For all the wives who helped make their husbands successful...

Schipske Calls for Inclusion of Josephine Gumbiner in Renaming of Armory Park – Says She Contributed Greatly to the Success of Her Husband – Dr. Robert Gumbiner – and Long Beach

March 11, 2014 –Noting that March is Women’s History Month and that women are often left out in the writing of history, Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske today called on the City Parks and Recreation Commission to include Josephine Gumbiner in the naming of a newly planned park in the 1^st Council District.

Schipske made her remarks after Councilman Robert Garcia proposed that the new park be named in honor of only Dr. Robert Gumbiner because it is located adjacent to the Museum of Latin American Art on 7^th and Alamitos which Gumbiner founded.

“Anyone who knew the Gumbiners understand why it is important that both Robert and Josephine be honored in the naming of a park. As his wife, Josephine supported him through medical school. She worked as a licensed clinical therapist while raising their four children and was tireless in a number of charitable volunteer activities.”

Schipske notes that even after Josephine suffered a major stroke she continued to serve Long Beach by establishing a charitable foundation for the benefit of women and children in the Long Beach area. The Josephine Gumbiner Foundation continues providing financial support for a number of organizations as: Centro Shalom, Boys and Girls Club, Long Beach Day Nursery, Khmer Girls in Action, Meals on Wheels.

“I am not certain why Mr. Garcia chose to exclude the wife of Dr. Gumbiner in the suggested naming of this park, but I do hope the Parks and Recreation Commission will correct this oversight. With the exception of Rosie the Riveter Park and Grace Park, the city has no major park named in honor of a woman. Josephine Gumbiner certainly deserves the recognition and thanks for her contributions.”