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BLANKET TONIGHT.WELL, FOLKS, UH, WELCOME TO TONIGHT'S MEETING OF THE LONG BEACH CITY COUNCIL.
WE'LL GO AHEAD AND CALL TO ORDER THE MEET OF THE CITY COUNCIL WITH ROLL CALL, PLEASE.
[CALL TO ORDER]
PRESIDENT COUNCILWOMAN ALLEN.[ROLL CALL]
DUGGAN.PRESENT, COUNCILWOMAN THRASH AND TUCK.
COUNCIL MEMBER ALLENS, UH, WON'T BE JOINING US.
SHE'S IN SACRAMENTO WITH, UH, HER RESPONSIBILITIES WITH SCAG AS FIRST VICE PRESIDENT, SO SHE WON'T, WON'T BE WITH US TONIGHT.
WE'RE GONNA ASK COUNCIL MEMBER SORROW TO OPEN WITH A PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
[PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE]
A MOMENT OF SILENT, TOO, RIGHT? SO IF WE CAN JUST TAKE A MOMENT TO, UM, PUT, THINK ABOUT THOSE WHO ARE NEEDING A LOT OF SUPPORT AND LOVE RIGHT NOW.IF YOU, WE CAN HOLD THEM IN OUR THOUGHTS.
SO IF YOU'RE ABLE TO PLEASE RISE, PLEASE PUT YOUR RIGHT HAND OVER YOUR HEART.
I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS, ONE NATION UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.
SO WE HAVE THREE PRESENTATIONS THIS EVENING, AND THEN WE'LL GET STARTED WITH THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING.
OUR FIRST PRESENTATION, UM, IS ON WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH.
UH, WE SAW A PHOTO TAKE PLACE, SO WE'RE DOING A LITTLE BIT BACKWARD.
[ WOMENS’S HISTORY MONTH: CELEBRATING WOMEN’S POLITICAL REPRESENTATION]
WE DID THE PHOTO FIRST, AND THEN WE'LL DO THE PRESENTATION.UH, MARCH IS WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH.
WE WANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE, UH, THE OPPORTUNITY TO JUST ACKNOWLEDGE THE REMARKABLE GROWTH AND REPRESENTATION IN LONG BEACH.
AND SO YOU'LL HEAR A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THAT, BUT WE'RE IN A MOMENT WHERE SEVEN OF NINE MEMBERS OF THE LONG BEACH CITY COUNCIL ARE WOMEN.
IT TOOK A LOT TO GET TO THAT PLACE, BUT YOU SHOULD ALL KNOW AND ACKNOWLEDGE THAT, UH, OF THE BIG CITIES IN CALIFORNIA AND IN AMERICA, THERE'S NO CITY.
UH, WE'RE AMONGST THE TOP 15 IN AMERICA
[00:40:01]
IN TERMS OF REPRESENTATION OF WOMEN OF BIG CITIES.AND SO, UH, SO THAT'S CERTAINLY SOMETHING TO BE, UH, TO BE ACKNOWLEDGED.
UH, AND SO AT THIS POINT, WE WILL PASS IT OVER TO COUNCILWOMAN THRASH TOOK WHO, WHO WENT? YOUR ADDITION TOOK US FROM SIX TO SEVEN.
RIGHT? SO I THINK IT'S FITTING THAT YOU BROUGHT, UH, YOU BROUGHT THIS ITEM, THIS PRESENTATION FORWARD.
UH, NOW THAT WE HAVE THIS SUPER MAJORITY ON THE CITY COUNCIL, PLEASE PROCEED.
THANK YOU SO MUCH, MR. MAYOR, AND TO ALL OF OUR ESTEEMED GUESTS THAT ARE HERE TODAY, UH, I AM JUST SO DELIGHTED TO BE HERE WITH MY COLLEAGUES AND TO BE IN OUR PINK.
UH, AND FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO AREN'T, THAT'S, UH, YOU KNOW, THAT'S OKAY.
YOU STILL, WE STILL HAVE THE POWER AS WOMEN
UH, BUT, UH, I WANTED TO SAY WE HAVE OUR MAYOR WHO IS IN PINK AS WELL.
HE DECIDED TO GRACE THIS WITH BOTH A TIE AND IT'S PINK.
UM, SO WE WANNA THANK HIM FOR THAT.
SO, AS OUR NEWEST, UH, CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS, UH, CITY COUNCIL MEMBER, WE HAVE REACHED THAT MILESTONE THAT HAS BEEN DESCRIBED HERE OF REPRESENTATION SEVEN WOMEN, QUITE A MOMENTOUS OCCASION.
IT IS FITTING THAT WE HONOR ON THIS OCCASION THE WOMEN WHO HAVE HAD CONTRIBUTIONS WHO'VE MADE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF OUR CITY AND OUR COMMUNITY, AND OUR WORLD.
AND I'M SO, SO HONORED TO SERVE ALONGSIDE ALL SIX OF YOU, UH, MISSING COUNCILWOMAN CINDY ALLEN.
TODAY, UH, EACH OF YOU ARE AMAZING, STRONG, AND ACCOMPLISHED WOMEN, UM, AND IT'S EXCITING TO EXPERIENCE THIS HISTORIC MOMENT WITH YOU.
BUT WE STAND ON THE SHOULDERS OF SOME GRAND AND GREAT WOMEN, SEVERAL OF WHOM ARE HERE IN THE AUDIENCE.
UH, WE HAVE SEVERAL FORMER WOMEN WHO HAVE SERVED ON THE LONG BEACH CITY COUNCIL HERE.
THIS MOMENT, AS THE MAYOR HAS NOTED, IS ONE TO BE RECOGNIZED BECAUSE OF THE 10 LARGEST CITIES IN CALIFORNIA.
THE CITY OF LONG BEACH IS, UH, ONE OF THE FEW TO HAVE THIS MANY WOMEN REPRESENTED ON THE COUNCIL, ACTUALLY IN LA IN, IN THE REGION.
IT APPEARS THAT FOR THE COUNCILS THAT HAVE MOSTLY WOMEN IN THE AREA, UH, LOS ANGELES AND ANAHEIM ARE THE ONLY OTHER TWO.
IN ADDITION TO THAT, WE HAVE CITYWIDE WOMEN WHO HAVE BEEN ELECTED, UM, AND TWO OF OUR MAJOR OFFICES, AND WE'RE SO EXCITED THAT THEY WERE ABLE TO JOIN OUR PIC OUR PICTURE AS WELL.
BUT PROGRESS IS NEVER ACCIDENTAL.
UH, WE STAND HERE BECAUSE WE'VE SHATTERED SOME GLASS CEILINGS, REWROTE THE RULES OF GOVERNANCE.
I LIKE THAT, THAT SNAP I'M HEARING IT
UM, AND WE'VE CLAIMED OUR SEATS AT THE TABLE THAT HAVE NEVER BEEN BUILT FOR US.
UH, WE'VE TURNED NO INTO NOW AND IMPOSSIBLE INTO IMPERATIVE.
UM, AND THE LEGACY OF EVERY POLICY THAT WE BRING FORWARD IS LIKELY TO UPLIFT FAMILIES.
EVERY INITIATIVE IS LIKELY TO CHAMPION EQUITY AND MAKE SURE THAT EVERY GIRL CAN SEE HER FULL POTENTIAL.
SO, AS WE, UH, CELEBRATE, UM, WE KNOW THAT BREAKING BARRIERS ALSO MEANS THAT THERE ARE NEW CHALLENGES.
SO LET US BE STRENGTHENED, AND I'M REALLY GLAD THAT WE WERE ABLE TO BRING TOGETHER THE CURRENT AND THE FORMER, UM, AS A REMINDER THAT, UH, WE WANNA MAKE SURE THAT WE CREATE A, A LONG BEACH WHERE GENDER KNOWS NO BOUNDS AND LEADERSHIP KNOWS NO LIMITS.
I'M, I'M GONNA STOP FOR A SECOND.
AS YOU CAN SEE, I'M VERY EXCITED,
I'VE ASKED THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY TO COME TODAY TO DOCUMENT, UM, WHAT HAS HAPPENED IN OUR CITY.
UM, AND I'M SO DELIGHTED THAT JAN MALONE FROM THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY IS HERE TO HIGHLIGHT THE LEGACY AND JOURNEY OF WOMEN WHO HAVE ENTERED GOVERNANCE HERE IN LONG BEACH.
WE'LL, WELCOME YOU WITH A ROUND OF APPLAUSE.
I WAS ALSO REALLY EXCITED TO CELEBRATE WOMEN GOT UP TOO FAST TODAY, BUT HI EVERYBODY.
I AM JEN MALONE, THE ARCHIVIST AT THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF LONG BEACH, WHERE WE COLLECT AND PRESERVE LOCAL HISTORY AND SHARE THE DIVERSE STORIES OF OUR COMMUNITIES THROUGH INCLUSIVE PROGRAMMING AND EXHIBITIONS.
THE HSLB JUST OPENED AN EDUCATIONAL INSTALLATION ABOUT ONE OF LONG BEACH'S BARRIER BREAKING WOMEN, THE HONORABLE JENNY OROPEZA.
THANK YOU TO THE ARTS COUNCIL OF LONG BEACH, THE CITY OF LONG BEACH, THE PORT OF LONG BEACH, AND OTHER DEDICATED SUPPORTERS FOR ALLOWING US TO CREATE, DISCOVERING JENNY, THE PERSONAL COLLECTION OF A STATE SENATOR, WHICH YOU CAN EXPERIENCE FOR FREE IN OUR GALLERY AT 42 60 ATLANTIC AVENUE.
THANK YOU TO COUNCILWOMAN THRASH AND TOOK FOR INVITING US TO CELEBRATE LOCAL WOMEN DURING WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH.
TONIGHT, I AM HONORED TO SHARE A SNAPSHOT OF THE WOMEN OF LONG BEACH'S CITY COUNCIL, SOME OF WHOM ARE HERE TONIGHT.
RUTH BACH WAS, UH, THE FIRST WOMAN TO SERVE IN THE CITY COUNCIL.
SHE ONLY SERVED TWO YEARS BEFORE SHE UNFORTUNATELY PASSED, AND IT WOULDN'T BE ANOTHER 20 YEARS BEFORE
[00:45:01]
WE SAW THE NEXT WOMAN IN THE CITY COUNCIL.AND THAT WAS, OF COURSE, RENEE SIMON.
WE ALSO SAW SATO AND JAN HALL BEHIND US COME IN THE SEVENTIES AND DO THEIR BARRIER BREAKING.
UM, RENEE SIMON WAS, IS A STANFORD EDUCATED CHEMIST, A LIBRARIAN, AND AN AUTHOR WHO SERVED ON THE COUNCIL FROM 1972 TO 1978.
SHE CHAMPIONED THE FORMATION OF A COMMISSION ON WOMEN AND GIRLS IN 1975.
IT WOULD NOT COME TO FRUITION UNTIL 2023.
EUNICE SATOU WAS THE FIRST ASIAN COUNCIL MEMBER, THE FIRST WOMAN MAYOR, WHO WAS ELECTED BY HER, UH, COUNCIL MEMBERS, AND THE FIRST JAPANESE AMERICAN WOMAN TO SERVE OF AS MAYOR IN ANY MAJOR AMERICAN CITY.
JACKIE CAL, UH, IN THE 1990S AND 2000 SERVED THE FIFTH DISTRICT.
AND THEN WE SAW MORE FIRSTS ENDORSED TOPSY ELVER, MAYOR BEVERLY O'NEILL AND JENNY OROPEZA.
MOTHER DORIS, AS SHE WAS KNOWN, WAS THE FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN TO SERVE ON COUNCIL AND MAYOR.
BEVERLY O'NEILL WAS THE FIRST CITYWIDE ELECTED WOMAN MAYOR, AND THE ONLY MAYOR TO WIN THREE TERMS. JENNY OROPEZA HAS MANY FIRSTS TO HER CREDIT, INCLUDING THE FIRST LATINA, LATINO, LATINX, ANY LATIN PERSON TO SERVE ON COUNCIL.
AND OF COURSE, WE HAVE MANY MORE NOTABLE WOMEN WHO SERVED, INCLUDING TONY REYES YANG'S HERE, BONNIE LOWENTHAL, RAY GLI, JERRY KY, LAURA RICHARDSON, AND SUYA LOWENTHAL.
JERRY KY IS THE, UH, FIRST OUT LESBIAN TO SERVE ON CITY COUNCIL.
AND IN THE MID 2000, 2000 TENS AND BEYOND, WE SEE SUSIE PRICE, STACEY MONGO, JANINE PIERCE, AND LENA GONZALEZ, SOME OF WHOM ARE HERE TONIGHT, WHO ALSO SERVE NOT ONLY THEIR DISTRICTS, BUT THE CITY OF LONG BEACH.
TODAY, WE HAVE ELECTED A SUPER MAJORITY OF WOMEN TO CITY COUNCIL, HOW TIMES HAVE CHANGED IN ONLY 50 YEARS.
THANK YOU TO COUNCILWOMAN ZENDEJAS.
COUNCILWOMAN ALLEN PLUS, NO, SORRY,
COUNCILWOMAN DUGGAN, COUNCILWOMAN KERR COUNCILWOMAN, DR.
RO, COUNCILWOMAN THRASH AND TUCK, AND COUNCILWOMAN RICK SODI.
AND THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING US TO CELEBRATE WITH YOU TONIGHT.
ALRIGHT, WELL, LET'S HEAR FOR THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF LONG BEACH.
UH, THANK YOU COUNCILWOMAN IN TOOK FOR ORGANIZING TODAY, UH, TO ALL OUR CURRENT COUNCIL MEMBERS AND FORMER COUNCIL MEMBERS, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR INCREDIBLE SERVICE TO THE CITY OF LONG BEACH.
IT'S AN HONOR TO SERVE WITH ALL OF YOU AT THIS MOMENT IN HISTORY.
UH, JUST TO BE A SMALL PART OF THIS HISTORY.
JUST TO BE A FOOTNOTE IN THAT CHAPTER OF THE BOOK IS, IS CERTAINLY AN HONOR.
AND I'LL TELL YOU AS A, AS A FATHER OF TWO GIRLS, UH, IT MAKES ME FEEL VERY GOOD ABOUT OUR CITY.
THAT THERE IS NO SHORTAGE OF GREAT EXAMPLES OF POLITICAL LEADERS SO THAT THEY CAN ASPIRE TO DO WHATEVER IT IS THAT THEY CHOOSE TO DO WITH THEIR LIVES.
SO, CONGRATULATIONS AND THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SERVICE.
ONCE A MONTH, WE HOST ANIMAL CARE ADOPTIONS.
UH, AND SO WE WANT TO CALL UP OUR ANIMAL CARE SERVICES, UH, BECAUSE WE HAVE A PUPPY HERE WHO'S A LITTLE, UH, SHE,
[ ACS PET ADOPTION]
SHE WANTS TO GET BACK HOME, SO WE WANT TO CALL HER UP.AND AS THEY SET UP, WE DO THIS ONCE A MONTH, AND EVERY SINGLE PET THAT'S COME IN FRONT OF THE CITY COUNCIL HAS BEEN ADOPTED OUT TO A FAMILY.
SO WE HAVE A GREAT TRACK RECORD HERE, AND I THINK YOU'RE GONNA, LIKE, I WAS HANGING OUT BACK, UH, WITH TONIGHT'S PUPPY, AND, UH, I THINK YOU'RE GONNA LIKE HER.
HELLO, ESTEEM CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS AND HONORABLE MAYOR.
MY NAME IS MA ROVA FROM LONG BEACH ANIMAL CARE SERVICES.
TODAY WE ARE JOINED BY OUR AWESOME VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR, MATT ANGA AND OUR SHELTER PET OF THE MONTH FUCHSIA.
SHE IS A 2-YEAR-OLD PIT BULL TERRIER.
SHE HAS A GENTLE AND AFFECTIONATE PERSONALITY, MAKING HER A GREAT ADDITION TO ANY FAMILY LOOKING TO ADOPT.
UM, SOME FUN FACTS ABOUT HER IS THAT SHE
[00:50:01]
IS A VOLUNTEER FAVORITE.SHE EASILY HOPS IN RIGHT IN THE CAR, READY FOR THE NEXT ADVENTURE.
SHE LOVES TREATS AND CUDDLES, AND ALSO, IF YOU SIT ON THE FLOOR, SHE WILL SIT ON YOU.
SO SHE LOVES ALL THOSE CUDDLES.
SO IF YOU ARE LOOKING TO ADOPT, UM, CHECK HER OUT@LONGBEACH.GOV, UM SLASH ACS OR VISIT US AT THE SHELTER.
SO WE HAVE A ADOPTION SPECIAL.
UM, IT IS OUR FIND YOUR LUCKY FOUR-LEGGED CLOVER FROM MARCH 7TH TO MARCH 30TH.
SO IF YOU ADOPT ANY DOG WHO HAS BEEN AT LONG BEACH ANIMAL CARE SERVICES FOR 30 DAYS OR MORE, UM, THE FEE IS JUST $17.
SO ANY OF OUR LONG-TERM DOGS ARE $17.
UM, AND THEN ALSO EVERY WEEK WE PARTNER WITH, UH, COMMUNITY ANIMAL MEDICINE PROJECT.
WE'RE ALSO KNOWN AS CAMP TO HOST, UH, LOW COST VACCINE CLINICS FROM 10:00 AM TO 2:30 PM UM, EVERY MONDAY AND SECOND AND FOURTH FRIDAY OF THE MONTH.
THESE ARE OUR NEXT DATES, MARCH 24TH, THE 31ST, AND MARCH 21ST OF THE MONTH.
UM, SO CHECK US OUT AT OUR SHELTER.
WE ALSO WANT TO REMIND EVERYONE TO LICENSE YOUR DOG.
YOU CAN APPLY IN PERSON OR ONLINE.
UM, IT IS REQUIRED THAT ALL DOGS AND CATS ARE LICENSED OVER THE AGE OF FOUR MONTHS, UM, AS A RABIES CONTROL MEASURE.
ALL YOU NEED IS A PROOF OF RABIES VACCINE AND A SPAY NEUTER CERTIFICATE.
THE PRICES START AT $14 AND $28 FOR A SPAY NEUTERED ANIMAL, UM, VERSUS $125 AND $250 FOR AN UNSPAYED, UM, OR A NEUTERED ANIMAL.
AND LASTLY, HERE'S ALL OF OUR INFORMATION.
IF YOU WANT TO ADOPT, VOLUNTEER, FOSTER, OR DONATE.
OUR SHELTER IS OPEN WEDNESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY, STARTING AT 10:00 AM AND YOU CAN FIND ALL OF TODAY'S INFORMATION AND MORE RESOURCES@LONGBEACH.GOV SLASH ACS.
ALRIGHT, LET'S, LET'S HEAR FOR SIA AND OUR ANIMAL CARE SERVICES TEAM.
UH, AND I'LL TELL YOU, YOU KNOW, WE WERE PLAYING PLAYING AROUND IN, IN THE BACK.
SHE'S, UH, SHE, SHE DEFINITELY LIKES TO HAVE A GOOD TIME.
UH, SHE'S A GOOD, SHE'S A GOOD PUPPY.
UH, ALL OF OUR PUPPIES HAVE BEEN ADOPTED OUT, LIKE I MENTIONED, WHO'VE, WHO'VE COME IN FRONT OF THE CITY COUNCIL.
WE WANNA MAKE SURE THAT GOES HOME WITH THE RIGHT FAMILY.
SO WE WANT TO ENCOURAGE YOU TO GO CHECK OUT OUR ANIMAL CARE SERVICES WEBSITE, MAKE SURE, UH, FUTURE HAS THE RIGHT FAMILY.
ALL RIGHT, NEXT IS, UH, OUR FINAL PRESENTATION IS ON RED CROSS MONTH.
THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR COMING TONIGHT.
[ RED CROSS MONTH]
UM, I AM HONORED TO RECOGNIZE THE AMERICAN RED CROSS IN CELEBRATION OF RED CROSS MONTH FOR OVER 140 YEARS.THE RED CROSS HAS BEEN A TRUSTED SOURCE OF HELP AND HOPE, RESPONDING TO DISASTERS, PROVIDING LIFE-SAVING ASSISTANCE, AND SUPPORTING THOSE IN NEED HERE IN LA COUNTY.
WITH EVERYTHING THAT'S HAPPENED, THEIR IMPACT IS UNDENIABLE.
OVER THE LAST FEW MONTHS, ESPECIALLY AFTER THE RECENT FIRES, RED CROSS RESPONDED WITH MORE THAN 400 RED CROSS WORKERS HELPING TO MAKE SURE NO ONE FACED THIS CHALLENGING TIME ALONE.
WHEN FAMILIES WERE DISPLACED, THEIR VOLUNTEERS STEPPED UP OFFERING EMERGENCY SHELTER, THOUSANDS OF MEALS, AND THE CRITICAL SUPPORT NEEDED TO BEGIN REBUILDING RIGHT HERE IN LONG BEACH.
THE GREATER LONG BEACH AND SOUTH BAY CHAPTER HAS BEEN A VERY IMPORTANT RESOURCE FOR OUR RESIDENTS, ASSISTING FAMILIES AFTER HOME FIRES, RUNNING BLOOD DRIVES, WHICH OUR DISTRICT HAS HAD.
AND MANY OF THE COUNCIL MEMBERS HAVE HAD BLOOD DRIVES AND LEADING FIRE PREVENTION EFFORTS THAT HELP SAVE LIVES.
THEIR DEDICATION MAKES OUR NEIGHBORHOODS SAFER AND STRONGER.
IT'S A TIME TO RECOGNIZE THE VOLUNTEERS, DONORS, AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS WHO MAKE THIS WORK POSSIBLE.
SO ON BEHALF OF OUR CITY, THANK YOU TO THE AMERICAN RED CROSS, YOUR WORK MAKES A REAL DIFFERENCE.
AND WE'RE SO PROUD TO STAND WITH YOU AND YOUR MISSION TO HELP THOSE IN NEED.
I'VE HAD THE PLEASURE OF GETTING TO KNOW AMY PAPA GEORGE'S, THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE, UH, GREATER LONG BEACH AND SOUTH BAY
[00:55:01]
CHAPTER, AND I'M SO HAPPY TO HAVE JEAN BIXBY SMITH.BOTH OF THEM ARE GOING TO SAY A FEW WORDS AND THEN WE'LL GET A PICTURE AFTERWARD.
COUNCIL MEMBER DUGGAN AND MAYOR RICHARDSON, OUR ESTEEMED CITY COUNCIL.
IT'S SO NICE TO SEE FAMILIAR FACES HERE TONIGHT.
I'VE MET ALMOST ALL OF YOU AND SPENT TIME WITH ALMOST ALL OF YOU.
AND FOR THOSE THAT I HAVEN'T, I LOOK FORWARD TO THAT IN THE FUTURE.
UM, SO YOU REALLY COVERED A LOT OF WHAT I WAS GOING TO SHARE.
UM, BUT I WANTED TO ALSO ACKNOWLEDGE THE FACT THAT OUR FIRE CHIEF DENNIS BUCHANAN, I'M VERY PROUD TO SAY THAT HE'S ON OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS AT THE GREATER LONG BEACH CHAPTER.
UM, WE DO COVER 29 CITIES AND COMMUNITIES, INCLUDING THE PORT OF LONG BEACH, THE PORT OF LA, AND CATALINA ISLAND.
SO WE HAVE A LOT OF WORK THAT WE DO, UM, INCLUDING LONG BEACH.
AND WE'VE BEEN, UM, HOMED IN LONG BEACH SINCE, UM, 2000, I'M SORRY.
UM, IT'S BEEN OVER A HUNDRED YEARS THAT OUR HOME HAS BEEN IN LONG BEACH.
AND ON A REGULAR BASIS, WHAT WE DO AT OUR CHAPTER FOR THE RESIDENTS OF LONG BEACH, IF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT GOES OUT TO A HOUSE FIRE OR AN APARTMENT FIRE, AND THEY ASCERTAIN THAT THE HOME IS NO LONGER INHABITABLE, AND THAT THE PEOPLE THAT WE'RE RESIDING THERE NEED OUR HELP, THEY WILL CALL OUR DISPATCH NUMBER 24 HOURS A DAY AND LET US KNOW THAT WE NEED TO COME OUT AND ASSIST THOSE RESIDENTS.
AND WE HAVE VOLUNTEERS READY TO GO EVERY SINGLE DAY, 24 HOURS, AND THEY GO DIRECTLY TO THAT HOME.
UM, THE PEOPLE THAT YOU'RE SERVING HERE TONIGHT, AND MAKE SURE THAT THEY HAVE SOME ASSISTANCE AND GET, GET SOME COMFORT TO HELP GET THEM THROUGH THE NIGHT.
SO YOU CAN BE VERY GRATEFUL TO THE WORK THAT YOUR CITY IS DOING IN TERMS OF YOUR PARTNERSHIP WITH THE RED CROSS.
UM, MY ASK FOR YOU THIS EVENING IS TO BE PREPARED RIGHT AFTER WHAT WE LEARNED WITH THE WILDFIRES.
UM, AND THE MAJOR DEVASTATION.
THERE WAS A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO WERE NOT, THEY, THEY HAD NOTHING LITERALLY, BUT THE CLOTHES ON THEIR BACKS THAT WERE RESIDING IN OUR SHELTERS.
SO IF THERE'S ANYTHING WE CAN DO TO HELP GET THE WORD OUT FOR YOUR RESIDENTS TO HAVE A A KIT READY IN CASE THERE'S AN EVACUATION ORDER, HAVE A KIT READY NEXT TO THE DOOR.
THAT WAY THEY CAN GO WHEN THEY NEED TO GO.
SO THAT WOULD BE MY ONLY REQUEST TO YOU AND, UM, I'D LIKE TO INTRODUCE JEAN BIXBY SMITH.
AND SHE'S BEEN A RESIDENT OF LONG BEACH HER ENTIRE LIFE, AND ON OUR BOARD FOR MANY, MANY YEARS.
I HAVE MET MOST OF YOU BEFORE AND IT'S A PLEASURE TO BE HERE REPRESENTING RED CROSS THIS EVENING.
RED CROSS HAS BEEN EVER PRESENT IN MY LIFE SINCE I WAS A CHILD.
I CAN REMEMBER MY FAMILY SENDING THINGS TO EUROPE IN THE LATE STAGES OF WORLD WAR II.
AND, UH, I CAN ALSO REMEMBER MY FATHER AND MOTHER BOTH DOING VOLUNTEER WORK WITH THE RED CROSS.
MY FATHER SERVED ON THE BOARD OF THE RED CROSS AND AS CHAIR, UH, HE SERVED ON THE BOARD FOR SOME, UH, 25 PLUS YEARS.
HE ALSO, IN HIS LIFETIME, GAVE THREE GALLONS, PLUS FOUR, THREE GALLONS OF BLOOD UNTIL HE GOT, UM, A DISEASE THAT PREVENTED HIM FROM HIS BLOOD WAS NO LONGER ACCEPTABLE FOR, UH, TO PASS ON TO PATIENTS.
SO MY BROTHER LEARNED MOUTH TO MOUTH RESUSCITATION FROM RED CROSS.
AND AS AN ADULT, HE ACTUALLY OUTSIDE THE YMCA GYM WHEN IT WAS DOWNTOWN LONG BEACH.
HE ACTUALLY SAVED A GENTLEMAN'S LIFE, UH, USING THAT KNOWLEDGE THAT HE GAINED FROM RED CROSS.
I JOINED THE RED CROSS BOARD IN 1968.
I HAD BEEN A TEACHER FOR NINE YEARS AFTER I GRADUATED FROM COLLEGE.
AND, UH, MY FATHER WAITED UNTIL I STOPPED TEACHING AND THEN TOOK ME BY THE HAND AND LED ME TO THE RED CROSS BOARD.
AND, UH, THEN HE STEPPED ASIDE AND I STEPPED ON.
I'VE BEEN ON THE BOARD SINCE 1968.
SO I AM VERY, I'M VERY PROUD OF MY FAMILY'S INVOLVEMENT WITH THE RED CROSS AND RED CROSS' SERVICE TO THIS COMMUNITY.
AND PARTICULARLY, AS AMY SAID, UH, TO A REAL PRIVILEGE AND PLEASURE TO BE A PART OF IT AND TO SEE HOW WELL RED CROSS IS TAKING CARE OF THOSE IN SUCH DIRE NEED DUE TO THE FIRES AND THE FLOODS.
WE, UH, APPRECIATE THE RECOGNITION YOU'VE GIVEN US AND, UH, WE APPRECIATE THE CITY OF LONG BEACH AND THEIR SUPPORT OF RED CROSS.
WE HAVE A PROCLAMATION, SO IF COUNCIL MEMBERS WOULD LIKE TO COME DOWN, WE'LL GIVE A PRO PROCLAMATION AND
[01:00:01]
GET A PICTURE.I WANNA THANK THE RED CROSS FOR COMING OUT.
IF YOU, UH, ARE INSPIRED, PLEASE GO HOME AND PACK YOUR GO BAGG.
UM, BUT ALSO IF YOU'RE LOOKING TO GIVE BLOOD, DISTRICT FIVE IS HOSTING TWO BLOOD DRIVES IN MAY, ONE AT THE EXPO CENTER AND ONE AT WARDLOW PARK.
SO IF YOU WANNA DO IT BEFORE THEN GREAT.
BUT REMEMBER WE'RE DOING 'EM IN MAY.
ALRIGHT, LET'S START THE COUNCIL MEETING.
YOU GUYS READY TO START THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING NOW? ALRIGHT, UH, LET'S PULL UP THE CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS ONE THROUGH 15 MINUS ITEM 11.
OKAY, IT'S BEEN MOVED AND SECONDED.
IS THERE ANY PUBLIC COMMENT ON CONSENT? OKAY.
SEEING NONE, MEMBERS, PLEASE CAST YOUR VOTE
[CONSENT CALENDAR (1. – 15.)]
COUNCILWOMAN SORROW.ITEM 11, PLEASE DO I HAVE, SORRY, GIMME ONE MOMENT.
REPORT FROM POLICE DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION TO RECEIVE AND FILE THE APPLICATION OF KIT KONG FOR AN ORIGINAL APPLICATION OF AN ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL LICENSE AT 3,200 EAST PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY AND DETERMINE THAT THE APPLICATION SERVES THE PUBLIC CONVENIENCE AND NECESSITY.
SUBMIT A PUBLIC NOTICE OF PROTEST TO A, B, C AND DIRECT CITY MANAGER TO WITHDRAW THE PROTESTS IF A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT IS GRANTED.
UH, I THINK THERE WAS A, A REQUEST FROM STAFF, UH, TO CLARIFY A PLANNING COMMISSION ISSUE.
WE WORK COLLABORATIVELY BETWEEN, UH, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND PD ON THOSE ITEMS. THERE'S A NUMBER OF ISSUES ASSOCIATED WITH THIS APPLICATION.
UM, COUNCIL MEMBER ALLEN WANTED IT, UM, HEARD WHEN SHE WAS HERE.
UM, UH, WE NEED A MOTION AND A SECOND.
DOES SHE IT'S VOTE IT'S MOVED.
ANY PUBLIC COMMENT HERE? OKAY.
MEMBERS, PLEASE CAST YOUR VOTE.
YEAH, I, I I THINK THIS WAS A REQUEST TO, UM, FOR US, FOR IT TO BE CONTINUED.
UM, CAN WE MAYBE, IS THAT THE REQUEST? THIS ONE? IS THAT THE, CAN WE LAY THIS ONE TO THE END OF THE MEETING AND THEN WE'LL GET YOU AN ANSWER ON THAT? DO IT.
WE'LL CONTINUE THE, WE'LL LAY THIS OVER TO THE END OF THE MEETING AND WE CAN GET CLARITY ON
AND THEN WE'LL TAKE IT UP AT THE END OF THE MEETING.
SO WE DON'T HAVE TO VOTE RIGHT NOW.
WE'RE JUST GONNA CONTINUE IT TO THE END OF THE MEETING.
ALRIGHT, WE'LL NOW GO TO, UH, REPORT OUT FROM CLOSED SESSION.
ADAM CITY, THE ATTORNEY REPORT OUT CLOSED SESSION.
UH, WE HAVE NO REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSION TODAY.
NEXT WE HAVE GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT.
WE HAVE 10 MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC SIGNED UP TO SPEAK.
AS I READ YOUR NAME, PLEASE MAKE YOUR WAY TO THE FRONT.
FIRST IS JEN COHEN, ASHLEY BRADLEY, ANN BURETTE, JANELLE COOPER, ANDREA ROMERO, MIRNA DELGADO, JOSE PEREZ, ANGELA,
[01:05:01]
ANDRE, GUADALUPE, GUADALUPE NAIRA, AND MARTHA COTA.UH, GOOD EVENING, CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS.
I AM ONE OF THE CO-FOUNDERS OF THE FEMINIST UPRISING.
AND, UM, I AM BACK AGAIN THIS EVENING TO DISCUSS THE,
[ PUBLIC COMMENT: OBTAIN SPEAKER CARD FROM THE CITY CLERK Opportunity to address the City Council (on non-agenda items) is given to the first 10 persons who submit Speaker Cards to the City Clerk beginning at 15 minutes prior to the commencement of the meeting. Each speaker is allowed three minutes to make their comments. ]
UM, VERY CONCERNING ISSUE OF ELON MUSK BRINGING MORE OF SPACEX AND HIS DRAGON PROJECT TO LONG BEACH.UM, PART OF MY ROLE, UM, IN OUR ORGANIZATION, I MANAGE ALL OF OUR SOCIAL MEDIA, ALL OF OUR ONLINE ENGAGEMENT AND, UM, OF ALL OF THE TOPICS THAT WE DISCUSS ONLINE.
UM, GENDER EQUALITY, REPRODUCTIVE FREEDOM, UM, COMMUNITY BUILDING, THIS TOPIC, ELON MUSK, BEING HERE IN LONG BEACH, BRINGING MORE DANGER, MORE POLLUTION TO THIS COMMUNITY HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST ISSUE.
IT HAS CAUSED THE MOST UPROAR IN OUR, YOU KNOW, COMMENT SECTIONS ONLINE.
SO WHAT WE'RE TAKING FROM THAT IS THAT THE COMMUNITY IS VERY UPSET BY THIS.
THIS IS SOMETHING THAT, YOU KNOW, IS NOT JUST COMING UP IN OUR COMMENTS, BUT ALSO, I MEAN, IN PROTESTS THERE WAS A BIG PROTEST OVER THE WEEKEND, THERE'S MORE TO COME.
AND THIS IS A VERY BIG CENTRAL ISSUE, PARTICULARLY HERE IN LONG BEACH.
NOBODY WANTS A FASCIST WANNABE BRINGING BUSINESS AND MAKING MONEY OFF OF A COMMUNITY THAT IS ALSO BEING ENDANGERED BY HIS PRODUCTS.
I MEAN, THERE'S NOT JUST BEEN ONE EXPLOSION THIS YEAR, BUT TWO NOW.
UM, AND THEY HAVE HALTED FLIGHTS.
AND CURRENTLY, YOU KNOW, THE, HE'S WORKING IN FLORIDA AND HE WANTS TO MOVE MORE OF THAT PROJECT HERE, RIGHT? FLORIDA HAS LESS THAN 10,000 PEOPLE.
THERE'S 400,000 PLUS HERE IN LONG BEACH THAT COULD BE ENDANGERED BY HIS PROJECTS, BY FURTHER EXPLOSIONS, BY FURTHER POLLUTION.
SO I'M HERE TONIGHT BECAUSE I'M WONDERING WHAT ARE, WHAT ARE YOU ALL GOING TO DO ABOUT IT? THIS IS A CITY THAT PRIDES ITSELF ON DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION, AND THIS IS A MAN WHO'S TRYING TO GUT DEI.
SO WHEN WILL THIS BE AN AGENDA ITEM? WHEN IS THIS GOING TO BE OPEN TO THE COMMUNITY TO REALLY DISCUSS? BECAUSE IT IS A VERY BIG CONCERN.
SO I JUST WANTED TO SAY WE'RE ALL WATCHING, WE'RE ALL WAITING, WE'RE ALL WONDERING WHAT THERE'S, WHAT THE RESPONSE IS GONNA BE FROM YOU ALL.
BECAUSE WE KNOW THIS CITY IS WORTH PROTECTING.
WE KNOW THAT IT IS NOT HERE FOR HIM TO USE AS A TRASH AND THAT IS WHAT HE WILL DO WITH THIS PROJECT.
SO THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR HEARING ME.
GOOD AFTERNOON MAYOR RICHARDSON AND CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS.
AS YOU KNOW, MY NAME IS ASHLEY BRADY AND I AM ONE OF THE OTHER CO I'M THE OTHER CO-FOUNDER OF THE FUA LOCAL NON-PROFIT DEDICATED TO AN INTERSECTIONAL FEMINIST FUTURE.
PART OF THAT VERY NEAR FUTURE DOES NOT INCLUDE THE SPACEX PROGRAM, DRAGON PROJECT, ET CETERA, IN LONG BEACH.
WE DO NOT WANT HIS ROCKET DEBRIS IN LONG BEACH.
ELON IS A VERY, VERY REAL THREAT TO OUR COUNTRY, AND SPACEX IS A VERY REAL THREAT TO LONG BEACH SINCE IT'S WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH.
I GUESS I SHOULD MENTION A COUPLE THINGS LIKE HIS, UH, EIGHT SEXUAL ABUSE ALLEGATIONS THAT ARE, IS OUT RIGHT NOW AND POSSIBLY MORE THAT HE'S FIGHTING ALL OF HIS CHILDREN'S MOTHERS NOT TO PAY CHILD SUPPORT, THIS HUGE BILLIONAIRE.
UM, NOT ONLY DOES THAT MAN OWN SPACEX DRAGON PROJECT, HIS FAILED ROCKET LAUNCHES ARE RIPPING OUR OZONE SEEPING TOXIC CHEMICALS INTO OUR WATER KILLING OUR NATIVE WILDLIFE.
AND IT REALLY DOES SEND A MESSAGE THAT LONG BEACH IS COOL WITH NAZI AGENDA 'CAUSE THAT IS WHAT HE IS.
UH, WE WANNA PUT THIS ISSUE ON THE AGENDA AT THIS POINT.
MORE AND MORE PEOPLE ARE GETTING OUTREACH THAT HE'S HERE.
SO LET'S ADDRESS IT AND START REMOVING HIM FROM LONG BEACH.
I HAVE THE PRIVILEGE OF BEING A CRADLE LONG BEACH RESIDENT LIVING IN THREE FOUR OF THE D DIFFERENT DISTRICTS AT VARIOUS TIMES.
I RETURNED HERE AFTER 30 YEARS.
MY HUSBAND CALLS IT A ROAD TRIP, BUT WE CAME BACK HERE AND I AM ASTOUNDED ABOUT HOW MANY PEOPLE IN MARYLAND, IN OREGON KNOW ABOUT LONG BEACH AND KNOW THE THINGS THAT YOU HAVE DONE AS A COUNCIL AND THAT WE HAVE DONE AS VOTERS.
I'M PROUD TO HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN SOME OF THOSE, UH, ISSUES.
I'VE BEEN PROUD TO SUPPORT OUR HOTEL WORKERS AND I'VE BEEN SADDENED
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AND A LITTLE BIT ASHAMED TO FIND THAT PEOPLE WHO WORK IN OUR CONVENTION CENTER AND AT OUR AIRPORT HAVE BEEN LEFT OUT.AND THEY DO NOT HAVE AN OLYMPIC WAGE.
THEY DON'T EVEN HAVE A LIVING WAGE.
SO MY, MY REASON FOR BEING HERE IS TO SAY, UH, SADLY ONE OF MY FAVORITE PLACES TO GO IS THE BEVERLY O'NEILL THEATER.
AND I JUST PURCHASED MY ICT UM, MEMBERSHIP AND I WON'T CROSS THAT LINE UNTIL THE CONCESSION WORKERS AT THE CONVENTION CENTER ARE GIVEN PROPER TREATMENT BY THE SUBCONTRACTOR THAT WE HIRE AS TAXPAYERS.
AND THAT ALLEGATIONS OF WAGE THEFT, WHICH I BELIEVE ARE VERY GROUNDED AND WELL-DOCUMENTED ARE ADDRESSED BY THIS COUNCIL.
SO I'M ASKING THE COUNCIL AND THE STAFF TO LOOK INTO THESE ALLEGATIONS BECAUSE WE DESERVE BETTER.
ALRIGHT, NEXT IS JANELLE COOPER.
GOOD EVENING HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBER OF THE CITY COUNCIL.
MY NAME IS JANELLE COOPER AND I HAVE BEEN A CONCESSION CASHIER WORKER AT THE CONVENTION CENTER FOR NINE YEARS.
DO YOU REMEMBER ME? YOU VISITED MY MYSELF.
I CAME INTO YOUR HOUSE FOR CHRISTMAS.
AS I'VE SHARED BEFORE, I'M A SINGLE MOM AND I'M THE PRIMARY CARETAKER OF MY FAMILY.
IT IS DIFFICULT TO MEET MY FAMILY'S BASIC NEEDS.
THIS IS WHY FOR SEVEN MONTHS MY COWORKERS AND I HAVE BEEN FIGHTING FOR A FAIR CONTRACT.
WE HAVE CALLED FOR A BOYCOTT AND AUTHORIZED A STRIKE.
WE WILL CONTINUE TO DEMAND THAT A SM GLOBAL AGREED TO A FAIR CONTRACT THAT ENSURES ALL OF ITS WORKERS, INCLUDING SUBCONTRACTED WORKERS, EARN A LIVING WAGE AND ARE TREATED FAIRLY.
ESPECIALLY NOW IN THE WAKE OF THE ALLEGED MASS WAGE THEFT AND LABOR VIOLATIONS.
WE WILL DO WHATEVER IT TAKES, INCLUDING STRIKING THE ACCURATE OF THE ACCURATE GRAND PRIX OF LONG BEACH.
WE HAVE BEEN WAITING LONG ENOUGH.
GOOD EVENING HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL.
MY NAME IS ANDREA ROMERO AND I'VE BEEN A COOK AT THE LONG BEACH CONVENTION CENTER FOR 11 YEARS.
FOR MONTHS, WE HAVE TALKED ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF TREATING ALL CONVENTION CENTER WORKERS WITH DIGNITY AND RESPECT.
WE OPPOSE THE CITY'S EFFORTS TO REMOVE PROTECTIONS FOR SUB SUBCONTRACTED WORKERS FROM THE CITY'S EXISTING LIVING WAGE ORDINANCE.
WE KNOW THE WORK THEY CARRY OUT.
THE ALLEGATIONS WE'VE HEARD ABOUT 1 51, INCLUDING WORKERS BEING REPORTED REPORTEDLY PAID AND CASH ENVELOPES WITHOUT BEING PROVIDED.
THIS CITY COUNCIL MUST FIX THIS.
PLEASE INVESTIGATE THESE VIOLATIONS, PROTECT IMPACTED WORKERS, AND ASSURE THAT WORKERS ARE MADE WHOLE.
THESE ALLEGATIONS HIGHLIGHT THE IMPORTANCE OF INCLUDING AGENCY WORKERS IN THE CITY'S LIVING WAGE ORDINANCE.
I WILL CONTINUE STANDING IN SOLIDARITY WITH OUR AGENCY BROTHERS AND SISTERS, DOING WHATEVER IT TAKES UNTIL ALL OF US AT THE CONVENTION CENTER HAVE JUSTICE.
NEXT IS MIRNA, AND THEN JOSE ES, SENIOR WASHINGTON.
CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS AND STAFF.
WE ARE HERE TO ASK FOR A COMMUNITY CENTER IN THE WASHINGTON NEIGHBORHOOD DISTRICT ONE.
AND WE, WE BELIEVE WE WILL HELP CRIME PREVENTION.
YOU, WASHINGTON NEIGHBORHOOD IN THE HOUSE.
GOOD AFTERNOON HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS.
I AM A MEMBER OF THE LATINAS IN ACTION CALIFORNIA ORGANIZATION.
AND AS ALSO BEING PART OF THE ORGANIZATION, YOU MAY KNOW WE'VE BEEN, UM, ADVOCATING FOR THE COMMUNITY CENTER IN THE WASHINGTON NEIGHBORHOOD.
UH, TO SHOW OUR REPRESENTATIVES THE URGENCY WE HAVE TO RECEIVE THE COMMUNITY CENTER.
WE CONDUCTED A NEIGHBORHOOD OUTREACH CAMPAIGN AND ALSO GOT MORE THAN 400 SIGNATURES TO SUPPORT THE PETITION OF BUILDING THE COMMUNITY CENTER.
UH, AND WE ALSO PRESENTED THESE SIGNATURES TO, AT THE TIME, UH, MAYOR ROBERT GARCIA AND UM, COUNCIL MEMBER,
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UM, LENA GONZALEZ FOR DISTRICT ONE, WHO WAS ALSO THE COUNCIL MEMBER FOR DISTRICT ONE AT THE TIME.AND 2021 WE BEGAN OUR MEETINGS WITH COUNCIL MEMBER MARI SANJA, THE WASHINGTON NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION AND LATINOS IN ACTION CALIFORNIA.
AND A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO, BOOKS AND BUCKETS ALSO JOINED THE FORCES IN ACHIEVING THE COMMUNITY CENTER.
IN 2022, THE YOUTH LEADERS FROM LATINOS IN ACTION, CALIFORNIA, THE NEIGHBORHOOD COMMUNITY, HABITAT FOR HUMANITY, OUR COUNCIL MEMBER MARIJA AND WITH THE SUPPORT OF CENTRAL CHA ALSO CREATED A PAINTING VISUALIZING OF WHAT WE WANT FOR OUR COMMUNITY CENTER.
WE PRESENTED THIS TO YOU, THE MAYOR AND MARIJA, WHEN YOU GUYS HAVE VISITED US DURING THE YOUTH LEADERSHIP GRADUATION.
THE WORK TO CREATE A COMMUNITY CENTER IN THE WASHINGTON NEIGHBORHOOD HAS BEEN GOING ON IN FOR SEVERAL YEARS, BUT THIS HASN'T STOPPED US.
I WANT TO THANK THE TIME FOR, I WANNA THANK YOU GUYS FOR LISTENING TO ME AND OUR FOUNDER MARTA COTA, FOR ALWAYS PERSEVERING AND SUPPORTING US TO ACHIEVE THE CENTER.
WHEN I, THE LATINOS IN ACTION.
CALIFORNIA WASHINGTON BOULEVARD.
GOOD AFTERNOON, MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS.
MY NAME IS AN ANGEL ANDRA FROM LATINOS IN ACTION CALIFORNIA.
I'M HERE TO ASK YOU AS CITY OFFICIALS IN OUR DECISION MAKING REPRESENTATIVES TO FIRST PRIORITIZE FUNDING AND LAND FOR THE COMMUNITY CENTER IN THE WASHINGTON NEIGHBORHOOD.
WE HAVE SUGGESTED TWO SITES THAT WOULD BE EXCELLENT ON 14TH STREET BETWEEN LONG BEACH BOULEVARD AND LOCUST.
AND ON THE CORNER OF LOCUST AND 14TH STREET.
MORE THAN 200 FAMILIES, DOZENS OF CHILDREN AND TEENAGERS WILL SOON BE ARRIVING IN NEIGHBORHOOD WHO WILL ALSO BENEFIT FROM THE COMMUNITY CENTER.
ALRIGHT, NEXT SPEAKER IS GUADALUPE LATINOS IN ACTION, CALIFORNIA, WASHINGTON.
GOOD AFTERNOON MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS.
MY NAME IS LUPITA NARA OF LATINOS IN ACTION CALIFORNIA.
I'M AN INSTRUCTOR AT THE ORGANIZATION AND I SEE HOW FAMILIES ARE BENEFITING FROM ALL THE PROGRAMS OFFERED TO ALL FAMILIES, YOUTH, AND THE COMMUNITY IN GENERAL.
I BELIEVE IT'S ORIGINALLY NECESSARY FOR THE CITY TO BUILD A COMMUNITY CENTER IN THE WASHINGTON NEIGHBORHOOD SINCE THERE'S SO MUCH NEED AND THE CAPACITY TO SERVE SO MANY FAMILIES IS NOT ENOUGH WITH A SINGLE ORGANIZATION.
BY THE WAY, THERE, THIS ORGANIZATION DOES NOT RECEIVE ANY FUNDING FROM YOU WHILE YOU DECIDE TO BUILD A COMMUNITY CENTER.
AND THEN MARTHA COTA, OUR FINAL SPEAKER.
MY NAME IS MARTA COTA AND I'M THE EXECUTIVE
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DIRECTOR OF LATINOS IN ACTION CALIFORNIA.AND I'M RESIDENT OF DISTRICT ONE.
TODAY I'M HERE TO SUPPORT THE WORKERS OF THE CONVENTION CENTER BECAUSE NO WORKERS SHOULD BE PAID UNDER THE TABLE WITHOUT PROPER DOCUMENTATION.
THERE IS NO PLACE FOR THE EXPLOITATION OF WORKERS IN LONG BEACH, ESPECIALLY NOT IN A CITY OWNED FACILITY.
WHEN COMPANIES DO NOT FOLLOW THE LAWS AND THERE IS A WAGE THEFT, THE WORKERS ARE NOT THE ONLY ONES WHO ARE AFFECTED BUT ALS.
LONG BEACH SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE AND PROTECT THE LO THE WORKERS, INCLUDING SUBCONTRACTED WORKERS LONG BEACH.
UH, THAT'S WHY I'M ASKING FOR THE CITY OF LONG BEACH TO ENFORCE THE WORKER RETENTION ORDINANCE AND HAVE MASM GLOBAL HIRE THE WORKERS WHO ARE AFFECTED, ALL WORKERS WHO HAVE BEEN AFFECTED TO SERVE, TO BE PAID IN FULL.
AND THEY SHOULD BE ALSO INCLUDED IN THE LIVING WAGE ORDINANCE.
WE'RE HERE WITH THE WORKERS DEMANDING ACTION, DEMANDING ACCOUNTABILITY.
AND MORE THAN ANYTHING, WE ARE DEMANDING A LONG BEACH THAT VALUES THE WORKERS.
DON'T FORGET THE COMMUNITY CENTER IN NEIGHBORHOOD.
SO THAT CONCLUDES, UH, PUBLIC COMMENT.
UH, I WANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE, UH, THIS BIG MASSIVE GROUP OF NEIGHBORS FROM THE WASHINGTON NEIGHBORHOOD WHO CAME DOWN THAT WHAT AN INCREDIBLE TURNOUT THAT IS.
UH, LATINOS IN ACTION BOOKS AND BUCKETS.
NEIGHBORHOOD LEADERS, BECAUSE IT'S NOT ON THE AGENDA, OUR COUNCIL MEMBERS CANNOT SPEAK TO IT, BUT THERE IS A VERY GOOD UPDATE ON THE PLANNING OF THE COM OF THE COMMUNITY CENTER.
SO I WANNA ENCOURAGE YOU, I KNOW MONTSERRAT'S HERE, I KNOW THE COUNCILWOMAN HAS SOME FOLKS HERE.
MAKE, MAKE SURE YOU CONNECT WITH THEM IN THE LOBBY.
I'LL HAVE MONTSERRAT COME OUT AND, UH, GIVE YOU THE MOST RECENT UPDATE.
'CAUSE THERE IS GOOD NEWS AND PROGRESS BEING MADE ON THE PLANNING FOR THE COM COMMUNITY CENTER.
IT'S A, IT'S A, IT'S A REALLY IMPORTANT PROJECT, BUT THE COUNCIL MEMBERS CANNOT SPEAK SINCE THIS IS NOT ON THE AGENDA.
AND MR. MAYOR BRENT DENNIS, OUR PARKS AND REC DIRECTOR IS PREPARED TO TALK TO THAT AS WELL.
SO OUR PARKS DIRECTOR, YOU, YOU ALL SHOULD GO, YOU KNOW, PUT YOUR HEADS TOGETHER OUT IN THE LOBBY 'CAUSE HE'S GOT SOME UPDATES.
ALL RIGHT, RAISE YOUR HAND, BRENT.
THAT IS, THAT WAS PUBLIC COMMENT.
WE'LL NOW GO TO THE REGULAR AGENDA.
COMMUNICATION FROM MAYOR RICHARDSON, COUNCILWOMAN ZENDEJAS, CHAIR OF THE ARTS, CULTURE AND TOURISM COMMITTEE.
[16. 25-54676 Recommendation to request City Manager to work with impacted departments and the Arts Council for Long Beach to expand the City’s Percent for the Arts Program to boost support for public art installations and live music, and refer to the Arts, Culture, and Tourism Committee for input and discussion. Office or Department: Rex Richardson, Mayor; Mary Zendejas, Councilwoman, First District, Chair, Arts, Culture, and Tourism Committee Suggested Action: Approve recommendation. ]
CITY MANAGER TO WORK WITH IMPACTED DEPARTMENTS AND THE ARTS COUNCIL FOR LONG BEACH TO EXPAND THE CITY'S PERCENT FOR THE ARTS PROGRAM TO BOOST SUPPORT FOR PUBLIC ART, INSTALLATION AND LIVE MUSIC.AND REFER TO THE ARTS, CULTURE AND TOURISM COMMITTEE FOR INPUT AND DISCUSSION.
ALRIGHT, WELL, I WANT TO THANK, UH, THANK THE ARTS COMMUNITIES, WHO, WHO'S HERE.
I SEE A NUMBER OF FOLKS FROM THE ARTS COMMUNITY WHO'S HERE, UH, TO TODAY.
UH, WE'RE PROUD TO INTRODUCE, UH, THE NEXT COUNCIL ITEM THAT WAS, UH, PREVIEWED IN A SERIES OF ACTIONS THAT WE PREVIEWED AT THE STATE OF THE CITY, UH, IN JANUARY TO BUILD A MORE VIBRANT AND THRIVING CITY.
SO OVER THE PAST FEW MONTHS, WE'VE COUNCIL, WE'VE, UH, WORKED WITH DIFFERENT COUNCIL MEMBERS ON A, ON THIS AGENDA, UH, TO GREEN OUR FLEETS AND TO FOCUS ON SMALL BUSINESSES AND, AND HOUSING STRATEGIES.
TODAY WE'RE FOCUSED ON, UH, OUR, OUR EFFORTS TO AMPLIFY OUR CITY'S IDENTITY AS A HUB FOR ARTS, CULTURE AND TOURISM.
UH, I'M EXCITED TO PARTNER WITH COUNCILWOMAN MARRIES AND DEJAS, WHO IS THE CHAIR OF OUR ACT COMMITTEE, ARTS CULTURE AND TOURISM CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE, UH, ON AN IMPORTANT CALL TO ACTION TO EXPAND OUR CITY'S EXISTING PERCENT FOR THE ARTS PROGRAM IN ORDER TO BOOST RESOURCES AND SUPPORT FOR PUBLIC ART PROJECTS AND LIVE ARTISTS AND LIVE ARTS, LIVE MUSIC, MUSIC IN OUR CITY.
SO SINCE THIS PROGRAM WAS ENACTED IN, UH, BY THE CITY COUNCIL IN 2016, IT'S HELPED SUPPORT A NUMBER OF GREAT CAUSES, LIKE
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COMMUNITY GRANTS, PROFESSIONAL ARTISTS, FELLOWSHIPS, SUPPORT FOR PUBLIC ARTS, UH, LIKE THE SOUTH COURSE COURSE, CORAL AND THE ARTS THEATER, AND MANY RECOGNIZABLE ART PROJECTS ACROSS OUR CITY AND PROJECTS LIKE LOVE BEYOND BORDERS MURAL, AND THE WASHINGTON NEIGHBORHOOD BASKETBALL COURT MURAL.THESE ARE THINGS THAT ADD VALUE TO OUR, OUR ENTIRE COMMUNITY.
THIS PROPOSAL, UH, IS ASKING US TO EXPLORE OPTIONS FOR BROADEN, BROADENING, UH, REALLY TWO THINGS, THE RESOURCES THAT ARE AVAILABLE.
SO, SO THE SCOPE, THE THE AMOUNT OF RESOURCES THAT WE CAPTURED THROUGH THE PRESENT FOR THE ARTS PROGRAM, BUT ALSO, UH, CAN WE EXPAND THE, THE SCOPE TO REALLY FOCUS ON MORE PUBLIC ART AND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT, WHICH ALIGNS WITH, UH, SOME OF OUR FOCUS ON OUR ENTERTAINMENT, UM, FOCUS AS A CITY.
SO THIS IS A KEY STRATEGY OF GROW LONG BEACH.
UH, WE'VE TALKED, UH, IN OUR, OUR ECONOMIC PLANNING EFFORTS TO TREAT ARTS AS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN OUR CITY.
IN ORDER TO DO SO, WE HAVE TO INVEST IN OUR ARTS.
WE HAVE A LONG HISTORY OF PAYING ARTISTS IN OUR CITY FROM THE LONGEST STANDING MUNICIPAL BAND IN, IN, IN, IN HISTORY, IN ANYWHERE IN AMERICA IS HERE IN LONG BEACH BECAUSE WE PAID A BAND TO GO DOWN TO THE PIKE AND PLAY EVERY SINGLE DAY OF FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES.
UH, WAY BACK IN 1907, THAT'S HOW LONG WE'VE BEEN PAYING ARTISTS.
AND, UH, AS A PART OF, UH, THE, THE, UM, UH, THE GREAT DEPRESSION IN THAT RECOVERY EFFORT AS A PART OF THE NEW DEAL, WE PUT UP A NUMBER OF TA UH, MURALS, MOSAIC MURALS IN OUR CITY IN PARTNERSHIP WITH, UH, THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.
AND SO ONE OF THOSE MURALS IS ACTUALLY MOSAIC MURAL THAT'S AT HARVEY MILK PARK WAS ONE OF THOSE MURALS, ONE OF THOSE MURALS THAT WAS PRESERVED, THAT WAS INSIDE OF OUR, UM, MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM.
AND SO WE HAVE A HISTORY, UH, OF LEANING INTO ARTS' ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, UH, WHENEVER WE'RE RECOVERING FROM ECONOMIC CHALLENGES, WELL, WE'RE COMING OUTTA THE PANDEMIC AND WE GET AN OPPORTUNITY TO RESHAPE OUR CITY.
AND THIS ASKS US TO LOOK AT THE PERCENT FOR THE ARTS PROGRAM, REALLY AS A MEANS TO HELP FUND SOME OF THIS, SOME OF THIS, THIS, THESE EFFORTS.
SO I WANNA ACKNOWLEDGE GRISELDA SUAREZ AND HER AMAZING TEAM AT THE ARTS COUNCIL FOR LONG BEACH, WHO'VE BEEN TREMENDOUS PARTNERS IN MANAGING THE PERCENT FOR THE ARTS PROGRAM AND THE 20 LOCAL ART ARTS GROUPS, UH, WHO HAVE SUBMITTED LETTERS TO SUPPORT A LOT OF LETTERS OF SUPPORT ARTS GROUPS, UH, BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS, HISTORICAL SOCIETY, L-G-B-T-Q CENTER, UH, YOU NAME IT.
SO A BROAD AMOUNT OF SUPPORT, UH, FOR HEADING DOWN THIS DIRECTION.
AND SO, UM, UH, SO THAT SAID, I WANNA PASS IT ON TO, UH, COUNCILWOMAN AND DEJAS.
I AM EXTREMELY PLEASED TO CO-SIGN THIS ITEM ALONGSIDE YOU AND TO SAY, WITH MUCH ENTHUSIASM, LONG LIVE THE ARTS.
COLLECTIVELY AS A CITY, WE HAVE DEMONSTRATED A SHARED VISION FOR COLORFUL AND VIBRANT FUTURE THAT THROUGH THE ARTS HELPED, HELPS US SHARE OUR STORIES AND OUR DREAMS HERE IN THE CITY OF LONG BEACH.
THIS ITEM CALLS TO EXPAND THE LONG BEACH PERCENT FOR ARTS PROGRAM TO ENSURE THIS SHARED VISION.
AS CHAIR OF THE ARTS, CULTURAL AND TOURISM COMMITTEE, I AM PARTICULARLY INTERESTED IN CONTINUING THIS DISCUSSION ABOUT EXPANDING THE CITY'S PERCENTAGE, UH, TO THE ARTS PROGRAM.
SINCE ITS IMPLEMENTATION, THE PROGRAM HAS GENERATED OVER $1.3 MILLION.
THE DOLLARS GO DIRECTLY TOWARDS SUPPORTING PUBLIC ART AND ART GROUPS AND SMALL GRANTS, GRANTS THAT MAKE PROJECTS LIKE LOVE BEYOND BORDERS AND THE WASHINGTON NEIGHBORHOOD BASKETBALL COURT MURAL PROJECTS COME TO LIFE IN TIMES WHERE WE ARE PLANNING FOR MAJOR PUBLIC FACING EVENTS LIKE LA 28, THIS EXPANSION COULD NOT COME AT A BETTER TIME.
I AM SIMPLY CANNOT WAIT TO SHOWCASE THE BEAUTY THAT LONG BEACH HOSE IN ITS OWN CITY, TO THE WHOLE WORLD THROUGH OUR ART.
I WANNA THANK THE ARTS COUNCIL FOR THEIR STRONG PARTNERSHIP IN SHAPING US TO BE THE CITY WHERE ARTS CULTURE AND TOURISM THRIVE DAY IN AND DAY OUT.
AND ALL OF OUR ARTS COMMUNITIES THAT FIND THEMSELVES BEING ABLE TO SHOW THEIR TALENT AND SHOW THEIR ARTIST SKILLS, I'M SO EXCITED FOR THIS RECOMMENDATION, UM, AND FOR, TO SEE WHAT SPECIFICS OUR STAFF WILL COME BACK WITH AND TO SEE THIS BECOME A REALITY.
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AGAIN AND I ENCOURAGE MY COLLEAGUES TO SUPPORT THIS ITEM.UH, NEXT IS COUNCIL MEMBER VICE MAYOR URANGA.
UM, THERE'S NO SAYING WITH THE MGM, YOU KNOW WHAT THAT IS.
SO MARY HARRY SUPPORTING THIS AND THERE'S ONE THING THAT MAKES A, A CITY STRONG IS HIS HEART.
SO WANNA THANK THE ARTS COUNCIL FOR HELPING ME IN MY DISTRICT WITH OUR SAN FOR STATEMENT, UH, MURAL PROGRAM, AS WELL AS BUREAUS THROUGHOUT THE CITY AND WISH YOU WELL.
ALRIGHT, WELL NOW GO TO PUBLIC COMMENT.
WE HAVE EIGHT MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC SIGNED UP TO SPEAK.
G DE SUAREZ ISSA ICHI SMITH, DR. KAREN BURNS, AMANDA FRIDA, JESSICA CANTANA, JENNIFER DROIT, UH, FORGIVE ME, GREG JOHNSON AND VIOLET BROWN.
MY NAME IS G LA SUAREZ AND I'M THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE ARTS COUNCIL FOR LONG BEACH.
THANK YOU MAYOR RICHARDSON AND COUNCILWOMAN
ALL THE COUNCIL MEMBERS ARE REALLY APPRECIATE IT.
TONIGHT ARE ALSO OUR BOARD MEMBERS AND OUR STAFF THAT'S ALSO HERE THAT PUTS ALL THOSE MURALS INTO THE STREETS AND ALL THOSE GRANTS OUT.
UM, THIS POLICY UPDATE IS A CRUCIAL STEP TOWARD CONTINUING OUR INVESTMENT IN OUR CREATIVE COMMUNITY AND ENSURING ARTISTS AND CULTURAL ORGANIZATIONS CONTINUE TO THRIVE.
WE KNOW THAT OTHER CITIES LIKE SAN FRANCISCO AND SEATTLE HAVE ALSO DONE THESE EXPLORATIONS AND HAVE CREATED MORE ROBUST PROGRAMS AND HAVE SEEN GREAT SUCCESS IN THOSE INVESTMENTS.
IT'S IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER THAT ARTS AND CULTURE IS AN ECONOMIC DRIVER FOR LONG BEACH, GENERATING REVENUE, SUPPORTING JOBS, AND MAKING OUR CITY A MORE VIBRANT PLACE TO LIVE AND VISIT.
EVERY TIME SOMEONE PURCHASE A TICKET HERE TO ATTEND AN EVENT IN LONG BEACH, UM, $32 GOES BACK INTO THE ECONOMY.
WE ARE COMMITTED TO ENSURING THAT ARTS FUNDING AND OPPORTUNITIES REACH ALL COMMUNITIES, PARTICULARLY THOSE WHO ARE UNDERSERVED.
AND AS WE FACE AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE FROM FEDERAL GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS LIKE THE, LIKE, UM, MANY THAT HELP SERVE THE CITY OF LONG BEACH, THIS INVESTMENT IS CRUCIAL.
AS IT STANDS RIGHT NOW, THE PROGRAM FUNDS WORK AT OVER 20 DIFFERENT NONPROFITS AND GALLERIES AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS THROUGHOUT LONG BEACH.
THIS YEAR IT'S HELPING TO GRANT TO, UM, FOUR ARTISTS, UM, PROFESSIONALS HERE IN LONG BEACH.
IMAGINE WHAT WE CAN DO WITH THOSE ADDITIONAL FUNDS.
WE URGE THE COUNCIL TO VOTE IN FAVOR OF THIS ITEM AND EXPAND ITS COMMITMENT TO ARTS, CULTURE AND COMMUNITY AND ENRICHMENT IN LONG BEACH.
I AM THE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT DIRECTOR FOR COMPOUND LONG BEACH COMPOUND IS A COMMUNITY HUB IN THE HISTORIC RIA BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT NEIGHBORHOOD IN COUNCIL DISTRICT TWO.
WE ARE A CREATIVE COMPLEX AND OUR CAMPUS CONTAINS GALLERY SPACE, A MIXED USE WAREHOUSE, SCULPTURE, GARDEN CREATIVE AND EXPERIENTIAL LAB, RETAIL SHOP, RESTAURANT, AND BAR FOR MANY THINGS THAT COMPOUND.
UM, WE ARE A 5 0 1 C3 NONPROFIT THAT PROVIDES ENGAGING AND DIVERSE PROGRAMMING AND THERE IS NO COST TO VISIT COMPOUND.
WE ARE ALSO A PROUD ARTS COUNCIL GRANTEE AND PARTNER WITH THE ARTS COUNCIL AT COMPOUND.
WE KNOW THAT ARTS FUNDING DOESN'T JUST SUPPORT ARTISTS.
IT STIMULATES OUR ECONOMY, OUR LOCAL LONG BEACH ECONOMY THAT IMPACTS MANY PEOPLE, NOT JUST THE ARTISTS, BUT THE WORKERS AND THEIR FAMILIES.
AND THAT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO COMPOUND.
AND OUR FOUNDERS, THE PROJECTS AND ORGANIZATIONS FUND IT THROUGH THE PERCENT FOR THE ARTS, HELP BRING BUSINESS SUCH AS RESTAURANTS, COFFEE SHOPS, BOOKSTORES, OTHER SMALL SHOPS, EVENT VENUES, CREATING THAT RIPPLE EFFECT THAT WILL IMPACT NEIGHBORHOODS OUR DISTINCT AND WONDERFULLY CRAFTED NEIGHBORHOODS, INCLUDING THE WILMORE DISTRICT JUST UP THE STREETS.
SO I REALLY ENCOURAGE YOU ALL TO SUPPORT, UM, SUPPORT THIS AGENDA ITEM.
IT CAN ONLY MAKE LONG BEACH BETTER AND, UM, I REALLY ENCOURAGE THAT.
ALRIGHT, NEXT IS, UH, DR. BURNS
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AND THEN AMANDA.I'M A BOARD MEMBER ON THE AWESOME ARTS COUNCIL FOR LONG BEACH.
I LIVE IN DISTRICT THREE, AND I WANNA SAY THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR COMING TO OUR EVENT LAST WEEKEND AT THE LIBRARY.
UM, AND AS PROFESSIONALLY, I GET TO WORK IN THIS WONDERFUL INTERSECTION BETWEEN ARTS AND HEALTH.
AND WE KNOW THAT EVERY DOLLAR INVESTED IN THE ARTS GENERATES ECONOMIC ACTIVITY, SUPPORTS LOCAL BUSINESSES, AND IT ALSO HAS POSITIVE IMPACT ON OUR PHYSICAL, MENTAL, AND EMOTIONAL WELLBEING.
THIS DECISION ISN'T JUST ABOUT TODAY, IT'S ABOUT CONTINUED INVESTMENT INTO A SUSTAINABLE ARTS ECOSYSTEM THAT BENEFITS US AND OUR FUTURE GENERATIONS.
SUPPORTING THIS ITEM MEANS SUPPORTING ECONOMIC GROWTH, WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, AND A STRONGER, HEALTHIER, MORE CONNECTED LONG BEACH.
GOOD EVENING, MAYOR AND COUNCIL.
MY NAME'S AMANDA FRUITA AND I'M A BOARD MEMBER AT THE ARTS COUNCIL FOR LONG BEACH.
I'M ALSO THE CO-CHAIR OF THE ADVOCACY COMMITTEE AND WAS INVOLVED IN THE, IN PASSING 1% FOR THE ARTS, UM, BACK IN 2016 AS AN ADVOCACY COMMITTEE MEMBER.
AND I'M SO THRILLED TO HEAR AND LOOK FORWARD TO THE POSSIBILITY OF THE GROWTH AND THE SUPPORT FOR THE ARTS.
THE ARTS ARE ESSENTIAL TO EDUCATION, FOSTERING CREATIVITY, CRITICAL THINKING, AND PROBLEM SOLVING SKILLS IN STUDENTS AND OUR ENTIRE POPULATION.
PUBLIC ART AND CULTURAL PROGRAMMING BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER.
FOSTERING CIVIC PRIDE AND NEIGHBORHOOD IDENTITY.
STUDIES SHOW THAT INVESTMENT IN THE ARTS CONTRIBUTES TO SAFER COMMUNITIES AND IMPROVED MENTAL HEALTH.
THE COUNCIL HAS THE POWER TO SUPPORT, SUPPORT A STRONGER, MORE ENGAGED COMMUNITY BY VOTING IN FAVOR OF THIS INITIATIVE.
THE ARTS ALSO GIVE US THE OPPORTUNITY TO HELP PEOPLE FIND THEIR VOICES AND TELL THEIR STORIES IN A VARIETY OF DISCIPLINES AND MEDIA.
IN DOING SO, WE STRENGTHEN THE SOCIAL FABRIC OF OUR COMMUNITIES AND THAT'S ESSENTIAL FOR THE VITALITY OF OUR CITY.
IN ADDITION TO REPRESENTING THE ARTS COUNCIL, I ALSO REPRESENT, UM, LONG BEACH DAY NURSERY AS THE COMMUNICATIONS AND DEVELOPMENT MANAGER.
THE ARTS COUNCIL FOR LONG BEACH HAS BEEN A CRUCIAL PARTNER TO LONG BEACH DAY NURSERY AND HAS PLAYED A PIVOTAL ROLE IN FOSTERING COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT THROUGH PUBLIC ART PROJECTS IN OUR WASHINGTON NEIGHBORHOOD.
FIVE NEW MURALS WERE CREATED IN THE WEST BRANCHES, UM, INTERSECTION, UH, ENHANCING PUBLIC SPACES AND PROMOTING PUBLIC SERVICE.
THESE MURALS ALSO INVOLVED COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN THE SELECTION PROCESS.
THESE ARTWORKS BEAUTIFULLY, UM, INVOLVED AND REFLECTED THE POWER OF COLLABORATION AND CREATIVITY, ESPECIALLY AS RELATED TO EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION, THE ARTS IN GENERAL, AND THE PARTNERSHIPS THAT COME ABOUT AS A RESULT OF ARTS COLLABORATION WITHIN THE CITY.
WORK TO ENHANCE NOT JUST OUR CREATIVE STRENGTH, BUT ALSO STRENGTHEN THE SAFETY AND CONNECTIVITY OF OUR NEIGHBORHOODS THROUGH, UM, UPLIFTING PUBLIC ART THROUGH RESOURCING ARTISTS, ARTISTS, GROUPS AND ORGANIZATIONS.
INITIATIVES BUILD A SENSE OF BELONGING AND HIGHLIGHT THE IMPACT OF THE ARTS AND EDUCATION AS WELL AS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT.
NEXT IS JESSICA, AND AFTER JESSICA IS JENNIFER.
MAYOR RICHARDSON, MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK TODAY.
IT FEELS LIKE I HAVEN'T BEEN HERE FOR A WHOLE YEAR AND ACTUALLY IT'S BEEN A YEAR.
YEAH, IT'S A HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYBODY.
UM, JUST HERE, OF COURSE, YOU KNOW, CENTRAL CHAS IN SUPPORT OF EXPANDING THE CITY'S PERCENT FOR THE ARTS.
UH, WE CAN'T UNDERSTATE HOW IMPORTANT THIS IS, UM, CONTRIBUTING TO ARTS IN OUR COMMUNITY.
AND SO THIS IS TRULY IMPORTANT FOR OUR CITY.
THANK YOU FOR SO MUCH FOR PROPOSING THIS AND EXPANDING IT.
YOU COULDN'T GET A BETTER DEAL THAN HAVING THE ARTS COUNCIL AND ILDA AND HER TEAM HERE BECAUSE THIS IS, YOU KNOW, LONG BEACH'S BEST.
WHEN WE TALK ABOUT OUR BEST IN LONG BEACH, THIS IS IT.
AND, UM, YOU KNOW, WE ALSO BENEFITED FROM, UM, THE ARTS PROGRAMMING.
FROM THIS, FROM THE ARTS COUNCIL, WE'RE ABLE TO DEVELOP TWO HUGE MURALS IN LONG BEACH.
ONE SITS ON THE WEST SIDE OF LONG BEACH, RIGHT ACROSS THE STREET FROM CABRILLO HIGH SCHOOL.
UM, IT DEPICTS, UH, GRADUATES, UM, FROM OUR, OUR HIGH SCHOOL AND, AND GOING ON TO COLLEGE.
[01:40:01]
IS RIGHT THERE AT THE LONG BEACH TRANSIT IN THE SIXTH DISTRICT.THOSE TWO MURALS, BY THE GRACE OF GOODNESS, HAVE NOT BEEN TAGGED TO THE STATE.
SO WHEN ARTS ARE DONE BY OUR COMMUNITY AND CREATED BY OUR COMMUNITY, OUR COMMUNITY RESPECTS THOSE TYPE OF ART PROJECTS.
SO, UM, JUST WANT TO, AGAIN, THANK YOU ALL FOR THIS INVESTMENT AND, UM, HOPEFULLY IT'S, IT'S GONNA BE MORE THAN A MILLION AND A HALF DOLLARS, UM, BECAUSE THAT'S, I WAS LIKE A MILLION AND A HALF.
OH MY GOSH, THAT'S, THAT'S A LITTLE AMOUNT OF MONEY FOR, FOR CREATING ALL THIS BEAUTIFICATION AND, UH, REALLY, YOU KNOW, INVOLVING OUR YOUTH AND, AND SAVING LIVES IN OUR COMMUNITY.
AND THAT'S KIND OF WHAT IT COMES DOWN TO, UM, WHEN YOU INVEST IN ARTS AND, AND ENGAGE OUR KIDS.
SO THANK YOU SO MUCH, UH, FOR YOUR TIME AND INVESTMENT AND OF COURSE, I KNOW, UM, I'M GONNA HAVE TO GIVE A PLUG FOR THE LATINOS IN ACTION.
YOU KNOW, WE HAVE ALL OF OUR DISTRICTS, WE HAVE NINE DISTRICTS, AND THE FIRST DISTRICT CONTINUES TO STILL HAVE CHALLENGES IN REGARDS TO A SPACE AND A PLACE TO HAVE OUR COMMUNITY COME AND GATHER.
SO IT'S REALLY IMPORTANT AS WE TALK ABOUT COMMUNITY, PLACES AND SPACES.
AND I KNOW IT'S GETTING TOUGH WITH, YOU KNOW, OUR ECONOMY AND EVERYTHING HAPPENING, BUT CULTURAL SPACES, COMMUNITY PLACES, UM, FOR OUR ETHNIC COMMUNITIES IS VERY IMPORTANT.
AND OF COURSE, MY FATHER'S A RETIRED ELECTRICIAN FROM THE CONVENTION CENTER, SO DEFINITELY SUPPORT THE WORKERS AT THE CONVENTION CENTER.
NEXT IS JENNIFER AND THEN GREG.
GOOD EVENING, MAYOR AND ESTEEMED COUNCIL.
UH, MY NAME IS JENNIFER DLE AND I'M A PROUD MEMBER, UH, A BOARD MEMBER OF THE ARTS COUNCIL FOR LONG BEACH.
AND I'M JUST GONNA KEEP THIS SHORT.
UH, A FEW THINGS THAT I'D LIKE TO SPEAK ABOUT TODAY IN SUPPORT OF THIS INITIATIVE.
UM, I'VE ALWAYS BEEN AN ARTS SUPPORTER.
I'M NOT, UNFORTUNATELY, YOU CAN'T CALL MYSELF AN ARTIST, UH, BUT I'VE ALWAYS WORKED WITH ARTS ORGANIZATIONS BOTH PROFESSIONALLY AND PERSONALLY.
UM, IT'S A BIG PART OF MY LIFE.
AND THROUGH EMBRACING THE ARTS, UM, I TEND TO LOOK AT THE BIG PICTURE THAT ARTS ARE NOT SOMETHING THAT'S OUT THERE, SOMETHING THAT'S EXTRA.
UM, IN FACT, I THINK OF WHEN MY NEPHEW WAS IN HIGH SCHOOL AND HE WAS IN BAND, HE PLAYED TRUMPET, AND HE'S EXCELLENT.
HE'S AN EXCELLENT GUITARIST AS WELL.
AND MY BROTHER KEPT NAGGING HIM, YOU KNOW, YOU NEED TO TAKE MATH CLASSES, YOU NEED TO STUDY MORE SCIENCE, YOU NEED TO, AND I, I HAD TO SIT HIM DOWN AND SAY, LOOK, THAT'S WHAT HE'S DOING, PLAYING TRUMPET IN A JAZZ BAND.
IT'S MATH, IT'S SCIENCE, IT'S, YOU KNOW, IT BECOMES ART.
SO I'M HERE TO SUPPORT THIS INITIATIVE BECAUSE THE ARTS TO ME, UH, EMBODY NOT JUST ARTISTIC, YOU KNOW, BEAUTIFICATION, BUT VALUABLE LIFE SKILLS.
UM, LIKE I SAID, MATH, SCIENCE, UM, AND ALSO SOME, UH, INTANGIBLE THINGS LIKE CURIOSITY, UM, PERSONAL EXPRESSION, SUCCESS, AND EVEN, YOU KNOW, DEALING WITH FAILURES.
SO THOSE SKILLS TRANSLATE NOT ONLY TO PERSONAL ENRICHMENT, GROWTH, STABILITY, MENTAL HEALTH, BUT ALSO EMPLOYMENT.
UM, THESE ARE CRITICAL JOB SKILLS.
IN FACT, WHEN I STARTED GOING TO COLLEGE, UH, MY FIRST THREE YEARS OR FIRST TWO YEARS OF MARQUETTE UNIVERSITY, UM, WE WERE NOT ALLOWED TO DECLARE A MAJOR.
WE STUDIED HUMANITIES, WHICH GIVES YOU ALL OF THE TOOLS THAT YOU NEED TO BE, YOU KNOW, CRAFT A SUCCESSFUL ARGUMENT, WRITE A, A SUCCESSFUL LETTER, ALL OF THOSE THINGS.
AND I FIND THOSE ALL EMBODIED WITHIN THE ARTS.
SO, UM, TAKING IT BACK TO A BASIC LEVEL, UM, BUILDING THOSE SKILLS AMONG OUR COMMUNITY, BUT ALSO THE FACT THAT WITH THE ARTS WE'RE GIVING BACK, UM, SOME OF MY COLLEAGUES MENTIONED THE CREATIVE ECONOMY, WHICH IS A BIG DEAL, AND ESPECIALLY AS WE'RE WELCOMING, UM, VISITORS INTO LONG BEACH FOR THE OLYMPICS.
AND COMING YEARS AHEAD, AS SOME OTHER FOLKS MENTIONED, SHOW SHOWCASING, UM, OUR WONDERFUL ARTS COMMUNITY TO THE WORLD, I THINK IS VERY IMPORTANT NOW.
UM, SO NOT ONLY THE STRENGTHENED ECONOMY, UM, DIRECTLY IMPACTING SKILLS, UM, IN OUR COMMUNITIES, UM, BUT CREATING A STRONGER, MORE ENGAGED SOCIETY IN GENERAL.
I MEAN, I WALK AROUND IN DIFFERENT DISTRICTS AND I SEE ART NOT JUST, NOT NECESSARILY FROM THE ARTS COUNCIL FOLKS, BUT IT'S A WAY TO STRIKE UP A COMMUNICATION AND, AND BUILD THOSE CONNECTIONS.
UM, SO I, UH, ENCOURAGE YOU TO SUPPORT THIS INITIATIVE TONIGHT, AND I THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.
GOOD EVENING, HONORED COUNSEL.
THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME AGAIN.
I'M THE IMMEDIATE PAST BOARD PRESIDENT FOR THE ARTS COUNCIL FOR LONG BEACH.
AND I JUST WANT TO SAY, WOW, WHAT AN EXCITING OPPORTUNITY TO, UH, REPRESENT, UH, THE ARTS COMMUNITY THROUGH OUR ARTS COUNCIL FOR LONG BEACH.
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UH, I, THIS, THIS INITIATIVE HAS BEEN A LONG TIME COMING SINCE I HAVE BEEN A PART OF THE BOARD OF THE ARTS COUNCIL.UH, THE PERCENT FOR ARTS IS CUTE TO SAY AND EVERYTHING, BUT, BUT NOW THIS WORK THAT YOU'RE ABOUT TO TAKE ON IS EXCEEDINGLY IMPORTANT, DEFINING HOW THOSE FUNDS FLOW.
AND I WOULD JUST LIKE TO SAY THAT THERE ARE OTHER MUNICIPALITIES WATCHING THIS VERY SUBJECT INGLEWOOD IS DEVELOPING AND TRYING TO ENHANCE THEIR PERCENT FOR ARTS, UH, PROGRAMMING.
UH, AS A PERSON WHO HAS WORKED, UH, FOR MANY, MANY YEARS IN OUR COMMUNITIES, ALL ACROSS, UH, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PRODUCING MAJOR, UH, COMMUNITY FESTIVALS.
ONE OF THE CHALLENGES THAT I HAVE ALWAYS FOUND IS HOW DO I PAY MY ARTIST? HOW DO I PRODUCE A TASTE OF SOUL THAT HAS 350,000 PEOPLE ON CRENSHAW BOULEVARD? AND I'M ASKING LOCAL ARTISTS TO PERFORM FOR FREE BECAUSE I CAN'T, YOU KNOW, PAY THEM.
BUT NOW THAT I'VE BEEN A PART OF THE ARTS COUNCIL, I'VE BEEN, I'VE HAD A FORENSIC STUDY ON HOW TO FIND THE RESOURCES TO PAY THE ARTISTS PERCENT FOR THE ARTS IS A VERY SOUND PROJECT.
IF WE CAN GET THIS THING DONE AND DEFINE HOW THOSE, UH, THOSE MONIES WILL FLOW, IT'LL BE MORE EASIER TO HAVE, UH, LIVE MUSIC, YOU, YOU, UH, ARE SITTING AS A PRIORITY.
HOW DO WE PAY FOR PERMITS? HOW DO WE PAY FOR ARTISTS? HOW DO WE TAKE CARE OF THE BUSINESS TO HAVE QUALITY MUSIC OUT THERE? SO THANK YOU SO MUCH AND I ENCOURAGE YOU TO DO THE WORK THAT'S REQUIRED AS I KNOW THAT YOU WILL AND, UH, SUPPORT PERCENT FOR THE ARTS.
OKAY, I'M GONNA SAY, HOW DID THE REST OF US, HUH?
MY NAME'S VIOLET BROWN AND I'M ON THE ARTS COUNCIL OF LONG BEACH.
I'VE ALSO BEEN IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY FOR, SINCE, SINCE THE EARLY SEVENTIES.
SO I'VE BEEN INVOLVED WITH A LOT OF ARTISTS, MUSICIANS FROM LONG BEACH.
LONG BEACH IS WORLD FAMOUS FOR MUSIC DUE TO PEOPLE LIKE SNOOP DOGG AND SO MANY OTHERS.
WE EVEN HAVE WORLD FAMOUS VIP RECORDS HERE, AND HE CAN PUT THAT ON THERE BECAUSE THEY DO KNOW HIM AS WORLD AS THE WORLD'S VIP RECORDS DUE TO SOME OF THESE MUSICIANS THAT HE BROUGHT FORWARD FROM THAT STORE.
I MOVED TO LONG BEACH ABOUT 20 YEARS AGO DUE TO A LOT OF RELATIONSHIPS I'VE HAD WITH DIFFERENT ARTISTS, AND I LIVE IN DISTRICT ONE.
THIS POLICY THAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT ENSURES DIVERSE VOICES AND PERSPECTIVES THAT ARE, UH, OFTEN REFLECTED IN LONG BEACH'S CULTURAL EXPERIENCE AND LANDSCAPE.
UH, LONG BEACH IS HOME TO A RICH TAPESTRY OF CULTURES.
THE INVESTMENT ALLOWS COMMUNITIES TO TELL THEIR STORIES THROUGH THE ARTS.
AND ESPECIALLY MUSIC IS IMPORTANT TO ME OF THOSE ARTS, PRIORITIZING EQUITY AND ARTS.
AND CULTURE IS NOT JUST ABOUT FUNDING, IT'S ABOUT MAKING SURE ALL RESIDENTS FEEL SEEN, VALUED, AND EMPOWERED.
ALRIGHT, WELL THANK YOU FOR YOUR PUBLIC COMMENT.
WE HAVE A MOTION, WE HAVE A SECOND.
MEMBERS, PLEASE CAST YOUR VOTE AND IT IS CARRIED.
SO THAT KICKS OFF THIS PROCESS, RIGHT? THE ANGELS IN THE DETAILS.
YOU KNOW, WE'LL COME BACK WITH AN UPDATE ON HOW THIS, UH, YOU KNOW, WHAT, WHAT THE NEXT STEPS ARE.
UH, BUT I THINK WE'RE HEADING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.
AND YOU'RE RIGHT, OTHER JURISDICTIONS ARE HAVING THE SAME CONVERSATION.
UM, AND I WILL SAY WHAT PROMPT, WHAT PROMPTED THIS ASIDE FROM ALL OF OUR INCREDIBLE CONVERSATIONS WITH ROSALDA AND OUR FOCUS ON ARTS, IS I VISITED ANOTHER CITY AND, AND SAW A VERY ROBUST, UH, PERCENT FOR THE ARTS PROGRAM UNDER A DIFFERENT BRAND, BUT THE SAME PROGRAM.
AND YOU SAW IT FROM AS SOON AS YOU STEP OFF THE AIRPORT ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE CITY.
AND I SAID, WE, WE NEED TO ELEVATE WHAT WE'RE DOING.
WE DEFINITELY NEED TO NEED TO BOOST THIS PROGRAM.
UM, BUT YOU ALL HAVE THE SET, THE FOUNDATION AND WE'RE REALLY PROUD OF WHAT YOU'VE DONE AND THAT WE'RE, BECAUSE OF THAT, WE'RE IN A POSITION TO GROW.
WE'RE GONNA GO BACK TO ITEM 11.
UM, I THINK WE GOT IT FIGURED OUT NOW WHAT STAFF WANTS TO DO.
SO WE'D LIKE TO, LET'S PULL UP, LET'S READ ITEM 11 AGAIN.
REPORT FROM POLICE DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION TO RECEIVE AND FILE
[11. 25-54602 Recommendation to receive and file the application of Kiet Hong, dba LBC Markets for an original application of an Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) License, at 3200 East Pacific Coast Highway, and determine that the application serves the public convenience and necessity, submit a Public Notice of Protest to ABC and direct City Manager to withdraw the protest if a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) is granted. (District 2) Levine Act: Yes Office or Department: Police Department Suggested Action: Approve recommendation. ]
THE APPLICATION OF KIT HONG FOR AN ORIGINAL APPLICATION OF, OF AN ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL LICENSE AT 3,200 EAST PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY AND DETERMINE THAT THE APPLICATION SERVES THE APPLICATION CONVENIENCE AND NECESSITY.SUBMIT A PUBLIC NOTICE OF PROTEST TO A, B, C AND DIRECT CITY MANAGER TO WITHDRAW THE PRO PROTEST IF A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT IS GRANTED.
[01:50:01]
DISTRICT TWO.SO, UM, THE SECOND DISTRICT, UH, COUNCIL DISTRICT WOULD LIKE TO LAY THIS OVER UNTIL APRIL 1ST, UH, AND THEN, UH, BE ABLE TO HAVE A DISCUSSION ABOUT WHETHER WE SHOULD PROTEST OR NOT AT THAT TIME.
COUNCIL MEMBER KERR, IS THAT YOUR MOTION? YES, I MOVED.
IS THERE ANY PUBLIC COMMENT? SEEING NONE, MEMBERS PLEASE CAST YOUR VOTE.
COMMUNICATION FROM COUNCILWOMAN ELLEN, VICE MAYOR URANGA COUNCILWOMAN KERR.
RECOMMENDATION TO DROP, DRAFT A RESOLUTION
[22. 25-54716 Recommendation to request City Attorney to draft resolution officially recognizing March 31st as Transgender Day of Visibility in the City of Long Beach and recognize the City of Long Beach as a safe city for transgender people and members of the LGBTQIA+ community, while also reaffirming the City of Long Beach’s values as a safe and welcoming place for all members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Office or Department: Cindy Allen, Councilwoman, Second District; Roberto Uranga, Vice Mayor, Seventh District; Megan Kerr, Councilwoman, Fifth District Suggested Action: Approve recommendation. ]
OFFICIALLY RECOGNIZING MARCH 31ST AS TRANSGENDER DAY OF VISIBILITY IN THE CITY OF LONG BEACH.AND RECOGNIZE THE CITY OF LONG BEACH AS A SAFE CITY FOR TRANSGENDER PEOPLE AND MEMBERS OF THE LGBTQIA PLUS COMMUNITY, WHILE ALSO REAFFIRMING THE CITY OF LONG BEACH'S VALUE AS A SAFE AND WELCOMING PLACE FOR ALL MEMBERS OF THE LGBTQIA PLUS COMMUNITY.
UH, SO I WANNA, UH, THANK, UH, COUNCIL MEMBER ALLEN, COUNCIL MEMBER KERR AND VICE MAYOR YANGA, UH, FOR WORKING WITH US TO BRING THIS ITEM FORWARD.
UM, JUST A FEW COMMENTS, THEN I'LL PASS IT TO COUNCIL MEMBER KERR TO, TO WALK US THROUGH THIS RESOLUTION.
SO WE ACKNOWLEDGE THAT UNDER THIS FEDER ADMIN FEDERAL ADMINISTRATION, THAT THE LGBTQ PLUS COMMUNITY AND THE TRANS COMMUNITY IN PARTICULARS FACED ELEVATED LEVELS OF, OF DISCRIMINATION DEHUMANIZATION.
UH, AND SO WE KNOW IT'S TAKING PLACE IN COURTROOMS, UH, IN PUBLIC SPACES, STATE HOUSES ALL AROUND THE COUNTRY, PEOPLE IN POWER HAVE TAKEN STEPS TO ROLL BACK HARD FOUGHT CIVIL AND HUMAN LIBERTIES OF L-G-B-T-Q PEOPLE HERE IN LONG BEACH.
UH, WE, WE STAYED AT THE STATE OF THE CITY.
WE'RE GONNA STAND ON OUR VALUES IN THIS MOMENT.
SO WE'RE COMMITTED TO FOSTERING A SAFE AND EMPOWERING ENVIRONMENT FOR OUR TRANS COMMUNITY AND ALL RESIDENTS IN OUR CITY.
SO THIS, UH, THIS RESOLUTION REAFFIRMS THAT.
AND SO I WANT TO INVITE COUNCIL MEMBER KER TO, TO WALK US THROUGH, UH, UH, THE IMPETUS, UH, FOR THIS RESOLUTION.
AND I WANNA THANK COUNCILMAN ALLEN FOR BRINGING THIS ITEM FORWARD AND ASKING VICE MAYORGA AND MYSELF TO JOIN WITH HER.
UM, AS THE MAYOR STATED EARLIER, SHE IS OUT OF THE CITY WITH BUSINESS WITH SCAG, UM, AND REGRETS NOT BEING ABLE TO BE HERE TO DO THIS HERSELF.
UM, IN COLLABORATION WITH MY COLLEAGUES, COUNCIL MEMBER ALLEN AND VICE MAYOR, UH, VICE MAYORGA, I'M HONORED TO JOIN IN TODAY'S ITEM REQUESTING AN OFFICIAL RECOGNITION OF MARCH 31ST IS TRANSGENDER DAY OF VISIBILITY IN LONG BEACH.
TRANSGENDER DAY OF VISIBILITY IS A DAY WHERE PEOPLE ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND AROUND THE WORLD COME TOGETHER TO RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT THE EXPERIENCES, ACHIEVEMENTS, AND ONGOING STRUGGLES OF CHAN TRANSGENDER INDIVIDUALS.
TDOV HIGHLIGHTS THE CONTINUED NEED FOR GREATER VISIBILITY, ACCEPTANCE, AND PROTECTION FOR THE TRANSGENDER COMMUNITY, AND PROVIDES AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE AUTHENTIC LIVED EXPERIENCES OF THE DIVERSE TRANS COMMUNITY TO BE SHARED, HEARD AND LEARNED FROM.
ALIGNING OURSELVES IN SUPPORT OF THE TRANS COMMUNITY IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT IN TODAY'S WORLD.
AS TRANSGENDER PEOPLE ARE BEING SINGLED OUT BY THE COUNTRY'S ADMINIS, THIS COUNTRY'S ADMINISTRATION AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL, TRANS PEOPLE ARE BEING DEMONIZED FOR THEIR MERE EXISTENCE.
THEY'RE GETTING FIRED FROM JOBS OR RELEASED FROM MILITARY SERVICE FROM SI FOR SIMPLY BEING WHO THEY ARE.
UH, THANKS TO A COURT TODAY THAT WAS DEEMED UNCONSTITUTIONAL FOR NOW.
SO THERE ARE SMALL WINS IN THIS EFFORT, BUT EVEN WITH THESE WINS IN COURT, THE NATIONAL TENOR HAS LEFT MANY IN FEAR TO GO OUT AND EXPRESS THEIR TRUE SELVES, ESPECIALLY AS THE CURRENT ADMINISTRATION CONTINUES TO CARELESSLY DISMISS THEIR BASIC RIGHTS AND THREATEN THEIR LIVES.
WE KNOW THAT THIS YEAR'S TRANS DAY OF VISIBILITY WILL BE THE FIRST TIME THAT MANY WILL SPEND THE DAY INSIDE FEARFUL OF THE REPERCUSSIONS IMPOSED BY THOSE WHO REFUSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THEIR EXISTENCE ON A DAY HISTORICALLY MEANT FOR THE TRANS INDIVIDUALS TO LIVE FREELY AND SHARE THEIR TRUE EXPERIENCES.
AS ATTEMPTS TO ERASE THE CONTRIBUTIONS AND EXISTENCE OF THE TRANS COMMUNITY, CAST A SHADOW OVER THE DAY THAT SHOULD BE FILLED WITH PRIDE AND JOY THAT COMES WITH TRUE SELF-EXPRESSION AND THE LONG HELD AMERICAN BELIEF IN PERSONAL FREEDOM.
NOW MORE THAN EVER, OUR TRANS COMMUNITY, ESPECIALLY THOSE HERE IN LONG BEACH, NEEDS TO KNOW THAT OUR CITY, OUR CITY LEADERSHIP OF THIS COUNCIL, SEES THEM, SUPPORTS THEM, CARES FOR THEM, AND WILL FIGHT ALONGSIDE THEM.
BY RECOGNIZING TRANS DAY OF VISIBILITY IN LONG BEACH, WE'RE REAFFIRMING OUR COMMITMENT TO INCLUSION, ACCEPTANCE AND DIVERSITY, AND OUR STANDING WITH TRANSGENDER INDIVIDUALS IN OUR COMMUNITY AGAINST THE THREAT OF DISCRIMINATION AND HARM.
OFFICIALLY PROCLAIMING MARCH 31ST AS TRANSGENDER DAY OF VISIBILITY WILL BE A CONTINUOUS REMINDER OF OUR NEED FOR ACTION IN THE ONGOING FIGHT FOR JUSTICE INEQUALITY, AND A REMINDER OF THE WELCOMING, INCLUSIVE, ACCEPTING PLACE THAT WE WANT LONG BEACH TO BE TODAY AND FOR GENERATIONS TO COME.
AND I MOVE THAT THE CITY ATTORNEY DRAW UP A RESOLUTION IN RECOGNITION OF TRANS DAY AND OF VISIBILITY, AND REAFFIRM OUR CITY'S STATED COMMITMENT TO SUPPORTING OUR TRANS AND L-G-B-T-Q COMMUNITY.
[01:55:02]
WHO SUPPORTER OF THE TITLE.THANK YOU SO MUCH TO COUNCILWOMAN ALLEN, COUNCILWOMAN KERR, AND VICE MAYOR ANG FOR BRINGING THIS ITEM FORWARD IN LONG BEACH.
WE HOLD FIRM TO OUR COMMITMENT TO BUILD A MORE INCLUSIVE AND EQUITABLE CITY.
FOR EVERYONE THAT CALLS THIS CITY HOME, I STRONGLY SUPPORT THIS REQUEST TO RECOGNIZE TRANSGENDER DATE OF VISIBILITY, TO BRING AWARENESS TO THE TREMENDOUS LOSS THAT OUR LGBTQIA PLUS COMMUNITY HAS HAD IN THE COURSE OF HISTORY, AND TO ENSURE THAT LONG BEACH REMAINS A SAFE SPACE THAT PROTECTS THE EQUAL RIGHTS OF ALL.
THANK YOU, COUNCIL MEMBER KERR.
YES, AND I WOULD LIKE TO READ INTO THE RECORD COMMENTS FROM COUNCILMAN CINDY ALLEN, WHO BROUGHT THIS ITEM FORWARD.
EVERY YEAR, TRANSGENDER DAY OF VISIBILITY IS CELEBRATED ON MARCH 31ST.
IT IS DEDICATED TO CELEBRATING THE CONTRIBUTIONS, RESILIENCE, AND EXPERIENCES OF TRANSGENDER INDIVIDUALS WHILE RAISING AWARENESS ABOUT THE DISCRIMINATION AND CHALLENGES THEY CONTINUE TO FACE.
VISIBILITY IS CRUCIAL BECAUSE TRANSGENDER PEOPLE HAVE LONG BEEN MARGINALIZED AND ERASED FROM MAINSTREAM NARRATIVES BY REC.
BY RECOGNIZING TDOV AS A CITY, WE CAN AFFIRM THAT TRANSGENDER LIVES MATTER AND DESERVE DIGNITY, RESPECT, AND PROTECTION.
AS ATTACKS ON LGBTQ PLUS RIGHTS ESCALATE, PARTICULARLY TARGETING TRANSGENDER INDIVIDUALS, IT IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER FOR CITIES LIKE LONG BEACH TO STAND IN SOLIDARITY WITH THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY.
LONG BEACH HAS A LONG HISTORY OF CHAMPIONING EQUALITY AND WE MUST CONTINUE TO ENSURE THAT OUR CITY REMAINS A SAFE AND INCLUSIVE PLACE FOR ALL, ESPECIALLY FOR TRANSGENDER PEOPLE WHO FACE HEIGHTENED DISCRIMINATION AND LEGISLATIVE ATTACKS FROM THE T ADMINISTRATION.
THIS YEAR WE'VE SEEN SEVERAL ATTACKS ON TRANSGENDER RIGHTS, INCLUDING RESTRICTIONS ON GENDER AFFIRMING HEALTHCARE, A BAN ON TRANSGENDER PEOPLE IN THE MILITARY, RESTRICTIONS ON LEGAL, GENDER RECOGNITION AND LONG BEACH SHOULD REAFFIRM ITS COMMITMENT TO EQUALITY AND INCLUSION FOR ALL.
WE ARE A CITY THAT REMAINS A PLACE WHERE INDIVIDUALS, REGARDLESS OF GENDER IDENTITY ARE VALUED AND PROTECTED.
THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE OR ALTERNATIVE FOR TOLERANCE.
THANK YOU MS. COUNCILMAN ALLEN.
WELL, UH, THANK YOU TO THE CITY COUNCIL.
UH, WE NEED TO DO PUBLIC COMMENT HERE IS ANY PUBLIC COMMENT ON THIS ITEM? OKAY.
SO THIS, THIS RESOLUTION JUST, UH, MAKES IT VERY CLEAR WHERE THE CITY STANDS IN THIS MOMENT.
THAT, UH, WE BELIEVE IN AN INCLUSIVE CITY WHERE ALL OF OUR RESIDENTS, INCLUDING OUR TRANS AND LGBTQ PLUS RESIDENTS, UH, CAN FEEL SAFE AND CAN THRIVE.
AND SO THAT'S WHAT THIS RESOLUTION DOES.
MEMBERS, PLEASE CAST YOUR VOTE.
ITEM 17, PLEASE REPORT FROM FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATION TO ADOPT RESOLUTION APPROVING THE ANNUAL AND FIVE YEAR REPORT FOR THE TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PARKS AND RECREATION FACILITIES, FIRE FACILITIES, IMPACT POLICE FACILITIES,
[17. 25-54608 Recommendation to adopt resolution approving the Annual and Five-Year Reports for the Transportation Improvement, Parks and Recreation Facilities, Fire Facilities Impact, Police Facilities Impact, and Sensitive Coastal Resource Impact Fees. (Citywide) Office or Department: Financial Management Suggested Action: Approve recommendation. ]
IMPACT AND SENSITIVE COASTAL RESORT IMPACT FEES CITYWIDE.I'LL TURN TO GERALDINE ALEJO TO GIVE A QUICK STAFF REPORT.
GOOD EVENING MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL.
NEW DEVELOPMENT CREATES INCREASED CITYWIDE DEMAND FOR TRANSPORTATION, INFRASTRUCTURE, PARK SPACE, AND PUBLIC SAFETY FACILITIES.
ADDITIONALLY, DEVELOPMENT IN SENSITIVE COASTAL AREAS RESULTS IN INCREASED NEED FOR MONITORING AND MAINTENANCE OF COASTAL RESOURCES.
THE CITY OF LONG BEACH COLLECTS DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEES IN ORDER TO DEFRAY THE COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE IMPACTS OF NEW DEVELOPMENT.
TO ADDRESS THE INCREASED DEMAND FOR CITY FACILITIES WHILE STILL SUPPORTING ECONOMIC GROWTH, THE CITY CHARGES THE FOLLOWING FIVE TYPES OF IMPACT FEES, TRANSPORTATION, PARKS AND RECREATION, FIRE, POLICE AND SENSITIVE COASTAL RESOURCE.
THE ANNUAL AND FIVE YEAR REPORTS PROVIDE INFORMATION TO THE CITY COUNCIL AND THE PUBLIC AND FULFILL STATE AND MU MUNICIPAL CODE MANDATED REPORTING AND DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS.
STATE LAW REQUIRES INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THESE REPORTS BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC WITHIN 180 DAYS AFTER THE LAST DAY OF THE CITY'S FISCAL YEAR.
ANNUAL REPORTS PRESENTED TO CITY COUNCIL REPRESENT THE IMPACT FEE REPORTS FOR OCTOBER 1ST, 2023 TO SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2024.
THESE PROVIDE A SUMMARY OF PRIOR YEAR IMPACT FEE REVENUES, AND USES FIVE YEAR REPORTS.
PROVIDE INFORMATION ON THE IDENTIFIED USES OF UNENDED REVENUE BY YEAR END FOR VARIOUS IMPACT FEES.
IN GENERAL, THESE ARE LARGE PROJECTS THAT HAVE MULTIPLE FUNDING SOURCES
[02:00:01]
REQUIRED REQUIRING AN EXTENDED TIME TO ACCOMPLISH.THAT CONCLUDES MY REPORT AND I'M AVAILABLE FOR ANY QUESTIONS.
IS THERE ANY PUBLIC COMMENT? SAY NONE.
PLEASE REPORT FROM PUBLIC WORKS RECOMMENDATION TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY TO AMEND CONTRACT WITH REYES CONSTRUCTION FOR PROVIDING
[19. 25-54610 Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute all documents necessary to amend Contract No. 36289 with Reyes Construction, Inc., of Pomona, CA, for providing construction work on the Colorado Lagoon Open Channel Phase 2A Project, to increase the contract amount by $2,000,000, for a revised total contract amount not to exceed $26,564,768; and, Decrease appropriations in the Tidelands Operating Fund Group in the Public Works Department by $1,500,000, to align the Port of Long Beach’s funding commitment as outlined in the terms of its Memorandum of Understanding in result of the City receiving an equivalent, previously appropriated RMC Grant for the project. (District 3) Office or Department: Public Works Suggested Action: Approve recommendation. ]
CONSTRUCTION WORK ON THE COLORADO LAGOON OPEN CHANNEL.PHASE TWO, A PROJECT FOR A REVISED TOTAL CONTRACT AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED 26,564,768 DISTRICT THREE.
IS THERE ANY PUBLIC COMMENT? NO PUBLIC COMMENT.
COUNCIL MEMBER, DO YOU WANT TO ADD ANYTHING HERE? IT'S GOOD.
PROGRESS COUNCIL, THAT WAS, THAT WAS COUNCIL MEMBER.
DOUG, THIS IS A GREAT PROJECT.
I KNOW IT'S IT MOST COMPLICATED PROJECT WE'VE HAD IN A VERY, VERY LONG TIME, SO, UM, APPRECIATE THE SUPPORT ON THIS SO WE CAN FINISH IT UP.
BUT IT'S LOOKING GREAT AND I'M GLAD TO SEE THE PROGRESS.
ABSOLUTELY LOOK BEAUTIFUL OPENING.
AND THEN WHEN ARE WE OPENING? THIS NEXT YEAR IS THIS YEAR.
AND THEN WE'LL WORK ON, YOU KNOW, REESTABLISHMENT, UH, INTO THE NEXT YEAR.
SO I WAS AT THE COMMUNITY MEETING, UM, IT WAS ACTUALLY VERY COUNCIL MEMBER.
I'LL, I'LL TELL YOU, IT WAS VERY PRODUCTIVE, THE COMMUNITY MEETING.
ALL MEMBERS PLEASE CAST YOUR VOTE.
YOUR PUBLIC WORKS CREW IS INCREDIBLE BY THE WAY.
GREAT TEAM MEMBERS, PLEASE CAST YOUR VOTE.
OH, DID WE DO PUBLIC COMMENT? THERE'S NO PUBLIC COMMENT.
MEMBERS PLEASE CAST YOUR VOTE COUNCIL.
ITEM 20, PLEASE REPORT FROM CITY ATTORNEY RECOMMENDATION TO DECLARE ORDINANCE ADOPTING ZONING CODE AMENDMENT TO EXPAND THE EXISTING INCLUSIONARY
[20. 25-54672 Recommendation to declare ordinance adopting Zoning Code Amendment and the proposed findings thereto, to amend Chapter 21.67 of the Zoning Regulations to expand the existing Inclusionary Housing Ordinance applicability beyond the Downtown Plan and Mid-Town Specific Plan submarkets and apply the ordinance citywide, including sites within the coastal zone; change the affordability requirements for Inclusionary Housing Ordinance, read for the first time and laid over to the next regular meeting of the City Council for final reading; and Office or Department: Suggested Action: ]
HOUSING ORDINANCE APPLICABILITY BEYOND THE DOWNTOWN PLAN AND MIDTOWN SPECIFIC PLAN SUB MARKETS AND APPLY THE ORDINANCE CITYWIDE, INCLUDING SITES WITHIN THE COASTAL ZONE, CHANGED THE AFFORDABILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR INCLUSIONARY HOUSING ORDINANCE, READ FOR THE FIRST TIME, AND LAID OVER TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL FOR FINAL READING AND ADOPT RESOLUTION TO SUBMIT THE LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM AMENDMENT AND ASSOCIATED MATERIALS AND FINDINGS RELATED TO CHANGES TO TITLE 21 OF THE LONG BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE TO THE CALIFORNIA COASTAL COMMISSION FOR ITS REVIEW AND CERTIFICATION AND COMPLIANCE WITH THE CERTIFIED LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM.THIS ONE, THIS ITEM REQUIRES TWO VOTES.
THIS IS, UH, FIRST, THIS IS THE, THIS IS THE FIRST READING OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF OUR HEALTHY DISCUSSION WE HAD ON INCLUSIONARY HOUSING.
THERE'S ONE MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC SIGNED UP TO SPEAK SOFE.
OH, THANK YOU BOTH, BOTH YOU AND I.
ARE PROVING THAT, UH, I KNOW IT'S, IT'S IN VOGUE RIGHT NOW FOR THE MEN TO HAVE THE IT'S OKAY.
YOU HEARD 'EM RIGHT? YEAH, I, I DON'T WANNA MAKE ANOTHER, UH, OKAY.
SO I, UH, I JUST WANNA SPEAK IN FAVOR OF THE FACT THAT THE CITY IS ALLOWING THE FAIR SHARE OF HOUSING TO BE EXPANDED THROUGHOUT THE CITY.
UH, MY NAME IS, I'M SIX DISTRICT RESIDENT.
I'M A PROUD SIX DISTRICT RESIDENT.
UH, I LIVE ON THE LONG BEACH BOULEVARD CORRIDOR.
I'M SURROUNDED BY OVER, UH, 1200 AFFORDABLE HOUSING UNITS.
I LOVE ALL MY NEIGHBORS NO MATTER WHAT THEIR, UH, INCOME LEVEL IS.
I, I I I TAKE MUCH PRIDE IN LIVING IN ONE OF THE MOST DIVERSE PARTS OF THE CITY.
UH, I LIVE NEXT DOOR TO A 57 UNIT, UH, LOW INCOME, UH, DEVELOPMENT.
I LIVE ACROSS THE STREET FROM A 294, UH, UNIT.
UM, I THINK THAT I'M TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT'S THE LANGUAGE THAT I'M GONNA USE IN ORDER TO MOVE BEYOND THE WHOLE NIMBY VERSUS YBI.
AND, UH, I'M JUST GONNA MOVE WITH, I'M PRO CHILDREN.
I'M PRO FAMILY AND CHILDREN NEED PLACES TO LIVE.
AND IF YOU'RE AGAINST DEVELOPING NEW HOUSING, YOU'RE AGAINST CHILDREN.
YOU'RE A NIHILIST AND YOU'RE, UH, ANTI-AMERICAN AND ANTI-HUMAN.
AND SO, UH, I THINK THAT THAT'S SOMETHING I'VE, I, I, I, UH, NURSED ALL OF MY GRANDPARENTS INTO THEIR TRANSITION TO NEXT LIFE.
THAT WAS THE INVESTMENT THAT IN
[02:05:01]
MY CULTURE I HAD TO MAKE TOWARDS THE OLDER GENERATION.AND SO, AS WE HAVE THE BABY BOOMERS TRANSITIONING OUT OF THE RULE AND CONTROL OF THIS PLANE OF EXISTENCE, I NEED YOU GUYS TO ALSO, UH, BABY BOOMER, YOU KNOW, GEN XER
I NEED YOU GUYS TO MAKE THE SAME IN INVESTMENT.
YOU HITTING THE TOP MARK? YOU CAN'T BE IN ANY YOUNG DEMOCRATIC CLUB ANYMORE.
SO, YOU KNOW, LET'S, LET'S BE MINDFUL, BUT I NEED, I NEED THE OLDER GENERATION TO MAKE THE SAME INVESTMENT INTO THE FUTURE.
AND WHAT THE FUTURE LOOKS LIKE IS DENSITY.
YOU KNOW, UH, I LIVE IN AN APARTMENT.
I LIVE IN AN APARTMENT THAT I GREW UP IN.
I, YOU KNOW, WE ALL, WE, WE, WE, WE SHIFT WITH WHERE HOUSING AND WHERE LIFE IS GOING.
AND I THINK THAT WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT THE FACT THAT WE HAVE SCHOOLS ARE CLOSING IN THE CITY BECAUSE THERE'S NOT ENOUGH CHILDREN TO GO TO THESE SCHOOLS.
I, I NEVER, I WAS REFERENCING MY, MY GRANDPARENTS, UH, EARLIER, I'VE NEVER WENT TO AN ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY AND SAW OTHER SENIOR CITIZENS WORKING AS CNAS FOR THE PEOPLE THAT LIVE IN THOSE FACILITIES.
SO WHO DO YOU THINK IS GONNA TAKE CARE OF YOUR PARENTS AND YOUR GRANDPARENTS IN THE NEXT 20 TO 30 YEARS? IT'S GONNA BE THE CHILDREN THAT AREN'T BEING BORN IN THE CITY TODAY.
AND SO WHAT'S GONNA HAPPEN IS THAT THEY'RE GONNA HAVE TO TRAVEL FROM RIVERSIDE.
THEY'RE GONNA HAVE TO TRAVEL FROM BARSTOW TO WORK HERE.
AND THAT'S TWO, THREE HOURS OF COMMUTING THAT WE AS THE TAXPAYER ARE GONNA PAY FOR.
SO IF YOU CONTINUE, UH, TO CONCENTRATE ALL OF THE LOW INCOME HOUSING INTO OUR NEIGHBORHOOD, WHICH WE DON'T MIND, IT'S GONNA IMPACT THE ECONOMY OF THE FUTURE.
MEMBERS, PLEASE CAST YOUR VOTE.
PLEASE REPORT FROM CITY ATTORNEY RECOMMENDATION TO DECLARE ORDINANCE AMENDING THE LONG BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS READ AND ADOPTED AS RED CITYWIDE.
IS THERE ANY PUBLIC COMMENT? MEMBERS PLEASE CAST YOUR VOTE.
MAYOR, DID YOU, UH, GET TWO VOTES IN ON ITEM 20? I NEED TWO VOTES FOR THAT.
LET'S TAKE, LET'S, UH, DID WE FINISH THIS VOTE? LET'S FINISH THIS VOTE AND WE'LL GO BACK AND DO THE SECOND VOTE.
UH, MEMBERS PLEASE CAST YOUR VOTE ON ITEM 21.
NOW, WE'LL, AND DID WE DO PUBLIC COMMENT ON 21? THERE WAS NONE.
NOW WE'LL DO THE SECOND VOTE ON ITEM 20, PLEASE.
WE'LL NOW QUEUE UP GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT NUMBER TWO TO CLOSE OUT THE MEETING AND IT IS A DOOZY.
WE HAVE, UH, LET'S SEE, 27 PEOPLE SIGNED
[ PUBLIC COMMENT: IMMEDIATELY PRIOR TO ADJOURNMENT Opportunity is given to those members of the public who have not addressed the City Council on non-agenda items. Each speaker is limited to three minutes unless extended by the City Council. ]
UP TO SPEAK.UH, AND I'M GONNA READ THE FIRST 10.
I'M PRETTY SURE THAT'S SPELLED WRONG IN HERE.
UH, CAMILLA CARTER, LAURA VR, JUANA CASTANOS.
CYNTHIA EVANGELISTA, ALEX M MATTHEW BAR AND LIN MARTINEZ.
I'M A COMMITTEE ORGANIZER FOR LONG BEACH, UH, FOR JUST ECONOMY.
AND I'M ALSO A RESIDENT OF DISTRICT SEVEN AND I'M HERE TODAY TO SUPPORT THE EFFORTS IN ADVOCATING FOR FUNDS TO BE ALLOCATED TOWARDS THE CONSTRUCTION OF A COMMUNITY CENTER AND THE WASHINGTON NEIGHBORHOOD AND DISTRICT ONE.
THE WASHINGTON NEIGHBORHOOD LACKS A DEDICATED COMMUNITY CENTER THAT PROVIDES SAFE, ACCESSIBLE SPACES FOR YOUTH, FAMILIES, AND RESIDENTS.
COMMUNITY CENTERS AND NEIGHBORHOODS PROVIDE ACCESS TO EDUCATION, ACCESS TO RESOURCES.
BUT MORE THAN ANYTHING, CENTERS ARE ABLE TO PROVIDE A SAFE SPACE FOR EVERYONE.
LOCAL PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES ARE OFTEN UNDERFUNDED, LIMITED REC, LIMITED RECREATIONAL AND ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUR COMMUNITY.
UM, AND WITH THE COMMUNITY CENTERS, WE'RE ABLE TO MEET NEW AND OLD NEIGHBORS TO BUILD CONNECTIONS, TO BUILD RELATIONSHIPS.
THESE ARE THE THINGS WE NEED MORE NOW THAN EVER, ESPECIALLY DUE TO HOW HARD IT HAS BEEN.
SO FOR SOME FOLKS WITH THE CURRENT STATE OF THE COUNTRY AND THE POLITICS, PLEASE LOOK TO RESERVE FUNDS THAT GO TOWARDS THE COMMUNITY CENTER FOR THE, UM, COMMUNITY OF THE WASHINGTON NEIGHBORHOOD.
UH, ANDREW MANDUJANO, DEPUTY DIRECTOR WITH BOOKS AND BUCKETS.
I FIRST WANNA JUST SAY THANK YOU TO COUNCILWOMAN MARY ZENAS, MARY REX RICHARDSON, UH, DIRECTOR OF PARK FLUCTUATION AND MARINE, UH, BRENT DENNIS, AND ALSO DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS.
UM, ERIC LOPEZ, UH, FOR THEIR CONTINUED SUPPORT IN BRINGING A, UH, COMMUNITY CENTER TO THE WASHINGTON NEIGHBORHOOD.
UM, YOU KNOW, AS MARY
[02:10:01]
I MEAN, JUST LOOK AT HOW MANY RESIDENTS SHOWED UP HERE TODAY TO REALLY ADVOCATE FOR THIS COMMUNITY CENTER THAT THEY'VE LONG DESERVED.UM, I'VE WORKED IN THE WASHINGTON NEIGHBORHOOD, I THINK FOR THE PAST, I WANNA SAY SIX YEARS NOW SINCE I BECAME A COMMUNITY ORGANIZER BACK THEN WITH, UH, LONG BEACH FORWARD.
AND, UH, YOU KNOW, THIS COMMUNITY CENTER IS SOMETHING THAT HAS BEEN IN LONG, UM, IT'S A LONG CAMPAIGN THAT HAS BEEN STARTED BY, YOU KNOW, MARTA COTA WITH THE LATINOS IN IN ACTION CALIFORNIA.
AND, UM, THIS GROUP OF PEOPLE IS JUST SO POWERFUL AND THEY'RE SO COMMITTED.
AND SO WE, WE JUST WANT TO, UM, ASK Y'ALL TO, YOU KNOW, UH, UH, CONTINUE THAT COMMITMENT, RIGHT? UH, WE UNDERSTAND THAT $500,000 WAS ALREADY, UM, ALLOCATED FOR, UM, YOU KNOW, A CONTRACTOR TO COME IN TO CONTINUE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, UH, TO DO THE SITE ANALYSIS, RIGHT, FOR THE DESIGN.
UM, BUT WHY NOT, YOU KNOW, DOUBLE DOWN ON THAT COMMITMENT, RIGHT? WHY NOT ALLOCATE ANOTHER $500,000 OR A MILLION DOLLARS FOR THE ACTUAL CONSTRUCTION TO SHOW OUR STATE ELECTEDS THAT WE MEAN BUSINESS AND THAT WE WANT THIS, RIGHT? UM, HOPEFULLY, RIGHT? THE ADULTS HERE CAN ONE DAY, UH, YOU KNOW, UH, TRANSITION TO SENIOR HOOD AND GO AND, AND SPEND SOME TIME, TIME THERE.
ONE MORE SECOND, AND HOPEFULLY, RIGHT.
THESE YOUNG FOLKS CAN ONE DAY BRING THEIR FAMILY SO THEY CAN SAY, UH, TELL THEIR YOUNG CHILDREN, RIGHT? I HELPED GET THIS HERE.
PLEASE DOUBLE DOWN ON THAT COMMITMENT.
UH, NEXT IS HENDRICKS, THEN CAMILA HENDRICKS, THEN CAMILA.
I'M A PART OF THE BOOKS AND BUCKETS PROGRAM.
I'M HERE TO, I KINDLY ASK FOR A DONATE DONATION OF $500,000 FOR A COMMUNITY CENTER.
THIS WILL CREATE A SAFE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT FOR YOUTH LIKE ME.
HELLO, MY NAME IS CAMILA CARTER BUSILLO.
I'M A 14-YEAR-OLD STUDENT THAT GOES TO HELEN KELLER MIDDLE SCHOOL.
I HAVE BEEN LIVING IN THE WASHINGTON NEIGHBORHOOD FOR MY WHOLE LIFE AND MY FAMILY, AND I CAN'T ENVISION OURSELVES NOT LIVING IN THIS NEIGHBORHOOD.
ONE OF THE MOST CHALLENGING THINGS FOR US IS THE SECURITY OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD AT ALL TIMES.
I CAN'T WALK AROUND WITHOUT WORRYING WHAT'S HAPPENING IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD, WHETHER IT'S DRUGS, GANG VIOLENCE, HOMELESSNESS, AND ET CETERA.
THE COMMUNITY CENTER WOULD HELP FIX THE PROBLEMS IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
KIDS LIKE ME WOULD HAVE MORE HELP TO GET THEM THROUGH CHALLENGES.
I'M A GIRL WHO'S BEGGING THAT YOU MUST WORK WITH STATE SENATOR LENA GONZALEZ IN ORDER TO BRING THE COMMUNITY CENTER TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL THE WORK THAT YOU DO AND I HOPE YOU WILL CONTINUE TO.
NEXT IS LAURA NANA, CALIFORNIA.
I HAVE BEEN A MEMBER OF LATINOS IN ACTION, CALIFORNIA SINCE LAST YEAR.
I'M HERE TO ASK YOU TO REFLECT ON OUR REQUEST FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A COMMUNITY CENTER IN THE WASHINGTON NEIGHBORHOOD.
THINK HOW WONDERFUL IT IS THAT YOUR CHILDREN OR GRANDCHILDREN CAN ENJOY A BEAUTIFUL PLACE WHERE THEY HAVE PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES.
INVESTING IN A COMMUNITY CENTER MEANS INVESTING IN THE WELLBEING, SAFETY, AND SUCCESS OF OUR NEIGHBORHOOD AND THE CITY.
[02:15:04]
PROFESSIONAL EXTRA CALIFORNIA CONSTRU.MY COMMENT IS CASTELLANOS, IS THAT IT'S TRULY URGENT TO WORK DIRECTLY WITH THE STATE AND FEDERAL REPRESENTATIVES TO SECURE FUNDING FOR THE COMMUNITY CENTER.
WITH THIS FACILITY, WE WILL HAVE PREVENTIVE PROGRAMS, CHILD DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS, AND EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT THROUGH EXTRACURRICULAR AND MENTORING ACTIVITIES, AS WELL AS VIOLENCE PREVENTION, WHICH WILL HELP REDUCE LONG-TERM COSTS, NOT ONLY IN SOCIAL SERVICES, BUT ALSO IN PUBLIC SAFETY.
ALTHOUGH WE ALREADY HAVE RESOURCES AND PROGRAMS WITHIN OUR ORGANIZATION, LATINOS IN ACTION, CALIFORNIA, WE BELIEVE WE CAN JOIN FORCES IN THE FUTURE WITH THE CENTER THAT YOU BUILD.
MR. MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS AND STAFF.
MY NAME IS CYNTHIA EVANGELISTA AND I AM A PROUD RESIDENT OF THE WASHINGTON COMMUNITY AND DISTRICT ONE.
I AM HERE TODAY TO REPRESENT THE WASHINGTON HISTORIC ASSOCIATION TO ADDRESS A MATTER OF GREAT IMPORTANCE TO OUR COMMUNITY, THE WASHINGTON COMMUNITY CENTER.
FOR MANY YEARS, THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE WASHINGTON COMMUNITY CENTER HAS BEEN ACKNOWLEDGED BY BOTH THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS AND HAS, DESPITE THIS RECOGNITION PROGRESS, PROGRESS HAS BEEN SLOW AND THE CENTER REMAINS AN UNFULFILLED PROMISE.
THE MAYOR HAS OFTEN SPOKEN ABOUT HIS COMMITMENT TO THE WEST SIDE, EMPHASIZING THE NEED FOR UNIFIED MESSAGE WITHIN OUR COMMUNITY TO TODAY.
STAND BEFORE YOU UNITED WITH THE OTHER ORGANIZATIONS DETERMINED TO TURN THIS DREAM INTO A REALITY.
THE WASHINGTON NEIGHBORHOOD IN LONG BEACH IS CONTINUOUSLY STRIVING TO IMPROVE THE SAFETY AND WELLBEING OF ITS RESIDENTS.
HOWEVER, WE BELIEVE THAT A COMMUNITY CENTER IS ESSENTIAL FOR ACHIEVING THESE GOALS.
OUR NEIGHBORHOOD, ONE OF THE LARGEST IN LONG BEACH, NEEDS A DEDICATED SPACE WHERE INDIVIDUALS, ESPECIALLY OUR YOUTH, CAN FIND POSITIVE OUTLETS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH.
A COMMUNITY CENTER WOULD SERVE AS A PUBLIC SPACE WHERE RESIDENTS CAN BUILD POSITIVE SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS, EXCHANGE RESOURCES AND INFORMATION, AND HOLD AND HOLD INFORMAL GATHERINGS.
SUCH A CENTER WILL FOSTER GREATER AND SENSE OF SAFETY AND CONNECTION AMONG NEIGHBORS.
WITH THE SUPPORT OF OUR CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS, LOCAL ORGANIZATION, CARING CITIZENS, AND DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS, TIME HAS THANK YOU.
SPEAKER, PLEASE ALEX, AND THEN FOLLOW MY MATTHEW.
HELLO, MY NAME IS AANDRA MELGAR.
I AM 17 YEARS OLD AND I GO TO LONG BEACH POLYTECHNIC HIGH SCHOOL.
AND I LIVE IN THE WASHINGTON NEIGHBORHOOD.
THE WASHINGTON NEIGHBORHOOD IS LIKE A FAMILY TO ME.
WELL, AT LEAST EVERYONE I MET TREATS EACH OTHER LIKE FAMILY.
HOWEVER, I HAVE SEEN GANG VIOLENCE IN THIS NEIGHBORHOOD.
I BELIEVE A COMMUNITY CENTER WOULD BRING MORE YOUTH INTO SAFE ACTIVITIES AND KEEP THEM OFF THE STREETS.
I ASK THAT THE CITY OF LONG BEACH PLACE DEDICATED FUNDING TO THE BUILD THE COMMUNITY CENTER TO MAKE ME AND MY COMMUNITY FEEL SAFE.
HELLO, MY NAME IS MATTHEW BADAL.
I AM 14 AND I ATTEND MILLIKEN HIGH SCHOOL.
I LIVE IN A WASHINGTON NEIGHBORHOOD AND I'VE LIVED IN A WASHINGTON NEIGHBORHOOD FOR PRACTICALLY MY WHOLE LIFE.
I'VE SEEN SO MANY PEOPLE LIVING WITHOUT HOMES THAT NEED HELP, PEOPLE THAT DRINK WAY TOO MUCH, AND PEOPLE WHO NEED JOBS TO PROVIDE FOR THEIR FAMILIES.
THE COMMUNITY CENTER COULD PROVIDE MANY RESOURCES SUCH AS FOOD FUN ACTIVITIES FOR FAMILIES AND EVEN JOBS FOR PEOPLE.
WE ASK THAT YOU DEDICATE FUNDING FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE COMMUNITY CENTER ON TOP OF WHAT HAS ALREADY BEEN ALOC LOCATED FOR THE FEASIBILITIES STUDY AND WORK WITH OUR STATE REPRESENTATIVES TO SECURE FUNDING.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND HAVE A GREAT NIGHT.
I'D LIKE TO, UH, SAY THE NEXT 10, PLEASE.
[02:20:02]
LILIA LOUISHELLO, MY NAME IS ELYN MARTINEZ.
I GO TO SCHOOL IN NORWALK, BUT I LIVE ON PINE AND 16TH AND LONG BEACH'S WASHINGTON NEIGHBORHOOD.
I'VE BECOME PERSONALLY CONNECTED TO THE WASHINGTON NEIGHBORHOOD THROUGH BOOKS AND BUCKETS.
I HAVE HAD MANY CHALLENGES IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD, INCLUDING HEARING GUNSHOTS, DRIVE-BYS AND GANG VIOLENCE.
I BELIEVE HAVING A COMMUNITY CENTER IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD WOULD HELP NEIGHBORS FIND HELP AND BETTER RESOURCES.
I WOULD LIKE TO ASK THAT THE CITY DEDICATE FUNDING TO BUILD THE COMMUNITY CENTER AND WORK WITH OUR SENATE, OUR STATE SENATOR LENA GONZALEZ, TO BRING THE COMMUNITY CENTER INTO THIS NEIGHBORHOOD.
LOUIS, WHAT YOU HELLO, MY NAME IS LILY AND UM, THAT WAS MY DAUGHTER WHO JUST SPOKE.
UM, I WANNA THANK BOOKS AND BUCKETS AND ALL THE COACHES WHO ARE HERE.
UM, ANDY AD COACH TRAV, COACH EDRICK, AND THE OTHER ONES THAT HAVE NOT, WERE NOT ABLE TO MAKE IT TONIGHT.
UM, I BELIEVE BECAUSE OF THEIR, UM, THEIR EXAMPLE SHIP.
UM, MY DAUGHTER IS, YOU KNOW, GROWING UP TO BE A YOUNG LEADER AND I'M VERY PROUD OF THEM.
UM, SO I LIVE IN THE WASHINGTON NEIGHBORHOOD.
UM, I COME FROM THE BEAUTIFUL CITY OF MONTEBELLO, SO COMING TO LONG BEACH WAS A SHOCK FOR ME.
UM, BUT I DO WANNA SAY THAT NOW THAT I AM A PART OF BOOKS AND BUCKETS AND INVOLVED IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD, UM, I AM VERY PROUD TO BE HERE AND TO SAY THAT I'M, YOU KNOW, UM, ABLE TO SPEAK ON BEHALF OF, UH, THE NEIGHBORHOOD.
I LIVED IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD NOW FOR THREE YEARS.
THE NEIGHBORHOOD FACES MANY CHALLENGES.
I'VE SEEN LOTS OF PEOPLE LIVING WITHOUT HOMES.
I'VE SEEN TRASH, LITTER, AND INDIVIDUALS ADDICTED TO DRUGS.
I'M HOPEFUL THAT THE COMMUNITY CENTER WILL BRING THE NECESSARY RESOURCES TO OUR AREA.
AS A PARENT, I'M ASKING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL DEDICATE FUNDS SPECIFICALLY TO BUILD THE COMMUNITY CENTER AND WORK WITH OTHER PARTNERS TO GET IT BUILT.
AGAIN, I WOULD LIKE TO ASK FOR DEDICATED FUNDS FOR OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY CENTER.
I, UH, I THINK THEY NEED THE OTHER 500,000 FOR THE COMMUNITY CENTER, BUT I DIDN'T DO MY HOMEWORK.
I WAS BUSY MAKING DOCTOR'S APPOINTMENTS, GETTING S STUFF LIKE THAT.
I CAME TO SPEAK ON BEHALF OF, UH, THE HOMELESS.
UH, MY NAME IS CHRISL DOMBROWSKI.
UM, UH, THE, I WOULD LIKE TO APPEAL TO MARY ZENDEJAS TO GIVE A TAX BREAK TO THE EDISON.
I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE LONG BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT BECAUSE THEY'RE, THEY'RE FINALLY DOING SOMETHING ABOUT, UH, ADULT ELDER FINANCIAL ABUSE IN MY CASE.
BUT I WOULD LIKE TO STAY HOUSED.
AND, UH, THE THING IS THAT SEPARATE IS INHERENTLY UNEQUAL.
I WANNA SEE OLD PEOPLE, YOUNG PEOPLE.
I WANT, YOU KNOW, AND I'VE LIVED IN DOWNTOWN LONG BEACH.
I WAS BORN IN COMMUNITY HOSPITAL AND I EMAILED YOU AND I CALLED YOU AND I'M GOT MY FINGERS CROSSED.
GIVE THEM THEIR COMMUNITY CENTER.
I WOULD RATHER DIE THAN DO HIS SALUTE.
MY NAME IS MAXINE MALONE AND IT'S AMAZING THAT ALL OF THESE PEOPLE ARE HERE AND SPEAKING FOR THAT COMMUNITY CENTER.
AS A MATTER OF FACT, I LIVE IN THE SENIOR CITIZEN HOME.
AND SO I SUPPORT WHAT THEY SAY BECAUSE WHEN YOU DO SOMETHING FOR THEM, YOU'RE DOING SOMETHING FOR ME.
I ATTENDED WASHINGTON JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL.
AS A MATTER OF FACT, I ATTENDED POLY.
MY CONCERN IS THE SENIORS LIVING IN THAT, UH, SENIOR ARTS COLONY.
[02:25:01]
WE NEED HELP, LIKE I SAID LAST WEEK.AND MY CONCERN IS IF YOU DO IT FOR THEM, YOU'LL BE DOING IT FOR US.
WE NEED A STRONGER POLICE PRESENCE IN THE AREA.
I JUST NOTICED THE PRESENCE OF A CANINE CAR DRIVING THROUGH THERE, HOW THEY NOT SO READILY ASKING OLDER PEOPLE DO THEY WANNA BUY DRUGS OR COMING AND TINKERING AND GETTING INTO OUR BUILDING.
THAT'S SUPPOSED TO BE A SECURE BUILDING.
SO GIVE THEM WHAT THEY WANT, WHICH WILL HELP US AND HELP US.
AND ANYTHING I CAN DO TO HELP, I'M WILLING.
I, I'VE ALREADY MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH, UM, THE DEPUTY MA, UM, MANAGER.
SO I PLAN TO BE ABLE TO BE AN ACTIVE PART IN OUR DISTRICT AND HOPEFULLY WE'LL SEE A BETTER CHANGE.
I'M 12 YEARS OLD AND I GO TO FRANKLIN MIDDLE SCHOOL.
IN THE TIME I'VE LIVED IN FRANKLIN MIDDLE SCHOOL, I HAVE PLAYED BASKETBALL IN MANY PARKS IN BOTH FRANKLIN AND WASHINGTON NEIGHBORHOOD.
I'VE SEEN MANY STRUGGLES AND DIFFICULTIES, NOT ONLY IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD, BUT ESPECIALLY IN THE WASHINGTON NEIGHBORHOOD.
IN THE TIME I'VE LIVED AROUND THE WASHINGTON AND FRANKLIN NEIGHBORHOOD HAVE SEEN MANY HOMELESSNESS ALONGSIDE CRIMES, ROBBERIES LATER, AND GANG VIOLENCE.
BY ADDING A COMMUNITY CENTER, MANY OF THESE PROBLEMS WOULD NOT HAPPEN SO OFTEN HOMELESS PEOPLE COULD HAVE A SHELTER, FOOD AND WATER.
ANOTHER EXAMPLE IS THAT WE COULD START A PROGRAM WHERE PEOPLE VOLUNTEER TO PICK UP TRASH.
ALSO, MANY KIDS, TEENS AND EVEN ADULTS, COULD HAVE A SAFE AND PEACEFUL PLACE TO GATHER AND DO ACTIVITIES TOGETHER.
THIS COULD REALLY HELP OUT OUR COMMUNITY AND MANY FAMILIES.
SO IT WOULD BE A REALLY BIG HELP TO PROVIDE A FUNDING FOR OUR COMMUNITY CENTER, FOR OUR LOVING WASHINGTON NEIGHBORHOOD.
VERY GLAD TO SEE SO MANY YOUNG PEOPLE COMING TO OUR COUNCIL TONIGHT.
UH, NEXT SPEAKER IS, UH, TRAVIS, FOLLOWED BY DAVID.
UM, I'M HERE ON BEHALF OF, YOU KNOW, BOOKS AND BUCKETS IN THE WASHINGTON NEIGHBORHOOD TO ASK FOR, YOU KNOW, SOME FUNDING FOR A COMMUNITY CENTER.
AND I REALLY THINK THIS IS REALLY IMPORTANT FOR US BECAUSE WE BUILD A COMMUNITY CENTER THAT'S THERE FOR FOREVER.
YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN? AND IT'S NOT JUST FOR NOW IT'S FOR GENERATIONS TO COME.
'CAUSE THE THINGS WE DO NOW, THEY'RE GONNA AFFECT OUR FUTURE NO MATTER WHAT WE DO, WHETHER IT'S SMALL, BIG, MEDIUM, WHATEVER IT MAY BE.
AND I EVEN GOT TO THE POINT WHERE IF WE PUT IT IN A WASHINGTON NEIGHBORHOOD, I'VE SPECIFICALLY SPOKEN TO GANG MEMBERS AND TOLD 'EM LIKE, HEY, LIKE WE'RE TRYING TO BUILD SOMETHING HERE.
WE NEED YOUR PARTICIPATION TOO.
YOU NEED, WE NEED YOU GUYS TO SIT HERE AND BE LIKE, LET'S PROTECT OUR, OUR NEIGHBORHOOD IN A HEALTHY MANNER.
NOT A, NOT A NOT A VIOLENT MANNER AND THINGS OF THAT NATURE.
BUT, UM, I REALLY THINK WE, UH, THE WASHINGTON NE THE WASHINGTON NEIGHBORHOOD DESERVES A COMMUNITY CENTER AND AN ALLOCATION OF FUNDS.
IT IS NOT JUST FOR US, IT'S NOT JUST A MONETARY VALUE.
IT'S THE SENTIMENTAL VALUE OF PUTTING SOMETHING IN THAT COMMUNITY AND ALLOWING PEOPLE TO BE LIKE, HEY, WE PUT THIS HERE, WE'RE GONNA PROTECT IT AND WE'RE GONNA KEEP IT CLEAN NICE.
'CAUSE IF YOU PUT SOMETHING THERE THAT PEOPLE CAN LIKE, TAKE PRIDE IN, THEY'RE GONNA TAKE PRIDE IN TAKING CARE OF IT.
AND THAT'S, THAT'S SOMETHING I WHOLEHEARTEDLY BELIEVE IN.
UH, COUNSEL MAN, THE COMMUNITY CAME OUT FOR THE COMMUNITY CENTER, RIGHT MAN.
FIRST ONE'S IN, LAST ONE'S OUT.
JUST IN THE GYM IS THE SAME THING WE PUT IN THE WORK.
WE'RE HERE REQUESTING OUR RIO, OUR COMMUNITY CENTER FOR THE WASHINGTON NEIGHBORHOOD.
SOMETHING WE'VE BEEN ASKING FOR FOR YEARS.
I WAS BORN AND RAISED IN THE WASHINGTON NEIGHBORHOOD, BORN AT ST.
I GREW UP IN THE WASHINGTON NEIGHBORHOOD AT PACIFIC CITY LIGHTS, AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECT, UM, AND THE PACIFIC.
AND 16TH IS MY STOMPING GROUNDS.
AND IN THAT, GROWING UP IN THAT NEIGHBORHOOD, I WAS BUSED OUT.
I WAS BUSED OUT WITH THE 1 72 BUS, UH, RIGHT OFF PACIFIC AND 16TH AND TOOK AN HOUR BUS RIGHT AWAY TO JOIN A YOUTH PROGRAM.
AND I GREW UP AND I NOTICED I SEEING A LOT OF MY HOMIES WHO DID WEREN'T A PART OF THAT YOUTH PROGRAM WHO DIDN'T HAVE THOSE RESOURCES.
THEY WENT ON COMPLETELY DIFFERENT TRACKS, COMPLETELY DIFFERENT PATHWAYS.
AND I FELT IT WAS A RESPONSIBILITY FOR US AS A NEIGHBORHOOD, AS A COMMUNITY TO BRING THOSE RESOURCES THAT WAS TAKING A BUS RIDE FOR, TO OUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
AND SO WHAT WE DID, WE BROUGHT YOUTH PROGRAMMING INTO THE WASHINGTON NEIGHBORHOOD, WAS ONCE A DESERT FOR YOUTH PROGRAMS. AND WE LAUNCHED AN ORGANIZATION WITH TEAMMATES FROM HIGH SCHOOL BOOKS AND BUCKETS.
WE HAVE SEVERAL YOUTH HERE INTO
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YOUTH HERE WITH THEIR PARENTS.WHAT YOU'RE SEEING IS INTERGENERATIONAL ORGANIZING.
I EVEN HAVE MY MOM OVER HERE AS WELL.
MULTIPLE GENERATIONS COMING TOGETHER FOR A MISSION FOR A NEIGHBORHOOD ALL.
WE JUST WANT URGENCY FOR THIS PROJECT EVERY WEEK, EVERY UPDATE WITH, WITH STAFF, JUST WHAT'S GOING ON WITH THE COMMUNITY CENTER.
WHEN ARE WE GONNA GET IT? WE GOTTA GET IT NOW.
THIS IS A PRIORITY PROJECT FOR THE NEIGHBORHOOD.
UH, THERE'S ELLIE LEE
I AM A MEMBER OF THE LGBT COMMUNITY AND A RENTER IN LONG BEACH.
YOU PASSED A RESOLUTION TODAY TO AFFIRM LONG BEACH AS A SAFE CITY FOR ALL MEMBERS OF THE LGBTQ PLUS COMMUNITY.
BUT VIRTUE SIGNALING RESOLUTIONS ARE NOT ENOUGH.
I SAW YOUR RESOLUTION FOR A CEASEFIRE ON GAZA OVER A YEAR AGO, AND YET YOU SAID NOTHING TODAY WHEN JUST HUNDREDS WERE MASSACRED BY THE ISRAEL, FUNDED BY ISRAEL, FUNDED BY OUR TAX DOLLARS YESTERDAY.
QUEER AND TRANS PEOPLE ARE DISPROPORTIONATELY RENTERS AND DISPROPORTIONATELY HOUSELESS COMPARED TO THEIR PEERS.
AND THIS CITY IS A VOLATILE PLACE FOR RENTERS RIGHT NOW, ESPECIALLY DUE TO THE SUBSTANTIAL REMODEL LOOPHOLE UNDER THE JUST CAUSE ORDINANCE.
A CONCRETE WAY THAT YOU CAN DO THAT YOU CAN MAKE SOME CHANGE IS TO REMOVE SUBSTANTIAL REMODEL LOOPHOLES AND DO IT NOW.
ALL OF THESE ISSUES ARE CONNECTED, WHICH IS WHY I'M TALKING ABOUT ALL OF THEM.
AND YOU NEED TO TAKE ACTION ON ONE ITEM THAT YOU CAN DO NOW, LA DID IT.
YOU DON'T NEED TO RESEARCH BECAUSE YOU'VE ALREADY DONE THE RESEARCH.
STOP TREATING RENTERS, ESPECIALLY LONG-TERM ONES LIKE EXPENDABLE MEMBERS OF THIS COMMUNITY.
PASS AN EMERGENCY MORATORIUM ON SUBSTANTIAL REMODEL EVICTIONS TOMORROW.
I AM A RENTER IN DISTRICT ONE.
UM, THERE IS NOT ENOUGH TIME TO TALK ABOUT THE CONNECTIONS BETWEEN ALL OF THESE ISSUES IN A MINUTE AND A HALF.
UM, I DO WANNA SHOUT OUT JUST QUICKLY MY SUPPORT FOR THE COMMUNITY CENTER AS WELL AS THE CONVENTION CENTER WORKERS.
UM, BUT WHAT I WANTED TO TALK TO YOU ALL ABOUT TONIGHT IS ALSO THE JUST CAUSE ORDINANCE.
SO WE NEED PROTECTIONS FOR RENTERS IN LONG BEACH UNDER THE JUST CAUSE ORDINANCE, LANDLORDS IN LONG BEACH CAN ONLY EVICT TENANTS FOR CERTAIN SO-CALLED LEGAL REASONS.
AND THAT'S GREAT, RIGHT? BUT THE PROBLEM IS THERE'S A MAJOR LOOPHOLE.
THIS COMES FROM, UM, THIS IDEA THAT DURING A SUBSTANTIAL REMODEL, UM, OF A UNIT, TENANTS CAN BE EVICTED.
SO, UM, A SU SUBSTANTIAL REMODEL EVICTION OCCURS WHEN A LANDLORD COMPLETES CERTAIN WORK ON A PROPERTY.
UM, AND, UH, THIS REQUIRES THE TENANT TO LEAVE FOR 30 DAYS.
THEN LEGALLY THEY CAN BE EVICTED.
UM, DURING THIS OR DURING THIS WORK PERMANENTLY.
UM, LANDLORDS IN CALIFORNIA, UM, HAVE A HISTORY OF ABUSING THIS LOOPHOLE.
UM, THEY CAN RAISE RENTS ONCE SOMEBODY IS EVICTED, UM, MORE THAN THE STATE LAWS FOR RENT CONTROL ALLOW, UM, THIS SKYROCKETS RENTS, WHICH IS A PROBLEM IN OUR COMMUNITY.
UM, AND SO THEY USE THIS LOOPHOLE TO REMOVE PAST TENANTS AND THEN CAN RAISE RENTS TO WHATEVER THEY WANT FOR THE NEW TENANT.
SOMETHING NOT ALLOWED IF THEY KEEP THE EXISTING TENANT.
UM, SO THIS IS DEVASTATING TO RENTERS.
UM, I KNOW I'M OUT OF TIME, BUT, UM, PLEASE REMOVE THIS LOOPHOLE.
LA'S DONE IT AND YOU ALL CAN DO IT TOO.
AND THEN LEMME, LEMME LAY, UH, NAME OUT IN THE LAST, UH, THE LAST MATCH AGAIN.
AFTER ALEX, WE HAVE OSCAR, THEN WE HAVE S SANGO, LILA HO MARIA LOPEZ, UH,
THAT'LL BE OUR LAST GOOD EVENING COUNSEL.
I AM HERE TO SPEAK ON BEHALF OF LONG BEACH RESIDENTS AS A RENTER MYSELF CURRENTLY LIVING IN DISTRICT TWO.
AND I ALSO WANNA TAKE A MOMENT TO EXPRESS MY STRONG SUPPORT FOR OUR CONVENTION CENTER WORKERS TO RECEIVE A FAIR AND LIVING WAGE.
BECAUSE AS WE ALL KNOW, WAGES AND RENT ARE INTERTWINED TO BE FORCED TO ACCEPT SUBSTANDARD WAGES.
PLACES FOLKS IN A POSITION WHERE THEY'RE CONSISTENTLY FACING THE FEAR OF EVICTION, WHICH IS NOT ONLY EXASPERATED BY, WHICH IS ONLY EXASPERATED BY THE, BY THE SUBSTANTIAL REMODEL LOOPHOLE THAT STILL EXISTS IN LONG BEACH.
THIS IS SHAMEFUL AND INHUMANE.
AS OF THE COUNCIL IS WELL AWARE,
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THE LOS ANGELES CITY COUNCIL RECENTLY VOTED TO PREVENT LANDLORDS FROM USING RENO RENOVATIONS TO EVICT TENANTS.THIS IS AN AMAZING ACCOMPLISHMENT.
THIS IS ALSO SOMETHING THAT LONG BEACH RENTERS HAVE BEEN ASKING FOR AND FIGHTING FOR, FOR YEARS AND HAVE NOT YET RECEIVED.
SO I'M HERE TO REMIND YOU OF OUR DEMAND TO CLOSE THE SUBSTANTIAL REMODEL LOOPHOLE UNDER THE JUST CAUSE ORDINANCE.
AND I AM HERE TO DEMAND THAT LONG BEACH CITY COUNCIL FINALLY TAKE ACTION TO FULLY PROTECT TENANTS.
WE DEMAND THAT THE COUNCIL TAKE GUIDANCE FROM THE LOS ANGELES CITY COUNCIL AND PASS AN INTERIM POLICY.
AND WE DEMAND THAT YOU MEET US AT THE TABLE TO REMOVE THE SUBSTANTIAL REMODEL LOOPHOLE PERMANENTLY.
HELLO, UH, MY NAME IS EDRICK SALGADO AND I'M A PART OF THE WASHINGTON NEIGHBORHOOD IN THE GROUP BOOKS AND BLOOD.
I HAVE BEEN A PART OF THE WASHINGTON NEIGHBORHOOD MY WHOLE LIFE, AND I FEEL THERE'S NOTHING MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE COMMUNITY CENTER.
THAT COMMUNITY CENTER WILL SAVE SO MANY LIVES AND CHANGE SO MANY LIVES OF ALL THE DIFFERENT THINGS IT'LL BRING AND IT'LL BE A SAFE PLACE FOR ALL AND EVERYONE EVERY DAY IN OUR COMMUNITY, WE FACE MANY PROBLEMS FROM GANG VIOLENCE, HOMELESSNESS, AND DRUG ADDICTION.
PLEASE PUT YOURSELF IN OUR POSITION AND UNDERSTAND THE NEED OF THIS CENTER AND THE IMPORTANCE YOU'LL BRING.
THIS COMMUNITY WILL NOT ONLY HELP US, BUT OUR NEIGHBORHOOD AND THE PEOPLE AROUND US.
HI, UH, COUNCIL MEMBERS AND, UH, MY NAME IS LILIA CAMPO.
I HAVE BEEN A LONG TIME RESIDENT OF, UH, DISTRICT ONE.
AND, UM, TODAY I AM HERE, HERE ON SUPPORT OF THE COMMUNITY CENTER FOR THE WASHINGTON, UM, NEIGHBORHOOD.
UM, EVEN THOUGH I DON'T LIVE IN THE WASHINGTON NEIGHBORHOOD, MY KIDS ATTENDED TO THE SCHOOL AND I WAS, UH, ALSO, UM, I VOLUNTEER FOR SAFE PASSAGE AND, UH, I'M STILL ARE AND I CAN SEE ALL THE, UH, CHALLENGES AND PROBLEMATICS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD.
SO I WAS PLANNING ON DOING A BIG LIST, BUT, UH, EVERYONE BEFORE ME HAD DONE THAT REALLY GOOD.
SO I JUST WANT TO SAY THAT I SUPPORT, UM, AND ASK YOU TO APPROVE THE MONEY FOR THE COMMUNITY CENTER.
MARIA, GOOD EVENING COUNCIL MEMBERS AND MAYOR MARIA, DISTRICT ONE RESIDENT AND AUTONOMOUS TENANT ORGANIZER.
I AM HERE IN YOUR LAST MEETING OF MARCH TO SHARE THAT THE CITY OF LA VOTED UNANIMOUSLY TO PASS AN INTERIM CONTROL ORDINANCE TEMPORARILY REMOVING RENOVATION WORK AS A BASIS FOR EVICTION FOR TENANTS AND TENS OF THOUSANDS OF RENTAL UNITS IN THE CITY.
FAMILIES ARE ACTIVELY BEING DISPLACED AND CURRENTLY RESISTING SUBSTANTIAL REMODEL EVICTIONS.
AND YOU COULD CHANGE THAT ANY DAY NOW.
IT IS OUR ARTS AND CULTURE THAT FEEDS YOUR TOURISM, BUT I DON'T JUST WANNA BE SEEN ON A MURAL.
I WANT TO BE PRESERVED IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD THAT SAW ME GROW UP.
IF YOU REMOVE SUBSTANTIAL REMODEL, THAT WOULD BE SOLVED.
READING EVICTED BY MATTHEW DESMOND, I'VE GOTTEN MORE CLARITY ON THE IMPACTS OF EVICTIONS AMONGST THE BOOKS.
INSIGHT, A SINGLE EVICTION IN YOUR RECORD CAN PRECLUDE RENTING ANOTHER APARTMENT.
EVICTIONS CONTRIBUTE TO HIGHER RATES OF JOB LOSS AND SCHOOL ABSENCES.
FAMILY AND HEALTH NOURISHMENT ARE OFTEN COMPROMISED IN ORDER TO PAY RENT.
AND THE SHAME AND INSECURITY EVICTIONS CAN TRIGGER.
ON TOP OF THAT, A THREAT OF EVICTION MAKES US MORE LIKELY TO DIE IN THE NEXT 20 YEARS.
AND AN EVICTION JUDGMENT DOUBLES THAT LIKELIHOOD TO 40%.
EVEN HIGH RENTS PREDICT MORTALITY.
THE HIGHER OUR RENT BURDENS, THE SOONER AND LIKE OUR DEATHS WILL BE.
OF COURSE, THE RISK ARE WORSENING WHEN WE LIVE OUTDOORS.
THE LIFE EXPECTANCY OF AN UNHOUSED PERSON IS JUST ABOUT 48 YEARS, AN AVERAGE OF 30 YEARS.
IT IS NOT AN EXAGGERATION TO SAY RENT KILLS HOUSING AND UNH IS A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH.
A PRO COUNCIL TAKES ACTION TO PROTECT ITS MAJORITY TENANT POPULATION TO CREATE VIBRANT COMMUNITIES.
NEXT SPEAKER, ARE YOU INVOLVED BY MAX WASHINGTON
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IN WASHINGTON? HELLO, GOOD EVENING, CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS.I'VE LIVED IN THE WASHINGTON NEIGHBORHOOD FOR THE LAST 23 YEARS, AND I HAVE, UH, SEEN YOUNG ADULTS, CHILDREN AND WHOLE FAMILIES HAVING TO TRAVEL FAR AWAY FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES.
AND NOT TO MENTION THE VIOLENCE THAT IS AT STAKE DUE TO NOT COUNTING WITH A COMMUNITY CENTER, I ASK THAT YOU PLEASE SUPPORT THE CONSTRUCTION OF A CENTER IN THE WASHINGTON NEIGHBORHOOD, AND I ASSURE YOU THAT WE ALL, WE WILL ALL SEE THE DIFFERENCE REFLECTED IN THE COMMUNITY.
LET'S BE INTENTIONAL ABOUT OUR INVESTMENTS.
HOUSING AND THE ARTS ARE OFTEN SEEN AS SEPARATE WORLDS, BUT THEY ARE INTERTWINED.
URBAN PLANNERS NEED TO PRIORITIZE HOUSING THAT IS INTEGRATED INTO THE CITY FABRIC, NOT ISOLATED INTO POCKETS.
PEOPLE OF ALL INCOME LEVELS HAVE THE RIGHT TO COEXIST, CONTRIBUTE, AND THRIVE.
REMOVE SUBSTANTIAL REMODEL LOOPHOLES.
AND OF COURSE, I SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY CENTER IN THE WASHINGTON NEIGHBORHOODS BECAUSE, DUH, HOLD ON.
IT'S TIME TO PRIORITIZE THE PEOPLE OF LONG BEACH BY ENSURING AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND THE ARTS FUNDING GO HAND IN HAND.
ACCORDING TO THE REPORT OF THE NATIONAL ENDOWMENTS FOR THE ARTS, NEARLY 40% OF PROFESSIONAL ARTISTS IN THE US HAVE INCOME LEVELS BELOW THE POVERTY LINE BECAUSE THE COST OF LIVING IN CITIES WITH THRIVING ARTS AND COMMUNITIES IS A MAJOR BARRIER IN BOTH CREATING AND PARTICIPATING IN THE ARTS.
WITHOUT AFFORDABLE HOUSING, THEY'RE FORCED TO LEAVE TAKING THEIR CR, THEIR CREATIVITY AND CONTRIBUTION WITH THEM.
I GREW UP IN NORTH LONG BEACH.
I GREW UP IN THE WASHINGTON NEIGHBORHOOD.
I JUMPED AROUND FROM PLACE TO PLACE, GOT EVICTED A BUNCH OF TIMES BECAUSE OF, BECAUSE OF THE THINGS THAT WERE GOING ON IN OUR COMMUNITY BECAUSE THE CITY COUNCIL WA WASN'T THERE TO FUND THE ARTS IN OUR SCHOOLS.
AND WE WANNA SEE THOSE CHANGES HAPPEN SO THAT PEOPLE AREN'T BEING PUSHED OUT OF THEIR NEIGHBORHOODS.
UM, MAX, ALL OUR LAST SPEAKERS.
UM, MY NAME IS MAX AND I WANNA LIFT UP THE ASKS OF THE CONVENTION CENTER WORKERS FOR PROTECTION FROM WAGE THEFT AND ALSO THE WASHINGTON NEIGHBORHOODS ASK FOR FOOD COMMUNITY CENTER.
BUT I'M HERE BECAUSE LONG BEACH CITY OFFICIALS, UH, NEED TO CLOSE THE SUBSTANTIAL INNOVATION LOOPHOLE.
THIS LOOPHOLE ALLOWS LANDLORDS TO DISPLACE TENANTS UNDER THE GUISE OF INNOVATION LEADING TO EVICTIONS AND LOSS OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING.
LESS THAN TWO WEEKS AGO, THE LA CITY COUNCIL UNANIMOUSLY PASSED AN INTERIM ORDINANCE AND MOVING RENOVATION WORK AS A BASIS FOR EVICTION.
AND OVER 60% OF LONG BEACH RESIDENTS ARE WINTERS HIGHER THAN LA COUNTY.
AND YOU ALL NEED TO FOLLOW THE LEAD.
WHAT MAKES IT EASY FOR YOU ALL IS THAT YOU ALREADY HAVE THE DATA INFORMATION YOU NEED.
ON JULY 6TH, 2021, THE LONG BEACH CITY COUNCIL HAD THE CITY MANAGER CONDUCT A STUDY AND PREPARE A REPORT EXPLORING PATHWAYS FOR ALLOWING RENOVATION WITHOUT FORCED DISPLACEMENT OF TENANTS.
AND ON DECEMBER 7TH, THE CITY MANAGER REPORTED BACK MULTIPLE SOLUTIONS TO THE LOOPHOLE, INCLUDING AN OPTION THAT WOULD END SUBSTANTIALLY MODEL EVICTIONS.
BUT DESPITE TENANT SUPPORT, THE CITY FAILED TO DO SO.
AND SINCE THEN, FOUR YEARS LATER, TENANTS WERE STILL LOSING THE HOMES.
WHEN TENANTS KNOW THAT REQUESTING REPAIRS COULD RESULT IN EVICTION, WHY WOULD THEY BE INCENTIVIZED TO REQUEST THOSE REPAIRS? HOUSING AND HOMELESSNESS WAS A TOP BUDGET PRIORITY FOR COMMUNITY MEMBERS DURING THE BUDGET COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS Y'ALL HAD.
AND WITH THE CITY, UH, FACING A BUDGET SHORTFALL, THIS IS A LOW COST SOLUTION, UH, BY IMPLEMENTING BETTER RENTAL PROTECTIONS AND ENDING SUBSTANTIALLY MODEL EVICTIONS.
SO MOVING THIS LOOPHOLE WOULD ENSURE THE RENOVATIONS ARE TRULY IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE COMMUNITY AND NOT JUST THE MEANS OF LANDLORDS TO BYPASS RENT, CONTROL LAWS AND PROFIT FROM DISPLACEMENT.
SO WE'LL MOVE SUBSTANTIALLY REMODEL LOOPHOLES NOW AND PASS AN EMERGENCY MORATORIUM ON OUR WIN EVICTIONS NOW.
MY FINAL SPEAKER DEAR ELIZABETH.
GOOD EVENING, COUNCIL MEMBERS.
MY NAME IS ELIZABETH AND RESIDENT AND RANCHER OF DISTRICT SEVEN FOR 10 YEARS, AND CURRENTLY MY FAMILY, ALONG WITH OTHER FAMILIES IN MY PALM COMPLEX, UM, RECEIVED A 60 DAY, UH, NOTICE TO EVICT BY APRIL 30TH.
DUE TO THIS LOOPHOLE CAUSE REMODEL, I'M HERE TO DEMAND TO AMEND THE CITY'S
LANDLORDS IN CALIFORNIA HAVE HISTORY OF ABUSING REMODELED EVICTIONS.
TO RAISE THE RENT AND RETALIATE AGAINST TENANTS
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CITY COUNCIL MUST PASS AN EMERGENCY MORATORIUM ON RE EVICTIONS IMMEDIATELY SIMILAR TO THAT OF THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES.THIS WILL PROTECT TENANTS LIKE ME AND MANY OTHERS WHO ARE CURRENTLY BEING, UM, UNJUSTLY EVICTED.
IT WILL ALSO PREVENT LANDLORD FROM, UM, RUSHING TO SERVE EVICTION NOTICES AND THE CASES BEFORE THE PERMANENCE, UM, ORDINANCE CAN BE PASSED.
SUBSTANTIAL REMODEL EVICTIONS ARE JUSTIFIED AND DANGEROUS TO TENANTS.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND WE ASK FOR ACTION NOW.
OKAY, THAT, UH, THAT CONCLUDES COMING.
NUMBER TWO, WE ARE NOW AT ANNOUNCEMENTS.
COUNCIL MEMBERS, COUNCIL MEMBER KERR.
UH, THIS WEEKEND I EN THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO CAME OUT, ESPECIALLY, UM, ALL OF THE YOUNG COOKS TO, UM,
[ANNOUNCEMENTS]
SHARE THEIR STORIES AND ADVOCATE FOR THINGS THAT ARE IMPORTANT TO THEM.I, I REALLY, REALLY APPRECIATE IT.
UM, THIS WEEKEND I INVITE ALL WHO ARE ABLE TO SUPPORT OUR, UH, LOCAL SCOUT TROOP ONE 17 AT THEIR ANNUAL MAGIC SHOW FUNDRAISER.
THIS SATURDAY, MARCH 22ND AT 6:00 PM YOU CAN JOIN THE TROOP AT ST.
GREGORY'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH TO ENJOY THE PERFORMANCE AS WELL AS REFRESHMENTS FOR PURCHASE AND AN OPPORTUNITY DRAWING WITH GREAT PRIZES.
UH, ALSO THIS WEEKEND I ENCOURAGE ALL WHO MAY BE INTERESTED IN LOCAL HISTORY TO VISIT RANCHO LOS CERRITOS FOR A SPECIAL FILM SCREENING OF FIRE ON THE HILL.
THIS SATURDAY, MARCH 22ND AT 5:00 PM UH, JOINED TO ENJOY THE CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED DOCUMENTARY ABOUT THE HISTORY OF BLACK COWBOYS OF COMPTON AND SOUTH CENTRAL LA THE MYSTERIOUS FIRE THAT BURNED THEIR INNER CITY STABLE AND THEIR FIGHT TO PRESERVE THEIR CULTURE.
THE SCREENING WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A Q AND A SESSION WITH THE MAKERS OF THE FILM AS THEY SHARE BEHIND THE SCENES DETAILS ABOUT THE FILM'S, CHALLENGES AND INSPIRATIONS.
YOU CAN LEARN MORE AND FIND TICKETS@RANCHOLOSCERRITOS.ORG.
UH, LOOKING AHEAD A BIT, I BET INVITE YOU TO SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR DISTRICT FIVE DUMP DAY ON SATURDAY, MARCH 29TH FROM EIGHT TO NOON, BRING LARGE, BULKY ITEMS THAT DON'T FIT IN YOUR REGULAR TRASH BIN TO ONE OF THREE DUMPSTERS LOCATED AROUND DISTRICT FIVE TO DISPOSE OF THEM FOR FREE.
WE WILL BE AT THE EXPO ART CENTER, PAN AM PARK AND WARDLOW PARK, SO YOU CAN COME TO THE ONE NEAREST YOU.
YOU CAN LEARN MORE AT LONG BEACH.GOV/DISTRICT FIVE.
AND LASTLY, I INVITE YOU TO JOIN ME AND SOME OF MY TEAM FOR DISTRICT FIVE DAY AT THE DIRT BAGS BASEBALL GAME ON SUNDAY, MARCH 30TH AT 1:00 PM BASEBALL SEASON IS UPON US AND WE ARE BIG DIRT BAG FANS.
YOU CAN JOIN US AT BLAIR FIELD TO CHEER, CHEER ON THE DIRT BAGS AS THEY TAKE ON U CSB WITH DISCOUNTED TICKETS FOR CD FIVE RESIDENTS.
YOU CAN LEARN MORE AND FIND THE TICKET LINK AT OUR NEWSPAGE@LONGBEACH.GOV SLASH DISTRICT FIVE.
SEE THE OTHER CUMMINS, THIS MEETING.
UM, FIRST OF ALL, YES, THANK YOU TO ALL THE NEW SPEAKERS, YOUNG SPEAKERS THAT CAME OUT TO SPEAK TODAY FROM WASHINGTON NEIGHBORHOOD.
VERY POWERFUL SPEAKERS, UM, AND SUCH.
REALLY AWESOME TO HAVE YOU GUYS HERE AT CITY COUNCIL.
UM, ONE OF THE THINGS I LOVE ABOUT BOOKS AND BUCKETS, IT'S NOT ONLY DO THEY FOCUS ON READING BOOKS AND, UM, MAKING SURE THAT THEY ALSO PLAY BASKETBALL, BUT ALSO THEY, UM, SHOW THE YET THE YOUTH HOW TO BE LEADERS.
AND I THINK THAT THAT'S VERY IMPORTANT TO ADVOCATE FOR SOMETHING THAT YOU ARE SO DESERVING.
AND, UM, AS WE ALL KNOW, IT TAKES TIME.
BUT WE'RE MOVING ALONG, UM, AS I HOPE THAT YOU HEARD ALL THE GREAT POSITIVE, UM, UPDATES THAT WE HAVE FOR THE WASHINGTON NEIGHBORHOOD COMMUNITY CENTER.
UM, WITH THAT SAID, I ALSO WOULD LIKE TO INVITE YOU TO THE DANCE DOWNTOWN REVOLUTION AT MOSAIC ON THE PROMENADE HAPPENING EVERY TUESDAY FROM SIX TO EIGHT.
AND ALSO, UM, THE DOWNTOWN RESIDENT COUNCIL, UM, WILL BE HAVING ITS THIRSTY THURSDAYS EVENTS ON THURSDAY, MARCH 20TH FROM FIVE 30 TO 8:00 PM HOPE TO SEE EVERYONE OUT IN THE COMMUNITY.
NOW THAT'S THE LAST COMMENT AND I WANNA THANK YOU ALL FOR PARTICIPATING TODAY.
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ADJOURN.