Tuesday, January 31 – Team Gonzalez joined the Long Beach Police, CSULB Police, and the Long Beach Fire Department as they delivered briefings and updates during the State of Public Safety presented by the Long Beach Area Chamber. Later in the day, we presented a certificate of recognition to Deena, owner of Green Pines Creative, Coworking, and events. Through her business, Deena offers a multi-service space designed for local creatives. Motivated by her Social Worker experience, she has found a new way to teach life skills to former foster care youth using art, music, and entrepreneurship. Thank you Deena for all you do and congratulations on your new business!

Friday, February 3 – We joined a mural unveiling at Lugo Park in the City of Cudahy, the second of a total of five planned murals. Artist Jaime Velasco and Muralist Carlos Conde worked with youth for an entire week on this latest piece! Thank you City of Cudahy and the local artists for helping to engage youth in the arts and creating a sense of ownership while beautifying our open spaces!

Tuesday, February 7 - On this day, Wrigley Coffee in Long Beach celebrated one year of serving good coffee, building community, and serving individuals who are experiencing housing insecurity. The coffee shop, located in the Wrigley neighborhood is a social enterprise with a great mission fighting homelessness in our community inspired by the nonprofit Family Promise of South Bay. We wish them many years of success and we hope they expand throughout the city and beyond! Later that evening in at Lynwood’s City Council meeting, we joined SEIU UHW, St. Francis employees, and community members in support of an ordinance to raise the minimum wage for healthcare workers to $25 an hour.

Wednesday, February 8 - We joined a meeting held by Councilwoman Mary Zendejas to meet with Food Truck operators to find solutions and gather feedback on some of the issues owners face in preparing for the city's new food truck ordinance. Operators and the City of Long Beach are optimistic about finding balanced, equitable solutions that will positively impact all truck operators citywide. Food trucks are an important part of our diverse local food economy, providing affordable meals and encouraging economic opportunities by increasing foot traffic to the areas they serve.