As many of you know, we have been discussing potential changes to Livingston between 2nd and Termino in an effort to calm traffic, increase pedestrian and bike safety, and reduce noise. A rendering of potential changes is attached for your review and comment. The drawings are currently at the City and being reviewed by traffic engineering and by those responsible for securing funding. We would like residents to comment on the proposed changes either by posting comments to this site or by contacting Councilman De Long's office.

John Keisler, Bureau Manager for Animal Care Services, provided an overview of their operations. He also provided statistics for Animal Care Services and some of them are pretty grim. Approximately 15,000 animals are impounded every year with the majority cats and dogs. Approximately 70% of dogs find a home but only 16 to 17% of cats are placed. This means the staff at the Center are putting thousands of animals to sleep every year. As a community, we all have to become more responsible animal owners. Attached is a copy of his presentation.

A candidates forum for the Third District City Council election will be held on March 18 at Rogers Middle School, 365 Monrovia Ave. from 6:30 to 8:00 P.M. The forum will be moderated by the League of Women Voters, Long Beach Area, and is sponsored by the League, the Belmont Shore Residents Association and the Belmont Heights Community Association. According to Aileen Colon, BSRA President, all three candidates for the Third District City Council seat–Gary DeLong, Terry Jensen and Thomas Marchese–have confirmed their attendance.

Blaine Verde from "Breathe California of Los Angeles County" did an excellent presentation on household energy saving tips. A copy of his handout is attached.

As a follow-up to questions about traffic accidents at Roycroft & Colorado, Councilman De Long's office provided the following study from the City's Traffic Engineer. It appears that the rate is very low and that changes are not warranted. One possibility is to install a "Cross Traffic Does Not Stop" sign on Roycroft. Please see the attached document for the full study. Any comments?

Attached please find a copy of the BHCA Winter newsletter as well as the Winter newsletter from Councilman De Long........sorry for the delay in getting these posted!

Information from Gary DeLong's Neighborhood Association Meeting on 2/18/2010:
*Commander Renaud of the East Divison reported that there has been an increase in car thefts. She reminded residents to lock cars and not leave anything valuable such as mobile phones etc in sight
-Resurfacing of the alleys north and south of 2nd Street is soon to begin
+The amount of dirt being stored on the PE right-of-way during the Termino Ave drain project will be reduced so as to minimize the impact on nearby residents

Please come and participate in a discussion about the LB2030 Plan and how Belmont Heights can influence the outcome of that plan. The meeting is scheduled for 2/20 from 10am to noon at Belmont Heights United Methodist Church at the corner of 3rd and Termino and will be held in Wesley Hall.

Please log on to the City's website to read about the 2030 plan at

http://www.lbds.info/planning/advance_planning/lb_2030/default.asp

The more input we have, the better, so show up!!!

Please log on to the Belmont Heights website for an update on important meetings this month. Included is the BHCA Monthly Meeting on Wed, February 10 @ 7 PM at Belmont Heights United Methodist Church, Colorado Lagoon Restoration meeting on February 11 and a Community meeting regarding the LB2030 plan on Saturday February 20 from 10 am to noon.

Please check out details @
http://www.mybelmontheights.org/tracker

Please note that a public meeting will be held on Thursday February 11th, 2010 at the Lowell Elementary Auditorium (5201 E. Broadway) starting at 5:00pm. The meeting is being held by the City of Long Beach to discuss the beginning of the work in Phase 1 of the Lagoon Restoration Project. This work includes cleaning the underground culvert and construction of the low-flow diversion system. Together, these storm drain improvements and the culvert cleaning will help to significantly improve water quality and habitat value.