Bits 'n' Pieces

Impact Award Winners Announced

The Long Beach City Prosecutor’s Office announced the winners of its Annual IMPACT Awards. “Long Beach is blessed to have people who are passionate about improving our community, and who work hard to make a difference,” said City Prosecutor Doug Haubert. “These people set the standard, and Long Beach is a better, safer place because of them.”

The recipients of this year’s IMPACT awards include:

• Long Beach Police Officers Who Pioneered the GUIDES App. In 2023, Long Beach launched GUIDES, a smartphone app that helps law enforcement connect and reconnect individuals to mental health, substance abuse, and shelter housing services. These officers made multiple referrals to services during the initial 6-month launch period: Christopher Brammer, Ratha Bun, Alejandro Cazares, Brian Dapello, Omar Deleon, Gabriel Garrido, Douglas Luther, Abraham Mercado, Amanda Petty, Giovanni Rodriguez, Hunter Schneider, James Stahmann, Roderick Tith, and Laurence Walker.
• Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, for her leadership in public safety initiatives, including the creation of Long Beach’s successful Homeless Court Program.
• Long Beach Department’s Collision Investigation Detail (CID) for their extraordinary assistance with investigations related to vehicular manslaughter cases, including CID Members: Kevin Johansen, Joseph Johnson, Shawn Loughlin, Jeffrey D. Meyer, Kelsey Myers, and Sgt. David Whelan.
• The City Prosecutor’s Multi-Cultural Advisory Commission (MCAC), for innovative policy and program guidance. MCAC Members include: Dr. Erin Simon, Gary Odom, Robyn Gordon-Peterson, Angel Mikaele, Sayon Syprasoeuth, Angel Macias, Jose Osuna, Citlalli Vazquez, Gregory Sanders, Johnathan Coleman, and Lushandra Prioleau.
• California Highway Patrol Officer Alex Cisneros, for his thorough investigation and presentation of evidence in a trial that resulted in the conviction of a repeat drunk driver.
• Walter Smith, Outreach Dispatcher for the Long Beach Health Department, for assisting persons experiencing homelessness as part of the City’s Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) program and Homeless Court.
• Long Beach Housing Authority and Director Alison King, for partnering with the City Prosecutor’s Office to investigate and prosecute housing discrimination against residents.
• Laserfiche, for the software company’s dedication and assistance in helping to develop the City Prosecutor’s new GUIDES app, the first of its kind in the nation.
• LBUSD High School Teacher Scott Newman, for his work recruiting attorney mentors and preparing students for law-related careers, while advancing the Cabrillo Academy of Law & Justice.

There will be two special awards presented in addition to regular IMPACT Awards. First, the Kim Maddox IMPACT Award will be presented to Long Beach Police Detective Kelsey Myers for her role in LBPD’s Collision Investigation Detail and S.W.A.T. teams. Second, the inaugural Christopher Zamora Innovation IMPACT Award will be given to Long Beach Police Officers Brian Dapello and James Stahmann, for their leadership in efforts to combat homelessness.

Each year City Prosecutor IMPACT awards are bestowed on individuals and groups who, working with the City Prosecutor’s Office, have made “a positive, significant impact in the City of Long Beach in the past year,” said City Prosecutor Doug Haubert. “The event was postponed during COVID, but it is being resumed in 2024 with these outstanding recipients.”

This is the 10th year of IMPACT awards, which will be presented at a reception on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024. Additional information about IMPACT Awards can be found here: https://cityprosecutordoughaubert.com/past-impact-awards/, or by contacting Sherri.Seldon@longbeach.gov.

Service Launched for Building Project Info

The City of Long Beach Community Development Department (LBCDD) has launched a new virtual meeting service for the public to get general answers to building code questions for proposed projects. The service features real-time, one-on-one video sessions with Permit Center staff.

The new service is being offered as a convenience to save customers time and travel that would be required to visit the Permit Center in person to get basic information and have questions addressed prior to beginning a project.

Powered by Microsoft Teams and as part of the department’s move to further streamline its operations, the convenient service can be accessed via devices used every day such as cell phones, tablets and desktop or laptop computers. To access the free service, customers will first need to schedule an appointment online.

During a virtual appointment with city staff, information can be provided on common topics such as how the permit process works, what is involved in turning a garage into an accessory dwelling unit, and whether a proposed project will need to involve multiple city departments. Customers can also find out if a proposed project might require a construction plan submission for review and approval prior to obtaining a construction permit.

The new service is the first in a suite of interim measures the LBCDD is offering its customers while the city develops its new Long Beach Builds platform, an Enterprise Land Management System for processing permits and licenses. LBCDD anticipates opening additional virtual meeting services for topics such as planning/zoning code questions, express permits and simple over-the-counter plan reviews as a way to offer applicants more options for conducting business with the LBCDD.

The virtual service is intended for general building code questions only at this time. If a project plan submission is required or multiple departments or bureaus are involved, an in-person visit to the Permit Center will be necessary. Project plans or applications are not able to be submitted or reviewed during virtual meetings. In-person appointments can be scheduled by visiting longbeach.gov/permits. Walk-ins are also welcome.

For more specific information about the Permit Center and the new virtual service, please email LBCD@longbeach.gov or call (562) 570-PMIT (7648). For information about LBCDD, visit longbeach.gov/LBCD and to receive news and updates about services and programs, sign up at LinkLB.

Casa Announces New Director of Development

Casa Youth Shelter, a leading organization dedicated to providing support and shelter for homeless and abused youth, announced the appointment of Megan Day as its new director of development, effective December 2023.

Day brings over nine years of extensive experience in the non-profit sector, having previously excelled in various roles at Alzheimer’s Orange County. Starting as an administrative assistant of outreach and advocacy in 2014, Day quickly rose through the ranks to become the associate vice president of community engagement. Her significant achievements include leading successful fundraising events and increasing funds by 275%, and spearheading peer-to-peer fundraising initiatives. Day’s expertise in grant and corporate funding has been instrumental in ensuring sustained annual giving efforts.

In her new role at Casa Youth Shelter, Day is committed to fostering a culture of kindness, integrity, and heartfelt connection. Her leadership philosophy emphasizes empowerment and active inclusion, ensuring that every member of the organization feels heard and valued. Day’s approach to development is not just about raising funds but about cultivating genuine relationships with supporters and staff.

Jessica Hubbard, CEO of Casa Youth Shelter, commented, “We are thrilled to welcome Megan to our team. Her passion for non-profit work and her proven track record of successful fundraising and community engagement make her an ideal fit for this role. Megan’s vision and expertise will be invaluable as we continue to support and empower the youth in our community.”

Day’s appointment represents a return to her roots in Rossmoor, and as an alumna of LAHS, she is excited about this geographical and charitable homecoming. Beyond her professional commitments, Day is a lifelong learner, keenly attuned to the evolving post-COVID era and its implications for modern-day fundraising.

For more information about Casa Youth Shelter and its initiatives, please visit https://casayouthshelter.org/.