Long Beach Sustainability

Meet The Office of Sustainability Staff 

Larry Rich (He/Him), Sustainability Coordinator

Larry.Rich@longbeach.gov | Phone: 562.570.5839

Larry Rich has worked for the City of Long Beach since 1991, when he started as an intern in the Economic Development Bureau. He is now the Sustainability Coordinator in the Office of Sustainability.

Prior to coming to the Office of Sustainability, Larry worked in the Department of Development Services as a Planner in the Long Range Planning Division. In Long Range Planning, Larry participated in the development of the Long Beach 2030 plan, the creation of Green Building Standards for both municipal and private development projects, and the adoption of the City’s Construction and Demolition Debris Recycling Program. Larry also had the responsibility of monitoring and analyzing population and demographic trends within the City of Long Beach using U.S. Census Bureau data and other State and regional sources. Larry also has a strong background in using GIS (Geographic Information Systems), a powerful tool for demographic and spatial analysis.

Larry has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography with an emphasis in Urban and Regional Studies from California State University, Long Beach. Larry is also a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Accredited Professional with the U.S. Green Building Council.

Blanca Diaz (They/Them), Urban Nature Field Specialist 

Blanca.Diaz@longbeach.gov | Phone: 562.570.6281

Blanca Diaz joined Sustainable Long Beach in October 2017. Prior to joining the team, Blanca volunteered in a native plant nursery where they grew a deep respect for the plants. Blanca has worked as a farmer and garden educator with kids ranging from pre-k to 8th grade. They are passionate about native plant restoration, science, ecology and ethnobotany. When not tending the land, Blanca serves the community as an herbalist and teacher.

Blanca manages the development of the Native Plant Nursery at Willow Springs Park, along with maintenance of the new 12 acre restoration project at the park. They hope to soon host classes focusing on the care of California native plants and more.

Blanca's Projects/Emphasis:

Willow Springs Native Plant Nursery and Restoration Area, Tree Planting Program

Jackson Driscoll (He/Him), Field Work Specialist

Jackson.Driscoll@longbeach.gov

Jackson began working with the Office of Sustainability in 2020 as a Native Plant Restoration Intern, which eventually turned into the Field Team Specialist position. His work day consists habitat restoration at Willow Springs Park, planting tree in residential parkways, and mulch deliveries. Jackson hopes to one day see the Office of Sustainability install native plant gardens in resident homes. His personal goal is to provide accessibility and spread awareness of California native plants and hopes to own a nursery of his own. In Jackson's free time he enjoys surfing, making music, and finding the best coffee spots around town.