Tastemaker: Jane Netherton

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When you want to truly know a city you ask the locals. AVIA's Long Beach hotel did just that, and here are picks and tips for diving into Long Beach.

If anyone knows Long Beach, it’s Jane Netherton. For more than two decades she has been the face of International City Bank (ICB) serving as its president and chief executive officer. In addition, Jane lends her time and talent to a number of organizations. Under her tutelage as Board Chair for the Long Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau, Jane played a pivotal role as the chair of the Local Organizing Committee of the AMGEN Tour of California, a bicycle expedition that produced its final finish in Downtown Long Beach drawing thousands of spectators to the city as a result. “Staying involved with the community at large is very important to me,” says Jane. 
And she means what she says. She has served as president of the Long Beach Rotary Club, past chair person for the Board of Directors for Downtown Long Beach Associates, and is the Chair of the Board of Governors for California State University, Long Beach. When she’s not making Long Beach a better place to live, work and visit, Jane is often spotted around town enjoying an event, dining at a local restaurant or perusing the farmers’ market.
“I love Long Beach for many reasons: the climate, its central location, and the feeling of living in a large city that has a small town feel,” says Jane. “I’m also extremely fortunate to say that most weeks I never have to navigate the freeways – my home, job, friends and interests are all right here in Long Beach!”
This mother of two grown sons is also a grandmother to two little princesses. 

International City Bank

 

  • What is your city best known for, as far as the locals are concerned?
    Our great weather and great location, of course. We are central to so many SoCal activities.
  • Where are some places our guests should go to taste local cuisine? Breakfast? Lunch? Dinner?
    If you’re going out to eat, why not select a restaurant with a fabulous view, too? All of these dining spots overlook the waterfront. For breakfast, it’s Schooner or Later, which was recently featured on the Food Network. Lunch, I’d say Gladstones. And dinner is a toss up between Sir Winston’s aboard the Queen Mary and McKenna’s on the Bay.
  • What does your city have to offer as far as unique, romantic outings?
    Gondola Getaway hands down. The company was started by Long Beach native Michael O’Toole back in the early 1980s and was such an innovative concept for its time. Couples and groups can enjoy a one-hour cruise aboard an authentic Venetian gondola through the canals of Naples Island. They supply a plate of cheese, bread and Italian meats, you bring the wine. Who needs Italy when you have all this?
  • What are some essentials that guests to your city should be sure to pack?
    We’re a very casual city, so anything dressier than a Kate Spade handbag would seem a bit much. Definitely you’ll want a good pair of walking shoes and some versatile resort wear. A swimsuit isn’t a bad idea either considering all the miles of shoreline that Long Beach has.
  • What are some sensational shopping spots in your city?
    Long Beach has some unique shops, especially along Second Street in Belmont Shore. It’s a fun walking and shopping experience, and a visit to Romance, Etc., is a must.
  • If the weather is not cooperating, what would you do or where would you go?
    Uncooperative weather? Hardly, but even if we have a few raindrops it won’t dampen the mood to be out and about. Still, if you want to stay indoors there is the Behind-the-Scenes Tour aboard the historic Queen Mary, the Museum of Latin American Art, or the Long Beach Museum of Art overlooking the ocean.