State Releases Report on Realignment of Adult Offenders

State Senator Alan Lowenthal released a report from the State concerning the planned realignment of adult offenders back into local communities. The report was issued on February 12, 2012 and makes interesting reading. I am reading it and will provide highlights in a later posting. 2011 Realignment of Adult Offenders 022212

Check out Map of Foreclosures in Long Beach

Click here to see a map of homes foreclosed in Long Beach. I co sponsored a council item which established a Foreclosure Registry that allows the city to track homes in foreclosure and to enforce codes against banks who allow the homes to fall into disrepair.

Taco Bell Alert

My council office has received several calls about what is happening to the Taco Bell at Stearns and Palos Verdes. Please be assured that the current closure of the Taco Bell is in no way connected with the City Council passing a "Eat Healthy" ordinance a couple of weeks ago. Or the fact that Taco Bell has put their food to go in ....gasp...plastic bags.

My staff and I are as concerned as some residents about this recent development -- and are happy to report that the old Taco Bell has been demolished to be replaced by a newer, modern Taco Bell within the next 6 months.

 In the meantime, here is a google map of the locations of other Taco Bell's in the area should you all get the urge to "run for the border."

What the City Might Owe

As you recall, I have opposed the City becoming the successor agency for the closed Redevelopment Agency because of the liability incurred by taking this responsibility. The Council as you further recall was not given a decision in open session on whether or not to become the successor agency because a vote was not scheduled in time to meet the state deadline. So now, Long Beach becomes liable for the "enforceable obligations" outlined in the following report. (See first paragraph of the city document that points out this fact.) This is one of the main reasons the Mayor of Los Angeles urged their City Council not to become the successor agency for Los Angeles' Redevelopment. (See this link to read his letter: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/11/las-community-redevelopment-agency_n_1200174.html) Additionally, because the city has used redevelopment funds to pay for citywide code enforcement and graffiti removal to the tune of $6 million we must now run the risk of spending this money as the successor agency on these services and having the newly established "Oversight Board" tell us it is an impermissible use of these funds and then the City will have to refund the money and take it out of General Funds. With another announced deficit for next fiscal year for the City of Long Beach, this was not the time to take on additional financial obligations. Redevelopment 001

Lakewood and LB To Repave Carson Near Towne Center

Here's the City memo on the partnership with the City of Lakewood to pave Carson Street adjacent to Towne Center. Repaving Carson

Why LB Needs to Review Investments

 About a month or so ago I asked the City Manager to provide a report on the City's investments to determine what if any can be done about the fact that the city invests millions with Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae -- the two largest holders of mortgages. In light of the ongoing investigations into the two agencies, the City Council needs to be given the full extent of our investments and whether or not they remain prudent.


Click here http://www.savelongbeachhomes.com/2012/02/more-bad-news-on-freddie-mac.html