Category Archives: News

it is time

The COVID19 pandemic has arrived. We must apply the simple precautions of hand washing, wiping surfaces while maintaining social distance. We must protect older adults and those with compromised immune systems from those who may have symptoms.

This is horrible for everyone. There is job loss, change in school schedules, alteration of needed programs and procedures. That said, we want to maintain contact with those who live near us and are important to us. So check in with phone calls, more frequent emails, and it doesn’t hurt to smile and wave. Maybe reboot that Skype account.

BIG heART is CANCELLED. RPNA is suspending/postponing all events/street actions and meetings for the foreseeable future. That includes the annual and so anticipated BIG heART which would have been on March20th!

Today we attended the City’s Emergency Preparedness Meeting with all the city departments and response coordinators. Decisions are being made on size of gatherings and length of time these containment actions will last. Until more information is known – our response is to be safe, cautious and thoughtful.

AND check in daily to www.longbeach.gov/COVID19 – there will be daily updates. If you think you may have symptoms CALL the COVID19 hotline 562-570-4636 (INFO)

Rose Parkian recognized for her COMMITMENT & service

Gretchen Swanson, Rose Park Resident & Neighborhood Association President receives the Woman of the Year Award from Council District 2. Gretchen is pictured with Councilwoman Jeannine Pearce and Long Beach Girl Scout Troop 70663

The City of Long Beach and the Women’s Suffrage 100 celebrated Women’s History Month at Long Beach City Hall on Tuesday, March 10th. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment, guaranteeing and protecting women’s constitutional right to vote. 

In honor of Women’s History Month, each of the 9 council districts selected one woman to be recognized by the Mayor and City Council as a Woman of the Year. Gretchen Swanson, Rose Park Resident since 1996 & Neighborhood Association President was one of nine awardees recognized for her commitment and service to Long Beach.

For those of you who know Gretchen, the remarks made by Councilwoman Jeannine Pearce of District 2 will certainly resonate with you. For those of you who do not, may her neighborhood work inspire and move you into action. Below is an excerpt of Councilwoman Pearce’s recognition speech of Gretchen Swanson as Woman of the Year in the 2nd District.

“While Gretchen is known as Rose Park Neighborhood Association President, she is not your average neighborhood association president. Indeed, Gretchen is the “rose” in the Rose Park Neighborhood. She is a leader who takes pride, not just in her neighborhood but in Long Beach as a whole. Time and time again Gretchen has proven she has a vested interest in bringing together all residents to make their voices heard.  Her home has provided a creative space that has been the staging area for many events she has helped to spearhead. She does all of this unpaid with a smile on her face, warmth in her heart, and a wonderful sense of humor to brighten everyone’s day…”

Women’s History Month at City Hall recognizing 9 women from each council district including Rose Park Resident Gretchen Swanson – March 2020