The new education center at the Port Administration Building in Civic Center Plaza will be named after former Rep. Alan Lowenthal, D-Long Beach, as the City Council approved the name change on Tuesday, April 23.
The 10,000-square-foot space will be named the Congressman Alan Lowenthal Global Trade and Education Center, which Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero announced during the annual State of the Port address in January.
New interactive and immersive exhibits highlighting the port’s history, operations and environmental stewardship will open later this year.
The Government Operations & Efficiency Committee discussed the name change at its April 16 meeting and received unanimous approval, said Councilmember Daryl Supernaw, who is chair of the committee.
The support from City Council members was clear, voting 9-0 to name the space Congressman Alan Lowenthal Global Trade and Education Center.
“We’re all supportive of this step and we were thrilled when the port announced that we’re going to go ahead and recognize Congressman Lowenthal for his contributions,” Mayor Rex Richardson said. “Congressman, thank you for being a champion and steward of our community, our environment and our port.”
Lownethal represented Long Beach in the state Legislature from 1998 to 2012 and in Congress for 10 years until his retirement in 2023. He’s long been a champion of the port, officials said.
Once elected to the City Council in 1992, Lowenthal traced the black soot blowing from uncovered coal and petroleum coke piles at the nearby ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles. He took action and advocated for covers on the piles, which led to changes at the ports, and continued to push for environmental change throughout his career.
“It’s just a great honor to receive this, to be the capstone of my 30-year run as an elected official and I want to thank you for recognizing me,” Lowenthal said. “It’s just wonderful, thank you.”
Council members shared their congratulations with the former retired law maker.
“I’m just thrilled that this is going to be something that is educational not only for our youth, but for so many of our residents here in the city of Long Beach,” said Councilmember Mary Zendejas. “I think it’s so fitting, you coming from the educational realm and being a professor…you’re going to leave a little piece of legacy here out of all the wonderful work that has been done with the port with your help so congratulations on this outstanding and very deserving recognition.”