At Tuesday night’s “State of the City” speech, Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster said he is proud of the fact that Long Beach practices inclusion and embraces diversity as an asset.

By Nick Diamantides
Staff Writer

Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster was definitely upbeat in his “State of the City” speech Tuesday night, but he warned that the ongoing economic recession will continue to negatively impact the city’s revenues for the next several years.
Foster spoke to a crowd of about 1,200 people who came to the 1,700-seat Terrace Theater in downtown Long Beach to hear his fourth annual State of the City address. Council members and administrative staff from Long Beach and several surrounding cities also attended the event.
Foster noted that most people were probably glad to see 2009 come to an end. “It was a year of economic turmoil unknown in most of our lifetimes. We witnessed the collapse of our credit markets, driven by greed and unbridled self-interest on a global scale,” he said. “In all, the Great Recession tested our resolve, our habits and our character. It also showed us what is important and brought us closer together.”
Several nonprofit groups had set up tables with their literature in the theater lobby, and Foster praised them for their efforts. “On your way out tonight, stop and see how you can help,” he said. “And say ‘thank you’ because the work of those organizations and others like them weave the fabric of our community; whether delivering food, helping fund after school programs or offering compassion and kindness in an hour of need.”
Foster told the audience that there will be difficult times during the next 12 months and the pre-recession prosperity will probably not return for several years. “But unlike this time last year, the prospect of the months ahead is brighter,” he said. “Personal savings rates in America continue to climb, the markets are up, credit is beginning to flow again.”
The mayor said he was encouraged by the fact that retail sales were up in December and that imports (that create port-related jobs) also increased last month¬– their first gain in 28 months.
“In the fall, for the first time in months, the jobs report saw a glimmer of hope,” he added. “But the important fact is this: While much more needs to be done to return to economic health, we are at least off life-support.”
The mayor noted that the city reduced staffing levels and cut back expenditures in every city department in order to produce a balanced budget. “I want to thank our firefighters, police officers and all our city employees for their understanding and cooperation during these very difficult times,” he said.
Foster also took a few minutes to chastise the California legislature for its failure to manage the state budget. “On this point let me be very clear: the most immediate threat to the financial stability of this city is raids on our general fund by Sacramento,” he said. “”It’s time to put the state’s fiscal house in order rather than make it a constant contest for survival.”
The mayor’s approximately 45-minute speech was interrupted by audience applause several times. He talked about a long-term growth in city revenues that will result from increased, modern, environmentally friendly oil extraction in the Wilmington Oil Field. He mentioned the important contributions the Boeing Company, the medical community, and the Port of Long Beach make to employment and the regional economy. He talked about the success of job-training programs, a continuing reduction in violent crimes, and the city’s ongoing efforts to improve its infrastructure.
“We still need a well-funded program to fix our infrastructure– the very thing robust commerce depends on,” Foster warned. “I will say again that we will not be a great city without improvement to our bones: our streets and roads, our sidewalks, our storm drains, our public structures.”
The mayor noted that he took heart that the city managed to come through a very tough economic year and that the budget process proceeded with common purpose and little rancor. “On the big issues, we demonstrated that we could disagree and still be civil and recognize that we are all neighbors in Long Beach,” he said, adding that he is proud of the fact that Long Beach practices inclusion and embraces diversity as an asset.
Foster encouraged the audience to be optimistic about 2010 because the “Great Recession” had honed the city’s character. The mayor said he expects the city government and residents to work together to make the new year and succeeding years better for everyone. “I believe we have a bright and prosperous future and the state of our city is healthy and sustainable,” he said. “I am proud of the kind of people we are and how we live together. I would choose to live in no other place.”

By Mike Noll
Signal Hill Mayor

Many cities are feeling the financial strain caused by the troubled economy. Fortunately, the City of Signal Hill’s finances are stable because of prudent financial management and the economic development programs that have placed the City in a position to weather the economic storm that is also affecting the state and the nation.
Almost daily the newspaper headlines tell us about government agencies eliminating programs, furloughing or laying off workers, or even filing for bankruptcy. The State of California estimates that it will run out of money by the end of February. The City of Signal Hill is in a much better financial position than the state and many cities. Over the past several years, including the prosperous times, the City Council has shown fiscal responsibility by taking a conservative budget approach and establishing “rainy day” accounts to help the City through tough financial times. For example, during the preparation of the fiscal year 2008-09 city budget, the City Council recognized that the economy was slowing and that the City should anticipate a decline in revenues. In response, the City Council placed caps on spending.
One of the Council’s proudest achievements has been its decision to set money aside in reserve accounts when the economy and City revenues were strong. Since the year 2000, the balances in the reserve accounts have grown from $7.2 million to $18.9 million. The money in the reserve accounts, such as the Economic Uncertainties Fund, will help the City continue to provide programs and services if we lose a major revenue-generating business such as an auto dealership. The reserve accounts will also safeguard the City as the State has begun to defer and delay required payments to the City. The State has already raided over $1,000,000 away from the Signal Hill Redevelopment Agency this year. The City Council believes the State will continue looking at cities as their own personal piggy banks. But, we will fight to protect our revenues. This is why we have joined dozens of cities to challenge the Agency raids.
The City Council and staff are also working together to ensure that Signal Hill receives a share of the infrastructure stimulus package being developed by the federal government. The City has requested over $30 million for a variety of public works projects that will enable the City to keep its money for other uses. The stimulus package requests include funding for the new police station, street repairs, and a recycled water system. Additionally, the City is placing itself in position to be ready to improve its financial status when the economy recovers. The Signal Hill Redevelopment Agency is acquiring and cleaning up several blighted vacant commercial/industrial properties that can be used to strengthen the Signal Hill Auto Center or developed into other revenue generating use such as retail or hotel.
The City Council believes that the City has positioned itself to weather the current economic storm through sound fiscal management and responsible economic development.

Signal Hill– Great Holiday Shopping Close to Home

The holidays are here, which means it’s time to shop for gifts for our family, friends, and loved ones. Signal Hill has plenty of stores and restaurants to meet your holiday needs and is close to home.
Does your family want a new TV, computer, video game, camera, or DVD player for Christmas? Best Buy, Circuit City, Office Depot, Howard’s, and Radio Shack have everything you need. Costco and Target also carry electronics and a wide variety of gifts options including clothes, toys, music, movies, and kitchen appliances.

Everyone needs something to make their lives a little easier. Visit the Signal Hill Auto Center for gift certificates for an oil change or service. While you are there, check out the car deals being offered. Imagine the excitement of tying a big red bow on the new or pre-owned car in your driveway.
Signal Hill has two Home Depots that carry all the tools and gardening supplies for your special do-it-yourselfer. Does your New Year resolution include sprucing up your back yard? Treat yourself to new patio furniture or a barbeque.
Do you have an outdoorsman in the family? Turner’s Outdoorsman has plenty of gifts for fishing, hunting, and camping. And don’t forget to place a gift from Petsmart under the tree for your pets.
Don’t know what to get for your favorite niece, nephew, or grandchild? How about a gift card that the kids love so much from Del Taco, Jack in the Box, McDonalds or Subway. And who wouldn’t love a gas card from our Chevron or Union 76 stations?
You can pamper that someone special with a gift certificate for a massage, manicure, pedicure, and hair styling from one of many salons, including Emporio Provatta, Skin Spa, Signal Hill Nails, and VIP Nails & Spa.
If you are looking for a nice place to hold a holiday lunch or party, remember that restaurants such as Delius and Koyo are happy to serve you.
When you get hungry from all that shopping, stop by one of the many restaurants for a quick lunch or dinner. Signal Hill has a wide variety of restaurants including Bob’s Big Boy, Big E’s Pizza, Champs, Charlie’s Steakery, Chinese Combo, Chinese Gourmet, City Mex, 5-Star Teriyaki, the Giant Grinder, Sub King, and Togos. Many of these restaurants also provide catering for your holiday or New Year’s party.
If you just need a pick-me-up, It’s a Grind and Starbucks have your favorite coffee, tea drinks and baked goodies. Grab a gift card or a coffee mug while you’re there.
If you’re out of holiday gift ideas, how about placing a special holiday greeting in the Signal Tribune or call the City of Signal Hill Community Services Department at (562) 989-7330 to order Red Cross earthquake preparedness kits for friends and family.
As you can see, there are many great gift options and convenient places to shop in Signal Hill. Give them a try. You may find that you don’t need to shop anywhere else. On behalf of the Signal Hill City Council, I wish everyone season’s greetings and a happy new year! Remember to participate in the City’s Christmas tree recycling program.

The holiday season is not only a special time of year, but a very busy time for all of us. It is also a time when we are vulnerable to theft and other holiday crimes. Ways to avoid becoming a victim of crime during the holiday season are to be careful, prepared, and aware. The Signal Hill Police Department suggests the following crime prevention and personal safety measures to ensure that everyone has a safe holiday season:

When setting up holiday displays, be sure that holiday gifts are not visible through the windows or doors of your home. Be aware that criminals may pose as couriers delivering gifts or working for charities that they are not affiliated with. Avoid becoming a victim of this type of crime by asking for identification or donating directly to a recognized charity. When leaving the house, be extra careful about locking all doors and windows even if you’re only leaving for a few minutes. If you’re taking a trip, request a vacation check through the Signal Hill Police Department. Ask a neighbor or family member to watch your house and pick up your newspapers and mail. Place interior and exterior lights on an automatic timer.

When holiday shopping, park your car in a well-lighted area and as close as possible to your destination. Do not put your packages or purse on top of your car when unlocking or opening doors. Maintain a firm grip on your purse and packages at all times. Never leave your packages in your car in plain view. Lock your packages in the trunk or keep them covered in the rear cargo area. Stay alert to your surroundings! If there are suspicious people in the area, do not approach your car. Ask mall or store security for an escort and be sure to locate your keys before you leave the store.

Avoid shopping alone at night. Ask friends or family members to join you and remember to set your car alarm. If your car is not equipped with an alarm, use an anti-theft device such as a steering-wheel lock.

Take additional precautions during the holidays. Don’t wear expensive jewelry or carry large amounts of cash. Use ATMs located inside a mall or in a well-lighted location. Make sure that you only withdraw the amount of cash that you need. If anyone is standing near you during your ATM transaction, shield the keypad to prevent anyone from obtaining your PIN. Discard your ATM receipt at home or in a secure location. If your credit card is lost or stolen, notify the card issuer immediately.

Keep your children safe by never sending them unescorted to the restroom. Children should also never be left alone in the car. Teach children to stay close to you at all times and to inform you immediately if a stranger is bothering them.

Following these useful safety tips will help keep the bah-humbugs out of your holiday season. The City Council wishes you a happy and safe holiday season.
Please mark your calendars to join us at the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Discovery Well Park on Wednesday, December 3, at 6 p.m. For more information, call the Community Services Department at (562) 989-7330.

Recently, the City Council and I appointed 25 well qualified members and alternates to serve on the Sustainable City Committee. The members include residents and business persons with a wide range of professions and interests. So what does it mean to go green and to become a sustainable city? Going green means we reconsider the choices we make today to conserve resources and operate responsibly to preserve and protect our environment. Sustainability considers how these choices will affect future generations. By changing the way we do business today, we can leave behind a cleaner, safer environment for the generations that follow.
The Sustainable City Committee is charged with the task of developing a Sustainable City Program for the City of Signal Hill. They will study the issues and recommend program and policies to the City Council. The City has already switched to hybrids and natural gas vehicles, replaced municipal building lighting with low-energy lighting and implemented recycling programs. Moreover, many of the newer hilltop houses exceed California energy standards for new construction, an important issue when considering that heating and cooling of buildings consume more fuel than our automobiles.
The City is also a large consumer of goods and services. It buys office supplies, trucks and police cruisers. It hires contractors to build roads and maintain park landscaping. When looking at a sustainable future, how the City does business is very important. I am looking forward to working with the Sustainable City Committee as they begin to study how we can reduce our negative impacts on the environment through a variety of conservation efforts.

In closing, here are some of the things your Sustainable City Committee members are already doing in their daily lives to go green:

• Install compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFCs) for energy saving.
• Plant drought-tolerant species or California natives to conserve water.
• Use an electric, rechargeable lawn mower to reduce emissions.
• Print on the back side of scrap paper to save paper resources.
• Use a phone with a cord instead of cordless as it saves energy.
• Unplug cell phone chargers when not in use.
• Set your thermostat to 80 degrees in summer.
• Let your lawn grow taller and mow it less frequently to conserve water.
• Water plants early in the morning to minimize evaporation.
• Pack a “zero-waste” lunch to minimize waste and packaging.
• Install power strips with manual shut-off switches for electrical appliances.
• Purchase carbon offsets for your car and airline travel.
• Instead of bottled water, use a thermos or refillable water bottle.
• Use a reusable mug for trips to the coffee shop or juice bar.
• Carpool, walk or bike to work or the local market.
• Install ceiling fans instead of AC units.
• Wash clothes in cold water and air dry.

The Signal Hill City Council and staff take great pride in preparing a balanced budget. Our fiscal year 2008-2009 budget was one of the more challenging budgets that I have faced as mayor during my last 16 years on the City Council. The City Council adopted a balanced $33.2 million operating and capital budget in June.
Signal Hill is not immune to the national and regional economic downturn, and we needed to adjust our budget accordingly. The economic forces impacting the city are the mortgage crisis, rapid drop-off in residential construction, slower retail activity, and the State of California’s estimated $17-billion budget shortfall. State officials have taken a page from their old playbook and are proposing to “borrow” funds from the local cities and redevelopment agencies to solve their budget deficits.
This year we followed strict cost containment requirements, and expenditures were capped at last year’s level for non-salary expenditures. In the General Fund, the overall percentage increase in the budget is a mere 1.98 percent for salaries, benefits, maintenance, and operations compared to the prior year’s budget. We also relied on very conservative revenue forecasts and approved very few additional requested items. For example, only one additional staff person was approved- an upgrade from a part-time police record clerk to a full-time clerk position. We felt this upgrade was justified by the additional work generated by the six new police officers added to our department in the last three years. This upgrade brings the number of full-time employees to 109.
The major budget highlight is our $25.8 million capital improvement program. This is one of the largest capital improvement programs in the history of the city. The major project will be the construction of the new Signal Hill Police Station, estimated to cost $16 million. This project will be funded by the Signal Hill Redevelopment Agency. Over $8.1 million in projects are funded through grants. The largest grant-funded project is the widening of Cherry Avenue at Pacific Coast Highway.
Other capital improvement projects planned for this budget year include the City Hall elevator, Lewis Avenue storm drain, Burnett Street improvements, Well #9 pump/treatment design, Gundry reservoir, pavement management, general right-of-way repairs, Signal Hill Park restrooms, Library building design consultant, and many more.
As part of our budget process, staff has provided a five-year forecast to assess increases in both revenues and expenditures in future budgets. We expect to end the next five years within the same fund balance range of $4.5 million in the General Fund. The city and Agency budget document is posted on the city’s website at www.cityofsignalhill.org.

The Signal Hill Police Department has embraced community policing as an extremely important crime fighting tool. Community policing has been a success through the police department’s crime prevention programs, such as Neighborhood Watch and National Night Out.
Community policing is a collaborative effort between the police department and community that identifies problems of crime, and involves the input of the community in order to find a solution to the problems that the community is facing. Close ties between the police department and community members are essential for the success of this program. The essential components of community policing are close partnerships between the police and the community, problem solving used as a method to both identify and solve problems that are of greatest concern to the community, and increased efforts between the community and the police department to invite community involvement.
Neighborhood Watch programs are also an important community policing tool. This program brings citizens together with law enforcement in an effort to deter crime and make communities a safer place to live and work. The Neighborhood Watch programs rely on citizens to work directly with law enforcement to keep a trained eye and ear on their communities. Neighborhood Watch is a success because it reduces the opportunity for crime to occur. To establish a Neighborhood Watch program in your neighborhood, please contact Signal Hill Police Sergeant Mike Reid at (562) 989-7206 or e-mail him at mreid@cityofsignalhill.org.
National Night Out is another community policing tool used to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, as well as generating support for and community participation in the local anticrime programs. This is a function that helps develop stronger police partnership and neighborhood unity with a common goal for a safer community. This also sends a message to criminals, to let them know that the neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
Every year the Signal Hill Police Department organizes a National Night Out event, in partnership with many of our local businesses. This year’s event will be held at Reservoir Park on Tuesday, August 5 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and will offer a variety of events and activities. Face painting, a balloon artist, an art-making booth, and bounce house will be offered for the enjoyment of the children of the community. There will also be a focus on bicycle safety with free bike reflectors and helmets for kids 16 years and under. Police volunteers will be present to assist with installation of the bike reflectors. Free child identification kits will also be available in order to provide a resource for helping to ensure the safety of our children. With barbequed hot dogs, beverages, and music, Los Angeles County Fire Engine 60, as well as the Signal Hill Police Department Mobile Command Vehicle, this should be one of Signal Hill’s most successful National Night Out events.
In March 2008, the Signal Hill Police Department hosted a ten week Citizen’s Police Academy. The academy, taught by Signal Hill police officers, gave attendees an up-close view of law enforcement within the community of Signal Hill. The academy covers patrol operations, narcotics enforcement, investigative techniques, crime prevention, emergency dispatch procedures, and other areas of law enforcement.
The next class is scheduled for Spring 2010. Classes are held at the Signal Hill Police Station. Anyone over the age of 21 without pending criminal cases or felony convictions is welcome to attend. Please contact Sergeant Vern Doose at (562) 989-7222, extension 53, for further information.

Opt Out to Help Reduce Junk Mail
The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act legislated a way for people to be able to reduce unwanted advertising mail. Simply call a hotline number or a website linked to the three major credit bureaus to have your name and address removed from the data base used by credit card companies and lenders who send unsolicited mail.
Request to have your name permanently removed from the credit bureaus’ mailing list or ask to be excluded for a period of five years by calling the Opt Out line at 1-888-5Opt-Out (1-888-567-8688) or visit www.OptOutPrescreen.com. Follow the prompts and be prepared to provide your social security number and mailing address.
You will continue to receive unsolicited mail from the companies who compile their mailing lists from sources other than credit bureaus. To stop this kind of junk mail, cut out the mailing label from unwanted solicitations, attach the label to an index card with a note asking that your name and address be removed from the firm’s mailing list and mail the card back to the solicitor. You can also look for a phone number printed on the ad and call the company and ask that you no longer receive their solicitations.