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VOL. XLI NO. 49
Your Weekly Community Newspaper
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In this issue
New urban shrimp farm to open in Long Beach in summer 2020
NEWS
Homelessness, crime and housing: Here’s what the 6th district council candidates had to say during a public forum
The method to grow shrimp in recycled salt water ensures the product is free of pollutants found in the ocean.
Anita W. Harris | Signal Tribune
One of many banners installed by the Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association (BKBIA) along Atlantic Avenue and Long Beach Boulevard advertising area businesses
Bixby Knolls business association explores new financing options
Page 3
With redevelopment funds disappearing, BKBIA seeks alternatives to sustain growth. Anita W. Harris Staff Writer
Long Beach Airport seeks to enter agreement in effort to lower emissions
Page 10
COMMUNITY
November 29, 2019
During its meeting last week, the Long Beach City Council voted to renew the City’s contract with the Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association (BKBIA) for one year along with continuing a tax assessed on Bixby Knolls businesses to help fund the organization. In a Nov. 19 memo to the city manager, Long Beach Economic Development Director John Keisler estimated that the tax would generate $255,000 for the nonprofit BKBIA in 2020.
“Assessment funds are collected by the City on behalf of the BKBIA through additional fees and passed on directly through to the BKBIA for implementation of annual programs,” he noted. However, BKBIA’s projected budget as submitted in its Sept. 19 annual report also includes $176,500 in funds from the city’s former Redevelopment Agency (RDA) that will sunset in 2021, nearly halving BKBIA’s total revenue. In anticipation of that event, BKBIA has added $20 annually to its $250 base assessment for licensed businesses and $150 for nonprof-
its, plus a consumer-price-index (CPI) adjustment, though its board of directors–– consisting mostly of local business persons–– opted not to raise the levy by the 3.81% CPI increase for the 2019-2020 fiscal year. Blair Cohn, BKBIA’s executive director, told the Signal Tribune on Monday that the City hired a consultant to explore new funding streams, including potentially increasing the tax. “We [could] increase the assessment for the businesses, and it goes up with CPI every year, and see BKBIA page 14
Kristen Naeem Staff Writer
A new, urban shrimp farm in the Washington neighborhood, TransparentSea Farm, is projected to begin construction in spring 2020 and begin providing Long Beach and the surrounding area with organic, environmentally sustainable shrimp grown indoors sometime in summer 2020. TransparentSea’s founder, Steve Sutton, told the Signal Tribune that his urban shrimp farm will give those living in Los Angeles County an alternative to shrimp imported from overseas, which currently accounts for over 90% of shrimp available in American markets. “Unfortunately, the distribution chain is very unclear. The average piece of seafood see SHRIMP page 10
The Corner Pop-Up hosts its first small business: Royal Gourmet Cookies
After a health scare last October, Emerald Austin decided to live her dream and begin her own business. Lissette Mendoza
Theatre review: Cal Rep’s Move: The History of a Hand at Cal State Long Beach Page 7
Online Editor
In between finding a lump in her breast and her appointment to get it checked out, Emerald Austin found herself reflecting back on her life, and found that there was still a dream that was yet to be fulfilled.
“I did everything I wanted to do as far as personal stuff. I have my husband, my children, good friends and family, but I’m not living what I want to do,” Austin said in an interview with the Signal Tribune Nov 23. If she were to end up tied down see RENT page 9
Lissette Mendoza | Signal Tribune
Aside from classic flavors, Emerald Austin also creates her own original cookie flavors. From left to right, Mrs. Claus, S’mores, Chocolate Chip and P.M.S. Oh Yes.