May 18, 2012
Harvey Milk Park Breaks Ground On Tuesday

Dear Friends:

On the eve of Long Beach Pride, I am proud to announce that we will soon break ground on the very first park in America to be named after civil rights and LGBT leader Harvey Milk, and the first park in the City of Long Beach to be named after an LGBT person.

Mayor Bob Foster, myself, Stuart Milk of the Harvey Milk Foundation, and the Harvey Milk Promenade Park Committee will join dozens of LGBT community members and leaders at the groundbreaking this Tuesday May 22 at 10:00 am. The new park site is located at 3rd Street and The Promenade, and you are invited to join us.

The groundbreaking date coincides with what would have been Milk's 82nd birthday, and in honor of that occasion, birthday cake will also be served. The park will also include Equality Plaza, and 9 members of the local LGBT community will be inducted and honored at the ground breaking. The honorees are:

• Bob Crow - Co-Founder, Current Co-President, LB PRIDE
• Ray Lowen – Founding member of The Center, activist and artist
• Patty Moore – Former Chair and Asst. Director, The Center; longtime activist
• Michael Noll – First openly gay Signal Hill Councilmember; 20 years on Council; The Center Board
• Frank Rubio – Former President, Current Vice-President, LB PRIDE
• Ellen Ward – Signal Hill Councilmember 11 years; Former Exec Director AIDS WALK

May 15, 2012
Creating 15,000 New Jobs

Dear Friends:

Yesterday, Port of Long Beach and city officials gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking and lease-signing of the new Middle Harbor project. The $4.6 billion deal will create close to 15,000 new jobs and lower port pollution. The deal, with Orient Overseas Container will grow an important relationship with a global company, and transform our port into a port of the future.

Creating jobs, and supporting trade and business is extremely important for us, especially in this economy. I commend the Port of Long Beach, the Harbor Commission, and Port staff on their hard work and commitment to smart growth. The new project, set for completion in 2019, will upgrade two shipping terminals and technology.

We must continue to support growth in a smart, green, and environmentally responsible way. Middle Harbor does all of that. I am proud to have supported this project on the City Council along with my colleagues, and I look forward to the continued transformation of our port. Let's keep Long Beach moving and growing.

Go Long Beach,

Robert Garcia

May 8, 2012
A Game Changer for North Pine & Downtown

Dear Friends:

You have probably heard the great news, but we have a game changer development coming to North Pine in Downtown. As you may have read in the Long Beach Business Journal and other publications, Molina Healthcare is expected to expand into the former Press-Telegram site at 6th and Pine and create a new healthcare campus for 1,000 new employees. The Press-Telegram Building will be remodeled, and the Meeker-Baker Building will be restored and expanded to include a visionary new building. The new jobs, development, and economic activity on North Pine will be an extremely positive contribution to Downtown and the surrounding neighborhoods.

I'm grateful to the Molina family, especially John and Michelle, for their commitment to Long Beach, and North Pine. They held numerous community meetings on this project, met with all the local stakeholders, and worked with the city to create a responsible and community centered development.

There are already some great things happening on North Pine, with new cafes, markets, and art galleries opening up. This new project will anchor this growing community of businesses, lofts, artists, and schools.

The first phase of the project is set to be complete in 2013, with the full campus build out by 2014.

Go Long Beach,

Robert Garcia

April 24, 2012
40 Under 40

Dear Friend:

As most of you know, back in 2007, my best friend Shaun Lumachi and I co-founded the Long Beach Post. I'm proud to say that 5 years later, the company that we started as an idea on a piece of paper has grown into a full-fledged successful business, one that has greatly contributed to the Long Beach media landscape. Shaun always said, "the more media in Long Beach, the better," and I agree.

When Shaun passed away in December, Long Beach lost an innovator. Fortunately, his wife Dezire took over as publisher and has been doing a great job managing and leading the company. While it has been a few years since I have been involved with the Post on a day-to-day basis, I am proud of her strength and courage to move forward and take the organization to new levels.

Shaun and I always talked about empowering the young people in Long Beach. We believed that our city's future was so grand because of the ideas, optimism and vision of our youth and young professionals. That's why Shaun had a vision of starting the Long Beach 40 Under 40, an event that would honor those under 40 who are making a difference in Long Beach. He first talked to me about this idea back in 2008, and it has been something he always wanted to do. In fact, he and our friend Ryan Choura, the President of Choura Events, had already been planning the event when Shaun tragically passed away.

I am thrilled that Ryan and Dezire picked up where Ryan and Shaun left off, and this Thursday will be Long Beach's inaugural 40 Under 40 event. I am looking forward to attending and supporting all the great nominees and honorees that night.

If you are interested in attending what will be a great night, you can read more about the event here.

Thanks, and Go Long Beach!

Robert Garcia

April 19, 2012
What does the City Auditor, City Prosecutor, 4 Councilmembers, and a Councilmember-Elect have in common?

Dear Friends:

On Saturday, May 5th, Long Beach will be hosting one of the premiere bicycle events in the state when we welcome the annual Bike Fest and Tour of Long Beach. The day consists of fun for the whole family and a great way to promote America's most bike friendly city as well as our "Let's Move Long Beach" healthy city initiatives. All proceeds from the ride support the pediatric cancer research center at Miller Children's Hospital of Long Beach.

We have formed an official "Let's Move Long Beach" Team for the 31 mile Bike Tour race. Our team includes:

• City Prosecutor Doug Haubert
• City Auditor Laura Doud
• City Councilmember Gary DeLong
• City Councilmember Dee Andrews
• City Councilmemeber Steve Neal
• and Councilmember-Elect Al Austin

April 6, 2012
We just got $5.3 Million to build Armory Park & the Drake Park Expansion

Dear Friends:

The State of California just announced that they have awarded the City of Long Beach a total of $5.3 million for the development of two parks in the First District. These funds will fund the creation of the long awaited Armory Park in the East Village and Phase 1 of the Drake Park Expansion project.

Long Beach faced fierce competition in this Statewide grant solicitation, as over 400 applicants submitted proposals that totaled $1.3 billion for a limited amount of Statewide Parks Program funding. We bested over 400 applicants.

Armory Park has been a passion project of mine ever since my good friend and architect Brian Ulaszewski conceived it. He proposed this park over 5 years ago and has hosted dozens of community meetings and forums to engage the surrounding neighborhoods about the positive impact building a park in this location would have. In addition to solving safety issues, the new park will create green space in a neighborhood that has none.

When I was elected to office three years ago, I promised Brian that we would get this project done, and thanks to his dedication and ideas, we have taken a huge step forward. Armory Grant has been awarded $2.8 million that will be combined with an additional $900,000 that we have already been awarded to build this new park. The grant will allow us to reconfigure the corner of 7th and MLK, and begin to close down MLK from 7th to 6th to build the park. We will be turning the most dangerous intersection in Long Beach, into a beautiful green landscape.

In addition, we have also been awarded $2.5 million to begin Phase 1 of the Drake Park expansion project in the Willmore City Neighborhood. The state grant will fund building out two new soccer fields, walking trails, and play areas at Drake Park.

Mayor Bob Foster also released a statement today praising our Parks team, and I agree:

I am so proud of our Parks, Recreation and Marine Department staff for their continued success at securing grant dollars to improve our community. Being able to create additional open space and recreational opportunities is huge win for Long Beach and our residents. I look forward to breaking the ground of our new Armory Park and improved Drake/Cesar Chavez Park.

I will send more info as soon as I hear more. This is a great win for Long Beach, the East Village, and Willmore City.

Go Long Beach,

Robert Garcia

March 30, 2012
Long Beach Named in Top Ten of Social Media Cities

Dear Friends:

I just finished reading a study from the University of Illinois that has named Long Beach as one of the top ten cities in America for social media engagement on the web.

Long Beach was ranked #9, with the top spots going to Seattle and New York City. The report, from UIC's College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs checked out local government websites in the 75 largest U.S. cities. We have made incredible progress in the last few years on our city's social media platforms.

Improving our technology and communication efforts has been one of my top priorities on the Council. We have developed innovative new smartphone applications, focused on social networking, enhanced online video, and numerous other technology improvements. In addition, we are in the process of re-imagining the city website, and upgrading public safety technology.

I want to thank our Technology and Media teams for working so hard on our social media initiatives, and Mayor Bob Foster for being supportive of these important changes.

We have a lot more work to be #1, but we are committed to getting there.

You can follow the City of Long Beach:

On Facebook at: www.facebook.com/cityoflongbeachca
On Twitter at: @longbeachcity

You can also follow me:

On Facebook at: www.facebook.com/robertgarciaLB
On Twitter at: @RobertGarciaLB

Thanks again, and Go Long Beach!

Robert Garcia

March 21, 2012
Let's Move LB Health Fair & Zumba This Saturday, City Launches LetsMoveLB.com

Dear Friends:

I want to tell you about an exciting FREE event happening this weekend.

All Long Beach residents are invited to the "Let's Move Long Beach" Health and Wellness Fair, this Saturday March 24 at 604 Pine Ave, starting at 10am. The event will kick off the Move Long Beach Campaign, and a series of events and initiatives designed to support physical fitness and good nutrition in our city.

At 11am, I will be joining a large Zumba demonstration & class, and invite you to join us for some great exercise. There will also be over 40 information booths, a climbing wall, great nutritious food, free health screenings, music and more will be available throughout the day. This event is part of a citywide campaign to help address physical wellness and health. Last year, the Press-Telegram reported that an estimated 31% of Long Beach fifth graders, 25% of seventh graders and 21% of ninth graders were obese. We need to do everything we can to promote and encourage healthy lifestyles and wellness.

The Health and Wellness Fair is being sponsored by the Long Beach Department of Health, the Long Beach Parks & Recreation Department, Molina Healthcare, Long Beach Memorial Hospital, St. Mary's Hospital, CENTRO CHA, The Children's Clinic, Fresh & Easy, State Farm Insurance, and Mecca Fitness.

In addition, the city has also launced www.letsmovelb.com, a comprehensive website on how to stay healthy and active, as well as a calendar of local events to help encourage the fun.

I'm also very thankful to Mayor Bob Foster and my colleagues Vice Mayor Suja Lowenthal and Councilmembers James Johnson and Steve Neal for their leadership and support on the Let's Move Long Beach campaign. They have been incredible health advocates for Long Beach.

You can contact 562 570 6919 or district1@longbeach.gov for more information.

I look forward to seeing you Saturday.

Go Long Beach,

Robert Garcia

March 14, 2012
America's Most Bike Friendly City Moves Forward

Dear Friends:

Long Beach is making great progress in cementing its reputation as America's Most Bike Friendly City. We continue to build new bike infrastructure, we are investing in bike safety education in our schools, and planning for a city that prioritizes people and mobility, not just cars. I wanted to provide some bike updates:

Largest Bike Friendly Business Program in Nation
More than 145 businesses throughout Long Beach are now participating in what has become the largest bicyclist discount program in the country. Every Saturday, these businesses offer 15% to 20% discounts on restaurant tabs and shopping. Click here for a full list.

Planning For North/South Bike Boulevard
Our City Bike Team has already begun planning and community meetings for what will be the most ambitious bike infrastructure project we have attempted in Long Beach. The new north/south bike boulevard will connect Long Beach from Downtown all the way to Northtown. I have attended a few community meetings where we have discussed this great new project. Watch your email inbox for future meeting invites on this great new project.

Pacific Avenue Sharrows & Bike Lane
Pacific Avenue from Ocean to Pacific Coast Highway will soon be receiving new Bike Sharrows and a Bike Lane. Our bike team has been attending community meetings in Downtown and meeting with residents and business owners. The next presentation on this new project is tonight at the Historic Old Pine Avenue Business meeting at 7pm at the office of Long Beach Cinematheque, 737 Pine Avenue #203.

San Gabriel River Trail Resurfacing Starts Monday
The San Gabriel River Trail will be resurfaced over the next two weeks as we prepare for the Bike Tour of Long Beach. For those of us that enjoy this ride, this is exciting news that will enhance the riding experience.

Thanks again for all of your support as we make Long Beach a healthier and more sustainable city.

Go Long Beach,

Robert Garcia

February 15, 2012
A Police Academy Plan & Doing the Right Thing on Medical Marijuana

Dear Friends:

Last night, the City Council took the responsible approach by directing the City Manager to return in March with a Multi-Year Police Academy recruitment plan. As chair of the Public Safety Committee, I believe that we need to increase our force, but also do so in a fiscally responsible way. I want to thank Councilman James Johnson for his support in moving this issue forward. 

In addition, I want to thank the Council for supporting our proposal to ban commercial medical marijuana operations - with a temporary exemption for those collectives that have been operating in good faith. 

This means that starting today, our Long Beach Police Department, and our City Attorney and Prosecutor, can begin the process of shutting down the more than 35 illegal collectives operating in Long Beach. 

As you may be aware, a recent Court order – now under review by the California Supreme Court – threw out most of our City’s medical marijuana ordinance. That forced the City to choose between banning all storefront dispensaries, or allowing them to operate without any oversight, including for fire and electrical safety. That was something I could not support; the City has a duty to make sure all businesses and buildings operate in a safe, legal manner. 

However, as you know, I have always been a supporter of access to medical marijuana for qualified patients. That’s why I supported to have those locations that have complied with our City’s ordinance (between 18 - 20) collectives to remain open for at least the next six months - a fair amount of time for their members to find alternate means of obtaining medicine. Before the six months elapse, the Council will again deliberate the issue, and if these operators have avoided being a nuisance and have complied with State and local laws, then they will be eligible for an extension. 

Last night’s vote accomplishes several important things. First, it gives our police the power to immediately enforce the City’s laws and begin shutting down the locations that have ignored our City’s ordinance and flagrantly broken the law. This process won’t be complete overnight, but our police now have the tools they need to get rid of the bad neighbors that some of these dispensaries have been. 

Second, we have protected patient access. However, until Federal Law changes to recognize the medical benefits of marijuana, patients' access will never be completely secure. That’s why I was glad to support Councilmember James Johnson’s motion to amend our City’s Federal Legislative agenda by adding support for rescheduling marijuana, so that it can be prescribed legally by doctors. Taking this position was the third important accomplishment last night, and is a great step forward for patients' rights. 

The medical marijuana issue is far from over. The California Supreme Court, as well as possibly the Federal Courts and Congress, will have to sort it out, and that may take years. In the meantime, I will continue to do all I can to protect patient access, while ensuring our City is able to take care of its most basic job: Keeping our community safe. 

Lastly, I want to thank our City Attorney Bob Shannon, and our City Prosecutor Doug Haubert for their advice and assistance on this important and complex issue. 

Go Long Beach, 

Robert Garcia

February 7, 2012
Let's Move Long Beach

Dear Friends:

I am proud to announce the Move Long Beach physical fitness and health initiative.

Tonight, the City Council will consider two legislative items that offer an opportunity to improve the health and well-being of our City. Move Long Beach, a physical fitness initiative inspired by First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move Campaign, would organize the city's physical fitness and healthy activities into the city's mobility element of the general plan.

This would ensure that the city's master planning document contains a focus on physical wellness and health. It would also create an online resource for residents to learn about all of the great health events and opportunities in the city.

The Press-Telegram reported last year that an estimated 31% of Long Beach fifth graders, 25% of seventh graders and 21% of ninth graders were obese. We need to promote and encourage healthy lifestyles and wellness.

As part of the Move Long Beach initiative, we will also be hosting a series of fitness events throughout the year, and inviting the community to join us.

In addition, to show my commitment to physical activity this year, I have agreed to participate in some of our best local athletic events, including the Long Beach Marathon, Triathlon, Turkey Trot and Bike Tour.

Also Tuesday, Council will consider the Healthy Environment Active Living Cities (HEAL Cities) Resolution, a project of the California League of Cities and the California Center for Public Health Advocacy. The HEAL Resolution sets policy goals for the City that will encourage a healthful lifestyle, which has the potential not only to improve the well-being of our community, but also to save untold resources in lost productivity and medical costs that result from poor nutrition and lack of exercise.

The Move Long Beach initiative and the HEAL Resolution are important steps in addressing our community's challenges with obesity and other health issues. I'm thankful to my colleagues Vice Mayor Suja Lowenthal and Councilmembers James Johnson and Steve Neal for cosponsoring these measures. They have been incredible health advocates for Long Beach.

Read more about Move Long Beach in today's Long Beach Press Telegram, this week's Gazette, or the Long Beach Post.

Go Long Beach,

Robert Garcia

February 1, 2012
A Multi-Year Police Academy Plan

Dear Friends:

2011 saw a historic drop in our murder rate. In fact, we had the lowest murder rate in 40 years. While most crimes have seen significant drops over the last few years, we saw an uptick in certain types of crimes including robberies and assaults in 2011. Our Police Officers are doing an incredible job with the resources available, especially considering the economic downtown.

Yesterday, as Chair of the Public Safety Committee, I brought forward a proposal supported by Councilman James Johnson, to begin a Multi-Year planning process for our Police Academy and Police recruitment. We need to begin long term planning to ensure that we increase our force, but also do so in a fiscally responsible way.

On February 14th, we will be asking the full City Council to direct the City Manager to bring back a Multi-Year Police Academy Plan in March - at the same time that the Council will receive an update on our city budget and the effect of our public safety pension reform agreements.

For more details, you can read today's story in the Press-Telegram here.

Thanks again and Go Long Beach,

Robert Garcia

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

January 20, 2012
Are We Fixing Your Sidewalk?

• 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

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

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2010 Year In Review

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