Port Of Long Beach Awarded $14 Million Grant For Rail Project
The Port of Long Beach is receiving a $14 million grant from the state’s Trade Corridor Enhancement Program to help pay for its Pier G and J Double Track Access Project. The rail project “will add a new 9,000-foot departure track for trains serving four of Long Beach’s six container terminals,” according to a port statement. This improvement will enable on-dock rail yards at Piers G and J to handle both arriving and departing trains simultaneously, and reduce the need for 615 daily truck trips by increasing rail capacity for cargo movement.
Long Beach City College Recognized For Excellence In Cyber Defense Education
The National Security Agency (NSA) has named Long Beach City College (LBCC) a national center of academic excellence in cyber defense education. LBCC is the third California community college to receive this designation. “It’s anticipated that there will be 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs by 2021,” LBCC President Dr. Reagan Ferragamo Romali stated. “LBCC is well-positioned as the best place for students to help fill this labor gap in the next three years. . . . Our students will now be eligible for these well-paying jobs and be part of the team defending our government and other institutions from cyber attacks.” LBCC’s cybersecurity program teaches students how to protect networks, configure servers and learn about cyber forensics and ethical hacking.
Small Business Saturday: November 24
Small Business Saturday (SBS) takes place this weekend on November 24. Created by American Express (Amex) in 2010, the annual event that encourages Americans to shop at local businesses has seen positive results, according to findings by the credit company. An Amex survey of Californians found that 87% believe the event has had a positive impact on their communities. Sixty-six percent of respondents said they were likely to purchase from small or independently-owned retailers when shopping online on SBS. On average, 67 cents of every dollar spent at small businesses on SBS stay in the local community, according to Amex.
Public Discussion Planned On Belmont Shore Homeless Patrols
For its monthly “Beer & Politics” event, Liberation Brewing Company in Bixby Knolls has scheduled a panel of speakers to discuss homelessness in Belmont Shore. Panelists include 3rd District Councilmember Suzie Price, Belmont Shore resident Barry Vince, who has organized efforts to identify homeless individuals and report illegal behavior, and Stefan Borst-Censullo, a representative of the Long Beach branch of Democratic Socialists of America. The event is November 28, 7 p.m., at Liberation Brewing, 3630 Atlantic Ave.
Provide Feedback On Inclusionary Housing Policy
The City of Long Beach is holding two community meetings for input on a new inclusionary housing policy that would improve access to affordable housing within the city. Residents are invited to provide feedback at the following meetings:
- December 5, 6-8 p.m., Long Beach Polytechnic High School cafeteria, 1600 Atlantic Ave.
- December 8, 10 a.m. to noon, Silverado Park Community Center, 1545 W. 31st St.
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