Former Long Beach Mayor Beverly O'Neill plans to discuss her tenure at 7 p.m. Thursday as part of the Historical Society of Long Beach's "Mayors Oral History Series."
In 1994, O'Neill became the second person to be elected mayor by a direct vote of the people. The position had rotated among council members in the past.
She went on to easily win a second term and then an unprecedented third term as a write-in candidate against former Vice Mayor Dan Baker.
O'Neill, a former Long Beach City College president, is credited with leading the city through a tough economic period following the aerospace downturn and the U.S. Navy's departure from Long Beach. She sought to improve the economy with her "Three Ts," trade, technology and tourism.
Former state Sen. and Assemblywoman Betty Karnette will interview O'Neill.
Previous events in the series featured former mayors Tom Clark, Eunice Sato and Ernie Kell.
At the final installment of the series, Mayor Bob Foster plans to be interviewed at 7 p.m. Aug. 6 by County Supervisor Don Knabe at the same location.
The events will take place in the Historical Society of Long Beach's Main Gallery, 4260 Atlantic Ave.
Admission for both events is $10 at the door for those who are not members of the Historical Society of Long Beach.
Admission for students and Historical Society members is free.
For more information call 562-810-9329.
