Long Beach Unemployment Rate Drops
The unemployment rate in Long Beach dropped to 4.2% in March, according to statistics released today by the California Employment Development Department. The February rate was 4.6%. Both the state unemployment rate of 4.3% and the national rate of 4.1% remained unchanged from February to March. Statewide, the health care and educational service industries posted the most job gains. This data was not seasonally adjusted.
No Tuition Hikes For CSU System’s 2018-19 School Year
The California State University (CSU) system will not increase tuition for the 2018-19 academic year, the office of Chancellor Timothy White announced today. “In light of California’s strong economy, California’s students and their families should not be saddled with additional financial burden to attain public higher education,” White said. In November, the CSU requested a $263 million budget increase from the state; however, Gov. Jerry Brown’s January budget proposal included a CSU increase of only $92.1 million.
Treasurer Sells $2.15 Billion In State Bonds To Fund Projects
State Treasurer John Chiang announced today the completion of the sale of $2.15 billion in state taxable general obligation bonds to provide partial funding for high-speed rail, stem cell research and housing projects. The sale included $947 million in new borrowing and $1.2 billion to refund outstanding general obligation bonds for debt service savings. The refunding will save taxpayers $354 million over the time it takes to spend the bonds.
City’s New Educational Campaign To Inform On Risks Of Cannabis Use
Today, the Long Beach Department of Health & Human Services launched GreenlightLB, a campaign to educate the public on safe cannabis use. It includes information on the drug’s impact on developing minds as well as the risks and legal ramifications of driving under the drug’s influence. The campaign was developed in response to a survey that found a need for further education on the effects of cannabis. Survey results showed that 46% of 18 to 25-year-olds in the city have driven while high. The survey also found that 72% of respondents in the same age group agree that the drug is harmful to the development of young brains.
DLBA Seeking Artists And Designers For Placemaking Project
The Downtown Long Beach Alliance (DLBA) is seeking artists to help create a template design for sidewalk decals as part of a placemaking project called Explore DTLB. Placed throughout downtown, the decals are meant to promote on-foot exploration of the area. Participants must be at least 18 years old and operate a business or go to school in Long Beach. The deadline for submissions is May 18 by 10:59 p.m. Click here for submission requirements and more information.