Parks, Recreation and Marine (PRM) hosted a dedication ceremony for the Conductor Larry Curtis Concert Park at Marine Stadium on October 30.

“I think it is so fitting that a section of Marine Stadium is named for Larry Curtis to honor his contributions to making the Long Beach Municipal Band an important part of the fabric of the City,” said Mayor Robert Garcia.

Larry Curtis was the Conductor of the Long Beach Municipal Band for 27 years and conducted over 700 concerts. The Long Beach Municipal Band is the country’s longest running municipal band, and an important part of Long Beach history.

Because of Larry’s long-lasting impacts on our City and the legacy of the Long Beach Municipal Band, the concert venue at Marine Stadium Park will be named in his honor, where tens of thousands of residents will continue to gather with family and friends, for food, fun, and fellowship to enjoy the summer concert series. “

Naming this section of Marine Stadium Park for Larry Curtis recognizes the happiness he brought to the City and the sense of community we all benefitted from through his hard work,” said Councilwoman Suzie Price.

The ceremony included a performance of Dixie-land music by a group of the Band’s musicians and a park flag sign unveiling.
This time of year, we have so much to be thankful for! The COVID-era holidays have certainly been very different, but our Parks, Recreation, Marine and Animal Care Services Team continues to be grateful for the daily opportunities to help make a difference in the lives of the people we serve in Long Beach.

The Community Recreation Services team helped lead and provide safe, fun-filled Halloween events during the final week of October. I enjoyed the Historical Society of Long Beach’s Historical Cemetery Tour, where I volunteered to emcee a tour stop in period costume for the Linares family story. Trunk or Treat events at several of our community recreation centers were well attended. Lots of creative, Spooktacular decorations proliferated our facilities where ORANGE reigned supreme!

Our Department’s Employee Recognition Committee honored Marine Maintenance team member Cedric Banks as our September Employee of the Month. The committee also unleashed the BOO-grams for a sweet, fun array of surprises between co-workers. I appreciate all the ERC’s efforts.

Marine and Park maintenance teams did an excellent job of following up the weather events this past month to keep our parks, beaches, and marinas clean and clear of storm debris. These teams also made sure our park areas where a significant number of special events occur in immaculate condition. Several check presentations were made by State legislators to local leaders that celebrated the welcomed funding of important park improvement projects.

More highlights of the Marine Bureau include the behind-the-scenes work to prepare for the installation of Trees on the Bay. This popular holiday display will be launched and lighted up towards the end of this month and should provide lots of scenic memories for residents and visitors of Long Beach. Plans are being finalized for beachfront improvements that include the introduction of ADA access mats at Granada, Alamitos, and Mother’s Beaches, new concession facilities that will be opening soon, a renovated pickleball court, and the dedication of the Conductor Larry Curtis Concert Park at Marine Stadium.

Long Beach Animal Care Services has seen an uptick in adoptions and fostering of animals under their care. Key staff positions that have been vacant are being filled with some new team members who have a genuine passion for serving the community and animal care in essential ways. The Adoption Waggin’ continues to be present out in the community of select Saturdays to offer adoption opportunities for individuals and families seeking that special furry friend.

Park Planning and Partnerships Bureau has been very busy with several community meetings for Lincoln Park programming, Davenport Park and Drake-Chavez Greenbelt outreach. Ongoing grant funding pursuits remain a top priority for the bureau.

Business Operations has been managing the busyness of the new fiscal year while guiding FY/21 to an official closing. Ongoing recruitments and hiring is keeping the human resources team extremely busy also. Safety issues and COVID protocols are other important focus areas of BizOps this month.

As November winds to a close, I want to wish you a very enjoyable Thanksgiving holiday with your friends and family. Enjoy the beauty of autumn!
Let’s talk turkey. More to point, what is the significance of this feathered fellow at Thanksgiving? As kids, many of us were taught about the turkey and its significance
to the Pilgrims and the Native people of America. Only to find out later in life it wasn’t quite true. Many stories and legends have been spun throughout the centuries,
but this one seems particularly poignant considering the state of this year’s festivities.

In 1827, Sarah Josepha Hale, wrote in her novel Northwood, an entire chapter describing the New England Thanksgiving and a turkey at the head of the table. Around the same time, she began campaigning local and federal lawmakers to establish Thanksgiving as a national holiday. With the United States facing a pending civil war, she felt this might help to unify the country. Her hard work paid off, and in 1863 President Abraham Lincoln declared it a national holiday with a presidential proclamation. Wishing everyone a happy and safe holiday!!!
Registration for winter recreation classes offered by Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine is going on now.

Classes in a variety of areas including art, music, fitness and sports will be offered December 2021 through February 2022. The programs provide opportunities for exercise and recreation, social interaction, learning, and relaxation for everyone from preschool-aged children to adults.

Some highlights of the winter class schedule include:

Preschool - Bamboleo Spanish Language immersion, Music, Pre-K Readiness, Basketball, Soccer and T-Ball

Youth - Mexican Folklorico, Basketball, Soccer, T-Ball, Math and Reading Development, Horse Fun, Music, Gymnastics, Martial Arts and Soccer

Teens-Ceramics, Drawing, Oil Painting, Horse Fun, On-Line Driver’s Education, Dance and Fitness

Adults-Ceramics, Drawing, Quilting, Dance, Ukulele, Dog Training, Horse Fun, Fitness, Yoga, Fencing and Martial Arts

Adults 50+ - Line Dance, Balance and Stability, Zumba and Yoga

For any activities held indoors, facial coverings will be required for all attendees, regardless of vaccination status, per California Department of Public Health (CDPH) guidance and the City of Long Beach’s Health Orders: https://www.longbeach.gov/health/diseases-and-condition/information-on/coronavirus/covid-19-orders/

Residents can register online at www.LBParks.org or by calling 562.570.3111 or by visiting
the Registration Reservations Office at 2760 Studebaker Road, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays. Convenient in-person registration appointments also are available at
PRM offers classes in gymnastics from beginning through advanced levels for ages 6-17 during December, January and February. *No class 12/22 & 12/23. Beginners learn the fundamentals
of floor exercise, uneven parallel bars, balance beam and vaulting table. Intermediate students master beginning level skills and advance to performing cartwheels on both sides, a dive roll, round off, and back walkover. Advanced students receive advanced training in uneven parallel bars, balance beam and vaulting table, and/or advanced tumbling skills. Prerequisites: Intermediate requirements plus back handspring and/or front handspring and/or round off back handspring.

The classes are held at Wilson High School, 4400 E. 10th St. in the 600 building. Participants will practice social distancing and other guidelines set forth by the CDC. Visit www.lbparks.org to register for classes and get information about days, times, fees and course requirements.
Fun, scary events popped up throughout the City to provide Halloween fun for all ages from making Halloween crafts in after school programs to park events.

Admiral Kidd Park had a Halloween Spookfest on October 29 with a Trunk or Treat event, crafts, games and a free screening of the movie “Hocus Pocus”. That evening Orizaba Park also hosted a Halloween Spookfest with support from Council District 4 and the Zaferia Neighborhood Association. Kids had fun with carnival games, face painting, pumpkin giveaways and prize drawings.

On October 30, MacArthur Park hosted a Harvest Festival and Resource Fair with the 7th City Council District Office that showcased community organizations and Dia De Los Muertos displays.

The Historical Society of Long Beach’s Annual Cemetery Tour returned to Long Beach Municipal Cemetery and Sunnyside Cemetery on October 30 to enthusiastic crowds. Performers in period costumes took on the personas of some of the prominent past residents of Long Beach and related the lives of the people laying in rest. Rich or poor, famous or ordinary, everyone had a story to tell.
The non-profit Partners of Parks organization has announced a campaign to raise $1 million to fund the rebuild of the nautical-themed playground structure at Admiral Kidd Park, located at 2125 Santa Fe Avenue.

West Long Beach residents suffered a devastating loss in the early-morning hours of July 18, 2021, when the playground was severely damaged by fire. The original, nautical-themed playground opened in 2011 as part of a park-expansion project.

“Our goal is to rebuild the playground with additional enhancements to 2021 standards and improvements based on input made by the community,” said Parks, Recreation, and Marine Director Brent Dennis. “

The destruction of the Admiral Kidd Playground is a tragedy that destroyed a play space after 15 months of relative isolation during a pandemic, in an already park-starved community” shared POP Executive Director, Trinka Rowsell. Partners of Parks is excited to rally the community by raising the needed funds to rebuild the playground back better than ever and restoring this safe space or west-side children and families.”

Admiral Kidd Park is located in an already park-poor community. The park site was formerly used by the armed forces during World War II, according to the city’s website. In commemoration, the park was named for Rear Admiral Isaac C. Kidd, who was killed during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, which influenced the nautical- themed design of the playground.

The campaign includes a naming opportunity for the top funding level of $250,000. Funding levels go all the way down to the $2,500 level and includes opportunities for community members to purchase commemorative bricks on the walkway approaching the playground. Visit http://weblink.donorperfect. com/KIDD for funding levels and to donate online.

Partners of Parks is the non-profit that supports programming, activities and neighborhood groups who fund events in Long Beach parks. The organization supports the Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine Department by working with donors to fund City programming benefiting teens, seniors
and families-in-need; the Youth Scholarship Program helps LBUSD students who qualify to attend fee-based recreation classes without charge.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health reports that a canine influenza H3N2 (CIV H3N2) outbreak is surging across LA County. After spreading in multiple boarding kennels and day care centers since mid-July, it has now been introduced in at least two animal shelters. There have been no reports of incidents in Long Beach, but in preparation for the upcoming holidays and anticipated travel, it is important for dogs to get vaccinated for CIV H3N2 and leptospirosis, and for owners to be aware of these outbreaks.

Canine influenza H3N2 (also known as dog flu) is a contagious respiratory disease in dogs caused by specific Type A influenza viruses known to infect dogs. No human infections with canine influenza have ever been reported. Effected dogs exhibit cough, runny nose, fever, lethargy, eye discharge, and reduced appetite, but not all dogs will show signs of illness. The severity of illness associated with canine flu in dogs can range from no signs to severe illness resulting in pneumonia and sometimes death. Most dogs recover within two to three weeks. Some dogs may develop secondary bacterial infections, which may lead to more severe illness and pneumonia.

Leptospirosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria passed in the urine of infected animals and can survive in the environment for long periods of time in warm, stagnant water or moist soil. Effected dogs can show signs of lethargy, depression, loss of appetite, vomiting, fever, and increased thirst and urination.

Current outbreak status - Canine Influenza H3N2 or CIV H3N2:

Over 800 reported confirmed and suspected cases and seven reported deaths in LA County.

Two animal shelters affected.

Spreading rapidly at pet boarding and daycare facilities located throughout the county.

Some pets have been infected at dog parks, and where they come near other dogs.

Cases of CIV H3N2 are being reported in the surrounding counties as well.

For more information: http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/vet/
InfluenzaCanineH3N2.ht

Steps to take - CIV H3N2:

The most effective tool in stopping the spread of CIV H3N2 is to isolate sick or infected dogs. Sick dogs should be isolated for 28 days from the first day of illness.
A potential winter surge in both diseases is anticipated because of increased use of pet boarding, dog sitting, daycare
and grooming services during the holiday season.

County shelters, City shelters, and non-profit groups may have vaccination clinics, but may not be able to meet the
demand for vaccination to stop the outbreaks.

Los Angeles County Veterinary Public Health (VPH) recommends that dogs be fully vaccinated against CIV H3N2 before they enter boarding kennels, dog day care, dog parks, or engage in dog group activities. This two-dose vaccine is also advisable for dogs that may occasionally encounter other dogs.

A dog is fully vaccinated 14 days after the first vaccine.

The CIV H3N2 vaccination is designed to decrease the severity of clinical disease and viral shedding but does not prevent
against infection. Therefore, herd immunity in the community is important for outbreak control.

Current outbreak status - Leptospirosis:

150 reported confirmed and suspected cases and 6 reported deaths in LA County.

Most cases associated with boarding, daycare, dog parks, primarily in the West Los Angeles and Santa Monica area.
Some cases associated with exposure on walks around the neighborhood.


Steps to take - Leptospirosis:

VPH considers the quadrivalent leptospirosis vaccine to protect against four viruses as a core vaccine for dogs in Los Angeles County, however it is of particular importance that dogs are fully vaccinated against leptospirosis before they enter boarding kennels, dog day care, dog parks, or engage in dog group activities.

A dog is fully vaccinated 14 days after the first vaccine.

The vaccination of shelter dogs against the virus is currently under consideration at Long Beach Animal Care Services.
Visit https://www.longbeach.gov/acs for updates.

Adverse reactions to veterinary vaccines and other concerns should be reported to both the vaccine manufacturer and USDA APHIS: at www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/
A total of (23) 24-inch box Deodar Cedar Trees were planted along the Daisy Lane Greenbelt in October to replace trees that needed to be removed.

Staff also installed a new electrical system that will eventually support the traditional holiday decorations that are placed each year by the local neighborhood association.
This month, residents and visitors can enjoy colorful lighted trees throughout December at waterfront locations including in Alamitos Bay, Rainbow Lagoon, Rainbow Harbor, the Peninsula, Second Street medians, Spinnaker Bay, Colorado Lagoon, and the lakes at El Dorado West and Heartwell Parks. Staff will also decorate trees at Good Neighbor Park and Scherer Park.

The tree program is managed by Parks, Recreation and Marine Bureau staff who began preparing the trees in October for lighting ceremonies on Thanksgiving weekend. Staff repairs and paints the wooden structures, strings trees with colored lights, and tows to their positions where they are anchored and strung with electrical wire.

2021 marks the 72nd year that Long Beach residents and visitors have enjoyed colorful, festive tree structures floating in the City’s waterways.
Cedric has worked for the City of Long Beach for almost six years, including the last two years with PRM as Maintenance Supervisor. He recently answered a few questions so we can get to know him better.

What do you like to do in your free time?
Cook and spend time with family.

What is your biggest work achievement so far?
Re-keying the beach restrooms and leveraging the savings
on the doors at the boat owner’s restrooms.

What’s one small thing that makes your day better?
Keep smiling.

Who inspires you?
God.

What are you famous for at work?
Teaching other people.

What song is always in your head when you’re working?
“Dead or Alive” by Bon Jovi.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
The ability to heal people.

Using one word how would you describe your family?
Happy.

Would you rather be the best player on a horrible team or the worst player on a great team?
It would not matter as long as we did our best as a team.

What is the name of your imaginary boat in the marina?
2nd Chance.