By George Economides - Publisher

May 21, 2013 – The “Southern California Office Outlook,” is the theme of the June 6 annual luncheon of the Long Beach Commercial Real Estate Council. A four-person panel will discuss projects and future development planned for Los Angeles and Orange counties. The event is held at the Westin in Downtown Long Beach.

Everett “Allen” Greer, owner and managing member of Greer Advisors, LLC, is moderating a panel of speakers with insights into the office market. Guest speakers are: Peter Rooney, president of Sares Regis’ commercial investment division; Dr. Diana Hendel, president and CEO of Long Beach Memorial and Miller Children’s Hospital; Charles McClure, regional vice president of Legacy Partners; and Jan van Dijs, president of JR van Dijs, Inc.

By Tiffany Rider - Senior Writer

May 21, 2013 – Service standards will remain high at the mail processing center in Long Beach despite a facility consolidation slated for this summer, according to the United States Postal Service (USPS).

In a letter to the Business Journal, Gerard K. Ahem, district manager with the United States Postal Service’s Santa Ana District, responded to an article published in the May 7 issue of the Business Journal announcing the consolidation. He wrote: “I want to assure our customers that we will maintain the established service standards that are based upon where mail enters our processing system and that this move of operations will be transparent to them.

Businesses Hire From Aviation Maintenance Program That Got Cut

By Samantha Mehlinger - Staff Writer

May 21, 2013 – Upon learning of Long Beach City College’s decision to discontinue its aviation maintenance program, members of the local aviation industry expressed disappointment and surprise that no one reached out to them for input. They are now pushing to save the program.

Curt Castagna, president and CEO of the Aeroplex/Aerolease Group, said he is concerned because “having that resource and ability to train local residents and put them to work here at the Long Beach Airport is of benefit to the industry and businesses here.” The program is approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

By Tiffany Rider - Senior Writer

May 21, 2013 – Despite the release of the proposed investment plan for carbon allowance auction proceeds, Gov. Jerry Brown and the California Department of Finance (DOF) is recommending the monies be used as a one-time loan to the state’s General Fund.

According to a May 14 letter to the legislature, obtained by the Business Journal from DOF spokesperson H.D. Palmer, this proposed reallocation goes against what Governor Brown had initially proposed: to invest $500 million for programs that help achieve the goals of AB 32, the Global Warming Solutions Act, this coming fiscal year.

By Tiffany Rider - Senior Writer

May 21, 2013 – The Long Beach Fire Department can expect to begin receiving training on a new paramedic model known as rapid medic deployment (RMD) soon, according to Fire Chief Michael DuRee.

Based on an 8-5 vote on May 15 by the Los Angeles County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Commission, the proposed policy #407 that outlines requirements for advanced life support unit alternative staffing pilot programs was approved “in concept,” including two amendments by public member Frank Binch, who represents the county’s 4th Supervisorial District.

By Samantha Mehlinger - Staff Writer

May 21, 2013 – The Long Beach City Council voted unanimously May 14 to file litigation against the City of Los Angeles over the recent approval of a railway project adjacent to West Long Beach schools and homes. Long Beach councilmembers took action during a closed session held to discuss their options.

The suit pertains to BNSF Railway Co.’s $500 million Southern International Gateway (SCIG) Project approved in March by the Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners for a site in Wilmington. At the start of the city council meeting, City Attorney Robert Shannon announced, “The council voted nine to zero unanimously to initiate litigation against the City of Los Angeles, challenging its EIR [environmental impact report] relating to the SCIG project.”