Newsom Proposes $750 Million To Support Affordable Housing Production
To address the widespread shortage of affordable housing in California, Gov. Gavin Newsom is proposing a package of $750 million in one-time funding to accelerate housing production. The proposal includes $250 million to help cities and counties update their regional housing needs allocations (RHNA) “to better reflect regional housing and transportation needs,” as well as $500 million in incentives for jurisdictions that meet their production goals. “Our state’s affordability crisis is undermining the California Dream and the foundations of our economic well-being,” Newsom said in a press release. The governor has made new housing a priority, asking for more than $1 billion in economic incentives to increase housing for low-to-middle income earners in his January budget proposal. In February, his administration sued the City of Huntington Beach for failing to allocate enough affordable units to meet its RHNA target.

California Association Of Realtors Supports Affordable Housing Legislation
The California Association of Realtors (CAR) is supporting a package of legislative bills that address the state’s shortage of affordable housing. In a press release, CAR announced that it is willing to work with Gov. Gavin Newsom, legislators and key stakeholders to increase housing inventory and development. Bills endorsed include: Senate Bill (SB) 50, which incentivizes residential development around transit hubs; Assembly Bill (AB) 1568, which would withhold gas tax revenue from counties that do not meet housing production goals; AB 1074, loans for homeowners that build accessory dwelling units; AB 1020, the creation of a state housing agency led by a secretary of housing; and SB 509, a plan for funding affordable housing programs in the state.

Sephora Coming To Long Beach
Cosmetics and beauty products retailer Sephora is opening a location in Long Beach this year, the company announced yesterday. The retailer plans to open 35 new locations throughout the United States in 2019. According to Sephora, each of its new locations will offer products from more than 200 brands specializing in skincare, fragrance, cosmetics and hair care. When asked where the new Long Beach store would be located, a company spokesperson said that information was not yet available. Could it be 2nd & PCH?

Popbar To Celebrate Opening At The Hangar
Specializing in handcrafted, customizable gelato popsicles, Popbar is celebrating its new location at The Hangar at the Long Beach Exchange, 4069 N. Lakewood Blvd. During the March 22 grand opening, Popbar is handing out free samples between 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. From March 21 to 24, Popbar is offering free dippings and toppings.

New Theater Company P3 Announces Inaugural Long Beach Lineup
A new Los Alamitos-based performing arts organization, P3 Theatre Company, has announced its inaugural lineup to debut at the Ernest Borgnine Theater housed in Long Beach’s Scottish Rite Event Center. The nonprofit kicks off its first season with an interpretation of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Evita,” running September 13-29. The company’s calendar for the 2019-2020 season also includes “Steel Magnolias,” “Sordid Lives,” “Gypsy” and “A Chorus Line.” P3’s focus is to “present top quality, professionally produced, theatrical works that inspire and enlighten the community in an effort to achieve complete harmony and inclusivity,” according to a company statement.

Downtown Long Beach Alliance Hires New Placemaking Manager Mariah Hoffman
The Downtown Long Beach Alliance (DLBA) has hired a new placemaking manager, Mariah Hoffman, who is responsible for the organization’s efforts to enhance public spaces. Hoffman previously coordinated residential architecture projects for a San Diego design-build firm, and also has a background in landscape architecture, sustainable design and machine fabrication, according to the DLBA.  She earned her bachelor’s from the University of Arizona.