First it was cutting back on the number of council meetings...now it is changing how the Council selects a Vice Mayor

Hot off the City Council Agenda -- the item proposing reducing the number of council meetings to two a month has been withdrawn.... now the next story circulating around the 14th Floor of City Hall where the air is rarified...is that a move is a foot to round up votes to select a Vice Mayor based not on seniority but on who endorsed whom in the past City Council election.

Doing this throws out a long held tradition of selecting the person with most seniority as evidenced in the following document prepared by the City Clerk.
Vice Mayor Appointment History 07132010

This move sends a disturbing message that politics trumps what is best for the City. A city that is reeling from financial problems and the highest unemployment in the state. It also again puts Long Beach out of step with other city councils that rotate the Vice Mayor position based upon seniority.

The two members of the City Council that are in line to become Vice Mayor are 8th District Councilmember Rae Gabelich and 4th District Councilmember Patrick O'Donnell --both of whom have served 6 years on the City Council. Both of them should be considered for the Vice Mayor role for the next two years.

I believe in the Golden Rule even in politics -- Do unto others as you would like them to do unto you. There are some who want to rewrite the Golden Rule to read: Them that has the gold makes the rules.

Things Candidates Did not Tell the Voters

Several of my colleagues who also faced re-election in April are supporting a proposal to reduce the number of council meetings to two a month.Funny, they didn't bother to campaign on this issue. They didn't bother to tell voters: re-elect me and I will vote to cut the number of times I have to report to work for you.

The argument that it will save $3500 a month is ridiculous. If that is so, then reduce the Mayor and Council's office budgets to pay for the public meetings. Have each council person chip in $375 to hold the meeting.

The argument that it will allow council people to hold community meetings on Tuesday with their constituents is also nonsense. Hold your community meetings 6 other days in the week if you aren't having enough meeting with your constituents. A public council meeting is the only time the public can watch and participate as we openly deliberate on issues. But maybe that is why my colleagues want to limit those opportunities -- less public discussion, less pesky constituents seeing what is being done.

Okay. So you want to cut the number of times you need to show up for city council meetings to twice a month? Then I urge you to support my charter amendment which would cut our salary 50%. (That's because our salaries were set by charter in 1988 when council met 4 times a month. In 2004, the council cut out a meeting and now some want to cut out yet another meeting.)

Put it on the ballot in November and let the people tell us what they really think of a council that doesn't want to do the job they were elected to do.

Retrofitting Suburbia

Every time I have attended a conference on municipal issues, I learn lots. I am in Rancho Bernardo at the Independent Cities Conference and today heard a very informative report on how some communities are moving to Smart Code. Basically, Smart Code is

an integrated land development ordinance. It folds zoning, subdivision regulations, urban design, public works standards and basic architectural controls into one compact document. It is also a unified ordinance, spanning scales from the region to the community to the building.

This is exactly what Long Beach needs. We need a sense of what we want Long Beach to look like instead of allowing continual development that has resulted in Long Beach looking like a patchwork. Development in Long Beach is a crapshoot for both the residents and the developer. Residents don't really know what a development is going to look like or if it will fit into an area. Developers don't know exactly what city planners are going to allow them to do and not do. Smart Code takes all that away because both parties know exactly what is desired in a development.

Additionally, Smart Code takes into account the need to address climate change and public health issues such as the growing obesity rate among young people who do not walk their neighborhoods.

Here is a link you might want to check out on this growing concept: http://www.smartcodecentral.org/index.html

Charter Agenda Items -- Reducing Mayor and Council Salaries and Moving Elections to November

I am proposing two charter amendments that will address problems that have been raised recently:

• Proposal to reduce the number of City Council meetings to only two times a month. 
• Reduced voter turn-out for city council elections.

Three council members want to reduce the number of council meetings to just two a month. When the council and mayor's salaries were set in 1988, they were set based upon 4 council meetings a month. Sometime around 2004, the Council reduced the meetings to 3 and now they want to reduce it to two.  So, I am proposing that the voters get to vote on reducing the salaries of the mayor and city council commensurate to the 50 percent reduction in public meetings. (Please. I don't buy it that two meetings a month will allow council members to have more community meetings. I have community meetings frequently on other days/nights than Tuesday. Two meetings a month will mean more decisions get made behind the scenes and public involvement will be squashed because after all "we have a very full agenda with only meeting two times a month...so hurry along." The people of our city are struggling financially and what is being proposed is an insult to every resident who would gladly change places with 9 city council members and work full time.)

Voter turnout in April primaries in Long Beach is dismal. The elections are costly because the city conducts them. Study after study shows that timing of an election is everything for turnout and it reduces costs to cities, which is why 40% of cities have moved their elections to be concurrent with statewide elections.

Turnout

I am proposing to move our elections to a November winner-take all. This would increase voter turnout because voters already vote in state and federal elections. It would also reduce costs for the City which can consolidate the election with the county. And, it would reduce campaign spending. A candidate would only have to raise and spend for one election.

We need to remember that Long Beach once elected council members by having candidates run from an area in a primary and then the top two had to be run for city wide vote. We don't do that any longer.

Let me know how you feel about these issues.

Pretty Quiet 4th

It was fairly quiet this 4th of July and there didn't seem to be as many people in the parks as were last year.

Even though fireworks are illegal, there were pockets of streets with sparklers and small fireworks going off. The police had their hands full with responding to these.

I want to thank the LB Police Department and the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department who met earlier to discuss the park permit process.

Taxing an Illegal Drug Is Hypocritical

There is a proposal for this coming City Council meeting to tax the sale of marijuana at medical marijuana clinics.

Please follow along on how hypocritical this is:

First dismiss the fact that some "other cities do it." Some other cities do a lot of things that we don't do -- which is why we answer when kids plea -- everybody does it -- "we're not everybody."

Ok so here's the deal. It is illegal to sell and transport and possess marijuana. But because in California we recognize the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes, non profit collectives are allowed to grow and distribute (not sell) marijuana for medical purposes.

A. How can a city tax an illegal transaction? If it is illegal to sell marijuana and only non profits -- which are exempt from taxes -- can distribute medical marijuana, how is it again that we would taxing this?

B. Here's the part that really gets me. If marijuana distributed at a collective is considered "medicine" how could we tax it? California does not tax pharmaceuticals -- so how then is it okay to tax this medicine?

Either marijuana is an illegal drug and last time I checked we don't tax drug dealers -- or it is medicine -- and we don't tax medicine. Which is it? Because if it isn't medicine, then folks we have no business allowing it to be dispensed in Long Beach. And if it is medicine, why don't we tax all medicine sold in the City?

ESPN to Feature LB's Own Bille Jean King on July 3rd.

 (Note -- I was fortunate to attend the taping of this show. Long Beach should be very proud of Billie Jean King -- pay particular attention to how King points out several times that if it had not been for Long Beach free tennis program -- she would not have been able to learn how to play!!)

ESPN to Air ‘Homecoming with Rick Reilly’”
Featuring Tennis Legend Billie Jean King On July 3

Tennis legend Billie Jean King, who grew up learning how to play tennis in Long Beach, will be featured on ESPN’s “Homecoming with Rick Reilly” on Saturday, July 3, at 4 pm on Long Beach Charter Communications Channel 35. The program will repeat on Friday, July 9, at 4:00 pm on ESPN2, Channel 36.

The “Homecoming” series challenges the old adage “You can't go home again.”

On April 14, Long Beach welcomed tennis legend Billie Jean King back to her hometown for the taping of ESPN’s  "Homecoming with Rick Reilly” at the Billie Jean Moffitt King Tennis Center in Recreation Park. Filming also took place at Houghton Park where Ms. King took her first tennis lesson with instructor Clyde Walker. She practiced regularly at the courts now named in her honor, and her brother Randy Moffit played next door at Joe Rodgers Field.

In the program, Ms. King describes how Long Beach Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine programs contributed to her success and provided her with opportunities that weren’t available in other communities.

Ms. King’s career highlights include 20 Wimbledon titles – six singles, ten doubles and four mixed. She won 12 Grand Slam  singles titles, 16 Grand Slam women's doubles titles, and 11 Grand Slam mixed doubles titles.

For more information about the program, visit www.espn.com/homecoming 

How Often Should City Council Meet?

Heard it through the grapevine...that wonderful conduit of ideas circulating atop City Hall. Someone thinks it is a good idea that after the new council comes in that we start only meeting two times a month, instead of the three times a month we now meet.

Can't figure out the logic in that idea. We are the 6th largest city in California and have tremendous issues facing the city. Reducing the number of times we meet would obviously lessen the Council's authority because more and more decisions would be driven by staff that works full time. We actually need a full time city council.

Don't know what is behind the idea. Although there are some in California that would like to do away with government or limit it so much that it is ineffective -- which then leaves contracts and decisions to the impact of lobbyists. Bet someone will float an argument that it would save the city money. Don't think so. Every staff person there at council is on salary and does not get paid overtime.

Oh, this is an interesting idea just days after Maywood announced it would close all departments and contract out their city to Bell Gardens.

City Manager's Weekly Newsletter

Friday Newsletter 06-25-2010

World War II Icon Dies

From the New York Times today:

A nurse famously photographed being kissed by an American sailor in New York's Times Square in 1945 to celebrate the end of World War Two has died at the age of 91, her family said on Tuesday.

The V-J Day picture of the white-clad Edith Shain by photographer Alfred Eisenstaedt captured an epic moment in U.S. history and became an iconic image marking the end of the war after being published in Life magazine.

The identity of the nurse in the photograph was not known until the late 1970s when Shain wrote to the photographer saying that she was the woman in the picture taken on Aug. 14 at a time when she had been working at Doctor's Hospital in New York City.

I met Edith two years ago at an event on the Queen Mary which was commemorating the end of WWII. She was tiny and funny. We hit it off because she had been a nurse, but she also went on to teach kindergarten.

I had been invited because of my book "Rosie the Riveter in Long Beach" and we talked about what was going on when the war ended. She said -- "everyone who lived then can tell you exactly where they were when we got the news the war was finally over."

Breakwater Study -- Not Yet Funded

I have missed very few council meetings in the 4 years I have been in office. Last night was one of those times. I had to attend to a family matter that came up at the last minute during the Budget Meeting.

That being said, I was concerned to read the headlines this morning -- it gives the impression that the Council funded the local sponsor portion of the breakwater study -- it didn't. It voted 8-0 to fund $2.5 Million out of Tidelands and close to $900,000 in in-kind services -- that leaves almost $2 million that has to be found before the Army Corps of Engineers proceeds. (This reminds me of the "wetlands" issue -- We did it! We saved the wetlands -- except we haven't found a source of money to fix the wetlands, nor a non profit organization that wants to step up and buy the property we just obtained.)

There isn't any doubt that the water quality and the lack of any real tidal action needs to be addressed in the San Pedro Bay. And maybe there is cause to celebrate that a move in that direction is happening. But in the words of another Jerry -- Jerry McGuire -- "Show me the money."

Army Corps of Engineers Releases Its Study -- It will look at water quality and waves

Just hot off my email desk, I received the following email from our Government Relations Director regarding the Army Corps of Engineers study that indicates they will include water quality and waves in the study but did note that: Additionally, the Study lists the various constraints on the project such as the Port of Long Beach berths, Navy anchorage, Long Beach peninsula, THUMS islands, marinas and docks, and navigational safety, and states that these areas must not be adversely affected.

We need to improve the water quality and circulation of the waters behind the breakwater. I am still concerned about where we get the monies to pay for the study -- I don't think Tidelands is the answer at this point. I will read the entire report and listen to the presentation tomorrow before I make my final decision about my vote.

The Army Corps of Engineers has released the East San Pedro Bay Ecosystem Restoration Study (Long Beach Breakwater Study) and it is now available for your review here. The report can also be accessed through the links below on the City's web page. The City Council is scheduled to hear a presentation on the Reconnaissance Study on June 22, 2010 and decide if the City of Long Beach will become the local sponsor for this project. This is a public meeting and we encourage you all to attend and share your input.


Summary of the Report The study concludes that there is federal interest in proceeding to a Feasibility Study. In the Feasibility Study, the Army Corps would evaluate opportunities for ecosystem restoration, water quality improvements and recreation improvements in the East San Pedro Bay in Long Beach. The Reconnaissance Study identifies potential alternatives such as reconfiguring the Long Beach Breakwater, changes in alignment of the LA River, creation of rocky reef habitat and kelp features, and measures to address pollutants in the LA River. The specific alternatives would be further developed in the Feasibility Study through a community outreach process.
The Reconnaissance Study concludes that restoration of reef and kelp habitat within San Pedro Bay can be enhanced by improving the water quality, clarity, and circulation. It also concludes that the project could result in improved conditions for recreational swimming and surfing. Additionally, the Study lists the various constraints on the project such as the Port of Long Beach berths, Navy anchorage, Long Beach peninsula, THUMS islands, marinas and docks, and navigational safety, and states that these areas must not be adversely affected.
The Feasibility Study will take a minimum of 4 years to complete and will cost $8,337,400. In the Feasibility Study the Army Corps will conduct an extensive analysis including wave modeling, water quality modeling, economic analysis, environmental analysis, engineering and design analysis, geotechnical studies, review of tidal elevations, sediment transport, and analysis of other areas.


Links
Army Corps' Final Reconnaissance Study: http://admin.longbeach.gov/civica/filebank/blobdload.asp?BlobID=27756
City's Breakwater Website: http://www.longbeach.gov/citymanager/ga/breakwater/default.asp
Army Corps Study Website: http://www.spl.usace.army.mil/cms/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1462&Itemid=31
City Staff report for June 22nd City Council Item: http://longbeach.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=943361&GUID=2A2973F4-4DDA-4612-A4CE-0FCA037AB258

Survey Results Starting to Come in -- 64% Opposed

I am receiving results from the survey I posted regarding the City Council voting to approve expending $4million in Tidelands funds for a study to be conducted by the US Army Corps of Engineers on the issues surrounding the breakwater.

As of 3:00pm on Monday, the day before the vote, the City Council still does not have the final report and approval from the US Army Corps to go forward on the study.

That being said, @ 64% of those responding to the survey are opposed to the City Council voting to spend $4 million in Tidelands monies on the study. I will post all of the results Tuesday morning.

P.S. A few respondents asked why the City just doesn't reconfigure the breakwater without further study? That's because the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers owns the breakwater on behalf of the federal government. And unless the Army Corps finds a federal interest in reconfiguring the breakwater, local government can't do anything.

Should Long Beach spend Tidelands monies to study the breakwater?

I have posted a survey on my blog which asks readers to respond regarding whether or not the City of Long Beach should expend $4 million in Tidelands monies for a feasibility study of the waters within the breakwater off downtown Long Beach.

Please take a moment to click here and give me your thoughts on this important issue.

P.S. Sending me email threats that I will be ousted if I vote against funding the study are really inappropriate on many levels.

I am in favor of improving the water quality of the ocean within the breakwater; I would like to see wave action increased in these waters; I think the City should only be expending Tidelands monies to fix not study at this point in our economy; I am concerned that the monies will be expended on a study that will not result in improved water quality or wave action --because the US Army Corps has indicated it is not including these items nor economic analysis of the impact of making these changes in the study. Additionally, the City of Long Beach hasn't even seen the US Army Corps official response on this issue and the City Council needs to read the fine print before we jump in.

LA Moves to Deal with Marijuana Home Delivery

Long Beach just recently passed an ordinance to regulate medical marijuana collectives throughout the city. Los Angeles passed their ordinance first and it seems those in the marijuana business have found a way around the LA ordinance. Read below.

Click here:

Marijuana delivery services evade bans on dispensaries, spreading across California

Click here:

LA Councilman Targets Pot Delivery System

Cell phone towers in Long Beach

I have posted the map I requested from City staff showing where cell phone towers have been placed in Long Beach.

As you might recall, the City Council placed a 120-day moratorium on the installation of any new cell tower until we could update our ordinance which regulates placement and also take a look at where these are going. That is important since we get requests for placements on a piece meal basis and haven't really looked at if they are impacting one particular area over another.

I am strongly opposed to placing these towers in residential areas or institutional areas (churchs, etc) which are adjacent to residential areas.

We need to make certain this patch work placement is corrected.

And to the people who emailed me -- "Yes, I do have a cell phone and a Blackberry and rely upon both very much. But we need to make sure we balance technology with the quality of life issues in our neighborhoods."

Read the Fine Print Before We Spend the Money

Priceless. Need to do it now. It will bring great changes to Long Beach. You are either for the environment or you are against it.

Gosh, we're about to hear this litany on Tuesday as the Council Chambers are packed to persuade Council to find many millions to have the Army Corps of Engineers do a feasibility study on the breakwater. Funny thing. The Army Corps of Engineers is not willing to include in its study the very thing the City was interested in finding out about: "economic analysis and wave monitoring and water quality." (read the fine print in the management memo posted to the right)

So on top of the possibility that the study won't even look at wave monitoring (i.e. bringing back the waves) or water quality or an economic analysis about the impact of reconfiguration, we don't have the money to spend on a study. According to City Management unless the Port forks over the money for the study (or more precisely the City takes the Tidelands transfer) or the City takes excess oil profits for a one time expense it cannot be done. But folks, this is just the study. If any reconfiguration is proposed as a result of the study, the City has to come up with 35% of the costs.

Last week I voted to approve use of Tidelands funds to repair seawalls that are crumbling in Naples. I did so because if those seawalls fail, the properties could be flooded which would seriously damage the property value and the assessed values from which the city derives property taxes. I believe that is a prudent investment to protect the city from liability claims.

I am no longer convinced that spending money on a study (that now does not include water quality, economic analysis and wave monitoring) is prudent.

There are over $360 million dollars in projects that need funding through the Tidelands funds. Repairing infrastructure and preventing flooding should be top priorities.

I think the City Council should put the issue on the November ballot: should the City of Long Beach expend Tidelands funds in the amount of $4 million for a feasibility study to be conducted by the US Army Corps of Engineers regarding the breakwater.

Council agenda item dealt with improving permits for park use -- not creating new permits

In response to my constituents concerns about the process used to make certain groups wanting to use Long Beach parks and facilities have obtained a permit from the City's Parks, Recreation and Marine Department, I put an item on the agenda last Tuesday to help "beef" up the process and to recoup some fees for policing and cleaning up after these groups use the parks.

Apparently some in the news media and the public didn't know that permits have been a requirement for many, years..and view the council agenda item as adding new laws.

(Please spare me the grandstanding on the right to assembly -- this isn't about restricting assembly -- just letting the police and parks know what is going on especially since they have to do the clean up when things go wrong with group activities.)

Permits have been used for many years in order to control crowding and at one time were used to alert Park Rangers so they could police the parks.

Since we don't have Park Rangers any more, the LB Police need to be brought into the process and be made aware that large groups will be at the park at a certain time.

The other problem is that while every resident of Long Beach receives a bulletin from the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department that includes a notice about the need to obtain a permit, many people from out of area do not receive this information. So I suggested that we post signs -- not all over the parks -- but perhaps below the signage for Park Watch which is all over the parks.

I also suggested we look at some type of fee increase or security deposit because it is costing the city a fortune to continually clean up after these groups...and if the police are called because of noise or other problems (i.e. shootings) then the group should have to forfeit the deposit.

Hey, if y'all have a good idea on how we can make certain we know what is going on in our parks and that we recoup the costs for clean up and policing these parks, then send them in to me at: district5@longbeach.gov.

Federal Loans Available for 1st Time Homebuyers in Long Beach -- Workshop June 19

The City of Long Beach is launching an innovative homebuyer financial assistance program.  The Neighborhood Stabilization Program 2 (NSP2) First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program will provide up to $200,000 in silent second mortgage loans to assist qualified first-time homebuyers in purchasing a home.  Participants may also qualify for up to $40,000 in grant funding to fix code-related violations, make energy-efficiency improvements and assist with closing costs.

"This is an incredible opportunity for first-time homebuyers to realize the dream of homeownership," said Dale Hutchinson, Housing Operations Officer for the City of Long Beach. "Participants in the Program not only get financial assistance, but also help with navigating the home buying process, finding reputable lenders and realtors, and locating homes for their families."

To introduce the NSP2 Program, the City of Long Beach is hosting a special kick-off event on Saturday June 19, 2010, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. The event will take place at The Grand Long Beach Event Center, 4101 E. Willow St., in Long Beach, and is open to all members of the community. Free onsite parking is available.


“This event is a great way to learn about the NSP2 Program first-hand, thus, attendance to the kick-off event is a requirement to be able to participate in the First-time Homebuyer Assistance Program,” said Hutchinson. “Attendees can find out information about the Program requirements and the homebuying process. They can ask questions and get answers on the spot. If you're looking for a home, this event is the best place to start.”


Residents interested in attending the NSP2 kick-off event are asked to RSVP at 562.570.6949.

Event Information:

NSP2 First-Time Homebuyers Assistance Program Kick-Off Event

June 19, 2010

10:00 am – 12:00 pm

The Grand Long Beach Event Center

4104 E. Willow St.

Long Beach, CA

Free Parking Available

RSVP at 562.570.6949 

Long Beach Magazine Features Schipske's Latest Book on Long Beach History

The June edition of Long Beach Magazine (on the shelves at Barnes and Nobles and Borders Bookstores) includes a very nice review of my latest book on the history of Long Beach: Early Aviation in Long Beach.

While I was researching my first book: Rosie the Riveter in Long Beach, I came across the wonderful aviation history of Long Beach.

Long Beach made aviation history a number of times including in 1911, when Cal Rodgers landed in the water off Pine Avenue Pier and completed the first transcontinental flight. His plane and the mail bag he carried are in the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C.

Because of the municipal airport being established in 1923, Army and Navy fliers frequented our area for many years prior to bases being established here. Thanks to pioneer aviators like Earl Daugherty, Frank Champion and John Montijo, Long Beach was well-known as a center of aviation.

Amelia Earhart came to Long Beach to watch an air circus and then received her first flight from Frank Hawks, a Poly High School graduate and military pilot. Earhart learned how to fly solo and perform aerobatics from Montijo -- who served as one of the first Aviation Commissioners for the City.Other aviators such as Charles Lindbergh and Douglas Corrigan also frequented Long Beach. And our own first woman flier, Gladys O'Donnell beat Ameila Earhart in the Women's Air Derby.

A number of groups have asked me to talk about this book and the Rosie the Riveter book. I have made a video presentation on both which I narrate during my presentation. Please contact my office at: 570 6932 if you would like me to talk to your organization about Long Beach history.

Important Information -- June 11

I am posting a number of documents that readers will find of interest:

• City Manager's newsletter - June 11
• Updates on airport imrovements
• Boundary adjustments planned between Los Alamitos-Long Beach- Seal Beach
• Adopted revenue sources for 2010

Just look to the right column and the documents are available for reading or downloading.

Crime Stats and Police Staffing Levels

Dear readers,

To the right of the post are two documents that are a must read: The quarterly crime stats for the City of Long Beach which I requested in the Public Safety Committee. While the stats show downward trends in adult crimes -- god help the women and kids in our community who are being abused in higher numbers. Those figures are up.

The second document is a memo from the new Chief of Police about staffing levels for police and his assessment about a police academy. Once again, in polite terms, the council is told to pound sand about having a recruitment academy this budget year -- even though the council directed management to find out how to fund it. (I think we directed management three times on this one.)

The City cut Park Rangers despite having an enormous amount of park area. Something has to be done about increasing police presence -- especially in the parks.

You're Invited to Help Us With Ideas to Reduce the City Deficit

The City of Long Beach takes pride in the open and transparent manner in which the City's budget is presented and discussed during the annual budget adoption process. A critical element of this process is the active inclusion of the community in discussion about the City's challenges, priorities and opportunities to become a more fiscally sustainable city.


At the request of Councilmember Gerrie Schipske, and as part of the community engagement effort for the Fiscal Year 2011 (FY 11) budget development, the Department of Financial Management is inviting you and the public to join a live webconference hosted by ICMA and the City of Evanston, IL, in the Long Beach City Council Chambers on June 10, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Webconferences are opportunities for communities throughout the United States to come together to learn about best practices ask questions and share information with each other regarding their budget challenges via the Internet.

The webconference is entitled "Engaging Citizens to Cut Budgets: How One City Cut $9.5 Million from the Budget in Just Two Months." The public is invited to join City staff for this 90-minute interactive webconference in which they will hear how the City of Evanston, IL, implemented a process to set priorities and eliminate their nearly $10 million budget deficit. Expert presenters will share how the citizen engagement process helped maintain civility, created a continuing dialogue, and limited the amount of special interest lobbying at the final City Council budget meetings. Topics covered will also include:

 

 Benefits of engaging citizens in the budget process;

• Strategies and tips to create a successful citizen engagement experience;
• How to make the experience authentic for citizens; and  
• Tools and activities to support and encourage this process.

Those in attendance will then have an opportunity to ask the speakers questions directly during the Question/Answer session in the last 30 minutes.

 

Lakewood Village Is Getting Gas Lines Fixed

Residents of Lakewood Village are noticing that several streets are being worked on and steel plates left for a while. That's because the Long Beach Gas and Oil Department is currently replacing old gas lines below the street.

If you look to the right of this posting you can read the schedule for Lakewood Village.

Meeting at Pan Am Park Produces Good Ideas

Approximately 50 residents living around Pan Am Park in the northside of the 5th District attended a community meeting this morning that I organized to discuss what occurred on Memorial Day at the park.

To discuss the incident, I requested Chief of Police Jim McDonnell and Parks and Recreation Director Phil Hester attend. The Chief and Mr. Hester also brought key staff who are involved in the 5th Council District. City Manager Pat West also attended -- indicating that the city was taking this incident very seriously.

The following was discussed:

• A large family from Compton held its annual bbq at Pan Am park on Memorial Day. This group has done so for about 18 years without incident.
  
• The family did not obtain a permit from the Recreation Dept -- which is required for all groups over 25.
• A call for service came into the police about an hour before the shooting with a complaint about loud noise. The officer responded and told the group to turn the music down.
• Residents asked why the officer did not alert anyone that the group appeared to be in gang clothing, drinking beer, parking cars on the grass.
  
• An hour later a call for police came in about shots being fired in Pan Am.
• Police responded and the shooter escaped.
• The neighborhood wants to know what will be done to make sure this won't happen again on holidays.
• The police stressed that members of the family group are cooperating with the police.
• The Chief also stressed that the park is safe and this was an isolated incident of someone with gang affiliation coming to a family event and getting into a fight.
  
• The City does not fund park rangers for Pan Am park -- rangers are only in El Dorado Park.
• Residents were encouraged to join Neighborhood Watch and to call Police or Park Watch if they see suspicious activity.
• Residents were also encouraged to provide emails so that Councilwoman Schipske can send alerts.
• It was suggested by residents that permit process be tightened up and that Parks and Rec work with Police to alert them when a group of 25 or more obtains a permit.

As a result of the meeting, I am doing the following:

• Introducing a council agenda item that requests the permitting process be examined and that public safety safeguards be included such as requiring notice of the Police by the Parks and Rec department whenever a permit is issued to a group of 25 or more.
• Adding a public safety fee to the permit that will help fund park rangers or a park patrol that can patrol parks and alert the police when there is a problem.
• Request that signs be posted reminding that a permit is needed and that violators will be fined and not allowed to use the park for a year. Also need to post signs that alcohol is not permitted.
  
• Ask the City Prosecutor whether or not the family who used the park without a permit can be cited and fined for the costs of clean up and police services.
• Assigning my council staff to check out 5th District parks on holidays and to alert police and parks if necessary.
  

Google Goofs and Steals Clark Avenue From Long Beach

As I work on the historical elements of Rosie the Riveter Park at Conant and Clark Avenue, I refer to Google Maps often, I was very pleased to see that on some Google Maps, Rosie the Riveter Park and Interpretive Center is noted at that location.

What I am very upset to find is that Google has stolen Clark Avenue from Long Beach and renamed it "Columbia Way." Perhaps they confused us with Downey which did rename a portion of Clark Avenue in their city after the Columbia space craft which was built there -- but hey, unless someone slipped it in the wetlands swap, I do no recall the City of Long Beach agreeing to wipe Clark Avenue off the map..so to speak. 

I will ask the City Council to approve a request that Google correct its maps of Long Beach and give us Clark Avenue back.

So in our excitement to be Googlized as a City -- maybe we need to first work with Google keeping what belongs to Long Beach in Long Beach.

Check out OCTA's plans to shut down and fix 7th Street and 22 and 605 Fwys

As a follow up to the community meeting I held a few months ago, I have posted the updated plans of the Orange County Transit Authority (OCTA) (to the right of this posting) to close and fix 7th Street and parts of the 22 and 605 Fwys.

This will obviously disrupt the Long Beach area greatly but apparently we have no choice because without the reconstruction of ramps, this particular area can no longer handle the traffic and car pools that travel there.

A great deal of re-routing traffic through Long Beach -- mostly in the 4th and 5th Districts -- will be painful for a year or so. That's why you might see detour signs already up on Palo Verde -- trying to condition to drivers that this is coming.

If I learn anything else, I will share it.

Information on Smash and Grabs in Ranchos

The following is a copy of an email provided to me and residents of the Rancho's area of the 5th District concerning recent "Smash and Grabs" -- when someone sees valuables in your car and then smashes your window and grabs the goods and goes.

Smash and Grabs in both RD's 665 & 685.  Here is a general breakdown:  
There has been a total of 16 reported incidents that occurred between January 1, 2010 and June 3, 2010.  
January - 4     (3 occurred in the same evening)  
February - 6  (All occurred in the same evening)  
March - 2  
April - 3  (2 occurred in the same evening)  
May - 1

In all cases, the loss was in plain view inside of the vehicle.  
The losses include:  
       GPS (4)  
       Briefcases/Backpacks (4)          
       Ipod/Cellphone (3)  
       Laptops (2)  
       Other Miscellaneous items  (2)  
       No loss (1)  
Approximately 1/4 of the vehicles were parked in the driveway, the others were parked on the street in front of the residence.  

We do see this type of activity throughout the city, but  I think the most important thing to tell residents is..... Do not leave anything of value inside their vehicle.  If they see something suspicious, they need to contact dispatch immediately.   There is no real secret to preventing this type of crime, other than hardening the target.  Make sure there is nothing in your vehicle of value, make sure your vehicle is locked and the alarm is set,  increase residential lighting and use motion detector lights, make sure that front yard foliage does not obstruct the view of the street, park as close to your home as possible, and leave your porch light on at night.

Meeting Scheduled for 10 am at Pan Am Park Gym on Sat June 5th

A community meeting has been scheduled for Saturday, June 5th at 10 am in the Pan Am Park gym to discuss the recent shooting that occurred over the Memorial Day weekend in Pan Am Park.

Representatives of the Long Beach Police Department and the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department will be on hand to answer questions.

I encourage residents to come to this meeting -- as there seems to be a bit of misinformation being circulated about what happened and who was responsible.

This was a family bbq (with music, bouncing pads for kids, games, etc.) that has been held in Pan Am park for over 20 years. The family and relatives live in Compton. Apparently some of the younger members of the family brought "friends" and a fight broke out. Someone pulled a weapon and shot a person.

Community Meeting on Pan Am Shooting Being Scheduled

My staff and I are working on setting up a community meeting at Pan Am park on Saturday, June 5. The exact time is being worked out.

In attendance will be the Long Beach Police Department and Parks and Recreation Department.

We will discuss what happened over the Memorial Day weekend at the park and what can be done to make sure it doesn't happen again.

My office will send out a email and hand walk a flyer in the neighborhood to let everyone know the details.

Shooting in Pan Am Park today

LBPD contacted me today to tell me of a shooting in Pan Am park which is at the top of my district adjacent to Lakewood.

"Officers found a male adult and female adult victim with non-life threatening gun shot wounds. There was a large party in park and shooting erupted. This appears to be an isolated incident. Detectives are onscene investigating the incident."

I will get additional information tomorrow at Council, however, I feel it is critical that we review the staffing of Parking Rangers in all of our parks especially during holidays.

City Manager's Weekly Newsletter - 5-28-10

Friday Newsletter 05-28-10

President Obama's Memorial Address on Video

Hawaiian Gardens Moving Forward --With Improvements to the Long Beach side

Ok. So we weren't happy to learn several months ago that the City of Hawaiian Gardens wanted to extend 226th Street all the way through to Pioneer Blvd., on their side behind El Dorado Park Estates.

After walking the area and distributing a flyer door to door about the issue, I held a community meeting with El Dorado Park Estates residents about what was being proposed. Most were concerned that too many people were driving into the Long Beach side now and that this would increase traffic flow.

At my request, our Traffic Engineer conducted a study to see how many people actually came into Long Beach and how many went out of Long Beach via Pioneer Blvd. The results were startling: traffic flows in an out at a 50-50 rate. People living in Long Beach use Pioneer Blvd., to access the freeway and the Town Center.

Nevertheless, the City of Long Beach formally expressed its concern to the City of Hawaiian Gardens about their plans -- knowing full well that legally one city cannot tell another city what to do within their own boundaries. In turn, the City of Hawaiian Gardens offered to provide infrastructure improvements on their side and our side so that the extension of 226th to Pioneer (on Hawaiian Gardens side but just steps from Long Beach) could look presentable.

Accordingly, I released the following statement today:

     As a follow-up to the June 2009 meeting regarding the City of Hawaiian Gardens proposal to extend 226th  Street through to Pioneer Ave., the City of Hawaiian Gardens has decided to move forward.  Construction has recently begun on the project.  Even though the City of Long Beach has no authority to halt the project, Councilwoman Schipske and City Management were able to negotiate some accommodations for El Dorado Park Estates.  Below are the components of the beautification project:

      1) Installment of a new decorative “Welcome to Long Beach” sign at the intersection of Pioneer Ave. and 226th  St. on the west side of the street.

      2) The tree will be removed to accommodate the construction of the ADA approved sidewalk and curb cut.  The parkway tree to the south, that is causing the sidewalk to buckle, is also to be removed and replaced.  The parkway trees will be replaced  from the City of Long Beach’s approved list of trees.
    
    3) Crosswalks and STOP signs will be installed to meet the requirements of the reconfigured intersection.

    A traffic study was performed which indicated that traffic in and out of El Dorado Park Estates from Pioneer Ave. on to Ring St. is approximately equal in both directions.  The beautification project will enhance the entrance in to El Dorado Park Estates.  The City of Hawaiian Gardens has cooperated with the City of Long Beach to do this work within our borders.  Again, the City of Long Beach has no jurisdiction or ability to prevent the City of Hawaiian Gardens from conducting work within their own borders.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Office of Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske at 562-570-6932.

Now that you are 18 -- A Survival Guide

Another valuable guide from the California Bar Association is the Survival Guide For Teenagers When You Become 18. (posted to the right) I give these out to high school seniors. Feel free to download and give one to someone you is turning that magical age.


This guide provides the following greeting:

"Congratulations. At age 18, you’ve reached an important milestone. You are now an adult in the eyes of the law. You can rent your own apartment, take charge of your finances and even buy a car on your own — all without a parent’s consent or assistance.You can now enter into legal contracts and vote in elections. In short, you now have the right to make many important decisions about where you live, what you do and how you shape your future. But adulthood also brings new responsibilities and consequences. Your parents no longer have to support you. You can now
be sued personally. You are responsible for paying your own income taxes. If you are a young man, you must register for the military. And if you commit a crime, you will not have the protection of the juvenile court and laws; you could wind up in jail
for something that, at a younger age, might have resulted in no more than a stern lecture and a ride home in a police car.This guide touches on some of the laws that may apply to you at this turning point. Keep in mind that laws are constantly subject to change. If you have a specific legal problem, you may want to consult an attorney."

City Council Gets Copy of Wetlands Agreement After Journalist Does Public Records Request

How very shameful for local government that the City Council was asked to approve a multi million dollar real estate transaction last night without being given a copy of the Real Estate Transaction.

Sitting at Council last night, I went on line and found that a local journalist -- Bill Pearl -- who publishes www.lbreport.com made a public records request of the City and received the full real estate transaction between the City and LCW a limited liability corporation for millions and millions of dollars in City land and property owned by LCW south of Second Street.

No one had any explanation as to why the document was not included in the council agenda or made public to anyone else.

I read a portion out loud during "debate" which indicated that the City had agreed it could not go on the property it was receiving to determine how much of it really, really is "wetlands" -- that "priceless" land for which the owner is receiving valuable industrial property owned by the City in exchange.

Some councilmembers cheerleading for this land swap for the past 18 plus months declared that "if you love the wetlands then you'll vote for this deal." 

Well, I would say what was more appropriate on the same night we discussed a growing multi million dollar deficit: "If you really love the taxpayers of this city, then you won't vote to give away city land and you would have demanded that the city found out what it was taking before it agreed to the deal."

Talk certainly is cheap around here. Wait, I smell a development coming at 2nd and PCH.

Local Employer Announces Mass Layoff

The federal government requires an employer who is planning a mass layoff that the local government needs to be informed under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification ("WARN") Act.

Del Monte Foods, located at Terminal Island, a portion of which is owned by the City of Long Beach, has announced that it is laying off over 221 people between July 30 and September 26. This is a considerable amount of jobs and they reflect all levels of salary.

Long Beach is facing serious unemployment and these layoffs is one more sign that tough times are ahead for many people.

Long Beach Supports The Restitution for Local Government Act

The City of Long Beach has expressed its strong support of HR 5125, a proposed federal law -- the Restitution for Local Government Act of 2010. This piece of legislation will amend the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 to establish a fund to be used to make local governments whole for losses incurred from the Lehman Brothers Holding, Inc., bankruptcy on September 15, 2008.

Over 40 municipalities across the country had invested $1.3 billion of operating funds in highly rated Lehman commercial paper. The City of Long Beach had invested nearly $20 million of investment pool funds in Lehman. Long Beach had no way to recoup what was presented as secure commercial paper investments.

This legislalation proposes to redirect profits made by the US Treasury from repaid TARP funds to Long Beach and other local governments suffering from Lehman's collapse.

Alan Patalano Named Fired Chief

Deputy Chief Alan Patalano has been selected as the new Fire Chief for the City of Long Beach. He has served over 25 years in fire service and over 26 years as a licensed paramedic. He specifically has worked for the City of Long Beach for over 20 years and during his tenure he has served as a Firefighter and Deputy Fire Chief. He also served as a firefighter with the City of Escondido.

He has served as a Deputy Chief of the City of Long Beach for the past eight years and was most recently assigned as the Coordinator of the Department's Training Division, EMS Education and Quality Improvement Division and Fire Communications.

City Manager's Weekly Newsletter

See posting to right for the latest City Manager newsletter. Letting you know what I know.

Only Civic Leader to Attend Ordination of Two Women Bishops at LB Convention Center

Diane Bruce and Mary Glasspool before being ordained as bishops in Episcopal Church yesterday.

I had the pleasure of being the only civic leader to attend the ordination yesterday of two women bishops at the Long Beach Convention Center.

I received the invitation last month and decided that it would be a historical event, especially considering that Mary Glasspool is the first openly lesbian priest to be made bishop in the Episcopal Church in the US.

When I arrived with my partner, Flo, who was raised Episcopalian (as were our three kids), we were greeted with vile protesters who verbally attempted to assault everyone in line and then later tried to disrupt the ceremonies inside.

Other Bishops lay hands on Mary Glasspool as she is ordained as Bishop for LA Diocese.

Because I am a civic leader I was invited to walk in the processional that preceded the entry of the bishops and bishops to be.

My how the church has changed. The ceremony was multi cultural and the 7000 plus people in attendance were of every color and sexual orientation.

I am glad that I attended this event. It was positive and uplifting.
PS The church leaders had nothing but praise for the LB Convention Center and its staff. Many commented how great the downtown looked and how ironic it was that at the same time as the new bishops were being ordained, the Gay Pride Festival could be heard outside.

CHP Pursues Bank Robbers -- 405 closed --Millikan and Cubberly on Lockdown

Earlier today - Thursday, May 13 -- a bank robbery occurred in South Orange County. California Highway Patrol (CHP) ended up pursuing what they believe to be the suspect vehicles. The suspect vehicle exited the 405 at Woodruff Avenue where the CHP was involved in an Officer Involved shooting. The 405 was immediately closed. Millikan High school and Cubberly Elementary school were placed on lock down. Reverse 9-1-1- calls were made by the LBPD to surrounding residents.

CHP believes the suspect fled in the general area. The Long Beach Police Department was called to assist and is currently providing multiple resources including SWAT.

If anyone has information, please call 9-1-1. The LBPD is working with the CHP and the FBI on this case.

The 405 has been re-opened as of 2:00 pm, however, the suspect is still at large.

Community Baby Shower -- Get a Chance to Win Tickets to See New BABIES Documentary

It's that time again for the Community Baby Shower. My annual effort to get basic going home newborn kits for low income mothers to use after they give birth in our local hospitals.
The newborn kits are used also as incentives by our Public Health Nurses to encourage moms to complete education classes.

The community is asked to donate the following new items which will be placed into bags so that the Public Health Nurses can use them in their classes:

• Diapers, baby wipes, bibs, onesies and blankets. No bottles as nurses want to encourage breastfeeding.

Drop off your donated items Monday - Friday, 9am - 5 pm by Wednesday, May 19th at the Fifth District Neighborhood Office: 2760 Studebaker Road, Long Beach; or make a contribution (tax deductible) to Long Beach Cares, 2525 Grand Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90815.

If you bring new items to the "baby shower" on May 20th where we stuff the items in the bags and enjoy baby shower cake, you will receive a chance for tickets to see the wonderful new documentary: "BABIES" which is playing at UA Marketplace on Second and PCH. (You can check out the movie trailer in the prior posting.)

The Baby Shower will be at the City of Long Beach Health and Human Services Department, 2525 Grand Avenue (off Willow).

For further information: 562 570-6932.

The Baby Shower

A Must See -- Babies -- A Documentary

Schipske Calls on LBPOST To Remove City Employee Names

Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske today called upon the LBPOST blog to remove the names of individual City employees which they have posted on-line with the employees' job titles and salaries. She has also asked the City Manager to explain how this information was released and why the City Council nor the employees associations representing employees were notified that this information would be placed on-line.

Schipske believes the same "purpose" of the postings could have been accomplished by listing the job titles and the salaries.

"I am a strong proponent of transparency in government but it is not necessary to expose the names of city employees when disclosing what each job is paid. The job titles and salaries would have been sufficient," says Schipske. "Additionally, I understand that many of the salaries posted are not even correct nor were the furloughs (loss of pay) reflected in the postings."

Arts and Services for the Disabled Opens Exhibit May 21st

Arts & Services for the Disabled announce the opening of the Touch group exhibit --a multi-sensory sculture, painting and interactive work by artists with disabilities --on Friday May 21 at 6-8pm.

The exhibit continues through August 19th. Gallery hours are: M-F 9 am - 3 pm. The Deneff Gallery is located at 3962 Studebaker Road, #206, Long Beach in the 5th Council District.

Frontier Airlines -- Service Launch at Long Beach Airport; City Implements Sound Insulation Improvements

Frontier Airlines Starts Services:

The Long Beach Airport is pleased ot announce the launch of service by Frontier Airlines. Frontier will be operating two daily non-stop flights to Denver, Colorado, with the inaugural flight scheduled to arrive at 10 am on Friday, May 14. The first departure is slated for 11 am the same day.

QuieterHome Program:

The City Council just approved the construction and inspection of the Pilot Phase of the Long Beach Airport Quieter Home Program. This program will provide sound mitigation elements that possess the acoustic performance properties required to achieve the minimum 5dB Noise Level Reduction goal and an interior Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL) goal for homes within the 65 CNEL. There are 27 identified interested homeowners eligible for the program. The funds were obtained from the Passenger Facility Charges -- airport funds.

El Dorado Nature Center Offers Trail Stewards Training for Volunteers

May 15 and 22
Is walking in nature your passion? Do you love the outdoors and want to lend a hand while hiking at the Nature Center? Then consider joining the Trail Stewards volunteer program at El Dorado Nature Center. The Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine is offering you an opportunity to share with visitors information about the wonderful history and wildlife that make El Dorado Nature Center a treasure in Long Beach. The Nature Center offers a two-session training program to help you become a Trail Steward.

The training classes meet on Saturday, May 15 and 22 from 9 am until noon at the Nature Center, located at 7550 E. Spring. Call 562 570-4885 for further information.

City Manager News

See the posting on the side. It's the latest weekly newsletter from City Manager Pat West. Check it out and find information on:

• California Redevelopment Association (CRA) Lawsuit -- the State is stealing our redevelopment money ($36 million dollars) and we are suing.
• KROC Center -- Salvation Army is pulling out of its commitment to Long Beach for this community center.
• Bike Fest -- in the continuing effort to make Long Beach a very Bike Friendly City -- last week was Bike Fest.
• Belmont Pier Work -- building a new bus stop for the Belmont Pier.
• LBGO Customers -- natural gas customers of the City have now experienced 12 consecutive months of gas bills lower than similarly sized residential customers anywhere else in So. Cal.
• LBPD Commander Gary Morrison -- going off to become Chief of Police for Carlsbad.

President Obama Recognizes Families Come in All Forms

Happy Mother's Day.

Posted to the right is President Obama's Mother's Day Proclamation. Please note that for the first time in history, a President is acknowledging that "nurturing families come in many forms, and children may be raised by two parents, a single mother, two mothers, a step-mom, a grandmother, or a guardian."

As one of two moms who raised 3 wonderful children, it's nice to be acknowledged by the President of the United States.

First Planning Meeting on TEDXLongBeach

A few weeks ago, I authored a council agenda item that requested the City Manager to apply for a license (free of charge) to host a TED-XLongBeach.

Last week, I hosted the first planning committee meeting at City Hall. About 20 attended and what is amazing is that many had already started to take ownership at making this a fantastic event. A facebook page: TedxLongBeach had been set up as well as a website:www.tedxlongbeach.com.

We are currently working on a venue in November of this year -- Center Theater near the Terrace Theater or CSULB Carpenter Center.

If you are interested in participating, please contact my council office and speak with Josh Butler at: 562 570-6932.

Also check out the links to other TEDX events hosted by cities.
TED and TEDX Events

Apparently TESLA is Ready to Announce...Again

Received a call from local media about the following AP story you can read on the link
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hWGBbOTfyCb0GmbZu6NLiE7ZKBNgD9FI79H00

indicating TESLA Motors is just days away from announcing which location it has chosen -- Downey or Long Beach. The reporter asked for a comment -- I gave none because this is probably the 10th time an article like this has appeared and nothing happens. And on the off chance the City of Long Beach is still in the running, I don't want to say anything.

However, should the City of Long Beach lose out to the tiny city of Downey, then I hope I won't be the only person called to discuss what happened. Let's see if the front page of the local press is filled with a story about "what went wrong" -- just like was recently done about the loss of the Kroc Center funding.

Schipske's Assignments on California Medical Board

In 2007, I was appointed a "public" (non-physician) member to the California Medical Board by the Senate Rules Committee. I am currently the only Registered Nurse Practitioner on a state medical board in the United States. The other 14 members are appointed by the Governor and the Speaker of the Assembly.

We meet quarterly but receive numerous cases on-line which we must review and vote upon. These cases involve the appropriate discipline for physicians who have violated the law regarding their licensure.

In addition to the general Medical Board work, I have also been appointed to the following committees:

• Access to Care
• Education
• Enforcement
• Licensing
• Application Review
• Advisory Committee on Physician Responsibility in the Supervision of Affiliated Health Care Professionals

For the first time in the history of the California Medical Board, it will hold its quarterly meeting in Long Beach this coming November. I have arranged that the meeting will be held at the new Miller Children's Medical Center. This will be a great opportunity to show off Long Beach to this important state regulatory body.

Pretty difficult to be told you may kill one of the top 10 sales tax producers

Whether I believe it or not, being shown figures that indicate that Worthington Ford is one of the top 10 generators of sales taxes for Long Beach, made it near impossible to vote against approving a federal loan of $600,000 for retaining the dealership here in Long Beach.

I am appalled that Ford would offer Worthington a considerable amount of money to leave Long Beach especially since Ford shares about 28% of the sales tax generated at the shopping center where Worthington is located. But losing this tax generator for any reason would be catastrophic for the city.

It now remains to be seen if HUD will approve the $400,000 not available currently. Should that not happen it will be interesting to see if Worthington will remain without the additional $400,000 considering that Ford offered him close to $2million to move.

You can sign up for emergency contact by City of Long Beach

The City of Long Beach has in place an emergency contact system or what is also known as "reverse 9-1-1" which can be used for the City to contact residents to inform them of an emergency.

If you click on this link you will be given a sign up sheet for this service. Please note that the City will not use your information for any other purpose but for emergencies.

Show Me the CDBG Application Before You Give the Money

Let me get the requisite phrase out of the way: "I am business friendly. I want business to grow and flourish in Long Beach." Ok.

Now that the wheels have been greased in the local media (except for LA Times which did a feature a week ago indicating that Worthington Ford grossed $600 million in 2002 and did so well last year that they want to buy another dealership) for the Council to vote to approve a $600,000 loan (most likely forgiveable... which I cannot find is permissible under federal law) to retain 116 jobs (only 20 of which are Long Beach residents) at the current dealership, I ask you: what self respecting legislator would approve this deal without reading the CDBG requirements for job retention loans?

For your reading pleasure, I am posting an excerpt from the requirements that show a number of formulaes required before these funds can be used for job retention -- not least of these is the requirement that the local government pledge non-CDBG funds as well.

I haven't seen the loan application, nor calculation of the formulaes which would ok the loan, nor the financial information of the recipient which is required by law, nor where the City is getting non-CDBG monies to help this project. But maybe all of that will be cleared up before this deal is voted on by the City Council. Ooops. The vote is scheduled for tomorrow.

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.

TESLA to Go to Downey Afterall -- Still Waiting to Hear What Goes in at Boeing

Well, it is almost official, TESLA Motors will announce in the next several weeks that it will locate to Downey to build its cars under a $465 million grant received from the government.

For full details: Click here for story

I am still waiting to hear what business will locate to the Boeing property at Lakewood and Carson.

Puzzled Why City Being Asked to Help Car Dealer Who Grossed $600 Million in 2002

Dear Readers,

Either the LA Times Business Section got it wrong last Sunday (http://articles.latimes.com/2010/apr/24/business/la-fi-himi-worthington-20100424), or I have to figure out how to gross $600 million and still get a government loan.

That's what the article said about Cal Worthington who in 2002 grossed $600 million from his car dealerships. The article also stated that he is doing so well that he is looking to buy another dealership yet he is asking the City of Long Beach to come up with $600,000 in federal funds to keep him here.

I've posted the "analysis" that was just done (ink really isn't even dry) to bolster why the City Council should rush to get the money to Mr. Worthington.

Let's analyze what's going on:

• City management gets a frantic call from the grandson of Cal Worthington that Ford Motor Co (who received a giant federal credit extension) has made a lucrative offer to pack up and relocate Cal Worthington to Orange County. I get calls telling me the City needs to do this or we will lose Worthington to the Ford deal.
• City management is asked by Worthington to come up with a financial package that will compete with Ford or else Worthington will take the Ford offer. (When it was first explained to me the offer was $2 million. I have yet to see anything in writing from Ford about any type of offer. Oh, yeah. And why would Worthington take $600,000 instead of $2 million?)
• City staff puts a loan of $250,000 on the council agenda and then pulls the item.
• City staff puts a loan of $600,000 on the council agenda.
• The funds are federal CDBG funds that normally can only be used in a blighted area -- the 5th is not blighted so while I cannot get funds to fix streets or medians with these funds, they can be used to "retain jobs."
• So I ask, how many people does Cal employ? Answer: 116 -- but only 18% of these jobs (or 20) are actually Long Beach residents.
• Why does he need the money? Doesn't really need it, but he'd like to expand onto the old Chevy dealership property.
• Will he have to pay the $600,000 back --seeing how the City just gave him $200,000 in 2008 ? I can't seem to get a final answer on that one.
• What are we getting as collateral for this loan? The City of Bellflower took an interest in the Don Ellis Ford dealership when it gave Ellis a $600,000 loan --and it required an outside audit of the Ellis financial accounts to see why he needed the money. Why aren't we requiring an audit?
• So why can't we tie this loan to performance? For every Long Beach resident Worthington employs, he gets to keep a portion of the loan?

So here it is folks, in the course of 2 years, the City of Long Beach is proposing to give $800,000 in loans to a car dealer that grossed $600 million in 2002 and lord knows how much since then? You know, you gotta believe in Santa Claus.

Take a Look at Proposed Long Beach Airport Terminal Modernization Plan

If you click on this link you will be able to see the animated plan for modernizing the Long Beach Airport Terminal. It really is cool.

City Council Gets Briefing on Pension Systems and Financial Obligations

The City Council had a study session yesterday to discuss the status of the employee pension systems and the financial obligations of maintaining these systems. I have posted a copy of the presentation on the blog which readers can download for their own review.

There are some basic facts that everyone needs to keep in mind:

• Pensions are legally binding contracts between the employee associations and the city and cannot be changed without agreements from both sides. Kinda like a contract to buy a car. The dealer cannot suddenly change the terms and conditions of the contract or the dealer can be sued for breach of contract.
• Pension obligations are outgrowing the city's revenues. Unless the city figures out a way to reduce these obligations or to increase revenue to pay for them we will continue to cut services in order to balance the budget. (A balanced budget is required by law.)
• Increased pensions were given several years ago instead of salary increases.
• The average pension given to a public safety employee is $48,000 a year.
• The average pension given to a non-public safety employee is $21,000 a year.
• Both pensions are given after 25-30 years of service.

The City Council gave direction to city management to begin talking with all the employee associations about how we can reduce our current deficit -- including discussing options to reform pensions.

Wetlands Swap Back on Council Agenda -- In Closed Session

Sadly, just a week after the election, the City Council is considering going forth on closing escrow of the land swap -- misleadingly titled: Wetlands Swap -- now that EPA has verified that the PCB contamination has been remediated.

But here's the facts:

• The owner of the land will not reveal how much of the 33 acres are wetlands nor will let the City do a survey of the land to determine what it is taking.
• The owner gets to keep the real value of the property -- the oil rights.
• The owner also gets the City's public service yard --valuable industrial property which he intends on converting into a truck depot which will add to pollution in that neighborhood.
• The city will have to pay to relocate from the the public service yard @ $500,000 or so.
• The city has no business swapping this land for city land that could be sold.
• The city has received not one assurance from the state or any environmental group that they will purchase the 33 acres from the city -- so why is the city acting as a straw man in this real estate transaction?

Remember folks, the city council was told over a year ago this was a now or never deal. Really? Who else in their right mind in this type of economy is going to take property it may not be able to sell in the future? Who else in their right mind is going to give away prime industrial property? Who in their right mind is going to close a deal without being able to determine before the deal is closed how much real wetlands they are acquiring?

Watch out -- Coyotes Are Back -- It is Pupping Season

www.lbreport.com does a great job reporting today about the latest warning concerning coyotes in east Long Beach: http://www.lbreport.com/news/apr10/wildwat.htm

Coyotes have their pups around March and then start bringing them out for food and water. Pet food and unfortunately small pets are a magnet. The State Fish and Game does not allow the killing of coyotes. Because of the nature center and the river beds, east Long Beach will continue having coyotes.

The City of Long Beach Animal Services is tracking sightings of coyotes and is working closely with Fish and Game to determine if anything else can be done.

Billie Jean King Tells ESPN Audience and Sports World -- "It Was the City of Long Beach That Made My Career Possible"

Super star, feminist, athlete, gay rights activist, Bill Jean King, told a packed audience underneath the tarp at Recreation Park that it was the free public recreation programs and the teachers of the Long Beach Unified School district that taught her to play tennis and helped give her the confidence she needed to become the #1 woman tennis player in the 1960's - 1970's.

Last night, ESPN filmed a 90 minute "Homecoming" with Rick Reilly featuring King who worked her way from local tennis matches to 39 wins at Wimbledon. Over and over again, King told the audience that if it wasn't for the free public tennis lessons she received through City of Long Beach at Houghton Park and the encouragement she was given to pursue tennis from teachers at Los Cerritos Elementary and Poly High School, she wouldn't have been successful because her parents could not afford the sport.

The taping was done on the courts of the Billie Jean King Tennis area and was open to the public. Several other famous women tennis stars attended to give their perspective on how important King's work has been to open up sports for girls and women.

I was fortunate to have time last night to attend with my Neighborhood Liaison, Tiffany Andrews -- who know thinks I am ancient because I remembered everything King said about the 1960's and the 1970's! Sitting next to me was Drew Satariano, member of the City's Parks, Recreation and Marine Commission. Third District Councilmember Gary DeLong was also in the crowd.

The show will air on ESPN on July 3rd. It is a wonderful tribute to this athlete who changed sports forever and a great commercial for the City of Long Beach...or the way Long Beach used to be before budget cuts

Great Coverage on Solar Grand Prix

The 1st Annual Solar Grand Prix held last Saturday, April 10 was a winner and is receiving some very positive press locally and in the "trade" publications.

Not only did it make front page, above the fold as they say in the news, on the Sunday Press Telegram, but check out the following links:

http://www.562citylife.com/profiles/blogs/solar-car-grand-prix-and
http://www.getsolar.com/blog/long-beach-solar-grand-prix-showcases-creativity-solar-cars-from-soda-bottles/5653/

Thanks to all the corporate sponsors, the volunteers, the staff, the teachers, the parents and most of all the students who used their creativity to design very clever and in many cases, very fast, solar cars.

Also, thank you to Mayor Bob Foster who helped kick off the event with remarks and a visit in his electric car.

Great day!