TITLE
Recommendation to receive and approve Commission appointments and reappointments for Non-Charter Commissions.
DISCUSSION
New Appointments
Board of Examiners, Appeals and Condemnation Commission
1. Ismar Enriquez - (Building Construction Experience or Training) - Partial Term: 10.01.2023 - 6/30/2024, First Term: 7.01.2024 - 6.30.2026
Ismar has been practicing close to two decades and is now the Director of Sustainable Housing Design at Steinberg Hart - AIA California’s 2023 Firm of The Year. His mission focuses on ending the housing crisis by creating places that foster social, equitable, and sustainable communities.
He has led initiatives such as the 2×8 Student Scholarship and Exhibition, a 20-year program that has awarded over $250,000 in scholarships. Ismar has led discussions in many conferences addressing the housing crisis, climate change, and equity and inclusion.
As a leader in sustainability in California, Ismar also led and addressed issues for carbon neutrality, resiliency, climate justice, and equity. In addition to the sustainability initiatives, Ismar is involved in government policy change and advocacy efforts across California.
2. Janet Lipson - (Building Construction Experience or Training) - First Term: 10.01.2023 - 6/30/2024
Janet Lipson has spent most of her adult life in Long Beach. She is a retired educator and spent 26 years teaching at Long Beach Unified School District. Prior to teaching in public schools, Janet worked for nearly 15 years in construction. Her jobs included parts expeditor, office manager, journey plumber and co-owner of a mechanical contracting company.
Since retirement, Janet has been active in local volunteer organizations. As a member of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), she has volunteered in the office, the classroom, and served as a member of the Governance Committee. She is active in the National Council of Jewish Women and is a working member of the Advocacy Committee. She also completed the Boards and Commissions Leadership Institute sponsored by Long Beach Forward in 2023.
Citizens Advisory Commission on Disabilities
1. Julie Dean - At Large - Partial Term: 10.01.2023 - 6.30.2024, First Term: 7.01.2024 - 6.30.2026
Julie realized soon after moving to Long Beach that local politics and volunteerism at the neighborhood level is vital to our community. She has dedicated herself to listening to and representing her neighbors, increasing voter participation through voter registration, and participating in local, state and federal political and legislative campaigns. Julie helped found the grassroots group, Long Beach Resister Sisters, graduated from the Neighborhood Leadership Program in 2022, and has been on the Board of the Belmont Shore Residents Association since 2009, the last two years as President. She has participated in local community service, including food pantry programs, backpack giveaways, and neighborhood cleanups. As a disability advocate, she believes that accessible and equitable infrastructure and transportation is essential to our city and a critical part of forming a sustainable and flourishing future with hope and opportunity for everyone.
Julie is a Long Beach resident of 28 years, living in District 3 in the Belmont Shore neighborhood with her rescue dog, Rocky. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from California State University, Long Beach. Julie’s passion is travel and she has visited 64 countries. She is fluent in German and attended the University of Mannheim, Germany, living there for a year and a half. Julie worked for the Sabre Corporation for 25 years as a Technology Product Manager, Product Consultant, and Training Specialist, enjoying temporary assignments in both Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates. The native Californian also worked as a substitute teacher in Long Beach Unified School District.
Cultural Heritage Commission
1. Jocelyn Pryor - At Large - Partial Term: 10.01.2023 - 6.30.2024, First Term: 7.01.2024 - 6.30.2026
Equity & Human Relations Commission
1. Sanghak Kan - At Large - Partial Term: 10.01.2023 - 6.30.2024, First Term: 7.01.2024 - 6.30.2026
Mr. Sanghak Kan was born, raised, and educated in Cambodia. A developmental professional with more than 23 years of experience working for the government, private sector, and local and international non-governmental organizations, including the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), World Bank Project, and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Sanghak and his family moved from Cambodia to the United States in 2017, where they settled in Long Beach, California.
In Long Beach, Sanghak channeled his passion for community work into the local Khmer community only a few weeks after he arrived.
Sanghak is a member of the Cambodian American Cultural Center Community Steering Committee, and a board member for the A0C7 Organization, Advisory Council of Cambodian Town, Inc., a board member for Long Beach Residents Empowered Organization and the Best Start Central Long Beach Leadership Team Member and also as one of the Language Justice Coalition Members. Currently, Sanghak works for the Flourishing Families LB program of TCC Family Health as a Community Ambassador and a Community Outreach Worker for the Pacific Asian Counseling Services (PACS) providing outreach to Long Beach’s diverse communities. He also continues to improve his skills through participation in various programs, such as the Neighborhood Leadership Program, and the Boards & Commissions Leadership Institute. Sanghak Kan works tirelessly to promote safety, equity, and prosperity, as these make the City a better place to live for all. Most importantly, he treats people with integrity, respect, compassion, and understanding, a reflection of his belief in the principle of loving-kindness
Homeless Services Advisory Commission
1. Tonya Burns (CD5) - District 5 - Partial Term: 10.01.2023 - 6.30.2024, First Term: 7.01.2024 - 6.30.2026
Technology & Innovation
1. Emily Woodman (Experience with Mobile/App Technology) - Partial Term: 10.01.2023 - 6.30.2024, First Term: 7.01.2024 - 6.30.2026
Reappointments
Cultural Heritage Commission
1. Kathleen Irvine - Reappointment to one-year Fourth Term through June 2024
Reassignments
Homeless Services Advisory Commission
1. Susana Sngiem (CD9) - District 9 - effective 10.01.2023, Third Term: 7.01.2022 - 6.30.2024
Mrs. Sngiem moved from Council District 4 to Council District 9 in 2023 and will be representing Council District 9 for the remainder of her term.
2. Jeffrey R. Johnson (CD4) - District 4 - effective 10.01.2023, Fourth Term: 7.01.2022 - 6.30.2024
Due to redistricting in 2020, Mr. Johnson is now a resident of Council District 4 and will be representing said district for the remainder of his fourth term.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
Due to the need to fill vacancies across various non-charter city commissions in order for these bodies to meet quorum and advance their order of business, urgency is requested for this item.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
REX RICHARDSON, MAYOR