Councilwoman Suzie Price - April Newsletter 2021

The 3rd District news & updates

April | 2021

Upcoming Events

City of Long Beach Council Meetings

Tuesdays @ 5:00PM

Watch here

Friends of Bixby Park Monthly Cleanups

Saturday April 3rd, 2021 @ 9AM-11AM

Aquarium of the Pacific High School Film Contest

March 15 - April 13

6th Annual Dine Out Long Beach, Restaurant & Cocktail Week

April 1 - April 15

Belmont Heights "Last Saturday of the Month" Drive-Thru

Saturday April 24th, 2021 @ 9AM-11AM

2021 Propeller Club of LA-LB Scholarship Application

Deadline: July 30th

Reduce, Conserve, Grow LB

Thursday April 22nd, 2021 @ 6PM-7:30PM

Free Household Hazardous Waste & E-Waste Collection Event

Saturday April 10th and 24th, 2021 @ 9AM-2PM

Reduce Waste at Home: Kitchen Edition

Wednesday April 28th, 2021 @ 6PM-7PM

Recycling 101: Let's Recycle Right! Virtual Workshop

Saturday May 1st, 2021 @ 10AM-11AM

Councilwoman Suzie Price

Greetings!

Well, we are well into the spring season now and things appear to be returning to normalcy in terms of people going back to work, our businesses starting to rebuild, and the COVID numbers continuing on a downward trend. That is all good news. We are not totally out of the woods yet but, as a city, we are working very hard to reach all of the neighborhoods throughout the city to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to receive a vaccine. Our vaccine distribution has been very efficient and the men and women helping administer the vaccine and support the operations should be applauded for their service. We have come a long way in a very short period of time in terms of the number of vaccines we have administered.

On the council front, we are looking very closely at the federal relief and stimulus packages that have been passed or are being contemplated. As the chair of the newly created Port, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I will be actively engaged in the federal infrastructure package that is being discussed. I want to make sure that we invest in our traditional infrastructure projects as well as build up the foundation we need to support our residents in terms of necessary programs and services. We have a number of major transportation corridors in the city that need to be repaved. In the 3rd District, Studebaker Road is in dire need to be regraded and repaved. This is my priority for any infrastructure funds that become available to close the current funding gap that we have for that roadway. We are also paving parts of Winslow Avenue this year and we recently completed Colorado St.

Speaking of infrastructure projects in the 3rd District, the Junipero and Granada concession stands and play areas are almost ready for public use! I hope you have a chance to take a walk along the beach path and check out these two new beach “playgrounds.” They are pretty fantastic!

In terms of other playgrounds, the Channel View Park playground is now open! I am so grateful for the residents and AES for making that vision a reality. It’s a great play area and designed for kids of all ages. The playground area at Colorado Lagoon is next to get new equipment. I love the new colors and amenities of the play area at the lagoon. We hope to have the permits approved by the coastal commission soon so that the playground can be installed by the end of the summer. The Recreation Park playground and skate area is also about to get underway and it’s going to be very bright, cheery and accessible by youth of all abilities.

The Bayshore Library facade improvement is currently undergoing a mid-century modern re-design. We will host a community meeting to unveil that design soon. I am grateful for local architects Michael Bohn and Jan Van Dijs for their pro bono assistance to the City with this project and our visioning process.

Our District 3 team continues to work very hard for our residents every day. We have meetings with residents and the general community just about every day of the week. Gabby is back at the Field Office most of the time, and other council office staff are beginning to return to City Hall as they get vaccinated. I imagine that we will have more updates on city facility reopenings in next month’s newsletter.

For now, please take care of yourselves and of each other. It seems we are slowly returning to many of our normal routines and, if you are like me, I am sure it’s going to take some work to readjust to the new pace of our lives. Feel free to reach out to me at any time if you have any questions or concerns that our council office can assist with.

Suzie Price

3rd District Councilwoman

3rd District Community News

Long Beach Enters Orange Tier

Effective at 12:01 a.m. on April 1, Long Beach entered the Orange (Moderate) Tier, the third of four tiers outlined under the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy.

The below is a general overview of the revised Health Order, pursuant to revised guidance issued by the State. If you would like more detail please click the link here: https://conta.cc/3fvmffD

Restaurants may increase indoor capacity from 25% to 50% of maximum occupancy, or 200 people, whichever is fewer.
Wineries, Breweries and Distilleries, where no meal service is provided, may operate indoors and outdoors without serving meals. Indoor capacity is limited to 25% of maximum occupancy, or 100 people, whichever is fewer.
Bars, where no meal service is provided, may operate outdoors. Bars may operate indoors only if bona fide meals are served under restaurant protocols.
Gyms and Fitness Centers may increase indoor capacity from 10% to 25% of maximum occupancy. Indoor pools may open, with modifications. Indoor hot tubs, saunas and steam rooms must remain closed.
Retail Establishments, including shopping centers, malls and swap meets, may operate at normal capacity without restrictions. Shopping centers with restaurants and other food facilities may operate in accordance with the updated restaurant protocols.
Public and Private K-12 Schools may offer in-person graduation and commencement ceremonies, provided adherence to State guidelines.
Institutes of Higher Education may resume in-person instruction limited to 50% of maximum occupancy or 200 people per class, whichever is fewer. In-person graduation and commencement ceremonies may take place, provided adherence to State guidelines.
Museums, Galleries, Aquariums and Botanical Gardens may operate indoors and outdoors with increased indoor capacity from 25% to 50% of maximum occupancy.
In-Person Religious Services and Cultural Ceremonies may operate indoors with increased indoor capacity from 25% to 50%. Back office staff and management may operate in person.
Movie Theaters may increase indoor capacity from 25% to 50% of maximum occupancy, or 200 people, whichever is fewer.
Outdoor Live Events (sports and live performances) may operate, beginning April 1, under the following restrictions and other State requirements. Indoor events remain prohibited.
Capacity is limited to 33% of maximum occupancy.
Limited to in-state visitors only.
Venues may increase attendance capacity to 67% of maximum occupancy only if all guests provide a negative test result within 72 hours prior to attendance, or show proof of full vaccination.
Non-Critical Office Worksites may open indoors with modifications. Telework is strongly encouraged.
Youth and Adult Recreational Sports, including various outdoor low-, moderate-, and high-contact sports and indoor low-contact sports identified by the State, may resume with modifications.

Jack Cunningham

3rd District Chief of Staff

Return to School: Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Reminders

The Long Beach Unified School District has published the following reminders regarding school safety as elementary schools have returned to in-person sessions:

The volume of pedestrian and vehicle traffic around schools will increase. All commuters are encouraged to follow the rules of the road to prevent avoidable accidents.

All drivers are reminded of the following:

Yield the right of way to pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks
Do not overtake and pass a vehicle(s) stopped ahead of you when it has stopped for a pedestrian
Yield the right of way to pedestrians on sidewalks
Obey posted speed limits
Never drive while distracted – (examples: using a cell phone, reading, applying make-up, etc.)
Stop and remain stopped for school buses with “flashing red lights” - opposing traffic must also stop unless a painted or raised divider separates the roadway
Watch and obey crossing guards – they are there to protect children

It is equally important for pedestrians and parents to also follow the rules of the road.

Pedestrians are reminded to:

Yield to vehicles on the roadway if you are outside the crosswalk
Never cross between intersections controlled by traffic signals (to do so would constitute jaywalking)

Parents are reminded to:

Obey all parking signs/curb markings - they are designed to protect children and provide optimum traffic flow
Do not double park; it interrupts the flow of traffic and makes it difficult to for pedestrians to see oncoming traffic
Follow school drop-off procedures and always drop your child off on the curbside of the school
Teach your child to always cross the street at a crosswalk, and always pay attention to what is going on around them

Reminder: Everyone 50 Years and Older is Eligible for the Vaccine

The City has begun vaccinating all residents, as well as those who work in Long Beach, ages 50 years and older. Long Beach was one of the first health jurisdictions in California to expand vaccine access to people in this age group.

Residents ages 50 years and older can sign up for their appointment through the state’s https://myturn.ca.gov/ website

Click on this link for more information from when this was announced: https://conta.cc/3vYgPQb

World Autism Awareness Day

April 2nd

The fourteenth annual World Autism Awareness Day is on April 2, 2021. Autism Speaks encourages individuals all over the world to join the international community in lighting up hundreds of thousands of landmarks, buildings, homes and communities Blue on this day, in recognition of people with autism and those who love and support them. Autism Speaks also provides autism-friendly events and educational activities taking place all month, which aim to increase understanding and acceptance of people with autism, to foster worldwide support and inspire a kinder, more inclusive world. Fine more information on World Autism Awareness Month to help spread kindness and autism awareness.

Mollie Wilson

3rd District Legislative Assistant/Scheduler

Belmont Shore Passport Parking Launched

The City has launched Passport Parking, a mobile payment parking solution, in Belmont Shore at all on-street parking meters and public parking lots. The program was initially deployed in all beach lots in December 2018, but has since expanded to various on-street and public parking lot locations citywide. The Passport application allows users to make contactless parking payments from their phones and extend their time without having to revisit their parking location. The Passport Parking app can be downloaded to all smart phones through the Google Play and Apple stores.

April Walker

Project Management Officer

Public Works | Energy Efficiency Division

Passport Parking App Website

Help the City Improve its Digital Services!

During the COVID-19 crisis, it’s important that we understand how our community accesses our services and how we can make it easier for them. The Technology and Innovation Department is launching a Digital Services Survey to understand barriers in accessing the City’s digital services, which will be used to inform their digital services strategy. Your participation is highly appreciated!

Take 3 minutes to fill out our survey here.

Mollie Wilson

3rd District Legislative Assistant/Scheduler

Designs of the Future Belmont Pier!

Please Provide Feedback in Visioning Survey

This past month the City of Long Beach, Long Beach Public Works, and Long Beach Parks, Recreation, and Marine Department unveiled designs of the future Belmont Pier! Along with these departments, Councilwoman Price joined community members in a meeting to review and discuss the preliminary concept designs to receive public input. You can find access to further details of the meeting and preliminary concept designs here.

We encourage you to review these designs and provide your feedback on the Belmont Pier Visioning Survey! For further questions or information, please email [email protected]

Mollie Wilson

3rd District Legislative Assistant/Scheduler

Recap: Beyond Assumptions

A Discussions About Collaboration in a Diverse Community

On March 22nd, Councilwoman Price hosted a conversation with Darick J. Simpson in her ongoing series, “Beyond Assumptions: A Discussion About Collaboration in a Diverse Community.” This inclusive discussion took place with various Third District community members to respectfully engage on the topics of race, gender, equity, and implicit bias. The conversation covered opportunities to bridge diversity and collaboration, how we can strengthen collaboration to promote Long Beach’s diversity and inclusion, and how we can feel more connected to the effort to increase diversity in the city. The conversation with Mr. Simpson was incredibly enlightening, and we thank him for his participation in this discussion. We aim to continue this series as a part of an ongoing effort to increase diversity in the City of Long Beach and the Third District!

Mollie Wilson

3rd District Legislative Assistant/Scheduler

Recap: Park Estates Planting

March was a great month to do plantings! With the recent rains, Park Estates took on planting and beautifying their medians with family and neighbors on Saturday, March 13th. Councilwoman Price worked with Anderson Real Estates Group and Park Estates neighborhood association to help beautify and improve their medians that was in need of a more sustainable and drought-tolerant approach!

Gabriela Yates

3rd District Field Deputy

Recap: 7^th and Santiago Planting

Like any good planting schedule, there’s a big wish for more rainfall to get the soil ready for plantings and we actually got some in March. Councilwoman Price loves and appreciates the ability everyone takes to work together to get projects like this completed. There’s always some work to be done prior to, and many in the nearby neighborhoods wanted to beautify this area. It’s a small but mighty accomplishment for the Park’s Department, American Golf Co, and nearby neighborhoods, volunteers or drivers who pass by this intersection regularly. This planting also ties in harmoniously with the Alamitos Heights Neighborhood.

Gabriela Yates

3rd District Field Deputy

COVID-19 Update April 1, 2021

As a City, as a state, and as a nation it continues to be important that we take precautions to protect ourselves and others from the COVID-19 pandemic. Although, we have seen some encouraging progress in recent weeks we should all continue to be cautious as we continue forward.

Today in Long Beach:

52,218 total positive results
Increase in 5 cases since yesterday*
Seven-day positivity rate: 1.5%
7.1 seven-day case rate per 100K population
912 fatalities
98 Long Beach residents hospitalized with COVID-19
35 total COVID-19 hospitalizations in area hospitals (Long Beach Memorial Hospital, St. Mary Medical Center, College Medical Center, Lakewood Regional Medical Center and Los Alamitos Medical Center)
Approximately 49,924 recovered (Please note that, for low-risk patients recovering at home, recovery data is self-reported)
752,387 total tests conducted
Information as of March 31

Link to Graphics

Details Regarding Fatalities:

322 are associated with long-term care facilities (LTCF)

Ages:

7 were in their 20s
26 were in their 30s
35 were in their 40s
101 were in their 50s
199 were in their 60s
214 were in their 70s
225 were in their 80s
105 were over 90
383 female, 529 male
22 individuals had no known underlying health conditions
52 individuals had unknown underlying health conditions

Link to Graphics

Daily Highlights

Since the start of the pandemic, there have been three confirmed cases of multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) in Long Beach associated with COVID-19. All three children were hospitalized but have since been discharged.
Today the City announced the launch of the new COVID-19 Relief Payment Plan Program, providing Long Beach businesses and residents adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic the opportunity to pay outstanding balances over time.
Yesterday, the City released a Request for Proposals for aeronautical development of all or portions of approximately 27 acres at Long Beach Airport. Submissions are due by 11 a.m. on Monday, June 7, 2021.
The Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine released safety tips and park rules for visitors to parks and beaches on Easter.

State Indicators (Updated on Tuesdays):

Current LA County Tier: Orange Tier (Moderate)
Seven-day positivity rate: 1.5%
3.1 adjusted daily new cases per 100K population
Testing positivity in lowest-resourced areas (health equity metric): 2.1%

Vaccinations:

255,615 vaccines allocated to the City of Long Beach
208,208 vaccines administered citywide
130,390 first doses administered
77,818 second doses administered
139,663 vaccinated Long Beach residents
29.6% of residents vaccinated
Information as of March 31

Long Term Care Facility Case Information

A total of 3,367 positive cases have been confirmed at LTCFs in the city since the start of the pandemic.

I realize things are changing rapidly and new information and updates are coming out all the time. But, I want to assure you that my office and my team are at your service and will continue to provide any and all assistance we can. Please reach out to our office any time as our focus will continue to be providing effective information and responsive assistance for any request.

3rd District and City Community Events

Friends of Bixby Park Monthly Cleanups

April 3rd, 2021

Event: Monthly Cleanup

When: Saturday, April 3, 2021

Time: 9:00AM-11:00AM

Where: Bixby Park 130 Cherry Ave. Long Beach, CA 90802

FOBP is reestablishing our Park monthly cleanups. Join us at the Bandshell in Bixby Park. Meet new friends and neighbors while making a difference at our local neighborhood park. A little bit of your time can make a big difference.

Stick around afterward and enjoy the Farmers Market!

Gloves, bags and pickers, will be provided...

all you need to bring is your mask and a smile under it!

Together we will practice litter picking and social distancing!

Thank you for helping make Bixby Park a great place to visit! See you then!

-FOBP

Aquarium of the Pacific Launches its First High School Film Contest

March 15-April 13

SoCal students in grades 9-12 are invited to submit short films for the chance to win cash prizes and be featured in the Aquarium’s High Tide Student Film Festival

The Aquarium has announced that it will hold its first annual high school film festival and contest, presented by Dr. Allen and Charlotte Ginsburg, and is inviting students to be a part of it. Students in grades 9-12 in Southern California are invited to create short films that dive into science and conservation. The finalists will receive cash prizes and awards. The Aquarium will debut their films during its virtual High Tide Student Film Festival and awards ceremony on June 2, 2021.

During their spring semester, students can create their 2-3 minute video on their own or through a small team of up to four other high school students. Applicants can choose from one of three topics: Responsible Seafood, Thriving in a Changing Climate, and The Ocean and Me. The Aquarium will provide students with background materials on each of these topics. Three winning films will be selected from each category. Cash prizes are $2,000 for the Gold Award, $1,500 for the Silver Award, and $1,000 for the Bronze Award. The Aquarium will accept applications starting March 15, 2021 through April 13, 2021. For more information, please visit aquariumofpacific.org/hightide.

The virtual high school film festival and awards ceremony will take place on June 2, 2021.

WHERE: Aquarium of the Pacific’s website: aquariumofpacific.org/hightide

If you have any additional questions, please contact Adina Metz at [email protected].

Mollie Wilson

3rd District Legislative Assistant/Scheduler

Celebrate Earth Day on April 22nd!

Join the City of Long Beach to learn about resources available from Public Works, Office of Sustainability, Water Department, and Energy Resources.

Each presentation will have a live question-and-answer session to help answer all of your questions. You will also have the opportunity to win prizes that will help you live sustainably.

For more information, visit longbeach.gov/lbrecycles

Department of Public Works

Environmental Services Bureau

Event Information

Open to all Long Beach and LA County residents

Location:

EDCO Recycling & Transfer

2755 California Ave.

Signal Hill, CA 90755

Dates:

Saturday, April 10, 2021

Saturday, April 24, 2021

Time:

9 am - 2 pm

Tips for Handling and Transporting Hazardous Waste

Do NOT transport more than the legal limit of 15 gallons or 125 pounds of HHW to a collection site.
Residents are limited to a total of 6 pieces of electronic waste per visit.
All container labels must be legible (no worn-off labels).
All containers must be sealed and not leaking.
Do NOT mix different products into one container.
HHW must be transported in the trunk of the car or in another area away from passengers and pets.

Department of Public Works

Environmental Services Bureau

Learn More Here.

Reduce Waste at Home: Kitchen Edition Virtual Workshop

Learn strategies to reduce food waste and packaging waste in the kitchen.

Wednesday, 4/28/2021|6 pm - 7 pm| Register Here

Department of Public Works

Environmental Services Bureau

Recycling 101: Let's Recycle Right!

Virtual Workshop

Learn about the City's curbside recycling program! We'll teach you what can and cannot be recycled and how to prepare your trash and recyclables.

Saturday, 5/1/2021 |10 am - 11 am| Register Here

Department of Public Works

Environmental Services Bureau

View 2021 Virtual Workshop Schedule

Belmont Heights "Last Saturday of the Month" Drive-Thru

April 24, 2021

Join Belmont Heights Community Association for a "Last Saturday of the Month" food collection!

Every month they collect food for a different local food pantry. Additionally they also collect a different household item that goes to different organizations in need.

Their next collection is on Saturday, April 24th from 9 to 11 am in the parking lot of the Belmont Heights United Methodist Church.

Check out everything they collected at last month's food pantry!

206 cases of canned and dry foods going to different local food banks : Century Villages at Cabrillo, Days Long Beach, Long Beach Senior Center, Long Beach City College Student Services Food Pantry, Aids Food Store, Long Beach Community Table.
45 cases of shaving cream: for LB Community Table & AIDS Food Store.
200 jugs of shampoo & body wash – for AIDS Food Store.
40 new beanies/scarves – AIDS Food Store.
$450 in cash donations for foods to different local food bank organizations.
1,750 school supply items,(paper, notebooks, binders, glue, crayons, pencils, pens, erasers, compasses, rulers) personal hygiene items, new and gently used socks, all for the Bethume: Homeless Program at the Long Beach Unified School District.
150 warm-clothing coats, 75 pairs of shoes, 4 jumbo-size bags of gently-used socks, 50 towels for the St. Lukes Shower and Clothing Program.
50 new Christmas toys for the COA “Christian Outreach Association”
A “half-filled boxcar of used clothing, shoes, household items, and books estimated at 1,100 items for Beacon House.
Over 1,600 gently used business outfits for Working Wardrobes.
1,520 pounds of pet food, 60 pounds of kitty litter, 2 jumbo bags of pet-toys, collars, leashes, etc for the City of Long Beach Animal Shelter.

Will Cullen

Vice President

Belmont Heights Community Association

562-881-4530

www.mybelmontheights.org/

facebook.com/mybelmontheights/

2021 Propeller Club of LA-LB Scholarship Application is Open!

Deadline: July 30th

As we approach the end of the academic year, I want to highlight a great opportunity for graduating high school seniors in the City of Long Beach and surrounding cities! The Propeller Club of Los Angeles-Long Beach is offering scholarships ranging from $250 to $1,000 to graduating high school seniors.

This scholarship is open to high school seniors currently attending schools located in the cities of Long Beach, Lakewood, San Pedro, Wilmington or Carson and to students of all intended majors.

Scholarship Requirements are:

500-word essay on a selected essay question
List of your most important school activities, community service, and work experience
Unofficial high school transcripts
Two letters of reference; one from a teacher or counselor and one from an adult who is familiar with your schoolwork and activities

Click here to complete the online Scholarship application

The deadline to complete the Scholarship application is Friday, July 30, 2021.

If you have any questions regarding this, please email [email protected]. We hope local students will take this opportunity to begin their journey after high school!

Business Spotlight

6th Annual Dine Out Long Beach, Restaurant & Cocktail Week

April 1 - April 15

As we all know, it has been a rough year for our local business community. All businesses need our support, but for this month, I would like to highlight a way we can support our local restaurant community. The 6th annual Dine Out Long Beach, Restaurant & Cocktail Week presented by the Grunion Gazette runs from April 1 - April 15, 2021.

This year there are nearly 65 restaurants participating - a record number for this event. They will offer 2-selection breakfasts and lunches at $10 and 3-selection dinners starting at $20 – depending on the restaurant. There are also small plates and cocktail/wine/beer pairings.

This year they have partnered with Restaurants Care, a non-profit organization that provides financial assistance to California restaurant owners and workers in-need. They’ve assisted many Long Beach restaurants and have never turned away a request. When you see an “Imaginary” item on the Dine Out Long Beach menu, such as Imaginary Duck Soup at The Crooked Duck, Imaginary Bananas at Salud on 4^th Street or an Imaginary Cheese Plate from District Wine, please know that when you order this item (yes, it’s imaginary but will leave you feeling satisfied) 100% of the proceeds go to help California restaurant owners and workers in crisis. All imaginary items are just $3 – a relatively small donation.

Let's support the restaurants during Dine Out Long Beach, through this annual event by dining our (or getting take-out) and asking for the Dine Out Long Beach menu available April 1 -15! DINE OUT OR TAKE-OUT, BUT DON’T MISS OUT!

Lisa West

3rd District Director of Business

Relations, Programming and Outreach

Artist Spotlight

Dave Van Patten

Dave has a distinct taste and style for his paintings. For those who enjoy the Andy Warhol and Picasso spin on pop culture, there’s something about Dave’s paintings that bring out the abstract and colorful world we live in. He lives in East Long Beach and went to CSULB, you may even recognize some of his work in our city too. Dave was even a finalist in Pabst Blue Ribbon Can Art competition to have his art on their beers! Dave is truly an illustrator and a muralist, so a beer can is just not going to be a big enough canvas for him to display his art.

Here’s more from Dave where you can find this artist bio on the Arts Council of LB with more contact information and images of Dave’s work:

I am heavily inspired by the 1960s surrealist children’s book authors, indy weirdo comics, 1990s SNL humor, and psychedelic album art. I do my best to fuse these influences into what I create. Although most of my drawings begin small and simple, aimed at dark humor comics or illustrative designs, often times I’ve been commissioned to blow up these drawings onto huge buildings. I paint my murals with the same approach as my illustrations- clean lines, bright colors, and a cohesive color scheme that ultimately feels good on the eyes.

I enjoy themes ranging from absurdity, to Socio-political satire, to philosophy and spirituality, to macabre humor. The unifying factor of all the genres is the attempt at humor and underlying conscience. Art for art sake can still be great, but when it’s blended with humor and conscience, it’s a great recipe.

Check out More of Dave's Work!

David Van Patten, a finalist in the Pabst Blue Ribbon’s Can Art Contest, holds his design outside his home in Long Beach on Monday, February 8, 2021. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)

Gabriela Yates

3rd District Field Deputy