A sunny Thursday at P.F. Chang’s in Shoreline Village set the scene for the March 2025 edition of the Clean and Safe Team Employees of the Quarter Luncheon. Attendees and honorees were treated to a triple scoop of celebration that went well with their Asian bistro lunch and cupcakes for dessert.
The mood was even more boisterous than usual as the Clean and Safe Team assembled, along with staff members from the Downtown Long Beach Alliance (DTLB Alliance) and Block by Block, the company contracted by the DTLB Alliance to manage the teams. Honors were threefold; Brandon Kiper and Daniel Battles were announced as the March Employees of the Quarter, Anisel Sanchez got a certificate for hitting the 10-year anniversary mark in his Clean and Safe Team career, and several other March anniversary and birthday people, including Brandon, got cheers and applause as well.
Anisel Sanchez receiving his 10-year anniversary certificate
Master of Ceremonies chores were handled by Stephanie El Tawil, DTLB Alliance’s Economic Development & Policy Manager. She announced the winners and ran the post-lunch Pictionary games with the adeptness of a game show host!
Block by Block Operations Manager Sara Payne spoke enthusiastically about the March Employees of the Quarter: “Brandon is our Jack of all trades. He’s always one of the first people here, bright and early. No matter what happens during the day, he’s always filling in whatever gap he can. He really shows up, in every way we need.
Brandon Kiper and his Employee of the Quarter award
“Daniel is really, really good at what he does,” Payne continued. “He goes above and beyond, paying attention to every little detail. We chose him this time because of how many compliments he got from the community.”
Daniel, born and raised in Downey, has been on the job for three years, working primarily with the Clean Team and occasionally doing Safe Team shifts. “I try to help out the best I can,” he said. “I like being part of something that’s good for the DTLB community.”‘
A commuter who lives in Commerce, Daniel often likes to grab a pre-shift breakfast at Doly’s Delectables, 245 E Broadway. “Good coffee, and the best muffins in town,” said the award winner.
Daniel Battles and his Employee of the Quarter award
Daniel’s Clean Teammate Brandon is originally from Bellflower. He lives in Long Beach now and loves to hang out at the beach on his days off. He’ll be ready to relax after this weekend’s post-Grand Prix cleanup. “It’s pretty intense! There will be a ton of work to do,” he said.
Brandon does Clean Team work five days a week, often driving an ATV and doing pressure washing. “It’s awesome being able to help people,” he said during his post-award interview. “I’m always here to see the job through.”
The Clean & Safe Team at the Employees of the Quarter Luncheon
When you see a red shirted Clean and Safe Team member on a Downtown street, you’re looking at someone who brings pride, energy, and enthusiasm to their job. Don’t hesitate to offer them a compliment and a kind word. Learn more about the Clean and Safe Team here.