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Harbor Commission Names Director of Project Controls

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Harbor Commission Names Director of Project Controls

 

The Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners July 8 approved the selection of Ashley Morteboy to lead the project controls division at Port of Long Beach.

Ashley Morteboy Jpg

The director of project controls is responsible for establishing and tracking schedules, budgets and costs for the timely delivery of the port’s infrastructure projects for the Engineering Services Bureau.

Morteboy comes to the Port of Long Beach after working two years as director of project controls at UC Davis Health, where he similarly oversaw the planning and design of the agency’s capital improvement program. He previously served as a senior manager at Procter & Gamble for two years and brings more than 18 years of project controls experience working nationally and internationally throughout his career, which spans a wide range of capital investment ventures for many sectors and industries.

Morteboy earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Manchester Metropolitan University in the United Kingdom.

The appointment of Morteboy is effective July 29.

San Pedro Bay Ports Give Quarterly Clean Air Action Plan Update

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San Pedro Bay Ports Give Quarterly Clean Air Action Plan Update

 

The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach will give a progress update on the San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan or CAAP July 30. The meeting will include updates on green shipping corridors, the ports’ clean truck programs, and feasibility assessments for cargo handling equipment and drayage trucks.

Participation is in-person only; a virtual meeting link (live only) is available for online observers here – https://tinyurl.com/CAAP-Virtual-Mtg-link

Minutes and presentations of prior meetings can be found here. https://cleanairactionplan.org

Limited street and lot parking is available. For validated lot parking, the Liberty Hill Plaza parking lot is across the street from the Harbor Administration Building.

Updated in 2017, the CAAP is a comprehensive strategy for accelerating progress toward a zero-emissions future while protecting and strengthening the ports’ competitive position in the global economy. The document calls for the ports to reduce GHGs 40% below 1990 levels by 2030 and 80% below 1990 levels by 2050. The Clean Air Action Plan was originally approved in 2006.

The ports will take public comments in-person at the advisory meeting to receive input on CAAP implementation. The agenda will be posted on the CAAP website prior to the meeting.

Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., July 30

Cost: Free

Details: cleanairactionplan.org.

Venue: Harbor Administration Building, 425 S. Palos Verdes St., San Pedro

Assembly Passes Key Environmental Legislation

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Assembly Passes Key Environmental Legislation

 

SACRAMENTO — The California Assembly July 1 approved Senate Bill 674 The Refinery Pollution Reduction and Transparency Act by Majority Leader Gonzalez (D – Long Beach). The bill will create a statewide standard for air monitoring at refineries to ensure that toxic pollutants are measured, and that best practices and technologies are used to protect the health and wellbeing of the surrounding fenceline communities. Next, it is headed to the Senate for a concurrence vote, then to the Governor’s desk for approval.

In addition to creating a statewide air monitoring standard, the bill mandates refineries to provide timely public notifications. This would include emails and text messages to be sent promptly whenever toxic emissions that could harm people’s health exceed threshold levels. The bill also requires quarterly reports, readily accessible real-time data from air monitors, third-party audits, and a root-cause analysis within 24 hours of any emissions exceedance incident. Furthermore, both the root-cause analysis and corrective action information must be made public within 14 days.

The Refinery Pollution Reduction and Transparency Act reflects years of investigative work, research, and grassroots advocacy led by environmental justice community leaders and organizations. Many of these advocates live in pollution-burdened communities, experiencing firsthand the health impacts on themselves, their families, friends, and neighbors. While this legislation will not address all the environmental issues burdening these communities, it is robust and comprehensive, designed to ensure transparency from refineries regarding the toxic pollution they emit, and to safeguard public health.

Murder investigation, Stanley Ave. LB

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Murder investigation, Stanley Ave. LB

 

Homicide detectives are investigating the murder of a male adult that occurred on July 4, 2024 in the 1000 block of Stanley Avenue.

At approximately 10:03 p.m., officers responded to the 1000 block of Stanley Avenue regarding a stabbing. Upon arrival, officers contacted a male adult victim with life-threatening stab wounds to the upper body.

Officers rendered medical aid and attempted life-saving measures until being relieved by Long Beach Fire Department personnel, who transported the victim to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

The suspect fled the scene before officers arrived.

Homicide detectives responded to the scene to investigate the incident. Through their preliminary investigation, detectives determined the victim and a male adult suspect were in a verbal dispute, which escalated when the suspect stabbed the victim. The motive is under investigation.

The victim was identified as Arnold Archivald Garcia Baide, a 36-year-old resident of Long Beach.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact Homicide Detectives Michael Hutchinson or Lisette Temblador 562-570-7244 or anonymously at 800-222-8477;www.lacrimestoppers.org

 

One Week Left. McOsker Urges Residents to Submit Comments TODAY for the Vincent Thomas Deck Replacement Project

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One Week Left. McOsker Urges Residents to Submit Comments TODAY for the Vincent Thomas Deck Replacement Project

 

The Vincent Thomas Bridge is facing critical deck deterioration due to heavy truck traffic. Since last year, Caltrans has been developing a proposal for the Vincent Thomas Bridge Deck Replacement Project. The state agency aims to replace the entire bridge deck and install seismic sensors to ensure structural integrity and enhance overall safety. Originally completed in 1963, the Vincent Thomas Bridge serves as a vital link for approximately 44,500 vehicles daily, including a significant number of heavy trucks.

The project’s construction staging options, ranging from full closures to phased approaches, aim to minimize disruptions to port operations and meet completion deadlines. Currently, anticipated detour routes will redirect traffic to alternative bridges and local streets. However, the current proposal only specifies redirections in Wilmington.

Driving along many of Wilmington’s main streets, you’ll see trucks lined up bumper to bumper. With the impending closure of the Vincent Thomas Bridge for repairs, this congestion will worsen.

In 2011, the city of Los Angeles anticipated “Carmageddon” when a bridge reconstruction project required closing 10 miles of the Interstate 405 freeway on two weekends, leading to horrific traffic jams. Councilmember Tim McOsker stated he fears that with the closure of the Vincent Thomas Bridge, we may experience “Harbor-geddon”.

IMG 6582
Meeting attendees view slideshow at CalTrans’ second public meeting about the Vincent Thomas Bridge Deck Replacement project. Photo by Rosie Knight.

He continued, “as the representative of the One-Five, I am determined to hold Caltrans accountable and will collaborate with the state to mitigate repairs to streets and roadways that are already damaged.

“Historically, there has been unequal treatment of services in the Harbor Area compared to wealthier parts of LA. As the home to the busiest container port in North America, we deserve equitable consideration in project planning and public outreach efforts, as well as the same level of attention and resources typically reserved for high-profile projects elsewhere in the city, to ensure that the Harbor community receives fair treatment throughout the bridge repair process.

“There is still time to submit public comments for Caltrans to consider. I urge you to review the Draft Environmental Impact Report and Environmental Assessment (Draft EIR/EA) and provide your input, which will be accepted through Monday, July 15.”

Details: Click here to learn more and submit your comments.

LA County Kicks-Off Annual Youth@Work Program for the Summer

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LA County Kicks-Off Annual Youth@Work Program for the Summer

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and the County’s Department of Economic Opportunity OR DEO July 3 kicked off its Youth@Work program, announcing the availability of up to 10,000 paid employment opportunities for local county youth.

Youth@Work connects marginalized and underserved youth ages 14 to 24 to 160 hours of paid work experience, often their first exposure to the world of work, with local employers in high-growth and emerging industry sectors such as hospitality, trade and logistics, advance manufacturing, IT, health care, and the public sector – including the County of Los Angeles.

Through Youth@Work, DEO places youth participants in various public, social, and private sector worksites throughout LA County including the County’s Department of Parks and Recreation, Walgreens, Antelope Valley Medical Center, LA LGBT Center, God’s Pantry, City of Compton, and hundreds of other host employers. Since July 2023, Youth@Work has placed 6,439 youth, amounting to a total of $13.2M in wages earned.

Recognizing the challenges faced by underserved communities, Youth@Work prioritizes youth with the greatest need, including those who are justice-involved, experiencing homelessness, have a disability, in foster care, Transitional Age Youth, low-income, LGBTQ+, children of CalWORKs households, pregnant or parenting.

Additionally, through this program, youth can participate in projects facilitated by local partnerships within the public sector such as the Youth@Work Summer Stars program, which placed 90 youth across 46 LA County libraries to assist school age children in K-6th grade in high need areas with math and literacy tutoring services during the summer break.

Youth can apply by completing the following interest form here. Employers interested in partnering with DEO and hosting youth, can get started here. Watch here to see DEO’s partnership with Parks and Recreation.

City of Carson Responds to Incident at SouthBay Pavilion Mall

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City of Carson Responds to Incident at SouthBay Pavilion Mall

 

CARSON — The City of Carson is addressing an incident that occurred at the SouthBay Pavilion Mall on Saturday, July 6, involving a large group of juveniles.

Around 2:30 p.m., deputies from the Carson Sheriff’s Station responded to reports of a large-scale disturbance involving approximately 200 juveniles. The incident included the setting of a trash can on fire and the use of illegal fireworks within the mall premises. The swift and coordinated response by the Sheriff’s Department resulted in the detention of between 60 to 70 juveniles for refusing to disperse.

The detained juveniles were issued citations and released to their parents or guardians. There were no reports of thefts or injuries, thanks to the prompt action by law enforcement and the cooperation of the mall patrons and staff.

“Criminal activity of this nature is disruptive to our businesses and harmful to our community and will not be tolerated,” stated the Carson Sheriff’s Station in a post on X. Additional information confirmed by the Carson Sheriff’s Station indicated that three of the detained juveniles are from Carson, with the rest are from neighboring cities.

Mayor Lula Davis-Holmes commented, “The safety and well-being of our residents and businesses are our top priority. We are taking immediate steps to ensure such incidents do not recur. Our community’s strength lies in our ability to come together and address challenges head-on. I commend the Sheriff’s Department for their quick action and the community for their cooperation.”

Additional security measures will be discussed in upcoming city council meetings to prevent future disturbances and maintain a safe environment for all.

For further information, please contact Margie Revilla-Garcia at 310-830-7600 Ext: 1741; or www.carsonca.gov

SoCal Grocery Workers Ratify Strong Contract Agreement with Food 4 Less/Foods Co.

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SoCal Grocery Workers Ratify Strong Contract Agreement with Food 4 Less/Foods Co.

 

Los Angeles County, Calif. — Members of United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Locals 8GS, 135, 324, 770, 1167, 1428 and 1442 July 3 voted to ratify a new three-year contract with Food 4 Less/Foods Co. The contract was reached after months of negotiations and active participation from thousands of Southern California grocery workers.

The seven UFCW Locals released the following statement

“​​Today, by ratifying this contract, Food 4 Less/Foods Co. workers have secured meaningful raises, increased hours for part-time workers, and a more direct path to top-rate pay over the next three years. After countless hours at the bargaining table and in the streets between their shifts, the hard-working members of UFCW stood together for their families and each other and secured a strong contract. This contract is a concrete and direct result of the tireless work of the member-led bargaining committee. Together, our members are fighting for a more promising future, and this contract will help to achieve that goal.”

BACKGROUND

Key provisions of the agreement include:

  • Wage increases for all workers

  • More hours guaranteed for all part-time workers

  • Reduction in the hours it takes to reach top-rate pay

  • Additional premiums for select positions

  • Ratification bonuses for all workers

  • Increased starting wage rate

This contract will go into effect immediately for over 6,000 essential grocery workers in Food 4 Less/Foods Co. locations across Southern California.

The Art of Great Community Policing in the Harbor Gateway

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The Art of Great Community Policing in the Harbor Gateway

By Rick Thomas, Columnist

Doing a column on the Los Angeles Police Department or any urban police department comes with challenges.

“Nobody likes cops…until you need them.” Right?

We’ve heard that one many times. I needed the local police department. When I had my café, I needed the Philadelphia PD. Owning a retail establishment back then in the 90s was rough.

We needed police then.

But we need them more now.

Called Caffe Rocks, South Street in Philly. The week I opened; I got a visit from an officer from Philly PD. Kathy Simon. Another visit from Officer Charlie Kapusniak. Both walked the beat on South Street, introduced themselves, and got their cards so that I knew them, and they knew me.

Great beat officers.

That’s community policing.

Charlie was working undercover one day. I didn’t know. I saw him at a 7-Eleven near the café and started chatting him up, talking about stuff in the area where my café was.

That’s community policing.

Kathy was rough and tumble. She would take ANYBODY down. She always popped in to grab a cup of coffee. Never take it for free.

She would take ANYBODY down.

Anybody.

I opened the Comic Stop Comedy Club. I hired off-duty Philly officers as security. Hired another uniformed officer, called him ‘Kenny the Cop,’ to do cash drop-offs after the shows. Back then it was all cash. Meant when the show was over I would have to take a boatload of cash and do drop-offs after midnight at the bank. That wasn’t fun when I only had a .22 caliber handgun for protection. ‘Kenny the Cop’ in fact used to laugh at me saying that a .22 “ain’t gonna do no damage.”

He would drive me to the bank, armed, so I wouldn’t get jacked up.

Community policing.

“Until you need them,” right?

Trust me, when working and serving the public, you want to have a great relationship with the local police department.

So, we’re good Officer Bravo?

Cool!

When Neighborhood Council meetings are held in the HG South our Senior Lead Officer comes in to share what’s going on in our neighborhood. Crime stats are given out to the few that attend, meetings are bland, and not a whole lot comes out of most of them. Field Deputies from the Mayor’s office, the Council office, our Congressional office, the Assemblyman, and the County Supervisor give presentations about the work they are doing in our district. Did I miss anyone?

A lot of political representation.

Some days it’s hard to understand. All of these elected officials are getting paid all that money yet we are always complaining that nothing is getting done.

I’ll leave that for a future post.

At the June Neighborhood Council meeting, it was a lot different. It was held at Normandale Recreation Center. I headed there. It was brutal finding parking, which is not unusual for LA. I did a few drive-byes and thought I’d go home. Not much happens at these meetings. You look at the agenda and there is not a lot of red meat there. I get yelled at saying negative things about this Council but give us meat to chew on.

We ain’t vegan.

This meeting was different. I moved here in 2019 and have attended 95% of the Council meetings. This was without question the best I attended. I’m glad I found parking.

I walked into Normandale Recreation Center and saw five, or six, or maybe 127 uniformed members of the LAPD’s Harbor Division. Memories from my time in the music and entertainment industry back in the 80s and future decades came flooding back. I quickly emptied all my pockets of any contraband.

“THOSE BAGGIES ARE NOT MINE!!! IT’S FLOUR!!!”

But they weren’t there for me.

WHEW!!!

Oh, the good old days…

The boss was there, our Senior Lead Officer by committee was there and there were four members of the Gang Unit. To keep them safe, I’m not gonna say their names, I’m going to share the story as to why this type of community policing is vital to our communities.

The boss said he wanted to do something different. So he brought in the Gang Unit to explain what they do and what they are doing to relieve gang issues in our neighborhoods. This was the first meeting where Gang Unit officers were in the hood.

This is community policing at its best.

I had a chance to chat with them outside as they left. Talking to these officers was clearly important. Gangs are a huge problem in LA. Reality hits as I know this issue will never go away. Not in my lifetime, not in our kids’, nor grandkid’s lifetimes. Living in LA, being in a gang is a badge of honor.

It’s cultural.

It’s generational.

One gang member that I have the pleasure to know, his dad was in a gang, his brother was in a gang and he just had a kid.

Note the pattern here.

I guess I can take solace now that his brother moved out of town.

The son of another OG in the hood, he moved his son out and off the block. Didn’t want it for his kid.

There is hope.

So, I’m talking to these Gang Unit officers and sharing information about a problem in our community, right?

Just to show you how good these guys are? This officer knew the perp. He knew the perp’s car. And get this… the officer was able to relay back to me the description all the way down to the color of his bumper. I looked at the officer for 47 seconds gobsmacked.

How the heck did he know that?

Well, good community police work.

“We’ve pulled that guy over multiple times, and he doesn’t carry, but he’s affiliated.”

Is this good community policing?

No.

It’s great community policing.

“It’s their job as gang officers to know all the bad apples in the community, but I feel it is also very important to know all the good people in the community and build relationships with the good people so that we can work together.”

From LAPD.

This is community policing at its best.

Catherine Jun Named Deputy City Manager

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Catherine Jun Named Deputy City Manager

 

RANCHO PALOS VERDES — The City of Rancho Palos Verdes July 3 announced the selection of Catherine Jun, an experienced public administrator with 14 years in local government, as deputy city manager. Ms. Jun joins Rancho Palos Verdes from the City of Huntington Beach, where she served as deputy city manager since 2023. She succeeds former deputy city manager Karina Bañales, who left Rancho Palos Verdes in October to become city manager in Rolling Hills. Ms. Jun’s first day at the city is July 8.

“It is a tremendous honor to join the talented team at the City of Rancho Palos Verdes,” she said. “As Deputy City Manager, I look forward to collaborating with staff to continually serve our City Council and community stakeholders in ways that will enhance the quality of life of all residents and visitors, while also building upon our legacy of public service excellence.”

Ms. Jun began her career as a photojournalist at The Arizona Republic, covering everything from the 2008 U.S. Presidential campaign, to major professional sporting events and local human interest stories.

In 2010, she entered the public sector as a policy analyst at the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. In 2014, she joined the City of Bellflower as a Management Analyst, overseeing multi-million-dollar public works grants and various housing and economic development projects.

Ms. Jun began her tenure in Huntington Beach as assistant to the city manager at the start of the pandemic, leading the city’s COVID-19 public communication program and community engagement strategies. As deputy city manager, she took on citywide projects involving complex matters such as homelessness, Charter amendments, strategic planning, sustainability, and legislative funding requests.

City manager Ara Mihranian said he is excited to introduce Ms. Jun to City staff and the community.

Ms. Jun holds a Master of Public Policy degree from USC and a Bachelor of Arts degree in American literature and culture from UCLA.

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