January 25, 2012
 Crime is Down, But Major Challenges Ahead

Dear Friends:

As you have probably read in the last few weeks, Long Beach ended 2011 with the lowest murder and violent crime rate in over 40 years. In fact, we had a substantial drop in almost every category of major crime in Long Beach. While there have been increases in property crimes in some neighborhoods, our overall crime statistics are lower than they have been in decades.

I am extremely proud of our Long Beach Police and Fire Departments for their stellar work and commitment to safe neighborhoods for everyone. However, in the coming years we will be facing numerous public safety challenges - especially the release of state prisoners into our communities. Due to lean city budgets, we have not grown our public safety departments. While it looks likely that we will have a Fire Academy Class in 2012, planning and funding for a Police Academy in 2012 is not yet finalized.

Next Tuesday, at 3:30pm, on January 31, as Chair of the City Council Public Safety Committee, I will be chairing a meeting to discuss a 2012 Police Academy and Police staffing levels. There is no question that we need to hire more police and firefighters - we just need to do so in a fiscally responsible way. Fortunately, our pension reform agreements with our Police and Firefighters will help us achieve this goal.

Also, if you live in the Washington Neighborhood, I will be co-hosting a meeting with our West Division Command Staff and the Washington Neighborhood Association to discuss crime levels and the recent terrible shootings that have happened in this community. Join us this Thursday at 5:45pm for refreshments - the meeting starts at 6pm at the Long Beach Rescue Mission Offices at 1335 Pacific.

Thanks again, and Go Long Beach,

Robert Garcia


January 20, 2012
 Are We Fixing Your Sidewalk?

Dear Friend:

If you live in one of our Downtown Neighborhoods, I hope you are starting to notice the great infrastructure and street investments we are making everyday. Trees are being trimmed for the first time in over 6 years, corridors like Pacific, Long Beach Blvd, and 7th Street are being repaved, and new banners, trees, and bike racks are popping up in the neighborhoods. In addition, we are creating new green spaces and removing more graffiti than ever before. We have also repaired or replaced miles of new sidewalks and streets.

I wanted to share some First District statistics. In the last couple of years, we have:
  • Planted over 250 trees
  • Installed over 150 bike racks
  • Placed over 65 new trashcans
  • Removed more than 50,000 instances of graffiti
  • Removed more than 3,300 illegal signs
  • Removed more than 1,400 abandoned shopping carts
  • Closed more than 1,700 code enforcement cases
  • Installed a bike boulevard on 3rd and Broadway
  • Created more than 500 new parking spaces
  • Awarded over 70 facade and sign grants to local businesses
I also wanted to share with you the sidewalks we have repaved, and those on the list for repair in 2012.

Sidewalks Repaved:
  1. Henderson Ave. between 15th St. and 17th St.
  2. 10th St. between Maine Ave. and Daisy Ave.
  3. Cedar Ave. between 4th St. and 5th St.
  4. 4th St. between Linden Ave. and Atlantic Ave.
  5. Orange Ave. (west side) between 9th St. to 10th St.
  6. Elm Ave. between 9th St. and 10th St.
  7. 5th St. between Lime Ave. and Olive Ave.
  8. 11th St. between Daisy Ave. and Magnolia Ave.
  9. Elm Ave. between 9th St. to 10th St.
  10. 11th St. between Daisy Ave. to Magnolia Ave.
  11. Chestnut Ave. between 6th St to 7th St.
  12. Pacific Ave. between 8th St. to 9th St.
  13. 14th St. between Elm Ave. to Linden Ave.
  14. 5th St. between Lime Ave. to Olive Ave.
  15. Magnolia Ave. between 9th St. to 10th St.
  16. 9th St. between Maine Ave. to Daisy Ave.
  17. 1345 Linden Ave.
  18. 5th street between Magnolia Ave. and Daisy Ave.
  19. Chestnut Avenue between 7th St. and 8th St.
  20. 3rd St. between Cedar Ave. and Pacific Ave.
  21. North side of 3rd St. between Daisy Ave. and Magnolia Ave.
  22. North side of 3rd St. between Maine Ave. and Daisy Ave.
  23. 4th St. between Magnolia Ave. and Chestnut Ave.
  24. Chestnut Ave. between 10th St. and 11th St.
  25. Linden Ave. between 6th St. and 7th St.
  26. 11th St. between Maine Ave. and Daisy Ave.
  27. Locust Ave. between 14th St. and 15th St.
Sidewalks To Be Repaved in 2012
  1. Northeast corner of Magnolia Ave. and 7th St.
  2. North side of 7th St. between Cedar Ave. and Chestnut Ave.
  3. Magnolia Avenue between 4th St. and 5th St.
  4. North side of 549 E. 17th St.
  5. West side of Daisy Ave. between 8th St. and 9th St.
  6. East side of Atlantic Ave. between 4th St. and 5th St.
  7. North side of 4th St. between Daisy Ave. and Magnolia Ave.
  8. East side of Locust Ave. between 15th St. and 16th St.
  9. West side of Cedar Ave. between 12th St. and Anaheim St.
  10. 17th St. between Linden Ave. and Atlantic Ave.
  11. 6th St. between Daisy Ave. and Magnolia Ave.
  12. 9th St. between Lime Ave. and Atlantic Ave.
  13. North side of 8th St. between Locust Ave. and Tribune Ct.
Thanks again to our incredible Public Works Team who has made these repairs possible. If you want to report a sidewalk in major need of repair, please contact our office at (562) 570-6919.

Go Long Beach!

Robert Garcia



January 18, 2012
 Join Me Tomorrow For A FREE Night At MoLAA

Dear Friends:

Please join me for a FREE night of music, art, dance, food, and tequila tasting, sponsored by the Museum of Latin American Art, the Los Angeles County Arts Commission, and my office, tomorrow night, Thursday January 19, from 6:30-10 pm at the Museum of Latin American Art, 628 Alamitos Avenue in Long Beach. The event is FREE and open to all Long Beach residents.

In addition to the Tequila Tasting, there will be Live music by Latin Grammy winners Akwid, delicious food and tours of the museum, including the new Mex/LA exhibit.

I'm looking forward to a great night of art, friends, and music, and I want to invite everyone to join us. My thanks to MOLAA The County Arts Commission for cosponsoring this great event.

Please RSVP by calling my office at 562-570-6919, or emailing district1@longbeach.gov.

Downtown Property Based Improvement District
The Downtown Long Beach Associates is currently taking public comments and input on their proposed new property based improvement district. The PBID process is a complex but important project for the future of Downtown. I encourage you to learn more and fill out a survey with your thoughts about the PBID here.

Additionally, I am hosting a community meeting about the PBID on Monday, January 23 at the Small Business Development Center on Pine & 3rd at 6pm. Please join us for this important discussion.

Thanks, and Go Long Beach,

Robert Garcia

January 5, 2012
 Downtown Long Beach News

Dear Friends:

I hope your 2012 is starting out great. I am looking forward to a great year for Long Beach and working together on many projects and initiatives for our city. I wanted to update you all on some important items and developments affecting Downtown Long Beach.

Downtown Community Plan
As you may have heard, this Tuesday, the Long Beach City Council will discuss and hopefully adopt the Downtown Community Plan. The Downtown Plan is a master zoning document that provides direction and guidelines for future development, design standards, signage, and much more. Before I joined the Council, I served on the Downtown Visioning Task force which began the process to develop this master plan. It's important that we adopt a plan that encourages economic growth, supports the neighborhoods, and boosts our local economy. If you live or work in Downtown, please get involved and share your thoughts on this important initiative.

Downtown Property Based Improvement District
The Downtown Long Beach Associates is currently taking public comments and input on their proposed new property based improvement district. The PBID process is a complex but important project for the future of Downtown. I encourage you to learn more and fill out a survey with your thoughts about the PBID here.

Additionally, both Vice Mayor Lowenthal and I are hosting community meetings about the PBID in January. The Second District meeting is on Thursday, January 12, at the Main Library Downstairs Foyer at 6pm. The First District meeting is on Monday, January 23 at the Small Business Development Center on Pine & 3rd at 6pm. Please join us for these important discussions.

'Parklet' Coming To East Village
You may have read in today's Press-Telegram about the new Parklet concept that started in both New York and San Francisco. Parklets are open spaces that convert surface parking spaces into extended patios and seating areas with landscaping and dining opportunities. Long Beach is proud to be the first city in Southern California to encourage and install Parkets. The East Village will be opening its first Parklet at Berlin Coffeehouse, with two more also planned for Lola's Mexican Cuisine and Number Nine in Retro Row. The business owners and residents in the neighborhoods receiving these parklets have been closely involved in the project and are excited about this new unique development.

All Downtown Trees Being Trimmed
If you live in Downtown, North Pine, Willmore, or the East Village, you may have noticed a major tree trimming project underway. Almost all of the public trees in Downtown Long Beach will be trimmed by January 31st. If you have any questions about this project, please call my office at (562) 570-6919.

Go Long Beach!

Robert Garcia


December 19, 2011
 Major Tree Trimming Project

Dear Friends:

Making sure that we have clean and good looking streets has been a priority of mine since taking office. If you live in the First District or in a Downtown neighborhood, you may have noticed that we have begun a major tree trimming project. In fact, I am proud to report that by the end of January, 50% of all public trees in the First District will be trimmed.

If you live in the Downtown, North Pine, West Gateway, Willmore Neighborhood, or in the East Village, your public trees will be trimmed in the next few weeks. All major corridors will also be trimmed including palm trees on Pine Avenue, Pacific, Long Beach Blvd, and Atlantic.

Most of these trees have not been trimmed in over 7 years, and they were in desperate need of attention and care. I want to thank our Public Works team for working so hard to ensure this project is completed by the end of January - they are a dedicated and hard working crew.

Thanks again, and if you have any questions about the tree trimming project, please contact my office at (562) 570-6919, or by email at district1@longbeach.gov.

Go Long Beach!

Robert Garcia

 

December 15, 2011
 Are you attending Shaun's Memorial?
Then read this...

Dear Friends:

I wanted to update everyone on this Saturday's Celebration of Life for Shaun Lumachi and give you some news about Dezire, Shaun's wife.

Last night was Dezire's first night back in Long Beach since the accident - she was incredibly strong last night, and we are thankful that she's back home. She wants to thank you all for your support.

Please note that this Saturday's Memorial is semi-casual. No ties or formal wear necessary. Dezire wants to honor Shaun with a party, and that's what we are planning to do.

The memorial will include tributes from friends and Dezire, and Shaun's favorite music including Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett tunes.

The celebration starts at 11am this Saturday at the Hotel Maya, rain or shine. So far, the weather is looking great.

See you Saturday, and please forward this email to friends and those interested.

Robert Garcia

 

December 5, 2011
 Shaun Lumachi Memorial Fund &
Life Celebration Information

Dear Friend:

I can't thank you enough for your emails, text messages and phone calls over the last few days. Shaun clearly had an impact on so many of us. Shaun's wife, Dezire Lumachi, has been so strong, and she is thankful for your support. 

Shaun Lumachi Memorial Fund
Shaun's friends have come together to launch the Shaun Lumachi Memorial Fund. The fund has been set up to assist Dezire with any expenses, funeral costs, and to support her over these next difficult months. I want to personally thank Long Beach Chamber of Commerce President Randy Gordon, who has agreed to serve as Chair of the Memorial Fund. 

Please make checks payable to the "Shaun Lumachi Memorial Fund" and mail to: 

SHAUN LUMACHI MEMORIAL FUND
PO BOX 32475
LONG BEACH, CA 90832

Please note that all all donations are considered and intended to be gifts under the IRS code and are therefore not tax deductible. 

Shaun's Celebration of Life, Saturday December 17
I hope that you can join us to celebrate Shaun's life at a special memorial on Saturday, December 17, at 11:00am at the Maya Hotel, 700 Queensway Drive, in Long Beach. This special event is open to the public and will be an incredible celebration of Shaun. The memorial will be held in the Jardin Area and there will be plenty of food and music. 

Again, on behalf of Dezire, Shaun's Family, and his Friends - we can't thank you enough. 

See you on Saturday the 17th, 

Robert Garcia

 

December 5, 2011
 Shaun was Awesome

As you may have heard, Long Beach lost one of its finest this past weekend. Shaun Lumachi, publisher of the Long Beach Post, and President of Chamber Advocacy, passed away in a car crash while representing Long Beach at a conference in Miami, Florida. He was an innovator, a successful businessman, a community leader, a great son, and a wonderful husband to his wife Dezire. Shaun was in a car with two others attending the conference from Long Beach who fortunately survived the crash and have been released from the hospital. 

Shaun was my best friend, a mentor and advisor, and the person who made me laugh more than anyone. We met 12 years ago when Shaun was a student leader at Sacramento State University and I was president of the student body at Cal State Long Beach. Shaun served as Chair of the California State Student Association, and was an incredibly effective leader and organizer. He convinced me to run for Chair of the Association the year after, and we have been close friends ever since 

A few years after we both graduated from college, he surprised me one day and told me he was moving to Long Beach and had accepted a position with the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. He was hired as the Vice President for Government Affairs where he helped build their government affairs program. He later started his own company, Chamber Advocacy, where he was represented Chambers across the state including our Long Beach Chamber. 

In 2007, Shaun and I had a crazy idea to start a news website. A few months later, the Long Beach Post was born. The Post, as he affectionately called it, was a labor of love for both of us. The Post became an over-night success, thanks to Shaun's hard work, innovative ideas, and love for Long Beach and journalism. The Post will live on, grow, and continue Shaun's vision. 

Shaun was also an incredible community leader, and was Chair of the Gateway Workforce Investment Board, Chair of the Long Beach City College Small Business Development Center Advisory Board, and on the board of the Long Beach Symphony, Arts Council, US Vets, and numerous other organizations. Additionally, he was incredibly involved in the Long Beach Unified School District Education Foundation and served as the Principal for a Day Chair for numerous years. 

Shaun was awesome, irreplaceable, and has left an incredible legacy. We will all miss Shaun greatly, and I will personally work to honor his memory and support those he loved 

His wife Dezire has been incredibly strong these last two days, and I know she appreciates your love and prayers. 

In the coming days, I will let you all know about his life celebration and how one can support Dezire and honor Shaun. 

 

November 29, 2011
 Holiday Cheer, Christmas Trees & 3 Parades

 

This Christmas and Holiday season, there are numerous events and parades the whole family can enjoy. Many of these are Long Beach traditions and bring the whole community together to celebrate and support those in need. Here are some holiday events I hope you enjoy this December:

Holiday Cheer, Friday, December 2
Many of you know that I am on the board of Children Today, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping children and their families who are who are struggling with homelessness. This is especially critical during the holiday season. I want to invite you to join me and other community leaders for Children Today's 14th Annual Holiday Cheer Silent Auction and wine-tasting, Friday, December 2 at 6pm, on the top floor of the ARCO building on Ocean Avenue. The event is one of our most important ways of raising funds to support the children we serve, and it's also a lot of fun. Click here for more information.


Belmont Shore Christmas Parade, Saturday, December 3
The 29th Annual Belmont Shore Christmas Parade will begin at 6pm this Saturday on Second Street. This event will have over 100 entries including local marching bands, local non-profit groups, floats representing Long Beach and surrounding areas, and local personalities. Floats are encouraged to decorate around this year's theme: It's a Green Christmas. Make sure to say hello on the parade route.

Queen Mary Christmas Tree Lighting, Wednesday, December 7
The Christmas Tree Lighting on the Queen Mary will take place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday Dec. 7. It will honor local military, fire and police heroes, as the date coincides with Pearl Harbor Day. They will have live entertainment, a children’s choir, hot chocolate, cookies and more – all free!

Winter in Willmore, Saturday, December 10
Thanks to the hard work of Willmore City Neighborhood residents, we will be celebrating the First Annual Winter in Willmore Celebration at Drake Park. The event starts at 1pm and includes free photos for the family with Santa Claus, free refreshments for guests, music, and the lighting of the Drake Park Christmas Tree, a first for the park. Join us for this family event.

Daisy Lane Christmas Tree Parade, Saturday, December 10
The Daisy Avenue Christmas Parade begins at 5pm at travels along Daisy Avenue from Hill Street to Pacific Coast Highway. The event is always a fun family event that you don't want to miss. The community also creates an incredible holiday village in the the grassy median. For Wrigley residents, the annual Daisy Avenue Christmas Tree Lane Parade is more than a parade, it’s an opportunity to come together and celebrate the holidays with friends and family. Hope to see you along the parade route.

Naples Holiday Boat Parade, Saturday, December 17
Enjoy a great night on Naples Island for the annual Naples Boat Parade. Watch the boats decked out in holiday lights and the parade of exciting entries along the Naples canals. The parade is from 6 - 8 pm and a Long Beach tradition. This is one of my favorite events of the year - if you have not been, check it out this year.

Hope you enjoy these and other great Long Beach Holiday events!

Go Long Beach!

Robert Garcia

 

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Recent Action

 

November 22, 2011
 I'm Thankful For...

 

Thanksgiving is a time for us to enjoy our families and friends. I am also thankful for the opportunity that all of you have given me to serve the city I love so much. Long Beach is a great city - and our best days are ahead. Click here for more.
 

November 14, 2011
 Hey Long Beach, "It Gets Better"

 

One of the reasons I love Long Beach so much is that we respect and support everyone, regardless of who they are, or where they come from. You may have heard of the national "It Gets Better" Project. The campaign is a series of videos aimed at supporting Gay and Lesbian youth who may be experiencing bullying or harassment because of their sexual orientation. Click here for more.
 

November 11, 2011
 Proud of Our Vets, Proud of America

 

Every November 11, we honor all the brave men and women who have risked their lives to keep us safe and free. Our veterans have earned our admiration, respect, and gratitude. Click here for more.

 

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Reverse 911

Click here to register for reverse 911. Click here for more about the city's emergency management plans.

 

2010 Year In Review

Thanks to you, our community partners, local business, and our city team, we have had a successful 2010.
 Click here for more.

 

Robert Garcia, Long Beach City Councilmember, First District | www.RobertGarcia.com | robert@robertgarcia.com | Not paid for at public expense.