Did You Know - Long Beach, CA Edition

Ten Things You May Not Know About Long Beach

It Was The Starting Point For Social Security In The U.S.

In 1933, an American physician (and Long Beach resident) named Francis Townsend penned a lengthy "Letter to the Editor" to address poverty among the elderly. That article was published in the Long Beach Press-Telegram. It struck a chord with readers and led directly to a formalized plan (developed by Townsend himself) to enact a sales tax to give everyone over 60 a pension of $200 a month. As noted in the L.A. Times, the plan "drew millions of adherents, a nationwide flood of publicity and the nervous concern of politicians in Washington."

Ultimately, President Franklin D. Roosevelt would flout Townsend's idea and develop his own social security system, which was decidedly less generous (it maxed out at $41.20 a month). But it's undoubtable that Townsend had forced the issue for the U.S. government, and had popularized the idea of social security (and thus easing its passage). As cited at the Social Security Administration's website (which offers a bizarrely thorough takedown of Townsend's 80 year-old plan), Roosevelt was quoted as saying that "Congress can't stand the pressure of the Townsend Plan" unless it had "a solid plan which will give some assurance to old people of systematic assistance upon retirement."

It's Got A Japanese Garden That You Probably Don't Know About

Certainly, the Japanese Garden at the Huntington Library has long been hailed as one of the most picturesque gardens in the L.A. area. Fewer Angelenos are aware that, at another corner of the county, there's another Japanese garden that's similarly lush and heart-achingly beautiful.

The Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden, nestled inside the campus of Cal State Long Beach, is 1.3 acres of meticulous landscaping. Introduced in 1981 after more than three years of planning (which saw its principal architect—Edward Lovell—taking repeated trips to Japan for research) the garden contains such botanical wonders as laceleaf Japanese maples and pink cloud cherries. The spread is anchored by a sprawling pond filled with koi fish.

The garden is also spun as an educational tool; there's a volunteer docent program, and organizers host events such as classes on tree pruning. The space has long been popular with CSULB students and (ugh) wedding photographers—it's certainly worth your while if you're looking for a tranquil space to reflect on all your life decisions.
Complete list (LAist.com)