Bits 'n' Pieces

Honored for Innovation

The Port of Long Beach was honored recently for its leadership and vision in strengthening the U.S. intermodal freight transportation system – earning recognition for its renowned efforts to deliver economic, operational and environmental benefits throughout the nation’s supply chain.

In announcing its inaugural award, the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA) said the Port was “selected for its sustained leadership in strengthening the nation’s intermodal freight network through strategic infrastructure investment, digital innovation, operational excellence, environmental stewardship and collaboration across the supply chain.”

IANA commended the port for its role as “a catalyst for innovation across North America’s intermodal transportation system.”

“We are honored to be selected as the first recipient of the Intermodal Innovation Award and to be recognized by the intermodal community for our contributions to a faster, cleaner and more efficient intermodal network,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Noel Hacegaba. “This recognition validates our efforts and invigorates our vision to double our container throughput by 2050 and build the Port of the Future by investing in zero-emissions operations, greater rail connectivity and strategic partnerships to decarbonize trans-Pacific trade routes and inland transportation corridors.”

The Port of Long Beach is undertaking a 10-year $3.3 billion capital improvement program, the centerpiece of which is the $1.8 billion Pier B On-Dock Rail Support Facility designed to triple the volume of cargo moved by rail when completed in 2032.

Free Firearm Safes

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) will distribute 200 free firearm safes across three DHHS locations on Tuesday, August 4, as part of an effort to prevent firearm-related injuries, reduce unauthorized access to firearms, protect children and prevent firearm theft. Firearm safes will be distributed free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis, with no registration required.

The initiative returns for a second year after strong community participation in the city’s firearm safe distribution program in 2025. During the one-day event last year, all available safes were claimed within 15 minutes.

On  Aug.\ust 4 at 8:30 a.m., residents may pick up one free firearm safe per household weighing approximately 10 pounds and capable of storing up to two handguns, along with educational materials on responsible firearm storage and safety, at the following locations:

• Main Health (2525 Grand Ave.)
• Miller Family Health Education Center (3820 Cherry Ave.)
• Ron Arias Health Equity Center (6335 Myrtle Ave.)

Residents must not bring their firearms to distribution locations. Weapons of any kind, including firearms, are prohibited at city facilities.

VA Receives Funding

VA Long Beach received funding for Non-recurring Maintenance projects in the third quarter of fiscal year 2026, after receiving funds earlier in the year.

The funding is part of a record $4.8 billion in nationwide VA spending to modernize, repair, and improve health care facilities in FY2026 via the Veterans Health Administration’s Non-Recurring Maintenance program.

Funding projects for VA Long Beach in the third quarter of FY2026 are:

• Sterilizers and equipment site prep: Prepare space for installation of 3 new upgraded sterilizers.
• Utility backbone feasibility study: Will evaluate how to update aging utility systems in multiple campus buildings, including options for upgrading electrical, plumbing, and other key systems to support safe, reliable care for the next 30 years.
• Integrated Authorize Projects: Multiple building improvement projects necessary for special population patients. This includes stronger building supports, replacement and enhancement of interior lighting, and campus safety and security improvements.
• Four direct patient care area enhancement projects: Improve spaces across multiple buildings to address patient flow, increase safety, and asbestos abatement.
• Community Living Center patient lifts upgrade: Supports design to add and extend patient lift systems, improving safety for staff and patients during everyday care. Will extends 97 existing patient lifts from bedrooms into adjacent patient private bathrooms, install 33 new patient lifts, and add 1 patient lift to the physical therapy area.

“This funding allows VA Long Beach to continue modernizing and improving, so our facility remains safe, efficient, and equipped to provide high-quality care for our Veterans in Southern California,” said Interim Medical Center Director Christina White.

Of the total $4.8 billion committed for fiscal year 2026, VA has obligated a total of $2.2 billion. That obligation of funds in the third quarter includes:

• $915 million to repair and upgrade outdated infrastructure systems in medical facilities.
• $229 million for maintenance and modernization of facility infrastructure to support future electronic health record system updates.
• $11 million for major building upgrades like elevators, electrical systems, and boiler plants.

Student Scholarship

The YMCA of Greater Long Beach announced that Sean Nguyen, a participant in the North Stars YMCA Youth Institute at the Carmelitos Best Buy Teen Tech Center, has been selected as a recipient of the highly competitive UNCF/Best Buy Scholars Program scholarship.

Sean, a graduate of Sato Academy of Mathematics and Science, has been awarded a $10,000 annual scholarship for four years, totaling $40,000, along with access to a national mentorship network designed to support his academic and professional success. This fall, Sean will attend the University of Southern California (USC), where he plans to study pharmacology.

Since joining the YMCA Youth Institute in 2023, Sean has embraced opportunities to grow both personally and academically through the Best Buy Teen Tech Center. Through mentorship, hands-on learning, and access to cutting-edge technology, the Teen Tech Center equips young people with the skills, confidence, and experiences they need to prepare for college, careers, and life.

Sean’s achievement reflects the YMCA’s commitment to empowering young people through education, mentorship, and opportunities that help them realize their full potential.

Olympic Survey

The City of Long Beach is inviting residents, businesses and stakeholders to participate in a survey to help ensure community priorities, perspectives and aspirations shape the City’s planning and preparations for the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

As a proud Venue City for the LA28 Games, Long Beach will stage 11 Olympic sporting events and seven Paralympic sporting events. Inviting the community to get involved in these efforts is an integral part of Long Beach’s planning process.

The online survey, available at lbcity.info/lb28gamessurvey in English, Spanish, Khmer and Tagalog, takes approximately 10 minutes to complete and is open now through Sept. 30. Residents are encouraged to take part in the survey to help shape a successful and inclusive LA28 Games experience for Long Beach. City staff will conduct survey outreach at a variety of city events taking place over the summer months.

Responses will be shared with the mayor and City Council and will help identify community priorities and concerns, inform city planning and engagement strategies. This feedback will also be shared with external partners.

This effort is part of Long Beach’s broader commitment to ensuring that the benefits and impacts of the games are shaped by the community. The city is also partnering with trusted community messengers, such as schools, nonprofits, community-based organizations and advisory committees, to expand outreach and encourage participation across their networks.

Port Acquires Building

Building on Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson’s vision to revitalize the downtown area, the Port of Long Beach is taking the first step toward acquiring a commercial office property to create a hub for companies connected to maritime trade.

The move advances Richardson’s economic development strategy, AnchorLB, aimed at encouraging international shippers, manufacturers and other logistics businesses to locate their offices in downtown Long Beach.

“A world-class port deserves a world-class business hub where industry leaders can work, meet and collaborate in a central location,” said Long Beach Harbor Commission President Frank Colonna. “Bringing maritime businesses into downtown Long Beach will strengthen our connection to the community, spur economic activity for local businesses and extend the benefits of trade beyond our waterfront.”

As a partner to the mayor’s AnchorLB initiative, the Port of Long Beach will acquire the property at 100 Oceangate, located near the Long Beach Civic Center. The property includes a 13-story building with 226,748 rentable square feet of office space and a five-level parking structure.

In addition to serving trade-related businesses, the building will also provide space for meetings, workforce development initiatives and “Port U,” the Port of Long Beach’s internal training and career development program.