TITLE
Recommendation to, subject to prior review and consideration by the Personnel and Civil Service Committee in accordance with Long Beach Municipal Code Section 2.03.065, confirm Charter Commission appointments pursuant to Section 509 of the City Charter and Section 2.03.065 of the Long Beach Municipal Code; or in the alternative, if the Committee cannot meet and consider the appointments on July 18, 2017, due to lack of quorum or any other reason, waive the requirement for consideration and recommendation by the Personnel and Civil Service Committee in accordance with Section 2.03.065D, and confirm the following appointments to Charter and Non-Charter Commissions.
DISCUSSION
Economic Development Commission Appointment
- Steve Goodling - CVB Representative - to fill Vacancy left by Frank Colonna's pending transfer; Interim Term through June 2020
Steve Goodling has been the President & CEO of the Long Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau for the past sixteen years. In that role, he has helped strengthen the local and regional economy by generating more than $300 million annually and supporting nearly 7,000 local jobs. He has been involved in numerous economic development projects, including a $45 million re-design of the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center complex, the grand opening of the Pacific Ballroom at the Long Beach Arena, the terminal modernization of Long Beach Airport, and many high-profile special events and conventions.
Harbor Commission Appointments
- Frank Colonna (CD 3)
Frank Colonna is a long-time resident, local business owner, and accomplished leader. He served two terms as 3 rd District Councilmember and two years as Vice Mayor, during which he represented Long Beach at the national level as Chair of the Federal Legislative Committee and as Chair of the Central Cities Committee for the National League of Cities. He was also appointed Chair of the Alameda Corridor Transportation Authority and worked diligently to draft legislation and implement the reconstruction of the I-710 Freeway. In addition to his extensive leadership experience, Frank has been a real estate executive and business owner in Long Beach for more than thirty years and an active community member in the 3 rd District. Frank earned a Bachelor's degree from CSULB and a Master's degree from CSU Northridge. He is currently on the Economic Development Commission and is excited to transfer to the Harbor Commission.
- Bonnie Lowenthal (CD 2)
Bonnie Lowenthal is a 2nd District resident and has been an active leader in the Long Beach community for decades, serving as a LBUSD School Board member, 1st District Councilmember for two terms, and Vice Mayor. After her tenure in city government, Bonnie continued to represent Long Beach residents in the State Assembly. As an Assemblymember, she worked closely with the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles in her capacities as Chair of the Assembly Select Committee on Ports and Chair of the Assembly Transportation Committee. She was the only elected official appointed to serve on the National Freight Advisory Committee and authored the development of the California Freight Plan. Bonnie also served as a Metro Board Member, where she successfully secured funding for the Gerald Desmond Bridge replacement project and supported the expanded use of the PierPass. Prior to her time as an elected representative, Bonnie was a family counselor, mental health consultant, and educator.
Long Beach Transit Board of Directors Appointment
- Adam Carrillo (CD 1)- Interim Term through December 2019
Adam Carrillo is a CD 1 resident and is currently the Economic Development Manager for the Downtown Long Beach Alliance, where he works to support job creation efforts by attracting, expanding, and retaining business in the downtown core. Adam is also President of the Long Beach Commercial Real Estate Council and was previously an Advisory Board Member at DRTVinc. In addition, Adam has more than ten years of experience in the competitive advertising industry developing and executing marketing strategies for numerous successful brands.
Planning Commission Appointment
- Josh LaFarga (CD 9) - to fill Vacancy left by Donita Van Horik's resignation effective October 1, 2017; Interim Term through June 2019
Josh LaFarga has a long history of community service and activism. He currently serves as the Director of Public and Government Affairs and as Recording Secretary and Executive Board member at LiUNA! Local 1309. He is also a member on the South Bay Workforce Investment Board and Co-Chair of the Legislative Committee for FuturePorts, the largest non-profit organization working to promote the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles. In 2015, Josh was appointed by Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti to serve on the prestigious Board of Neighborhood Commissioners; and in 2017, the L.A. County Board of Supervisors appointed him to the Building Rehabilitation Appeals Board. Josh is a 9th District resident and a well-respected leader.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
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Respectfully Submitted,
ROBERT GARCIA
MAYOR