Bit 'n' Pieces

Call for Fair Share of Oil Revenues

As California transitions away from instate oil production, Long Beach’s City Council unanimously approved the Keep Long Beach Oil Revenue Local initiative, taking the first step in urging the State to keep locally generated oil revenue in Long Beach. The measure calls on the State to update outdated revenue rules that continue to send hundreds of millions of dollars from Long Beach oil production to Sacramento while local coastal needs go unmet.

Since 2004, the state has taken nearly $6 billion from oil production in Long Beach. This practice stems from a 1964 state finding that it was “economically impractical, unwise, and unnecessary” to spend all oil revenues on Long Beach’s coast, followed by a 1991 revenue-sharing formula that locked in the city’s share at just 8.5 percent.

Decades ago, when these agreements were made, coastal needs were limited, and oil revenues were higher. Today, those assumptions no longer reflect reality. Oil revenues are declining while costs for sea level rise, emergency preparedness, habitat restoration and coastal infrastructure continue to grow. Long Beach faces more than $1 billion in unfunded coastal obligations and the city auditor projects $300 million in lost revenue for coastal maintenance over the next decade.

The city auditor’s 2024 report further underscores the urgency: even if the state directed all its projected Long Beach oil revenues into its Oil Abandonment Liability Fund, there would still be a $466 million shortfall by 2035. Despite this, the state continues sending a projected $271 million into its General Fund, dollars that could instead be reinvested locally to meet pressing coastal obligations.

The vote follows broad support from residents, business, labor and environmental leaders. More than 200 written comments were submitted, and dozens of residents stayed late into the night to testify in favor. Supporting organizations included the Long Beach Police Officers Association, Long Beach Firefighters Association, Long Beach Lifeguards, Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, Visit Long Beach, Long Beach Wetlands Stewards, Algalita, Long Beach Marina Boat Owners Association and the Belmont Shore Business Association (BSBA).

AFib – Your Heart’s Hidden Danger

Dignity Health - St. Mary Medical Center (SMMC) is sounding the alarm, urging the community to understand Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) – the most prevalent heart arrhythmia ravaging millions of Americans and skyrocketing their risk of debilitating stroke.

Often described as a “quivering” or “irregular” heartbeat, AFib occurs when the upper chambers of the heart (atria) beat chaotically and irregularly, out of sync with the lower chambers (ventricles). This irregular beating can lead to blood pooling in the atria, increasing the likelihood of blood clot formation. If a blood clot travels to the brain, it can cause an ischemic stroke, the most common type of stroke.

“AFib is a serious condition that many people may not even realize they have,” shares Dr. Nikhil Kapoor, MD. “The symptoms can be subtle or even absent, which is why awareness and early detection are so crucial. Unmanaged AFib dramatically increases a person’s risk of stroke by four to five times.”

Key Facts About AFib:

Prevalence: It is estimated that 2.7 to 6.1 million Americans currently have AFib, with numbers projected to rise as the population ages.

Leading Cause of Stroke: AFib is responsible for approximately 15-20% of all ischemic strokes.

Silent Condition: Many individuals with AFib experience no symptoms, making regular check-ups and open communication with providers essential.

Risk Factors: Age, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, diabetes, sleep apnea, excessive alcohol consumption and family history can all increase the risk of developing AFib.

Common Symptoms of AFib (if present):

• Palpitations (a feeling of a fast, fluttering, or pounding heart)
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Weakness.

“If you experience any of these symptoms, even intermittently, it’s vital to speak with your doctor,” advises Dr. Kapoor. “Simple diagnostic tests, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), can help detect AFib. The good news is that with early diagnosis and appropriate management, we can significantly reduce the risk of stroke and improve a patient’s quality of life.”

Learn more about AFib and heart health by visiting dignityhealth.org/socal/heart.

New Back & Neck Health Center at MemorialCare

MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center has expanded its MemorialCare Orthopedic & Spine Institute’s Spine Health Center with the launch of a new Back & Neck Health Center, led by Dr. Andrew Hanna, a double board-certified fellowship-trained pain medicine specialist and newly appointed medical director. The Center delivers advanced interventional treatments, including minimally invasive procedures, along with comprehensive non-surgical care for a broad spectrum of spine conditions.

As part of the MemorialCare Orthopedic & Spine Institute, the Back & Neck Health Center (BNHC) is designed to simplify the journey to relief for patients experiencing back and neck pain – especially those who may feel lost in the traditional referral system. A dedicated patient care coordinator will help guide patients through the process, managing referrals from their primary care physicians and ensuring timely access to appropriate care.

“We’re taking a streamlined, patient-first approach to spine care,” said Andrew Hanna, D.O., medical director, BNHC. “Surgery is not always the first step in treating spine pain. At our health center, we establish a clear care pathway to optimize relief by advancing through conservative and minimally invasive options in the most appropriate and effective way.”

The BNHC is located inside the MemorialCare Todd Cancer Pavilion, within a multi-specialty clinic space that serves a variety of patient needs beyond cancer care. The center offers comprehensive, conservative spine treatment in a multidisciplinary outpatient setting. By centralizing care at one location, the center addresses a common challenge: patients being referred directly to surgeons without first exploring appropriate less invasive options.

The center also supports evolving insurance requirements, which often require conservative treatments before surgical approval. In addition, it helps primary care physicians by managing early-phase care and supports spine surgeons by allowing them to focus on complex surgical cases.

Dr. Hanna and the BNHC team are equipped to serve a wide range of patients – from Medicare-aged adults to middle-aged individuals who have developed spine pain.

For patients who do not respond to conservative treatment, referrals are made to expert surgeons at the Orthopedic & Spine Institute for further evaluation.

Port Releases Draft Study

The Port of Long Beach has released a draft supplemental report examining the environmental impacts of minor additions and changes to the Pier B On-Dock Rail Support Facility project.

The modifications to the project would consist of relocating utilities and connections, adding construction staging and equipment laydown areas, adjusting rail tracks, pavement restriping and closing portions of Grant Street and Southern Pacific Drive in Wilmington. In addition, the Berths D52-D54 transit shed at 555 N. Pico Ave. would be reconfigured to accommodate realigning Pico Avenue. The shed has been determined to be eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. View the draft supplemental environmental impact report at www.polb.com/ceqa.

A virtual public hearing will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24.

Written public comments on the proposal will be accepted until 4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 20. They can be submitted via email to ceqa@polb.com or to Renee Moilanen, director of environmental planning, Port of Long Beach, 415 W. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90802.

The planned Pier B On-Dock Rail Support Facility is the centerpiece of the Port of Long Beach’s rail capital improvement program. It will shift more cargo to “on-dock rail,” where containers are taken to and from marine terminals by trains. Moving cargo by on-dock rail is cleaner and more efficient, as it reduces truck traffic. No cargo trucks would visit the facility.

The facility will be built in phases and as each is completed, they will enhance capacity and operations. Construction began in 2024 and completion of the entire project is expected in 2032.

Credit Union Awards $23,000 in Scholarships

LBS Financial Credit Union awarded a total of $23,000 in scholarships this year, benefiting 38 students from Long Beach and surrounding areas to support their education as they embark on the 2025-2026 academic year.

The credit union invited high schools, adult schools and community colleges in the local area to participate in their scholarship program by selecting one deserving student from their school to receive an award. LBS Financial Credit Union awarded scholarships of $500 and $1,000 to 36 schools, positively impacting 32 high school, two college and two adult school students. LBS Financial also sent employee representatives to many of the school or college ceremonies to personally present the awards, attending 14 award ceremonies this year.

Furthermore, the credit union granted $2,000 each to two members in recognition of their perseverance, commitment, academic achievements and involvement in the community. Members of the credit union who are currently enrolled as a high school senior or in their freshman to junior years at an accredited college are encouraged to apply.

The recipients of this year’s awards were Wilson High School graduate Annabel H. who plans to pursue an undergraduate degree in Nursing at Simmons University and Millikan High School graduate, Logan P. who is now attending Pitzer College to pursue an undergraduate degree in Environmental Analysis, with a minor in Media Studies.

Best West Coast Port and Green Port

The Port of Long Beach has been named the best West Coast seaport in North America for a seventh consecutive year in addition to being named the best green seaport by readers of the shipping trade publication Asia Cargo News.

The honors were announced during the Asian Freight, Logistics and Supply Chain Awards held Sept. 3 in Hong Kong. Asia Cargo News hosts and organizes the awards ceremony yearly to recognize top seaports, shipping lines and other logistics industry leaders.

More than 15,000 readers and e-newsletter subscribers of Asia Cargo News nominated leading companies for each category, then determined the winner from a list of four finalists in each category. Find the full list of winners here.

“We are honored to be recognized by our customers for delivering the highest standard of service in addition to the environmental achievements gained through our landmark Green Port Policy adopted 20 years ago,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero. “We could not have achieved this without the marine terminal operators, workers and supply chain partners who make the Port of Long Beach the most efficient and greenest gateway for trans-Pacific trade.”

“We thank the industry for taking notice of our investments in state-of-the-art modern facilities, excellent customer service and sustainable practices to ensure our clients and tenants can move their goods rapidly and cost effectively,” said Long Beach Harbor Commission President Frank Colonna. “We are grateful to Asia Cargo News and the support of its readers.”

Early Childhood Mental Health Program Launched

The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), in partnership with local early childhood organizations, has launched the Early Childhood Mental Health Program. The program will support the emotional wellbeing of young children by providing resources, training and guidance for families and childcare providers.

Building on the Health Department’s Early Childhood Strategic Initiatives Program, this new effort will provide critical support for those caring for the city’s youngest residents.

From September 2025 through June 2026, the Early Childhood Mental Health Program will provide:

One-on-one consultations to help childcare providers address children’s emotional and developmental needs.

Professional development opportunities to expand knowledge and strengthen early childhood education practices.

Parent workshops to equip families with tools and strategies to support children’s well-being at home.

As part of the program’s launch, DHHS will host a training session on Wednesday, Sept. 24, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Miller Family Health Center, 3820 Cherry Ave. This session will cover early childhood mental health, available resources, expert guidance and connections to supportive services. Providers and educators are encouraged to register through the Early Childhood Mental Health Workshop registration page.

With more than 30,000 children ages 0 to 5 living in Long Beach, the city recognizes the essential role that childcare providers have in supporting families and the local economy. Through collaboration and direct support, the program will help ensure that children grow up healthy, resilient and ready to learn.

Funding for the Early Childhood Mental Health Program comes from a $1.3 million, 18-month grant awarded in January 2025 by the California Youth Behavioral Health Initiative. The grant, awarded through a competitive process, will expire June 30, 2026.

For more information about the city’s Early Childhood Education Strategic Initiatives program, the community is encouraged to visit the program’s webpage at longbeach.gov/ECEprogram.