"I lost my job in March 2020, and I decided to do what I wanted: start my own food business," says Segundo, who with a lot of effort and dedication managed to open his restaurant on January 27, 2021. In Galapagos Bar & Grill, named after the renowned Ecuadorian islands, you can find varied dishes such as seafood, enjoy a karaoke team to sing and receive the good service of the 10 employees who work with José, something that fills him with pride.

“I feel good because with my business I can create work in the Latino community and support people so that they can support their family and grow,” says Segundo.  He has two children, a daughter who is about to turn 19, who is studying at college, and a 17-year-old son, who is in high school. And his business is now doing well to cover his expenses and also pay his employees. This family man says that, however, starting the business was difficult. “We thought that the pandemic was going to pass quickly, but it was not. It took us longer to get the license approved, to do the permits, the remodeling, and to be able to open,” says Segundo, who, despite the obstacles, maintains a positive attitude.

Another thing that keeps Segundo motivated as an entrepreneur, in addition to generating work in his community, is the desire to continue learning. ”With effort and education goals are achieved. Because there can be hard times, but you have to be persistent,” says Segundo. And he adds: “If something bad happens, I have it in my mind that something good is going to come. Because when one door closes, another door opens.

Join the Hennepin Healthcare East Lake Clinic and Marnita’s Table, for EnVision Health! East Lake Clinic, a community feast and conversation. Collaboratively we’ll share our visions for health and healing at East Lake Clinic. This event is open to the public, with an emphasis on those who have, currently or plan to attend East Lake Clinic. Come out on Thursday, May 19 from  6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m at MPS Center for Adult Learning at 2015 E Lake. 

Yes! This event is free. Yes! Dinner is provided.

Yes! Anyone you believe should be included in this conversation is welcome, please send them an invitation. 

Yes! Anyone in your family who is interested is welcome.

Yes! Translation and other access accommodations will be provided, if needed RSVP at www.marnitastable.org/elc Or Email sammie@marnitastable.org or leave a voicemail at 612-928-7744 with how many people are coming with you!

Mayor Jacob Frey and Gov. Tim Walz have finalized joint powers agreements to provide investigative and law enforcement support in Minneapolis. The ongoing support comes at a critical time before warmer weather and will bolster the City’s overall crime prevention and enforcement strategies.

Through the agreements, the Minnesota State Patrol will provide targeted enforcement support in city limits and the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) will boost investigative capacity, supplementing the Minneapolis Police Department’s (MPD) diminished staffing levels.

The State Patrol will provide high visibility patrol in agreed upon areas and during agreed upon times to help deter crime. The initiative will encompass both a North and South Focus Zone within Minneapolis. Smaller areas of focus may be determined based on crime analysis and emergent crime. Any changes in the focus areas would need approval by the State Patrol Chief.
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Watch the May 5 news conference on the joint powers agreements. 
 

The City Council’s Budget Committee has begun reviewing Mayor Jacob Frey’s proposed spending plan for the City’s remaining $43 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars. Mayor Frey outlined the spending plan for the remaining ARPA dollars during his State of the City Address on April 26. It includes investments in affordable housing, the City’s response to homelessness, community safety, inclusive economic recovery initiatives and climate and public health funding. The City has been awarded $271 million in ARPA funding. Learn more about how the City is spending American Rescue Plan Act dollars.

Share your thoughts on the spending plan at a public hearing at 6:05pm on  Thursday, May 12  in Room 317, City Hall, 350 Fifth St. S. Learn how to participate in a public hearing. City Council will vote on the plan on Thursday, May 26th. 

HOW DOES THIS PLAN IMPACT GREATER LONGFELLOW?
The spending plan for this new round of funding has great and strategic investment suggestions without a doubt - one-time public works capital investments; investments in violence prevention efforts, youth training and equitable workforce programs; emergent developer technical assistance, housing and homelessness responses; and climate and health supports. However, the main concern is related to the potential revitalization elements that were not in this package. We really need allocations for neighborhood commercial districts. For Greater Longfellow, the need is most felt along Lake Street where the rebuilding efforts from the civil uprising of 2020 is still very far from complete. Please reach out to the Greater Longfellow City Council Members and ask that amendments be placed on this spending plan to focus on rebuilding our much needed neighborhood commercial districts.

Ward 2: Robin Wonsley Worlobah, ward2@minneapolismn.gov, 612-673-2202
Ward 9: Jason Chavez, jason.chavez@minneapolismn.gov, 612-673-2209
Ward 12: Andrew Johnson, andrew.johnson@minneapolismn.gov, 612-673-2212

Curiosity Studio is one of Longfellow's newest businesses. They are a creative learning studio for all ages and abilities. They make kits and host classes that help people play, explore and mess around. 

This May they'll be hosting a series of events for Mental Health Awareness Month. Programming includes a packed lineup of open studios, instructor-led classes, body scans, craft supplies ASMR, self-made coping kits, and plenty more. The goal is to offer free and accessible resources designed to meet folks where they’re at. Check out all the events here.

Please share these events and resources with your employees and customers! If you'd like to sponsor any portion of this month's events, contact Lauren.