Here are the latest news highlights to kick off the week of Tuesday, September 5, 2023.
Long Beach Hosts First-Ever Job Fair for People with Disabilities
Long Beach is hosting its first inaugural job fair for individuals with disabilities on October 3, 2023, from 2 to 5 p.m. in the Civic Center Plaza and City Hall Lobby. This event coincides with National Disability Employee Awareness Month (NDEAM) in October. With 50,000 residents of Long Beach identifying as having a disability, and a 33% unemployment rate among them, this job fair aims to break down barriers and connect job seekers with employers. As part of the preparations for the NDEAM Job Fair, the City’s Office of Equity is organizing a complimentary virtual workshop aimed at hiring managers and business owners. The workshop, titled “Demystifying + Destigmatizing Disability in the Workplace,” is designed to address and dispel harmful stereotypes associated with individuals with disabilities, which can impede their access to employment opportunities. You can register for this workshop, scheduled for Thursday, September 7, by clicking on this link. Learn more here.
Volunteers needed for the 39th Annual California Coastal Cleanup Day
Long Beach is calling on the community to join forces and make a positive impact on the local environment by participating in the 39th Annual California Coastal Cleanup Day, set to take place on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023. Volunteers are welcome to participate between 9 a.m. and noon at various locations, including Junipero Beach, Belmont Pier, Peninsula, Mother’s Beach, and Seal Beach Yacht Club. The event provides gloves and trash bags, but participants are encouraged to bring reusable buckets and gloves to minimize waste. Additionally, branded reusable buckets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, courtesy of Long Beach Container Terminal. Site captains from organizations like Aquarium of the Pacific, Los Angeles Waterkeeper, Algalita, and Seal Beach Yacht Club will lead the efforts. Liability waivers can be obtained and printed from the El Dorado Nature Center volunteer opportunities webpage, with the convenience of digital waivers introduced this year by the California Coastal Commission. The goal is to increase participation and provide educational resources to raise awareness about marine debris and promote local environmental stewardship. Last year, Long Beach saw over 1,100 volunteers come together to remove over 2,500 pounds of debris in just three hours. This year, the city aims to surpass those numbers, continuing its commitment to environmental conservation and education within the community. Learn more here.
Long Beach Promotes Disaster Preparedness for Older Adults and Vulnerable Communities
The City of Long Beach Department of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Communications is observing National Preparedness Month throughout September. In alignment with the 2023 theme, the focus this year is on preparing older adults and individuals with disabilities, especially those who are living alone, low income, or are isolated from supportive services. The initiative aims to raise awareness about hazards, promote disaster preparedness, and foster community resiliency. The City’s outreach campaign will prioritize older adults and people with disabilities, as they are disproportionately affected during disasters. Throughout the month, community members can engage in various National Preparedness Month activities, including attending the Ready Long Beach Community Preparedness Expo on September 9 at California State University, Long Beach and participating in pop-up events where they can receive informational materials and resources. An educational and interactive social media campaign will also provide disaster preparedness tips, interviews with residents, and Q&A sessions. The Department will conduct targeted outreach to local organizations and facilities serving vulnerable populations to ensure they are educated and prepared for disasters. Residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency notifications, create a “go-kit” with essential items, develop and practice emergency plans, and learn lifesaving skills such as basic emergency medical procedures, CPR, and first aid. Learn more here.
Long Beach Seeks Community Input for Pride Lifeguard Tower Improvements
The city of Long Beach is seeking input from the community regarding future improvements to the Long Beach Pride Lifeguard Tower. After suffering severe fire damage in early 2021, the iconic tower, which symbolizes acceptance and inclusivity for the LGBTQ+ community, was quickly restored. To further enhance equity and inclusion, the Long Beach City Council has approved funding for additional enhancements, including repainting the tower in the Progress Pride Flag scheme, creating an accessible boardwalk path, adding a deck/platform for events, installing mobility access mats, and seeking regulatory approval for public art displays. Community members can provide feedback through an online survey available until September 15, 2023, and attend an in-person meeting on September 27, 2023, to learn more about the project and share their thoughts. Limited-access individuals can use public computer labs at Long Beach Public Library locations to participate in the survey. Learn more here.
Long Beach expands Davenport Park in North Long Beach
The City of Long Beach marked a significant milestone by celebrating the launch of the Davenport Park Phase II expansion project, which aims to enhance recreational opportunities and community engagement in North Long Beach. The ceremony featured Mayor Rex Richardson, Eighth District Councilmember Al Austin II, and other city leaders. Once completed, the expansion will transform the existing 5.5-acre Davenport Park into an 11.5-acre space. The expanded area will feature a multi-use sports field, fitness stations, outdoor seating, a walking trail, additional parking, shaded picnic areas, and drought-tolerant landscaping with updated lighting and bike racks. Additionally, a connecting path will link the new portion of the park to the existing Davenport Park. The project’s funding comes from various sources, including a $3.7 million grant from the Land and Water Conservation Fund, $1.2 million from park impact fees, $1.7 million from Measure A, and $3.5 million from Measure A Bonds. Construction is anticipated to conclude by the summer of 2024. Learn more here.
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