November 2010 Archives

Congresswoman Linda Sánchez continued her monthly veterans' outreach program and named retired U.S. Army MSgt Robert Luckel of Hawaiian Gardens as the 39th Congressional District's "Veteran of the Month."

 Luckel was chosen by Sánchez' Veterans Advisory Council.

Luckel, a World War II combat veteran, began his military career in 1940 by enlisting with the U.S. Army. While serving, he was assigned to a RECON division as Chief of Communications and did a tour of duty in the South Pacific. His courage and heroism while in combat earned him many awards and medals, including the Bronze Star. He retired from the U.S. Army at the rank of MSgt after 30 years of service. He also served as a reserve with the Army National Guard.

"Mr. Luckel's sacrifice to our nation cannot be overstated and I am pleased to honor him today," said Sánchez. "The selfless devotion of America's Greatest Generation is an inspiration to all Americans and I hope this recognition inspires younger Americans to consider how they might serve their country."

After World War II, Luckel moved to the City of Lakewood and eventually settled in Hawaiian Gardens, where he married his wife of 34 years, June. They had two daughters, Donna and Kathy, six grandsons, and fifteen great-grand children.

Luckel is 94 years young and an active volunteer in his community. He is an active member of American Legion Post 496 of Long Beach and serves on its executive committee. He is also an annual participant in Long Beach's Veteran's Day Parade, in which he drives his Trans Am convertible.

Seal Beach Public Works staff members have stocked and set-up five help-yourself sand bag locations for residents in preparation for the rainy season:

· Arbor Park (off Lampson Avenue)

· 8th Street Municipal Parking Lot (next to Fire Station 44)

· Landing/Seal Beach Blvd. (near NWSB gate)

· 8th Street Beach Parking Lot

· 1st Street Beach Parking Lot

It can never be said that Long Beach residents lack for ideas. With that in mind, the Neighborhood Resources center has been reaching out to the community to hear what it would like to learn about in the coming year as it develops a workshop training schedule.

So far more than 500 responses have been received from residents and city employees and the NRC will continue to take submissions until Wednesday, Nov. 24. Suggestions can be e-mailed to Scottie Hinkey at Sharron.Hinkey@longbeach.gov .

In a press release, the NRC says "The Neighborhood Resource Center welcomes your ideas for potential workshop presenters that are available to volunteer their time to improve our neighborhoods.  We are especially interested in any contacts you could recommend to be part of our workshops to share how businesses can help to support your neighborhood improvement efforts.

Listed below are all the ideas submitted for workshop topics for the 2011 workshop series and the votes they have received:

SIX VOTES
1.                Disaster Preparedness / Earthquake Preparedness
2.                Drought Resistant Landscaping and Water Conservation
3.                Long Beach Community Database - Learn About Long Beach Statistics and Education and Crime Trends

FIVE VOTES
4.                Bicycling in Long Beach
5.                City of Long Beach 101 - Learn About Your City Government
6.                Code Enforcement Issues and Regulations
7.                Filming in Your Neighborhood
8.                Finding Funding - Beyond Grants
9.                Fruit Tree Programs and Resources
10.                Gangs, Graffiti and Our Community
11.                "Got Trees?" - How to Apply for Tree Grants
12.                Grant Application Workshops        
13.                Grant Writing Basics
14.                How to Write an Effective Business Plan
15.                How to Write Press Releases and Work with the Media  
16.                Interested in Joining a City Board, Committee or Commission?
17.                Neighborhood Nuisances / Problem Solving
18.                Seasonal Eating / Learn About Sustainably-Grown Local Produce
19.                Safer Gardening and Cleaning Practices
20.                Tree Planting and Tree Maintenance in Your Neighborhood
21.                Urban Gardening Resources and Local Opportunities
22.                What You Can Do About Signs, Banners & Flyers in Your Neighborhood

FOUR VOTES
23.                Alternative Energy Solutions / Solar / "Green Technology" in Your Home
24.                Caltrans Adopt-A-Highway Program
25.                Crime Prevention
26.                Elder Abuse Prevention Awareness
27.                Emergency Preparedness
28.                Event Planning
29.                E-Waste Recycling Options
30.                Green Initiatives in Long Beach
31.                Green Gardening, Drought Tolerance and Sustainability in the Landscape
32.                "Green Technology" in Your Home
33.                Harvesting Rain Water - Rain Catchment and Rain Barrels
34.                Home Improvement Programs
35.                Home Buyer Programs
36.                Indoor Air Quality Issues
37.                Insurance and Liability Issues for Neighborhood Groups
38.                Learn About Tax Credits for Homes, Home Improvements, Cars and College
39.                Learn About the Waterfront
40.                Learn About the Zoning Process and Land Use
41.                Long Beach Police Department's Narcotics Dogs
42.                Meet City Department Heads and Management
43.                Mental Health Issues: Hoarding and Cluttering
44.                Neighborhood Improvement / Beautification
45.                Port of Long Beach
46.                Programs to Assist Nonprofit Organizations
47.                Volunteerism

THREE VOTES
48.                Actions You Can Take to Protect the Environment    
50.                Alcoholic Beverage Control
51.                Beach Water Quality
52.                Building Community
53.                Community / Volunteer Services
54.                Communication and Technology in Your Neighborhood
55.                Computer Crime
56.                Computer Training - Power Point or Other Programs
57.                Condominium Management Training for Board Members and Residents
58.                Conflict Resolution Strategies
59.                Consumer Credit Awareness / Credit Card Advice
60.                Cultural Awareness
61.                Davis-Stirling Act
62.                Earth Week - Ideas to Get Your Neighborhood Involved
63.                E-Mail Marketing and Social Networking for Your Neighborhood Group Fundamentals of Program Planning
64.                Global Warming - What is a Carbon Footprint?  What Can We Do to Help the Earth?
65.                Grant Application Workshops
66.                Grief Resources
67.                Habitat for Humanity Homes
68.                Health and Fitness
69.                Heath Services in Long Beach
70.                Healthy Food, Cleaning Products, Personal Care Products and the Planet
71.                Historic Preservation and Long Beach History
72.                How to Brand Your Neighborhood
73.                How to Conduct a Needs Assessment in Your Neighborhood
74.                How to Deal and Cope with a Problem Child
75.                How to Find and Keep a Job
76.                How to Host a Collection Drive in Your Neighborhood
                (for Prom Dresses for Foster Children, Canned Food, E-Waste, or Other Items)
77.                How to Research Your Home's History
78.                How to Resolve Noise Problems in Your Neighborhood
79.                How to Secure a Business Loan
80.                How to Brand Your Neighborhood
81.                How to Start a Community Garden
82.                Keeping it Good in the Neighborhood
83.                Identity Theft
84.                iPhone Applications to Improve Your Neighborhood and Report Graffiti
85.                Insurance and Liability Issues for Neighborhood Groups
86.                Learn About the City Budget
87.                Learn About Opportunities to Mentor Young People
88.                Learn About Pocket Parks in Long Beach
89.                Learn About Solar Power in Your Home
90.                Learn Ways to Think Globally and Act Locally
91.                Long Beach History -- Panels of Residents Sharing Their Stories
92.                Make a Green Difference in Your Neighborhood
93.                Mediation and Dispute Resolution Resources
94.                Meet Your LBUSD School Board Members
95.                Neighborhood Self-Assessments
96.                Next Steps for Neighborhood Leaders - Where Do We Go From Here?
97.                Parenting
98.                Personal Financial Education
99.                "Phishing" Scams and Identity Theft
100.        Privacy Issue in Our Technological World
101.        Practical Steps to Running a Neighborhood Association
102.        Public Speaking
103.        Putting Private Dollars to Work:  Fundraising in a Challenging Economic Climate
104.        Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Neighborhood-Based Efforts to Reduce Waste
105.        Reducing Street Homeless in Long Beach
106.        Rental Property Management Skills and Tenant Screening Training
107.        Report Crime Using LBPD Anonymous Communication Technology
108.        Research the History of Your Home and Neighborhood
109.        Roberts Rules of Order
110.        Secure Your Social Security Number
111.        Sober Living Homes within Long Beach
112.        Storm Water and Urban Runoff

TWO VOTES
113.        Accounting for a Small Business
114.        All About Bullying
115.        Animal Care Services - Learn About Barking Dogs, and Other Pet Ownership Issues and Responsibilities and Spay and                 Neuter Programs
116.        Blight/Vandalism
117.        Broken Window Theory:  Neighborhood Impacts and What to do About Residential Nuisance Properties
118.        Brown Act
119.        Care for the Air
120.        City Charter
121.        Creative Family Communication for Parents & Young Children
122.        Criminal Elements in Neighborhoods / Blight and Vandalism
123.        Disease Awareness
124.        Education on Rules and Laws for Liquor Stores and Bars in Your Neighborhood
125.        Energy Conservation at Home and the Workplace
126.        E-Newsletters
127.        Funding for Youth
128.        Fundraising Events - Ideas and Rules
129.        Get the Most From Your Money - Dollars & Sense
130.        How to Address Drugs, Gangs and Graffiti in Your Neighborhood
131.        How to Buy a Home
132.        How to Buy Foreclosed Properties
133.        How to Deal with Unruly Participants at Neighborhood Meetings
134.        How to Get Involved in Make a Difference Day
135.        How to Get Involved in 9/11 National Day of Service
136.        How to Host a Neighborhood Block Party, Yard Sale or Other Neighborhood Event
137.        How to Host a Halloween Carnival in Your Neighborhood
138.        How to Host a Public Access Show on Cable Television
139.        How to Lead a Meeting
140.        How to Lower Your Grocery Bill
141.        How to Set Up a Grantsmanship Library
142.        How to Survive Tough Economic Times
143.        How to Start a Walking Group in Your Neighborhood
144.        How to Write a Professional Resume
145.        Ideas to Help Neighbors with Illnesses
146.        Ideas for Who to Invite to Speak at Your Monthly Meetings
147.        Internet Safety for Adults and Parents
148.        IRS and Other Reporting Requirements for Small Tax-Exempt Organizations
149.        Issues with Pets and Animals in Your Neighborhood -- Animal Control
150.        Laws About Street Parking and Garage Usage
151.        Learn About Diabetes / Diabetes 101
152.        Learn About Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training
153.        Learn About 911 and the Reverse 911 System
154.        Learn What Your Public Library Offers to Homebound Residents and People with Disabilities
155.        Megan's Law
156.        Neighborhood Awards - Neighborhood of the Year
157.        Neighborhood Event Planning
158.        Neighborhood Organizations Best Practices
159.        Neighborhood Watch
160.        Nutrition
161.        Organizing Your Neighborhoods
162.        Quick Wins, Building Momentum
163.        Résumé Writing
164.        Restoring Your Credit
165.        Saving Money and Planning for the Future
166.        School Community Partnership Opportunities
167.        Smoke Free Apartments and Anti-Tobacco Education Programs
168.        Strategies to Reach Your Uninvolved Neighbors
169.        Thinking About Becoming a Nonprofit Organization?                      
170.        Time Management
171.        Using the Internet and Message Boards to Communicate
172.        Want to Work, But Afraid of Losing Your Disability Benefits?
173.        Ways to Grow Your Neighborhood Association -- Lessons Learned from Other Neighborhood Associations
174.        What Can You Do About Shopping Carts in Your Neighborhood?
175.        What is an Historic Resource and What Do I Do With It?
176.        What to Do When You or Your Family Gets Sick
177.        "Who's in Charge?" Creating a Respectful Home for Teens and Parents
178.        Youth and Adult Partnerships

ONE VOTE
179.        Advocacy and Civics
180.        Cigarette Pollution
181.        Fire Services in Long Beach
182.        Fundraising Events - Ideas and Rules
183.        Fundraising Idea - How to Raise Funds for Disasters and Crises
184.        Fundraising Idea - How to Host a Rummage Sale
185.        Fundraising Idea - How to Host a Silent Auction
186.        Fundraising Idea - How to Host a Theater Performance
187.        Fundraising Idea - How to Host a Wine Tasting
188.        Fundraising Opportunities for Schools
189.        Learn About Capital Campaigns
190.        Learn About Creative Ways to Beautify Your Business Corridor
191.        Learn About H1N1 Pandemic Flu and Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Response
192.        Local Employment and Labor Statistics
193.        Meet the Funder - Learn How to Apply for Funding from Businesses and Foundations
194.        Tenant Rights and Responsibilities
195.        When to Get Help for Your Child
196.        Youth Internet Use
197.        Youth Programs and Resources

198.        Other (please specify) "

 

 

Residents are invited to help plant trees and attend the unveiling of a mural Saturday, Nov. 20,  in the Wrigley Area. Wrigley is Going Green, a grass roots organization that has begun several planting projects in Long Beach will be planting 60 trees near the Wrigley Garden, 1950 Henderson Ave.The mural is by Lisa Wibroe.

All volunteers will be entered into a raffle to win four turkey dinners. Shovels and gloves will be provided and students can receive credit for community service hours. 
Information is available at the Wrigley Garden blog calling Mauna Eichner at 562-595-7205.

Parents, kids and residents are invited to attend an open house for the Burnett Library Family Learning Center, 560 E. Hill St., on Tuesday, Nov. 16 from 5:30 p.m. until 7 p.m.

Those in attendance can learn about help they can receive at the Family Learning Center including bilingual homework help, English language assistance, job and resume help, computer skills and a variety of other resources.

 

It's a busy week for residents and members of the West Eastside Community Asscoiation, highlighted by a weekend  groundbreaking for the expansion of Orizaba Park Saturday, Nov. 20 at 9 a.m.

Prior to that, however, WESCA will play host to its ;monthly meeting Thursday, Nov. 18 at Lee Elementary School, 1620 Temple Ave. at 6:30 p.m. 

On Saturday, Nov. 20, the big event at Orizaba will coincide with the monthly alley clean up, which begins at 8 a.m. at 1376 Coronado Ave. Water and gloves will be provided.  People with trucks are especially needed.

If you feel your biorythms are slightly off kilter, the WESCA events, usually staged on the fourth week of the month, were moved because of the Thanksgiving holiday. So, if you're at the groundbreaking and see some sweaty folk with thick gloves, they're just WESCA members taking  a break to enjoy the big events.

As usual, a barbecue will follow the cleanup and groundbreaking.

 

The Long Beach Health Department is scheduled to host a flu vaccination clinic on Nov. 17, 2010 from 2 to 8 pm at Silverado Park,

The free vaccine shots -- at 1545 W. 31st St. --   protect against three influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the upcoming season, including 2009 Pandemic H1N1.

Everyone over 6 months old should get the flu vaccine each year. It is especially important for people who are at risk for severe illness from flu, and for those who might pass it to others who are at risk for severe illness from flu. This includes:

* children between 6 months and 5 years old (especially children younger than 2)
* adults over 65
* pregnant women
* people with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, asthma, heart disease, cancer, and HIV
* people who live in nursing homes
* health care workers, and
* those who live with or care for children less than 6 months of age.

More details are available on the Health Department's website at www.longbeach.gov/health, or the 24-hour Public Health Information line at 562.570.4499.

Catholic Charities in Long Beach will be one of the beneficiaries for this weekend's United Way HomeWalk in Los Angeles.
About 5,000 people are expected to participate in the event that provides funds for rapid rehousing and permanent supportive housing for the homeless.
This year's event will be staged Saturday, Nov. 13 at Exposition Park, 700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles, from 8:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.
Information about participation or registration is available on line at www.homewalkla.org or by phone at 888-2HELPLA.
 Long Beach counted 3,909 homeless in it biennial count in 2009 and another group counted 350 in the downtown area alone.  Over the last three years, 13,000 people have walked, raising $1.3 million and helping over 6,000 people off the streets.