Long Beach Herald 12-14-2023

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________________ LONG BEACH _______________

HERALD

R ID E IN T O T H E

light Parade electrifies Beech

Using the arts to heal

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Page 9

Vol. 34 No. 51

DECEMBER 14 - 20, 2023

1223586

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Sgt. Arroyo honored for heroic save By BRENDAN CARPENTER bcarpenter@liherald.com

Courtesy City of Long Beach

Sgt. Judy Arroyo was honored by city officials for her heroic actions during a house fire. From left were Roy Lester. Tina Posterli, Acting City Manager Ron Walsh, Arroyo, Karen McInnis, John Bendo and Liz Treston.

A Long Beach police sergeant ran into a burning home on Feb. 19. Inside, a resident was caught in the inferno. The officer, Sgt. Judy Arroyo, saved the man’s life. Arroyo was honored at the City Council meeting on Dec. 5, presented with a framed copy of an FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin article detailing her actions during the fire. A story in the publication is a distinct honor, because it is reserved for accounts of situations that transcend the normal rigors of law enforcement. Arroyo was recognized by Police Commissioner Ron Walsh, who is also acting city manager, and council members John Bendo, Roy Lester, Karen McInnis, Tina Posterli and Liz Treston. ConTInued on PAge 12

Hundreds celebrate Hanukkah at L.B. Ice Arena By BRENDAN CARPENTER bcarpenter@liherald.com

Kennedy Plaza was alive with colorful lights and festive music as city officials and members of local synagogues celebrated the beginning of Hanukkah on Dec. 7. Rabbis Eli Goodman, of Chabad of the Beaches, and Jack Zanerhaft, of Temple Emanu-El, led the festivities, and Goodman climbed up in the Long Beach Fire Department’s cherry picker to light the first menorah candle and toss chocolate coins to the children in the crowd below. “It was amazing,” Goodman

said. “It was a very, very positive atmosphere, despite everything going on in the world. People came out in a big way, and I think everybody gains strength from each other.” Despite wintry temperatures, hundreds of people gathered in the plaza to celebrate, joining in song, prayer and laughs. “It was very good, and it was very well attended,” Zanerhaft said. “We had lots of support from our elected officials and various local dignitaries.” Temple Emanu-El and its congregants had their own celebration beforehand, as did many other houses of worship,

I

t’s just a good, fun family event.

RABBI ElI GooDMAN including Chabad of the Beaches. Temple Emanu-El hosted an annual party, welcoming members before they all walked to the plaza. “It was very poignant, given the story of Hanukkah and what’s going on in Israel today,” Zanerhaft said. “Everyone really had a lot of energy, and this really sent, I think, an important message. I was really

proud that our city, knowing who we are, is supportive of one another regardless of our faith, regardless of our differences. We all come together, and it was really a very touching moment.” The celebrations didn’t end on the first night of the Festival of Lights. At the Chabad of the Beach-

es’ 10th annual Chanukah on Ice celebration at the Long Beach Ice Arena last Sunday — the fourth of Hanukkah’s eight nights — participants sculpted an ice menorah, decorated doughnuts and ate hot latkes, while skaters took to the ice. Hundreds of people took part in each of two sessions of ConTInued on PAge 4


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Long Beach Herald 12-14-2023 by Richner Communications, Inc - Issuu