L.B. Housing Authority commissioners named

Long Beach residents Toni Bunce and Grace Levie were sworn in as commissioners to the Long Beach Housing Authority by City Manager Charles Theofan on Dec. 31.

The five-member commission is designated to ensure the management, implementation of programs, budgeting, staffing and day-to-day operations of Section 8 housing are monitored and maintained. Commission members plan for the future of the agency and serve as liaisons between the agency and the community.

Bunce, a 14-year resident of Long Beach, is a retired military journalist who was stationed throughout Europe, as well as a federal officer in refugee protection programs in Africa, Thailand and Germany. Her background also includes serving on the EEO Advisory Board and the National Affirmative Action Planning Committee. Bunce worked with the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security and was a successful realtor in Seattle.

Bunce has served as commander of the Long Beach American Legion and Joint Veterans Organization and lives in Long Beach with her husband Dennis.

Levie, a 50-year resident of Long Beach, taught English as a Second Language at Long Beach Middle School. She is currently vice-chairperson of the Long Beach Advisory Board for Seniors, a JASA board member and co-president of Jewish Women International. She is on the board of the Sisterhood Temple Israel, a member of Haddasah and a lifetime member of the Long Beach Medical Center Auxiliary. She lives in Long Beach with her husband Ed.

“Toni and Grace understand the importance of affordable housing for the Long Beach families that we serve,” Theofan said. “Both are committed to ensuring a safe and decent living environment for those families, and I know they will make important contributions to the community as Housing Authority Commissioners.”