BNSF’s Rail Project To Move Forward

On January 12, BNSF Railway won its appeal of an earlier ruling that prevented its Southern California International Gateway project from moving forward. The California Courts of Appeal found that the environmental impact report (EIR) for the project at the Port of Los Angeles complies with almost all California Environmental Quality Act guidelines, despite claims by the City of Long Beach and others. However, the ruling requires the project to be put on hold while several inconsistencies are corrected in the EIR. Click here for the full ruling.

State Of The Port
The Port of Long Beach is hosting its annual State of the Port event on January 24, 7-9 a.m., at the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center Grand Ballroom, 300 E. Ocean Blvd. Click here for more information.

Council Approves Project To Move Oil Production, Restore Wetlands

At last night’s meeting, the Long Beach City Council approved a proposal to move oil operations from land owned by Synergy Oil and the city to a plot currently used as a pumpkin patch located near 2nd Street and Pacific Coast Highway. The Los Cerritos Wetlands Authority is slated to take over sites used for oil operations and restore them to wetlands. The California Coastal Commission is slated to vote on the project in the spring.

 

Long Beach Selected To Participate In National Initiative

Today, the City of Long Beach announced that it is one of five cities selected to participate in Bloomberg Philanthropies’ What Works Cities initiative. The national initiative is “one of the largest-ever philanthropic efforts to enhance the use of data and evidence in the public sector,” according to a press release. Click here for more information.

City Work Program For Homeless To Be Developed

Last night, the Long Beach City Council approved the creation of a program allowing homeless citizens to earn money working with the city’s public works and parks departments. The work will most likely involve maintenance and beatification projects, according to a newsletter by Councilmember Suzie Price.

City’s Justice Lab Targets Cycle Of Repeat Incarcerations

The City of Long Beach launched a justice lab to direct offenders away from incarceration and toward mental health care and substance abuse programs. The lab was developed through the city’s innovation team in collaboration with nonprofits, neighborhood associations and the city’s public safety departments.