(June 8, 2001) -- LBReport.com has learned veteran NLB neighborhood improvement activist Val Lerch will file a notice of intention today to seek the Ninth District City Council seat in next year's election.
At our request, Mr. Lerch e-mailed us some brief biographical notes from which the following information comes.
Mr. Lerch has lived in LB since 1969 and resided in NLB (called the "Top of the Town" by locals) since 1976. Married over 30 years, he and his wife have raised two children in NLB.
Mr. Lerch is a member of the North Long Beach Redevelopment Project Area Committee, North Long Beach Neighborhood Association, North Long Beach Business Association and the North Long Beach Community Action Group.
He currently serves as a Commissioner on LB's Citizen Police Complaint Commission. He is also a graduate of the LB Neighborhood Leadership program.
Mr. Lerch's involvement in neighborhood improvement activities spans the last 20 years. His accomplishments include writing the grant application that successfully secured facade improvement for the 5600 block of Atlantic Ave.
Retired from the U.S. Coast Guard with 12 years on active duty, Mr. Lerch is active in his church and believes "each individual's faith should guide them."
He adds, "We the people in North Long Beach have made great improvements over the last several years (lowering crime, reducing graffiti, improving the business corridors) but the job has only begun. Once elected I will continue to make our streets cleaner and safer for our
families and friends."