Second District Councilmember Suja Lowenthal delivered her State of the District address earlier in the week, addressing fiscal challenges facing the city as well as highlighting improvements made within her jurisdiction. The address was delivered at the Art Theatre on Fourth Street and featured the growing citywide trend of bike valet parking, provided by the Long Beach Cyclists.
Lowenthal stated that the City remained dedicated to being fiscally responsible and producing a balanced budget without losing important services.
“What is most important to me during these difficult budget deliberations is the preservation of those services that touch you on a daily basis – those services that impact your quality of life,” reads a copy of the speech. Councilmember Lowenthal listed a number of cuts that were made in the past year, including those to her own office’s budget and a citywide hiring freeze.
Lowenthal also listed public services that must continue to be provided by the city, such as public safety, infrastructure and maintenance of recreational areas. She also pointed out improvements made in air quality thanks to increased efforts made by the Port of Long Beach to “green” their operations, but acknowledged that more must be done.
“And while these results show promise, we cannot ignore the fact that greenhouse gas emissions rose 7% – a reminder that the ports must continue research and development of hybrid and electric conveyance systems in every segment of terminal operations.”
She also focused on strategies to pull the City through financial troubles.
“Much can be laid at the feet of this economic downturn,” the speech reads, “But the fact remains that we must look for opportunities as a city and business community to lessen its impact and prepare for a recovery.”
Some of the opportunities include delaying loan payment requirements for some local businesses, extending building permits for up to six months with no charge, and creating campaigns to encourage shoppers to spend locally.
“And you know, this underscores what we’ve talked about in the Second District for sometime now – the notion that while we are separate neighborhoods, we must concern ourselves with the wellbeing of one another,” the speech reads.
“So whether it’s a birthday, anniversary or everyday household needs, make the decision to shop our local businesses and you’ll be supporting the overall health of our community.”
Lowenthal also noted parking improvements in her District, the re-opening of the historic Bixby Bandshell, and announced a future dog park at Lincoln Park. She also introduced the idea of a 2-4 mile streetcar line from downtown to other destinations in the city, as well as an open-air downtown shuttle system due to increased complaints about parking – and as a way to possibly spark struggling commerce downtown.
If you’re interested in reading the entire speech, email [email protected] and we will gladly send it to you.
By Ryan ZumMallen, Managing Editor