Rose Parkian recognized for her COMMITMENT & service

The City of Long Beach and the Women’s Suffrage 100 celebrated Women’s History Month at Long Beach City Hall on Tuesday, March 10th. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment, guaranteeing and protecting women’s constitutional right to vote. 

In honor of Women’s History Month, each of the 9 council districts selected one woman to be recognized by the Mayor and City Council as a Woman of the Year. Gretchen Swanson, Rose Park Resident since 1996 & Neighborhood Association President was one of nine awardees recognized for her commitment and service to Long Beach.

For those of you who know Gretchen, the remarks made by Councilwoman Jeannine Pearce of District 2 will certainly resonate with you. For those of you who do not, may her neighborhood work inspire and move you into action. Below is an excerpt of Councilwoman Pearce’s recognition speech of Gretchen Swanson as Woman of the Year in the 2nd District.

“While Gretchen is known as Rose Park Neighborhood Association President, she is not your average neighborhood association president. Indeed, Gretchen is the “rose” in the Rose Park Neighborhood. She is a leader who takes pride, not just in her neighborhood but in Long Beach as a whole. Time and time again Gretchen has proven she has a vested interest in bringing together all residents to make their voices heard.  Her home has provided a creative space that has been the staging area for many events she has helped to spearhead. She does all of this unpaid with a smile on her face, warmth in her heart, and a wonderful sense of humor to brighten everyone’s day…”