Why We Need A Lobbyist Ordinance and Full Disclosure of Discussions with Lobbyists
By Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske | November 19, 2008
The City Council Committee on Elections Oversight has been crafting legislation that would require lobbyists to register in the City of Long Beach and to require members of the City Council fully disclose any discussions they have with lobbyists on issues before the council that take place outside City Council deliberations. City Council members would be prohibited from taking gifts of any amount from lobbyists.
The ordinance is necessary because we need transparency in all transactions that we undertake on behalf of the public. Those who are paid to advocate for their clients do just that. They talk to elected officials and urge a particular position. They take elected officials to lunch or dinner or play golf or bicycle together and advocate the position of their client because they are paid to do so.
The public in Long Beach does not know today who is a lobbyist because unlike other cities in California we do not require lobbyists to register. We are one of the last cities to have such legislation.
The public has the right also to know when an elected official has a discussion about an issue pending before the council especially when the discussion is not in front of the public.
There are many public boards in California that require full disclosure of its members about any discussion related to a pending issue so that the public knows who was contacted — which is appropriate. Why should the public not have the benefit of knowing that their elected officials had conversations about an issue at which they weren’t present and that the conversation may have had a bearing on the decision made by that elected official.
Why shouldn’t city officials take gifts from lobbyists? Obviously. A lobbyist is trying to influence. Why should elected officials be allowed to accept gifts from them? Will someone vote because someone gave them a $75 dollar basket? Hope not. But it gets mighty difficult to say “no” to someone who has been nice.
Transparency in government is extremely important. When real estate deals are made, when projects are proposed, when contracts are given, when any decision before a city councilmember is made the public deserves to know who influenced that decision.
But this won’t happen. Not in Long Beach.
Topics: City Council, Lobbyists | No Comments »
LB Gets Award For Being “Most Business Friendly”
By Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske | November 17, 2008
Can someone please tell the critics of Long Beach that at least the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation recognizes that Long Beach is trying really, really hard to be “business friendly”?
That’s why LAEDC just awarded Long Beach as on the of LA County’s “Most Business Friendly Cities.”
Oh, by the way. This is the third straight year that Long Beach has been selected as one of the top five business friendly cities in the County.
The City also captured an award for its efforts on the C-17 Red Team project — a concerted effort to mobilize appropriate movers and shakers to save the Boeing C-17 project and jobs in our city. As a result, the City just won the International Economic Development Council Excellent in Economic Development Awards in the category of Business Retendion and Expansion.
Topics: City Council, Business friendly | No Comments »
You’re Wanted on Grand Jury
By Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske | November 17, 2008
The Director of Jury Services for the Superior Court of California County of Los Angeles has asked that I help in soliciting applications for the 2009-2010 Civil Grand Jury which will be implaneled on July 1, 2009.
The court is attempting to insure a pool of grand jury nominees that is representative of the ethnic and racial composition of Los Angeles County.
Civil Grand Jury service is virtually a full-time obligation over a period of one year.
To serve, you must be a citizen of the US; at least 18 years of age; a resident of LA County for at least one year; or ordinary intelligence and good character; and have a working knowledge of the English language.
The primary function of the Civil Grand Jury is to investigate county, city and joint-power agencies; to act as a “watch-dog” by examining carefully and completely the operations of various government agencies within LA County.
If you are willing to accept the challenge of Grand Jury service, you need to apply BEFORE December 11, 2008.
Applications are available through my office by calling: 562 570-6932; by callings the LA County Grand Jury office at: 213 893-1047 or by going on line: http://www.grandjury.co.la.ca.us
Topics: City Council, LA Civil Grand Jury | No Comments »
Bits and Pieces
By Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske | November 16, 2008
State of the County Luncheon Last Thursday, Supervisor Don Knabe gave his state of the county speech before a packed audience at the convention center. The luncheon was sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and Walmart. Knabe spoke of the problems facing the county –especially providing medical care,transportation and infrastructure without appropriate resources.
Homeless Veterans a touching community event over in Veterans Park (in 7th District) on Friday to talk about the growing problem of homeless veterans particularly those who are mentally ill. 4 vets stepped forward and told their stories and how if there had not been services available to get them off the streets they would still be homeless. All had some type of mental illness that they are now receiving help to deal with. After the presentations the community broke up in 6 groups and talked about what needs to be done. Top on everyone’s list was educating the community about the problem and the need for services. Thanks to the Homeless Coalition and CCEJ, the event will have an impact and needs to be repeated in other areas of the city.
Tree Planting on Clark and Spring took place on Saturday thanks to the Greens and a generous donation from BP and help from the City’s Department of Public Works and of course, dozens of volunteers who dug holes and planted the trees. Also thanks to It’s a Grind and Jet Blue who provided drinks and snacks for the volunteers. It was fun getting a chance to dig and plant a tree that you know will make a difference to the environment.
Ability First on Willow and Grand celebrated its Day of Caring with an army of volunteers from Verizon (thanks to Mike Murray) which came to the building and cleaned and painted and repaired all day last Saturday. It was a pleasure to join Senator Alan Lowenthal in acknowledging these volunteers and the wonderful work of Ability First.
Rally for Peace and Equality at City Hall on Saturday brought about 1,000 to hear speakers and to join in sending a message that amendments to the state constitution need to be done correctly by 2/3’s vote of the legislature and not by public fiat. I spoke against Prop 8 because I do not believe we should ever amend a constitution to take away equal protection from any group.
Community Hospital Condit Spririt Awards dinner was held at the Hyatt Regency to raise some serious money to continue the great work being done by this hospital. Supervisor Don Knabe (of course) was the auctioneer for some great items and also managed to raise an addition $33,000 by just asking people to sponsor programs and equipment at the hospital. Knabe’s field deputy, Connie Zbiel donated $10,000.
Post Script: while attending these events and just being around the city this past week I have been approached by numerous people who expressed their dissatisfaction about how council conducted last week’s hearing on the proposed senior citizen assisted living center and on the draft housing element plan. Too much walking around of council members who also don’t pay attention to those testifying and too much talking going on behind the council which the public also believes is disrespectful to the people and the process.
Topics: City Council, veterans, Prop 8, Community Hospital | No Comments »
John Keisler Appointed Manager of City of Long Beach Animal Care Services Bureau
By Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske | November 16, 2008
| After conducting a national search to find a manager to lead the Animal Care Services Bureau, Ronald R. Arias, Director of the Department of Health and Human Services, is pleased to announce the appointment of John P. Keisler as Manager of the Animal Care Services Bureau, effective November 17, 2008.
Mr. Keisler has been the Acting Business Manager for the Animal Care Services Bureau since March 2008. His professional skills in management and administration and thoughtful response to concerns raised about the services provided by the Bureau have made an immediate impact on the level of services provided and has significantly improved the relationships with its constituents, other animal care service providers and the animal rights community. “John stepped into a very challenging environment when he was asked to take management responsibilities of the Animal Care Services Bureau. He has succeeded in tightening up the operation by improving its policies and procedures and personnel performance. Mr. Keisler has made significant gains in improving not only revenues for the Bureau but has regained the confidence of community stakeholders. He took the challenge and has demonstrated that he is, by far, the best candidate to lead this organization,” said Mr. Arias. Mr. Keisler earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, and his Masters Degree in Public Administration from the University of Southern California. He previously served as a Management Analyst in the City of Long Beach Financial Management Department and as a Policy Analyst with the League of California Cities, Orange County Council of Governments. Mr. Keisler is a resident of Long Beach. Further information about the Animal Care Services Bureau may be obtained by calling the Animal Care Services General Information and Service Line at 562.570.7387, or from the Bureau’s website at www.longbeach.gov/acs . |
Topics: City Council, Animal Shelter, Animal Care Services | No Comments »
Statement to press regarding land deal for wetlands
By Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske | November 14, 2008
| Subject : | Schipske States She is Cautiously Optimistic About Proposed Land Deal for Wetlands Adds that Taxpayers’ Interests Also Need to be Protected |
| Contact : | Office of Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske 562-570-6932 |
Fifth District Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske thinks the proposed land deal being contemplated in the eastside that could result in the protection and preservation of a significant amount of Los Cerritos Wetlands is a positive step forward in the City for protecting our environment.
“While the City Council has yet to see the details on the proposed land deal that will result in the purchase of wetlands property, I do feel if done correctly it could be the most significant step this city has taken to preserve our environment,” Schipske stated.
Schipske’s Task Force on Lakes, Ponds and Wetlands has been focusing on the impact of the lack of sustainable wetlands for the past two years.
“Residents from all over the city have been working on my taskforce to address the impact of the lack of wetlands in our area. Specifically, the task force has focused on the fact that because Long Beach lacks wetlands our area ponds and lakes are inundated with waterfowl. The overcrowding and the pushing these birds into urban areas has had disastrous effects on our waterfowl. A restored wetlands would help greatly.”
Schipske expressed cautious optimism about the deal while indicating her concern that several issues be addressed before the deal is finalized by City Council: determining the market value for both the wetlands area and the properties owned by the city to make certain they are of equal value; a market appraisal of the oil rights underneath the wetlands area as part of the value for the property; preservation of the city’s rights to oil and minerals underneath any property currently owned by the city; and determination of the cost of cleaning up the wetlands property and which entity will be responsible for the clean-up.
“If we can get pass those hurdles then it will be a win-win for everyone.”
Topics: City Council, Los Cerritos Wetlands | No Comments »
Parking Problems Near LBCC
By Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske | November 13, 2008
So what’s new? Students don’t like to park in school parking lots and instead head for the nearest neighborhood. I googled this problem and found that every major city in the US with a college is having the same problems.
Back to Long Beach. Last night we had the second in a series of meetings with residents north of Centralia and south of Carson who are inundated with student cars (and I might add rude behavior by students who dump garbage and make comments when asked not to block driveways). We are working with our Traffic Engineer to find a solution to the problem. Some residents want preferential parking which limits the parking to only residents; others want a 1 hour restriction — which also limits how long a resident can park.
Kudos to LBCC for sending Mark Taylor who talked about LBCC’s plan for a parking structure and the college’s willingness to work with the community and be a “Good Neighbor.”
The residents are deciding which path they want to take on the parking problem. On December 9th, they are joining me on attending the Board of Trustees meeting at LBCC so that we can bring their issues directly to governing board.
Topics: Parking, City Council, LBCC | No Comments »
Council Hang Over
By Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske | November 13, 2008
Wowee. Our Tuesday night council meeting was a doozy. It lasted past midnight and I finally got home at 1:00 am.
Two days later I am stilling feeling the effects. I cannot imagine how my colleagues Pat O’Donnell and Dee Andrews are doing –the both have to get up very early to teach.
Council deliberated on two very controversial items: a 60 room assisted living facility in Bixby Knolls for seniors and the draft Housing Element plan.
The items were controversial because there were quite a few people in the audience who did not want a senior assisted living building of 5 stories in their neighborhood.
Likewise, there were several council members who do not want a Housing Element that contains any focus on low income housing — despite the fact that we have thousands of people in the city who work in low income jobs and without them we couldn’t keep our hotels and restaurants open.
Several council members — including me — were concerned that council had not been given all the informatin we had requested from staff on October 14 when we voted to continue the matter until this week.
Some very good news came from meeting — the City is eligible for $8 million in infrastructure fundings from the state Proposition voters approved last year. As soon as the streets scheduled for the 5th District are finalized I will let you know.
As the night wore on, I did get a little testy, especially at council staff that sits behind the council and chats away while we are trying to listen to citizen testimony. I finally turned and said sternly — “Will you please be quiet we are trying to listen to these people talk?” Didn’t mean to hurt feelings, but honestly, take a seat and the conversations away from council.
Topics: City Council | No Comments »
Vandalism at Neighborhood Office and SkatePark Issues
By Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske | November 11, 2008
If you have been by my neighborhood office at Barrios and Studebaker (Parks, Recreation and Marine Admin Building) you might have noticed that my sign, the Parks, Recreation and Marine sign and the bicycle art that all were in front of the building are gone. I understand the two signs were destroyed (kicked and broken) and am trying to find out what happened with the art work.
Late one night I caught some kids sitting on the bicycle art and trying to rock it off its foundation. They left when I confronted them.
Other than these instances the area has been free of problems.
After working with my staff tonight at the neighborhood office (we had been meeting with the Traffic Engineer and City Attorney’s office about traffic issues) my chief of staff and I walked over to the skatepark to talk with two LBPD officers who were out talking with some of the skaters and “keeping our eyes on some of the skaters we know that have had some problems.” The skatepark was filled to capacity.
During our conversation, one of the officers remarked that the skaters are not just kids. He had just talked with a skater who was in his 30’s who said he skateboarded “because it kept him out of the bars.”
Sadly, no one in the skatepark was wearing the required protective gear — which would have required the officers to issue about 200 tickets. The City needs to put up signage which skaters can read –the current signs are very difficult to read –that reminds skateboarders they need to wear protective gear.
Topics: Public Safety, City Council, Skate park, LB Police, Neighborhood Office | No Comments »
The Long Beach Duck Patrol Launched
By Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske | November 10, 2008
More than 25 boys and girls showed up today at the duck pond in El Dorado Park near Willow and Studebaker this afternoon to launch The Long Beach Duck Patrol.
These kids are members of Cub Scouts and Campfire USA and have taken on the task of educating the public why it is important not to feed the ducks at our ponds.
The Long Beach Duck Patrol — equipped with ID badges and t-shirts and hand made buttons — is the brain child of the members of the 5th District Task Force on Lakes, Ponds and Wetlands. Two adult members — Chris Beck and Pat Towner — took the lead and worked with the kids.
What developed was a science demonstration that showed that if you put bread in a bag with some gravel (which is what the duck’s stomach/crop is like) and shake it up it becomes a ball of bread that can get stuck and kill the bird. The kids also are sponsoring a coloring contest to pick the best sign that tells the public why it is important not to feed the ducks.
The kids walked around the pond today and talked with a dozen or so families that were there to feed the ducks –even though there are prominent signs in place that tell people not to feed them. Most were receptive to their message. A few were not and were very rude calling the kids “silly.” But they took it in stride and moved on to the next people around the pond.
To help kids get the message out, my office is publishing The Long Beach Duck Patrol Activity book which has a series of activites to teach people why they should let the ducks feed on natural things likes bugs, grass and mollusks.
It was a good day for showing what citizen involvement — no matter what the age — is important to improving the quality of life in our community.
P.S. Feeding ducks human good also deprives the ducks of the nutrients they need. It encourages aggressive behavior in the ducks who seek out the human give aways. The excess bread, chips, pretzels, peanuts, chicken mcnuggets, doritos and other junk food that is literally dumped into the pond, decays and helps grow bacteria which in turn chokes off the oxygen in the pond and kills the water quality — not to mention increases the amount of fecal matter which adds to the high levels of bacteria. Yuck!
This will be a long process of changing behavior. But it is a good step.
Topics: City Council, Parks, Lakes and ponds, Youth, Duck Patrol | No Comments »