Heart of the Neighborhood

In this episode, our guests Diana and Kryssie share the powerful stories of individuals who show up when it matters most—during crisis, loss, and trauma.The Trauma Intervention Program (TIP) of Long Beach is comprised of specially trained volunteers who respond alongside emergency personnel—police, firefighters, paramedics—to provide emotional support and practical help in some of life’s hardest moments.Since 2021, TIP volunteers have provided care and support to Long Beach residents.Resources:Trauma Intervention Program (TIP) of Long BeachBecome a TIP Volunteer HEREOctober 2025 Training FlyerNew Hope Grief Support CommunityPathwaysLong Beach Trauma Recovery Center 

In this episode, we talk with Ryan, President of the Willmore City Community Association. Listen as we learn how Willmore City Community Association has adapted to the needs and priorities of its residents, and how effective partnerships and advocacy helps them address issues of inequity and neighborhood investment over time.Willmore City Historic District is situated downtown, in west Long Beach -- just off the 710 freeway. Neighborhood boundaries include: 710 freeway to the west and 4th Street to the south, Cedar Street to the east, and Moro & 12th Streets to the north.Resources:Willmore City Community AssociationFriends of the LA RiverLong Beach Office of SustainabilityDistrict 1 Councilwoman Mary ZendejasElevate '28Long Beach GivesWinter in WillmoreCSULB President AmbassadorsThe Volunteer Center Impact Makers program

In this episode of Heart of the Neighborhood, we talk with Cinthya—a Long Beach resident and participant in the City of Long Beach Neighborhood Leadership Program—who’s on a mission to give back to the city she loves.For over 30 years, the City of Long Beach Neighborhood Leadership Program (NLP) has assisted grassroots residents with the skills, knowledge and resources needed to make a difference in the quality of life in our community. The City of Long Beach Neighborhood Leadership program is offered by the City of Long Beach Housing and Neighborhood Services Bureau and is a FREE, five (5) month multilingual program. NLP Brochure in EnglishNLP Brochure in SpanishNLP Brochure in KhmerNLP Brochure in TagalogResources:Westside PromiseSanta Fe Avenue Project - Elevate 28Bembridge HouseDrake ParkDistrict 1 - Councilwoman Mary ZendejasGang Alternatives Program (GAP)Car-Lite Long Beach Stay tuned for the Neighborhood Leadership event hosted by Cinthya's team on August 9th at Silverado Park ...

Meet Serbrina, the founder of Happy Lifts, a weight lifting program for women that contains more purpose and meaning than just building muscle in the gym. What started as a resident led initiative offering free weight lifting classes for women from her garage and in Rose Park, has flourished into a mission to get all shy girls into the gym.Listen as Serbrina talks about the benefits of weightlifting for girls and women and the impact it has on defining your purpose, strength and mental health.Instagram @happy.liftswww.onlyhappylifts.comRoses for Rose Park, Artist Cody Lusby

In this episode, we spotlight Dina Feldman, a social entrepreneur and community builder, and a shining example of how businesses can be a force for good. Dina is the visionary behind Feel Good Kitchen, a Certified Green kitchen that helps tenants who are starting and growing their food business with sustainable practices. From supporting neighborhood initiatives to launching innovative programs, Feel Good Kitchen is proof that business success and social impact go hand in hand. And remember, supporting businesses that give back helps create a stronger, more connected community. Resources:Long Beach FreshFinding your Why - Simon SinekTony Robbins - Author & Entrepreneur A Board Certified Behavioral Specialist helps individuals with disabilities, including those with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) improve their communication, socialization, and daily living skills through techniques like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Feel Good KitchenYvon Chouinard - Patagonia FounderCraftsman Village Historic DistrictColossus BreadOffice of SustainabilityFoam Free LBMANEATINGPLANTSalsas ChingonaCompoundGrow2Zero FarmsSowing Seeds of ChangeFollow Sowing Seeds of Change on InstagramFood Finders Downtown Long Beach Alliance Mosaic Downtown Long BeachLong Beach Gives, September 18th, 2025

In this episode, Cal State Long Beach President's Ambassadors Andres, Emily and Pranvat take us beyond the campus and into the community of Long Beach where the heart and soul of communities come alive. The President's Ambassadors talk about their volunteer experiences, the activities they love, and the many benefits they have gained from the program and their community work. We hope this episode sparks your curiosity to get out and explore Long Beach, and participate in the activities that bring about positive change.Cal State Long Beach President's Ambassadors work collaboratively with the CSULB President to represent the school, its mission and goals. President's Ambassadors are volunteers who give their time, talent and enthusiasm freely for the advancement of California State University, Long Beach. Resources:Earl Burns Miller Japanese GardenCal State Long Beach College Corps Cal State Long Beach Associated Students Inc. Heart of IdaHoliday Gift Bags with Heart of Ida and Rose Park Neighborhood AssociationCommunity Ambassador program - Safe Passage InitiativeDAYS Long BeachAOC7 Neighborhood OrganizationLong Beach ForwardBolsa Chica Ecological ReserveRose Park Neighborhood Association - Art in Rose ParkLocal Restaurants:CaliChilliFlamin CurryChiang Rai

In this episode, Abigail, a Long Beach Poly High School sophomore gives listeners an insight into Gen Z volunteers. Abigail shares her motivation for volunteering, how she finds opportunities that align with the causes she supports, and highlights what makes volunteer activities meaningful and accessible. If you are a Gen Z looking to volunteer, a parent or guardian of a high schooler seeking opportunities, or an organization looking to recruit a younger generation of volunteers - this episode is for you! Resources:The Volunteer Center Impact Makers program - A 12-week program (8 weeks for summer), participants learn about the issues facing our local community and the support resources that are in place to help address them. Food FindersAquarium of the Pacific Long Beach Office of SustainabilityLong Beach RecyclesLong Beach TransitLong Beach OrganicsThe Book TruckWomenShelter of Long Beach 

Are you seeking assistance with a home project, need tech help, or want to learn a new language? Are you interested in sharing your skills with others? Listen as we talk with CJ, a member and volunteer of The Long Beach Time Exchange to learn how to utilize the support and services of your neighbors, and how to contribute your time and skill set as a volunteer to help others.The Long Beach Time Exchange 'is a group of volunteers coordinating a community network to facilitate the sharing of time and talents for the common good.'Resources: Website for Long Beach Time Exchange Become a Long Beach Time Exchange Member HERELong Beach Time Exchange on FacebookFixit Clinic Events HERE - Bring your broken items to Long Beach’s Fixit Clinics to get help repairing them.Algalita Marine Research and Education - Research and education to prevent plastic pollutionBring Your Own Long Beach - Refill over LandfillLong Beach Recycles - Reduce, Reuse, RecyclePedal Movement - Mobility Solutions for Everyone

Cozy up with us as we step inside the wonderful world of reading. In this light and fun episode we talk favorite books, community connection and soulful imagination with the founder of LB Bookworms, Martha Esquivas. Follow LB Bookworms for the next opportunity to attend a reading party or receive book recommendations from Martha on Instagram @LBBookworms!Book Mentions:The Magic Treehouse by Mary Pope OsborneThe Babysitter's Club by Ann M. MartinA Corner of the Universe by Ann M. MartinIdentity by Milan KunderaAnita de Monte Laughs Last by Xochitl GonzalezA Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. MaasLost and Lassoed: A Rebel Blue Ranch Novel by Lyla SageLocal Businesses:Wicked WolfCool Cat Collective Tipped Ears - a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) rescue organization for catsArt Theatre on 4th StreetHeartbound Book Shop - Anaheim, CAManhattan, New York BusinessBook Club - East Village's Independent Book Store and BarBook Clubs:Pa’lante Book Club - Community led Latine book club in Long Beach for the Latine & BIPOC communityMovies n' Books Club - A club for literature and films enthusiastsSilent Book Club - Nationwide Group - find a chapter near youReading Resources:Long Beach Public LibraryGoodreadsBookshop.org

In this episode, we talk with Susana Gonzalez Edmond, President of the Long Beach Council Parent Teacher Association (PTA). The Long Beach Council PTA is a group of volunteers who support the work of 34 PTA council units at schools in the Long Beach Unified School District. Their support includes tools for increasing PTA membership, developing and strengthening PTA leadership, and ensuring that families and communities are equipped to advocate on behalf of all children. Listen as we learn more about the Council and the value that PTA's bring to LBUSD schools to bring additional programs and enrichment activities to children and youth. Thinking about starting a PTA at your school? Want to get involved with your child's school? Access the resources below ...Resources:Volunteers in Public Schools (VIPS) - Application to volunteer in your child's classroom Building Membership at your SchoolReflections - National PTA Flagship Art Program

Neighborhood voice and advocacy is alive and well in Wrigley. Our guests, Justin Simon, Vice President and Alejandra Gutierrez, Communications and Government Strategist of Wrigley Association talk about the collective efforts neighbors can take to improve our civic health through advocacy and action. Local progress and improvement is obtainable, we just need to come together to achieve it. The Wrigley neighborhood in Long Beach, CA is bordered on the north by Interstate 405, on the south by Pacific Coast Highway, on the east by Long Beach Boulevard and on the west by the Los Angeles River.Resources:Wrigley AssociationDistrict 6 Councilmember Dr. Suely SaroDistrict 7 Councilmember Roberto UrangaWillow Springs ParkWrigley Buy Nothing GroupBuy Nothing - Find a GroupThe Wicked WolfThe Cove HotelZoom Room - Dog TrainingPBS Pub & Co.Cal Matters Op-Ed, written by Melissa Mathews, Assistant Professor, Graduate Center for Public Policy and Administration at Cal State Long Beach

How do we support the Long Beach neighborhoods that need more time, resources and attention? We volunteer!Meet Jontue of Starr King Neighborhood Association, who volunteers her time with a small group of caring individuals to bring important resources, events and information to North Long Beach residents. Starr King neighborhood is situated in northwest Long Beach within the boundaries of Greenleaf to Artesia Blvd. from Long Beach Blvd. to Coachella Avenue, which borders the 710 freeway.Resources:Starr King Neighborhood Association Facebook pageStarr King Neighborhood Association Instagram page @StarrKingNeighborhood9th District City Council Member Dr. Joni Ricks-OddieCity of Long Beach Translation Service - Event RequestsCity of Long Beach Lawn-to-Garden Program - The new (L2G) Lawn-to-Garden program was created with the goal of making the landscapes of Long Beach sustainable and water efficient, while also providing multiple benefits for the environment such as capturing storm water, reducing runoff and developing habitat for birds and butterflies. City of Long Beach Climate Action & Sustainability programsLitter Free Long BeachLong Beach Neighborhood Group Directory (includes neighborhood group location map)Go Long Beach appNo Trespassing SignsCity of Long Beach Helpful ContactsPhoto Credit: Neighborhood Group Location Map created by City of Long Beach Neighborhood Resource Center 

Volunteering in Long Beach truly is a labor of love for Cascia and Tom. In this episode, we explore the many benefits and intrinsic rewards of volunteering including social connection, personal well-being, sense of purpose & accomplishment. Let's start to imagine our neighborhoods stronger and healthier because everyone takes the time to care for our environment, and for each other. Resources: Neighborhood Leadership programLitter Free Long BeachOrganic Waste Collection in Long Beach Bixby Knolls Business Improvement AssociationLong Beach Community TableMeals on Wheels Long BeachThe Volunteer Center - Impact Makers programCare ClosetCal Heights Neighborhood Association - VolunteerRidgewood Triangle

Among the 18 designated historic districts, California Heights Neighborhood is the largest historical district in Long Beach with the oldest home built in 1905. This year, California Heights Neighborhood celebrates 100 years of architectural charm and history. Listen as we talk with Manny Valenzuela of California Heights Neighborhood Association, a volunteer-led nonprofit organization working to promote public knowledge and preservation of historic and architectural resources. We acknowledge that California Heights resides on the traditional territory occupied by the Tongva people who were the area's original residents prior to the arrival of European colonizers. Resources:California Heights WebsiteCalifornia Heights HistoryLong Beach HeritageCity of Long Beach Historic PreservationCity of Long Beach Historic District Design GuidelinesCultural Heritage CommissionLong Beach Historic DistrictsCity of Long Beach Housing and Neighborhood ServicesList of Long Beach Neighborhood Groups Long Beach Gives 

Meet Jen and Kat of LBC Hero Squad, two Long Beach moms on a mission to provide awareness, support and education to parents of neurodivergent youth. Listen as they share their personal experiences and their hope of creating a culture of acceptance, kindness, celebration and inclusion of neurodivergent youth. It is our hope that this episode inspires you to be kinder to yourself and to others ...LBC Hero Squad The LBC Hero Squad is a nonprofit organization led by passionate parents with the mission of bringing inclusion, acceptance, and kindness to neurodivergent youth. Resources & Community Collaborators:Harbor Regional Center Local Hearts FoundationTichenor Clinic for ChildrenLong Beach Health Department Disability, Access & Functional Needs (DAFN)The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department), in partnership with KultureCity, has launched a new mobile sensory service, the Sensory Area for Everyone (S.A.F.E.) vehicle. For questions, please contact the DAFN Coordinator, Esmeralda Garcia, at [email protected] or by phone at (562) 570-7901. The Center for Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders Mixed Miracle ArtsSuper Skate Posse VIP RecordsCreative Flow ArtsSowing Seeds of Change 

Meet Atle and Nico, two Long Beach residents who are passionate about micro-mobility, public transit, and infrastructure that results in safe, accessible ways to move around the city. Listen as we talk about the joy of community, bike riding adventures, and the special place they found with Car-Lite to advocate for safe streets and alternative transportation in Long Beach.Visit Car-Lite Long Beach HERE or https://carlitelb.org/ Car-Lite Long Beach Calendar of Events HERE or https://carlitelb.org/calendar/Visit Car-Lite Long Beach Instagram HERE or https://www.instagram.com/carlitelb/Long Beach Bike Co-Op on Instagram HERE or https://www.instagram.com/long_beach_bike_co_op/?hl=enNeed a bike? Visit Long Beach Bike Share HERE or https://www.longbeachbikeshare.com/

This episode is about the importance of human connection, relationships, care and compassion. Our guest, Rocio of AOC7 Neighborhood Organization talks with us about how their organization serves to uplift and support the needs of black and brown residents in the neighborhood and highlights the partnerships that help them achieve common goals. Listen as Rocio shares the impact of their community building efforts - all done with hard work and lots of heart. AOC7 Neighborhood Organization represents the boundaries of Anaheim, Orange, Cherry, and E7th Street.Visit https://www.aoc7neighborhood.com/AOC7 Neighborhood resides in the 1st and 6th DistrictsDistrict 1 Councilwoman Mary ZendejasDistrict 6 Councilwoman Dr. Suely Saro More about Project Dignity HERE https://www.aoc7neighborhood.com/partners/project-dignityMore about the Safe Passage Initiative Community Ambassadors program and to volunteer HEREhttps://www.lbsafe.org/Resources:Long Beach Police Department Non-Emergency Number (562) 435-6711 Long Beach Rescue MissionLong Beach Rescue Mission offers shelter for men at the Samaritan House located at 1335 Pacific Ave. Long Beach, CA 90813.Intake at Samaritan House is open from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm Monday – Friday or call our reception desk 24 hours a day at (562) 591-1292 for immediate assistance.Long Beach Rescue Mission offers shelter for women and children at the Lydia House located at 1400 Pacific Ave. Long Beach, CA 90813.Intake is by appointment only. Please contact us at 562-591-1292 for assistance.Visit https://lbrm.org/what-we-do/emergency-services/211 for LA CountyThe hub for community members and community organizations looking for all types of health, human, and social services in Los Angeles County.  https://211la.org/Litter Free Long BeachPlan or join a neighborhood clean-up HEREhttps://www.longbeach.gov/pw/resources/litterfreelb/

Rose Park Neighborhood resident Sylvia talks about her experience dealing with crime and safety issues on her block. Sylvia provides a real-look at how problems are addressed at the neighborhood level, and tells listeners how she and other neighbors work together with city agencies, nonprofits  and businesses to improve her area. Rose Park Neighborhood boundaries run from 10th St on the North to 4th St on the South, Cherry Ave on the West, and Redondo Ave on the East. The neighborhood includes two of Long Beach’s largest designated historic districts: Rose Park North (north of 7th Street) and Rose Park South (south of 7th Street).Resources: List of Long Beach Neighborhood Groups https://www.longbeach.gov/globalassets/lbcd/media-library/documents/housing--neighborhood-services/neighborhood-resource-center-nrc/neighborhood-group-directory-jan--2024Go Long Beach App - report graffiti, dumped items, potholes, fireworks, e-scooter parking violations, and more!https://www.longbeach.gov/pages/golongbeach/Council District Map - https://www.longbeach.gov/redistricting/maps/current-maps/Code Enforcement - https://www.longbeach.gov/lbcd/enforcement/Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design - https://www.longbeach.gov/globalassets/city-manager/media-library/documents/memos-to-the-mayor-tabbed-file-list-folders/2019/april-19--2019---crime-prevention-through-environmental-design--cpted--overviewLBPD Community Watch Group - https://www.longbeach.gov/police/crime-info/community-watch/Litter Free Long Beach - find or organize monthly clean-ups - https://www.longbeach.gov/lbrecycles/refuse/illegal-dumping/find-or-organize-a-clean-up/

"**Heart of the Neighborhood** is a community benefit project of Rose Park Neighborhood Association dedicated to highlighting the vibrant leadership and community volunteer efforts that make Long Beach,  California a better place to live. Join us as we interview local neighborhood leaders and showcase innovative initiatives that address neighborhood issues and improve the quality of life for residents. Through engaging conversations, discover how effective neighborhood organizing transforms communities and empowers individuals to make a difference.Our podcast aims to educate and inspire residents by sharing the resources and the process that have driven positive changes in Long Beach neighborhoods. Whether you're looking to get involved or simply want to learn about the impactful work happening around you, "**Heart of the Neighborhood**" provides the insights and motivation to engage with your local community and become an active participant in its growth and improvement. Tune in and be part of the change!

Meet your Heart of the Neighborhood hosts Danielle & Nicolette. Listen as they express their love for Long Beach, and provide you with reasons and resources for getting involved and taking an active role in making our neighborhoods safe, healthy places to live!List of Long Beach Neighborhood Groups https://www.longbeach.gov/lbcd/hn/resource-center/neighborhood-groups/We Love Long Beachhttps://welovelb.org/