Equity Team Transitions
Two of our amazing team members are making transitions and starting new experiences. Check out Katie and Shreya's journeys with The City, and the new ones they will start!
Katie joined the Health Department in 2017 to lead the City's new Office of Equity and since then has provided leadership to the Language Access Program, Long Beach Justice Fund, Human Relations Commission, Equity Toolkit, and Racial Equity and Reconciliation Initiative. She will be joining CalOptima's Population Health Initiatives team to continue her passion and commitment to advance health equity.
Shreya started with the City of Long Beach in 2019 as a Management Assistant and then joined the Office of Equity to support the COVID-19 response efforts and then the Racial Equity and Reconciliation Initiative. She will be continuing to advance equity in her new role at LA County Office of Diversion and Reentry.
Please join us in wishing Shreya and Katie success on their new paths! If you need to reach someone from the Equity Office during this transition, please send us a message using the link below.
Commemorating Latinx Heritage Month
The celebration of Latinx Heritage Month started September 15th, and ends October 15th. Originally named and still officially known as Hispanic Heritage Month, this 31-day period celebrates the, "histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America" (source: hispanicheritagemonth.gov).

In honor of Latinx Heritage Month, we want to share some resources and happenings in Long Beach that observe or celebrate Latinx culture, presence, experiences, plight and impact in this city.
First, we can take a look at the Long Beach Economic Latino Report published in 2019. This report addresses aspects of the economic impact, including educational opportunities, health inequities, poverty and prosperity within the Latinx population in Long Beach.
The Long Beach Public Library hosts Bilingual Storytimes, which are currently held virtually for all ages. Together they "...explore books, songs, rhymes, and play in both English and Spanish. Each session has a new theme, followed by playtime. Children must be with their caregivers," (LBPL).
The Language Access Program is a service provided by the City to ensure community members can access all City services, understand those services, and have their voices heard. It makes it possible for Spanish speaking community members to have documents and information translated into their language, receive interpretation at all city council meetings and other important happenings here in Long Beach!
Upcoming Events and Trainings
Disability History Celebration
Check out this virtual disability history event to celebrate achievements of the disabled community! You can RSVP to show your support below.
2021 Latinx Health Policy Summit
This year, Latino Coalition for a Healthy California is hosting a Latinx Health Policy Summit covering COVID-19 vaccine recovery issues and aiming for an outcome of better equity and social justice outcomes for the Latinx community in California.

Key speakers include statewide and federal leaders, as well as grassroots/advocacy leaders doing amazing groundwork. It is being held September 29th and 30th, click below to register!
Canceled: Human Relations Commission Meeting
The October Human Relations Commission meeting will be canceled as it awaits guidance on the ability to continue meeting virtually.