Building Healthy Communities Long Beach: September 2015
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October 3:
Community Health Issues Forum

October 10:
LBTE 5th Anniversary Celebration
Community Calendar   |   Partners   |   Jobs   |   Resources
Pedaling forward on bicycle safety for all
For many residents, the most affordable way to get to school or work is to ride a bike through city streets. A recent review of data compiled by TIMS (Transportation Injuries Mapping Systems) finds that the number of bicycle collisions in Central/West Long Beach is lower now than it was just two years ago, but there is more work to be done. Using the TIMS database, BHCLB’s learning & evaluation team identified 42 bicycle collisions in Central and West Long Beach in 2014, down from a peak of 68 in 2012. All of the collisions were vehicle-related and preventable.  

Danny Gamboa, Program Director of EMPACT Long Beach, works for bike safety by promoting best practices with individual bicyclists as well as advocating for infrastructure changes that make a difference. “There’s no reason why we can’t have the same illuminated street signs and buffer lanes [in West Long Beach],” Danny says, as he points to a picture of a bridge in East Long Beach while speaking with Long Beach residents at the BHC Summer Gathering. For some, biking is a leisure activity. For others, however, it’s a means of getting to work or school and at BHCLB, we are committed to making biking safe for everyone, regardless of where you live. For ways to get involved, contact Danny at empactlb@gmail.com.
 
Students, parents, and teachers gather to discuss school funding
On September 10th, student leaders from Every Student Matters, parent leaders with the BHC Parent Organizing Workgroup, and teachers from Long Beach Unified came together to reflect on and evaluate the school district’s updated Local Control Accountability Plan, also known as the LCAP. Attendees used the event to see if the updated LCAP contributed to safe and supportive school environments with extra support for low-income students, English learners, and foster youth. Focusing on various parts of the plan, community members had the opportunity to see if their input was reflected in the document and if they felt all stakeholders were represented in the process. Many student leaders shared their experiences and challenges in getting meaningfully involved with school governance at community meetings, school site council meetings, and the school board. For photos from the event, visit facebook.com/EveryStudentMatters.
 
Applications for Long Beach Rising! due Friday
Community members can now apply to the Long Beach Rising! Leadership Training to ensure our city becomes a more just and livable Long Beach for everyone! Long Beach Rising! seeks to empower residents to understand the political decisions that impact their lives and work together towards progressive change. Residents will learn ways to organize in your neighborhood and build a stronger movement that improves the lives of working families. The program will include training workshops that culminate in a non-partisan program in local neighborhoods to increase voter registration as well as discuss issues important to working families. Spanish interpretation, child watch, and food will be provided at each training. Download the application here or email julia@bhclongbeach.org for a Spanish application. Applications are due by Friday, October 2nd. 
 
Identifying positive policies for fresh and healthy food access
While many people know eating fresh and healthy food is beneficial for our health, many neighborhoods face significant barriers in accessing quality food due to larger land-use and food system barriers. As part of the work in food access, Long Beach Fresh recently completed a summary of policy areas that can most benefit public health and the local economy in Long Beach. Aimed at increasing good food access for the communities who need it the most while creating good jobs and a sustainable food system, the policy overview outlines successes and next steps for eliminating barriers to local food production and consumption. Download the 2-page summary to learn more about the policy work to be done in the local food movement, and contact Long Beach Fresh to get involved in advocating for good food in all Long Beach communities.
 
October 10: Ambulante film festival screening of “Underwater Dreams”
When four undocumented youth entered their underwater robot in an engineering competition against tough competitors, no one imagined they could win it all. Join BHC and community partners The ArtExchange and PalacioMagazine.com as we screen the inspirational documentary “Underwater Dreams” as part of the Ambulante California film festival. Written and directed by Mary Mazzio and narrated by Michael Peña, the outdoor screening is free as part of the Second Saturday Art Walk in Long Beach’s East Village. Following the film, a panel discussion on the intersection of creativity and technology in today’s world will take place. For more information, call the ArtExchange at (562) 567-7278 or visit palaciomagazine.com
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