Los Altos Neighbor

4th District Councilman Patrick O’Donnell and 8th District Councilwoman Rae Gabelich sponsored efforts to fund the breakwater reconfiguration study, which was approved 7-1 during Tuesday’s City Council meeting. $100,000 in Tidelands Funds will be used for the study examining the pros and cons of the breakwater.

Surfers, environmentalists, and others supporting the study contend reconfiguration could reduce beach erosion, increase tidal activity, improve water quality and increase tourist activity in Long Beach. 

Those in opposition argue such changes would lead to shoreline erosion, possible flooding of Alamitos Bay Penninsula and that the study may lead to a very costly in depth study or no change at all.

Read more at www.lbreport.com

In a time of buy now pay later, many people have less than perfect credit.  Although you may get a sinking feeling as you watch the bills pile up, there are steps you can take to start rebuilding your credit… it may be a good idea to take the scissors to your credit cards.

1. Everyone should know their credit score.  You should obtain a copy of your credit report from all three bureaus, Trans Union, Equifax, and Experian as each bureau may have different information.

2. Correct errors on your credit report– there are an alarming amount of mistakes on credit reports– make sure to clear up erroneous items.

3. Tell your side of the story.  If you had a good reason for not paying a debt (merchandise not received, legitimate dispute with the merchant who would not negotiate in good faith, etc) contact the credit reporting agencies and ask if you can add an explanation to your file.

4. Stop using your credit cards.  If you’re not able to pay your bills on time or you’re maxed out.. get rid them. Create a budget and pay cash.

5. Start paying your bills on time.  The longer you pay your bills on time the better your credit score will become.

6. Don’t close your paid accounts. Closing your accounts reduces your amount of available credit which can negatively impact your score.

7. Open a secured credit account.  This credit card is secured with money you deposit in an insure bank account.  The card can be used like a regular credit card and your payment history will be reported to the three credit bureaus.

8. Keep your balances low.  Your debt to credit ratio is very important and high balances will drive you score down.

Take an aggressive approach, even those emerging from bankruptcy can find their credit can be reasonably repaired within a year or two.