Signal Tribune Newspaper

Where did the month go? In a breath or two we will look back and say the same about summer. I guess there is a lesson there and, to me, that would be to take time to create some summer moments with friends and family.
To care for the nature and life around us but to also enjoy what we are so busy creating. I speak firsthand—today I first noticed that one of my 70-foot redwoods appears to be dying. How did I not notice that earlier in the process? If I had, could I have changed that cycle of nature?
We had a successful community meeting with Mark Bolour and his team who are developing the southeast corner of Carson Street and Atlantic Avenue, called Bixby Point. Bolour understood how important his tenant selection is to our community and has partnered with the Signal Tribune to take a survey to determine the priorities of the residents. [see page 6]
The three confirmed tenants are Wachovia Bank, Fed-Ex/Kinko’s and La Vineria Italiana, the Italian restaurant and wine bar Bolour is personally investing in. The tenants in the remainder of the open space will be determined by the survey, our successful letter writing campaign (if necessary) and of course the willingness of the retailers. Thank you to all who attended the meeting and to all who gave their input.
A friend and neighbor gave me a bumper sticker he found hard to resist. It reads: “Get Involved…The world is run by those who show up.” I do believe there is truth to that statement and certainly power in numbers.
A few upcoming meetings to place on your calendar if time and interest allow:
• From Friday, June 15, until Sunday, June 17, Long Beach will host the Southern California Special Olympics at Cal State Long Beach. If you have not shared in this experience, I encourage you to bring the family and enjoy cheering on nearly 1,500 truly inspirational athletes. In addition to the spectator sports of track and field, swimming, gymnastics and basketball in The Walter Pyramid, there is an area called Tent City where there are numerous games and activities for all of the children to enjoy.
The Long Beach Special Olympics is committed to growing the organization for school-age children with special needs. I can speak from experience that this athletic/ social opportunity touches each child in so many positive ways. It creates purpose, independence and long lasting friendships.
If you are in need of further information or would like to volunteer, contact our office at (562) 570-6685.
• On Saturday, June 23, we will be hosting one of the citywide General Plan 2030 vision sessions. It will be at Hughes Middle School from 9 a.m. to noon.
This is another opportunity to give your input on how you want to see your city and your immediate community moving forward in the next 25 years. Density, transportation, zoning and environmental issues are just a few of the topics to be discussed.
If you can’t make it to this meeting, there will also be a session at Jordan High School Saturday, June 9, from 9 a.m. to noon.
• The Bixby Knolls Street Fair is back Sunday, June 24, on Atlantic Avenue. This is another way to spend a day with family and friends and support our community. Please stop by my field office at 3837 Atlantic Avenue, which will be open during the Street Fair.
We have so many local artists it would be great to see more of them participate in this event along with the traditional participants. Any interested artist should contact Susan Cooper at (562) 595-0081.
• And finally, speaking of artists, First Fridays is a great spark of energy for Bixby Knolls. If you have any part of your Friday evening free I encourage you to take a walk down Atlantic Avenue from Four Olives to the north to Nino’s and the Mirage to the south to sample both visual and audio artists.
There is sure to be something that will appeal to each one of us.
Stay Involved!
Rae Gabelich

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