmental Impact Statement. The city’s Department of Development Services will host the meeting. After a description of the proposed project, public comments will be taken concerning what the EIR should cover. Continue reading Downtown Gazette.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Long Beach is the 36th largest city in the United States and the 6th largest city in California. It is, however, Los Angeles County's second most populous city; at a half-million people it's about 1/8th of the city of L.A.'s four million. It's just this sort of comparison that Long Beach doesn't want to hear. Long Beach, in looking to differentiate itself from Los Angeles, and even from adjacent Orange County, has embarked upon an ambitious and for-Los-Angeles-County-unprecedented "Livable Community Agenda." Long Beach wants to become known as great place for bicycling and walking. The city, of course, sees this as desirable for the health and well-being of its residents, and as good for the environment... but it's also an economic development strategy. If Long Beach is to attract and retain companies and workers, then it needs to be able to compete. The city has decided that livability will make it competitive. Continue reading Streetblog.
Transit Board Hears Route Debate
More bus routes are needed to get students to California State University, Long Beach. But residents near Spinnaker Bay don’t want the buses coming down Eliot Street. That was the main conflict presented to the Long Beach Transit Board of Directors on Monday in a 90-minute public hearing. While the hearing was about a host of changes to various routes, it was primarily changes to the Passport B and D routes in east Long Beach that drew attention. The Passport B, which currently runs through the greater downtown area, would take on a new route by making a few stops downtown, then head east along Fourth Street (replacing some of the existing bus routes on that street), stopping at Retro Row and heading all the way out to the Colorado Lagoon and Marine Stadium area. It then would go down Eliot Street to turn onto Bellflower Boulevard and go north to the CSULB campus before heading back downtown. Continue reading Grunion Gazette.
More bus routes are needed to get students to California State University, Long Beach. But residents near Spinnaker Bay don’t want the buses coming down Eliot Street. That was the main conflict presented to the Long Beach Transit Board of Directors on Monday in a 90-minute public hearing. While the hearing was about a host of changes to various routes, it was primarily changes to the Passport B and D routes in east Long Beach that drew attention. The Passport B, which currently runs through the greater downtown area, would take on a new route by making a few stops downtown, then head east along Fourth Street (replacing some of the existing bus routes on that street), stopping at Retro Row and heading all the way out to the Colorado Lagoon and Marine Stadium area. It then would go down Eliot Street to turn onto Bellflower Boulevard and go north to the CSULB campus before heading back downtown. Continue reading Grunion Gazette.
Stimulus funding to help clean up ports
Port authorities received $6 million in federal stimulus money Thursday to spur continued replacement and retrofitting of soot-spewing diesel equipment blamed for contributing to some 5,000 premature deaths annually in communities surrounding San Pedro Bay. The money will help clean up about 140 cranes, yard tractors, forklifts and tugboats based in the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, which air quality regulators list as the region's largest fixed source of health-damaging air pollution. Continue reading Press Telegram.
Port authorities received $6 million in federal stimulus money Thursday to spur continued replacement and retrofitting of soot-spewing diesel equipment blamed for contributing to some 5,000 premature deaths annually in communities surrounding San Pedro Bay. The money will help clean up about 140 cranes, yard tractors, forklifts and tugboats based in the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, which air quality regulators list as the region's largest fixed source of health-damaging air pollution. Continue reading Press Telegram.
Urban gardening demonstration is today
Long Beach. Long Beach Civic Center is alive and growing with help from the new Civic Center Edible Garden Project, an urban garden demonstration designed to show community members how they can grow their own food in small spaces, such as a balcony or rooftop. The public is invited to a gardening demonstration and harvesting event at 2 p.m. today in the plaza area just outside the main entrance to City Hall, 333 W. Ocean Blvd. For more information on the project go to Sustainable Long Beach: www.sustainablelb.com or contact Project Manager April Sabucco at april.sabucco@longbeach.gov or 562.570.5927. Continue reading Press Telegram.
Long Beach. Long Beach Civic Center is alive and growing with help from the new Civic Center Edible Garden Project, an urban garden demonstration designed to show community members how they can grow their own food in small spaces, such as a balcony or rooftop. The public is invited to a gardening demonstration and harvesting event at 2 p.m. today in the plaza area just outside the main entrance to City Hall, 333 W. Ocean Blvd. For more information on the project go to Sustainable Long Beach: www.sustainablelb.com or contact Project Manager April Sabucco at april.sabucco@longbeach.gov or 562.570.5927. Continue reading Press Telegram.
Breakwater Study Moves Closer To Federal Review
All we’ve ever asked for is that the Army Corps of Engineers take a look at the Long Beach Breakwater, to determine if something can be done to alter the structure with the goal of increasing circulation, wave energy and water quality. Today, we’re one step closer to getting our wish.Pending approval from Congress and the President, $90,000 has been approved for the Army Corps of Engineers to review the reconnaissance study that was produced over the summer by locally-based engineering firm Moffat & Nicholl. The funding was included in the Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee Conference Agreement. Continue reading Long Beach Post.
All we’ve ever asked for is that the Army Corps of Engineers take a look at the Long Beach Breakwater, to determine if something can be done to alter the structure with the goal of increasing circulation, wave energy and water quality. Today, we’re one step closer to getting our wish.Pending approval from Congress and the President, $90,000 has been approved for the Army Corps of Engineers to review the reconnaissance study that was produced over the summer by locally-based engineering firm Moffat & Nicholl. The funding was included in the Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee Conference Agreement. Continue reading Long Beach Post.
North Long Beach redevelopment spotlighted Long Beach. The nonprofit North Long Beach Community Action group is presenting the environmental impact report on redevelopment in the area and offering discussion on the proposals. The event is open to the public. The North Long Beach Community Action Group is the 2008-2009 Neighborhoods USA national champion with its presentation from the North Long Beach History Project Team. The group provides education and community involvement. Continue reading Press Telegram.
It started Thursday in North Long Beach with pigeons, a popcorn flower, a synthetic forest and a human face. By the time it finishes on Halloween, there will be more than 200 other expressions of art in many forms. What the events have in common is that they are being presented in Long Beach. It's the first Global. In standard English, "global" is an adjective, but for Long Beach, Craig Watson, head of Arts Council for Long Beach, turned it into a noun to cover the myriad activities that he and his team are packaging, marketing and promoting. Continue reading Press Telegram.
Long Beach Leads In Climate Action
I have a varied and exciting professional life, but still, it’s not every day that I get to be inspired by the likes of Harrison Ford and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. That’s been my unique opportunity this week: to attend the Governors’ Global Climate Summit – the second annual – in Los Angeles.A little history is in order here. Back in 1997 the nations of the world gathered in Kyoto to negotiate an agreement to reduce emissions of the greenhouse gases that are believed to contribute to climate change. The so-called Kyoto Protocol set reduction targets for countries that agreed to sign on. The United States declined to participate, saying the agreement wasn’t fair unless it assigned some responsibility to developing nations. The parties to the Kyoto agreement, along with many other nations, have continued to meet annually under the auspices of the United Nations, and the next meeting is coming up this December in Copenhagen. Continue reading Long Beach Post.
I have a varied and exciting professional life, but still, it’s not every day that I get to be inspired by the likes of Harrison Ford and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. That’s been my unique opportunity this week: to attend the Governors’ Global Climate Summit – the second annual – in Los Angeles.A little history is in order here. Back in 1997 the nations of the world gathered in Kyoto to negotiate an agreement to reduce emissions of the greenhouse gases that are believed to contribute to climate change. The so-called Kyoto Protocol set reduction targets for countries that agreed to sign on. The United States declined to participate, saying the agreement wasn’t fair unless it assigned some responsibility to developing nations. The parties to the Kyoto agreement, along with many other nations, have continued to meet annually under the auspices of the United Nations, and the next meeting is coming up this December in Copenhagen. Continue reading Long Beach Post.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Horse Gets Loose In Bellflower and Lakewood
The L.A. County Sheriff's Lakewood substation says that on Tuesday night Sept. 29, a horse got loose in the city of Bellflower...and headed down Woodruff Ave. (with occasional detours onto east-west streets) before ending up in Lakewood where it was corraled by its owner in the area of South St. and Hardwick Ave. Continue reading Long Beach Report.
The L.A. County Sheriff's Lakewood substation says that on Tuesday night Sept. 29, a horse got loose in the city of Bellflower...and headed down Woodruff Ave. (with occasional detours onto east-west streets) before ending up in Lakewood where it was corraled by its owner in the area of South St. and Hardwick Ave. Continue reading Long Beach Report.
Hospital Campus Home For New McDonald House
Ronald McDonald Houses typically work in close partnership with the hospitals they serve. But an announcement Friday ties Memorial Miller Children’s Hospital and the planned Long Beach Ronald McDonald House closer than most. The house now will be located on the Memorial Medical Center campus, just a short walk away from Miller Children’s Hospital. “We got an offer last November from the people at Memorial,” said Ronald Piazza, president of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern California. “They wanted us to look at a 27-unit apartment building with a courtyard and a pool that was on their property… We were able to work out a deal to purchase the building and lease the land.” Continue reading Grunion Gazette.
Ronald McDonald Houses typically work in close partnership with the hospitals they serve. But an announcement Friday ties Memorial Miller Children’s Hospital and the planned Long Beach Ronald McDonald House closer than most. The house now will be located on the Memorial Medical Center campus, just a short walk away from Miller Children’s Hospital. “We got an offer last November from the people at Memorial,” said Ronald Piazza, president of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern California. “They wanted us to look at a 27-unit apartment building with a courtyard and a pool that was on their property… We were able to work out a deal to purchase the building and lease the land.” Continue reading Grunion Gazette.
Edward and Anne Bielucke are relieved that after waiting 20 years, they are finally about to see work start on a drain project that should take pressure off their flood-plagued street. But Edward Bielucke isn't ready just yet to get rid of the sand bags he has stacked along the side of his house and kept at the ready. As city and county officials proudly announced the groundbreaking for the $22.6 million Termino Avenue Drain Project that has been decades in the making and will take about two years to reach the area where the Bieluckes live, Edward had an observation. Contine reading Press Telegram.
Reconsidering the Queen Mary
I had a short conversation Wednesday with the Queen Mary’s new general manager, Uwe Roggenthien, of Delaware North Companies, which does exciting things like manage the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, and by the sound of it, those of us who have been waiting with baited breath for the Queen to become the casino satellite of a football stadium may be waiting a while longer. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. Roggenthien, who actually worked for the Hyatt Long Beach in the 1980s, when it was associated with the Queen Mary, and remembers visiting the ship then, seems to proceeding carefully forward. Continue reading The District.
I had a short conversation Wednesday with the Queen Mary’s new general manager, Uwe Roggenthien, of Delaware North Companies, which does exciting things like manage the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, and by the sound of it, those of us who have been waiting with baited breath for the Queen to become the casino satellite of a football stadium may be waiting a while longer. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. Roggenthien, who actually worked for the Hyatt Long Beach in the 1980s, when it was associated with the Queen Mary, and remembers visiting the ship then, seems to proceeding carefully forward. Continue reading The District.
Seal Beach willing to talk about annexing Island Village from Long Beach
Mayor Gordon A. Shanks notified a small area of East Long Beach on Wednesday that the council is willing to talk about annexation to the beach town - if the county border is changed. Talks between Los Angeles and Orange county supervisors are under way for a possible border change, Swank notes in a letter addressed to the area's annexation committee. The East Long Beach area - a hub known as Island Village - had formed an exploratory committee to review the various issues of possible annexation to Seal Beach. Continue reading Press Telegram.
Mayor Gordon A. Shanks notified a small area of East Long Beach on Wednesday that the council is willing to talk about annexation to the beach town - if the county border is changed. Talks between Los Angeles and Orange county supervisors are under way for a possible border change, Swank notes in a letter addressed to the area's annexation committee. The East Long Beach area - a hub known as Island Village - had formed an exploratory committee to review the various issues of possible annexation to Seal Beach. Continue reading Press Telegram.
Sounding it Out
If downtown has seemed a little quieter recently, well, maybe that’s because it has been. In an unprecedented run of bad luck, Blue Cafe—one of the area’s oldest surviving live entertainment venues—has been closed since Aug. 31, when a broken sprinkler head unleashed watery disaster. For the first time in more than a decade, there’s been no Mama’s Boys to blues away your Sunday afternoons; no chance for a return of steamy Mariposa salsa; and no Poncho Sanchez on Sept. 5—a show that was selling well and highly anticipated when the flood came. A month after the deluge, even the competition is sounding worried. Continue reading The District.
If downtown has seemed a little quieter recently, well, maybe that’s because it has been. In an unprecedented run of bad luck, Blue Cafe—one of the area’s oldest surviving live entertainment venues—has been closed since Aug. 31, when a broken sprinkler head unleashed watery disaster. For the first time in more than a decade, there’s been no Mama’s Boys to blues away your Sunday afternoons; no chance for a return of steamy Mariposa salsa; and no Poncho Sanchez on Sept. 5—a show that was selling well and highly anticipated when the flood came. A month after the deluge, even the competition is sounding worried. Continue reading The District.
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