Long Beach Unemployment Rate Up From May’s Low
Long Beach’s unemployment rate increased to 5.2% in July, according to the California Employment Development Department. The city’s unemployment rate hit a low of 4.1% in May, and increased to 4.9% in June. Countywide unemployment remained stable at 4.5% in July. A press release from the EDD indicated that between June and July, employment in local public education decreased by 37,500 jobs due to the summer break. This decrease accounted for nearly 90% of joblessness during this time period.
Four CalChamber-Opposed Bills Being Considered Next Week
Four bills opposed by the California Chamber of Commerce are being considered on the state assembly and senate floors next week. Senate Bill (SB) 100 and Assembly Bill (AB) 893 are related to utilities. SB 100 would revise the dates that statewide renewable energy requirements go into effect, and AB 893 would require utilities to procure energy from geothermal power plants. SB 1249 would make it illegal for a manufacturer to import any cosmetics tested on animals. AB 3080 would ban settlement agreements for labor and employment claims and would prohibit arbitration agreements as a condition of employment.
Provide Input On North Long Beach Land Use
The City of Long Beach is hosting two community meetings to develop the Uptown Planning Land Use and Neighborhood Strategy, also known as UPLAN. The initiative is meant to guide future development of North Long Beach through zoning, economic strategies and transportation improvements. A “public visioning activity” is scheduled for August 19, 4-6 p.m. at Grace Park, 361 E. Plymouth St. A “walk audit” is planned for August 22, 6 p.m., starting at the Carmelitos Community Center, 852 E. Via Carmelitos, and continuing along Atlantic Avenue. Attendees will provide input on possible improvements to the corridor for the UPLAN.
Community Hospital Update
The Community Hospital Task Force is meeting Monday, August 27, at 5 p.m. in the Recreation Park Golf Course Banquet Room, 5001 Deukmejian Dr. The public meeting will include updates from city staff, the hospital’s new operators and its foundation regarding efforts to reopen the facility. Click here for more information.
Local Chapter Of The National Council Of Negro Women Names New President
Zina Bourda-Foe was named president of the Long Beach Section of the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. Founded in 1966, the council is one the city’s oldest African American organizations. The organization has supported local programs such as the Black Infant Health Program, Long Beach Rescue Mission and the Mary McLeod Bethune Transitional Center, which provides education for the homeless. Bourda-Foe is a native of Louisiana and has been a member for 24 years.