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There are many myths and misunderstandings about earthquakes. As you prepare your family disaster response plan you should base your actions on facts, not myths. Here are 10 frequently repeated myths about earthquakes, and correct information provided by earthquake experts in responses to those myths.

The first case of flu this season has been confirmed in Long Beach, and the City's Health Department, with assistance from the American Red Cross, has announced dates for the 2013 Annual Flu Clinics, starting on October 10, 2013.

"Everyone age 6 months and older should get the flu vaccine each year, especially those with a health condition that may increase their risk of serious complications from the flu," said Dr. Mitchell Kushner, Long Beach City Health Officer.

"GO LONG BEACH" allows users to upload a photo of graffiti, sidewalk damage, broken street signs, or potholes, and then uses GPS tracking technology to instantly report the location of the issue.

You can download "GO LONG BEACH" for Android phones from the Droid Market, or the App Store for iPhones.

Download the Android Version

Download the iOS Version

The City of Long Beach will be conducting another Police Academy in 2014 to bring new officers onto the police force. This marks the second Police Academy in two years, and the third since 2009. Due to prior budget challenges, the City had to forgo police hiring from 2009 to 2013.

"Prudent fiscal management and pension reforms have positioned us to hire police officers again," said Mayor Bob Foster. "These cadets will add to the ranks of a highly skilled, sophisticated department that is among the best in the nation."

The Police Academy will allow the City of Long Beach to replenish officers lost through retirement. The FY 14 Proposed Budget will include funding for this academy through a combination of position savings in the Police Department and one-time resources if necessary.

“A career in law enforcement is one of the most challenging and demanding professions in today's society,” said Police Chief Jim McDonnell, “and we are excited that we have another opportunity to seek out the best and the brightest, who will ultimately serve our community.”

SUMMERTIME SAFETY TIPS

With summer right around the corner, the Long Beach Police Department would like to provide the community with some information that may help prevent residents from becoming a victim and keep them safe:

CURFEW

Parents and youngsters are reminded that the City's curfew law will be strictly enforced. Section 9.58.010 of the Long Beach Municipal Code states: "It is unlawful for any minor under the age of eighteen (18) years to remain in or upon any public place’ as defined in Section 9.02.090, between the hours of 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. the following day."

The L.B.P.D. takes curfew violations seriously. Our experience has shown us that children who are on the street after curfew are more likely to become victims of violent crime, and also are more likely to become involved in criminal behavior. We are reminding parents that it is important for you to know where your children are at all times, and to ensure they get home safely before curfew.

Curfew laws are in place to protect children/youth and keep them safe, and the L.B.P.D. will enforce this law with your child’s safety in mind. By working together, we can help provide your child/youth a safe and enjoyable summer break.

For the first time in four years, the Long Beach Police Academy is training recruits to become police officers.

One of the major initiatives of the Fiscal Year 2013 Budget was to identify resources to fund a Police Academy. With the approval of the FY 13 Budget, the Mayor and City Council authorized Academy Class 86, the first since Fiscal Year 2009. The $2.9 million cost was funded using a combination of one-time resources and position savings within the Police Department.

“The start of Academy Class 86 is a very exciting time for our department,” said Police Chief Jim McDonnell. “I am looking forward to watching this group of recruits as they progress through our rigorous training program to become well-qualified police officers in our community. They will be a welcome addition to the team of dedicated men and women who are already working to keep Long Beach safe.”

The Police Academy will allow the City of Long Beach to replenish officers lost through retirement.

A total of 50 Long Beach Police Recruits have been hired to attend the academy. In addition, two recruits from the City of Modesto Police Department will be participating in this class. Throughout the 27-week course, recruits will be challenged both mentally and physically. They will be instructed in many facets of law enforcement including criminal law, investigations, drivers training, report writing, and cultural sensitivity.

Once recruits graduate in December, they will begin a field-training program, which lasts 12 months. It is during this second phase of their training, they will partner with a seasoned patrol officer to increase their knowledge base and gain valuable field experience.

The last Long Beach Police Academy to graduate recruits occurred on April 8, 2009.

This summer, in partnership with Council Member Austin, Councilmember Steven Neal will be hosting “Be SAFE Long Beach Week” in north Long Beach. The purpose of the “Be SAFE Long Beach” week is to work with a diverse group of partners in advance of the summer break to urge a summer of unity, peace, public safety, and opportunities for youth and the community.

Be “S.A.F.E,” short for Summer Activities in a Friendly Environment, begins with a Citywide Violence Prevention Plan community meeting at Houghton Park on June 1st and ends with the city’s first Gun Buy Back event at Scherer Park on June 8^th.

During the month of April, 9th District residents participated in the annual "9th District Spring Cleaning Challenge" where neighbors reported all instances of potholes, graffiti, dumped items, damaged street signs, and other basic maintenance issues in order to keep the district clean, safe and presentable.

The winner of this year's challenge is the Houghton Park Neighborhood Association, who will receive a matching grant of $1,000 for a neighborhood improvement project from the Council District 9 Neighborhood Services funds!