Judge Rules In Favor Of City’s Plans For Belmont Beach And Aquatics Center
A Superior Court judge ruled in favor of the City of Long Beach today, determining that its plans for the Belmont Beach and Aquatics Center do not violate the California Environmental Quality Act and that the Long Beach City Council did not exceed its authority in granting a height variance for the project. The lawsuit filed by the local group Citizens About Responsible Planning also contends that project approvals were not consistent with the city’s Local Coastal Program and the California Coastal Act. The judge is withholding a ruling on those matters until the California Coastal Commission considers the project in 2019, according to a statement from the city attorney’s office. The council approved the project, which consists of a 125,000 square-foot pool complex, on May 16, 2017.
Year-Over-Year Passenger Traffic Up At Long Beach Airport
Traffic at Long Beach Airport increased from 313,064 passengers in June 2017 to 351,011 last month, a change of 12.1%, airport staff announced today. Total passenger traffic includes those departing from and arriving at the airport. The number of departing passengers increased 11.9%, while the number of arriving passengers increased 12.3%. When compared to 2017, year to date total passenger traffic is up 9.7%.
Community Forum On City’s Digital Inclusion Efforts
The City of Long Beach is hosting a community forum on its digital inclusion efforts on Thursday, July 26, 6-7:30 p.m., at The Guidance Center, 1301 Pine Ave. These initiatives include providing free Internet access in some of the city’s parks and giving residents access to library computers without a library card, according to Technology & Innovation Department Director/Chief Information Officer Lea Eriksen. The department is also conducting a survey of residents’ Internet use to address possible solutions to the digital divide. Copies will be available at the forum. Click here to RSVP.
Assemblymember Anthony Rendon To Hold Office Hours At Javatini’s Espresso
Assemblymember Anthony Rendon, whose district includes part of North Long Beach, is holding mobile office hours on July 26, 9-10 a.m. at Javatini’s Espresso, 4214 Woodruff Ave., Lakewood. Rendon is available to answer questions regarding state-related issues such as taxes, veterans’ benefits, foreclosure prevention programs and insurance. For more information, call Rendon’s district office at 562/529-3250.
Long Beach Police Department Promotes Patrick O’Dowd To Commander
The Long Beach Police Department announced the promotion of Lt. Patrick O’Dowd to commander of the East Patrol Division. O’Dowd has served in the department for 25 years, starting his career as a clerk typist in the records division. He is speaking at 4th District Councilmember Daryl Supernaw’s community meeting tomorrow, July 25, 5-6 p.m., Los Altos Public Library, 5614 E. Britton Dr.