Governor Brown Vetoes 4 a.m. Alcohol Sales Legislation

Gov. Jerry Brown vetoed a bill last Friday that would have extended alcohol sales until 4 a.m. in nine California cities, including Long Beach. “I believe we have enough mischief from midnight to 2 without adding two more hours of mayhem,” Brown said in a statement after vetoing Senate Bill 905. The bill’s principal author, State Sen. Scott Wiener of San Francisco, announced via Twitter last Friday that he will introduce the bill again next year in order for California cities to decide for themselves what kind of nightlife works well for them.

Governor Brown Vetoes Bill Related To Arbitration Agreements

Assembly Bill 3080, which would have imposed a ban on mandatory arbitration agreements, was vetoed by Gov. Jerry Brown on September 30. In a statement, Brown said the bill would impede arbitration, which is illegal for state policies under federal law. Brown also stated he wants to wait for future United States Supreme Court decisions related to the matter before endorsing such a “broad” bill.

City Announces New Office Of Civic Innovation

The City of Long Beach is launching the Office of Civic Innovation (OCI) to “serve as in-house consultants to city departments” and create “effective approaches that address the most pressing issues,” the city manager’s office announced today. The OCI is a means for the city to retain the Innovations Team, which was launched in 2015 utilizing a three-year Bloomberg grant. In partnership with other city departments, the OCI has several projects slated for Fiscal Year 2019, including the development of an African American Cultural Center, customer experience for upcoming Long Beach Airport improvements, digital inclusion, police recruitment enhancements, the nuisance motels pilot program and more.

 

Metro Ports Announces New President

Robert Dickey has been appointed president of Long Beach-based Metro Ports, the company announced today. He is charged with overseeing all domestic and international operations. Dickey’s background includes serving as vice president of technical services for Total Terminals International and in various positions at Ports America, including vice president of operations and director of labor relations. Metro Ports is a subsidiary of Long Beach-based Nautilus International Holding Corporation. Metro Ports companies include Metropolitan Stevedore Co., Suderman Contracting Stevedores, Southeast Crescent Shipping Company, Great Lakes Stevedoring and others.

City Officials Announce New Fire Chief

Xavier Espino has been named chief of the Long Beach Fire Department (LBFD), the city announced today. Espino has served the LBFD since 1986, most recently as assistant chief. Espino’s most notable achievements within the department include assisting with the “concept, design, operation and management of the first dual fire academy in the department’s history; and leading, as fire boat program manager, the design, construction, acceptance, training and delivery of two world-class fire boats,” according to the announcement. Espino will replace current Chief Michael DuRee, who is retiring October 6 after 24 years with the department.