North Pine Neighborhood Alliance

PBID Meeting with our Councilman, Robert Garcia

NPNA — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 17:57:42 +0000

Our City Councilman, Robert Garcia will be holding an event to discuss the Property Business Improvement District (PBID). The meeting is open to all, though it will be of particular interest to local property owners.

When? Monday, January 23rd @ 6PM

Where? LBCC Small Business Center, 309 Pine Ave.

Tuesday: The Downtown Plan goes before the City Council

NPNA — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 23:03:45 +0000

Where? City Council Chambers – 333 West Ocean Blvd.

When? Tuesday, January 10th at 6PM.

How to help? Attend. Speak to your love of downtown and the desire to see it progress.

So many of us have participated in round-table discussions over the years to help draft the Downtown Plan. The plan will finally go before the City Council on January 10 @ 6PM and we really need you to turn out to support the plan.

We are hoping to have 30 NPNA residents make it to show their support. Additionally, we’re encouraging our passionate members to speak at this meeting.

The opposition from outside-interests have been loud, but we have the solidarity of the 6 Downtown Neighborhood Organizations. This is the final push!

Please wear white to show your support.

We will see you there with our neighbors.

The Downtown Residential Council’s Holiday Party

NPNA — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 18:27:06 +0000

Come mix, mingle, and get to know your downtown neighbors at the DRC Holiday Forum!

When? Monday, December 19th. 7PM to 10PM

Where? Avia Long Beach. 285 Bay St. Long Beach, CA 90802

The forum will include appearances by Vice Mayor Suja Lowenthal, Councilmember Robert Garcia, a presentation by Conventions and Visitors Bureau CEO Steve Goodling, a neighborhood roundtable, a holiday giving tree (*please bring canned food items), and a holiday raffle!

The forum is free and open to all residents. We hope to see you there!

Meet the New Board!

NPNA — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 00:57:07 +0000

President: Jennifer Kennedy

Jennifer has been an educator for eight years, teaching in Compton, West Africa and Inglewood. In 2010, she received the Teacher of the Year award. Currently, she is a project manager of an educational software company.
“As the president, I hope to increase the awareness of NPNA, to create an involved community and to become the voice of the neighborhood.”
You can contact Jennifer at jennifer@northpinelb.com

Vice President of Economic Development: Tony Parise

Tony is a Chicago native and has been a downtown Long Beach resident for 8 years at the historic Kress Lofts building at 5th Street & Pine Avenue.
“As VP of Economic Development with the North Pine Neighborhood Alliance, I hope to give the area’s residents a place to voice both concerns and praise to the City of Long Beach regarding development in North Pine. We hope to foster a positive relationship between the residents and commercial businesses in the neighborhood creating a comfortable place to live, work and play for everyone while enhancing partnerships that support our goals with the City planning/building departments.”
You can contact Tony at tony@northpinelb.com

Vice President of Communications: Mike Herrera

Michael holds a degree in computer science and owns his own Long Beach-based software development company, Devop Labs Inc.
“I am excited to be the new VP of Communications. Ultimately, I’m striving to ensure that the membership of the NPNA can be both ‘strongly heard‘ and ‘well informed.’ This new motivation led us to create and announce an NPNA phone number. All NPNA Board members may be reached by leaving a voice message or SMS text to the number (562) 888-0895.”
You can contact Mike at mike@northpinelb.com

Vice President of Community Projects: Gina Krueger

Gina is an analyst at the Port of Long Beach and has a background in public administration.
“As the VP of Community Projects, I hope to help the neighborhood identify what community projects are needed and how we go about getting them accomplished. I’m open to your ideas!”
You can contact Gina at gina@northpinelb.com

Vice President of Community Outreach: OPEN!

The VP of Community Outreach will integrate multicultural communities into the activities of the neighborhood and Downtown Long Beach. Please let us know if you are interested in this board position! board@northpinelb.com

NPNA ELECTIONS & Public Safety Discussion

NPNA — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 04:31:26 +0000

NPNA ELECTIONS & Public Safety Discussion
October 19 - 6:30 pm
Exhibit [A] Gallery
555 Pine Ave
Downtown Long Beach

Meet the Candidates!

Loara Cadavona currently serves as the Vice President of Communications of the NPNA. She also serves on the Executive Committee of the Downtown Residential Council (DRC). Loara was co-chair of the Pacific Avenue Task Force and secured a grant to revitalize the community garden on Pacific Avenue and 6th. Loara is a seven-year resident of Downtown and works in healthcare. She hopes to remain on the NPNA board to support the organization’s continued efforts to improve the quality of life in the neighborhood.

Pedro C. Costa has over 40 years of national and international experience in architecture, regional and urban planning, economic development, real estate development and construction, preparation of development packages, property acquisition, property management and public relations.

Pedro C. Costa has been associated with world-recognized consultants such as Professor R. Buckminster Fuller (Philadelphia), Professor Patrick Horsburgh (Notre Dame University) and institutions such as the Ford Foundation (Educational Facilities Laboratories).

* Resident of North Pine and business located on North Pine

* President of the Board of the North Pine Neighborhood Alliance

* Co-founder of: HOPA (Historic Old Pine Business Alliance) and the “Twilight Walk”.

* Member of the Steering and Working Committee for Pine Avenue Streetscape Improvements, City of Long Beach.

* Member of the DLBA (Downtown Long Beach Associates) Board of Directors, Representing Downtown Residents from the First District

* Member on the DLBA (Downtown Long Beach Associates) Capital Improvement Projects Task Force representing the DRC.

* Member of the Board of the DRC (Downtown Residential Council).

I’m Elsa Diaz a wife, partner and friend to Pedro Costa. I moved into Long Beach in 1993 and bought into Pine Plaza Condominiums, a new development at 8thST and Pine Ave Downtown at the time. I was born and raised in Los Angeles and lived from West Hollywood to Venice Beach, yes I’ve been around.

I’ve always been attracted to the arts and in particular Fashion Industry and pursued a degree in Fashion Design at Los Angeles Trade Tech College in the late 70’s. I was awarded 1st place in Boutique Category in Graduation Fashion Show and worked in the Industry for 25 years in design, merchandising, patternmaking and management. The last 2 companies St John Knits and BCBG I specialized in fit and production in the design room.

The last 10 years married to an Architect I concentrated on Interior Design and Office Management for Pedro C Costa Architects Inc. Went to Santa Monica City College and pursued my passion for fashion in Jewelry Design; opened Venice Dreams Boutique in 2009 to present.

I am an active board member of North Pine Neighborhood Alliance, founder and participant in Twilight Walk and North Pine Business Association; Historic Old Pine Ave (HOPA).

Michael Herrera is a 29 year-old small business owner who lives in the Kress Building with his fiancée. Born and raised in central-California, Michael discovered Long Beach in 2007 when he started contracting with the Port of Long Beach to engineer and install many of their modern security platforms.

Long Beach’s cultural diversity, unique style, and livability made an instant impact on him. He wants to serve his new home by offering a fresh perspective and technical expertise.

Michael holds a degree in Computer Science from California State University, Bakersfield. He owns the Long Beach-based software development company, Devop Labs Inc.

Jennifer Kennedy moved to Long Beach in 2002. She is a board member of the North Pine Neighborhood Alliance. She volunteers regularly in the Long Beach community. Recently, Jennifer graduated from CSULB with a M.A. in Education. While at CSULB, she was a founding officer of the Graduate Student Association. She has been an educator for eight years, teaching in Compton, West Africa, and Inglewood. In 2010, she received the Teacher of the Year award. She is an alumni of Teach For America and a current and active member of Toastmasters International. Currently, she is a project manager of an educational software company.

Gina Krueger was born and raised in Long Beach. After graduating from Wilson High School, she received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Chicago and later a Master of Public Administration from CSULB. She was an officer in the United States Coast Guard for four years and is currently an Analyst at the Port of Long Beach. Her interest in the NPNA is rooted in her strong belief in community involvement and a long-standing commitment to public service. She lives in the Kress Building and loves being able to walk everywhere!

___________________________________________

About being a board member

Board members must be a resident from the NPNA community (boundaries: Pacific Avenue to Long Beach Boulevard, 3rd Street to Anaheim Boulevard)
Board members will serve for a 1 year term
NPNA board meets monthly on the 3rd Wednesday of each month; membership meets quarterly on the 4th Wednesday of the given month
Regular attendance at board and membership meetings is needed
For more information on the NPNA’s board of directors, please see NPNA Bylaws Executive Committee.

Voting

Voting will occur at the membership meeting
Floor Nominations/Write in candidates will also be accepted

PUBLIC SAFETY ON THE AGENDA

After the election, the remaining meeting will focus on identifying and addressing key public safety issues in the North Pine area.

Commander Benedetti of the Long Beach Police Department will join us for the public safety discussion.

In a continuing effort to improve public safety in the North Pine neighborhood, we are requesting your assistance in completing a very short survey that will help us better understand the levels of safety and how to improve it. The information you provide is confidential and your response will be anonymous.

Here is the link to the survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/L6MZYYR

_____________________________________________

ADVOCACY ALERT!

SUPPORT DOWNTOWN LONG BEACH
You can support the continuing progress of Downtown Long Beach and help achieve our vision of vibrant Downtown neighborhoods by supporting the proposed Downtown Plan as drafted. Please visit http://www.supportdowntownlb.com/ to find out more information on the plan and to voice your support.

EVENTS!

Twilight Walk – October 21
3rd Friday of every month – 6:00 – 10:00 pm
Pine Avenue (3rd to 8th)
Come out and support your local businesses – Music, Art, Food, Wine and great neighbors.
Click here for more info. Brought to you by HOPA.

Zombies Are Coming to North Pine! Oct 29th!
Yep, you heard it correctly! Click here for more! Thank Long Beach Cinematheque for bringing this great event to Downtown by making a donation or becoming a sponsor; contact mondocelluloid@gmail.com orlbcinematheque@gmail.com.

NPNA News! June

NPNA — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 04:14:51 +0000

NPNA Membership Meeting – NEW DATE! Wed, July 6, 6:30 pm, location tbd
The June 22 membership meeting has postponed to July 6. Location and featured presentation to be announced shortly.

En La Noche at MOLAA - Thurs, June 16, 6:00 - 10:00pm, MOLAA

Vice Mayor Suja Lowenthal invites you to the Museum of Latin American Art for En La Noche Music, Art, Film, Dance, Tequila tasting and Lucha Libre!

Admission: Second District Residents – FREE with pre-registration. Call the Second District office at (562) 570-6684 to be added to the guest list. Non-Members and unregistered $10

Tours: Unresolved Circumstances: Perspectives on current Video Art from Latin America

Music: DJ Raul Campos (KCRW 89.9) & DJ Cornejo (MOLAA)

Lucha Libre: Colorful masks and unique “high-flying” maneuvers. Watch 12 professional wrestlers in a life size ring. Be ready to cheer!!!

Food & Tequila : Complimentary Tequila Marquez de Valencia (6 pm – 7 pm)
Café Viva $2 Bar Menu

Sponsored by: Los Angeles County Arts Commission, Los Angeles County, KCRW 89.9 and MOLAA

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=186652441383952

Twilight Walk and Bike - Fri, June 17, 6:00pm - 10:00 pm, Pine Avenue 3rd – 8^th

Enjoy Twilight Walk “and bike” in June! Stroll down Pine Avenue to see art, hear music, taste wine, shop jewelry, eat baklava, and more…! See what the buzz is all about!

Some Twilight highlights:

Exhibit A will host an evening of Jazz with live painting by Mathew Martinez
The Steve Harris Jazz Collective will be performing at the Kress Market
Tinderbox live at Anderson Paint and Hardware
Tom Sky will be playing his Emotronic/Trance Music at Venice Dreams Boutique and Vintage Gifts

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=152389771496185

2nd Saturday Shop & Walk – Downtown Long Beach – NEW DATE! Sat, June 18, 11:00 am, Meet at Promenade Square to tour Pine Avenue & City Place

Welcome back to the 2nd Saturday Shop & Walk folks which is technically being held on the 3rd Saturday this month to coinicide with the new “Shop Local” Campaign so expect to get some goodies in the beginning of the tour! We will meet at Promenade Square Park at 11am and will be starting our open format!

Some highlights:

Anderson Paint and Hardware is giving a free key plus 20% off all items in store! For all participants who are attending this Shop and Walk!
Exhibit A at 555 N Pine is hosting a collaborative show by artist Ron Hust and students of Hoover Middle School that will blow you away

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=215718505128421

Downtown Residential Council (DRC) Forum – Mon, June 20, 7:00 pm – Long Beach Hilton

Agenda:

Downtown re/development update (RDA)
Neighborhood Spotlight
PBID presentation (DLBA)

The DRC serves as a forum for neighborhood association representatives to join together to discuss issues of common concern and work together to achieve solutions of benefit for residents by focusing on community, communication, and impact to make Downtown a better place to live! The DRC is comprised of the 6 Neighborhood Associations in Downtown:
WECA – West End Community Association
WCHA – Willmore City Heritage Association
NPNA – North Pine Neighborhood Alliance
EVA – East Village Association
PARA – Promenade Area Residents Association
ORCA – Ocean Residents Community Association

THIS WED: NPNA Membership Mtg & More!

NPNA — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 22:29:01 +0000

NPNA Membership Meeting
Wednesday, April 27 at 6:30 pm
Exhibit [A] Gallery
555 Pine Avenue, Downtown Long Beach

Join your friends and neighbors at the next membership meeting for the North Pine Neighborhood Alliance neighborhood association.

Featured presentation is an informational session on the Downtown Plan and Program Environmental Impact Report (PEIR) and what the Plan and PEIR will do for the Downtown.

More information on the Plan and PEIR can be found here.

Hope to see you on Wednesday!

DOWNTOWN EVENTS!

Taste of Downtown
April 27 and April 28 – 6 – 9 pm
Downtown Waterfront
Taste of Downtown returns on April 27-28 to the Waterfront at the Pine Avenue Pier, between Gladstone’s and Tokyo Wako. More than a dozen Downtown restaurants are serving up their best fare in order to impress your taste buds. More information can be found here.

Downtown Final Friday
April 29 – 7 – 11 pm
The Skyroom in Downtown Long Beach
Organized by Promenade Area Residents Association (PARA), Downtown Final Friday is a monthly neighborhood mixer open to all Downtown residents. Venues provide specials exclusive to Downtown residents. This month, the Skyroom is hosting with complimentary appetizers, drink specials and dinner specials. To add a twist, 4 – $25 downtown gift cards will be raffled off! For more information and to rsvp, click here.

Willmore City Historic Walking Tour
May 1 – 3pm
519 W. 10th Street, Downtown Long Beach
Organized by the Willmore City Heritage Association (WCHA), the regular walks bring neighbors and friends together to explore the Willmore City neighborhood. To stay connected, visit http://www.willmorecity.org/.

Cycling Plan Community Meeting: Future of Bikes in Downtown Long Beach
May 2 – 6:30 pm
Jenny Oropeza Community Center
401 Golden Avenue, Downtown Long Beach
Join Councilmember Garcia for an informative meeting about the future of cycling and bike infrastructure in Downtown Long Beach. For more infomation, visit here.

May Day Festival @
Bembridge House in Drake Park
May 7 – 1 – 4 pm
Willmore City, Downtown Long Beach
Organized by WCHA, you’re invited to an the annual May Day Celebration! More information, join the WHCA Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Willmore-City-Heritage-Association.

2nd Saturday Shop and Walk
May 14 – 11 am
Upper East Village, Downtown Long Beach
Organized by the Downtown Residential Council (DRC) with support from the Downtown Long Beach Associates, the 2nd Saturday Shop and Walk’s mission is to build a thriving downtown community of businesses and residents by raising awareness of neighborhood goods and services through a monthly event that facilitates synergy between business owners and residents.

Check out past walks: Pine Avenue, East Village, The Pike.

Stay connected and “like” 2nd Saturday Shop and Walk on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/shopandwalkdowntownlb.

District Pride Fundraiser
May 19 – 6 – 10 pm
Bliss 525, 525 Broadway
East Village, Downtown Long Beach
Organized by the East Village Association, more information can be found here.

Twilight Walk and Bike
May 20 – 6 – 10 pm
Upper Pine Avenue, Downtown Long Beach
Organized by the North Pine Business Association (NPBA), Twilight Walk and Bike is a monthly event on the Third Friday of every month and invites the community to visit North Pine businesses from 3rd to Anaheim while experiencing local deals, art, music, and more. For more information, please visit here.

For more events, check out http://www.dlba.org/Events.

For Downtown construction updates, visit here.

For secure alerts free from the Long Beach Police Department, sign up here.

April Events!

NPNA — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 05:40:00 +0000

FEATURED EVENTS!

Twilight Walk “and Bike”
Friday, April 15 · 6:00pm - 10:00pm
North Pine Avenue between 4th and 8th Streets

Downtown Long Beach

Stroll along North Pine Avenue for live ART, MUSIC, SHOP, DINE!

For more information, join the Twilight Walk on Facebook group or check out the flyer.

North Pine Neighborhood Alliance Membership Meeting
Wednesday, April 27 – 6:30 pm
William’s Boxing Gym
745 Pine Avenue
Downtown Long Beach
Stay tuned for more!

MORE EVENTS!

Tecate Thunder Thursday
Thursday, April 14 · 6:00pm - 10:00pm
Pine Avenue (between 1st and 3rd)
Downtown Long Beach

Get ready to start your engines as Downtown Long Beach kicks off the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach! For more information, click here.

Downtown Residential Council (DRC) Forum
Monday, April 18 – doors open 6:30 pm; meeting 7:00 pm; mix & mingle 8:30 pm
Who and what are on the agenda? Welcome; DRC announcements; Shop Local Campaign, Kris Larson, VP, DLBA; Downtown’s Amazing Race, Joen Garnica, DRC Marketing & Special Events Committee; Neighborhood Spotlight: East Village Association, Michael Mosselli, EVA President; Updates & General Announcements

For more information on the Downtown Residential Council, visit http://www.longbeachdrc.com/.

Downtown’s Amazing Race
Saturday, April 23 – 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Downtown Long Beach

Gather your team, polish your skills and make your way out to Downtown Long Beach for Downtown’s Amazing Race. If you are a fan of the show or love a good game, this promises to be the ultimate adventure. Part physical, part intellectual, part daring and never dull.

Teams consist of two to four people and the cost of participation is just $75 per team. Space is limited, so be sure to sign up today to reserve your spot!

Teams will be competing for 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place Prizes!

For more information or to register, visit http://www.dlba.org/residents/DowntownsAmazingRace.

Taste of Downtown
April 27-28, 6-9PM
Waterfront in Downtown Long Beach

More than a dozen Downtown restaurants are serving up their best fare in order to impress your taste buds.

For more information, visit http://www.dlba.org/TasteofDowntown.

ACTION ALERT REMINDER: March 17 Meeting on Downtown Plan

NPNA — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 03:53:47 +0000

This is a reminder to please attend a very important meeting on the Downtown Plan, which is being held tomorrow/Thursday, March 17 at 5:00 pm at City Hall. The following are the details:

Public Study Session (on the Downtown Plan and Draft Environmental Impact Report)
Thursday, March 17, 2011 – 5:00 p.m. – Planning Commission meeting
City Council Chamber, City Hall
333 W. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach
FREE Parking at City Hall parking structure off of Broadway. Bike racks are also available in front of City Hall entrance.

Downtown is our home and for some of us it is also our livelihood. If we do not take care of it and actively work to ensure that it grows and blossoms into what we all want and know it can become, no one will. The Downtown Plan affects each and every one of our daily lives directly and we all have as big (or bigger) a stake in the future of Downtown as anyone, so it is vital that we make our voices heard and make a good showing on March 17 at the Study Session.

Because other groups will be wearing green, we want to differentiate ourselves, so please wear a white shirt to show our unity!

NPNA News! March

NPNA — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 03:01:11 +0000

Action Alert! Downtown Plan Needs Your Support

Please plan on attending a very important meeting on the Downtown Plan:

Public Study Session on Downtown Plan
Planning Commission Meeting
Thursday, March 17 at 5:00 pm
City Council Chamber, City Hall
333 W. Ocean Blvd., Downtown Long Beach

For more information on what you can do to support the plan, please contact lynkauffman@gmail.com.

For more information on the Downtown Plan, please visit:
http://www.dlba.org/residents/DowntownPlan_Page
http://www.lbds.info/planning/advance_planning/downtown_community_plan

NEWS around the Neighborhood!

North Pine Avenue Business Association
Formed by North Pine business owners, the association is bound by Pine Avenue and 3rd Street up to Pine Avenue and Anaheim. The purpose of this business association is to create a more lively and successful North Pine business corridor. A meeting took place in early March at 4th Street Deli. The next meeting will be in two weeks, and invitations will be extended to all businesses from 3rd to Pine. For more information, please send a request to the group on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_191139337574721&ap=1. Thanks to Eric Gray for organizing!!!

MADHouse!
In late February, EPIPHANY 624, an art and music show, christened the MADhouse at 624 Pacific Avenue! With approximately 150 attendees, the MADHouse was transformed for the evening by the vision of Rajh Kirch and offered a celebration of music, live art, and experimental projections. For more information on MADHouse and Epiphany 624, please visit http://madhouselbc.org/.

Architecture As Art
Saturday, March 12 from 6:00 – 10:00 pm
Gallery BLU - 340 Long Beach Blvd. A special event will take place with DJs and an open bar with suggested donations. Pedro Costa, NPNA President, will have his architectural work and sculptures on exhibit. For more information, please visit http://www.VaydenRoi.com/.

DOWNTOWN EVENTS!

Long Beach Downtown Art Walk
Saturday, March 12 from 6:00 – 10:00 pm
Long Beach Downtown Art Walk (LBDAW) Second Saturday of every month. Seventeen galleries throughout Downtown Long Beach will open their doors to the public! For more info, check outhttp://www.facebook.com/PGLALongBeach.

For more events in Downtown Long Beach, visit http://www.downtownlongbeach.org/events.