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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. Click here for more.

 

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.

 

November 4, 2011
 Leading in Technology

 

This morning, the City of Long Beach announced that it has been named a Top-10 Digital City, beating out hundreds of other cities in a survey that best demonstrate how information and communication technology are used to enhance public service.

Click here for more.

 

October 24, 2011
 State of the First District & Go Long Beach Awards TOMORROW!


 State of the First District & Go Long Beach Awards TOMORROW!

I hope you can join us TOMORROW, Tuesday, October 25, for the Second Annual State of the First District and "Go Long Beach Awards." Click here for more.

 

October 19, 2011
 State of the First District & Go Long Beach Awards


 You are invited to join me this Tuesday, October 25, for the Second Annual State of the First District and "Go Long Beach Awards." 

Click here for more.

 

October 10, 2011
 Saving $100 Million


Mayor Bob Foster and the Long Beach Firefighters Association (FFA) have announced a historic tentative agreement to significantly reform firefighter public pensions. The Firefighters Association recently voted to support a proposal that not only reduces pension costs, but enacts pension reform and budget relief.  In addition, the agreement ensures adequate staffing on our fire engines and trucks. The deal is expected to save $35.9 million over ten years.

Click here for more.

 

October 5, 2011
 Investing In The Future
After weeks of hard work on a proposal to invest $18.4 million of city oil revenue, the Council last night supported our plan to make historic investments in public safety, technology, infrastructure, parks, and libraries. Click here for more.

 

October 4, 2011
 Homelessness Down 12% In Downtown Long Beach
Thanks to the hard work of our city, social, and faith-based groups, homelessness is down 12% in Downtown Long Beach since 2009.  Long Beach Connections, an initiative led by People Assisting the Homeless (PATH), Mental Health America, and the city of Long Beach's Homeless Services Division, have been involved in a comprehensive count for the last few years.  The count found that in 2009, 345 people were experiencing homelessness, down to 303 this summer. Click here for more.

 

September 28, 2011
 An East Village Make-Over
On Tuesday morning I joined neighbors and local East Village business owners in celebrating all new street banner art from Long Beach Blvd to Alamitos. These banners are just the latest improvements we have made to 4th Street in the last two years. This corridor has been a priority for me, and I am thankful to the Redevelopment Agency, the Downtown Long Beach Associates, and the East Village Association for all of their hard work and support.

Click here for more.

 

September 23, 2011
 A Slam Dunk At 14th Street
 

I hope you can join me tomorrow, Saturday at 11am, at the Grand Opening of the new Basketball Courts @ 14th Street. We will be hosting a short opening ceremony on 14th and Locust and then unveiling our newest 1st District Park. Click here for more.

 

September 20, 2011
 Good Paying Jobs For Long Beach
 

As you may have read in yesterday's Press Telegram, the Boeing Corporation recently announced that they are looking for a new plant to re-engineer the 737. Boeing has not selected the site yet, but the new plant could generate thousands of good paying manufacturing jobs. Click here for more.

 

September 14, 2011
 Downtown Fresh & Easy Opens, Free Night at MoLAA Thursday, and More


I wanted to keep you up to date on a few events happening this week in Downtown Long Beach. Click here for more.

 

September 9, 2011
 Latin American Festival Saturday, 9/11 Remembrance Sunday


I hope you will join me this weekend for the 10th Anniversary of 9/11 on Sunday, and the Latin American Festival happening on Saturday in Downtown Long Beach. Click here for more.

 

September 5, 2011
 What Labor Day Means To Long Beach


Labor Day in Long Beach has always been one of my favorite days of the year. It's a day when we come together to visit with friends over hot dogs and hamburgers, we enjoy our coast and attractions, and we plan family block parties and BBQ's. As we celebrate this weekend, we should never forget the true meaning of Labor Day and what today means for Long Beach. Click here for more.

 

August 25, 2011
 Mayor Foster & Police Association Announce Historic Pension Reform


Late last night, Mayor Bob Foster and the Long Beach Police Officers Association (POA) announced a historic tentative agreement to significantly reform police public pensions. The POA voted last night to support a proposal that not only reduces pension costs, but protects police officers from layoffs in the upcoming 2012 city budget. Click here for more.

 

August 23, 2011
 Investing in Technology


 Over the next few weeks the City Council will be making some tough choices in the City's 2012 budget. The result of this process will result in a leaner government, but also a government with additional reforms. If we continue on a fiscally prudent path and achieve pension reform, we could begin seeing a budget surplus in 2014. Click here for more.

 

August 15, 2011
 Look What's Happening Downtown...

 

As summer winds down, I wanted to keep you in the loop about some great events coming up in Downtown Long Beach. Join us at any of these events and meet the neighbors and people that are transforming Downtown Long Beach into a safer and more exciting place to live. Click here for more.

 

August 10, 2011
 3,712 Reasons To "Go Long Beach"

 

One of my goals on the City Council has been to make government more accessible, to invest in technology and most importantly empower our residents to actively play a role in making our city even better. Thanks to you, the support of my council colleagues and the commitment of our outstanding city staff we created the smartphone application "Go Long Beach". Click here for more.

 

August 5, 2011
 The 2012 City Budget

 

Earlier this week, Mayor Foster and the City Manager released the 2012 budget and their recommendations. The budget presented includes reduced funding for all city departments to close a $20 million deficit. Click here for more.

 

July 28, 2011
 Improvements To Linden Historic District

 

This Saturday, at 10am, we will be celebrating numerous improvements to the Linden Historic District. The District, one of Long Beach's many historical neighborhoods is located on Linden between Anaheim and 14th Street. Click here for more.

 

July 20, 2011
 New CHASE Bank To Open Downtown

 

CHASE Bank will soon be opening a new Downtown Branch on the corner of Long Beach Boulevard and 10th, at the site of a former Blockbuster Video. The new bank will serve as an anchor for the community in the Northern area of Downtown. Click here for more.

 

July 13, 2011
 Banking Services Coming To West & North Long Beach

 

Yesterday night, the Long Beach City Council made significant progress in expanding banking opportunities to underserved communities. We approved a multi-year contract with Union Bank that will not only provide savings to the City, but create traditional banking services in West and North Long Beach, and retain a Community Bank in Central Long Beach. Click here for more.

 

July 6, 2011
 A Slam Dunk At 14th Street

Today we broke ground on yet another great park project in the First District: New Basketball Courts at 14th Street and Locust.

Click here for more.

 

June 29, 2011
 What Government Can't Do

 

Today, in front of St. Luke's Episcopal Church, I joined 8 Downtown Pastors to announce an exciting new service partnership for our local youth. Pastors from eight downtown Churches have partnered together to offer free after-school programs to our local youth. Their group, the Long Beach Youth Alliance (LBYA), offers 13 free youth programs, ranging from youth boxing to tutoring to opera-writing. Click here for more.

 

June 23, 2011

A Parks & Open Space Update

 

One of the commitments I made when I ran for City Council was to create and expand parks and open space in the First District, as well as support new park projects Citywide.  In just two years, we have made incredible progress thanks to the support of community partners, the Parks & Recreation Commission, the Redevelopment Agency and the City Parks Department. Click here for more.

 

June 8, 2011

A New Community Garden On The Westside

 

I would like to invite you to join me tomorrow, Thursday June 9th, as we break ground on the new "Mary Molina Community Garden" at 20th and Santa Fe, at 2:00pm. The new garden will be the first city community garden on the Westside and is being named for Mary Molina, of the Molina Family of Long Beach. Click here for more.

 

June 2, 2011

90 Years of Excellence

 

This Saturday, St. Anthony High School will graduate its 90th High School Senior Class. I am honored to have been asked to deliver the Commencement Address at a school that means so much to me and to the community. Click here for more.

 

May 27, 2011

Prepare For An Emergency, Sign Up For Reverse 911

 

Earlier this week, I called a special meeting of the City's Public Safety Committee to discuss Emergency Management and Disaster Preparedness. As Chair of the committee, I thought it was important to review our disaster management plan and to ensure that we are doing everything we can to keep our city safe.

Click here for more.

 

May 23, 2011

My Favorite Time Of The Year: Graduations

 

Starting this week, Long Beach will begin my favorite time of the year - graduation and commencement ceremonies at Cal State Long Beach, Long Beach City College, all of our local High Schools, and some our middle and elementary schools as well. Click here for more.

 

May 10, 2011

Fixing Our Most Dangerous Intersection By Building A Park

 

We made a big announcement yesterday. We've secured $900,000 from a state grant to fix the city's most dangerous intersection, and to jump-start the much talked about Armory Park project that has been discussed for years. 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 a new park. We will be turning a dangerous block of roadway, into a beautiful green landscape. Click here for more.

 

May 4, 2011

Joining The President At The White House

 

This morning, I landed in our nation's capitol at the invitation of President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. I am in Washington D.C to attend an evening reception Thursday night at the White House in honor of Cinco de Mayo. I will join other guests, political leaders and dignitaries from across the country to celebrate Cinco de Mayo and to honor the contributions of Mexican-Americans as well as Latino Americans in the United States. Before the reception, I will also attend a White House policy briefing by members of the President's staff. Click here for more.

 

April 25, 2011

Submit Your Letter of Support:

Keep Long Beach Districts In LA County

 

Every 10 years, after the federal census, California must redraw the boundaries of its Congressional, State Senate, State Assembly, and State Board of Equalization districts, to reflect the new population data. Under new laws recently passed by voters, the California Citizens Redistricting Commission is now charged with drawing the boundaries of each electoral district. Click here for more.

 

April 21, 2011

Corner Of Anaheim & LB Blvd Is Being Transformed

 

Earlier today, we broke ground on Long Beach's first Senior Arts Colony. The 200 unit innovative housing development is designed for residents 55 years and above and will include an arts education center, gallery and performance space, and will appeal to seniors who are looking to engage in the spirit and creativity of an active lifestyle. Click here for more.

 

April 20, 2011

Honoring Mark Bixby & Downtown Bike Lanes

 

Long Beach is making great progress in becoming America's Most Bike Friendly City. We are building new bike infrastructure, encouraging more bike safety education in our schools, and planning for a city that focuses on people and mobility, not just cars. Click here for more.

 

April 7, 2011

New Courthouse Breaks Ground Today in Downtown

 

Today is a historic day for Long Beach and for our Downtown. We are breaking ground on the new George Deukmejian Courthouse. The $490 million State Courthouse, named after our former Governor and life-long Long Beach resident, will have over 31 courtrooms and takes up two entire city blocks in the First District in Downtown Long Beach. The Courthouse is between Broadway and Third, and Maine and Magnolia. Click here for more.
 

April 6, 2011

You Now Have A More Accessible & Open Government

 

Last year, with your support, we launched "Go Long Beach," a smartphone application that enables residents to report graffiti, potholes, and other neighborhood issues via GPS to the City instantly. "Go Long Beach," has been a resounding success, with over 2,500 cases reported and closed through the smartphone application. Click here for more.

 

March 31, 2011

The Jenny Oropeza Community Center

 

Late last year, we lost Long Beach State Senator Jenny Oropeza due to health complications. Jenny was a friend, a neighbor, and a mentor. Not only was she a tremendous advocate for our city, she was a trailblazer for women, students and Latinos. She left a legacy of accomplishments and contributions that will continue to serve as an inspiration for all who knew her. Click here for more.

 

March 20, 2011

Message From Bixby Family & Mike Jensen's Recovery

 

It has been a tough week for our city as we mourn the loss of our friends Mark Bixby, Tom Dean, Jeff Berger, Bruce Krall, and Kenneth Cruz. Yet, as we come together to pray and support the families of those affected, we have seen an incredible celebration of their lives and their contributions to Long Beach. Click here for more.

 

March 17, 2011

Long Beach Will Never Forget

 

Yesterday was a terrible day for our city, and for the family and friends of those who lost their lives in the plane crash at the Long Beach Airport. Click here for more.

 

March 15, 2011

Help Japan Now & Join Us For Candlelight Vigil

 

The tragedy that has occurred in Japan is heartbreaking. As a country and a city, I am sure that we will do everything we can to assist the people of Japan. Right now, hundreds of thousands of people are without shelter, food or water. Click here for more.

 

February 28, 2011

Fighting For Long Beach In Washington D.C.

 

Later today, Councilmember Gary DeLong and I will be on our way to Washington D.C. As members of the City's Federal Legislative Committee, we will be in Washington representing Long Beach and advocating for our priorities. Over two days, we have meetings scheduled with our Congressmembers Linda Sanchez, Laura Richardson and Dana Rohrabacher, as well as staff from Senator Dianne Feinstein and Senator Barbara Boxer, the Army Corps of Engineers, House and Senate Appropriations staff, and Administration Officials. Click here for more.

 

February 16, 2011

Progress On Pension Reform

 

Last night, the City Council made important progress towards fair and meaningful pension reform. We approved pension agreements with the City's Management Association, Confidential Employees, Attorneys Association, and the Prosecutors Association that will result in new employees paying the full employee share of their pension costs, a lower benefit formula, and an increased retirement age. Click here for more.

 

February 14, 2011

Seaside Park Opens

 

This weekend, we continued the amazing transformation of the Washington Middle School Neighborhood with the opening of the brand new Seaside Park at Chestnut and 14th Street. Click here for more.

 

February 9, 2011

Bikes & Lights
 

I have some great news to share with you this week. Click here for more.

 

January 31, 2011

Construction Starts Today On Downtown Bike Lanes
 

Construction begins today on the Downtown Separated Bike Lanes. This exciting project will create two dedicated bike lanes on Broadway and Third Street from Alamitos to Golden and will take cyclists from the East Village through Downtown Long Beach and to Cesar Chavez Park and the LA River. Click here for more.

 

January 26, 2011

Free & Easy Parking, Now In Downtown Long Beach

 

I want to announce an exciting improvement to Downtown Parking. Starting yesterday, all three City Parking Garages, located conveniently just East of Pine, on 3rd, 4th, and 5th streets, became fully automated and free for the first two hours. No validation required. Click here for more.

 

January 20, 2011

Saving $1 Billion

 

On Tuesday, the City Council took action to preserve more than $1 Billion Dollars of Redevelopment money for vital community and economic development projects in Long Beach. Click here for more.

 

January 12, 2011

Working Together On Pension Reform

 

Last night, in his State of the City address, Mayor Bob Foster focused on what is now our city's greatest challenge: reforming public pension costs. Click here for more.

 

January 5, 2011

A More Open & Transparent Government

 

Since first coming into office nearly two years ago, I have made Open Government and Transparency one of my top priorities. That's why I've sponsored successful legislation to place elected officials' calendars on line, require lobbyists to register with the city, and allow residents to communicate with the city through smartphone applications. Click here for more.

 

December 30, 2010

Graffiti or Pothole? There's a LB App for that on Android and iPhone Phones...

 

Today, the City of Long Beach launched the Android version of our "GO LONG BEACH" smartphone application. Our iPhone version has been running for about 6 months with great success - over 800 requests have been submitted and completed. Click here for more.

 

December 22, 2010

2010 Year In Review

 

I wanted to take a moment to wish you a Happy Holidays and a great New Year. I’m so thankful for your support, and very proud to represent you. Thanks to you, our community partners, local business, and our city team, we have had a successful 2010.
 Click here for more.

 

December 15, 2010

Making Long Beach America's Most Bike Friendly City

 

Last night, the City Council supported my proposal to review our antiquated mandatory bike registration laws, and move towards a more accessible, fair and voluntary bike registration program.
 Click here for more.

 

December 1, 2010

Crime Is Down, Big Time

 

As the new Chair of the Public Safety Committee of the City Council, I invited Long Beach Police Chief Jim McDonnell yesterday to give the committee a report on crime statistics and police staffing. Click here for more.
 

November 30, 2010

A Historic Event Just Happened


A few moments ago, Mayor Bob Foster and Colonel Mark Toy of the Army Corps of Engineers, signed the official agreement between the City of Long Beach and Federal Government to begin the official Breakwater Reconfiguration Study. Click here for more.