LaVerne Duncan proves development doesn’t have to be a bad thing

PHOTO by RUSS ROCA

It took awhile for LaVerne Duncan to get to Long Beach—she was born in the Virgin Islands and did 18 years in New York—but the city hasn’t been the same since she arrived in 1988. The dedication, resourcefulness and ceaseless good humor she brings to her work in the Community Development Department have transformed the lives of hundreds of people who live in Long Beach neighborhoods that were previously overlooked. Duncan was part of a huge team that steadily reshaped Andy Street from one of the most forsaken neighborhoods in North Long Beach to one of its most forward-looking. And she says there’s plenty more where that came from. “I love Long Beach for what it is,” says Duncan, “and for what it can be.”

Here’s some things she wouldn’t change:

Hilltop Park “The best view of Long Beach is from Signal Hill. I love to go up there about 8 at night when the city’s lights are on and you can get a nearly 360-degree view of people just living.”

2351 Dawson Ave | Signal Hill 90755

The Nail Club “My favorite places for manicures and pedicures have changed a lot over the years—I find one, get to like it, then it’s not the same. But this place is for forever, which is just about how long their work lasts.”

3960 N Studebaker Rd | Long Beach 90808 | 562.425.6299

Mustard’s “The sign says they have Chicago-style hotdogs, but I’m telling you from experience this is just how they serve ’em in New York. Get the regular with the works.”

3387 Atlantic Ave | Long Beach 90807 | 562.427.6435

Tags: andy st, best of, community development, laverne duncan, north long beach