Long Beach is ethically ahead of Los Angeles...

Seal of Los Angeles, California. On March 27, 1905 Ordinance 10,834 authorized and described the City Seal still being used today http://cityclerk.lacity.org/cps/pdf/cityseals.pdf. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Los Angeles Times columnist, Steve Lopez, wrote a column about how the City Council of Los Angeles was increasing the value of the gifts its members could receive from lobbyists: " And with the holiday shopping season about to get under way, the council lifted the limit on gifts from $100 to $150."

Long Beach should be proud that its City Council cannot receive gifts of any value from lobbyists. Nada...nothing, zero.

This was my legislation which I had been advocating for several years. Didn't make sense to me why elected officials should accept anything from anyone wanting to do business with the City. (In fact, I had a policy in my office from the start -- No Gifts Period.

One of my colleagues complained that he should be able to get a Christmas gift. I pointed out that these people weren't our friends and that the gifts would stop once the council member left council.

I would like to see the ban on gifts to elected officials expanded to include contractors or anyone seeking a license or permit from the City.

Hey, I know the economy is tough. But City Councilmembers in Los Angeles make $180,000 a year. Long Beach councilmembers make $16.90 an hour or @ $31,000 a year. They need to give up the gifts. Their voters will appreciate it.

5th District Student Named to City Youth Commission

Patrick Henry Student Appointed to Long Beach Commission on Youth and Children 

I am pleased to announce that  Eighth grade Patrick Henry middle school class president, Emma Parsons, has been appointed to represent the Fifth Council District on the Long Beach Commission on Youth and Children. Parsons is also active on her school’s volleyball and track teams, and is a council member on the Patrick Henry sign language choir. 

"I am excited about serving on the commission because Long Beach has been my home since I was three years old."  Parsons explained, “I love living here and am excited about being involved with a group that makes Long Beach a great place to live and grow up.”

Her family had moved to Lima, Peru from 2008-11. When her family returned to the United States, she entered the 6^th grade at Patrick Henry, able to speak Spanish fluently. Always conscious of giving back to her community, Parsons contributes wherever she can, including volunteering to mentor elementary school students in a morning running club.

Emma Parsons is an outstanding young woman and I believe she will be a terrific Youth and Children commissioner representing the best of our community and the City of Long Beach.

For more information about the Fifth District, contact the Office of Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske at 562-570-6932 or district5@longbeach.gov.

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