Our Newsletter. Be the Change You Want to See

By Claire Nelson, with Maureen Neeley and Dianne Sundstrom

The newsletter you’re enjoying today is one of dozens that have been created and shared by Belmont Heights residents since 2008. It was the vision of several individuals, notably Maureen Neeley and Dianne Sundstrom. Maureen and Dianne came together in the mid-2000s with like-minded neighbors, driven by shared passions for Belmont Heights, a concern about the growing teardowns and “mansionization” occurring within the Heights, and a heartfelt desire to be a part of the solution instead of grumbling about the problem. 

The cover of the first issue of our beloved "News from the Neighborhood"

All politics is local, as is the ability to be the change you want to see. That is the throughline of our newsletter, from its first 2008 issue to the present. The originators recognized that the only way to communicate hyperlocal news to all ages (remember, social media was in its infancy) was via a newsletter delivered straight to the community’s residents. That first issue, just four pages, was addressed, stamped, and mailed by volunteers gathered in a resident’s office. A volunteer distribution team was assembled shortly thereafter to handle in-person distribution, the model that continues today.

Over the years, the BHCA has advocated for many changes and community projects that we continue to benefit from, including:

Make a Difference Day (M.A.D.D.), originally known as “Mitzvah Day,” started in 2015 with Ellen Butler (BHCA), Rabbi Steven Moskowitz (Temple Israel), and Pastor Cheryl Kelly (BHUMC) creating and hosting the inaugural event. This annual event, broader in scope and impact, under the current leadership of Gina Redican (BHCA), Temple Israel, and BHUMC, represents the heart and soul of our community.

Maureen Neeley poses at the Annual Egg Hunt - made possible by the existence of the Red Car Greenbelt Park.

The Red Car Greenbelt that many enjoy today was a dry, ugly mess until Dianne and the

BHCA met with former CD3 Councilmember, Gary DeLong, to advocate for creating a park that traversed the area. Ideation commenced in 2010, and the new parkland opened to great fanfare in Spring 2018 under the guidance of the next Councilmember, Suzie Price. Daily, dozens enjoy this green space made possible by caring citizens.

Doug Walker poses with his finished Signal Box art.

Signal Box Beautification started in 2011, thanks to Sydney Simon who led the charge to beautify our outdoor spaces through art, transforming the ugly gray boxes into works of art, reflective of something special within our community. Rallying several neighborhood artists, she and the team (and donors) worked for the next several years to bring forth that vision. Sadly, many have been defaced or are fading; we need to rally once again.

The desire to improve our community through action continues to bond us. Diana Muska recently stepped forward to start the “Growing the Greenbelt” group with a mission to re-beautify our parkland. Working with the BHCA, our councilmember’s team, and others in the city, the mission is taking root. Al Holden researched and is engaging others to battle the rat issue present in our gardens and alleys. High schooler Nick Mulvehill carries our history forward with his passion to preserve our historic lampposts. Diana, Al, and Nick are just a few of the many working to improve the Heights right now.

As a community association, we have a voice with our local councilmember, City Council, and numerous organizations to make change happen right here. You can be part of that voice by getting involved with BHCA. The BHCA newsletter is a link across our neighborhood, to share our history, inform about impending city initiatives that may affect us, and shine a light on the people, projects, and programs that make Belmont Heights among the most desired communities in Long Beach. It’s a great neighborhood because our residents care to make a difference.

Thank You! 

To the hundreds who have supported our newsletter across the years. Writers, editors, designers, our printers, the diligent delivery people, and the local advertisers who fund this endeavor, thank you for your commitment to share your time and talents.

Dianne Sundstrom and Sydney Walker - two people who have made many contributions to Belmont Heights through the years by working for and with the BHCA.