Making History

This week, the Port of Long Beach approved my request to build a pilot section of a "green wall" protecting West Long Beach neighborhoods from the Terminal Island Freeway. This Green Wall, and the trees and plants that will be planted next to it, will improve air quality, reduce sound pollution, and mitigate the visual blight of the freeway. The Green Wall will be the first of its kind in the nation, reusing mulch from the city's tree trimming program, and will be much less expensive than a traditional sound wall.

Moreover, the Port is considering funding a comprehensive plan to reduce the cumulative environmental impacts of goods movement, further making "green growth" a reality in Long Beach.

Also, I want to invite you to the kickoff planting of 6,000 trees for the western areas of our city. This new urban forest will help improve our environment as well as quality of life in the community. Join us at Silverado Park this Saturday at 3 P.M. for the kickoff to this great program. Thanks to the Harbor Commission for funding these grant programs that move Long Beach forward.