Thank you for reading another issue of Inside District 9, your weekly newsletter for the latest community updates and news.

This week was filled with very important updates from election results to the renaming of the Micro-Enterprise Charter Academy (M.E.C.A.). It is an honor to announce to you that the only charter school in the 9th District changed it's name to the Doris Topsy-Elvord Academy. Mrs. Doris Topsy-Elvord was the first African-American woman elected to Long Beach City Council and is a long-time community activist.

Secondly, I want to give you updates on the Long Beach ballot measures.

Measure GG - Failed This measure would have combined the Civil Services Department and Human Resource which could have diminished the ability of the civil service commission to defend the rights of Long Beach workers.

Measure B - Passed, Voters approved Measure B that would have place business license taxes on marijuana businesses. But with the failure of proposition 19, Measure B is void.

Measure C - Passed This measure gives veterans a better chance to be hired by the City of Long Beach and increase credits to disabled veterans who are applying for a city job. This is a victory for Long Beach veterans and this gives an increased hiring preference to disabled veterans in the hiring process.

Measure D - Passed This amends the Long Beach City Charter by changing the formula from 10% net income to 5% gross operating revenues.

There was also another significant proposition in Long Beach, proposition 22. This prohibits the state from stealing funds from the city and protects vital redevelopment funds that are needed to build a Better 9th District.

Don't forget to come out tomorrow to the 14th Annual Long Beach Veterans Day Parade that kicks off from Atlantic and Harding at 10 a.m. This is a free event to the public to show your support to our veterans.

Lastly,I recently attended the regional meeting for the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) and in next week's issue I will share with you a more in depth report back. Have a fun and safe weekend!

On November 10, from 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at the Neighborhood Resource Center, there will be a "Plants for a Drought Landscape" workshop. Barbara Paul, Landscape Designer, will discuss plant selection and success for a drought tolerant landscape, lawn alternatives and trees for small spaces.The Neighborhood Resource Center and the Long Beach Water Department are sponsoring the workshop to help people reduce the amount of water they use while still keeping their yards vibrant and colorful.

Attendees are invited to bring canned food to donate to Food Finders to assist our Long Beach neighbors during the current economic crisis.

This free workshop will be presented in English with Spanish and Khmer translation available. Free parking is available behind the building and on the street.

To RSVP or for more information, call the Neighborhood Resource Center at 562.570.1010.

The next Grant Neighborhood Association meeting will be held on Nov. 11, 7 p.m. at the Community Presbyterian Church (6380 Orange Ave.) and will provide 9th District residents great information on how to help those in need during the holiday season. The featured speaker will be Jim Lewis, director of the Long Beach Rescue Mission. He'll explain the plans for their new facility at 6845 Atlantic Ave. The new building will initially be used to provide shelter and temporary housing during the winter nights. Everyone is invited to this next neighborhood meeting.