Schipske Declares Candidacy for Long Beach Mayor

I am pleased to announce my candidacy for Mayor of Long Beach. I have set up a campaign website at: www.schipskeformayor.com. 

The 2014 election is an important chance for residents to help Long Beach become the best city it deserves to be. 

I welcome your support and questions and feed back. I am also asking that you share with me your ideas on how to make Long Beach better. Check out the website: www.schipskeformayor.com and let me know.

Schipske for Mayor - Press Release - Announcement - 03.21.13 (2)

Schipske's Efforts on Open Up Long Beach Receive Statewide Notice

 California Forward, a nonpartisan, non profit organization whose mission is to bring government closer to the people has highlighted the efforts of Long Beach Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske in its “State of Transparency in California: 2013” report.

The report, which is an analysis that explores the core issues of governmental accountability and transparency in California, was released this week to coincide with Sunshine Week, which is an initiative promoting dialogue about the importance of having an open government and being able to access public information. Three cities are highlighted as “City Hall Success Stories in Public Engagement” in the report. The first story discusses the efforts of Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske to make Long Beach more open, transparent and accountable:

Long Beach Launches “Open Up Long Beach” In January of 2012 Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske of the City of Long Beach took public education and transparency efforts one step further. Her initiative “Open Up Long Beach” provides residents with increased access to the city’s every day affairs and includes opportunities to learn about what individual council members are working on, what committees they sit on and what projects they spearhead. The project combines an online resource with “Open Up Long Beach” community meetings.

“I am very honored that California Forward has acknowledged ‘Open Up Long Beach’,” says Schipske. “I agree that with so many difficult decisions facing local government that the demand and need for transparency is great. I am doing what I can to make certain that Long Beach is open, transparent and accountable.”

Schipske frequently writes on her two blogs (www.openuplongbeach.com and www.gerrieschipske.com) , Facebook and Belmont Shore Patch on the issues before city council  and posts city documents that provide readers with background information on the issues. She also sends email alerts on events and issues and has launched a “behind the scenes” tour of city operations to give residents a closer look at how their government and its agencies operate. To date, Open Up Long Beach has visited: the oil islands, SERRF waste to energy plant, the Emergency Operations Center, the Long Beach Health and Human Services department and laboratories, and the inter workings of the Aquarium of the Pacific. Schipske was the first councilmember to post her schedule on line and to provide a 24/7 problem/complaint system on the city website.

The complete “State of Transparency in California:2013” report can be downloaded by clicking http://www.cafwd.org/reporting/entry/the-state-of-transparency-in-california-2013

Sunshine in Government is Crucial

Government transparency is the cornerstone of democracy.  As such, it is our collective responsibility to protect our right to a government that is open, and whose business is the business of the people it serves.  Similarly, it is the responsibility of state and local elected officials to work to actively increase the public’s access to public information, to provide opportunities for citizen participation in key decision-making processes and report the results of those decisions back out to constituents.

Governments that create pathways for citizens’ effective engagement and participation typically learn that doing so, enables them to enhance their own performance; by using public feedback to guide their decisions, government leaders can fund and implement programs and services that are reflective of the public’s interest and that are highly impactful at improving their overall quality of life.

I am writing today because this week is International Sunshine Week—an initiative dedicated to educating the public about the importance of open government. As such, I would like to reassert my commitment to fostering a transparent government.

Here in Long Beach, I have been working to identify solutions for increasing government transparency and exploring opportunities that will encourage collaboration and innovation. In January of last year, I led the launch of “Open Up Long Beach,” a government transparency website that aims to provide residents with access to important information, including city budget documents, council agenda items, City departments, and other important resources. 

My council colleagues and I have also initiated several online applications that serve as dynamic two-way communication channels between residents and city staff and implemented new open government policies, requiring that all city contracts be posted online.

California Forward, a nonpartisan nonprofit organization, is just one of the many groups throughout the state that are working to bring government closer to the people. This week, they are launching their “Government Transparency Portal,” an online tool that residents can use to access information about the inner workings of their local government as well as others throughout the state.

With the increased use of technology and the internet as well as of dozens of other online innovations, there’s no reason not to be more open and transparent, especially now in the digital age. I support open, transparent local government, and I encourage you to do the same.

March 17th Event for People Who Love Dogs and Books

Documents You Need to Read...Today

In my on going attempt to make Long Beach city government as open and transparent as possible I would like to share with you three important documents just received on my desk (with links to the full documents):

1) The City of Long Beach is projecting a $3.6 million surplus for the coming budget year. This means we need to restore funding to the police and fire services and staffing that were drastically cut for the past several years and have left both departments scrambling to respond to calls for services. The projected budget surplus comes from a combination of pension reforms we enacted through negotiations and the fact that once redevelopment was dissolved by the state, 42% of Long Beach's property tax increment was restored -- resulting in $11 million in revenues.
http://www.scribd.com/doc/130201964/Fy14-16-Fiscal-Outlook
2) You might soon receive a notice of a water increase. Well it isn't coming from the City Water Department. It is coming from the WRD. Never heard of WRD? Most people haven't. This agency provides groundwater and groundwater replenishment and the City Water Department pumps 60 percent of its water from their sources -- which are charged. WRD is increasing their charges which get passed along to you.
http://www.scribd.com/doc/130201966/Why-Long-Beach-residents-are-getting-water-rate-increase-notices 
3) The state dissolution of redevelopment is a complex story. Basically the city placed 42 percent of the city into a redevelopment area which then locked up the tax increment that could only be used for redevelopment. The state legislature abolished redevelopment last year so that the state could realize more property tax revenue. Well, the side story is that the dissolution produced a restoration of $11 million dollars in property taxes for Long Beach! http://www.scribd.com/doc/130201969/Redevelopment-Agency-Dissolution-and-Impact

Thanks for reading these documents.

Please free to send me your comments at district5@longbeach.gov.

Gerrie

Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske

Lot of shaking on last Saturday

Long Beach earthquake, 1933 (Photo credit: California Watch)

It was the day before the 80th anniversary of the 1933 Long Beach earthquake but there was still a lot of shaking going on at the El Dorado Community Center. It was a packed house that attended the Get Ready Workshop hosted by my office.

Everyone saw these videos which should be passed along to everyone living in Southern California:



KCET anchor Val Zavala did a wonderful job as our "MC" as she moved the day along so that the crowd (more than 100) could listen to experts from USGS (earthquake specialists), FEMA, CAEMA, American Red Cross, CERT, Long Beach Fire Department and the EMS and Disaster Coordinator for our local hospitals.

Each attendee received a copy of the KCET program: Bracing for a Quake and numerous hand outs. The afternoon included a session with the American Red Cross discussing how to get your neighborhood ready.

Throughout the day, Southern California experienced over 33 quakes of different magnitudes.

I hope to continue this effort for the next year so that Long Beach can get prepared for the next big one that is coming. It is just a matter of time.

If you want to sign up for earthquake notifications from the USGS click here.

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The Streetlight of the Future Will Do So Much More Than Light Your Street

Check out this exciting article about streetlights that can aid public safety. The City of the city of Chattanooga had a serious crime problem and turned to a company that makes street lights to lower its crime. But they are not just ordinary lights. These light can be controlled inside a police patrol car to flash in an emergency, become a spot light and dim and get brighter as needed.

Additionally, the lights can provide WIFI and be connected to cameras and air quality detectors which can detect if certain drugs are being used in the area.


The Streetlight of the Future Will Do So Much More Than Light Your Street

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Schipske to Host Workshop on How to Run for Her Council Seat

Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske Offers Workshop on Running for the 5th Council District: Everything You Need to Know 

She offered it when she ran for re-election in 2006 and now that she will be termed out in 2014, Fifth District Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske is again hosting a workshop for anyone interested in running for the 5th Council District. 

“I love the 5th District and want to help recruit quality candidates and make sure our residents have some good choices,” says Schipske who was first elected to the seat in 2006 and is serving in her second full term. “With the election just 12 months away, anyone thinking of running should be starting his or her campaign.” 

Schipske will brief potential candidates about the issues impacting the 5th District and discuss the system she and her staff use to respond to residents. She will also review the 7 years of projects she has initiated and will also cover the basics of what a candidate needs to do in order to be successful in the 5th Council District. 

“The residents of the 5th District have come to expect information, contact and follow up from their elected officials. They also expect candidates to walk door to door so they can get a chance to talk with you one on one. That takes a lot of work to win a campaign in this district because geographically the district is spread out across 11.5 square miles.” 

 Schipske notes that she will not seek a third term on the City Council by running as a write in candidate. “I am concerned that term limits have resulted in so much turn over down at City Hall that major decisions and power gets placed in the hands of long time employees instead of elected officials. But the voters approved term limits and I respect that decision.” 

Schipske will not make an endorsement for the 5th Council District but pledged that once her replacement is elected, she will make the transition as “smooth as possible so that residents won’t see an interruption in service.” 

Residents of the 5th Council District interested in running for the council seat in 2014 are invited to attend the workshop on Wednesday, March 20, 2013 at 5 pm – 6:30 pm in the large conference room of the Parks and Recreation Administration Building at Studebaker and Barrios.

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City Files Response on Draft EIR for New Casino in Hawaiian Gardens

I-605, Hawaiian Gardens, California (Photo credit: Ken Lund)

The City of Long Beach has filed comments to a draft Environmental Impact Report filed by the City of Hawaiian Gardens concerning the tear down of the existing Hawaiian Gardens card club and the building of a two story casino (without slot machines, roulette and crap tables).

The letter was sent to me for review by city staff.

 The City Traffic Engineer is concerned about the increased traffic that will be generated and its impact on Carson. Los Coyotes and Palos Verdes streets. It is not predicted to increase traffic on Pioneer. Below is the letter filed by the City of Long Beach.

2013 Feb 22 - Comment Ltr on Draft EIR for HG Casino Redev Proj 

City Attorney Provides Recap of Process for City to Receive $4.6 million surplus army property for police substation

The following memo was released by the City Attorney to recap the process under which the City has participated to receive a $4.6 million property from the US Army and US HUD. The property will be used for a police substation which will relieve the city of hundreds of thousands of dollars in lease payments currently spent on other buildings.

I have advocated for several years to find the homeless services provider, MHA America, an alternate site (other than the lot adjacent to the City Public Health Department) .

I will continue to keep residents updated as this process continues.

Recap of history of Schroeder Army Hall appplication by

Oxy Petroleum Donates $1 million for Chittick Field in Central Long Beach

The giant oil company Oxy Petroleum which partners with the City of Long Beach to remove oil from tidelands and uplands areas, has announced it is gifting Partners of Parks with $1 million dollars to be used for the development of sports fields at Chittick Field in central Long Beach.

Below is the City Management document explaining the gift.

Oxy Petroleum Donates $1 million for Chittick Field by

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Canada Provides Public Education on the Need to Clean Reusable Bags.. So Should Long Beach. We Need to Practice Safe Sacks!

Canada provides public education on the need to clean reusable bags between uses to prevent the transmission of bacteria. A simple public education video explains why users need to practice "Safe Sacks."

Schipske to Ask Health Department to Provide Educational Program on Reusable Bags

Reusable shopping bags (Photo credit: Luca Penati)

Reusable Bag 3 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske is asking for a report from the City Public Health Officer concerning educational efforts by the Health Department to inform grocers and their customers about the need to clean reusable bags that may be the source of bacteria. An agenda item asking for the report will be heard in early March.

“The City enacted an ordinance banning plastic bags at stores as a way of encouraging the use of reusable bags,” says Schipske who is a Registered Nurse Practitioner.  “Recent studies indicate that the reusable bags may be the source of E.Coli and other bacteria which cause serious illness and infection, if the bags are not washed and disinfected between uses. Additionally, after carrying meat, poultry and other items, customers apparently are often returning their bags to the trunks of their cars where increased temperatures can speed the growth of bacteria from these fluids. Some customers use their bags to also carry clothing and shoes which adds to the transmission of bacteria.”

Schipske feels that as with any public health matter, “it is critical that we inform, educate and empower residents about health issues in our community. It is important that our Public Health Department provide information through the stores about the need for proper cleaning and disinfecting of reusable bags in between uses.”

Schipske notes that the Loma Linda University School of Public Health (after finding 12% of the reusable bags they sampled at grocery stores positive for Escherichia coli) recommended that the “public needs to be educated about the proper care of reusable bags by printed instructions on the bags or through public service announcements.” (An example of a brief public information video can be accessed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rsw-ErFM2lc

Although she opposed the banning of plastic bags and would have preferred an aggressive recycling program, Councilwoman Schipske believes that if the City wants to continue to make this environment effort successful, “it is important that, through our own Public Health Department, we add this educational component to keep our residents safe.”

#30

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Schipske Calls for Rule Preventing Use of City Seal for Personal or Political Uses

Can political candidates use the official seal of the City of Long Beach on their printed materials, Facebook and campaign websites? In most cities use of the city seal for personal or political purposes is illegal. But apparently that’s not the case in Long Beach, which is why Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske is asking for an ordinance to prohibit these uses of the City seal.

“The City seal and logo are the property of the City of Long Beach and are designated to identify official City business, facilities, events, and publications,” says Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske. 

“Long Beach does not currently have code specifying allowable and prohibited uses of the City seal and logo. Therefore, there is no mechanism to prevent unauthorized use that could lead to public misperception that an event, candidate, endorsement, or position is officially sanctioned by the City.”

The Fifth District Councilwoman also notes that with more and more elected officials setting up personal websites and Facebook pages that are not official city sites, use of a City seal and logo give an impression that they are official and their contents approved by the City.

“As we enter campaign season it is important to have clear rules so that we don’t again see the City of Long Beach official seal on a webpage soliciting contributions for a Congressional political candidate,” Schipske points out.

Schipske adds that many cities have enacted ordinances controlling the use of the official seal and logo because of concern that allowing it would constitute a “gift of public property,”  noting that if there is a determination that no public purpose was advanced by such use of City property, an illegal gift of public funds could result.  Although the courts have liberally interpreted the definition of a public purpose, it would be difficult for the City to justify the allowance of such use, especially if the City limited such use to particular parties or individuals.

“Without an ordinance detailing the allowed and prohibited uses of the City Seal, it is difficult for the City to enforce its rights.”

Note: The first city seal was designed in the early 1900s and consisted of a ship sailing along the coast of Long Beach. In 1930, a contest was sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce with a prize of $150. The winning design selected was drawn by an employee in the City engineer’s office, Roland S. Gielow. Gielow’s design included what were then considered to be symbols which best represented Long Beach. Most of Gielow’s design was officially adopted on September 23, 1930. The 4 stars signifying Long Beach as the state’s 4th largest city and the Edison plant smoke stacks were removed. The rest remain: “Urbs Amicitiae” (Friendly City); airplane; port, oil derrick and Edison plant; a long beach; the municipal auditorium and rainbow lagoon; “Queen of the Beaches,” California bear, horn of plenty and a lamp and book (to symbolize the city’s cultural side). 

Updates from Long Beach Police

Shooting of Armed Suspect Who Fled Burglary in Redondo Beach and Ended in Eastside Long Beach  The following was released by the Long Beach Police Department: [Release text] On Thursday, February 21, 2013, at approximately 1:00 a.m., Long Beach Police patrol officers were in pursuit of a felony suspect in the 6400 block of E. Keynote Street when they were involved in an officer involved shooting. Below are details of the incident as they occurred: English: Photograph of a California Highway Patrol badge. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) Long Beach Police Department (California) (Photo credit: Wikipedia) shortly before 1:00 a.m., the Long Beach Police Department was notified of a stolen vehicle pursuit involving the California Highway Patrol (CHP)  CHP lost sight of the vehicle shortly after it exited the 405 Freeway at Studebaker Road Long Beach police officers located the vehicle in the area and a pursuit was initiated the suspect vehicle crashed into a vacant residence in the 6400 block of E. Keynote Street the suspect driver armed himself with a handgun, began firing multiple rounds, and an officer involved shooting occurred the suspect was pronounced deceased at scene no officers were injured in this incident and the investigation is ongoing the suspect has been identified as 19-year-old Christopher Taylor from Maryland The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office is conducting an independent investigation of the shooting, as they do with all officer involved shootings that occur in Los Angeles County that result in injury or death. Anyone with information regarding this incident should contact Long Beach Police Homicide Detectives Mark McGuire or Roger Zottneck at (562) 570-7244. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or text TIPLA plus your tip to 274637 (CRIMES), or visit www.LACrimeStoppers.org.

Residents Encouraged to Be Aware of Utility Worker Scam The Long Beach Police Department is alerting residents about recent reports of persons falsely representing themselves as utility workers as a ruse to commit burglary. In this scam, the bogus workers are apparently targeting homes to burglarize when no one is expected to be home, or working as a team to distract the occupant and burglarize the home. The following information is provided to allow residents to confirm that they are interacting with Long Beach City employees: Utility employees are identifiable by their uniform and are required, upon request, to show a City-issued identification card Customer contact is made either in person by a uniformed employee or through a form that is left in a prominent location on the property - The form provides a contact number to inquire about the work scheduled or to reschedule the work at a more convenient time If residents have any doubt, they are encouraged to call the appropriate department to verify the legitimacy of the employee Long Beach Gas and Oil - (562) 570-2140 - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week Long Beach Water Department - (562) 570-2300 - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week Residents are advised to keep gates to backyards locked and secure at all times and to immediately report suspicious activity, including loiterers, to the Long Beach Police Department by calling 9-1-1 with a suspect description.

Join Councilwoman Schipske and KCET anchor Val Zavala Help Long Beach Get Ready!

You are invited to a Night at the Aquarium and a Chance to Go Behind the Scenes

Spent two hours today walking neighborhood. Talking to residents. Inspecting sidewalk repair.

With good weather I am able to re-launch my Shaping Up the 5th District walk program. Today I walked for about two hours, going door to door and talking with residents. I also got an opportunity to inspect first hand the extensive sidewalk, driveway and curb repair going on in the 5th District.

Remember, I started a program to consolidate these repairs by neighborhood instead of by what I call "politics." What I mean by that is historically a resident called a council office and complained of a sidewalk needing repair. A crew was dispatched to that address and then on to the next complaint. It didn't matter that the sidewalk next to the first caller needed repair or the one across the street. Because those two others did not call and complain, their sidewalks were not on a list.

So in addition to walking the 5th Council district alone and with residents, we took our inventory of a neighborhood to Public Works and have been able to group them together and coordinate tree trimming and street repair so that there is some infrastructure repair going on in some part of the 5th all year long.

Today, I got to see first hand the workers remove concrete, cut very large tree, roots, lay down a root barrier to prevent more roots and pour concrete.

If you notice markings on your sidewalk, that probably means you are in line for a repair. If there is a little blue marking in the corner, that means the sidewalk doesn't need to be replaced but can be fixed with sawcutting -- a technique I brought to Long Beach several years ago. Saw cutting saves the city a tremendous amount of money and it means that we are able to fix many more sidewalks so that trip hazards can be removed.

The 5th District is receiving over $530,000 for sidewalk repairs which means we are able to complete several major sections of the council district. As soon as more funds are available, more sidewalks will be repaired. We have a list that goes beyond 2014 which is when I leave Council.

Hundreds Attend Fourth Annual Solar Grand Prix Race Orientation

Long Beach, CA – February 9, 2013 – The annual Long Beach Solar Grand Prix competition which challenges students to work as a team, using their creative thinking and scientific knowledge to experiment, design, and build a high-performance model vehicle, kicked off on Saturday February 9th with an orientation in a packed Long Beach City College Liberal Arts Campus Auditorium.

Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske, Fifth District Sustainability Task Force and Solar Grand Prix organizer Jaime Guoz, and CSULA students competing in the EcoCar 2 challenge were featured speakers at the event attended by students and coaches representing a record 79 teams. Each team has 4-6 students headed by a teacher/coach.

To compete in the annual race, students must build a working model racing vehicle using a solar panel and gear kit. Every team receives a starting kit which includes a solar panel and electric motor. How they choose to construct a winning racer and what they will add to the basic kit will also be judged in separate categories for design, innovation, and speed.

“This year’s Solar Grand Prix will be bigger and better than ever. We have a record number of students and coaches who have signed up to compete in the race. Every year, I’m amazed at how innovative and technologically advanced our students are when I see the model cars they create each year,” Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske commented.

The Solar Grand Prix was launched by the Fifth District Sustainability Task Force as a way to introduce students to the possibilities of careers green technologies and to introduce them to practical applications of engineering, design, and creativity.

Seventy-nine teams, 66 middle school, and 13 high school teams have registered. Students grades 6-12 will design and build a solar-powered model car that will race, powered only by the sun.

The event, sponsored by American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Southwest Regional Council of Carpenters, Ameco Solar, AES Alamitos, Long Beach Police Officers Association, Long Beach City College, Segue to Solar, Parnters of Parks, and the Long Beach Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine is expected to attract over 1000 family members, friends, and fans who will gather to watch the cars race on a 20 meter (65 foot) track in a series of head to head elimination rounds.

The 4th Annual Solar Grand Prix will be held in El Dorado Park behind the Parks and Recreation Administration Building on Saturday, April 20th starting at 10 am. For more information about the Solar Grand Prix, contact Rachel Powers, Neighborhood Liaison in the Office of Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske, 562-570-6932 or rachel.powers@longbeach.gov. Information about the race is also posted on the 5^th District website and more information about the CSULA EcoCar 2 team can be found here.

ABC Announces “Splash” – “Diving with the Stars” Starting in March...Was Going to be at Long Beach Belmont Pool and then...

I met with the producers of this show who happen to be 5th district constituents several months ago and urged the City Manager to do whatever to get this "diving with the stars" show booked at Belmont Pool. 

There would not only be fees paid for its use, but the producers and I talked about how the City wanted to be the "Aquatics Capital of the World" and any publicity and donation of funds would be most appreciated. 

I even connected them with Pat McCormick because I encouraged a local connection. 

Then this month, whack. I get the news the City is closing down the pool. 

So we lost out on a fantastic opportunity. What bad timing.

Celebrities on 'Splash': ABC announces celebrity divers set to hit pool in 'Splash'

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