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Long Beach honors LGBTQ leaders, proclaims Building Safety Month and certifies 20 legacy businesses
Summary
At its May 6 meeting the Long Beach City Council recognized honorees for the Harvey Milk Promenade Equality Plaza, proclaimed May as Building Safety Month and certified a second cohort of 20 legacy businesses for the city registry.
The Long Beach City Council on May 6 recognized local LGBTQ leaders set to be inducted on the Equality Wall at Harvey Milk Promenade Park, proclaimed May as Building Safety Month and presented certificates to 20 businesses newly certified under the city’s Legacy Business Program.
The Harvey Milk Promenade Equality Plaza ceremony honored Larry Hiebert and the late John Garcia (Ripples Nightclub), educator and activist Kevin Geary, Issa McKinley (The Bee Room, founder of It’s a Drag to Give), Dr. Maria Cartier and Alexandra Billings. Committee chair Corey Allen and multiple committee members introduced the honorees and family members attended the council recognition. Several honorees or their nominators described long careers of community service, education and creation of queer-safe spaces in Long Beach.
The council also received a presentation from the Community Development Department recognizing May as Building Safety Month. Ron Takiguchi, identified in the meeting as interim superintendent of building, described the bureau’s role in plan review, inspections and issuing certificates of occupancy, and listed active projects including the Alexan West End mixed‑use project (about 600 units), a 163‑unit apartment complex on Long Beach Boulevard and a Habitat for Humanity project on 14th Street that will provide 36 homes. A representative from the International Code Council congratulated the city; FEMA savings statistics for updated codes were cited during the presentation.
Economic Development staff presented the Legacy Business Program and a newly certified second cohort of 20 businesses that meet the program’s criteria (at least 10 years in Long Beach, community impact and distinct character). Staff said the program will provide promotional, technical and limited financial assistance, a marketing toolkit and one‑on‑one business liaison services. The list named by staff included Deep Blue Swim School; For the Child (noted as celebrating its 50th year); Miguel Hidalgo Soccer League; Sue’s longtime businesses; Legends; Schooner or Later; and others. Julio, the program liaison who led the application process, and council members congratulated the honorees and asked recipients to pick up certificates after the meeting.
Why it matters: The recognitions highlight civic efforts to preserve local culture, public safety in construction and support small businesses. The Legacy Business Program creates a city-level pathway to promote and support long-standing local enterprises that staff say contribute to neighborhood character and local employment.
Council and staff notes: Mayor Richardson and multiple council members praised the honorees and program teams. Staff emphasized the multi-departmental work behind building inspections and legacy business vetting, and reminded the public about outreach and photo opportunities after the ceremony.
The council moved on to the regular agenda following the presentations.
