Learning Governance at City's Nerve Center

When students in Long Beach High School's participation in government class spent a day at City Hall recently, they received firsthand insights on the unpredictable events that are handled every day in the nerve center of the city.

For the nearly 20 LBHS seniors who were visiting under the supervision of their teachers Marjorie Jacobs and Ray Adams, the first stop was the book-lined office of the City Court Judge Roy Tepper. Tepper warmly greeted the group and shared how he was born and schooled in Long Beach. As one would expect, Tepper judiciously answered students' questions about several legal matters in the news. He also discussed the legal risks and penalties of drinking and driving.

Next, the class visited the central firehouse, where Lt. Brian Pues described the variety of challenges our local paid and volunteer firefighters face, as well as the process and training they must go through to become firefighters. "A lot of the job just makes you feel good helping people," Pues said.

Back upstairs, Kevin Mulligan, commissioner of public works, spoke about the types of projects that pass through his office and explained the intricacies of fresh water and sewer management for an island and beach city such as Long Beach.

The group then spent some time with Deputy Inspector Bruce Meyer of the Long Beach Police Department.

"Be sure to study English," Meyer recommended. "It's very important for police work."

He also encouraged students to apply for summer work in code enforcement.

Students wrapped up their day of government with a visit to the office of City Manager Charles Theofan, who explained the challenges of budgets and everyday crises in city government, including a typical emergency that happened to be unfolding as they spoke.

"I have a plan for the day, and then there are the things that happen," he explained.