Here are the latest local news highlights to kick off the week of Monday, Oct. 16, 2023.
Long Beach Explores Feasibility of AIDS/HIV Memorial
Long Beach is exploring the possibility of establishing an AIDS/HIV memorial in the upcoming future. Vice Mayor Cindy Allen and First District Councilmember Mary Zendejas proposed this initiative, which received unanimous support from the city council. Long Beach, renowned for its LGBTQ+ community, has been at the forefront of providing crucial HIV and medical services over the years. But despite advancements in AIDS and HIV prevention and treatment, Long Beach still contends with significant impacts from the disease. A 2020 report from the Department of Health and Human Services revealed that Long Beach had a higher HIV infection rate compared to Los Angeles County and the state as a whole. The proposed AIDS memorial holds potential not only for remembrance but also as a platform for increased health outreach and treatment accessibility for those affected by HIV, regardless of income status. Upon identifying a funding source, the city will engage the community to gather input on the memorial’s design and scope. The exact cost of the project remains unknown but those details will be determined during the feasibility study. Learn more here.
Long Beach Presents 2023 Veterans Day Celebration
The city of Long Beach will host the 2023 Veterans Day Celebration on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Houghton Park (6301 Myrtle Avenue). This free, family-friendly festival event stands as a tribute to the local Long Beach veteran community, which encompasses over 16,000 veterans and their families. The celebration will kick off with a welcome ceremony featuring local elected officials and community leaders, followed by a veterans recognition ceremony and a veterans and community resources fair. The festivities will also include a Kids Zone, an array of food trucks, a giant inflatable obstacle course, and flyovers featuring historic aircraft. The Veterans Day Celebration is organized in collaboration with the Office of Veterans Support, Long Beach Veterans Commission, Long Beach Veterans Day Committee, and Long Beach City College. Learn more here.
Long Beach Unveils Future LB Youth Job Center
The city of Long Beach is set to celebrate the official grand opening of the Future LB Youth Job Center on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, at 1 p.m. The event, Located at 508 W. Willow St., will be marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony graced by Mayor Rex Richardson and Seventh District Councilmember Roberto Uranga. The Future LB Youth Job Center is available to youth ages 14-30 and provides an environment for them to chart their career path and cultivate the skills, knowledge, and work experience imperative for thriving in today’s job market. This center offers cost-free services geared towards workforce readiness, encompassing on-the-job training, paid internships, resources for career exploration, comprehensive case management, and links to employment openings. Operating hours for the new center will be from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays. Learn more here.
Long Beach Airport’s Festival of Flight Returns for 100th Anniversary Celebration
Long Beach Airport (LGB) will be hosting its signature event, Festival of Flight, on October 21, 2023, in honor of LGB’s 100th anniversary. The festival, free and open to the public, offers a close-up view of aircraft displays, children’s activities, live music, and food trucks. Notable aircraft include a C-17, KC-10, a locally built B-17, and a P-51 flown by Tuskegee Airmen. Historic aircraft rides will be available to attendees. Festival of Flight, a tradition since 2013, raises awareness about California’s oldest municipally owned airport, and the 2023 festival marks the start of yearlong anniversary celebrations for LGB. Free parking and alternate transportation options are encouraged for attendees. Learn more here.
Monthly Drive-Thru Donation Event for the Homeless Hosted This Weekend
The city of Long Beach is holding its eighth consecutive monthly donation drive-thru event on October 21, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Health Department’s Main Facilities Center. The event aims to collect essential items for distribution to homeless individuals. This month’s focus is on hygiene kits and travel-sized products. The City is also welcoming cold weather clothing items and a range of donation items, including hygiene kits, backpacks filled with essentials like hand warmers and emergency blankets, pet care kits, clothing items (sweatpants, shirts, socks, underwear, beanies, scarves, caps, hoodies, towels, blankets), welcome home kits, and food items (canned food, bottled drinks, snacks, and more). Gently used items are appreciated as well. Since February 2023, Long Beach has collected over 26,000 items through community generosity, with more than half distributed to the Multi-Service Center and partner organizations. Learn more here.
