Bits 'n' Pieces

$44 Million to Reduce Truck Emissions

Congressman Robert Garcia (CA-42) announced the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded grants to two companies in Long Beach totaling $43,954,884 to reduce truck emissions at port facilities located in the Port of Long Beach. The Reduction of Truck Emissions at Port Facilities program was made possible by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and will provide funding to reduce truck idling and emissions at ports.

“These grants will help sustain the Port of Long Beach’s mission to reach zero-emissions operations by 2035,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero. “This important funding aids the continuing electrification at Long Beach Container Terminal, which is already one of the greenest facilities of its kind in the world and will help accelerate the availability of heavy-duty electric trucks at the San Pedro Bay ports complex. Thanks to the Biden Administration for its steadfast support for the supply chain and our green future.”

Companies awarded investments include:

• $34,841,628 to the Long Beach Container Terminal (LBCT) to support the LBCT Electrification Advancement Project (LEAP). LBCT is currently one of the cleanest port terminals in the country. The LEAP Project directly reduces emissions by replacing fossil-fueled trucks and cargo-handling equipment with zero-emission technologies and by improving overall terminal efficiency to minimize truck idling and gate congestion. LEAP achieves the Administration Goals of safety; climate change and sustainability; equity and Justice40; and workforce development, job quality, and wealth creation.
• $9,113,256 to WattEVER Inc. in the City of Long Beach to support the WattEV TaaS Deployment (WTD) Project. The WTD project is an innovative model for achieving accelerated emission reductions and Heavy-Duty Battery Electric Vehicle (HDBEV) adoption. It will bridge the accessibility gap between innovative zero-emissions truck technology and independent owner operators, fostering a new generation of clean drayage trucking.

Human Kindness Awards

Dignity Health - St. Mary Medical Center (SMMC) celebrated its second annual Spirit of St. Mary Awards at the Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA) to celebrate this year’s honorees. This award is bestowed on those who live human kindness – a concept created by Dignity Health that says every person has the power to heal and can have a real impact on the health of the people around us. This year’s award went to Dr. Minnie Douglas, as well as the United Cambodian Community, for their philanthropy and contributions to the city of Long Beach and surrounding communities.

Michael Neils, St. Mary Medical Center Foundation president and SMMC chief philanthropy officer, Carolyn Caldwell, SMMC president, and Spirit of St. Mary honoree Dr. Minnie L. Douglas. Dr. Douglas is a longtime resident of Long Beach, a Long Beach City College professor emeritus, community activist and active board member for several organizations in Long Beach.

New Senior VP/Chief Lending Officer

LBS Financial Credit Union recently added a new leader to its senior leadership team, Tom Orman, as senior vice president/chief lending officer.

Tom brings with him over 25 years of lending leadership experience and has also served in credit union leadership roles related to strategic planning, business development, political advocacy, and risk management. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and an MBA degree from Pepperdine University.

In his role as senior vice president/chief lending officer, Tom oversees the consumer lending, mortgage lending, and collections teams.

“Tom’s depth of experience in lending will help us continue to make a positive difference in the lives of our members,” said LBS Financial’s President & CEO, Sean Hardeman. “We look forward to Tom’s fresh perspective and focus on helping our members achieve their financial goals by providing access to affordable loans.”

MemorialCare Celebrates 500th Cryoablation

Mark Y. Lee, M.D., medical director, electrophysiology, (center) continues to advance cardiac care performing his 500th cryoablation, a leading procedure that utilizes extreme cold to destroy abnormal heart tissue.

The MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute at Long Beach Medical Center’s electrophysiology team, led by Mark Lee, M.D., successfully completed its 500th cryoablation procedure for patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib), a common heart rhythm disorder affecting millions of Americans. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the electrophysiology program, which is one of the most advanced and comprehensive in the region.

Dr. Mark Lee, the medical director of electrophysiology at MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute at Long Beach Medical Center, performed the landmark 500th procedure.

“This milestone procedure showcases the exceptional efforts of our electrophysiology team, who are committed to enhancing the quality of life for patients with AFib,” says Dr. Lee. “Cryoablation is a game-changer for many patients with AFib, as it can reduce their risk of stroke and heart failure.”

Cryoablation is a minimally invasive, catheter-based treatment used to treat certain heart rhythm disorders such as atrial fibrillation (AFib) which causes an irregular heartbeat. During the procedure, a thin tube called a catheter is inserted through the blood vessels to reach the heart applying extreme cold to specific areas of the heart tissue causing the abnormal heart rhythm – effectively freezing and destroying problematic cells.

Cryoablation is faster and more precise than traditional surgical methods and has a lower risk of bleeding, infection, and complications from anesthesia. Recent studies have shown cryoablation is significantly more effective than medication in preventing AFib recurrence, and patients generally experience less pain and discomfort than with radiofrequency ablation.

“Cryoablation is a safe and effective one-time procedure that helps reduce the need for long-term drug therapy and the associated side effects it comes with, providing patients an alternative option for minimally invasive advanced treatment options,” says Dr. Lee.

To learn more, visit memorialcare.org/lbheart.

LA Care Supports Help Me Help You Fight Hunger

LA Care recently awarded Help Me Help You with a 2024 CalFresh Outreach Grant to support free enrollment assistance for Long Beach residents in need. By supporting access to CalFresh benefits, this grant will help residents receive monthly benefits to purchase groceries of their choice and, in some cases, hot meals from the many participating grocery stores, farmer’s markets, and restaurants.

Over the last few years, the ongoing rise in food costs and inflation has led to a spike in food insecurity for residents. According to the 2023 CA Food Banks census data analyzed, the greater LA area, including Long Beach, recorded the highest levels of hunger, with 31% of residents suffering from food insecurity. California recorded an inflation increase of 3.2% in October 2023, with overall food prices rising by 3.8% and a 5% increase in meats, poultry, fish, and eggs (U.S Bureau of Statistics).

CalFresh is California’s supplemental food program to help qualifying low-income individuals and families get the food they need to stay healthy. It provides monthly dollars via an EBT debit card to purchase fresh and packaged groceries from participating grocery stores (including Albertsons, Vons, Walmart, Aldi, Amazon, and farmer’s markets) and seeds/plants to grow food at home. Seniors, people experiencing homelessness, and people with disabilities also have the option to use their CalFresh benefits to purchase hot or prepared food from participating restaurants. On average, CalFresh can provide a family of four a monthly benefit of up to $973 and other benefits. Sadly, according to the California Department of Social Services, approximately 322,000 L.A. County residents are eligible for CalFresh benefits but do not receive them because they have not applied.

To help combat hunger, Help Me Help You provides free weekly groceries to residents in need via their 11 food pantry locations, Long Beach Food Pantry Delivery (for seniors and persons with disabilities), and free enrollment assistance for CalFresh and other essential services. Their CalFresh community outreach project is funded in part by L.A. Care Health Plan and will benefit low-income and uninsured residents of Los Angeles County during 2024. LA Care Health Plan, the nation’s largest publicly operated health plan serving over 2.9 million members, is committed to advancing health equity.

To see if you qualify for CalFresh benefits or to receive free enrollment assistance, call Help Me Help You at 562 612 -5001 or visit www.helpmehelpu.org/calfresh.

Putting for Pediatric Care: 14th Annual Champion’s Club Classic Golf Tournament Raises Record $267K for Pediatric Intensive Care at MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach

Participants spent the day hitting the green and swinging for a cause to support MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach’s Pediatric Intensive Care Unit critical care services.

More than 100 supporters and donors gathered for a day of camaraderie and philanthropy at Virginia Country Club in Long Beach for the 2024 Champion’s Club Classic Golf Tournament benefiting the Cherese Mari Laulhere Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach. The event raised a record-breaking $267,500 that will support critical care needs of children and teens in the community.

Among the attendees was Rhyann Diaz, a resilient 19-year-old who shared her journey of recovery following a violent hit-and-run car accident in Seal Beach February of last year. Rhyann, an avid ballet dancer since the age of three, spent four days in the pediatric intensive care unit at Miller Children’s, where she was treated for a fractured pelvis, 10 broken ribs and a bruised lung. She spent over a month non-weight bearing before being able to walk again.

“We were thrust into the pediatric intensive care unit, facing a daunting situation, but the care and support we received at Miller Children’s & Women’s was nothing short of extraordinary,” says Rosanna Diaz, mother of Rhyann Diaz. “Their dedication, compassion and expertise guided us through one of the toughest times of our lives, and for that, we are endlessly grateful.”

The tournament was followed by a banquet style dinner and exhilarating live auction. Attendees had the opportunity to bid on exclusive sports, hospitality, and custom experiences, further contributing to the fundraising efforts for Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital.

“Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital extends its deepest gratitude to all the participants, donors and supporters of the 2024 Champion’s Club Classic Golf Tournament,” says Rob Gunsalus, president, Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Foundation. “Your generosity directly impacts the lives of pediatric patients like Rhyann, ensuring they receive the exceptional care and support they deserve. Together, we are making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families facing medical challenges.”

The success of the 2024 Champion’s Club Classic Golf Tournament underscores the unwavering commitment of the Long Beach community to the well-being of its youngest members. Through collective efforts and philanthropic initiatives, Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital continues to provide exceptional care and support to children and families in need.

Airport Sets New Passenger Traffic Record

Long Beach Airport (LGB) has reached a new milestone, setting an all-time monthly record for the most passengers to board flights from LGB during its 100-year history. A total of 182,382 passengers departed from LGB in March 2024, surpassing the previous record of 178,836 enplanements set in July 2018. Measuring enplaned passengers is the industry standard because the majority of airport revenues are generated directly or indirectly from enplaned passengers.

Overall commercial passenger activity for March 2024 represented an increase of 21.95% compared to March 2023. Year-to-date figures through March for 2024 revealed an 18.1% rise in total passenger numbers compared to the year prior.

Several key factors have contributed to the surge in passenger traffic, in particular the increased use of LGB’s 58 flight slots. Southwest Airlines acquired 10 additional flight slots in 2023, for a total of 50, and gradually began increasing its schedule.

Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Air and Southwest Airlines currently offer service to 24 nonstop destinations around the nation, including Hawaii, which is more nonstop service than at any time in LGB’s 100-year history.

Additionally, recent modernizations as part of Long Beach Airport’s ongoing $122 million Phase II - Terminal Area Improvements Program have enhanced the overall experience from curb to gate, making travel even more convenient for passengers.

“We are thrilled to see continued growth in passenger traffic at Long Beach Airport,” said Airport Director Cynthia Guidry. “The diversification of our route network, coupled with ongoing improvements in infrastructure and services has positioned LGB as a preferred choice for travelers seeking convenience, comfort and connectivity.”

Level Up LB Grants

The City of Long Beach launched applications for the Level Up LB: Extreme Small Business Makeover and Grant program, a new program designed to propel small businesses towards success and sustainability. This initiative offers entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to connect with essential business support resources and undergo comprehensive workshops aimed at crafting new business and marketing plans. The program will assist 25 small business owners with support services, workshops and $10,000 in grant funding to take their small business to the next level.

The city’s Department of Economic Development will lead the Level Up LB program and oversee all program activity, with coordinated support from local partners within the Inclusive Business Navigators program. Businesses selected to participate in the program will be provided with technical assistance and resources to evaluate their business plan and financials, sales metrics and benchmarks, and identify strategies to reach the next level of growth.

Through a series of no-cost training sessions, participants will have access to a myriad of support services and business tools, including but not limited to:

• One-on-one business coaching and advising
• Connecting with city and local business support resources
• Strategic business planning
• Marketing and branding
• Social media promotion
• Business finance
• Government procurement opportunities

Additionally, business owners who participate in the workshop series and complete their business and grant investment plans will be eligible to receive $10,000 in Level Up LB Grants that can be used for equipment upgrades, technology upgrades, employee training and retention, facility improvements and marketing.

“Our small businesses are essential to the economic prosperity of our city,” said Director of Economic Development Bo Martinez. “By shopping and investing in small businesses locally, we are investing in the vibrancy and expansion of our neighborhoods, jobs, and local economy.”

Applications are available now until 5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 21, 2024. For more information about program eligibility requirements, businesses can visit longbeach.gov/levelup.

Stradley Ronon Launches California Office

Stradley Ronon, a full-service, nationally recognized law firm, has launched an office in Long Beach, underscoring the firm’s strategic growth plan in key markets throughout the United States. The office – the firm’s ninth and the first on the West Coast – will be led by partner-in-charge Esther E. Cho. A team of five associates is also expected to join the firm. The group – which arrives from Keesal, Young & Logan – focuses on financial services, securities litigation, employment and commercial litigation.

Stradley Ronon’s litigation practice defends financial institutions that are often subject to intense regulation and government scrutiny and that are regularly targeted in litigation. This includes representing clients in individual, class action and multidistrict litigation in state and federal courts, as well as in arbitration proceedings nationwide. With a keen understanding of clients’ diverse array of industries, products and challenges, and the firm’s deep bench strength, Stradley Ronon provides clients with an integrated service that proactively and comprehensively achieves their goals.

The California office is located at Landmark Square, 111 West Ocean Boulevard, Suite 400, Long Beach.