Here are the latest local news highlights to kick off the week of Monday, August 14, 2023.
Long Beach Launches Community Crisis Response Team for Mental Health Support
The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services has introduced its Community Crisis Response Team (CCR), a specialized group aimed at providing mental health support, health education, and resource navigation to community members in need. The CCR responds to non-violent, non-medical calls-for-service, focusing on behavioral health and quality of life issues. Comprising a Crisis Intervention Specialist, Public Health Nurse, Peer Navigator, Program Manager, and Team Supervisor, the CCR operates as part of the city’s effort to enhance community health and safety through compassionate, health-focused approaches. The team’s pilot program operates on weekdays in specific areas, offering crisis intervention, de-escalation, suicide assessment, and referral support, among other services. The CCR initiative is a component of Long Beach’s Racial Equity and Reconciliation Initiative, supported by funds from the Long Beach Recovery Act. Learn more here.
7th Annual READY Long Beach Expo Promotes Community Disaster Preparedness
The Long Beach Fire Department Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is organizing the 7th Annual READY Long Beach Community Preparedness Expo on September 9, 2023. Collaborating with various city departments, disaster response agencies, and community partners, the event will be held at the Walter Pyramid on the California State University, Long Beach campus. The expo aims to educate attendees about preparing for natural disasters and emergencies. Activities include information booths, emergency preparedness demonstrations, kids’ activities, and more. Participants will learn about essential survival tools, building evacuation plans, and fostering community engagement in disaster planning. The event, which had been on a hiatus due to the pandemic, aims to build community resiliency through education and outreach, culminating in the Great California ShakeOut earthquake drill in October. Learn more here.
Youth Festival Offers Resources for Jobs and College
The Long Beach Health Department’s Office of Youth Development, in collaboration with various city departments and partners, is hosting the third annual Youth Festival at the Long Beach City College Pacific Coast Campus on September 9th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Geared towards youth and emerging adults aged 11 to 26, the event aligns with the Long Beach Youth & Emerging Adults Strategic Plan, focusing on diversity, equity, education, and youth empowerment. The festival offers interactive college, job, and resource fairs, along with workshops, art, music, sports, and local entertainment. Attendees can participate in visioning activities and connect with local poets, artists, and dancers. The festival aims to foster connections, provide resources, and empower young individuals to shape the direction of the city’s support for youth. Pre-registration and on-site registration are available, and complimentary parking is provided. Learn more here.
Long Beach Unveils First-Time Homebuyer Assistance and Housing Programs
The Long Beach Development Services Department is organizing a special homeownership event to provide residents with essential information and resources. The free evening workshop will spotlight the City’s First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program, offering grants of up to $20,000 for down payment and closing costs to eligible families. Attendees will also learn about federal and county housing programs, including FHA loans, homebuyer education, financial counseling services, and down payment assistance options. The in-person workshop is scheduled for August 16, 2023, at the Long Beach Energy Resources Auditorium. Interested participants can RSVP online and request interpretation services if needed. This initiative is part of the Long Beach Recovery Act, designed to support residents, workers, and businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more here.
Long Beach Conducts Survey to Enhance Bike Share and E-Scooter Programs
The City of Long Beach is conducting an evaluation of its Bike Share and E-scooter share programs, seeking insights from users through a 10-minute online survey available until August 28, 2023. The Long Beach Bike Share program, launched in 2017, has grown in popularity, expanding citywide in 2023 with over 800 bicycles and 100 hubs. Riders have various pricing options, including the recent Bike Share For All (BSFA) program. The E-scooter Share program, introduced in 2018, now includes permanent operators Bird, Lime, and VeoRide. Feedback from the survey will inform improvements for both programs’ operations, education, and user experience. The survey, accessible in English and Spanish, is hosted on longbeach.gov/goactivelb, and public library computer labs are available for those with limited technology access. Learn more here.
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