There is no doubt that the global Covid pandemic threw us all off our game. ASSP chapters across the nation suffered as in-person activities came to an abrupt halt. Many chapters continue to struggle, but I am thrilled to report that Long Beach is not one of them.

The 23-24 term has really started strong, and we now find ourselves, incredibly, at the half-way point of the term. Looking back at the first half, I am amazed at what all of you accomplished!

The monthly Education & Networking sessions, held at Cal State University Dominguez Hills on the third Thursday of each month, have been an unqualified success. The sessions, which are offered both in-person and virtually, feature engaging and experienced speakers. Lunch is provided to everyone attending in person, and CEUs are awarded for every session.

Registrations for the monthly sessions increased by an amazing 2,000% in the first half—that’s not a typo! Nearly half of chapter members registered for the monthly events July-December 2023—GREAT JOB EVERYONE!

The Holiday gathering at La Traviata on Friday, December 15, was a HUGE success! 40 or so members and their “plus ones” enjoyed an amazing Italian dinner, lots of appetizers and assorted desserts. The mood was very festive, and everyone had a wonderful time! Six lucky elves won door prizes! Long Beach Chapter members also really came through for the kids as dozens of gifts and more than $400 were donated to the Long Beach Fire Department’s annual toy drive! Way to go ASSP Long Beach!

Now, with only a week to go until Christmas Day, we wish you all the peace and joy of the season. We pray for the ever-present hope of Peace on Earth and Good Will Toward Men!

The ASSP Region I (Alaska, Hawaii, Washington, Oregon, and California) Region Operating Committee (ROC) met in San Francisco 26-27 October 2023 for its annual Fall session. The meeting was well-attended and provided updates to the twenty ASSP chapters located in Region I on a wide array of issues. Regional Vice President (RVP) Justin Molocznik chaired the two-day meeting through an agenda focused on ensuring that chapters have the tools they need to ensure the success of their members.

Three bay-areas chapters, San Francisco, San Jose, and Sacramento worked together to put all the logistics together for a meeting of this size. The three chapters did an amazing job, and the event was a huge success for all attending.

The Long Beach Chapter figured prominently into the event with some big news coming out of San Francisco. First, the WISE Chair for Long Beach, our very own Rosa Carrillo, was a guest speaker at the event! Rosa spoke about leadership with the OSH profession, and ASSP Region I provided everyone with a copy of Rosa’s latest book, Health and Safety Leadership Strategy. Thank you to Rosa for her insights and for once again highlighting the amazing talent that resides right here in the Long Beach Chapter!