What may have begun as a clever political tactic is likely to be a celebratory event at Fire Station 18 on Sunday.
Last week, Councilman Gerrie Schipske announced the East Long Beach station would have an open house this weekend, right before the council is expected to approve the city budget next Tuesday. Under City Manager Pat West's original budget proposal, the station was to share a fire engine with Station 1 downtown, leaving the Eastside station empty during the day.
The open house may have been a tactic to draw attention to the issue and drum up community support before the council vote, and it is supposed to give the public a chance to sign a petition against the station's partial closure. But this Tuesday the council voted to restore the station's fire crew to full strength, a move that seems likely to get final passage next Tuesday. Sunday's open house should be a joyous event now.
The open house takes place from noon to 2 p.m. at 3361 Palo Verde Ave. Visitors can meet the firefighters and have cookies and lemonade.
Paul Eakins reports on Long Beach City Hall, and local and regional
politics. A newcomer to the Press-
Kris Hanson reports on the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles,
covering environmental issues, economic triumphs and
pitfalls and trade trends of America’s largest port.
He also writes a weekly column “On The Waterfront”,
appearing Tuesdays, and also produces an occassional video
and column titled “On The Job,” which follows the hard-working
men and women who keep Southern California’s economy humming.
Karen Robes Meeks came to work for the Press-
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