Video report on Rosie the Riveter Park and Memorial Dedication

Thanks to LBReport.com for covering the recent dedication of the enhancements made at the Rosie the Riveter Park and Interpretive Center at Conant Street and Clark Avenue.

The following links to the video report done by Bill Pearl. http://www.lbreport.com/video/rosie/rosiewok.wmv

Making Long Beach Job Friendly

Unemployment news continues to be bad. Just click here to see the latest stats from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics which shows total unemployment (including under employment) in California is a whopping 22.1%. That's why last Tuesday I asked the Council and City Manager to focus on creating jobs in the small business sector. Since coming to office I have met with many small business owners who voice concerns about the following: City business license fees that are based upon the number of employees (which is counter productive in a time when we are trying to grow jobs). High "false alarm" fees. Many retailers have alarm systems that if they sound and no crime in progress is apparent, they can be charged a false alarm fee. High credit card transaction fees. Lack of trained employees. So what can Long Beach do to grow jobs? Click here and tell me.

Offering Reduced Credit Card Transaction Fees Several months ago I contacted the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce and asked that they join me in urging the City to partner with financial institutions that are willing to offer our local business better credit card transaction fee rates and other banking services. The City of Long Beach has begun talking with several banks who want the business of the City and are including in these discussions the issues of working with our local small businesses.

Please let me know how we can do things better in Long Beach to grow the jobs we need to get us out of the terrible unemployment we face. Gerrie

Wreaths placed at military memorial in Rosie the Riveter Park and Interpretive Center

Yesterday, before 11 am, members of Millikan High School Army JROTC placed Christmas wreaths at the newly opened military memorial at Rosie the Riveter Park and Interpretive Center located at Conant Street and Clark Avenue. The photo shows how beautiful it is at night with lighting.

It was a truly touching ceremony.

The event was the dedication of the newly installed enhancements to the Rosie the Riveter Park and Interpretive Center and the placing of wreaths at the military memorial in coordination with the Wreaths Across America project. The project places wreaths on the second Saturday of December at Arlington National Cemetery and 450 other locations -- Rosie the Riveter Park is now added to that list each year.

Stop by the park and walk the path. Read the historic timeline in the pavers. Look at historic photographs of women who worked at Douglas Aircraft in Long Beach. Listen to a recorded tour of the park or just enjoy 1940s music as you stroll.