Draft PBID Management Plan & Survey

On Saturday, May 5, 2012, the 4th Annual Long Beach BikeFest Tour of Long Beach presented by Wells Fargo will bring cycling-related fun and festivities to Downtown Long Beach. In addition to the 31-mile Tour, this event includes a Family Fun Ride, the Metric Century Ride and the new 100-mile Cruz Gran Fondo. Proceeds will support pediatric cancer research at Miller Children’s Hospital Long Beach. Registration for the Tour is now open and available at www.bikefestlb.com.

Weekend festivities kick off on Friday, May 4, with the Friday Fun Fest featuring live music and vendors. Also on Friday, Tour participants can pick up their bibs and registration packets. On the morning of Saturday, May 5, cyclists can participate in a four-mile Family Fun Ride, the 31 or 62-mile picturesque Metric Century Ride, or the 100-mile Cruz Gran Fondo which kicks off near the Queen Mary and loops through Long Beach, Cypress, Seal Beach and Signal Hill.

Greetings,

This note is an opportunity to recognize community members who have played an integral role in advancing the Downtown. We’d like to express appreciation to those individuals whose passion and creativity helps our community make great strides. Volunteerism and community involvement can take on all shapes and sizes – from advocating for an issue, attending community meetings or simply participating in a conversation – getting involved is a crucial component of being an engaged Downtown stakeholder. To cite a recent example, the dedicated hard work from hundreds of residents, businesses and community partners, helped gain City Council approval of the Downtown Plan, which will improve our ability to compete for high quality, smart development – this is a big victory for our vibrant urban center.

Last week, the DLBA hosted Celebrate Downtown, which featured the contributions made to Downtown and introduced the inaugural Spirit of Downtown Award. Designed to honor members of our community who embody the dedication, love and inspirational qualities of great leaders, the award was presented posthumous to the families of four individuals who made a substantial impact on the character of our Downtown and the City of Long Beach.

In 2011, we experienced the unfortunate passing of Larry Allison, Press Telegram’s Editorial Page Editor; Bill Baker, who served as Chair of the Long Beach Redevelopment Agency; Mark Bixby, bicycling advocate and avid community volunteer; and Shaun Lumachi, co-founder/publisher of the Long Beach Post and public policy consultant. The families of these four prominent leaders were recognized by the DLBA at Celebrate Downtown and as this award continues through the years, it will become associated with those who embody the same qualities and passions as these individuals.

Engaged citizens are vital to any community’s success. Thank you to the many who have made time in their busy schedules to work together – with the DLBA and other organizations – to advance our community. It’s important that we continue to work together to achieve our shared vision and grow our Downtown. We encourage more individuals to get involved and join others to help create a great sense of place. If you would like to become more engaged, the DLBA is a great starting point – between our task forces, committees and Board of Directors, we welcome feedback and contributions from everyone.

Please share this newsletter with your friends and family so that we can continue to spread the news about the great things happening in Downtown Long Beach.

Best Wishes,

John Sangmeister

Chairman

Downtown Long Beach Associates

Celebrate Downtown, the DLBA’s annual event, featured this video which highlighted many of the our programs and services as well as many of the great things that have taken place in Downtown Long Beach over the last year. Celebrate Downtown is designed to reflect on and celebrate the many accomplishments of the past year while looking ahead at the goals for the next.

The video, centered around the theme- Recognizing the Spirit of Our Community, features local businesses: Beachwood BBQ & Brewery, Kress Market and Ignify.  It also showcases DLBA events including New Year’s Eve, Tecate Thunder Thursday, Pink Party and the Taste of Downtown; as well as the DLBA’s efforts in keeping Downtown Clean and Safe.

Make this Valentine’s Day one to remember and head to Downtown Long Beach for Valentine Wine & Dine on Tuesday, February 14.  Your favorite romantic restaurants are offering special packages, perfect for any couple looking for a night of love. Create your dreamy evening with live jazz, multi-course meals, roaming opera singers featuring an electric violinist, or sip champagne by candle light.

Visit the following participating restaurants for a special night out in Downtown Long Beach: L’Opera- 5 course dinner, Opera singers and electric violinist, George’s Greek Cafe- 3 course dinner, Utopia- 4 course dinner, live jazz piano, Hamburger Mary’s- Chandon Rose Champagne, Wine Down Lounge & Retail- “Ditch Your Date” singles mixer and wine tasting, Sky Room- 4 course dinner, box of chocolates and live music, Fuego Restaurant in the Hotel Maya, 4 course dinner, The Wine Bar- 2 flights of wine and an appetizer, Parkers’ Lighthouse Restaurant- 3 course dinner, Gaucho Grill- 3 course dinner, Outback Steakhouse- Sweetheart meal for 2, Queensview Steakhouse- 4 course dinner. Beachwood BBQ- 4 course dinner, each paired with fine craft beer, The Auld Dubliner- Largest choice of Irish Whiskies in Southern California and live music, Stefano’s Pizza- Pasta or pizza and dessert, Bliss 525- Dinner, dessert and live jazz band. Aquarium of the Pacific- 4 course meal and exhibit exploration, Cold Stone Creamery- Ice cream cupcake free with any original creation, Clancy’s Irish Pub- Duet karaoke contest with cash prizes, Maru Maki- 4 special rolls with wine, Queen Mary- Singles mixer with live music and dancing, Viva Cafe- Dinner, wine and dessert. Click on the links to find out the full details about Valentine specials and to make your reservations. Check back for additional restaurants and places to go.

The Downtown Scene E-Newsletter is the best way to stay ‘in-the-know’ about all the latest news, information and events happening in Downtown Long Beach! View past editions or, if you don’t already receive the newsletter, sign up below and get the scoop delivered to your inbox each month.
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On Tuesday, January 10, 2012, the City Council approved the Downtown Plan, which will guide investment in Downtown over the next 25 years and will improve our ability to compete for high quality, smart development. It will create the opportunity for more than 7,500 new permanent jobs, half a billion dollars in new wages and a 30% increase in the average household income of Downtown residents.

The DLBA built a coalition which included the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Residential Council (DRC), consisting of six residential associations including the East Village Association (EVA), North Pine Neighborhood Association (NPNA), Ocean Residents Community Association (ORCA), Promenade Area Residents Association (PARA), West End Community Association (WECA)and Willmore City Heritage Association (WCHA). The approval of the Downtown Plan demonstrated what dedicated organizations and partnerships can accomplish by exercising solidarity and collaboration to promote a common cause that improves Downtown and creates long lasting, positive effects in the years to come.

Thank you to everyone who attended and provided testimony at the City Council meeting, to those who sent letters of support, and those who “liked” the Plan on Facebook.

This accomplishment is the culmination of years of perseverance, dedication and hard work by many who represent a diverse cross-section of Downtown.

Celebrate Downtown 2012: Recognizing the Spirit of Our Community

January 26, 2012, 6:30 to 9 p.m.

Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way Long Beach, California 90802

The DLBA will host Celebrate Downtown 2012 on Thursday, January 26, 2012 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Aquarium of the Pacific. Themed Recognizing the Spirit of Our Community, this event will highlight the contributions that the community had made to Downtown.

Celebrate Downtown is a free event for all members of the community. It will feature a relaxed and social atmosphere with a short program that will reflect the accomplishments made over the last year and look ahead at the goals for 2012. The program will include a video presentation and the inaugural Spirit of Downtown Award – which honors members of our community who embody the dedication, love and fortitude of inspirational leadership. This year’s award is being presented posthumous to the families of four individuals who made a substantial impact on the character of Downtown and the city as a whole.

In 2011 with the passing of Larry Allison, Press Telegram’s Editorial Page Editor; Bill Baker, who served as Chair of the Long Beach Redevelopment Agency; Mark Bixby, bicycling advocate and avid community volunteer; and Shaun Lumachi, co-founder and publisher of the Long Beach Post as well as public policy consultant, Long Beach lost prominent leaders who the DLBA will recognize for their substantial contributions and honor with the Spirit of Downtown Award.

Rich Archbold, Press Telegram’s Community Liaison and Editor Emeritus, will present the award to members of Larry Allison’s family.

Long-time friend and Long Beach Redevelopment Agency Boardmember Diane Arnold, and City of Long Beach Director of Development Services Amy Bodek will co-present to Bill Baker’s daughter, Kathie Baker Walbridge.

Mike Jensen, owner of Pacific Retail Partners and sole survivor of the tragic plane crash that claimed the life of five including Mark Bixby, will present to Bixby’s three children, son Ryan and daughters Kirra and Jessica.

Councilmember Dr. Robert Garcia, First Council District, will present to Shaun Lumachi’s widow, Deziré.

Scheduled speakers also include Vice Mayor Dr. Suja Lowenthal, Second Council District; Aquarium of the Pacific President and CEO Dr. Jerry Schubel; DLBA Chairperson John Sangmeister; DLBA Chair Elect Kristi Allen and DLBA President and CEO Kraig Kojian.

Before and after the program, attendees will enjoy appetizers and the music of The Lonely Hearts Club Band, while they wander the Aquarium and mingle with their neighbors and fellow community members.

The DLBA hopes you will join us as we work together to build and strengthen Downtown Long Beach.

On Thursday, January 12, 2012, at 10 a.m. the DLBA’s President and CEO Kraig Kojian, Vice Mayor Dr. Suja Lowenthal, Second District, Councilmember Dr. Robert Garcia, First District, and Martin Howard, Bikeable Communities, officially dedicated the new street banners that celebrate the dedicated bike lanes along Broadway and Third Street.

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The Downtown Long Beach Associates is pleased to announce the winner of our Festival of Lights contest! Coming in first place is The Candy Bouquet, which is now a four-peat winner due to their awesome light display. Second place goes to Bliss 525, and third place goes to Baubles Jewelry. The campaign encouraged consumers to visit Downtown Long Beach and each of 29 participating business, where they voted on a winning light display.  Each person who cast a vote was eligible to win a Downtown prize package, determined by random selection.  Congratulations to Micara Mosley for winning the $100 Downtown prize package.