Green is Greater Festival

[Updated 9/7/2010]

In conjunction with the Gaslamp Restaurant & Bar, Egrets Not Regrets has partnered up with the new local media sensation, Greater Long Beach, and is co-hosting the Green is Greater at the Gaslamp Festival!

On Saturday, September 18 from noon to 6 p.m. head on over to the Gaslamp Restaurant and Bar (6251 E. PCH, corner of PCH and Loynes) to meet local environmental organizations, peruse various arts and crafts booths, listen to live music and enjoy the food and drink at the Gaslamp!

The event is even family friendly! There will be a kids crafts corner where the littler ones can show off their mad crafting skills.

Though it is absolutely free to attend, it's also a fundraiser! Here's how:

1. There will be a 33/33/33 drawing (tickets $5) wherein the "winner" gets 1/3 of the pot, the Egrets Not Regrets Scholarship Fund gets 1/3 of the pot, and the winner gets to designate which organization gets the other 1/3. Runner up prizes will also be awarded!
2. The Gaslamp is donating 10% of the proceeds to organizations!

Organizations/clubs:

1. Friends of Colorado Lagoon
2. Compassionate Cuisine
3. El Dorado Audubon, California Chapter of the National Audubon
4. Friends of Long Beach Animals
5. Eco-Link
6. Surfrider Foundation, LB Chapter
7. Los Cerritos Wetlands Land Trust
8. CSULB, Environmental Science and Policy Club
9. ???
   

Arts and crafts:

1. Jeanine Birong Photography (who is donating 50% of her proceeds to the scholarship fund! Yeah!)
2. Watermallon Studios
   
3. Some Things Creative
   
4. Chasing Bluebirds
5. Various Local Artists
6. ???
   

Green Businesses:

1. Featherstone, Inc.
2. ???
   

The musical groups who have agreed to play (schedule not yet determined):

1. The Potential Lunatics
2. Pete Marsh
3. Oh Girl
4. The Extinction Theory
5. Heavy Water
6. Jenny Stockdale
7. The Gospels
   
8. Korey Dane & Co.
   

This is lining up to be a really fun event.

If you know anyone who would be interested in participating, please contact me: egretsnotregrets@gmail.com

Be sure and spread the word....and check back often for updated details and information! Additionally, check out Dave Wielenga's article about the event.

Looking forward to the 18th! Hope to see you there!

Announcing The Egrets Not Regrets Scholarship Fund!

The escalating costs of college tuition are alarming, especially when coupled with budget cuts at these same colleges and universities. While the economy is poor and belts are tightening everywhere, it saddens me to realize that otherwise qualified students are unable to obtain the degree they desire simply because they cannot afford rising tuition costs. I benefited from an "affordable," quality education and I think others should too.

So I basically had two choices: sit and stew about it, or try and do something. I opted for the latter.

As I equally love Long Beach and have environmental leanings, I approached the California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), Environmental Science & Policy (ES&P) Department to see what, if anything, could be done.

And so born is the Egrets Not Regrets Scholarship Fund!

The Fund, managed and maintained entirely by CSULB, allows the university to award their outstanding ES&P students with scholarships for their combined commitment to community service and scholarly achievement in the environmental field. Once the Fund accumulates a base of $25,000 (yikes!), a partial tuition scholarship will be awarded annually to a senior student with a GPA greater than 3.0. The selected student will also have demonstrated a commitment to volunteering and/or some sort of community involvement.

And how will the Egrets Not Regrets Scholarship Fund be funded, you ask? Well. I'm going to raise the money by (herein) soliciting donations. There will, most definitely, be fundraiser events on the horizon.

It's daunting, and likely tiring, but again, the alternative is sitting and stewing about the declining state of education in California. My goal, with your help, is to support a student's education.

So, please, help if you can.

Donations (which are tax deductible!) can be made as follows:

Please make checks payable to: CSULB Foundation. Under Memo: Acct #09516800 - ES&P Scholarship

Mail checks to:

California State University, Long Beach Foundation
6300 State University Drive, Suite #332
Long Beach, CA 90815
Attention: Gift Processing

Additional information can be found on the CSULB, ES&P website by clicking HERE.

Thank you for your support and generosity!

I would also like to thank Dr. Paul Laris, Director of the ES&P Department for his assistance (and patience) throughout this process. Without his help, this would not have been possible.

Tank Removal to Begin Today

Per the distributed "Neighborhood Emergency Plan," work to demolish the tanks at 400 Studebaker (Studebaker and Loynes Drive) is scheduled to begin today. It is expected to last 6-8 weeks.

Adios, Tank Farm!

Alternatives Analysis Report Colorado Lagoon Restoration Project, Phase 2

As blogged previously, there will be a public meeting regarding Phase 2 of the Colorado Lagoon Restoration Project. Discussed will be the 5 alternatives, as identified and analyzed in the recently released engineering study (which can be found here).

Over the next several days I'll be blogging about the various sections of the report, describing the alternatives and offering up some opinions (shocking).

To get ya started, following is the Executive Summary from the report (clicking on it will open it in a larger window wherein it will be more legible):

Community Meeting - Colorado Lagoon Restoration Project, Phase 2

The City of Long Beach Departments of Community Development and Parks, Recreation and Marine are hosting a public meeting on Phase 2 of the Colorado Lagoon Restoration Project.

The purpose of Phase 2 is to further improve water and habitat quality at Colorado Lagoon by improving the tidal connection to Marine Stadium. An engineering study on the different options available was recently completed, and is available here.

Meeting details follow:

Wednesday, August 11
7 p.m.
Recreation Park's Bruin Den (5000 E. 7th Street)

Friends of Colorado Lagoon (FOCL), an advocacy group working to restore and preserve this important urban wetland, is strongly supportive of Alternative 4a. Dave Pirazzi, FOCL President, articulately explains why in a "Spit and Argue" piece published in the Grunion Gazette, which can be read here.

(Disclaimer: I am on the FOCL board)

Hugh's Bite Nite, July 26

Back on June 21, Long Beach resident Hugh Boyle was in a very serious motorcycle accident at the intersection of Palo Verde and Stearns, and has only very recently been transferred from critical care to a rehab facility.

Hugh's wife, Shelly, has been chronicling the days post-accident on her blog, Sweet Vintage Cherry Lingerie, and LBReport.com has also provided periodic updates. Though this is clearly a tragedy, what I find so heartening, however, is how the Long Beach community is supporting this family in their time of need. And you can do your part too....

On Monday, July 26 various restaurants throughout Long Beach will be hosting "Hugh's Bite Nite," and have agreed to donate a portion of their proceeds to help with the family's medical bills. The participating restaurants are:

• La Strada Restaurant, 4716 East 2nd Street (Belmont Shore)
• Naples Rib Company, 5800 E. 2nd Street (Naples)
• Marri's Pizza, 6436 E. Stearns St (Los Altos area)
  

So if you want to help a family in need, consider dining at one of the above restaurants on Monday, July 26. Either print out the following flyer, or tell the server that you are there for "Hugh's Bite Nite."

Second + PCH, Open Space

At last week's Beer and Politics, I made some claims about how the Second + PCH development team is drastically overstating their open space (they claim approximately 5 acres of open space, or 49% of the project site). I have been asked to provide documentation substantiating my claims. No sweat; I should have done that anyway. I'm always left scratching my head when people offer "facts" then either can't or won't provide the supporting documentation....and then there I go making claims and not providing any back-up. Not acceptable. Apologies, and here goes....

The open space provision within SEADIP reads, "A minimum of thirty percent of the site shall be developed and maintained as usable open space (building footprint, streets, parking areas and sidewalks adjacent to streets shall not be considered usable open space. Bicycle and pedestrian trails not included within the public right-of-way may be considered usable open space)."

Following is the "Open Space Plan" from the DEIR (Figure II-17, clicking on the below will open it in a larger window).
As you can see from the Figure, to arrive at their 49% open space, they captured open space from the second and third stories of the development. These aspects fall within the "building footprint" and are to be excluded from open space determinations, pursuant to SEADIP. Excluding these "building footprint" items knocks the open space down to 34.58%, per the provided open space plan.

As you can also see in the plan, the "first story" open space includes open space associated with Marina View Lane, a street. Clearly streets aren't open space. Or at least it should be clear: streets are not open space. So the 34.58% needs to be reduced to reflect the removal of the Marina View Lane "open space."

In any event, 49% open space isn't in the ballpark of accurate, under SEADIP, as I asserted at Beer and Politics.

As an aside, this was also addressed in my comment letter on the Project's Draft EIR.

Acoustic Tidal Artwalk, July 9 and 10

There's a great event happening this weekend....the Acoustic Tidal Artwalk to be held on the South Beach of the Colorado Lagoon! Check out the info below (clicking on them will open them in a larger window)....

Flyer:

Map:

For more information, also check out Friends of Colorado Lagoon

Veggies and Arts and Ponies, Oh My!

As posted on Greater Long Beach, there was to be a hearing before the zoning administrator to consider a farmer's market at the "Pumpkin Patch" property. That hearing was delayed.

Subsequent to the (delayed) hearing, I received some additional information about this farmers market, and I think it's important to share.

From the application/site plan, looks like the farmer's market will include the following:

• 100 vendor spaces (55 spaces @ 10 ft x 10 ft; 44 spaces @ 10 ft x 20 ft ; and 1 space @ 10 ft x 30 ft).
• Vendor mix: 30% certified farmers only; 30% produce vendors; 30 mixed use (i.e. hot/cold prepared food, arts and crafts, etc); 10% non-profit
  
• 470 on-site parking spaces (370 customer spaces and 100 vendor spaces).
• 5 porta-potties
  
• An entertainment area.
• A train area.
• An area for ponies.
• Hours of operation (per the hearing notice): 7am - 4pm, Saturday and Sunday
• Hours of operation (requested in the application): February thru August, 2pm - 7 pm, Wednesday and Friday; 7am - 4pm Saturday and Sunday.
  

The City has assumed that this Project is exempt from CEQA. The zoning hearing notice also stated that the Project cannot be appealed to the Coastal Commission.

Beer and Politics!

Yours truly is on the panel for the upcoming Beer and Politics!

Topic: Second + PCH: Dreamy New Gateway or Traffic Nightmare?

Panelists include: Cliff Ratkovich and David Malmouth (developers), Gary Delong (3rd District Councilmember), Elizabeth Lambe (Executive Director, Los Cerritos Wetlands Land Trust) and Moi!

Event details follow:

Beer and Politics
Tuesday, June 29 @ 7 p.m.
Gallaghers Pub and Grill
2751 E. Broadway
Long Beach, CA

Should be an interesting evening; Beer and Politics is always a good time!

Long Beach Just Got Greater!

Dave Wielenga launches GreaterLongBeach.com!

Greater Long Beach is a full-service website grown from very deep roots … and the pooled talents and experience of the city’s very best journalists.

Together, these journalists provide something … well, GREATER:

GREATER, as in a Long Beach that is reported, investigated and explained with intelligence, diligence and fearlessness.

GREATER, as in a Long Beach that is explored and celebrated with expert coverage of arts, entertainment and recreation, as well as insightful looks at its people, culture, lifestyles and social issues.

GREATER, as in a Long Beach that is connected to satellite cities–suburbs from Seal Beach to Cerritos, Bellflower, Lakewood, Compton and Downey to San Pedro–through coverage that tracks their particular orbits and their influence on one another.

GREATER, as in a Long Beach that is improving and ascending in both big-city and small-town ways—the natural outcome of a free flow of information through first-rate independent journalism, reported quickly but explained clearly, with necessary objectivity and reasoned perspective.

Check it out!

New Look!

Decided that Egrets Not Regrets needed a makeover. Hope you enjoy this new look.

Support the Colorado Lagoon by Shopping at Blue Windows!

During the month of June, the good people at Blue Windows have agreed to donate 10% of all kids sales to Friends of Colorado Lagoon!

They have selected FOCL as their monthly charity as they, "hope to help out this won­der­ful orga­ni­za­tion so that they can con­tinue to pro­vide free nature edu­ca­tion pro­grams to the com­mu­nity, gen­eral pub­lic, and neigh­bor­ing schools." Awesome!

Blue Windows is located in Belmont Shore at 5276 Second Street.

Pick up some kids stuff today and help the Colorado Lagoon!

Thanks Blue Windows!

Second + PCH Draft EIR Comment Letter

updated: I have been asked if my comment letter is "all inclusive" of the issues present in the DEIR. In short, not by a long shot. I had benefit of seeing some VERY STRONG comment letters wherein various issues were already identified. I saw no reason to duplicate as there are only so many hours in a day....and finding flaws with this document was like shooting fish in a barrel.....

Following is my comment letter on the Second + PCH Draft EIR. Enjoy (or not)!

Second + PCH Comment Letter Draft EIR

Second + PCH Draft EIR Comments Due Friday!

Quick reminder that comments on the Second + PCH Project Draft EIR are due by close of business Friday, June 4.

All comments should be sent to:

Jeff Winklepleck
Department of Development Services
333 W. Ocean Blvd, Fifth Floor
Long Beach, CA 90802
or
jeffrey.winklepleck@longbeach.gov

Additionally, it is important to let elected officials, City staff and the media know how you feel about the Project. Contact information follows:

Elected Officials:

Mayor Bob Foster
info@longbeach.gov

Councilmember Robert Garcia
district1@longbeach.gov
562-570-6919

Councilmember Suja Lowenthal
district2@longbeach.gov
562-570-6684

Councilmember Gary DeLong
district3@longbeach.gov
562-570-6300

Councilmember Patrick O’Donnell
district4@longbeach.gov
562-570-6918

Councilmember Gerrie Schipske
district5@longbeach.gov
562-570-6932

Councilmember Dee Andrews
district6@longbeach.gov
562-570-6816

Councilmember Tonia Reyes-Uranga
district7@longbeach.gov
562-570-6139

Councilmember Rae Gabelich
district8@longbeach.gov
562-570-6685

Councilmember Val Lerch (soon to be Stephen Neal)
district9@longbeach.gov
562-570-6137

City Staff:

City of Long Beach, Department of Development Services
Derek Burnham
Derek.burnham@longbeach.gov
562-570-6261

Local newspapers and media outlets:

Long Beach Press Telegram
speakout@presstelegram.com

Grunion Gazette
editor@gazettes.com

LB Report
mail@LBReport.com

Long Beach Post
ryan@lbpost.com

Seaport Marina Hotel and Second + PCH Project, Traffic Comparison

Using information found in the Second + PCH Draft EIR (Table 5-2: Project Generation Forecast, Appendix J), following is a table comparing the number of vehicle trips associated with the current Seaport Marina Hotel and the number of vehicle trips associated with the proposed Second + PCH development:

Time Period	Seaport Marina Hotel	Second + PCH Project	% Change
Weekday AM Peak	54	372	+ 689%
Weekday PM Peak	57	902	+ 1,582%
Saturday Peak	69	1,209	+ 1,752%

A comparison of the traffic associated with the previously proposed Lennar Project and the currently proposed iteration can be found here.

CCC Issues Staff Report for Hitchcock Item

The California Coastal Commission just released the staff report for the upcoming hearing regarding the whole Sean Hitchcock illegal land scraping. The summary of staff's recommendation follows:

On March 10, 2010, the Commission determined that a substantial issue exists with respect to the grounds of the appeals because: a) the certified LCP designates the bay-fronting site for restoration as a brackish pond, b) the certified LCP requires that open space and natural habitat areas be preserved and that the waters of Alamitos Bay be protected from runoff, and c) the absence of a detailed and enforceable habitat protection and restoration plan could adversely affect wildlife, wetlands, and the quality of adjacent tidal waters.

Staff is recommending APPROVAL of the coastal development permit with special conditions. The recommended special conditions of the permit, address restoration and re-vegetation of the previously graded area of the site subject to the landfill cap with native plants appropriate to the location; timing of the re-vegetation; monitoring and future maintenance of the site; and protection of water quality and marine resources.

The staff report can be found here (and is item 9a on the Friday, June 11 agenda). The "special conditions" begin on page 3 of the compiled PDF.

Great Turnout!

Thanks to everyone who showed up to Happy Hour last night. I was VERY, VERY pleasantly surprised with the turnout!! What a great showing; I was floored. And not just the usual cast of characters...but new faces too! Excellent! I'm thrilled.

Given that the attendance was great and everyone seemed to be having a good time, I've decided to start making these "events" a regular feature in the local environmental scene.

So stay tuned for event details. To receive the latest information, be sure and sign up for the Egrets Not Regrets newsletter by entering your email address in the upper right of this blog!

Happy Hour, Anyone?

Without question, all work and no play makes for a very ornery egret! And since there seems to be a flurry of environmental activity in Southeast Long Beach at the moment, now seems like the perfect time to let off a little steam!

So as promised, to celebrate the "first birthday" (blog-aversary?) of Egrets Not Regrets, I've organized a happy hour. I'd love for you to join me. It should be fun.

Details follow:

Thursday, May 20 from 6 - 8 p.m.

The Gaslamp Restaurant and Bar
6251 E. Pacific Coast Highway (corner PCH and Loynes Drive)

The Gaslamp offers a good happy hour (from 5-7): 1/2 price appetizers, $3 well drinks and $2.50 domestic beers. An organized wine tasting will also be available for those so inclined. And if alcohol isn't your thing, you can always order your favorite unleaded beverage from the bar. A full dinner menu is also available.

Hope to see you on the 20th! Bring a friend...the more the merrier!!

Keep Your Fingers Crossed.....

Could a piece of the Los Cerritos Wetlands be moving into the public domain in the not-so-distant future (and no, I'm not talking about the land swap!)???

The California Department of Fish and Game, Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) recently released the preliminary agenda for its upcoming May 27 meeting in Sacramento.

Of note, item 32 (Los Cerritos Wetlands, $6,180,000): To consider the allocation for a grant to the Los Cerritos Wetlands Authority for a cooperative project with the State Coastal Conservancy and the Rivers and Mountains Conservancy, to acquire 100+/- acres of land to protect critical coastal wetland habitat, scenic features and vanishing remnants of California's wetland landscape located in the City of Seal Beach, in Orange County. The proposed funding source allows for the acquisition, protection and restoration of lands in or adjacent to urban areas. [Water Security, Clean Drinking Water, Coastal and Beach Protection Fund of 2002 (Proposition 50), Section 79572(a)].

The land in question is the Hellman Property.

You can find out more about the WCB by clicking here. Essentially (and from their website), the primary responsibilities of WCB are to select, authorize and allocate funds for the purchase of land and waters suitable for recreation purposes and the preservation, protection and restoration of wildlife habitat. WCB approves and funds projects that set aside lands within the State for such purposes, through acquisition or other means, to meet these objectives. WCB can also authorize the construction of facilities for recreational purposes on property in which it has a proprietary interest.

Keep your fingers crossed for a positive outcome!!

Egrets Not Regrets is 1-Year-Old Today!

Happy Birthday, Egrets Not Regrets!

One year ago today this blog was born! When I started writing, I wasn't sure where it would lead. Nor did I know if I'd even like doing it. Well, I was pleasantly surprised on both fronts - the blog is quite successful (if the number of positive comments I receive and web traffic stats are any indicator) and I actually enjoy it. So looks like I'm here to stay.

To celebrate, I'm in the process of organizing a happy hour to be held a little later this month. So stay tuned for details and information!

If you haven't already done so, I encourage you to sign up to receive the Egrets Not Regrets "newsletters." Your email address will be kept confidential and will not be shared. Sign up today (box in the upper right hand corner of this blog).

Tank Removal Project Before Planning Commission Again

I'm cruising through the Planning Commission agenda for the Thursday, May 6 hearing and I see that the Tank Removal Project is back for approval. From the staff report (agenda/staff report can be found here):

"This project was continued from the Planning Commission meeting of February 18, 2010. After a lengthy discussion relating to environmental concerns regarding removal of the tanks, the Planning Commission voted three to two to continue the item. The purpose of the continuance was to allow the applicant to obtain a certified work plan from the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) and an engineering analysis to determine the location of the interlocking Plains Petroleum pipeline system running through the site. The applicant has submitted an approved workplan from the Department of Toxic Substances Control (Exhibit A -DTSC letter of March30, 2010; Waterstone Environmental, Inc. revised work plan dated March 26, 2010 and Plains Petroleum tank map). Soil sampling and analysis will take place after the tanks have been removed."

So, if you are interested in the Tank Removal Project, go to the Planning Commission hearing:

Thursday, May 6, 5pm

City Hall, 333 W. Ocean Blvd.

Second + PCH Has a Plan, E-I-R-I-O (part one)

As you all are likely aware, the Second + PCH Project Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) is out for public comment. I'm just starting to pick my way through it and I'm finding it, well, rather befuddling.

For Dave Wielenga's Redistricted!, I have agreed to take his readers through the more confounding parts of the analysis in a periodic feature he is calling "E-I-R-I-O." The first dilemma: How high is the Second + PCH 12 story building? Enjoy.

Second dilemma: How do I get the "Old McDonald Had A Farm" song out of my head?

In any event, stay tuned for the next "E-I-R-I-O" over at Redistricted!

Second + PCH vs. Lennar, Traffic

Using information found in the Lennar EIR and the recently released Second + PCH Draft EIR, I compiled a table comparing the traffic generation estimates of the two projects. The last column represents the difference between the two projects.

	Lennar	Second + PCH	% Change
A.M. Peak	354	372	+5.1%
P.M. Peak	726	902	+24.2%
Weekend Peak	885	1,140	+28.8%
Weekday Daily Total	10,156	12,273	+20.8%
Weekend Daily Total	12,738	15,410	+21.0%

I'm sorry, but those numbers are sobering, especially considering that Lennar (primarily) died a painful death over substantial traffic concerns.

Second + PCH Draft EIR Available

The City of Long Beach just released the Second + PCH Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR). It can be downloaded here.

The Notice of Availability indicates that the comment period ends Monday, June 7th. It also states that all comments must be received by close of business (COB) Friday, June 4 (which represents a 44 day comment period). Not sure why the contradiction, but it exists nonetheless. To be safe, have comments in by COB Friday. Send all comments to:

Jeff Winklepleck
Department of Development Services
333 W. Ocean Blvd, Fifth Floor
Long Beach, CA 90802
or
jeffrey.winklepleck@longbeach.gov

I have only checked two things:

1. to see if my comments on the NOP were included (they were not), and
2. to take a quick peek at the traffic analysis. Couldn't do that comprehensively since the traffic appendix (appendix J) wasn't posted on the City's website with all the other appendices. [The City has since made Appendix J available for download.]

0-2. Not very confidence inspiring, I tell ya.

Since the document preparers couldn't be bothered to include my comments on the NOP, they are provided below (and were also posted on this blog):

• Given the likelihood of significant traffic impacts associated with the proposed Project, feasible mitigation will be necessary to reduce said impacts to below a level of significance. Such mitigation should not include extension of either Shopkeeper Road or Studebaker Road as doing so would cut a road through the wetlands, and would also have associated environmental impacts. Should extension of either road be identified as traffic mitigation for the Project, however, impacts of the road extension(s) must be analyzed in the Project Environmental Impact Report (EIR).
• For consideration of compliance with SEADIP's 30% usable open space standard, only "on the ground" aspects should be included in analyzed calculations, being mindful that "building footprint, streets, parking areas and sidewalks adjacent to streets" shall not be considered usable open space. Whereas the Project contains both "above ground" and "private" open space, these areas should not factor into the equation when determining usable open space under SEADIP.
• It is my understanding that the Project will also include approval of a Development Agreement (DA). Aspects contained within the DA should be analyzed in the EIR. For instance, if the DA is to include off-site improvements such as landscaping (either adjacent to, or even on, the wetlands), the EIR must identify and analyze the potential direct and indirect impacts associated with this (and any other) surface disturbing activity.

Happy reading!

VOTE - April 13!

It's election time in Long Beach so please REMEMBER TO VOTE on Tuesday, April 13!

To find the location of your polling place, click here and you will be redirected to the City of Long Beach Election information home page.

Second + PCH Project Needs Critical Review

As posted earlier, the Second + PCH development team has ramped up their efforts to generate support for their Project in advance of the soon to be released Environmental Impact Report (EIR).

I believe that, in principle, they have it exactly right: you need to make your voice heard. You need to speak out. I just find their timing curious.

Ultimately, the Second + PCH development team is asking for you to support the Project before you know how it will impact southeast Long Beach.

And I think that is a patently bad idea.

Within the next few weeks the EIR will be made publicly available. At that time, the environmental impacts associated with the proposed development will be revealed. We'll soon know how many additional cars the project will generate per day. We'll know if they can successfully mitigate traffic at one of the most congested intersections in Long Beach. We'll know all that and more. That's important, right? To know how a proposed development is going to impact you before you make up your mind?

Well, apparently it's not. The Second + PCH development team doesn't want you to wait for all that. They want you to call your councilperson ASAP and voice support. Write your letters now, before you know the impacts. Petition the decision makers today, encouraging them "to vote YES when second+pch comes up for a vote!"

In the support letter they think you should have written weeks ago, they suggest you state that, "the project has the architectural style, residential and commercial spaces and cultural amenities that I want." They tell you to extol the economic benefits of the Project. As quick as you can, they tell you to tell the decision makers that "this is the right project at the right time for Long Beach."

They tell you what to say, but what they aren't telling you is to wait and look at the project's impacts. No, no, they don't want you to focus on those.

Personally, it makes me wonder why. Is it because the environmental impacts are significant? Is it because the traffic simply can't be mitigated, and for many that's a deal breaker? I dunno, but I guess we'll soon find out.

Fundamentally, I believe that this Project should be reviewed with a critical eye. The environmental impacts should be weighed against the Project's benefits. A decision to support or oppose should be made in light of full information, with all factors considered.

And shame on the Second + PCH development team, or anyone for that matter, who recommends otherwise.

Second + PCH Begins Email Requests for Support

The Second + PCH development team has begun sending out emails soliciting support in advance of the soon to be released EIR. And they have made it VERY easy to do so. Really all you have to do is just give your name and occupation and they'll do the rest for you. They do give you the option to modify the provided form letter. For that extra special personal touch.

The email is provided below in its entirety.

We are here to give you the latest information on the exciting new development planned for second+pch in Long Beach, and to provide you with ways to voice your support.

This project will only become a reality if people in Long Beach SPEAKOUT and show support. The Planning Commission, the City Council and the Mayor need to know that people in our city are ready for a high quality development on an important gateway to that we can be proud of.

Polling data from Goodwin Simon Strategic Research shows that residents of Long Beach support the project by a two-to-one margin.

How can I help?

If you believe this project is good for Long Beach, will bring jobs and revenue into the City and will revitalize the eastern gateway to the City, we need you to SPEAK OUT.

Here's how to do it:

1. Send an easy to prepare, online letter of support to our city officials.
   
2. Become a fan of second+pch on Facebook and send our link to all of your other Facebook friends.
3. Send a personal letter to the newspaper or to the on-line media voicing support.

Timing

The Environmental Impact Report (EIR) will be released in the first two weeks of April opening a 45-day comment period. Now is the time to SPEAK OUT and be heard. Your opinion matters.

For more information, visit our website at www.second+pch.com and join our blog, or follow us on Facebook.

Sincerely,

David Malmuth

second+pch

He's baaaack.....

Can't keep a good man down apparently. Less than one week after the District Weekly folds, "orphaned" reporter Dave Wielenga launches a new blog: Dave Wielenga Redistricted.

And he's got support, Bill Pearl of LBReport has offered to carry the blog on his Website.

Welcome to the world of blogging, Dave. Good luck to you.

Farewell, District Weekly

The District Weekly folded today. What an absolute pity. Long Beach is worse because of it, I think.

They will be missed tremendously.

Read, "Dave Wielenga reflects on passing of The District Weekly," at LBReport for more.

Substantial Issue Found, CCC

At the California Coastal Commission's meeting yesterday, they voted to uphold the appeals on the 2H/Sean Hitchcock matter. They found that a "substantial issue" exists and a de novo hearing will be held in the future. The staff report and hearing results can be found here.

As I am currently out of town on business, I was neither able to attend the hearing nor listen to the meeting online. I will do so (once I get back to civilization), and provide an update as to what transpired (and what it means).

An educated voter is a better voter.....

It's election time in Long Beach!

The Long Beach Business Journal is in the process of conducting and publishing candidate interviews. They can be found here.

They started with the 9th district and are working their way down. To date the following are available:

1. Four Vie for Ninth District Council Seat (2/2/2010)
2. Four Vie for Seventh District Council Seat (2/16/2010)
3. Two in the Fifth, Three in the Third Vie for Council (3/2/2010)

Additionally, LBReport has direct links to campaign contributions reported by the candidates for the period January 1 - February 27, 2010. You can access that information here.

I encourage you to read up on the candidates! Enjoy.

Tank Removal Project Status

Okay, I admit it. I'm a bad blogger.

Here I am blogging about the tank removal project, and then not providing an update as to its status after the Planning Commission meeting. Hey, what can I say? Life happens.

In a nutshell, it was delayed pending additional information.

LBReport.com did an absolutely fabulous job covering this meeting. Check it out here.

Tank Removal Project Before Planning Commission Tonight

Quick reminder that the Tank Removal Project is set to be approved by the Planning Commission tonight, 5pm, at City Hall (333 W. Ocean).

Attend and comment!

Snowy Bayou

Remember Tim Anderson, former Executive Director of the Los Cerritos Wetlands Land Trust? Naturalist and volunteer extraordinaire?

He moved to Louisiana a bit ago. He just sent me this picture of the snowy bayou he calls home. Snow is an anomaly, apparently. Pretty though.

Be well, my friend, and stay warm!

Thanks LBReport!

Just saw that LBReport published a blurb about tonight's tank talk. Thanks LBReport!.

Tank Talk Reminder

Just a reminder that tonight at Kettering Elementary (500 Silvera), I'll be speaking about the Tank Removal Project.

As posted earlier, the meeting starts at 6:30. It's a packed agenda and I'm speaking later in the evening.

If you are at all curious about this Project, come have a listen.

Thanks District Weekly!

Saw that The District Weekly ran a blurb about my upcoming Tank Talk. Hey thanks!

I'm Talking Tanks

At the request of Pat Towner, University Park Estates Neighborhood Association (UPENA) President, I will be speaking about the Tank Removal Project (Project) at UPENA's upcoming meeting. Details follow:

Thursday, February 11
6:30 P.M. (that is the meeting start time; I will be speaking a little later in the evening)
Kettering Elementary School (500 Silvera)

I have been asked to speak about the following (generally, and briefly):

1. Explaining what a Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) is and how it differs from an Environmental Impact Report (EIR)
2. Explanation of the Project
3. Concerns regarding the Revised MND
4. Question and Answer Session
   

Sound thrilling? Well, probably not, but it will be informative.

I am told this meeting is open to the public and all are encouraged to attend and learn.

And if you go, remember....no heckling the speaker!

Reminder - Tank Removal Project

Just a quick reminder that the comment period on the Tank Removal Project revised Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) is running now and expires, February 16.

The Project is scheduled for approval at the Planning Commission on Thursday, February 18.

It is important to note that if the Planning Commission approves the Project and you want to appeal the decision to the City Council, you need to have established yourself as an "aggrieved party." To do this, you must have participated in the Planning Commission hearing process, either by submitting written comments to the Commission directly or by testifying at the hearing.

Green Speed Dating.....

Okay. So I was having dinner at Tantalum tonight and I saw this flyer thing by the hostess area. I thought it was interesting, so I'm posting about it.

On Wednesday, February 24 at 7 p.m., Tantalum will be hosting "green speed dating" wherein eco-conscious singles (age 30-50) can meet.

Cost is $25 and all proceeds benefit Power to the People's solar project in Nicaragua.

Brilliant.

RSVP: greenspeeddating.com
General info greenspeeddatinglb@gmail.com

Want to Learn More About Los Cerritos Wetlands?

Following are two links to videos produced by the Aquarium of the Pacific. Both are about the Los Cerritos Wetlands and star local salt marsh ecologist, Eric Zahn. Check em out!

The podcast is 4 min, 40 seconds and can be found by clicking here.

The full length feature is 71 minutes, 50 seconds and can be found by clicking here.

I know the video is long, but it's great and worth a viewing. So saddle up with some popcorn or something and check it out!

Water, Water Everywhere!

There's water out on the Los Cerritos Wetlands......

Thanks to Eric Zahn of Tidal Influence for providing me with all these photos (taken 1/21). My fave is the last one....totally caught that bird flying across (clicking on the photo below should open it in a larger window).

Revised MND for Tank Removal Project Released

As reported on LBReport, the revised Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Tank Removal Project has just been released.

The comment period begins today and runs through Tuesday, February 16.

The project is set for approval on Thursday, February 18.

The revised MND can be found here.

Filing an Appeal with the CA Coastal Commission

[revised 1/21 to reflect appeal period dates]

As mentioned previously, the City has filed a Notice of Final Action with the California Coastal Commission over the Sean Hitchcock permit mess. This triggers the appeal period.

Time Frame for Filing an Appeal: An appeal must be filed by 5:00 p.m. of the 10th working day after a sufficient Notice of Final Action on the permit application was received by the CCC.

The appeal period for the Hitchcock matter expires January 29.

Persons Eligible to Appeal: The applicant, any aggrieved party or any two members of the CCC may appeal. An "aggrieved person" is any person who, in person or through a representative, appeared at a public hearing of the local government in connection with the decision being appealed, or who, by other appropriate means prior to a hearing, informed the local government of the nature of his/her concerns or who for good cause was unable to do either.

How to Appeal: The appeal form can be found here.

For the Hitchcock situation, select the "South Coast District" form. You may download as either a Word document or as a PDF.

Valid Grounds for an Appeal: The grounds for appealing a project are limited to whether the project conforms to the requirements of the Local Coastal Plan (LCP) or the public access policies of the Coastal Act.

So there ya go...more than you ever wanted to know about how to appeal to the Coastal Commission!

Notice of Final Action Sent to Coastal Commission

The City of Long Beach has sent to the California Coastal Commission a revised Notice of Final Action for application 0904-15 (in English, the Hitchcock illegal earthwork matter).

Below are the pages I received (pages 2 and 6 were blank pages in the file, and I took the liberty of removing those and not posting them):

Clicking on each of the images will open them up in a larger window and they should be legible.

page 1












page 3












page 4












page 5













Apologies for posting the pages as individual jpg files. I am certain that there is a way for me to attach PDF documents (I've seen Councilwoman Schipske do it on her blog!). But I am not equally savvy....so individual jpgs it is!

What this all means, and how to appeal, will be the subject of subsequent posts.

"Regerfest" at The Factory Gastrobar

Went to a really cool fundraiser last night at The Factory Gastrobar. I did a write-up on it for LBReport.com and you can read it here.

Fun things ahead......

There are some great, fun events planned for the not so distant future! Sign up to receive the Egrets Not Regrets newsletter and be the first to find out about them!

Tank Farm Project Update, Part Deux

The following information was contained in a City Distributed Press Release regarding the Tank Removal Project:

Development Services commissioned a Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) for a project consisting of demolition of five existing storage tanks, and a subsequent use consisting of storage of inoperable vehicles located at 400 Studebaker. After consulting with the City Attorney, along with consideration of concerns expressed by community members, we determined that the MND did not adequately describe nor analyze the vehicle storage use. Therefore, we have placed the project on hold (there will be no hearing on January 7, 2010), and requested a more thorough description of the proposed vehicle storage use. We will add this description and additional analysis to the MND document and recirculate it for a new 30 day review. We anticipate that the new document will be released in January.

Brrrrrrrr!

Okay, it is positively frigid here! With wind chill it is -5 degrees Fahrenheit! Brrrrrrrrrr........

I can't wait to come home!