October 2010 Archives

A free orientation for those interested in green construction jobs training will be staged Wednesday, Nov. 3 at 4 p.m. at the Career Transition Center, 3447 Atlantic Ave.

The event is organized by the Pacific Gateway Workforce Investment Network's hands-on Environmental Safety and Remediation Training Program and Construction Skills Training Program which is to open new classes in the near future. Federal funding provides free training.

According to organizers, "The Environmental Safety & Remediation Program includes certifications for Hazardous Waste Worker Protection and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER 40); OSHA 30; CPR/First Aid; Asbestos Abatement; Lead Abatement; and Mold and Moisture Control.

"The Construction Skills Training Program includes certifications for Hazardous Waste Worker Protection and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER); OSHA 30, including Traffic Control and Confined Space; CPR/First Aid; and Refinery Safety Overview (RSO)."

Attendees must pre-resgister with the Pacific Gateway Workforce Investment Network.

To register, participants need proper identification. Information on needed documents and other questions can answered by calling 562-570-WORK (9675).

 
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The Rose Park Neighborhood Association is seeking  sponsors for its Rose Park Heritage Walk.

 Engraved bricks will be placed in the park walkways and proceeds will benefit work that beautifies, enhances and sustains the site, such as landscaping, repairs and community events.

The Rose Park neighborhood - sandwiched between Cherry to Redondo avenues, between Fourth and 10th streets --  features many historic homes from the early 20th century.

For the Heritage Walk project, sponsors purchase a 4x8 inch clay brick to be engraved in black with up to 54 characters to commemorate, or honor a loved one, organization, or event.

If interested in purchasing a brick for $150, visit the Rose Park Neighborhood website at www.rpna.org, or contact Park Committee Member Daniel Brezenoff at Brezenoff@hotmail.com or 310.422-2211.

Councilman James Johnson is scheduled Nov. 5 to host the First Books at First Fridays, with Mayor Bob Foster as the first guest.

First Books at First Fridays is a monthly event held at Dana Library's Community Room, 3680 Atlantic Ave.

 "Libraries had a great impact on my life and I look forward to sharing my love of reading with families throughout the 7th District," Johnson said in a prepared statement.

Johnson and his guest(s) read children's books beginning at 5:30 p.m. Live entertainment will be performed by Jules Music for Kids; light refreshments will be provided.

For more information, contact the 7th District Council Office at (562) 570-7777 or district7@longbeach.gov.

After the First Books program, at about 6:30 p.m., stick around for First Fridays Art Walk in Bixby Knolls: http://www.firstfridayslongbeach.com/

Sure, the rain will most likely wash your car.

But spend a little time/cash to help save a historic church.

Supporters of "Car Wash Days at St. Isidores" are putting out the call for kind-hearted souls (with dirty cars) to stop by S. Isiddores Historical Plaza on Saturday (Oct.30) -- and for a repeat stop Nov. 28.

"There is an industrious few at St. Isidores Historical Plaza who will wash and clean your car, inside and out, for just $5," the organizers brag. "If it's an SUV, then it will be $8. All for the sake of rescuing our beloved Plaza."

The historic plaza is at 10961 Katella Ave., in Los Alamitos, and the car washers will be on duty between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m.

"Your car will shine and St. Isidore will beam," supporters promise.

The Long Beach Public Library has implemented standardized hours for Fiscal Year 2011.

Four neighborhood libraries will close on Mondays: El Dorado, 2900 Studebaker Road; Bret Harte, 1595 W. Willow St.; Mark Twain, 1401 E. Anaheim St.; amd North, 5571 Orange Ave.

"Despite these reductions, Long Beach Public Library is committed to providing excellent customer service to our Long Beach community," said library director Glenda Williams.

 All libraries will now be open Tuesday - Saturday. Open hours are:

MAIN LIBRARY: Tuesday, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Wednesday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; and Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 pm

ALL NEIGHBORHOOD LIBRARIES: Tuesday, 12 noon - 7 p.m.; Wednesday, 12 noon - 6 p.m.; Thursday, 12 noon - 7 p.m.
Friday, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.; and Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

For 24-hour access, visit www.lbpl.org

Residents are invited to the opening reception of the "Muerte a la Mode" art exhibit, Friday, Oct. 29 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. 401 Newport Ave. Long Beach, hosted by Coup Operative.

According to organizers, "The show examines the rituals associated with the Mexican holiday Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead).  The focus of the exhibit is to bring artists together to re-examine the ritualistic traditions that occur, not just in Latin America but across all cultures. There is a wide spectrum of rituals we all have when it comes to honoring the deceased. In this show artists are encouraged to explore their own traditions as well as those of others. The scope of work is not limited to representing traditional rituals but also showing contemporary rituals in which we celebrate the deceased."
 The exhibit includes the work of fine artists, muralists, illustrators, tattoo artists, photographers, and graphic designers.

  The Wrigley Area Neighborhood Alliance ( WANA ) will play host to its fourth annual Halloween Party on Sunday, October 31 on the Green at 20th Street and Daisy Avenue from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Costume contest begins at 7 p.m. Prizes for best costume, ages 1 - 4 , 5 - 8 , 9 - 12. Games, treats, safe and fun. For more information contact Maria @ 562-427-5021 or Email: wrigleyalliance@msn.com

Long Beach's Health Department will launch the annual walk-in flu clinics beginning Tuesday for people age 50 and older and adults ages 18 - 49 who are at high-risk for serious complications of influenza.

Adults who need annual seasonal flu shots include:
* Persons who are 50 years of age and older, or
* Persons 18 - 49 with underlying chronic medical conditions, such as heart or lung conditions, or who are immune suppressed, e.g. persons with HIV/AIDS, receiving cancer treatment, on dialysis, etc., or
* Women who will be pregnant during the influenza season, or
* Caregivers of seniors or infants

Adults with Medicare Part B are urged to bring their Medicare card to the clinic to receive a free flu shot. A $2 donation to offset administrative costs will be requested from people who do not have Medicare. No appointment is needed at the following sites:

2010 Health Department Flu Clinic Schedule
Long Beach Senior Center, 1150 E. 4th St. <TB>
Oct. 26, 9 a.m.- 12 noon

El Dorado Park Senior Center, 2800 Studebaker Rd. <TB>
Oct. 28, 9 a.m.- 12 noon

American Gold Star Manor, Spring at Santa Fe <TB>
Nov. 3, 9 a.m.- 12 noon

Houghton Park, 6301 Myrtle Ave. <TB>
Nov. 4, 9 a.m. - 12 noon

Cal Rec. Center/McBride Park, 1550 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave. <TB>
Nov. 12 , 9 a.m.- 12 noon

Long Beach Health Department, 2525 Grand Avenue <TB>
Nov. 16, 1 - 4 p.m.
Nov. 18, 1 - 4 p.m.
Nov. 23, 9 a.m.- 12 noon
Nov. 29, 1 - 4 p.m.
Nov. 30, 9 a.m.- 12 noon

This year only, the California Department of Public Health has also made pneumonia vaccine available for use at the annual flu clinics. While supplies last, we will offer free pneumonia vaccine to people who qualify. The standard recommendation for pneumonia vaccine is one dose after the age of 65. People over 60 who smoke or who have lung, kidney or heart disease should get pneumonia vaccine early with a second shot after the age of 65.

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend annual seasonal flu vaccine for all children age 6 months to 18 years. According to the CDC, influenza is one of the leading causes of death in the nation among people in all age groups. The Health Department will have seasonal flu vaccine available for infants over the age of 6 months and others who cannot attend the clinics listed above at its regularly scheduled immunization clinic located at 2525 Grand Avenue. Appointments are required and can be made by calling 562-570-4315.

Influenza viruses are always changing so the formulation of flu vaccine changes annually. This is why flu shots are recommended every year. Vaccine from previous years does not provide protection. Annual flu shots are always formulated with the three strains that scientists predict will be likely to cause flu disease in the coming months. Flu disease is most common in the months of January and February, so getting your vaccine in November or December should still provide protection. The three strains of flu in the 2010 -11 vaccine are A/California (H1N1), A/Perth and B/Brisbane. Note that this year's vaccine includes the H1N1 flu strain which prompted Public Health agencies across the country to hold special clinics. This year's annual flu vaccine includes H1N1, so a separate vaccine is unnecessary.

The Health Department also recommends that all persons practice healthy habits to prevent them from getting or transmitting the flu:

* Avoid close contact with people who are sick,
* Stay home from work or school if you are sick,
* Cover mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze,
* Wash hands with soap and water or a hand sanitizer frequently,
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, and
* Eat healthy food, drink plenty of water, take vitamins, exercise, get plenty of rest, do not smoke, and avoid alcoholic beverages.

The Health Department's vaccination information Shot Line is updated periodically with flu vaccine information, and may be reached at (562) 570-SHOT (570-7468). For more information about flu disease and prevention please visit our website at www.longbeach.gov/health

The Children's Center of Long Beach will play host to its 20th Anniversary Beach Walk and Health Fair Saturday, October 23, from 9 a.m until 1 p.m. at the Marina Green. The event will include a 5-kilometer walk on the Shoreline bike path and conclude with a barbeque provided by Long Beach Firefighters and musical entertainment by Dutchy's Caribbean Tropicanas and special performances by local youth groups.
Nancy Foster and Justin Rudd! will serve as the honorary grand marshals of the event, which is The Children's Center's main fund-raiser. Last year, participants raised close to $150,000 and  LBUSD's Millikan High School Compass students alone raised over $20,000.

Registration and donations can be made on-line at www.beachwalk2010.kintera.org or by phone to 562-933-6631. There will also be registration on the day of the event beginning at 9 a.m. The cost is $30 for adults, $20 for students and $50 for a family.

The organization's description of itself:

"The Children's Clinic, Serving Children and Their Families was founded in 1939 by a group of local physicians and community leaders.  The independent not-for-profit 501 (c) (3) system of licensed community health centers at six sites is dedicated to providing culturally sensitive and linguistically appropriate comprehensive health care, health promotion and disease prevention to children, youth and adults.  Each year, more than 22,000 medically underserved, low income and high-risk children and families are served through more than 70,000 health care visits in the Greater Long Beach area. www.thechildrensclinic.org."

Celebrities, CEOs and inner-city shredders will convene today at a Beverly Hills estate.
The event will be the Stand Up For Skateparks benefit, sponsored by the Tony Hawk Foundation, and the beneficiaries will be the new skatepark to be installed at Long Beach McBride Park and the kids who use it.
The star-studded event could raise $70,000 to $80,000 or more for the park at 1550 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave.
Since 2002 through his foundation, Hawk has raised more than $3 million for hundreds of parks throughout the U.S.
This year's fund-raiser, billed as an "exclusive, family-centric, action-sports carnival" will feature a live performance by Jane's Addiction, a Vert Demo with Tony Hawk and other skateboarding and BMX stars on Hawk's personal ramp. There will also be a preview of a new video game, food and live and silent auctions.
Celebrity guests are expected to include Olympian Shaun White, Andre Agassi, Lance Armstrong and numerous celebrities and action sports stars.
Information on tickets is available at http://www.standupforskateparks.org/  The website also includes some of the auction items, signed memorabilia and other items.
The nonprofit announced the choice of the Long Beach site in August.
Although $400,000 to $450,000 of Redevelopment Agency money had already been earmarked for the project, the Hawk money will provide improvements that will make it a first-class facility.
As designed, the footprint for the facility is about 14,000 square feet, 12,000 of which will be skating area.
"I don't even know how to explain it, I am so excited," 6th District Councilman Dee Andrews said at the time of the announcement.
Former Councilman Mike Donelon, who has been at the forefront of promoting skate parks in Long Beach, said when the award was announced that with the funding and the Tony Hawk connection, "I have no doubt it will be one of the premier skateparks in Southern California."

University-eligible high school seniors and parents interested in learning more about the college application process and requirements are encouraged to attend a workshop hosted by the St Mary Girls Leadership Development & Youth Engagement Program, U.C. Berkeley Alumni - Southern CAL Alumni Coalition (SCAC) and the Central Area Association.
 The event will be Sunday, October 17,  from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. at the St. Mary Medical Center's John Parr Health Enhancement Center, 1050 Linden Ave.

The event will include information about the university and college application process, financial aid applications and websites, plus a question and answer period. Those with drafts of personal statements are encouraged to bring them.

Seating is limited, to RSVP email, jmcalpin@chw.edu or call 562-491-9000 Ext. 5418
Refreshments and free parking are available.

 

Eileen Garrido, an 11-year-old Downey singer born with a congenital heart defect who now uses her singing talents and created the nonprofit Beating Hearts Foundation to raise money for health charities, is hosting her first fund-raising dinner and show Saturday, Oct. 23 in Downey from 5 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.. Tickets are $37, sponsorships $52.

The event, entitled "Hope and Inspiration will be held at the Barbara J Riley Community Center, 7810 Quill Dr. Proceeds will benefit Childrens Hospital Los Angeles.

Eileen's father, Carlos Garrido, writes about the event:"The evening will be filled with hope, inspiration, and surprises! There will be a wonderful dinner followed by live performances by Eileen and her special guests as they take you on "A Stroll Down Broadway", including a very special performance that will make your heart melt."

Seating is limited to the first 160 guests. Information is available online at www.beatinghearts.org under the "events & performances" tab. Reservations are required.  
 
Payments cannot be accepted at the event due city restrictions.

Information is available by calling Carlos Garrido at 562-708-3246 or by e-mail at cbegarrido@verizon.net.

Two  winners each will be chosen from Long Beach's nine districts in an Energy Efficiency Opportunity Drawing that is open until Nov. 19

Homeowners in Long Beach can win either first prizes of energy efficiency home makeovers worth $5,000 or second place awards of one of several $800 appliances.

The City and Southern California Edison are sponsoring the contest to encourage and promote energy saving and the use of efficient appliances.

Winners and runners-up will be selected from each of the 9 council districts making for a total of 18 winners. Participants must be Long Beach residents, Southern California Edison customers and homeowners Entry forms and information are available at www.sustainablelb.com.  To enter, applicants need to take a free home energy survey online and fill out a brief online application. Only online applications will be accepted. Winners will be announced the week of November 29.

For more information, contact Meredith Reynolds, Sustainability Coordinator at 562-570-6396 or Meredith.Reynolds@longbeach.gov

Commuting on Atlantic Avenue in North Long Beach might be a bit tricky. The following is a notice from the Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association:

The heavy work for the Atlantic repaving project, between 52^nd and San Antonio, gets underway tomorrow.  The curb, gutter, and concrete work is complete and now begins the cold milling and repaving with rubberized asphalt.
 
For the next two weeks expect delays on Atlantic between 52^nd and San Antonio with one lane of traffic remaining open for north- and southbound travel.
 
San Antonio remains clear for east and west travel.
 
For more information you can call the job hotline number at (562) 908-6326.

 

If you're out and about in Belmont Heights today and tomorrow, be advised:

Information from Dianne Sundstrom of Belmont Heights Community Association "As part of the Vista Street Bike Boulevard project, Vista Street will be receiving a new finish (asphalt slurry seal) October 5th and 6th. The work will begin at 8 a.m.

10/5 - Vista Street will be closed from Temple Avenue to Termino Avenue.

10/6 - Vista Street will be closed from Termino Avenue to Nieto Avenue.

The City of Long Beach Department of Public Works will be working closely with the Contractor to create as little inconvenience as possible.

If you have any questions or concerns about this project, please contact the project inspector at 562-570-5160."

The face lift of Rose Park is continuing with plans under way to create a brick walkway through the quaint historical circular park on Eighth Street and Orizaba Avenue. The Rose Park Neighborhood Association is selling engraved bricks for a Heritage Walk in the park to help pay for landscaping and other beautification projects in the part and surrounding neighborhood.

The Rose Park neighborhood extends roughly from Cherry to
Redondo Avenue between 4th and 10th streets, features a number of historic homes.

Bricks for the Walk are $150 and can be engraved with up to 54 characters. Those interested in buying bricks can go on-line at www.rpna.org, or contact Park Committee
Member Daniel Brezenoff at Brezenoff@hotmail.com or 310-422-2211.

 

Count bikes to make bikes count!

Long Beach is recruiting volunteers for its Third Annual Bicycle Count on Oct. 14 and/or 17.

The city and Cal State Long Beach are seeking 300 volunteers to help conduct bike and pedestrian counts at more than 35 locations throughout Long Beach.

 Multiple volunteer time slots and count locations are available. High school seniors are welcome to participate with parent permission.

The Third Annual Bicycle Count will help the city acquire a better understanding of locations of bike and pedestrian activity, and which areas and infrastructure are used the most. Ultimately, the Bicycle Count will help decide where bike and pedestrian improvements are needed.

Volunteers will receive a $10 dollar "thank you" gift card.

Here's what you can do:

Step 1: Select a volunteer training session (about 30 minutes)  to attend either  Oct. 12 or 13
If Oct. 12: training will be L.B. State's Pyramid Annex Building, 12 noon, 2 or 6 p.m.

If Oct. 13, training will be at City Hall, 9th Floor Conference Room, 333 W. Ocean Blvd., 8 or 9 a.m.

Step 2: To notify city which training you will be attending, register online at www.csulb.edu/rideshare (click on "Bike Count") by Oct. 11 or call 562.570.6667.

Step 3: Counting times are either  7- 9 a.m. or 4-6 p.m. on Oct. 14 or at 12 - 2 p.m. on Oct. 17.

Step 4: Drop off Count/Survey Forms at one of multiple locations & pick up a $10 dollar "thank you" gift card for a local bike shop!

For more details, visit www.bikelongbeach.org or www.csulb.edu/rideshare, or call 562.570.6667.