We Did It! Long Beach Gets Special Postal Mark for 100th Anniversary of First Flight Across America

 US Postal Service announces special postal mark for Long Beach 100th Anniversary of First Flight Across America....



Postal Service

It took several years...but we got it removed

Thanks to the wonderful work of City staff and the dollars and dedication by LA County Supervisor Don Knabe, the 226th Street pedestrian bridge that spanned Coyote Creek and connected Hawaiian Gardens to Long Beach has been removed. The bridge had a number of problems which made it unsafe and it remained locked and quite an eyesore.

As part of the project to remove the bridge, the County will also straighten the adjoining channel access roads and restore the embankments and fencing.

Thank you to everyone who worked on this issue...especially Supervisor Knabe who helped mediate its removal on the non-Long Beach side.

Next on the horizon -- I have also been working the LA County to install mile markers on the bike trail along the river so that bikers can know where they are in case they need to contact 9-1-1- for assistance. Coming soon!

Virtual Christmas Lights Parade Launched for the 5th District

 I have just launched a website at: www.district5lights.com where residents of the 5th District can have photographs of their decorated homes posted in what is probably the first ever virtual Christmas Lights Parade.

Residents can send their photographs via email to: district5@longbeach.gov. Please identify the address of the home and a name and means of contact for the person submitting.

We will give the "best decorated" a certificate and some Christmas cookies.

This should be fun and a great way to acknowledge residents who are decorating their homes this Christmas season.

Aviation Career Day a Soaring Success

2011 is the Centennial of the First Transcontinental Flight that started in Sheepshead Bay, New York and ended in Long Beach, California on December 10, 1911 just 800+ yards from our Long Beach Arena. (The area was surf and sand back then and later filled in.) As part of a year long list of aviation related events, we included an Aviation Career Day at the Long Beach Municipal Airport.

This event was the brainchild of local general aviation business owner, Curt Castanga who is passionate about encouraging young people to consider a career in aviation and to showcase our local aviation partners who add so much to our economy. The event was held yesterday, at the Long Beach Municipal Airport on Saturday, November 19, 2011. (what's that? you didn't see any coverage in the local press...not controversial enough...)

Over 300 attended. The Firefighters Association cooked and provided hot dogs. There were several speakers. Lots of planes and information booths. Free bolsa planes that actually flew quite well in and out of the hangar. We were treated to the sight of a blimp taking off and landing outside the hangar.

A special thanks goes to Curt Castagna of Aerolease/Aeroplex who stepped up and offered his hangar and staff assistance to make certain this happened.

A big shout out to Mario Rodriguez, Director of the Long Beach Municipal Airport and his staff who did the work in bringing organizations and planes to the tarmac and hangar. 

A special thanks to Kerry Gerot, newly hired Public Affairs Manager at the Airport who worked behind the scenes getting the word out about the event and serving as MC for the program during the day. 

And as always, a big thank you to my staff who work so very hard in serving the residents of the 5th Council District.

In America we have free speech...unless we support working people

I have received three emails following my public appearance on the sidewalk in front of Memorial Medical Center in Long Beach -- all attacking that I was there and calling me out on a) either being a union tool or b) not focusing on my job as a City Council person by taking time to walk with Registered Nurses and others.

Some people are not reading the news. I am a Registered Nurse Practitioner (and lawyer) and have worked in healthcare for BOTH labor and management. So I am nobody's tool.

As an aside, the Press Telegram failed to inform these gentle emailers, that there were other elected officials there as well....and many more elected officials protesting not far away from there at the CSU Chancellor's Office because of a vote to raise tuition 9%. Sorry, I couldn't make both because not only do I work non stop trying to represent my council district but I also teach at CSULB -- Health Care Human Resources Management and Law -- and am trying to keep my medical-legal consulting business thriving.

I welcome discourse on issues, but I find it in bad taste to be told that I better watch out cause I won't be re elected for exercising my right to free speech. (sorry, but I was re-elected to my second and final term on City Council in 2010.) That is the same tactic used against working men and women who collectively bargain. Better watch out.

As that email partially read:

So stand with your brother’s and sister’s, but hope they stand by you come election time.
LBM/MCHLB/CHLB employees 6,000 in the area and more than ½ are not nurses. Your public actions are seen as a abuse of your position and has angered many employees here. So good luck with reelection come that time and I hope you get some education on the true facts, BEFORE you make public appearances.
My families vote you have lost!

My response:

I find your email very interesting in light of the fact that there were other elected officials at the vigil as well. However, the PT chose not to show their photos nor mention their names. That being said, you are entitled to your opinion but threats of retaliation are not appropriate in our democracy nor in the collective bargaining system that is protected by law. You may be disappointed in me as I am in you for failing to support patient safety and the nurses who provide the care that enable that hospital and all hospitals to make money. Without nursing care, there would be no hospitals. I am doing the job I was elected to especially in light of the fact that the City of Long Beach gave Community Hospital to Memorial without asking for any compensation. That saved quite a few jobs, didn't it?

 To the other gentle emailers, I responded:

The beauty of this country is free speech. Including those represented in collective bargaining. The quality of care which gives Memorial its reputation is the care delivered by the nurses I stood with. Thanks for sharing your opinion.

This is why I love America. We have the right to free speech without fear of retaliation. Don't we?

 

Why I Just Stood with the Registered Nurses at Memorial Medical Center in Long Beach

I just stood with the Registered Nurses at Memorial Medical Center in Long Beach during their candlelight vigil on Atlantic Avenue...because they deserve a decent contract that includes good wages, health care, a meaningful retirement plan and patient safety policies that mean adequate staffing of qualified Registered Nurses in every unit. 

I am proud to be a Registered Nurse and to see my brothers and sisters standing up for what they believe in...patient advocacy.

You're Invited to a Book Signing -- November 19th

LongBeach_EventPR

Parks and Rec Commission Support Schipske Suggestion for Dog Park

After much discussion and a public visitation on site, held by my office, I am very proud to announce that the Parks and Recreation Commission unanimously voted today to support my proposal to not to take public park land or land that could be used to expand the Nature Center -- and instead to go ahead with a 1.6 acre dog park in the "tree farm" maintenance yard.

I previously posted the map and I do believe this is a "win-win" on this issue. Now hopefully, the other council members will check out the site and support this effort.

My thanks to Parks and Rec staff who finally agreed that this location was the best for all concerned.

Parks and Rec Staff Agree -- Finally -- To Propose Using Non Park Land for Dog Park

I am relieved to learn last week that Parks and Rec Staff have finally agreed that using a portion of the existing maintenance yard -- and not the parcel nearer the nature center and community gardens, would be MUCH better than using existing park land.

As you can see from the map above, this is the area I proposed so that it could be connected with the Animal Care Center to the right of the property.

I do not however agree that 0.3 acres of the parcel below should be taken for parking. Simply let people park at the Animal Care Center or at the Nature Center...don't take more land for this project.

By using the maintenance yard parcel we will only have to fence one other side (3 sides are fenced).

Thank you staff. I believe this is a win-win for everyone.

Long Beach Students Can Win $500 Scholarship

“Vin Fiz” Committee Launches Essay Contest for Local Students
Teachers Encouraged to Integrate Long Beach Aviation History Into Curriculum

(Long Beach, CA) – The Committee to Commemorate the Centennial of the First Transcontinental Flight has announced an essay contest for middle and high school students interested in local history, writing and aviation.

Students are encouraged to write an essay based on the history of the flight of the “Vin Fiz” and how the event contributed to the history of aviation in Long Beach.

“The website -www. VinFizLongBeach.com - offers a wealth of educational information that can be used by teachers and students in learning more about this historic event,” notes Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske. Schipske launched the committee that is commemorating the flight with events around the city, culminating in a dedication of a “Vin Fiz” replica and plaque on December 10^th at the Long Beach Arena.

High school participants in the “We Can Soar” essay contest will compete for a $500 scholarship, while middle school competitors could win a flight on a private plane. Second and third place winners in all age groups will get a tour of the Long Beach Airport and an airport “goody-bag.”

Curt Castagna, President and CEO of the Aerolease and Aeroplex Group, is a member of the committee and the essay scholarship sponsor.  "Long Beach has a rich aviation history, and the contest is a wonderful opportunity to teach our young people about its aviation roots and include them in the centennial celebration of this flight," says Castagna.  "In 1986 Aerolease hosted the 75th Anniversary celebration in Long Beach and we are grateful to be working on the 100th Anniversary events with Councilwoman Schipske."

All entries must be received by December 2^nd. For more information, call (562) 570-6932 or email info@vinfizlongbeach.com.

Background:

In 1903, the Wright brothers proved that man could fly. Just 8 years later, Calbraith "Cal" Perry Rodgers proved that man could fly across the United States. This daredevil aviator, with only a few hours of training, got his pilot’s license and a Wright Brothers EX-1 airplane and set out on a flight from Sheepshead Bay, New York to Long Beach, California.  Rodgers wanted to get a $50,000 prize offered by William Randolph Hearst for covering the distance in 30 days. He missed the deadline, because of weather and mechanical delays and 16 crashes. Cal Rodgers landed in Long Beach on December 10, 2011.


Contest Rules:

1. All entries must include the theme “We Can Soar,” the history of the flight of the Vin Fiz in 1911 and how the event contributed to the history of aviation in Long Beach. Students are encouraged to access resources at: www.vinfizlongbeach.com/educators.html2. All entries must be done by students only. 3. Each entry must be done by only one student. 4. Contests are open to students enrolled in grades 6 -12 in a public or private school located in Long Beach, Lakewood, Signal Hill or Avalon. 5. Students will compete in the following divisions: 6 – 8^th grade; 9 – 10^th grade; and 11 – 12^th grade. 6. Essays may be typed, double-spaced (preferred) or hand written. Essays may be submitted two ways: 1) via email to: info@vinfizlongbeach.com or 2) via U.S. mail to: Office of Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske, 333 W. Ocean Blvd., 14^th Floor, Long Beach, CA 90802. 7. Essays must include the following information: your name, grade, one parent’s name, name of school, home address, contact telephone number. 8. Essays will be judged on adherence to theme (50%), style (25%), and correctness of form (grammar, spelling, punctuation) (25%). 9. Deadline: Must be received by December 2^nd, 2011. 10. Once received, entries will become and remain the property of the Long Beach Committee to Commemorate the Centennial of the First Transcontinental Flight.
Prizes will be awarded in each age division at the Transcontinental Flight Centennial celebration on December 10^th.

Meeting with Residents on Potential East Side Dog Park...

This morning at 9 am (after a 7:45 am meeting at the Airport on another matter), I met with members of the Lakes, Ponds and Wetlands Taskforce (which has been meeting for 5 years on park issues and 2 years on dog park issues) as well as many members of the LB Community Gardens and friends of the Nature Center.

We started our meeting at the Nature Center and I explained that I had originally proposed using a portion of the maintenance yard just south of Spring (see map above). However, my colleague in the 4th Council District for whatever reason, jumped on the idea of a dog park but put out a release supporting the use of a second parcel -- which would greatly impact both the Nature Center and the Community Gardens.

To be clear, I oppose use of a parcel that would infringe on the Nature Center and Community Gardens for all the many reasons that those who attended the meeting today stated.

My proposal for the maintenance yard (and only a portion of it) was to make sure we were not in any way impacting on park land now used for other purposes. Additionally, that lot is adjacent to the Animal Care Center and I hoped that the two could work together to create educational programs on dog care.

So we then looked at two alternate sites across Spring Street inside the El Dorado Regional Park.

The first site ( which I had proposed some time ago) is immediately inside the park, visible to the public, near parking and a restroom and most importantly not on park land used for anything else. The consensus from the group was that this is the best site for a dog park (totally financed by sponsors and not the city).

The second site is behind the archery range -- out of range from arrows -- but a distance away from parking and restrooms and the entrance. The group thought that the public would not be as supportive of a dog park that was tucked back into the park and again returned to the first site in the park and again agreed it would be better.

The public is invited to send me their comments which I will relay to the Parks and Rec Commission which has the ultimate decision on this and other issues related to park use.

I want to thank my staff, Parks and Rec staff and the people who came out this morning to learn about this issue. Thanks so much.

Gov Brown Announces His Pension Reform Proposals

California Governor Jerry Brown has announced his 12 point plan to reform state employees' pensions. I am linking to his document.  Many of the proposals could also be applied to local government, however, it would take state legislation to allow the changes.

Take a moment and read the Governor's proposals and let me know what you think.
Click here to read Gov. Brown's pension reforms

Response on Poll on Dog Park -- In search of a corporate sponsor

October 27--276 Respond to Poll On Dog Park

As of today, October 27 -- 276 people have responded to the poll on my blog which asks:

If private funds can be raised to build and maintain a dog park on a parcel of land adjacent to the Long Beach Animal Care Center, would you support it?

66% -- YES
31% -- NO
4% -- Unsure


For the record: I am opposed to using land that has been designated for the expansion of the Nature Center. My proposal -- was to use the front maintenance yard off Spring which is immediately adjacent to the Animal Services Center.

Tomorrow I will be walking with members of my Taskforce on Lakes, Ponds and Wetlands to look at the parcels being recommended by Parks and Rec staff to the Parks and Rec Commission. All three of these parcel come with both positives and negatives -- but in all three scenarios we have been trying to find land that does not take away from park area currently being used by anyone.

I am also working on trying to find a corporate sponsor who would pay for the dog park -- fencing, benches, water, maintenance (at least for 3 years) so that the City of Long Beach does not take on any financial burden for a dog park.

As always, please feel free to contact me on this or any other issue of concern.

What Have We Repaired?

For those of you concerned about sidewalk repairs, tree trimming, and street repairs, check out this link to the Shaping Up the Fifth District website and look at the maps:
Click here

I have worked very closely with Public Works to batch repairs together by neighborhood which has resulted in more sidewalks being fixed each year. With sawcutting, we have saved the city 30% on sidewalk repairs and have increased the number of sidewalks being fixed.

We will soon be setting out repairs for this coming fiscal year. There is never enough money to fix all that need to be fixed.

The Long Beach Rosie the Riveter Foundation Sponsors the We Can Do It Awards

Patrick O'Donnell Takes Credit for Potential Dog Park -- Despite He Had Nothing to Do With It

This is so sad. As I blogged yesterday, I have been working for many months on finding a location for an eastside dog park...and I did -- after working  with the volunteers trying to get a dog park and city park staff I finally convinced city staff they could spare some of their maintenance area near the Animal Care Services for a dog park.

I then asked the head of the Friends of El Dorado Dog Park to go and look at the area and to talk with Madeline Bernstein of the ASPCA and talk with her about a potential park adjacent that could also be used as a training site. The meeting took place and it was positive and I convinced City staff that would be the best spot. They agreed.

So today I read in local media outlets that Councilman Patrick O'Donnell  is announcing the dog park at that spot and is holding a rally to support it.

My staff and city staff reached out to Councilmember O'Donnell and suggested we join forces on this project but the overtures were rebuffed.

 Sad. Because we often talk of Long Beach being "one city" and that it doesn't matter what district a park is located. I guess that comment was meant for only certain councilmembers.

Anyway, let's move forward and get this dog park opened!

El Dorado Dog Park Getting Nearer

For many, many months I have been working with residents -- specifically the dedicated folks of the Friends of the El dorado park dog park -- to find a suitable location for a dog park over here in the eastside.

I personally walked and mapped out several areas of available land. My goal was not to use dedicated park area for a dog park but to find land -- large enough for small and large dogs -- that would not take up regional park.

I found it several months ago and set about trying to convince city staff that the property should be used for this purpose. I also suggested that the members of the Friends of the El Dorado Dog Park pay a visit to the site and then talk with the staff at the Animal Care Services shelter which is adjacent to the property. And they did...and they love it.

So here's where the proposed dog park will be if approved by the Parks, Recreation and Marine Commission
-- click this map link to see the parcel which is now used as storage for the maintenance crew of the park. They actually have three parcels (I found them on satellite several months ago) and can consolidate into two leaving this parcel for a dog park.

Of course we will continue having community meetings at which the public can come and let us know if we are on the right track. The plan is for the city to provide the land and the non profit Friends of El Dorado Dog Park to raise funds for its construction and maintenance. Who knows, with Pet Smart just a stone's throw away in the Town Center, maybe they will respond to my request that they become a key sponsor for this dog park!!

Join Me for a Jobs Rally this Thursday

2nd and PCH Plan -- Some Are Complaining of Bait and Switch

There is a meeting of the Planning Commission this Wednesday to review the City staff recommendation about the proposed project at 2nd and PCH -- you know, the one that promises to obliterate the blight at the southeast entrance to the City.

Before I go further, you have to ask yourself...self, why has the city not done code enforcement over there to make the owner clean up the property and stop using it as a parking lot for buses, limos and double deckers? Or has that been the plan all along...make it look so bad that the city would say yes to the first plan to come along to change it...

Anyway, I attended a town hall this evening sponsored by the Los Cerritos Wetlands Trust and listened to a full house ask numerous questions of the guest speaker. Among the many concerns expressed about the project and the city staff recommendation is the fact that city staff has now recommended amendment to SEADIP Local Coastal Plan that will not only allow changes in development restrictions for 2nd and PCH but be used as the template for additional development in SEADIP. Whoah....wait a minute buddy. We have gone from a specific project to an entire development area?

Little problem folks that may land the City back in court like we were taken on the ill planned Home Depot project adjacent to the wetlands...the EIR only addresses the impact of the specific project not changes to an entire zoning area.

The rules are clear and have been since the residents of the area and developers came together in the 1970s and established SEADIP – not high rises (buildings above 35 feet) and traffic and other impacts have to be mitigated. The proposed project breaks all the rules – so that is why some want to change the rules.

I am linking in this article Los Cerritos Wetlands Trust documents; articles on SEADIP; and the topic of the hour – the City staff report.
http://longbeach.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=987797&GUID=2863C647-F6CE-4DD5-8784-795FA85244CC

Traffic Impact

Alternates for site

SEADIP and Traffic

Seadip complaints

Seadip -- Dilemma for the City

Press Telegram editorial praising SEADIP


Stay tuned. It is far from over.

We Restored Some Funds to Libraries -- But Fell Short of Funding Other Services

There really isn't any excuse for rude behavior at a city council meeting but it has become routine...especially when some of us present an idea that others do not like.

Sad commentary during a time when we have such serious problems to fix.

But we were able to come together to restore some funds for our libraries so they are no reduced to "reading rooms." We didn't do so well on restoring other important services.

And we still haven't addressed the problem that a city with 5,000 employees still uses a manual system to track its workforce and 12 full time clerks to process time sheets.

Unbelievable that we would not get into the 21st century and use an automated time keeping system that allows management to know who is working and who isn't.

I will keep you up to date about our budget situation.