Long Beach City Manager Patrick West issued a 12-page Year in Review that details significant accomplishments throughout the city. He also made the following comments:
"Despite experiencing the worst recession since the Great Depression, we accomplished a great deal during the past 12 months, and we have much to be proud of. This Year in Review reminds us all of the truly remarkable actions and achievements that resulted from City Council policy direction and the efforts of dedicated City staff."
The Year in Review is available at www.longbeach.gov. Highlights of Long Beach's accomplishments in 2009 include:
-- Secured $90 million in federal Stimulus funds, including Arlington Storm Drain, $1.5 million; Colorado Lagoon Improvements, $4.3 million; Street Repair, $14.4 million; Workforce Development Funds, $9.5 million; Homeless Prevention, $3.5 million; Diesel Emission Reduction of Port Equipment, $4 million.
-- Negotiated amendments to employee MOUs saving $14 million in the General Fund
-- Named No. 1 Green Fleet in the Nation (second year running)
-- Won National League of Cities' Gold Award for Municipal Excellence for the Youth Opportunity Center
-- Named Most Business Friendly City in Los Angeles County
-- World's largest mural on the Long Beach Arena roof painted by the artist Wyland
-- New Long Beach courthouse in Downtown moving forward, with three new designs proposed
-- Demolished the last adult theater/bookstore in the City
-- Received Clean Air Award from AQMD
-- Housing Authority secured a $1.7-million grant to provide 175 rental subsidy vouchers to homeless veterans
-- Gang-related shootings down 8.1% through November, compared to 2008
-- Violent Crimes down 46.5% since 1996; Property Crimes down 47.3% since 1996
-- Removed 10.4 million pounds of dirt from the Main Library roof to enhance earthquake safety and rainproof roof
-- Provided H1N1 flu vaccine to more than 50,000 individuals
-- Issued 60 citations for illegal garage conversions
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-
did that say 10 MILLION pounds of dirt on the roof?