April 2010 Archives

The Long Beach Airport has launched its Airport Modernization Plan, following the unanimous approval of the new passenger concourse Site Plan by the Planning Commission on April 15.

The plan includes four components: new passenger concourse, new parking structure, air carrier ramp upgrades and modernization of the historic terminal building. Over the next three years, through AMP, the airport will invest $200 million into landside and airside capital improvements and support some 1,000 jobs.

"The AMP improvements will provide modernized services for passengers, while preserving our historic airport terminal," added Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske.

"We're focused on exceeding our customer's expectations, but not at the expense of our historic building," airport director Mario Rodriguez said in a prepared statement.

Mike Kowal, president of Long Beach HUSH2, a homeowner group that previously opposed the project, told the commission that "this project is fantastic." He also praised Rodriguez and staff for their transparency and willingness to listen and work with the community members.

Airport Modernization Plan updates and links can be found at the airport's website, www.lgb.org. Project renderings and a virtual tour and the new passenger concourse are also available.

 

The second phase of improvements at the San Gabriel River Bicycle Trail will soon begin in Cerritos and Lakewood.

Phase 2 will cost an estimated $336,000, and it will realign and reconstruct another 460 feet of the path just south of Del Amo Boulevard. Additionally, the existing reclamation waterline and street lights will be relocated, and trail signage, yellow centerline striping and pavement markings will be installed. The reconstruction also will remove sharp turns and improve the sight distance, which will improve the level of safet.

Following Phase 2, Phase 3 should have a budget of $1,080,000 for the reconstruction of an about one mile segment of the trail and widening the existing bike trail from 10 feet to 12 feet wide -- from Del Amo Boulevard to Carson Street in the City of Lakewood.

During the final Phase 4, which should cost an estimated $1,350,000, work crews will realign and reconstruct a tunnel and 125 feet of the path at 183rd Street in Cerritos. A new access ramp will be constructed on the north side of 183rd, which will follow the alignment of the current tunnel approach.

 

Long Beach planners will deliver a package of zoning code amendments and ordinances for affordable housing to the Planning Commission on May 6 and to the City Council on May 18.

Both sessions begin at 5 p.m.

City staff also are not likely to have anything for public review until April 29, according to Susanne Browne, senior attorney at the Long Beach-based Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles.

Last year, Housing Long Beach and Legal Aid achieved numerous victories in the Housing Element (HE) campaign work to increase the supply of affordable housing and, in particular, increase the development of housing for extremely low-income households.

The city promised in its HE, which was completed and adopted last May, that it would bring forward a number of zoning code amendments and ordinances to implement commitments, Browne reported in a recent email..

 The annual "Benefit for the Animals" plans fun and entertainment at the Playhouse on April 22.

The evening, at 4021 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach, begins at 6:30 p.m. with a reception and entertainment.

Along with drawings and a door prize, a Silent Auction will be held.

The Playhouse production of the Agatha Christie mystery, "The Hollow," begins at 7:30 p.m.

The Friends of Long Beach Animals will be honoring a local "Hero to Animals" -- this year, John Keisler, bureau manager of Long Beach Animal Care Services. He's being honored for leadership that has led to increases in the "live release rate" at the Animal Shelter.

Tickets for the play and reception are $25 per person and can be reserved at 562. 988-7647.

All proceeds benefit "The Friends of Long Beach Animals," a non-profit organization dedicated to helping animals in Long Beach/Signal Hill and promoting responsible pet ownership.

Long Beach is offering on-line parking reservations in advance of the Toyota Grand Prix.

New services include evening valet parking reservations for the Rainbow Harbor/Pike restaurants and businesses, including online valet parking reservations for venues such as the Laugh Factory, Gladstone's Restaurant, Kavika's Grill and Bar, the Cinemark Theatres, or any of the many restaurants and business in the area.

Parking reservations for the Toyota Grand Prix are offered for all race dates.

Reservations for the evening valet service are available on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Valet parking service will be offered at the intersection of Pine Avenue and Shoreline Drive after 7 p.m.

Parking lots with convenient access to the activities have been set aside for advance sales. Grand Prix attendees are urged to reserve parking on-line to  guarantee their parking space.

To reserve a parking space, visit https://www.thepermitstore.com/lb/event

To reserve parking for attending the Grand Prix, select "2010 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach."

To reserve valet parking in the evening, select "Rainbow Harbor/Pike Evening Valet Parking Service."

For more information, call 562.570.6831.

Elizabeth Ashton's Ayurvedic Nail Spa will celebrate its grand opening in the East Village Bollywood-style.

The Saturday April 10 event will feature an evening on the red carpet for pictures with a professional photographer, an Indian theme featuring complimentary Indian food, Indian music and live Bollywood performances. There will also be giveaways and the special spa package manicure/pedicures for only that night only.

The event will take place from 6 to 10 p.m. at 501-A East Broadway.

Family and friends are welcome. RSVP by April 8 at elizabeth@elizabethashtonspa.com or text at 562-290-2576.