A Fresh Look Comes to Patch

I’m Joseph Kellard, your Long Beach Patch Local Editor. I’m going to walk you through some new features we’ve added to the site today. Our goal is to make it easier to stay connected to what’s happening right here in Long Beach and make your time on Patch more informative, relevant and fun (when we can!).

We wanted to be even more personal, so check out the new photo banner above. We’ll be updating that space with iconic images around Long Beach, perhaps even from you. (Have an amazing photo you think would work here? Let me know at josephk@patch.com.)

We also did plenty of work under the hood so you can find what you need faster – at your desk, on your tablet or phone, and from your inbox. We listened intently to your feedback from our last update, back in September. Keep it coming!

You’ll definitely notice more local voices on the front page, our dedicated news reporting alongside the latest know-how and opinion from neighborhood bloggers and businesses. We’ve also made it easier than ever to start a blog yourself.

Groups: We launched groups in September to connect with the news and information you love. But to make that an even better experience, we analyzed the groups you found the most useful and gave those, too, a more streamlined feel.

Now called Boards, this space is all about you — connect with your community and make things happen as a neighborhood, whether you want to post a big announcement, sell something, ask a question, or just speak up.

With Boards, it’s easy to:

• Make Announcements – Instantly tell the town anything, whether it’s an upcoming civic association meeting, an accomplishment to celebrate, or a lost cat you need help finding.

• Share Opinions – Concerned about that pothole down the street? Got things to say about the last town meeting? Looking to spark up a conversation? If it’s on your mind, post it and be heard!

• Buy, Sell & Trade – Got a stroller to get rid of? Need a personal trainer or guitar lessons? Want to get that dining set out of the house? Now you can deal with people you know you can trust: your neighbors.

• Post or Follow Business Updates – Boards are open to local business owners too. And now it’s easier than ever to hear about what’s new and notable at your favorite local spots.