Two Long Beach Hotels Agree To Provide Panic Buttons, Increase Wages
The union UNITE HERE Local 11 has reached a tentative agreement in contract negotiations with Hyatt Centric The Pike and Hyatt Regency Long Beach. Under the contract, which has yet to be voted on by union members, the hotels would provide panic buttons and increase wages and benefits, a union press release stated. Specific agreement details should be released once workers vote on the contract, according to Andrew Cohen, spokesperson for UNITE HERE Local 11. Today’s announcement comes the day before the Long Beach City Council is set to consider whether to advance an initiative creating similar protections at hotels to the November 6 ballot, postpone the proposal pending further study or adopt it outright. Shortly after UNITE HERE’S announcement, the Long Beach Hospitality Alliance issued a statement of opposition to the initiative being considered by the council tomorrow. “Many hotels have already been actively using panic buttons, which leaves only the most arbitrary and costly requirements in the proposed initiative having nothing to do with safety,” the alliance stated.

City Council To Hold Budget Hearing
During a special meeting tomorrow, August 7, at 3:30 p.m. at City Hall, the Long Beach City Council is holding a budget hearing to review and discuss the proposed Fiscal Year 2019 Budget. The $3 billion budget emphasizes public safety, infrastructure and addressing the city’s homeless population, among other items. Click here for more information on the proposed budget.

Port Of L.A. Announces Commercial Development Opportunity
The Port of Los Angeles Waterfront Commercial Development Group today released a prospectus for an 87-acre commercial development opportunity at Cabrillo Way Marina in San Pedro. The project site includes land and water located at the southwest corner of Miner and 22nd Streets, including 12 acres of commercial development area and 9.2 acres of landscaped parking that are already entitled. The Cabrillo Way Marina has 700 slips with a 325-dry boat storage facility. The port will release a formal request for aualifications and subsequent request for proposals later this year. The new opportunity is adjacent to the San Pedro Public Market and AltaSea developments, which are already underway and represent more than $200 million in private investment at the port.

Social Science Think Tank CEO To Speak At The Aquarium Of The Pacific
John Fraser, president and CEO of social science think tank NewKnowledge, is giving a lecture in the Aquarium of the Pacific’s Ocean Theater tomorrow, August 7, 7 p.m., 100 Aquarium Way. He plans to discuss research conducted over the past 16 years on how zoos and aquariums advance conservation efforts. He will also review results from collaborative projects involving the Aquarium. The event is $5 for the public and free for all Aquarium members, senior citizens, teachers and students with ID who have made a reservation. Reservations are recommended. Call 562/590-3100 to RSVP.