Here are the latest local news highlights to kick off the week of Monday, Feb. 12, 2024.
California Lawmakers Push to Build Wind Turbines at Port of Long Beach
California assembly members, including Rick Chavez Zbur, Jim Wood, and Josh Lowenthal, have introduced AB 2208, a bill that seeks voter approval for a $1 billion bond to fund infrastructure improvements for the development of large offshore wind turbines at the Port of Long Beach and other state ports. The lawmakers emphasize the necessity of generating clean electricity to support California’s shift toward electric vehicles, public transportation, and manufacturing. The bill aims to address the estimated $11 to $12 billion required for port infrastructure to accommodate the construction of these turbines, signaling the state’s commitment to offshore wind energy and encouraging public and private investment in the necessary improvements. Learn more here.
“PAW Patrol” Makers Donate Playground to the Long Beach Boys & Girls Club
Spin Master, the renowned global children’s entertainment company recognized for hits like “PAW Patrol” and the Rubik’s Cube, has donated an innovative and eco-friendly playground to the Boys & Girls Club of Long Beach. The playground was unveiled on Jan. 24 and is a result of Spin Master’s commitment to sustainability and its partnership with recycling company TerraCycle. The playground was crafted from recycled toys collected through Spin Master’s Free Recycling Program, an initiative that encourages customers to recycle toys, games, and packaging. The Free Recycling Program, as the name suggests, allows participants to download a free shipping label and send Spin Master toys to Terracycle for environmentally responsible disposal. Spin Master hopes that the partnership inspires the next generation to recognize the potential of recycling items that would otherwise end up in landfills. The project aligns with Spin Master’s broader mission of not only entertaining children but also fostering environmental consciousness. Learn more here.
Metro and Caltrans Unveil Plans for I-710 Corridor Mobility Investment
Metro and Caltrans are set to host a community meeting at the Museum of Latin American Art this week to inform the public about upcoming investments aimed at enhancing mobility, safety, and air quality along the I-710 corridor, including Long Beach. This meeting is part of a series introducing the Long Beach-East L.A. Corridor Mobility Investment Plan, covering 18 cities and unincorporated communities. The draft plan, developed in collaboration with stakeholders and a dedicated task force, outlines strategies to improve the quality of life along the corridor. The plan includes projects such as zero-emission truck infrastructure, streamlined freight movement, improved roadways, job creation, community programming, upgraded transit services, and prioritization of community needs to reconnect previously divided areas along the I-710. Residents can provide feedback until March 1, with additional details available on metro.net/lb-ela-corridor-plan.
Public Service Corps Program Empowers Students in Government Careers
The city of Long Beach inaugurated the Long Beach Public Service Corps, an innovative fellowship program offering paid opportunities for local college students and recent graduates to gain hands-on experience in city government and explore careers in public service. The first cohort of 48 fellows began their service across various city departments this year. The program includes professional development workshops, training sessions, and project assignments aligned with the city’s strategic priorities. The initiative, supported by a one-time allocation of $300,000 in the FY 2024 budget, is a partnership between the Economic Development Department’s Workforce Development Bureau and California Volunteers. Learn more here.
CSULB Music Students Seek Donations to Perform in Washington DC
Students from the Bob Cole Conservatory Wind Symphony at Cal State Long Beach are gearing up for a performance at the Sousa Band Festival in Washington, D.C., scheduled for March 10. The festival organizers selected the university as one of four nationwide participants; the opportunity to play at the renowned John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is a historic moment for the ensemble. To cover travel expenses, the students are aiming to raise $25,000 and have turned to the community for support. This opportunity holds special significance for many students who have never performed outside their home state. To help the students reach their goal, consider donating here.
