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dukeliftskey

 

Former Governor George Deukmejian Honored with Mayor Garcia’s …

“The city and the people in it have always been very nice to me,” said former Governor George Deukmejian, who was honored Tuesday with Mayor Garcia’s first key to the city for his contribution to the city and the state. “They saw it fit to vote for me a time or two, and that is quite an honor.”Read more: http://lbpo.st/1ORLyVt

Posted by Long Beach Post on Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Three prominent Long Beach leaders were honored with the keys to the city Tuesday evening, marking the first time local creatives became involved in the design of the coveted objects.

The honorees included former Governor George Deukmejian, who also served in the state legislature and as attorney general.

“He led this state through some very difficult times,” said Mayor Robert Garcia before the start of the city council meeting. “There were some historic budget and fiscal challenges the state was meeting, and we also had some big challenges when it came to crime across the State of California, but the governor, with his experience, with his good temper, with his partner and incredible team, really led the state through some incredibly challenging times to better days.”

During his speech, Deukmejian talked about his wife, his time in Long Beach and being recognized for his work in the state.

“The city and the people in it have always been very nice to me,” Deukmejian said. “They saw it fit to vote for me a time or two, and that is quite an honor.”

Deukmejian’s wife Gloria was also honored for her philanthropic efforts and volunteerism.

 

Philanthropist Gloria Deukmejian Honored with Mayor Garcia’s F…

“Long Beach is a very special place,” said Gloria Deukmejian, George Deukmejian’s wife, who was also honored Tuesday with Mayor Garcia’s first key to the city for her philanthropic efforts and volunteerism. “I really think it’s a hidden jewel and a lot of people don’t realize how wonderful this city is.”Read more: http://lbpo.st/1ORLyVt

Posted by Long Beach Post on Wednesday, December 9, 2015

A native of Long Beach, she is known for participating in community outreach programs, including PTA, Girl Scouts, Campfire, Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Center, St. Mary Hospital, and Assistance League of both Long Beach and Sacramento.

“This is a wonderful community and we’re very proud that we have received the keys to the city,” Gloria said.

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The third key to the city was bestowed upon local trailblazer Bobbie Smith, known for being the first African American member of the Long Beach Unified School District in its 100-year history, and serving four terms as board president.

She also worked as a librarian at Long Beach City College for more than 20 years.

 

Local Trailblazer Bobbie Smith Honored with Mayor Garcia’s Fir…

“Much of my service to the city has been in the name of lifting up others through education and equal opportunity,” said local trailblazer Bobbie Smith, the third recipient of Mayor Garcia’s first key to the city. “It’s really nice to know that some people remember that work and decided to give me this honor.”Read more: http://lbpo.st/1ORLyVt

Posted by Long Beach Post on Wednesday, December 9, 2015

“Bobbie Smith had the courage to dream big, had the perseverance and commitment to make her dreams a reality,” Garcia said.


DSC 0660Smith, who recently had an elementary school in the school district named after her, was grateful for the recognition.

“Much of my service to the city has been in the name of lifting up others through education and equal opportunity,” Smith said. “It’s really nice to know that some people remember that work and decided to give me this honor.”

The mayor also recognized the creators of the keys, including designers Gabriel Gaete and David Hedden, local artist Sherry Ray-Von who casted the key, and DW Ferrell who helped facilitate the process.

“I’m incredibly proud these keys were designed and crafted by local Long Beach artists and designers,” Garcia said in an earlier statement. “It was important to me that the keys reflect the creativity of our city and that each key was special enough to reflect the amazing people receiving them.”

Bottom, right photo by Asia Morris. All other photos by Stephanie Rivera. 

 

Members of the nonprofit USO sang the national anthem before the newly-designed key to the city was conferred to three local community members.Read more: http://lbpo.st/1ORLyVt

Posted by Long Beach Post on Wednesday, December 9, 2015

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Stephanie Rivera is the community engagement editor. Reach her at [email protected] or on Twitter at @StephRivera88.