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11:45am | On Thursday, January 26, the Downtown Long Beach Associates (DLBA) will host Celebrate Downtown. In keeping with the event’s them, "Recognizing the Spirit of Our Community", this event will highlight contributions members of the community have made to Downtown, and introduce the inaugural Spirit of Downtown Award. This year’s award is being presented posthumously to the families of four individuals who made a substantial impact on the character of Downtown and the city as a whole. This last year saw the passing of Larry Allison, Press Telegram’s Editorial Page Editor; Bill Baker, who served as Chair of the Long Beach Redevelopment Agency; Mark Bixby, bicycling advocate and avid community volunteer; and Shaun Lumachi, co-founder/publisher of the Long Beach Post and public policy consultant. These prominent Long Beach leaders embodied the dedication, love and inspirational qualities of great leaders.

Rich Archbold, Press Telegram’s Community Liaison and Editor Emeritus, will present the award to members of Larry Allison’s family.

Long-time friend and Long Beach Redevelopment Agency Boardmember Diane Arnold, and City of Long Beach Director of Development Services Amy Bodek will co-present to Bill Baker’s sister, Kathie Baker Walbridge.

Mike Jensen, owner of Pacific Retail Partners and sole survivor of the tragic plane crash that claimed the life of five including Mark Bixby, will present to Bixby’s three children, son Ryan and daughters Kirra and Jessica.

Councilmember Dr. Robert Garcia, First Council District, will present to Shaun Lumachi’s widow, Deziré.

Scheduled speakers also include Vice Mayor Dr. Suja Lowenthal, Second Council District; Aquarium of the Pacific President and CEO Dr. Jerry Schubel; DLBA Chairperson John Sangmeister; DLBA Chair Elect Kristi Allen and DLBA President and CEO Kraig Kojian.

Celebrate Downtown will take place on Thursday, January 26, 2012, at 6:30pm at the Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way. This event is free, please RSVP online or call 562-436-4259.

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