TITLE
Recommendation to request City Manager to explore the concept and review non-general funds available for the creation and operation of a Long Beach Surf Bus and return to City Council within sixty days.
DISCUSSION
LA Surf Bus was founded in 2003 with the goal of linking inner-city youth with the beach and ocean. Every year, LA Surf Bus transports thousands of children, aged five to seventeen years old, to Santa Monica and Huntington Beach. Through a coalition of municipalities, non-profits, businesses and individuals, atrisk youth throughout Los Angeles County get the opportunity to participate in Surf Academy. In addition to learning to surf, there are several educational components, including environmental awareness.
Chartered buses to the beach are made possible through a variety of sources, including local cities and Los Angeles County officials. In order to support the goals of LA Surf Bus, serve our community's youth and engage Long Beach in this effort, the City should consider the development of a Long Beach Surf Bus. This new program would serve Long Beach youth, giving further opportunities to those who may not get to experience local beaches. Additionally, developing a Long Beach Surf Bus would further the City's goals of providing recreation and education citywide. It is likely that there are a variety of non-general funding options for a program like the Surf Bus.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
Councilmember Patrick O'Donnell, Fourth District
Councilmember Dee Andrews, Sixth District
Councilmember Val Lerch, Ninth District