Port Of L.A. And Indonesia Port Corporation Sign Information Sharing Agreement
Officials from the Port of Los Angeles and the Indonesia Port Corporation PT Pelabuhan Indonesia II (Persero) have signed an agreement with the stated goal of promoting cooperation and information sharing on issues including business, trade, digital supply chain efficiency, the environment and infrastructure development. The agreement lays out plans for collaboration on strategies related to port operations and commercial trade competitiveness, as well as port and rail infrastructure development. It also calls for the sharing of best practices on pollution reduction and alternative energy initiatives, as well as port security and safety programs. “Increased global competitiveness, supply chain innovation and the more widespread use of sustainable operations technology can only happen if ports join forces in earnest to share ideas and expertise,” Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka said. “This agreement today is another example of the Port of Los Angeles’ commitment to further promote international cooperation and collaboration across the globe.” Indonesia is the largest economy in Southeast Asia and the 16th largest economy in the world.

Cargo Volumes Dip At Ports Of Long Beach And Los Angeles
Analyses of November cargo data published this week show that both San Pedro Bay ports saw a decrease in cargo volumes last month. The Port of Los Angeles handled 12.4% less cargo in November 2019 than it did during that same month the previous year. “As we expected, 2019 winds down with volumes weakening, due largely to the U.S.-China trade war, which continues to negatively impact American consumers, manufacturers and U.S. supply chain jobs,” Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka said. Still, the total amount of twenty-foot-equivalent units (TEUs) handled by the port over the past 11 months constitute a slight increase (0.4%) from 2018, previously the Port of L.A.’s busiest year on record. Dockworkers in Long Beach moved 3.5% less cargo this November than they did last year. Overall, the Port of Long Beach (POLB) is on pace to make 2019 its second-busiest year, with overall cargo volumes down 5.2% compared to 2018. POLB Executive Director Mario Cordero stated, “As we wait for a resolution to this protracted trade war, the port will remain competitive by delivering exceptional customer service and moving ahead with capital improvement projects that will allow us to grow well into the future.”

Leadership Long Beach Names New Executive Director
The Leadership Long Beach (LLB) Board of Directors has announced the selection of its new Executive Director, Kerri Cissna. Cissna comes to Long Beach following a 20-year career of directing leadership programs at Pepperdine University, Azusa Pacific University and Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky. During her tenure at Pepperdine, Cissna led several leadership conferences and programs, and she comes equipped with an expertise in fundraising and nonprofit leadership, according to a press release. She is a founding member of the Center for Women in Leadership and has a doctorate in global leadership from Pepperdine. “We are extremely pleased to have Kerri begin serving our organization with her background and experience in leadership development,” LLB Board President Cathy Gies said. Cissna is replacing Jeff Williams, LLB’s executive director of 10 years, who will be helping her transition into the role through January, a press release noted. “As an alumnus and Executive Director, Jeff has served the organization and its mission with an unwavering passion,” Gies said. “He will be missed.”

Consulting Firm ALTA Environmental Announces Three New Hires
ALTA Environmental, a Long Beach-based subsidiary of consulting heavyweight NV5, has announced the recent addition of three new staff members. Greg Archung joins the company’s building sciences team, bringing with him an expertise in industrial hygiene, including the management of asbestos, moisture intrusion and indoor air quality. Amy Nguyen has been hired into the water resource division. Nguyen has “successfully handled a wide array of construction stormwater projects throughout Southern California,” according to a press release. Roxanne Garcia was hired as a staff geologist. She has more than seven years of professional experience in geology, GIS, site assessments and remediation, the release noted.

LBCC Breaks Ground On New Pacific Coast Campus Parking Structure
Long Beach City College broke ground on a new parking structure at its Pacific Coast Campus (PCC) this week. The new structure will consist of four levels, providing 530 additional parking spaces, and the facade will be used to share information with students, staff, and visitors as they arrive and depart from the campus along Pacific Coast Highway, according to a press release. “There are many reasons to be excited about the next step of the Pacific Coast Campus renaissance,” Vivian Malauulu, president of the Long Beach Community College District Board of Trustees, said. “Most importantly, this structure will serve as a modern-day example of the vital role that LBCC is taking in revitalizing this area of the city.” The parking structure will include 33 electric vehicle charging stations and 45 clean air vehicle spaces. Its design also includes solar panels and a modular wetlands system, which uses biofiltration to remove sediment from stormwater runoff. The estimated budget for the structure is $18.4 million and it is scheduled to be completed in early 2021.