Friday, July 21, 2017

New Long Beach Commissioners

By Karen Robes Meeks

Two new Long Beach harbor commissioners will be sitting on the dais on Aug. 14.

Former California Assemblywoman Bonnie Lowenthal and real estate business owner Frank Colonna will serve on the board that oversees the Port of Long Beach and the city’s Harbor Department.

The Long Beach City Council on Wednesday confirmed Mayor Robert Garcia’s appointments of Colonna and Lowenthal, both former council members.

Colonna will take over for Commissioner Doug Drummond, who has been serving since 2011 and had planned to retire next month. Lowenthal will replace Commissioner Rich Dines, who has served since 2011.

Harbor Commissioners can serve up to two six-year terms.

Colonna is a longtime real estate business owner who previously served two terms on the council, including two years as vice mayor. He is serving on the Economic Development Commission.

Lowenthal, a licensed family counselor and mental health consultant, is a longtime community leader who served as a board member on the Long Beach Unified School District, a councilwoman and vice mayor and an Assemblywoman who also chaired the Select Committee on Ports and Transportation Committee.

Lowenthal is the seventh woman to serve as a harbor commissioner in the port’s history. It’s also the first time that the five-member board has four women currently serving as commissioners at the port.