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Friends,
For 9 years, the Long Beach Rising! coalition has organized the People's State of the City. We've done it because in our city there are two tales. The first is the one the City likes to tell — a story of a city on the rise, increasing investment, a bustling development scene, and statistics that show poverty is down, and unemployment is low. The second is our story. It's the tale that at its center asks the question: "Success, sure...but for who?"
Behind the annual display the City puts on are stories of the persistent struggle and strife the working class, low-income, seniors and communities of color face here in Long Beach. It's an old tale, but one we rise to share yearly. We do this to build awareness of the true struggles Long Beach residents face, but also to empower and unify residents to take action so that we can improve our City.
Yesterday was a historic event. Over 300 attendees from all over the City joined us as we uplifted the victories we've collectively won:
- Creating the Long Beach Justice Fund to provide legal representation for immigrants facing deportation;
- Reaching a historic settlement with Long Beach Unified School District over their misallocation of at least $24 million meant for high-need students;
- Initiating a participatory budgeting process in Central Long Beach that empowers community members to decide how $450,000 money should be spent;
- A historic temporary moratorium on no-fault evictions;
- And fixing the "substantial rehab" loophole through a local ordinance passed just this last Tuesday.
We did all this while solidifying our resolve to take on the challenges ahead. Like Dr. King said, "The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice." We have righteousness on our side, but being right doesn't always bring victory. It's why we need you. Part of our call to action last night was asking folks to join our movement. And they did! And so can you.
Text your name and zip code to (562) 414-4404 to become an individual member of Long Beach Rising! There is a lot of work left to do, but together we can get it done and improve the lives of residents.
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