I’m involved in a few local projects this year, from contributing on the host committee for the Pro Bike/Pro Walk Symposium that is coming to Long Beach this September, to leading communications efforts for the Aquatic Capital of America Foundation, which promotes the city’s aquatics amenities, activities and athletes and amenities. One of the initiatives that I’m contributing my time towards this year is building upon the East Spring...

Here’s a nice profile of “community hero” Tom Shadden, founder of the Long Beach Aquatic Capital of America Foundation, in the December issue of Long Beach Magazine. We are keeping the group’s Facebook page current with local content and Foundation updates at http://www.facebook.com/aquaticapital.

Thanksgiving is a great time to consider ways that we can make a difference. I was invited to speak to my daughter’s Girl Scout Junior troop yesterday to help them earn one of their badges, one requirement of which is to interview leaders in the community. Because I expect these girls will become active in the community as they move on to middle and high school, I shared with them three tips for becoming engaged — Interests, Passions,...

I’ve been working with the Long Beach Aquatic Capital of America Foundation as a pro-bono project, helping promote their cause to raise funds to support “water proofing” the local youth (making kids water-safe around pools, etc.). This past week, the organization announced its third Aquatic Athlete of the Year winner at its first-ever awards dinner: winner release posted here on Pitch Engine. The dinner was hosted by the Long Beach law...

  Great commentary from Damien Newtown on Streetsblog Los Angeles » Confessions of a Sidewalk Rider and Commentary on L.B.’s “Walk It or Lock It”. The campaign itself is pretty impressive.  Instead of relying on free media and fancy television ads, Long Beach is reaching out to the media, local businesses, the LBPD and other cyclists to spread the word.  All the city has to pay for is the publicity, planning, and printing...

Our Bike Long Beach PR outreach campaign has been focusing on safety, and yesterday we announced a “Walk It or Lock It” intitiative — a name I helped coin — to remind bike riders to keep off the sidewalks in our districts. Some of the nice coverage includes: Long Beach Press Telegram: http://www.presstelegram.com/news/ci_18784977 - The city has launched a “Walk It Or Lock It” campaign to inform bicyclists...