TITLE
Recommendation to receive Charter Commission appointments pursuant to Section 509 of the City Charter and Section 2.03.065 of the Long Beach Municipal Code.
DISCUSSION
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'd District Counci!member 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'd 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, l '1 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.
Planning Commission
Appointment
Josh LaFarga (CD 9)-to fill Vacancy left by Donita Van Horik's resignation effective October 1,
2017; Interim Term through Juue 2019
Josh LaFarga has a long history of conuuunity service and activism. He currently serves as the
Director of Public and Goverrunent 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 Conuuittee 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.
Respectfully Submitted,
ROBERT GARCIA
MAYOR