Register For The 2019 State Of The City
Mayor Robert Garcia’s State of the City address is being held on January 15, 6 p.m., at the Terrace Theater, 300 E. Ocean Blvd. A reception with food trucks begins at 5 p.m. Parking is free. To register, click here.

Caltrans Aims For More Minority and Female-Led Contractors
Through its Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program, the California Department of Transportation is hoping to increase the number of minority and women-owned businesses that are able to secure contracts for federally-funded projects. After surpassing last year’s goal of 12.5% of these contracts being fulfilled by women and minority-owned businesses, the department is now aiming for 17.5%. State-funded projects, such as the significant infrastructure investments financed by Senate Bill 1, already boast a much higher rate of participation of 28% by what the department identified as disadvantaged business enterprises, according to Caltrans Public Information Officer Matt Rosenberg.

CSULB Joins Age-Friendly University Global Network
California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) has joined the Age-Friendly University Global Network, a coalition of higher education institutions that support policies and programs for older adults. Such policies and programs at CSULB include its Gerontology Program, Center for Successful Aging and Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. “Long Beach State’s Center for Successful Aging and collaborative partnerships with SCAN Health Plan and the Archstone Foundation, whose mission is to meet the needs of an aging population, strongly resonate with Age-Friendly University members and will bring an added richness to the AFU Global Network,” Brian MacCraith, president of the Age-Friendly University network, said in a press release. SCAN is a Long Beach-based Medicare plan provider.

Fifth Annual Climate Change Symposium
The League of Women Voters’ Long Beach chapter and Aquarium of the Pacific present the 5th Annual Climate Change Symposium on January 13, 3 p.m., at the Aquarium’s Ocean Theater. The theme is “Climate Change Is Here: What Are We Doing About It?” with Aquarium CEO Jerry Schubel as the keynote speaker and moderator. The symposium features a panel discussion and question and answer session. The event is being streamed live on the Aquarium’s website and will be available later via YouTube. The event is free, but space is limited, and advanced reservations are suggested. RSVP by calling 562/548-4010 or e-mailing lwvlongbeach@gmail.com.

Miller Children’s Receives Its First Facility Dog
MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach now has a furry staff member: a two-year old Labrador/Golden Retriever mix named Zeta. The full-time facility dog was provided to the hospital through Canine Companions for Independence, a training program for therapy dogs. Zeta spends her days playing games and engaging in activities with rehabilitation patients at the hospital. She is also available for snuggles when patients need some cheering up. Miller Children’s is one of the first children’s hospitals in Southern California to have a facility dog.