Holding Up Humanity, Standing in Solidarity |
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Dear Neighbor,
As we reflect on the last two weeks, words fall short of encapsulating the fear, anger, sadness, and exhaustion we felt when news broke regarding the murder of innocent school children and teachers in Uvalde, TX. Our hearts still ache for the loved ones murdered in racialized attacks in Buffalo, NY, and Laguna Woods, CA. Likewise, last Wednesday, May 25, marked the second anniversary of the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis. As these tragic events provoked us to hold our loved ones closer, they reminded us why we lead the work we do.
Like you, our team treads through this heaviness with the vision and hope for a Long Beach where all people are healthy, safe, and thriving in mind. Gun violence is an epidemic that plagues our neighborhoods and country, and racism is a health crisis that oppresses communities of color yet harms us all. As we look ahead, we remain committed to upstream interventions reflective of the full spectrum of public safety; we continue to center the voices of those most impacted and apply an equity lens to city programs and policies with you in mind.
- Teresa, Alanah, Tony, Francheska, Juan, and Takara
(The Equity Team)
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Ending chattel slavery in America took more than a proclamation. It involved generations of resilience, the perseverance of enslaved Black families, a constitutional amendment passed in January 1865, Robert E. Lee’s surrender at Appomattox in April 1865, and the Union Army itself. After the battle of Antietam in September 1862, President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in January 1863, which declared all persons held as slaves to be free. Northern abolitionists welcomed the proclamation, while southern slave owners ignored it. On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger rode into Texas and delivered the message that by law slaves were now free people, however, they continue to be enslaved by oppression and violence. Because of segregation, Black people were not allowed to celebrate the June 19th holiday in public spaces; still today it is not considered a federal holiday. Also, whitewashed textbooks did not, and still do not include Juneteenth in their lesson plans, which is why many people today still don’t know about the importance of Juneteenth.
However, 157 years later, June 19th is a day of remembrance and celebration. Long Beach now recognizes Juneteenth as an official holiday and is included on The City's official holiday list. Across the US, Juneteenth is marked with music food and fellowship. It is a celebration of commemoration of the struggle against slavery and a celebration of freedom. It is a day to acknowledge how far we have come, and recognize how much farther we still have to go as a nation to truly end racism in this county; it inspires us to continue to fight for freedom and equality.
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Office of Equity & City Updates |
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Job Opportunity: Community Crisis Response Program Coordinator
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The Health Department is hiring a Community Crisis Response Program Coordinator (also known as Alternate Crisis Response Program) to oversee the development, implementation, operations, and evaluation of the non-law enforcement multi-disciplinary teams or Alternate Crisis Response (ACR) team(s). The ACR team will respond to a subset of 911 calls related to mental health crises, substance misuse, welfare checks, and other non-violent situations utilizing a prevention and intervention approach, as the Coordinator will oversee the pilot program's implementation.
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Job Opportunity: Community Crisis Response Program Coordinator
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The Long beach Health Department is seeking a Re-entry System Network Coordinator in the Collective Impact Bureau, Community Impact Division. Reporting to the Human Dignity Manager (Development Project Manager II), this position will work with community based organizations and the Reentry Advisory Council to assess the reentry needs for the City of Long Beach and streamline access to services among those with criminal justice involvement. In addition, this position will support the strategic efforts that will outline the development of the City's first Reentry Access Center with the goal of reducing recidivism, promoting mental health, and increasing focus on community safety. |
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The Language Access Team Attends Welcoming America Conference |
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The Language Access Team attended the Welcoming America conference in Charlotte, North Carolina. The conference focuses on the ways that public servants and non-profits can build supportive and inclusive communities for immigrant communities in the U.S. Our language access coordinators had the opportunity to meet with Language Access Coordinators across the country and attend a professional development workshop on the subject of language access. |
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Every month, our newsletter will introduce you to the incredible people and innovative programs that are advancing equity across the City. This month, we are highlighting Cathy De Leon, the newly appointed Director of the Library Services Department for the City of Long Beach. |
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Cathy De Leon
Director of Library Services
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Cathy De Leon has been appointed as Director of the Library Services Department for the City of Long Beach. Ms. De Leon brings to the City more than 22 years of experience in public libraries, with the last five years as Manager of Branch Library Services for Long Beach Public Library overseeing the operations of its 11 neighborhood libraries. As Director, she will oversee the Long Beach Public Library system as a whole, including Billie Jean King Main Library, the neighborhood libraries, and Library programs and initiatives, operations, budget, staffing and partnerships.
Ms. De Leon’s career has centered primarily on early childhood literacy and library services for diverse communities with her recent work including the promotion and implementation of racial equity initiatives and fostering relationships with underserved community groups. Since joining the City of Long Beach in 2017, she has also focused on developing innovative approaches to library service such as increasing the accessibility of Khmer-language materials. Ms. De Leon led the development of the Library's pandemic response, namely LBPL To-Go and Grab + Go services, and worked to safely reopen all library locations. She partnered with the Department of Technology and Innovation to develop the Digital Inclusion Hotline, an effort lauded by the California State Library as a model of service for other public libraries, and distributed free computers and hotspots to qualifying residents.
“It’s an honor to be named the next Director of the Long Beach Public Library. Public libraries are said to be the ‘great equalizer,’ a fundamental educational, informational and community resource for all,” said De Leon. “Long Beach Public Library will continue to be so for this wonderful and dynamic city. As we strive to be inclusive and welcoming to all, we’ll focus on eliminating barriers to use so that all can take full advantage of the wealth of educational and enrichment opportunities the library has to offer.”
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Programs, Announcements, & Upcoming Events |
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Philippine Independence Day Celebration |
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The City of Carson will be holding a Philippine Independence Day Celebration at Veterans Park in Carson, CA! The City of Carson is home to one of the largest concentrations of Filipinos in the United States! The event will include music, dance, exhibits, and food vendors.
Date: Saturday, June 4
Time: 7:30am to 6pm
Location: Veterans Park, 22400 Moneta Avenue, Carson
For more information you can call Carson’s Parks and Recreation Department: 310-847-3570.
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'Lakad 2022': 5k Walkathon Hosted by NAFCON |
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The National Federation for Filipino Concerns (NAFCON) will be hosting Lakad (Taglaog for ‘walk’), a 5K walkathon to support community pantries and indigenous peoples struggles in the Philippines. The event will take place at Silverado Park on Saturday June 4, 2022 from 8am to 12pm. Be sure to check them out on Instagram: @Lakad.SoCal
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Long Beach Juneteenth Celebration |
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Join in to build, educate, and celebrate the community in support of, in and around the older nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Held in Downtown Long Beach filled with entertainment and guest speakers, bring your family and friends to come honor this monumental celebration together.
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Date and Time: Saturday, June 18 from 10:30am to 7pm
Location: Rainbow Lagoon Park, 400 E Shoreline Dr., Long Beach CA, 90802
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Getty 25 Celebrates Long Beach |
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In celebration of the Getty Center’s 25th Anniversary, J. Paul Getty Trust is partnering up with neighborhoods across Los Angeles to produce ten bespoke community-centric festivals that embrace the local community and showcase Getty-inspired programming. The objective of Getty25 is to celebrate the joy of art throughout Los Angeles by meeting people where they live and creating enduring community partnerships for years to come. The festival will take place June 4-5, 11am-6pm at Houghton Park (6301 Myrtle Ave, Long Beach, CA 90805) and is free for all to attend.
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Healthy Long Beach Youth Leadership Program |
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Healthy Long Beach Youth Leadership is a 8-week program offered through the Tobacco Education & Prevention Program with the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services. The Healthy Long Beach Youth Leadership Program will consist of workshops and trainings from June 29th to August 17th, 2022designed to give youth unique opportunities for leadership building, civic engagement in community issues to promote positive change for both themselves and their community and learn about digital media. Upon completion of the program and online modules, each participant will receive a certificate documenting their achievements. This program will be in person but is subject to change if Covid-19 cases increase. For any questions contact Lourdes Garcia at maria.l.garcia@longbeach.gov.
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Community Health Resource Fair and Giveaway |
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The Long Beach Health Department is partnering with the Long Beach Public Library and LA Regional Food Bank to host a community resource fair to connect residents with health services, nutrition education and food support.
Date: Saturday, June 4, 2022
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Location: Billie Jean King Main Library
For more information visit www.lbpl.org or call (562) 570-7500
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Long Beach Recycles Survey |
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Long Beach Public Works and Long Beach Recycles are conducting a citywide survey to gather feedback on the implementation of Senate Bill 1383's state-mandated household food scraps and yard trash curbside pickup program. The survey will be open until July 8, 2022.The survey will help determine the most effective educational outreach approaches and how to encourage proper food scrap and yard trash separation.
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Long Beach Community Job Fair |
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Join Pacific Gateway's Job Fair Success Workshop to learn how to better prepare yourself for success at job fairs by learning the best practices, what to expect, interview tips, résumé writing and more. They offer online and in-person options. For more information visit pacific-gateway.org/LBC.
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Long Beach Recovery Act Program Updates |
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Creative Economy Grants Pre-Launch |
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The application period opened for the City of Long Beach’s recently announced Creative Economy grants Program. This program, funded by the Long Beach Recovery Act, will provide funding to local arts, culture and history nonprofits and professional artists to be utilized for operational recovery, public murals, community projects and professional artist fellowships. Now until June 10, 2022, eligible artists and organizations can apply to receive grants to support a variety of arts activities. The Creative Economy Grants Program includes the following four grant opportunities, administered through ArtsLB: Organizational Recovery Grants, Public Mural Program, Community Project Grants, and Artist Fellowships. The application period for all programs will close June 10, with the exception of the Public Mural Program, which will close August 5. Additional information regarding the application process and eligibility requirements can be found on the ArtsLB website.
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Health Equity Community Project RFP |
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The City of Long Beach launched a Request for Proposals (RFP) to partner with community organizations to implement programs that address the systemic barriers and racism that created the inequitable differences seen locally throughout the pandemic and address the impacts of COVID-19 in the most at-risk, historically underserved and under-resourced communities in Long Beach. RFPs for organizations are in nine different activity categories outlined below and further described in the RFP. Eligible organizations are encouraged to submit proposals through the City's Vendor Portal, PlanetBids, by 11 a.m. on June 13, 2022. Specific details related to project scope areas, eligibility requirements, evaluation criteria, and submission instructions are available at PlanetBids. The City also has developed an instructional video on the registration process.
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Nonprofit Relief Grants Extension |
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The application deadline for the Long Beach Recovery Act Nonprofit Relief Grant Program has been extended from May 15 to June 15, 2022. In addition to the application extension, the deadline for applying organizations to obtain a business license (a requirement for grant eligibility) has been extended to July 15, 2022. The Nonprofit Relief Grant Program provides assistance to small nonprofits in Long Beach that have experienced financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now until 8 p.m. on June 15, 2022, eligible nonprofits can apply to receive working capital from $5,000 and to up to $25,000 to help pay for a variety of business expenses. Applications for the Nonprofit Relief Grant Program can be submitted through LiveStories, the City’s vendor application portal. Additional information, including eligibility requirements, required documentation, application questions and the application process, is available at longbeach.gov/smallbizgrants.
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MONDAY & WEDNESDAY:
ATLANTIC PLAZA PARK
CRAFTMAN VILLAGE PARK
TUESDAY & THURSDAY:
ROSE PARK
17TH STREET
FRIDAY:
23RD STREET
GRACE PARK
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The City of Long Beach invites members of the public to participate in the Mobile Recess Program, a program that will provide opportunities for youth in target neighborhoods to connect, learn, and play. Stop by one of our locations where the Parks and Recreation staff will lead participants through a variety of fun supervised activities for youth ages 5-14 until June 17 between 2:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
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Digital Inclusion Resources Hotline Relaunch |
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In alignment with the City of Long Beach’s vision to address the digital divide, the Economic Development Department, in collaboration with the Technology and Innovation Department, today will resume offering its Digital Inclusion Resources Hotline (Hotline). The Hotline connects the Long Beach community to digital inclusion resources, services and language interpretation services. A team of digital inclusion navigators will be available via email and by phone on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to direct residents and business owners to information about free and low-cost internet services, computing devices, digital literacy training, and more. One-on-one assistance and language interpretation services will be available for callers in English and Spanish through the digital inclusion navigators, with language interpretation services in Khmer and Tagalog available upon request. Hotline resources are available by calling 562.570.7000 or by emailing digitalinclusion@longbeach.gov. |
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Long Beach Recovery Act Contracting Opportunities |
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The City of Long Beach is seeking partner organizations for various Long Beach Recovery Act (LB Recovery Act)-related contracting opportunities. Now through the end of summer 2022, eligible organizations will have the opportunity to submit proposals for various programs and services geared toward the economic and public health recovery of the Long Beach community. Many LB Recovery Act programs are designed to partner with community-based organizations and businesses for program implementation. These procurement opportunities are advertised on the LB Recovery page, and additional opportunities will be added on a regular basis as more information becomes available. To submit a proposal for consideration, vendors are required to register in the City’s online procurement portal, PlanetBids.
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Long Beach New Procurement Platform
"Long Beach Buys"
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The City of Long Beach announced it will transition to a new e-procurement software platform this May. Long Beach Buys, powered by Periscope’s ePro software, is a modern system that will widely enhance the City’s procurement abilities, including the lowering of barriers for small, local and disadvantaged vendors and improved contract management. Long Beach Buys will replace the City’s existing e-procurement platform. |
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The City of Long Beach has expanded its LB Resource Line, an informational hotline that provides free and confidential support to anyone who lives, works, learns or plays in Long Beach and needs assistance finding and accessing local community resources and social services. The LB Resource Line launched in March 2020 during the COVID-19 Safer-At-Home health orders to connect older adults to critical pandemic-related information, resources and services. The line has now expanded its services to provide support to all Long Beach residents, and callers can now connect in real time with a professionally trained Resource Navigator for support. The LB Resource Line is available by calling 562.570.4246 weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Callers who are unable to connect to a Resource Navigator during normal business hours may leave a voicemail and their call will be returned within 24 hours. Residents can also submit an Assistance Request Form online to connect with a Resource Navigator and receive information and assistance in topics such as: Housing, Food access, Physical and mental health, Utilities, Transportation, and Legal Aid.
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ActivateLB Grant Programs |
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The City of Long Beach announced details for ActivateLB Grant Programs, funded by the Long Beach Recovery Act, which will provide funding for large citywide cultural events, along with neighborhood event seed grants and business activation grants. Program applications will open in June 2022 and funded events are planned to be rolled out starting this summer. This will include upcoming grant opportunities for cultural special events and community business activations. Additional information regarding the application process and eligibility requirements can be found on the Recovery Act Grant Opportunities webpage at longbeach.gov/ActivateLB.
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Long Beach Moves into CDC’s Yellow Tier of the COVID-19 Community Levels as Cases Rise |
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With COVID-19 cases rising, the City of Long Beach has entered the Yellow (Medium) Tier of COVID-19 Community Level, the second of three tiers outlined by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) is urging residents to adhere to the Health Order. Additionally, Health Officials are strongly recommending Long Beach residents take additional measures to protect themselves and others and slow the spread, including masking indoors, especially after close contact with someone who tested positive, and other common-sense safety strategies, such as staying home when sick; frequent hand washing; testing for COVID-19 when in contact with someone who has the virus or when experiencing any COVID-like symptoms; and becoming vaccinated and boosted when eligible.
While hospitalizations and deaths remain low, the rise in cases has led to an increase of outbreaks across the city, including among our K-12 schools and nursing facilities, putting some of the most vulnerable residents at risk.
For the latest information on COVID-19, with details on all that the City of Long Beach is doing to keep our residents safe, visit longbeach.gov/COVID19 and follow @LongBeachCity and @LBHealthDept on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. People may also visit longbeach.gov/COVID19data for up-to-date information regarding cases and vaccines in Long Beach.
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LA County Health Order requires Masking in all Public Transit and Indoor Transit Hubs |
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Beginning Monday, May 23, the City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) began offering booster doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11. Previously, Pfizer boosters were only offered to those ages 12 and older. The booster that will be given to children ages 5 to 11 will be the same lower dose of Pfizer vaccine that was received in their primary series. Children will be eligible for their booster five months after the completion of their primary series of Pfizer vaccine. In Long Beach, 5,002 children ages 5 to 11 have completed the Pfizer two-dose series and will be eligible by Monday, May 23. All minors need parental consent in order to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. The consent form is available online.
Boosters will be available on a walk-up basis starting May 23, and appointments for those ages 5 to 11 will be available on MyTurn starting Wednesday, May 25. The following City-run vaccination sites all will carry the booster:
Long Beach City College, Pacific Coast Campus (Parking Lot 1, Corner of Orange Avenue and Pacific Coast Highway)
Tuesdays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 to 7 p.m.
Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
El Dorado Park West (2800 N. Studebaker Rd.)
Wednesdays in June and July, 3 to 6 p.m.
Cabrillo High School (2100-2198 Monitor Ave.)
Fridays, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Ramona Park (3301 E. 65th St.)
Mondays through Wednesdays, 1 to 5 p.m.
Thursdays and Fridays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
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Equity and Human Relations Commission |
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When: Wednesday, June 1, at 6 pm
Meeting ID: 981 4875 1562
Call-in: +1 213 338 8477
Location:
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The mission of the Equity and Human Relations Commission is to cultivate and sustain equity, diversity, and inclusion in the City through accountability and measurable outcomes to provide accountability and transparency in government in the city. This month the Commission will continue its discussions on the Lincoln Park naming and the City’s use of Facial Recognition Technology.
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