Update on Municipal Band Concerts

Click on the following link to read the latest on the funding for the summer Long Beach Municipal Band Concerts.

http://www.scribd.com/doc/97149798/Update-on-Municipal-Band-Concerts

Please note that as we begin deliberating for next year's budget that funding for the Municipal Band may not be available.

FYI -- a little historical note. The first city band was formed by Dr. W.L. Cuthbert, a former assistant surgeon in the Civil War. He was also the city's first public health officer. He and his family played for local residents. Cuthbert played the horn and the drum. He is on the far left of the photograph dated 1901.

Book Signing at Bach Library June 16th at 12:30 pm to Benefit Friends of the Long Beach Public Libraries

Early Long Beach History To Be Presented At Ruth Bach Library Event

(LONG BEACH, CA; June 8, 2012) – Friends of the Long Beach Public Libraries has invited Fifth District Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske to discuss her recently published book, "Early Long Beach", at the Ruth Bach Public Library on Saturday, June 16th at 12:30 pm, located at 4055 N. Bellflower Blvd. Schipske will sign her book and donate 10% of the proceeds to the Friends of the Long Beach Public Library.
The Bath House and Board Walk, Long Beach, Ca. (1907)

The book is the third in Schipske's series about the history of the city that started out as part of the railroad backed American Colony tract in the late 1880's to become the center of oil production, shipping and aviation by the 1930's.

“The success of Long Beach today is in great part due to its early history and the efforts of its residents to make both education and libraries a priority," says Schipske, who is a native of Long Beach. In 1908, Long Beach erected a public library funded by Andrew Carnegie.

"Early Long Beach" chronicles the city's first 50 years from its early days as a "alcohol free" seaside resort and real estate development area to its recovery from a devastating earthquake that destroyed 90% of its school system.

"Along the way, Long Beach paved the way for the creation, development and advancement of some of the most essential industries the world relies on today. Our oceanfront provided a resort area, a landing strip for early aviators, a fishing industry, a port for shipbuilding and trade, and a location for the US navy to anchor its battle fleet in 1919 that led to a massive relocation of Navy and Army resources. In 1921, the discovery changed the city forever, bringing wealth and people. Few other cities can boast these important assets," reminds Schipske.

The Friends of The Long Beach Public Libraries, is a non-profit organization designed to replenish vital reading materials and support for summer reading programs for both children and adults. The organization has been instrumental in helping both the Ruth Bach and El Dorado Library branches replenish much needed books and materials. Through the Councilwoman's "Library Round Up" drive, each year , local businesses participate in rounding up spare change from their customers to donate to the libraries. The funds are given to Friends of the Long Beach Public Libraries which in turn donates them to the 5th District branch libraries for materials.

Councilwoman Schipske is also the author of two other books: Rosie the Riveter in Long Beach and Early Aviation in Long Beach, both of which capture the historical importance the city played in aviation and the participation of Long Beach women during World War II. They are published by Arcadia Publishing.

For more information regarding "Early Long Beach," please contact the Offices of Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske at 562-570-6932, or email district5@longbeach.gov

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Schipske Launches NEXTDOOR -- a Social Network for 5th District Residents

Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske Launches Nextdoor -- A Social Network for Neighborhoods
Nextdoor enables residents to communicate online in a secure website to build stronger communities

(LONG BEACH, CA; June 6, 2012) – As part of her advocacy of involving the residents of the Fifth Council District, Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske announced today the availability of Nextdoor (www.nextdoor.com), a secure social network for neighborhoods to foster neighbor-to-neighbor and citywide communication.

Starting now, residents within the Fifth Council District can use Nextdoor to create websites for their specific neighborhoods.  Enrollment enables individual residents to form relationships with their neighbors by asking questions and exchanging local advice and recommendations. Topics of discussion on Nextdoor are as varied as local events, school activities, babysitter recommendations, plumbing advice, disaster preparedness, recent crime activity, upcoming garage sales, or even lost pets.

 “I believe that when neighborhoods are more engaged, the city is stronger,” says Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske, who discovered Nextdoor when searching for a way to help connect the 11.5 square miles that comprise the Fifth Council District.

“Nextdoor will help create a tighter bond between the resident and the neighborhood in which he or she resides.  We will be able to utilize this network to make residents more aware of their neighborhood -- which is especially important should be ever face a disaster such as an earthquake."

Schipske says she was particularly excited to see the developers of Nextdoor interested in the very same things as she:

· "We are for neighbors.
· For neighborhood barbecues. For multi-family garage sales. For trick-or-treating.
· We're for slowing down, children at play.
· We're for sharing a common hedge and an awesome babysitter.
· We're for neighborhood watch. Emergency response. And for just keeping an eye
           out for a lost cat.
· We believe waving hello to the new neighbor says, “Welcome” better than any doormat.
· We believe technology is a powerful tool for making neighborhoods stronger, safer places
           to call home.
· We're all about online chats that lead to more clothesline chats.
· We believe fences are sometimes necessary, but online privacy is always necessary.
· We believe strong neighborhoods not only improve our property value, they improve
           each one of our lives.
· We believe that amazing things can happen by just talking with the people next door.
· We are Nextdoor. We are simply you and your neighbors, together."

Nextdoor has specific features which enable neighbors to communicate information with one another. All members must verify their address within the neighborhood. Information shared on Nextdoor is password-protected and cannot be accessed by those outside the neighborhood. Information entered will not show up on Google or any other search engine. In addition, Nextdoor never shares personal information with any third party. Unlike an email listserv or other online group, neighbor posts are organized and archived for future reference.

“I am really excited to be using Nextdoor to get to know more of my neighbors,” said Sarah Ireland, member of the El Dorado Park Estates Association.  “I hope it will make us more connected and an even better neighborhood.” El Dorado Park Estates currently has over 300 neighbors using Nextdoor today.

Any resident of the Fifth Council District interested in joining their Nextdoor’s neighborhood website can visit www.nextdoor.com and enter their address. "You don't have to be an organized neighborhood to set up a neighborhood website on Nextdoor," reminds Councilwoman Schipske.

 "If Nextdoor is available in a specific area of the Fifth Council District, you can immediately sign up. If a Nextdoor website has not yet been established for their area, active and engaged neighbors are invited to apply to bring Nextdoor to their neighborhood."

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Look What is Going on At Rosie the Riveter Park in Long Beach!

We Can Do It poster for Westinghouse, closely associated with Rosie the Riveter, although not a depiction of the cultural icon itself. Pictured Geraldine Doyle (1924-2010), at age 17. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)Take a look at this video showing how the Women in the Trades are honoring their own in Rosie the Riveter Park and Interpretive Center.We Can Do It!

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Recent Survey Shows Small Business Optimistic About Economy -- But Not Long Beach

The Walter Pyramid is a collegiate athletic facility located at Long Beach State University in Long Beach, California. It officially opened on November 30, 1994, and cost approximately $22 million to construct. It rises 18 stories high and measures 345 feet along each side of the base. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)There's good news and some bad about small business in Long Beach.

The good news is that in a survey of small businesses conducted by CSULB College of Business Administration, local small businesses are optimistic about the economy. In fact, 51% surveyed indicated they thought the local economy would get better.

But when asked if they would "start a news business in Long Beach today" only 36% responded they would. 44% responded they would start new business somewhere else; 21% responded they would not open a new business at all.

When asked what can be done to help their businesses, 63% responded that the local economy needs to improve; 61% responded that local business taxes needed to be reduced; 55% responded that regulations and bureaucracy needed to be streamlined; 46% needed more access to credit; and 34% needed incentives to hire more people.

This is a good report because it gives the City of Long Beach more information on what can be done to grow business and jobs in Long Beach. Again, that's why I have and am again proposing business tax relief and will be moving forward to hold "A Day without a Regulation" town hall to hear what specific regulations need to be changed.

Below is the report from CSULB on this survey.

LBSmallBusinessSurvey

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Schipske Proposes Business License Tax Relief for Independent Contractors Such as Real Estate Agents

1941 REALTOR ad #1 (Photo credit: NARinfocentral)

Schipske Proposes ‘Business License Tax Relief for Independent Contractors’ such as Real Estate Agents – Says City Has an Interest in Promoting Business

Long Beach, CA – June 1, 2012 – Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske is continuing her advocacy on behalf of Long Beach small businesses by introducing a council item that would provide business license tax relief for independent contractors during the coming Fiscal Year.

In her agenda item for the June 12 council meeting, Schipske points out that “the current economic market  remains depressed , particularly in real estate – which is partially due to the mortgage crisis and the number of homes now ‘underwater’ – making it extremely difficult for the independent contractor to survive.” 

Schipske also notes that the City of Long Beach requires independent contractors, such as real estate agents, to obtain a business license. “Real estate brokers under which these agents work must also pay for a separate business license. Both real estate agents and brokers also generate the ‘real estate property transfer tax’ which results in additional revenue to the City. There are a number of other types of independent contractors that are also struggling to stay in business as they deal with this difficult economy.”

Schipske adds that in 1991, the City Council enacted a 16% surcharge on business licenses for capital projects. “This surcharge apparently has been folded into the amount of the business licenses (although it still appears on licenses as a separate charge), and increases the amount of the business license tax to its current levels.”

Schipske reminds the Council that “the City of Long Beach has a legitimate interest in promoting business in the city. Frequently, the city provides rebates of sales taxes or other financial incentives to keep businesses located here. A waiver of either the business license tax and/or a backing out of the 16% surcharge on independent contractors for at least the next fiscal year would provide some relief to these businesses and signal the city’s support.”

Her agenda item, if passed, would request the City Manager to report to the City Council within 90 days on the feasibility of waiving the business license tax and/or the 16% surcharge being removed from business licenses for independent contractors for at least FY 2013.

Since taking office, Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske has pursued a number of efforts to assist small businesses, including a small business advisory committee; “primetime business” – which encourages City Council to showcase a local business once a month at council meetings; and a package of “business growth incentives” which she placed on the Council agenda last August. She is planning on urging her colleagues to hold a town hall: “A Day Without a Regulation” – to listen to the concerns from businesses on what can be done in the city to stimulate the local economy.

“Small business is the economic engine of our community and local government needs to do what it can to support and encourage it and to get out of the way when it needs to,” Schipske concludes.

LB Gets Bad News From State Department of Finance

The State Department of Finance today released two letters sent to Long Beach about the amounts claimed for administrative expenses to wind down and dispose of redevelopment assets and apparently is questioning what the City has determined as remaining obligations of redevelopment.

Here is the first of two letters posted today on the State Department of Finance website:
Long Beach ROPS May 21

Here is the second letter telling the City the state is disallowing almost $6 million for administrative expenses:
Long Beach May25 ROPS Approval Letter

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State Senate President pro Tempore Darrell Steinberg Announces Reappointment of Schipske to California Medical Board

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                                                      CONTACT: Mark Hedlund

May 23, 2012                                                                                                                   (916) 651-4006

                      Steinberg Announces Rules Appointments

(Sacramento) – State Senate President pro Tempore Darrell Steinberg is announcing the following appointments made by the Senate Rules Committee:

Clark Parker, PhD, a Democrat from Beverly Hills, has been appointed as a public member to the South Coast Air Quality Management District Board. Parker is president of View Park Estates Development, Inc.  and a member of the American Builders Association. His term on the board ends January 15, 2016.

The purpose of the board is to maintain ambient air quality standards regarding air pollution and to implement and enforce a comprehensive basinwide air quality management plan.

Carl Cranor, PhD, a Democrat from Riverside, has been appointed as a member with specified expertise to the California Environmental Contaminant Biomonitoring Program Scientific Guidance Panel. Cranor is professor of philosophy and a faculty member of the Environmental Toxicology Graduate Program at the University of California, Riverside. His term on the panel ends January 1, 2014.

Julia B. Quint, PhD, a Democrat from Berkeley, has been reappointed as a member with specified expertise on the California Environmental Contaminant Biomonitoring Program Scientific Guidance Panel. Quint is retired from the state Department of Health Services as chief and research scientist supervisor II of the Occupational Health Branch. Her term on the panel ends January 1, 2015.

The purpose of the panel is to provide scientific peer review and make recommendations regarding the design and implementation of the California Environmental Contaminant Biomonitoring Program to the Department of Public Health Services and the California Environmental Protection Agency.

Evelyn (Gerrie) Schipske, a Democrat from Long Beach, has been reappointed as a public member to the Medical Board of California. Schipske is a City Councilwoman for Long Beach, a member of the State Bar of California and the U.S. Supreme Court Bar, and a registered nurse practitioner. Her term on the board ends June 1, 2015.

The purpose of the board is to enforce disciplinary and criminal provisions of the Medical Practice Act; administer and hear disciplinary actions; carry out disciplinary actions made by a panel or an administrative law judge; suspend, revoke, or limit certificates after conclusion of disciplinary actions; review the quality of medical practice carried out by physician and surgeon certificate holders; approve undergraduate and graduate medical education programs; issue licenses and certificates; and administer the continuing medical education program.

Lois E. Starr, a Democrat from Hermosa Beach, has been appointed as a county representative to the Tax Credit Allocation Committee. Starr is housing development director for the Community Development Commission of Los Angeles County. This is a pleasure term.

The purpose of the authority is to administer the entitlement allocations process for qualified mortgage bonds under the federal Mortgage Subsidy Bond Tax Act of 1980, the mortgage credit certificates under the Tax Reform Act of 1984 and the federal low-income housing tax credits program under the Tax Reform Act of 1986.

                       

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Rounding Up Spare Change to Help the Libraries

City Council Meeting To Commemorate Completion of Library Round-Up Drive

LB Community Comes Together To Help Fifth District Public Libraries

(LONG BEACH, CA; May 22, 2012) – Today at 5 pm, at the City of Long Beach Council Chambers, Fifth District Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske will present to City Council the results from this year’s “Library Round Up” Drive. The agenda will specifically highlight the participation of local businesses within the 5^th District that contributed to the fundraising event.

“We are happy to announce that this year's Library Round Up has netted a total of $1,056.77, “said Councilwoman Schipske. “Local businesses have generously participated in placing Library Round Up “spare change” boxes at the front of their establishments, so that their patrons can donate money for the replenishment of much needed books and materials for both the El Dorado and Ruth Bach Libraries.”

Joining Councilwoman Schipske at the City Council meeting will be Jo Rae Zuckerman, President of the Friends of the Long Beach Public Libraries, who will receive the money on behalf of both the Ruth Bach and El Dorado Libraries.

“The Friends of the Long Beach Public Libraries deeply appreciates Councilwoman Schipske's continued support for Libraries in Long Beach”, says Zuckerman. “Her 3^rd annual Library Round-Up offers opportunities for district residents to make monetary donations at local businesses, and provides Bach & El Dorado Neighborhood libraries with some out-of-budget funds. Both of the head librarians, Miss Jennie Vaughn and Nancy Paradise, look forward to the benefits of this discretionary money each year.”

Friends of the Long Beach Public Libraries is a non-profit organization designed to replenish vital reading materials, and support for summer reading programs for both children and adults. Established in 1962, the organization is responsible for giving the collected monetary donations to the librarians at both the El Dorado and Ruth Bach libraries. Prior funds collected have enabled the branches to replenish a western paperback collection.

Throughout the last two months, Fifth Council District businesses have joined efforts to invite their customers to donate spare change in “Library Round-Up Boxes”.

This year’s campaign has seen a commitment of 12 businesses including Bodell’s Shoes, Cirivello’s Sports Bar, Curves on East Wardlow Road, Farmer’s Insurance, Fast Frame, Go Dogs Go, Kidz Head 2 Toe Resale Boutique, Once Read Books, El Dorado Restaurant, Poochie’s Bath House, Postal Annex and Apostrophe Books. As well, Library Round-Up boxes were also located at three library branches in Long Beach - El Dorado, Ruth Bach and the Dana Neighborhood Library.

Fifth District Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske, an advocate and tremendous supporter of public libraries, spearheaded the campaign back in 2007 to supplement the dwindling budget for books and materials for the El Dorado and Ruth Bach branches. As well, she continues to vote against budget cuts to the Public Library School system, and continues to come up with creative ways to involve the community to help in the preservation of the public library system.

Schipske Asks for Report on New Revenue for Fire Department -- Need to Restore Cuts

2 (Photo credit: stevelyon)

Schipske to Ask For Report on Newest Revenue Source for Fire Department : AB 678 --

New law provides millions for public agencies 

that operate ground emergency medical services

Long Beach, CA – May 21, 2012 – Concerned that budget cuts to the Long Beach Fire Department have resulted in slower response times, Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske is asking for a report from the city manager on whether or not the City has applied for new funding that could be used to restore cuts made to the department.

“AB 678 was passed last year and provides cities that operate ground emergency medical services a process to access new federal funds and subsequently receive supplemental Medi-Cal payments,” says Schipske. “Long Beach Fire Department transports many Medi-Cal recipients and should be able to receive several million.”

Schipske notes that AB 678 was signed into law in October 2011 and that cities were advised by the League of California Cities “to act quickly in order to receive the supplemental reimbursement.” The reimbursement mechanism provided through the State Department of Health Care Services was established last October, with the first round of reimbursements to be made as early as January 2012.

“Fire response times have been reduced because equipment and firefighters were removed from several stations due to budget cuts,” adds Schipske. “I am placing an item on the council agenda to discuss this new source of revenue and to request that it be used to restore some of the cuts made, especially for paramedic services.”

AB 678 was authored by Assemblyman Richard Pan, a physician from Northern California, and sponsored by the California Professional Firefighters (CPF), who report that ambulance transports have increased 13 percent from 1997 to 2006, and ambulance transports of Medi-Cal beneficiaries have increased 19 percent from 2006 to 2009.  CPF also points out that Medicare rates were reduced 10 percent in 2010, representing a reduction of $35 million statewide and straining fire department budgets even more.  

Schipske also points out that a legislative report found that current Medi-Cal rates do not cover the operating cost of a typical ambulance transport.  These unreimbursed costs are subsequently absorbed into a fire department's general fund and paid for by the taxpayers. “The sooner the City of Long Beach applies for these funds, the sooner we can begin restoring cuts to our fire services.”

#30

Open House at 5th District Fire Stations -- A Hit

Thank you to all who came out on Saturday to kick off National EMS Week and to visit the three fire stations in the 5th Council District. It was fun and very interesting. Kids got the biggest kick out of the tour as they got to sit inside trucks and paramedic units. A big thanks to the Long Beach Firefighters Association which provided hot dogs and chips.

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