Key to the city event opens door to serving honorees – Press Telegram

July 16 was a big day for honorees who were presented with Keys to the City by Mayor Rex Richardson.

The group received well-earned, well-deserved recognition for their outstanding contributions to the community.

Honored at the Long Beach City Council meeting were Rev. Leon and Paula Wood and Skip and Beth Keesal.

Also honored but not present was popular comedian Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias, who received his key at a special performance in June.

“The Keys to the City are an important way for us to recognize the extraordinary people who represent the best of Long Beach, whether it be through philanthropy, service to the community, or representing our city to the world at large,” said the mayor .

“Each of these recipients have spent decades of their lives supporting our neighbors, leading change, and helping people who need it most.”

The Keesals were hosted by The Port of Long Beach, with a reception at their beautiful meeting space prior to the presentation, organized by Rashina Young and Jeff Williams of the mayor’s office.

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Key to the City, photos from left: Long Beach City Auditor Laura Doud, Beth and Skip Keesal, and Noel Hacegaba, Chief Operating Officer of the Port of Long Beach (Photo by Shirley Wild, The Press-Telegram/SCNG)

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The event featured:

Beautiful floral decorations from Flowers by Romance;
Delectable hors d’oeuvres that included shrimp/crab, meatballs, caviar blinis, caprese skewers, cheese/grapes and assorted pastries from Nonna Mercato Bakery; and
A variety of beverages.

Seen at the scene: Kathy Keesal, Steve and Hope Keesal, Marilyn Whitcomb and Sid Britton, Steve Young, Michael Gless, Liz Lindh, Jodi Cohen, Stacey Garrett, Chris Stecher, Sandy Mayuga, Julie Avery, Ailan Liu, Amanda Botelho, Sarah Malik, Valerie Quirarte, Melanie Sharpe, Darick Simpson, Kelli and Kimm Gardener, Mauricio Perez, Richard Brown, Nancy Gaines.

In addition to the honorees being recognized at Tuesday’s City Council meeting were: Rev. Leon and Paula Wood, Stephen and Candice Wood, Long Beach City Manager Tom Modica,

Long Beach port CEO Mario and Gloria Cordero, port CFO Dr. Noel Hacegaba, Deputy Mayor of Economic Development Lucius Martin, Long Beach City Prosecutor Doug Haubert, Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, City Auditor Laura Doud, John Molina, Dr. Tino Bernadett, Nancy Gaines, Chris and Sue Agajanian and Harbor Commissioners Bonnie Lowenthal and Sharon Weissman.

News of Social events with charitable purposes may be sent to Shirley Wild at [email protected] or by fax to (562)594-9468. Please include a contact phone number. Send high-resolution jpeg photos, by attachment, to [email protected] and include group name and identification of individuals from left. Call Shirley at (562)594-9468 for more information.