Latest in 5th Council District and City

Mud Swamp to Paved Alley.
Construction is going to start on May 3, 2010 and will be completed on May 27, 2010 according
contractor's (Sully-Miller) construction schedule on the new alley being placed behind Euclid in the Artcraft Manor area of the 5th District. This area has never had an alley and as a consequence the area has flooded and has left homes and garages coated with mud from cars that attempt to traverse it during and after rains. Once the alley is completed we will power wash the homes and garages to remove the mud.

Monster Roots.
In the never ending struggle between sidewalks, streets and the trees that push them around, I bring you a report on the 3600-3700 blocks of Karen Avenue. The street is lined with mature Italian Stone Pines, which can grow up to 50 feet in height and develop canopies up to 60 feet in diameter. The root systems of these trees ave caused large humps in the street, as well as displacement of curbs, gutters and sidewalks. In 2005, sidewalk improvements were completed on Karen Avenue and this work made it necessary to "shave" the root systems. Because of this, a period of time was needed to allow the root structures to heal. Now that this period of healing has passed, Public Works is set to start the initial phase of street rehabilitation. This initial phase will address issues at 37 locations. A certified arborist will be assigned to ensure that trees' health and surrounding structures are protected as the umps are excavated and removed. A similar project was successfully completed in 2007 on the 6100-6200 blocks of Keynote Street. That project corrected the major street issues and saved 30 of the majestic trees.

City Releases Community Garden Policy.
The City's Parks, Recreation and Marine Department released a citywide Community Garden Policy outlining available park locations where Long Beach residents and organizations can establish a community garden.

Residents wishing to start a community garden should go on line to: www.sustainablelb.com or www.longbeach.gov/park.

Community gardening has many benefits such as producing fresh, health food; creating opportunity for outdoor activity and an opportunity for education and awareness and community involvement.