Richardson lauds Long Beach Vision plan

Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson (D) yesterday lauded the city’s release of its Downtown Shoreline Vision Plan – Draft Vision Concept for the downtown waterfront.
The plan offers a transformative vision that integrates economic development, resiliency and enhanced connectivity and public access. This concept synthesizes the City’s eight Big Ideas and presents a cohesive plan to guide the area’s future for decades to come.
“The Draft Vision Concept is a bold step toward reimagining our waterfront as a world-class destination that is vibrant, sustainable and accessible to all,” said Richardson. “This Vision will ensure that Long Beach remains a leader in innovative urban planning, fostering a dynamic waterfront experience that connects our residents, businesses and visitors to our city’s natural beauty.”
The City invites all Long Beach residents to review the Draft Vision Concept and share their input online at longbeach.gov/dtshorelb now through Sunday, June 15, 2025. Feedback collected during this period will help refine the final Vision Plan, set for completion in fall 2025. Residents can also visit the webpage for project updates and details on future engagement opportunities.
“This Vision challenges us to reimagine our beautiful downtown shoreline and sets the stage for a more inclusive and sustainable future that further prioritizes community by creating more opportunities for people to come together,” said First District Councilwoman Mary Zendejas. “We invite the community to join us in shaping a waterfront where businesses, residents and visitors alike can experience a new and exciting chapter in Long Beach’s dynamic evolution.”
For more information and to stay updated on the project, visit longbeach.gov/dtshorelb.
Waters floats HUD-related bill to curtail Trump

U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Lennox, West Athens, West Carson, Harbor Gateway, El Camino Village, Watts, Gardena, Hawthorne, Inglewood, Lawndale, Lomita, Torrance), and Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), will announce a new bill today that would insulate the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) against President Donald Trump’s deregulatory agenda.
The proposed measure includes reinstating a rule requiring recipients of federal funds to address housing discrimination and creating a database of housing discrimination complaints, according to text shared with Semafor.
Waters and Warren are the top Democrats on the House Financial Services and Senate Banking committees.
“As our nation faces the worst affordable housing and homelessness crisis in history, we cannot afford to lose protections,” Waters said.
Barger honors Armenian-American leaders

Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger (R- Palmdale, Lancaster, Santa Clarita, San Marino, Pasadena, La Cañada-Flintridge, portions of the San Gabriel Valley) yesterday honored three remarkable Armenian American leaders from the Fifth District in recognition of their impactful contributions to medicine, innovation, and community service.
The recognition took place as Armenian History Month concludes, during the Board of Supervisors’ public hearing and highlighted the cultural richness, perseverance, and significant influence of the Armenian community across Los Angeles County and beyond.
“This month, and every month, we honor the enduring legacy of the Armenian American community,” said Barger. “Today, I’m proud to recognize three individuals whose extraordinary achievements have made our County stronger. Their dedication, innovation, and compassion reflect the very best of public service and civic leadership.”
The honorees include Dr. Garni Barkhoudarian, a trailblazer in neurosurgery and a steadfast advocate for the Armenian American community; Dr. Frieda Jordan, a global pioneer in immunogenetics and transplantation science whose work has saved lives and strengthened both local and international communities; and Vahe Karapetian, a visionary entrepreneur and philanthropist who engineered the first mass-producible catering truck, transforming the traditional lunch wagon into what is now recognized as the modern mobile kitchen.
“These honorees exemplify unwavering commitment to innovation, service, and the preservation of Armenian heritage,” Barger concluded. “Their legacies will inspire generations to come and continue to enrich the cultural fabric of Los Angeles County.”