Port Of Long Beach Named World’s Best Green Seaport
The Port of Long Beach has been named the world’s best green seaport by Asia Cargo News at the shipping trade publication’s 32nd annual Asian Freight & Supply Chain Awards in Shanghai. The port was recognized for its programs to reduce the environmental impact of its operations, including the Green Port Policy, the Clean Air Action Plan, and the Technology Advancement Program. These policies are moving the port toward a zero-emissions future. The award is given to ports that demonstrate compliance with green regulations, invest in and train staff in green initiatives, and incorporate environmental requirements in their plans and policies.
Vote On June 5
The Long Beach municipal general election, Long Beach Unified School District Board runoff and statewide primary election take place on June 5. The municipal race includes runoffs for the 5th and 7th Council Districts. Local voters will also decide whether to pass Measure M, a charter amendment that would allow the city’s water and gas departments to continue to transfer utility revenues to the General Fund with a cap of 12%. The school district election is a runoff for the District 3 (downtown) board seat. The statewide election includes primary races for governor, congress, the state legislature, and various other positions and initiatives. Click here for more information.
Hawaiian Airlines’ Inaugural Long Beach Flight Takes Off
Hawaiian Airlines’ inaugural flight from Long Beach Airport left earlier today before an audience of elected officials and the airline’s executives. The daily, non-stop flight to Honolulu departs at 8:30 a.m. and arrives at 11:40 a.m., allowing passengers to connect to neighboring islands as well as to other destinations. The return flight departs from Honolulu at 12:30 p.m. and arrives at Long Beach at 9 p.m.
Small Business Optimism Increases
According to the latest MetLife & U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index, small business optimism continued to increase through the second quarter. The index hit a record high of 68.7, up 2.4 points from the first quarter. The report indicates that most small business owners are confident in their local economies; however, confidence in the national economy dropped eight percentage points to 47%. During the second quarter, 18% of small businesses said they hired additional staff, compared to 16% in the first quarter.
New City System Streamlines Foodborne Illnesses Reporting
The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services has launched an online system for reporting foodborne illnesses from city restaurants. It is now available on the department’s website. Environmental Health Bureau Manager Nelson Kerr explained that while platforms such as Yelp and IwasPoisoned.com already exist to log complaints, the Health Department Foodborne Illness Incident Report collects more detailed information. Click here to access the report form.
LBTV Receives Awards For Government Programming
The States of California & Nevada Chapter of the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors awarded the City of Long Beach’s Video Communications Division, known as LBTV, with eight STAR awards for government programming. LBTV programs received first place awards in three categories: “every 15 minutes,” public safety and special audience. It also received the award for overall excellence in government programming for the 12th time.