Bringing you the latest local news highlights to kick off the week of Monday, August 7, 2023.
Long Beach seeks partnership for Latinx Health Collaborative
The city of Long Beach is looking to partner with a community organization to create a Latinx Health Collaborative. This collaborative space will work towards improving health equity and services for Latinx-owned and -serving organizations, using the city’s Mi Vida Cuenta COVID-19 Latinx Health Initiative Report and Workplan as a basis. The initiative aims to tackle health and economic disparities among Latinx residents by focusing on enhancing social well-being, educational opportunities, healthcare services, and collaborations with community-based organizations. The program provides one-time seed funding and is part of the Long Beach Recovery Act, which supports initiatives for those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Further details can be found on the Long Beach Buys website and the Long Beach Recovery Act webpage. Learn more here.
Community centers offer fall recreation classes for all ages
Starting today, the City of Long Beach Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine (PRM) will begin registration for a diverse range of fall recreation classes. More than 700 activities, including art, music, fitness, nature, special interests, adult sports leagues, and aquatics, will be offered for all age groups from September to November 2023. The classes cater to preschoolers, youth, adults, and seniors, covering various subjects such as soccer, cooking, ballet, math development, reading, painting, dance, karate, and more. Residents can register online through LB Reconnect, in person at the PRM Registration Reservations Office, or by mail. The class schedule can be found in the Recreation Connection catalog, available online and at Long Beach Park community centers and Public Library branches. The catalog also includes information on free and low-cost activities for families, including youth sports leagues and senior centers. For more information, residents can visit LBParks.org or call 562.570.3111. Learn more here.
Long Beach Launches ‘Help Us Help You’ campaign to reduce non-emergency 9-1-1 calls
The Department of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Communications is initiating the “Help Us Help You” campaign to address the issue of non-emergency calls being answered by 9-1-1 dispatchers. Last year, dispatchers received over 575,000 calls, with 50% of them being non-emergency related. The campaign aims to educate residents on using alternative resources for non-emergency City services, such as the Go Long Beach app, the non-emergency phone tree (562.435.6711), and the “One Call to City Hall” service (562.570.5000). The city will also promote a web-based directory for common non-emergency services. The campaign includes social media engagement and a dedicated webpage. While encouraging the use of non-emergency services, the city also reminds residents to call 9-1-1 in genuine emergency situations. Learn more here.
Artists wanted for a mural project to celebrate 100th anniversary of Long Beach Airport
Long Beach Airport (LGB) and the Arts Council for Long Beach (ArtsLB) have announced a Call for Artists to commission artwork for a three-story art vinyl mural project on Parking Structure A, in celebration of the airport’s 100th anniversary. The project aims to showcase Long Beach’s aviation and arts legacy, making a lasting impression on arriving and departing passengers. Artists from across the country can submit up to three artworks, with the deadline set for August 31, 2023. The selected top artist will receive $10,000 and the opportunity to create the marquee project, while five finalists will receive $1,500 each and have their digital-media artworks displayed at the airport. The mural and the rotating finalists’ artworks will be featured during the airport’s centennial celebration in the fall of 2023. Learn more here.
City of Long Beach unveils proposed Fiscal Year 24 Budget
Last Tuesday, the city of Long Beach revealed its Proposed Fiscal Year 2024 (FY 24) Budget, amounting to $3.2 billion, which includes the City Manager’s budget and the Proposed FY 24 Capital Improvement Plan. The budget focuses on key areas outlined in the Long Beach Strategic Vision 2030 and addresses challenges such as homelessness, climate change, and city responsiveness. It maintains all services at the FY 23 level and makes investments to foster economic growth, prepare for hosting the 2028 Olympics, and expand opportunities for youth, families, and businesses in the community. The budget also prioritizes housing, public safety, economic equity, education, environmental sustainability, and digital inclusion, among other areas. Mayor Richardson has made additional recommendations, including initiatives to prepare for the Olympics and improve community development. The budget will undergo review and approval by the City Council with opportunities for public input and engagement. In-person community meetings will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. each week in August at various locations throughout the city. To view the locations of the meetings and for more details on the FY 24 budget, click here.
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