Port Of Los Angeles Breaks July Cargo Record
The Port of Los Angeles experienced its busiest-ever July this year, processing 4.6% more cargo than in July 2017. It was also the fourth busiest month in the port’s 111-year history, the port announced today. Imports increased 5% and exports increased 8.4% compared to the same month in 2017. The number of empty containers shipped overseas increased by 1.2%. In total, the port processed 833,568 twenty-foot equivalent units of cargo. Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka attributed the increase to a “robust economy and cargo owners moving goods ahead of expected tariffs.”

Long Beach Rental Rates Increased Nearly 5%
The average rent in South Bay and Long Beach increased to $2,175 per month in June, a 3.8% increase year-over-year, according to a third quarter market report released today by Marcus & Millichap. Long Beach rents increased 4.9%. According to the “Multifamily 2018 Outlook,” the combined average rent for Long Beach and the South Bay is $2,217, a 3.8% year-over-year increase. The outlook also anticipates a vacancy rate of 3.4%. The outlook for average rents in Downtown Los Angeles is $2,565, up 8.5% over last year, while average rents in Westside cities such as Beverly Hills and Santa Monica are estimated to reach $3,163, up 7.4%.

Bill To Allow 4 a.m. Alcohol Sales Scheduled For Hearing Tomorrow
Senate Bill 905, which would allow the sale of alcohol until 4 a.m. in Long Beach and five other California cities during a five-year pilot program, is scheduled for a hearing before the Assembly Appropriations Committee tomorrow. Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia has gone on record with the Business Journal explaining that he would not support 4 a.m. sales citywide, as it would be disruptive to the city’s various neighborhoods. However, he said Downtown Long Beach is an area of opportunity, since interest has already been voiced regarding extending the hours of special events and other activities in the area. If passed by the legislature, the Long Beach City Council would decide what course of action the city would take, according to Garcia.

New Regional Health Care Network Includes MemorialCare in Long Beach
Health care management company Aetna on Monday announced a regional health plan called Aetna Whole Health – Southern California for employers with employees in Orange, Los Angeles and San Diego counties, as well as portions of the Inland Empire. Members of the plan will have access to approximately 1,400 primary care doctors, 8,300 specialists, 51 hospitals and 122 urgent care facilities. The plan is “currently available to self-insured employers and will be available to fully insured employers pending regulatory approval,” according to the announcement. The regional network includes collaboration between Aetna Whole Health, MemorialCare in Long Beach, Orange County and southern Los Angeles; PrimeCare Physicians Plans in the Inland Empire; Sharp in San Diego; and Providence Health & Services in Los Angeles County.

Long Beach City Council Voted To Work Toward Creating A Carbon Neutral Airport
At last night’s meeting, the Long Beach City Council unanimously approved a proposal to direct Long Beach Airport staff to work with airlines and other partners to become a carbon neutral facility. The mayor proposed the initiative, with 5th District Councilmember Stacy Mungo, who represents the airport, as a co-sponsor. “By creating a green airport, we will ensure a cleaner and healthier Long Beach for generations,” Mungo said.

Long Beach Crime Laboratory First In The World To Meet New Standards
The Long Beach Police Department announced yesterday that its crime laboratory is the first of the 459 forensic laboratories worldwide to be accredited in compliance with new International Organization for Standardization requirements. The ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board renewed the laboratory’s accreditation on July 17. The new standards focus on management requirements “related to operation and effectiveness of quality management systems,” and technical requirements, “which include factors that determine the correctness and reliability of the tests and calibrations performed by the laboratory,” according to the city press release.