Bits 'n' Pieces

Get Vaccinated Against Flu

The city health officer confirmed the first flu-associated death in Long Beach this season, that of a Long Beach adult who was younger than 50 years old and had underlying health conditions.

“This death is a serious reminder that flu can cause serious illness,” said Anissa Davis, MD, MPH, Long Beach health officer. “The Long Beach Health Department continues to recommend that all individuals six months of age and older get their flu vaccine. It is not too late in the season to protect yourself from flu.”

The California Department of Public Health has reported 54 cases of confirmed flu-related deaths statewide so far this season. The most commonly detected flu strain thus far has been influenza B, but influenza A strains also are circulating.

Getting the flu vaccine can prevent people from getting sick or may lessen the severity of symptoms for those who become ill. The flu vaccine protects against both influenza A and B viruses and is recommended for everyone over six months of age, especially young children, pregnant women, adults over 50 and those with chronic medical conditions. Caretakers and close contacts of these individuals also should be vaccinated.

Flu is a contagious respiratory illness which spreads primarily through droplets from coughing and sneezing. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headaches and fatigue. Flu can lead to severe illness, resulting in pneumonia and even death.

In addition to getting the flu vaccine, people should practice good hygiene such as washing hands, covering coughs and staying home when sick.

The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) continues to vaccinate residents throughout the flu season. To schedule an appointment for a low-cost flu shot, residents can call the Immunization Clinic at (562) 570-4315.

For the most up-to-date information on flu in Long Beach, visit www.longbeach.gov/flu.

Rocket Lab Expands with New Long Beach HQ

Rocket Lab, the global leader in dedicated small satellite launch, has announced it will open a new facility which will serve as its corporate headquarters, provide incremental production capacity, and bring Mission Control Center capabilities to Long Beach.

Construction on Rocket Lab’s Long Beach complex in Douglas Park has begun, with the facility scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2020. The complex has been designed to produce more than 12 full Electron launch vehicles each year to support a monthly launch cadence from Rocket Lab’s first U.S. launch site, Launch Complex 2 in Wallops Island, Virginia.

Production facilities for Rocket Lab’s flagship Rutherford engine will also be expanded, with the company planning to produce more than 150 engines for the Electron launch vehicle in 2020.

Rocket Lab’s rapidly growing satellite manufacturing capabilities are a key driver behind the new Long Beach complex. In 2019 the company expanded beyond launch services and began designing and manufacturing Rocket Lab satellites to provide an end-to-end mission service.

Based on flight-proven technology employed in the Electron Kick Stage, Rocket Lab satellites are a complete spacecraft solution for a range of LEO and Lunar orbit missions, from constellation development, through to technology demonstrations and hosted payloads.

The new Long Beach complex will support end-to-end production and testing of Rocket Lab satellites, with the first satellites booked to launch on Electron from Q3 2020.

Rocket Lab’s first U.S-based Mission Control Center will also be located at the Long Beach Complex. By operating two launch sites and two Mission Control Centers, Rocket Lab can conduct simultaneous launches from Launch Complexes 1 and 2 to meet the growing need for responsive space launch. 

Rocket Lab Founder and CEO Peter Beck, says the new Long Beach Complex will mean larger production facilities, purpose-built customer experience areas and room to grow as the company enters another busy launch year.

“As we enter our third year of orbital launches and expand into satellite manufacturing, we’re investing in major infrastructure and growing our team to provide frequent and reliable access to orbit for small satellites,” he said. “Long Beach is an ideal location for our team; it has a vibrant space community, it’s close to many of our suppliers and offers room to grow as our operations do. The City of Long Beach has been incredibly welcoming, and we look forward to working with them to continue growing the local space economy.”

There are currently more than 50 roles open for positions at the new Long Beach Complex, including positions in engineering, avionics production, Mission Management, Launch Services and more.

LBPD Announces Lower Crime Levels

Year-end citywide crime statistics show a continuing trend in the overall reduction of citywide crime, compared to last year and the five-year average. Additionally, citywide violent crime is down 8% and property crime is down 4.3% from last year. Violent crime had reductions in robbery and a double-digit reduction in aggravated assaults. Property crime has reductions in six categories with the most significant reductions in bike thefts, residential and garage burglaries, and petty theft over the amount of $50.

Overall, the LBPD observed a reduction in total violent crime, however, increases in the category are attributed to rape and murder. There were 34 murders in 2019, which is an increase when compared to 30 from the previous year but continues to be a decrease when compared to overall historical crime statistics. Approximately, 44% of murders were gang-related and nearly 12% were domestic violence related.

Rape remains one of the most unreported crimes and like most of the nation, we have seen an increase in the category locally. A vast majority of reported incidents involved known suspects, and factors contributing to the upward national increase in rape are delayed reporting and drugs or alcohol.

“Overall crime totals continue to decrease and that is largely due to the work both sworn and civilian employees accomplish every single day. However, there is still more work to be done to further reduce crime in our city,” stated Chief of Police Robert G. Luna. “It is unacceptable that innocent people are impacted by senseless criminal activity. We will continue to work in partnership with our community on strategies to reduce crime and continue to support those victims affected by these crimes.”

The Long Beach Police Department is committed to continuing making Long Beach streets safe for all and firmly believes that collaboration with our community is a key factor in achieving that goal. Strengthening partnerships and communication, fostering community trust and engagement, and promoting the “See Something, Say Something” philosophy throughout our city will allow us to leverage our collective efforts to drive our crime rates even lower.

To view all Long Beach Police Department crime statistics: http://www.longbeach.gov/police/crime-info/crime-statistics/

Submitted by LBPD Media Relations

National Outstanding Alumni Award

Long Beach City College (LBCC) alumnus Dr. Jean-Bernard Durand will receive the 2020 Outstanding Alumni Award from the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), the primary advocacy organization for the nation’s community colleges. Durand is one of four community college alumni from across the country chosen to receive the honor this year.

Durand graduated from LBCC with an Associate of Arts degree in 1980. During his time at LBCC, he received the LBCC Outstanding Student Award, the Outstanding Scholar Award and won first place in the National French Competition. He received his bachelor’s degrees in Physiology and Chemistry from California State University, Long Beach in 1984. He went on to receive his medical degree in 1988 from the Medical College of Wisconsin. 

Durand is currently the medical director of Cardiomyopathy Services, the director of Cardiovascular Genetics Research, and the Cardiology Fellowship program director at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX.

As a faculty member and researcher, Durand revolutionized the study of the relationship between cardiovascular disease and cancer. His research seeks to understand the molecular genetics of cardiomyopathy, and he launched the first program specifically designed to manage chemotherapy-induced cardiovascular complications.

Durand established the world’s largest database of DNA from patients with heart failure secondary to chemotherapy and has future plans to perform genotyping to identify genes that indicate risk for heart failure linked to chemotherapy.

The Outstanding Alumni Awards were established in 1982. Previous LBCC recipients of this AACC award include: Dr. Beverly O’Neill, former mayor of the City of Long Beach and former LBCCD superintendent-president; and the Molina family. This year’s award recipients will be honored at a special breakfast on Mon., March 30, during AACC’s 100th Annual Convention in National Harbor, Maryland.

Knabe Backs Dick Gaylord

Richard (Dick) Gaylord announced the endorsement of former Los Angeles County District 4 Supervisor Don Knabe. Supervisor Knabe served as Supervisor of the 4th district, which encompasses Long Beach, Signal Hill and Avalon from 1996 to 2016.

“Please join me in supporting my good friend Dick Gaylord for the Long Beach City College Board of Trustees. His experience, passion and knowledge of the college and its students will represent the community in a way we can all be proud.” Supervisor Knabe said.

With more than 20 years of service on the LBCC Personnel Commission, Long Beach Civil Service Commission and more, Dick Gaylord has spent a lifetime working to improve the conditions and services of Long Beach City College. Supervisor Knabe joins former Long Beach Mayor Beverly O’Neill in a continually growing coalition of elected officials, community stakeholders, and LBCC faculty and students who believe in Dick’s commitment to service.

For more information visit www.Gaylord4LBCC.com.

Ovalle Backed by Kellogg

Former vice mayor and 8th District Councilman Jeff Kellogg has endorsed Juan Ovalle for 8th District City Council. Kellogg represented the 8th District from 1988 to 2000 and served on the Long Beach Community College Board of Trustees from 2002 to 2018. A lifelong Long Beach resident, he has been one of the best known and highly esteemed political figures in the city.

“After reviewing all the candidates in the field, I am proud to announce my enthusiastic support for Juan Ovalle to be our next 8th District councilmember. When you meet Juan, he will leave no doubt in your mind that he’s the kind of individual you can trust and will truly represent the interests of our neighborhoods and residents,” Kellogg said.

“I personally served during one of the most challenging economic periods in our City’s history and know just how difficult of a job this can be. I dealt with lost revenue and a major economic realignment, all while addressing public safety, infrastructure, and so many other needs. What really distresses me the most is that many of the issues we face today as a city have been self-inflicted by our current city leadership.

“Despite a thriving regional and national economy, a massive influx of tax and other revenue, plus a larger population, we have a police force down nearly 200 officers from its peak during my time on the council. And like many of our residents, I was shocked to learn that Fire Station 9, was suddenly being condemned and closed due to a lack of proper maintenance and remains closed with no reopening date in sight!

“Juan has consistently been the most forceful voice among all the candidates for these and other critical issues, raising concerns about how our tax dollars are being prioritized and spent, about reduced public safety with the closure of Fire Station 9, about the influence of special interests, and about concerns over self-serving individuals running for public office overriding the needs of our neighborhoods and their residents.

“Juan will bring a much-needed common sense perspective to the City Council on behalf of the 8th District. I could not be more excited that he’s chosen the difficult task of running for office and seeking a positive change for the future at City Hall. He has my full support and encouragement,” Kellogg stated.

Zendejas Endorses Uranga

Councilwoman Mary Zendejas announced her endorsement of Tonia Reyes Uranga’s campaign for Long Beach Unified School Board. With this latest endorsement the momentum continues for Reyes Uranga’s campaign, as Zendejas joins a long list of former and present elected leaders supporting her.

Councilwoman Mary Zendejas said, “I am delighted to endorse Tonia Reyes Uranga, It is easy to be cynical, but having hope takes courage. {She] is the right choice to serve Long Beach on our School Board because she has faith in our children, and has the courage to fight for them, and the experience to make a difference. I hope you will join me in supporting [her] on March 3rd.”

“I am deeply grateful to Councilwoman Zendejas for her confidence and support,” said Reyes Uranga. “I look forward to working with Councilwoman Zendejas on issues important to students and parents.”

Reyes Uranga is a former Long Beach City Councilmember, education advocate, mother and grandmother. She is a 45-year Long Beach resident, and she previously served as a member of the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Governing Board

Professionally,  Reyes Uranga  has over 30 years of experience in workforce and employment issues in the areas of administration, contract compliance and program development. Much of Reyes Uranga’s work has centered on improving conditions for women in the workplace.

Free Birthday Cruise

Harbor Breeze Cruises in partnership with the Aquarium of the Pacific provides daily Whale, Dolphin and Marine Life Sightseeing Tours, as well as Harbor Cruises, and Combo tickets; Conveniently located adjacent to the Aquarium of the Pacific at Dock 2.

To celebrate their 20-year anniversary, they are rolling back prices and offering adult $10 and children $5 tickets and a free cruise on your birthday. Register at www.LongBeachCruises.com or by calling (562) 983-6880. The free cruise promotion ends Dec. 31.

The story of Harbor Breeze Cruises goes hand and hand with the growth of the beautiful Rainbow Harbor in the City of Long Beach; Founded by Captain Dan Salas and currently offering service to the public in two locations, Long Beach and San Pedro.

All started with a small vessel and a big dream and today Harbor Breeze Cruise operates a fleet of multiple vessels that include classic and modern designs. Custom built Catamarans with hydrofoil assist and the newest technology in clean and efficient fuel consumption taking guests on unforgettable excursions in search of whales and marine life.

Accounting Firms Merge

Windes and Smith, Linden & Basso (SLB), two leading California accounting and advisory firms, announced that they have merged. The combined firms will practice under the moniker of Windes.

SLB is a well-respected Orange County firm that has been in business for more than 48 years. Its practice includes a wide range of services, very similar to Windes: audit and assurance, tax, accounting, and consulting services to closely held and middle-market businesses and their owners.

SLB has one office in Newport Beach. The combined firm is comprised of more than 180 people with offices in Newport Beach, Irvine, Long Beach, and Los Angeles. Within the next month, the Orange County offices will combine into one location at 2050 Main Street in Irvine.

“We continue to successfully grow our Orange County practice organically and by merger,” says John Di Carlo, managing partner of Windes. “Our union with Allen, Haight & Monaghan in mid-2018 has proven to be instrumental in strengthening our firm’s footprint in the region.

“The SLB merger gives us the opportunity to further improve our competitive position, particularly to grow our already well established real estate, manufacturing, and estate and trust practices. Additionally, this opens up new options for younger employees to develop and improve their careers, and to increase the breadth of technical resources by expanding our practice. Our goal has been to combine with well-managed firms that have built quality practices – a solid client base, great staff, high-quality work, and a culture based upon strong values. SLB meets this goal,” Di Carlo added.