California State University, Long Beach 1

The project uncovers Long Beach’s forgotten voices and connects visitors to the region’s coastal legacy and sustainability efforts using audio storytelling, local partnerships, and a platform for community-submitted stories archived in StoryCorps. By fostering environmental awareness and engagement, the project highlights sustainability initiatives while envisioning future directions, such as collaborations with schools, global coastal storytelling, and partnerships with eco-friendly organizations to promote cultural and environmental preservation. 

We plan to host more events in locations where participants can connect with others, further building a sense of community through shared experiences. Additionally, we aim to scale our efforts by creating digitally-guided events that allow participants to explore and engage independently, removing the need for on-site moderation and increasing accessibility. 

To support this growth, we will continue to expand our reach through social media, leveraging its power to connect with younger generations. As Meta Spark AR technology is set to close, we are also exploring alternative platforms to transfer and enhance our AR experiences, ensuring that we can sustain and innovate our interactive elements in the future. These steps will help us maintain momentum while adapting to changing technologies and expanding our impact across Long Beach and beyond.

Faculty Lead:
Heather Barker

Students:
Andrea Kae Venegas, Jessica Ivana, Aakash Subedi, Naisha Dabla, Gileen Navarro, Kathy Lin, Eugenie Chang, Edward Kim

Collaborating Partners:
BYO Long Beach,  Harvey Milk Promenade Park, Downtown Long Beach Alliance

Aligned LA County Sustainability Plan Goals:
Goal 1: Resilient and healthy community environments where residents thrive in place. Goal 4: A prosperous LA County that provides opportunities for all residents and businesses and supports the transition to a green economy. Goal 6: Accessible parks, beaches, recreational waters, public lands, and public spaces that create opportunities for respite, recreation, ecological discovery, and cultural activities. Goal 9: Sustainable production and consumption of resources. Goal 10: A sustainable and just food system that enhances access to affordable, local, and healthy food. Goal 11: Inclusive, transparent, and accountable governance that encourages participation in sustainability efforts, especially by disempowered communities. Goal 12: A commitment to realize OurCounty sustainability goals through creative, equitable, and coordinated funding and partnerships.

Premiere Segment

Whispers of the Coast Storymap

Path to Impact Storymap