Bits 'n' Pieces

$1M Donation to Support Disabled Students

The Long Beach City College Foundation announced a $1 million gift from the Temple Family Charitable Foundation (TFCF) to support the Long Beach City College Disabled Student Program Services (DSPS). This generous contribution will significantly enhance resources and support for disabled students, ensuring they have access to the tools and assistance needed to thrive academically and personally. Their gift will also leave a lasting legacy of empowerment and opportunity for disabled students for generations to come.

Established ten years before he passed in 2014, Don Temple established a foundation primarily focused on supporting local organizations in the areas of healthcare, children, education and the arts. It was his intent to give back to the community that supported him.

Marlene Temple, president of the TFCF said, “LBCC was, is, and always will be part of our charitable agenda. We continue to believe that a community thrives where education, the arts, and self-worth are available to all. This center will provide specialized areas, and caring guidance for students to prepare for a life of accomplishment.” 

Family members sit on the foundation board and make the decisions as to which charities to support, in keeping with Don’s legacy and vision: “In life, it is the sharing that matters.” The TFCF recognizes the importance of providing equal opportunities for all students.

“Here at the LBCC Foundation, we want to guarantee equitable access to education through transformational philanthropy. We would like to thank the Temple Foundation for their gift to provide equitable access to our Disabled Students Programs and Services,” said Paul Kaminski, CEO, Long Beach City College Foundation. 

The $1 million contribution will be directed toward several initiatives within DSPS, such as increasing staffing to enhance support, expanding program offerings and services, and fostering an inclusive environment where students feel valued and welcomed.

LGB Improvements Require Temporary Lane Closures

As progress on the Long Beach Airport (LGB) Terminal Roadway Improvements Project continues, travelers are advised to expect a reduced number of lanes at the pick-up and drop-off area in front of the Historic Terminal from April 15 through the end of June.

The pick-up and drop-off area is for active loading and unloading only and will be limited to the two lanes closest to the Historic Terminal. The center median and two adjacent lanes to the east will be closed.

Long Beach Airport travelers are encouraged to plan ahead and help alleviate traffic congestion by following these travel tips for a smooth and easy experience: 

Arrive 90 minutes before your departure, especially for morning flights.

For drivers picking up passengers, please wait in one of two free Cell Phone Waiting Lots, located on the northwest and southwest corners of Lakewood Boulevard and E. Donald Douglas Drive, until your passenger calls to let you know they are ready on the curb. Circling around Donald Douglas Drive or waiting at the curb increases congestion for everyone.

Travelers can sign up for notifications about the LGB roadwork at LinkLB or can visit LGBRoadImprovements.com for updates. Those with questions can contact a construction hotline at (562) 445-6439 or email info@lgbroadimprovements.com.

Additional LGB staff will be stationed outside the Historic Terminal to provide assistance, and customized signage has been installed to help travelers navigate the roadway while it is under construction.

LGB’s Terminal Roadway Improvements Project, scheduled for completion this fall, will result in improved vehicular and passenger flow and additional enhancements for people with disabilities or mobility challenges. The total cost of the project is $16.6 million, with $10.6 million funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and the remainder funded by airport revenue.

CSULB in Men’s National Volleyball Tournament

California State University, Long Beach will host the National Collegiate Athletics Association Division 1 Men’s Volleyball tournament this year from April 30 to May 4 at the Walter Pyramid, with LBSU hoping to reclaim the men’s title for the first time since 2019.

Eight college men’s volleyball teams will battle it out at the Walter Pyramid for the national title. Selections for the tournament will begin on Sunday April 21 which will be live streamed on NCAA.com at 9 a.m. The American Volleyball Coaches Association ranks LBSU No. 2 in the nation, guaranteeing the Beach a seed in the tournament.

LBSU had a dominant 2024 season with an overall record of 23-2. On April 13 they beat the University of California, Irvine 3-0 to a sold out crowd at home to close out their regular season 9-1 and as regular season champions of the Big West Conference. LBSU earned a No. 1 seed for the Big West volleyball championship in Honolulu, Hawai’i April 18-20. They will play the first round winner of either CSU Northridge or UC San Diego in the semifinals on April 19.

Last year LBSU made it to the tournament after a 20-4 season. However, even though they were able to dominate Grand Canyon University 3-1 they were snuffed out in the semifinals by eventual 2023 champions UCLA.

LBSU Athletics Communications Director Roger Kirk said that it is exciting for the university to be able to host such an event, having attended the 2019 tournament when Long Beach hosted and won their last championship against the University of Hawai’i.

“We have a great community and are excited to have the chance to showcase it on a national stage,” he said.

Tickets to view the entire tournament are for sale starting at $80 on the LBSU Athletics ticketing website, with single session tickets for the tournament for sale starting April 30. According to Kirk, it is anticipated that there will be a number of tickets available to students for no cost.

“I think whether or not Long Beach State is in the mix, people should be excited about the tournament coming to the Walter Pyramid,” Kirk said. “With the new eight-team format, you’re guaranteed to see seven matches featuring a really high standard of volleyball in a fantastic environment for the sport.”

By Jonathan Bigall

Congressional Cup Returns for 59th Year

The 59th Congressional Cup is to be held from April 24 to April 28  by the Long Beach Yacht Club. The annual racing event is the longest-running sailing competition in the United States with it being founded in 1965.

It is known worldwide for being the Master’s equivalent in yacht racing. Winners of the racing competition even get a Crimson Blazer reminiscent of the green jacket won by winners of the prestigious golf tournament.

The Congressional Cup is one of many races held in the World Match Racing Tour, a professional sailing competition.

It’s the only race held in the United States that has World Championship status which means it is highly important for the participants as they race to earn the title of Match Racing World Champion.

Notable skippers (sailing lingo for “racer”)  in the competition include Chris Poole, the reigning champion trying to win back-to-back Congressional Cups, and Eric Monnin, the Swiss veteran who is appearing in the race for the tenth time to try and finally win the cup. 

Before the races start on the 24th,  a cocktail reception and Meet The Skippers dinner will be held the previous day.  

Four days of exciting sailing begins at 11:30 A.M. each day. The sailing event will be held at 6201 E. Appian Way while viewing for fans is at the Belmont Veteran’s Memorial Pier. 

Fans who want to watch the sailing event from home can go to the Long Beach Congressional Cup Facebook page to watch the livestream. 

By Kevin Marquez