The Canalis Report: August 2009 Archives

Sanchez dedicates pollution-fighting tree wells in Lakewood

By John Canalis on August 31, 2009 4:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) |

Rep. Linda Sanchez on Monday dedicated a natural system that traps urban runoff in Lakewood.

Sánchez helped find funding for two "bio-retention tree wells that will clean storm water runoff from Paramount Boulevard and surrounding streets."

Wells absorb storm water from street gutters, capturing harmful pollution that would normally flow untreated into drainage systems that empty into the ocean. They capture and remove trash, oil and grease, bacteria, metals and fertilizer.

The project was built with $950,000 in federal funding secured by Sanchez, a Lakewood Democrat. A portion of the project funding was allotted to repave two miles of Paramount Boulevard and to install six new bus stops with solar-lighting.

"I first learned about tree wells a few years ago but there were none in operation in California," she said. "Lakewood today becomes the first small city in Los Angeles County to use this natural technology.

"I am proud that I was able to bring federal funding for local projects like this that make a positive impact on our environment."

300 attend Lakewood 'housing summit'

By John Canalis on August 31, 2009 3:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) |

More than 300 people attended a weekend "housing summit" at The Centre at Sycamore Plaza in Lakewood sponsored by U.S. Rep. Linda Sanchez, according to an aide to the congresswoman.

Attendees received free advice on tax incentives for purchasing their first home as well as information on refinancing and mortgage rate reductions backed by the federal government.

"A home is one of the most important financial investments most of us will ever make," Sánchez, D-Lakewood, said. "I worked hard to pass the $8,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers and want to help more people learn about it along with energy efficiency tax credits. These are savings working families can really use right now."

Experts from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Los Angeles County Community Development Commission and Global Green USA participated.

L.B. lawyer: DUI laws discriminate against women

By John Canalis on August 31, 2009 11:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) |

Because women process alcohol differently than men, drunken-driving laws are discriminatory, according to a Long Beach lawyer cited in a PR News Wire story posted on the Reuters' Website. The attorney, who represents an organization of DUI attorneys in Los Angeles and Orange County, cites Italian research showing that an enzyme makes women more likely to appear above the legal limit for drunken driving when they're not actually too impaired to drive.

Neighbors voice concerns about CSULB bus service

By John Canalis on August 31, 2009 11:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) |

Some neighbors are concerned about plans to increase bus service to Cal State Long Beach, the Daily 49er reports. Residents on the Eastside and in Belmont Shore have expressed concerns about an increase in bus stops and new routes drawing students to their areas.

According to the article:

Long Beach Transit, which provides bus service for the city of Long Beach and surrounding areas, has proposed changes to several of its routes, including two Passport routes that would see new service to and from the campus. The plan would also eliminate some stops on current routes.

A spokeswoman for Long Beach Transit says it is trying to meet an increase in demand for bus service.

Full disclosure: I attended CSULB and have taught journalism classes there.

JetBlue to reduce flights Long Beach to San Jose flights

By John Canalis on August 31, 2009 11:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) |

JetBlue Airways plans to eliminate three of four daily flights between San Jose and Long Beach Airport, the Silicon Valley Business Journal reports. The airline, however, plans to add flights between Long Beach and San Francisco and Oakland early next year.

Schipske encourages residents to lobby Tesla

By John Canalis on August 30, 2009 5:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) |

Mario Guerra, the mayor of Downey, sent me an open letter last week asking residents to work to attract a Tesla Motors electric car plant to his city at the old NASA site. You can read that letter here.

The other city in the running for the plant is, of course, Long Beach. Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske sent the below press release with a template for a letter she would like residents to send to Tesla. The hope is the electric car company will choose Long Beach's former Boeing 717 site over the location in Downey to manufacture a $50,000 sedan.

See Schipske's press release and letter to Tesla below:

August 30, 2009 -- Fifth District Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske today challenged Long Beach residents to make sure the City of Downey does not beat out Long Beach in the race to get TESLA Motors to locate its plant and bring 1,000 jobs. "I just learned that the Mayor of Downey is asking residents to send letters to TESLA in support of the electric vehicle company choosing their city over the City of Long Beach, " says Schipske who has been a vocal proponent of Long Beach doing more to encourage the electric vehicle manufacturer to the city. "We can do better than Downey and we need to let TESLA Motors know why they should come here."
Schipske prepared the following letter which she encourages residents to mail to Elon Musk, President of TESLA Motors, Main Corporate Mailing Address: 1050 Bing Street, San Carlos, CA 94070 or to email it to her by cutting and pasting it into an email (at district5@longbeach.gov) and she will forward it to him personally:

Dear Mr. Musk:

The residents of the City of Long Beach are excited at the possibility that your company will re-locate to Long Beach, bringing 1,000 or more jobs dedicated to the assembly of the Tesla S2, a four-door, all-electric family car that is projected to cost about $50,000 after a $7,500 federal tax credit. We understand that production would start in about two years, and when the plant is up to speed about 20,000 cars would be produced annually.

Long Beach has many advantages over other cities: our proximity to major freeways; the excellent workforce training available through Long Beach Community College; advanced technology education at California State University at Long Beach; and our enterprise zone that provides tax credits for hiring workers that can save thousands of dollars on your business' California income taxes.

The specific location in Long Beach you are considering (the Boeing 717 hangars) is directly across the street from Douglas Park, which when completed will include hotels, restaurants, retail and office complexes that would be available as your presence in Long Beach grows.

Additionally, Long Beach is committed to sustainability and lessening our dependence upon fossil fuel as demonstrated in the City's establishing an Office of Sustainability, the Green Port Plan and the annual 5th Council District's Solar and Sustainability Conference and Tour.

TESLA's presence in Long Beach would be a "win-win" for both your company and our city.

We look forward to rolling out the red- or better yet, the green-carpet when you make your decision to come to Long Beach!

Sincerely,

(please insert your name and address)

" The City of Long Beach needs every new job it can create, reminds Schipske. "Our City faces cuts in Police, Fire, Library and Parks and Recreation services. We cannot afford to lose this opportunity to bring an exciting job creator to Long Beach."
#30

League of Women Voters to oversee BSRA election

By John Canalis on August 29, 2009 8:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) |

The League of Women Voters, Long Beach Chapter, will oversee the Sept. 10 election of the Belmont Sore Residents Association at Rogers Middle School, 365 Monrovia Ave.

Some participants complained about the time polls closed in the 2008 election.

"This will ensure a fair, orderly, and impartial election," according to a BRSA press release announcing the League's involvement.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. The meeting begins at 6 p,m. and voting will follow.

Polls will close at 7 pm. Everyone in line by 7 p.m. will be allowed to vote.

Members are reminded to bring photo identification. If the photo ID does not have a Belmont Shore address, a tax or utility bill is required to vote.

75 attend Mathews' healthcare forum in L.B.

By John Canalis on August 29, 2009 8:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) |

Congressional candidate Peter Mathews staged a townhall meeting on health care reform Saturday, drawing 75 people from various political perspectives to a Long Beach cafe, the candidate said.

"Almost everyone spoke out, mostly in favor of a universal single-payer system or for a public option to be added to a reformed private system," according to an e-mail from Mathews, who called after the forum ended to say it was well-attended.

One person at the event at Sipology in the East Village suggested a march on Washington advocating for healthcare reform.

Mathews, a Democrat, is seeking the 37^th Congressional District seat held by U.S. Rep. Laura Richardson, D-Long Beach. The college professor from Belmont Heights is challenging the incumbent, a former Long Beach councilwoman, in the 2010 primary.

Mathews took video of the event. I'll post the link when it's ready.

Sidewalk sale on Retro Row tonight

By John Canalis on August 29, 2009 12:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) |

Last Saturdays on Fourth, which is what Retro Row calls its sidewalk sale and related events, begins at 6 tonight at Fourth Street and Junipero Avenue.

2nd Street parking is on the house today

By John Canalis on August 29, 2009 8:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) |

Metered parking will be free on Second Street today. Verizon, which just opened a store on Belmont Shore's main drag, paid to cover the meters with promotional bags.

DJ AM found dead

By John Canalis on August 28, 2009 9:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) |

Adam Goldstein, who was better known as DJ AM, was found dead today in a New York City apartment, the Los Angeles Times reports. The cause is unknown but drugs were found in the apartment. He was 36. Goldstein, who was paid $25,000 for a DJ set, survived a plane crash that killed and injured others a year ago.

Downey mayor pens open letter on bid for electric carmaker

By John Canalis on August 28, 2009 4:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) |

Downey Mayor Mario Guerra sent me an open letter today about his hopes of drawing an electric-car plant to his city. Long Beach and Downey are the two finalists chosen by Tesla Motors, which is looking for a location to build its $50,000 S sedan.

You can read the article Paul Eakins and I wrote about the issue in today's paper.

Guerra's letter appears in full below:

Thanks for the extra prayers and notes lately...I am on the mend and should be recovered soon....I have been in much pain but hopefully things have turned the corner....I had a blood transfusion and had 4 pints of blood added and surgery to plug the leak......But I can type and talk this week at least...ha...And things have been happening behind the scenes for a while, especially regarding Tesla...

Attached is a copy of a story that ran in today's Long Beach Press Telegram..http://www.presstelegram.com/ci_13219648?source=email
The key individual who will be making the final determination of where the Tesla Motors manufacturing plant will be located, Downey or Long Beach, will be Tesla's Founder and CEO, Mr. Elon Musk. His selection criteria, as outlined in today's Press Telegram article, will largely involve economics, building conditions, logistics, regulatory and environmental issues....These things all FAVOR Downey....And nobody can match our legacy and the role that Downey has played in American history.

As a city we are ready to go. All the environmental reports and studies are done and we want them to continue our past of high end tech jobs in our fine city.

Mr. Musk is also the Chief Executive Officer for the SpaceX Company. SpaceX received a contract from NASA in December, 2008 that is potentially worth $3.1 billion to produce rockets to lift supplies to the International Space Station, http://articles.latimes.com/2008/dec/25/business/fi-rocket25. From my earlier discussion with Mr. Musk, he has a keen interest in the history of space exploration and understands the significance of Downey's former NASA site in creating that history. We have emphasized our City's rich space history to Mr. Musk in many ways.

Therefore, when individuals or organizations, such as the Aerospace Legacy Foundation, service organizations, citizens and historical society members ask what you can do to help us bring Tesla Motors to Downey, I ask you all to write letters to Mr. Musk asking him to continue the 70+ years of advanced technology manufacturing history at the site. It would be best if the letter writers would use their own words, so each letter is not a duplicate of the others. This would help tremendously.

This is a great opportunity for our city to come together for something that will benefit us all for many years and continues our history as being a special place to live.

I hope you will help and please pass this along to all your friends....You will also see some other things being done from City Hall in the near future to show Mr. Musk as much " love " as possible and to let him know he is welcomed in our fine city and we would be honored to work together as a true partner in many way.

All my best....God Bless..
Dn. Mario A. Guerra
Mayor
City of Downey

Ignore the signs: It's OK to park on Parkcrest

By John Canalis on August 28, 2009 4:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) |

While P-T photographer Jeff Gritchen and I were on assignment at Heartwell Park Thursday morning, he noticed signs tacked to several trees in the 5700 block of Parkcrest Street that read:

"Please respect our neighbors. Park in the parking lot or on Carson St. Thank you."

At the bottom of the placards were the Long Beach city seal and the Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine logo.

The only problem: The city did not attach the signs to the trees.

It's legal to park on Parkcrest.

The signs were posted by the city on park grounds -- but not on trees -- during a recent soccer tournament that drew sizeable crowds to the neighborhood, said 5th District Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske.

"So what happened is somebody in the neighborhood picked them up after the tournament was over and affixed them to trees," Schipske said after contacting the parks department about the matter. "I understand their frustration with the parking, but you can't nail stuff to trees."

Due to the car volume on game days, Schipske said she has talked with residents about possible preferential parking in the area but is not yet sure about how much support the idea has in the neighborhood.

Schipske said the signs would be removed.

So go ahead and park on Parckcrest -- except on street-sweeping days.

Fallen L.B. soldier to posthumously receive Silver Star

By John Canalis on August 28, 2009 2:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) |

Braving gunfire from insurgents, Sgt. Israel "Ira" Garcia of Long Beach and three other soldiers were killed last year in Afghanistan trying to provide first aid and backup to injured comrades.

Israel, who died in July 2008 at age 24, will posthumously receive the Silver Star at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Los Alamitos Joint Forces Training Base.

Garcia, a Poly High School graduate, was on his third tour of duty with his is unit, the 173rd Airborne Brigade.

"He's a true fallen hero," his sister-in-law, Hilda Revolorio, told the Press-Telegram after he was killed. "He fought for this country."

The Silver Star is the third-highest award for valor.

CSU Dominguez Hills loses student newspaper

By John Canalis on August 28, 2009 1:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) |

Not long ago, I wrote about the push to save the print edition of The Talon Marks at Cerritos College. There, students, faculty and the campus community were able to reach a compromise to save the newspaper, which was to go online-only.

Unfortunately for Cal State Dominguez Hills, the student newspaper has been discontinued in print and does not have a Website to replace it, the Los Angeles Times reports.

Major skaters sign autographs at opening of Belmont Shore store

By John Canalis on August 28, 2009 9:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) |

Famous skateboarders dropped by the recent opening of the Vans Off The Wall store on Second Street in Belmont Shore. The store's website states that Christian Hosoi and Johnny Layton signed autographs at the opening.

36-year-old jewelry store on Second Street to close

By John Canalis on August 28, 2009 9:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) |

Rainbows Fine Jewelry, a Belmont Shore institution for 36 years, can no longer survive the recession and will close its doors, the Grunion Gazette reports this morning.

Kabob joint headed for old Omelette Inn site

By John Canalis on August 28, 2009 8:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) |

I stopped by the old Omelette Inn site on Third Street, just west of Pine Avenue, this morning and noticed a sign announcing that a Middle Eastern kabob restaurant is coming soon. The venerable Omelette Inn moved just north of Third on Pine.

Counterfeit routers seized at port

By John Canalis on August 28, 2009 8:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) |

It seems like counterfeiters will make anything these days. A cache of counterfeit routers and switches were seized at the port of Long Beach, according to an industry website. The products, which were made in China, were said to be indistinguishable from "those made by Apple and Microsoft."

Andrews proposes extended resource guide for crime victims

By John Canalis on August 27, 2009 6:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) |

Sixth District Councilman Dee Andrews plans to propose revisions to a resource guide for crime victims at Tuesday's City Council meeting.

The Long Beach Police Department guide was last updated in October of 2006. But Andrews argues that since that time there are new support organizations that can help victims.

He suggests adding information on "basic needs, health, and other organizational information to the guide."

"With the our economy changing so drastically, so are the basic needs of the constituents that we serve," he said in a statement. "It is imperative that we stay in tune to the needs of the people."

Sanchez will meet with constituents in Cerritos tonight

By John Canalis on August 27, 2009 5:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) |

Rep. Linda Sánchez will meet with constituents from 6 to 7 tonight at the Ralph's supermarket on South Street and Carmenita Avenue in Cerritos. The Lakewood Democrat will answer questions and listen to concerns from constituents in what she calls an "office hour."

JetBlue to add 2 flights from LGB to SFO

By John Canalis on August 27, 2009 10:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) |

JetBlue plans to add two flights from Long Beach Airport to San Francisco International Airport in January, according to the Silicon Valley Business Journal. That will mean a total of five non-stop flights a day between LGB and SFO. A fourth flight between Long Beach and Oakland will also be added.

State to raise taxes on all earners by changing tax brackets

By John Canalis on August 26, 2009 9:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) |

The California Franchise Tax Board plans to tweak the formula it uses to calculate income tax brackets, effectively raising taxes for everyone who pays them, the Los Angeles Times reports. The board is also eliminating some deductions.

Should the homeless be allowed to sleep in their cars?

By John Canalis on August 26, 2009 11:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) |

Long Beach Councilman Dee Andrews has proposed a new law that would allow "economic refugees" to legally sleep in their cars.

The sure-to-be-controversial proposal is on the Sept. 1 City Council agenda.

Andrews proposes creating "special zones within the city that those that are economically stressed can sleep safely in their vehicles."

The zones would include municipal or industrial land, church parking lots or property owned community-based organizations.

The idea, according to a summary sent to the Press-Telegram, is to minimize the impact on residential areas.

Andrews represents some of the city's poorest neighborhoods. His proposal would directs city administrators to suggest a variety of restrictions and safety implementations, including proof of prior residency in Long Beach before becoming homeless.

Existing municipal law makes sleeping in a car illegal.

"We are in a new era of poverty and homelessness in our nation, state and our great city," Andrews said in his statement. "Everywhere I look, I see Long Beach economic refugees seeking basic assistance in support of their life.

"Many of our neighbors have lost their jobs, their homes, and their support network. Many people are left with no choice but to live in their vehicles as they try to get back on their feet. We are all a few paychecks away from being in the same situation."

Other jurisdictions have similar measures in places, including Eugene Ore. and Santa Barbara County.

Firefighters entertain patients at Miller Children's Hospital

By John Canalis on August 26, 2009 11:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) |

The Long Beach Fire Department sent over some photos and a write-up on their "Beach Fest Day" at Miller Children's Hospital in Long Beach. On- and off-duty firefighters participated at the event on the campus of Long Beach Memorial Medical Center.

According to a release from the LBFD:

For this event a large conference room was transformed into a tropical beach setting, with the backdrop of a sizeable screen projecting moving fish amongst a coral reef. There were balloon dolphins floating through the air, plastic lobsters and crabs on the tables, kiddie pools on the floor, and even some food provided shaped in the form of sea creatures.

Check out the photos and read about the event at http://firechannel.org/blog/?p=1642

Johnie's Broiler in Downey to reopen as Bob's Big Boy in Sept.

By John Canalis on August 26, 2009 10:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) |

Johnie's Broiler, a Googie treasure on Firestone Boulevard in Downey, will reopen as a Bob's Big Boy on Sept. 19, according to a website dedicated to saving the historic diner. The interior of the diner was demolished without permits in 2002, but preservationists rallied to save what remained of the architectural character and Bob's Big Boy stepped in. There's also an article (not online yet) on Johnie's in the current issue of Los Angeles magazine.

Mathews anticipates opposing views at health-care town hall

By John Canalis on August 26, 2009 10:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) |

Peter Mathews, a college professor from Belmont Heights who is challenging U.S. Rep. Laura Richardson, D-Long Beach, in the 2010 Democratic Primary, has organized a town-hall meeting on healthcare reform.

Such townhalls across the nation have grown raucous, and Mathews said in a short interview that he expects strong opinions from the left and the right to be shared at the event.

Mathews, a liberal who supports overhauling the system, says that he has already been contacted by conservative groups who plan to attend.

The candidate organizing the event is seeking Richardson's 37th Congressional District seat, which includes most of Long Beach, Signal Hill, Carson, Compton and other areas.

Richardson defeated Mathews in previous challenges for the seat once held by the late Juanita Millender McDonald.

Opinions will fly from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at Sipology, a cafe at 448 E. Broadway in the East Village Arts District.

Examiner visits Easy Does it Books in Belmont Heights

By John Canalis on August 26, 2009 10:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) |

The Los Angeles Examiner, an online newspaper, visits Easy Does it Books, a store on Broadway in Belmont Heights that caters to those in recovery for alcoholism and drug addiction. There are no taboo subjects in the shop that seeks to help visitors overcome their demons, the article says. It's an interesting read on a venerable local business.

Rep. Linda Sanchez discusses healthcare reform

By John Canalis on August 25, 2009 5:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) |

Rep. Linda Sanchez advocated for healthcare reform during a Tuesday stop in downtown Long Beach.

The Lakewood Democrat, whose district includes a sliver of Long Beach, met with the Press-Telegram's editorial board and a news reporter to discuss a range of local and national issues, but insurance reform dominated the 90-minute conversation.

"If we do nothing the healtchare system will collapse," Sanchez said. "I sort of

liken it to a leaky roof."

Continuing with that analogy, she said, "Healthcare reform is something we should have thrown a tarp over years ago."

Though Sanchez does not agree with every detail in the still-developing proposal, she supports the overall concept of a single-payer system that can compete with the private sector for patients' business.

"I believe that with the public option, because of the competition, you will see reduced costs," she said.

Republicans have challenged that notion, arguing that the government will either set premiums and physician reimbursements below market rates or escalate costs through mismanagement.

The congresswoman was familiar with conservative arguments suggesting that the best way to lower costs is to allow insurance companies to compete across state lines but has not yet taken a position on that issue.

Sanchez held up the active military's single-payer system as a model of efficiency with principles that could be applied to a government option.

"It's not perfect but it works very well," she said.

On the subject of Medicare, Sanchez said that she wanted to refute rumors that healthcare reform will alter the level of care Medicare recipients receive. Changes to Medicare are not in the legislation.

"People have heard things, but they haven't taken the time to look at the substance of the two House versions of the bill," she said.

Though she knows there is a good deal of concern about the reforms, Sanchez has heard from small business owners who desperately want a new system because of escalating costs in a difficult economy.

"They want to offer it (to employees) but it's too expensive to do that," she said.

Boeing C-17

As many of her constituents in Lakewood, Long Beach and surrounding areas work for the Boeing Co., Sanchez said she is pushing to continue the threatened C-17 cargo plane.

The House has so far agreed to include three orders for the Long Beach-built airlifter in the next budget, but Boeing has said it needs 15 U.S. Air Force orders to continue the program. A Senate proposal is pending.

Sanchez disagrees with the Pentagon position that the Air Force does not need more C-17s.

Some of the planes in the fleet are aging and will be need to be replaced, she said, adding that carrier is also needed for humanitarian missions.

Trucking company plans to hire drivers

By John Canalis on August 25, 2009 2:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) |

The city's job-placement program is trying to match truck drivers with positions at one of the nation's largest trucking companies, CRST.

The Pacific Gateway Workforce Investment Network, which has offices in Long Beach and San Pedro, is helping to place Class A truck drivers and trainees. CRST offers company-sponsored, tuition-free Class A training program with classes beginning weekly.

Jobs pay $350 to $990 a week and include medical insurance and a 401(k) plan.

A recruitment event for CRST will take place at 10 a.m. Sept. 1 at the Harbor WorkSource Center, 1851 N. Gaffey St., Suite F, San Pedro.

Advance registration with the Pacific Gateway Workforce Investment Network is required. In Long Beach, jobseekers can pre-register at the Career Transition Center, 3447 Atlantic Ave., or the Center for Working Families, 1900 Atlantic Ave.

Registration will also be available at 9 a.m. the day of the event.
Candidates must meet the following requirements:
Be 21 years old and pass a DMV and Department of Transportation record check and a physical and drug screening
Have been licensed to drive in the United States for at least two of the last three years
Have no misdemeanor convictions for possession of a controlled substance in the last 10 years

Have no drunken-driving, driving while intoxicated or open-container violations in the last five years
Have no misdemeanor convictions involving crimes of moral turpitude in the last three years
Must have no felony convictions in the last 10 years

For those who wish to register, the following information is required:

State identification, driver's license and Social Security Card
Or school ID Card (with birth date) and Social Security Card
Or School ID Card (without birth date) and Social Security Card and birth certificate
Or U.S. Passport and any proof of Social Security Number (Social Security card, school printout).

When applicable, bring an expired Permanent Resident Card, commonly known as a green card.
Males born on or after Jan. 1, 1960, must be registered with the Selective Service.

The Pacific Gateway Workforce Investment Network, administered by the City of Long Beach, offers free services to both businesses and job seekers.

For more information, or to participate in the recruitment, visit the Harbor WorkSource Center or call 310-732-5700.

Update: Oropeza to serve as grand marshal in first Latin American Parade

By John Canalis on August 24, 2009 10:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) |

LONG BEACH -- State Sen. Jenny Oropeza, D-Long Beach, will serve as grand marshal in the city's first Latin American Parade and Festival on Pine Avenue on Sept. 12.

Oropeza was the first Latina to serve on the Long Beach City Council before her election to the Legislature. She also served as a Long Beach Unified School board member.

"I am deeply grateful for the many committed, hardworking role models that preceded me," Oropeza said in a statement. "I'm talking about our family members, teachers, community leaders and countless others who shaped our community's character with their honor, integrity, sweat and guts. This event honors them."

Armando Vasquez-Ramos, a community activist and lecturer at Cal State Long Beach, will serve as the parade's community marshal. Vasquez-Ramos started Centro de la Raza, a community organization built on creating opportunities for Latinos.

The parade is being organized by Downtown Long Beach Associates and its honorary committee of leaders, which includes Council members Robert Garcia and Tonia Reyes Uranga and Suja Lowenthal, Long Beach City College Trustee Roberto Uranga, LBCC President Eloy Ortiz Oakley, Harbor Commissioner Mario Cordero and his wife, Gloria Cordero, former Harbor Commissioner Carmen O. Perez, Health Department chief Ron Arias, Centro CHA Executive Director Jessica Quintana and Regional Hispanic Chamber of Commerce President Sandy Cajas.

"On behalf of the honorary committee, I would like to congratulate our inagural grand marshal and community marshals," Garcia said. "They have been strong voices for the Latino community and for Long Beach."

Garcia, the first Hispanic man to serve on the council, was sworn in by Oropeza.

Long Beach's Latino population reached 35.8 percent in the 2000 Census, though it is believed to now be closer to 40 percent. However, there is no regular parade scheduled to honor those of Hispanic origin. Other cultural parades in Long Beach include the Martin Luther King Jr. Parade, the Cambodian New Year Parade, and the Long Beach Lesbian & Gay Pride Parade.

Virtually every Latin culture, including Mexican, Cuban, Peruvian and Brazilian, will be represented in the parade, which will run the length of Pine Avenue and end in the East Village for a celebration to include food, performances and Latin art, Garcia has said.

The event will be funded by DLBA, a marketing organization supported by dues-paying businesses and some city funding, as well as other sponsors.

For more information about how to get involved in the parade and festival, e-mail Steve Sheldon of the Downtown Long Beach Associates or call 562-436-4259.

Johnson releases long list of endorsements in 7th District race

By John Canalis on August 24, 2009 9:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) |

Assistant City Auditor James Johnson over the weekend released a long list of current and former elected officials who are endorsing his 2010 bid for Long Beach City Council.

His support comes from statewide and municipal office-holders, as well as those appointed to government boards.

Among those who support Johnson in the 7th District race are:

John Chiang, state controller
Steve Westly, former state controller
Laura Doud, Long Beach city auditor
Mary Stanton, LBUSD school board
Jon Meyer, LBUSD school board
Felton Williams, LBUSD school board
Mike Walter, Long Beach Harbor Commission
John Allen, Long Beach Water Board
Eunice Sato, former Long Beach mayor and 7th District councilwoman
Mike Donelon, former 7th District Long Beach councilman
Robb Webb, former 8th District Long Beach councilman
Debbie Cook, former Huntington Beach mayor

Several other well known individuals have endorsed Johnson. For a complete list, visit http://www.johnsonforcitycouncil.com/

Johnson is seeking the seat held by Councilwoman Tonia Reyes Uranga, who is termed out after eight years in office. The councilwoman's husband, Roberto Uranga, a Long Beach City College trustee and a Health Department manager, is seeking to replace her.

Also in the race are Jill Hill, president of the Wrigley Neighborhood Alliance, and Doug Seagraves, who has worked in public relations, and former Long Beach Housing Development Co. board member Jack Smith.

The 7th District includes the Westside, much of the Wrigley District, California Heights and other neighborhoods.

Bonnie Lowenthal hosts HIV/AIDS forum

By John Canalis on August 21, 2009 9:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) |

Assemblywoman Bonnie Lowenthal, D-Long Beach, plans to discuss AIDS and HIV services in an era of "diminished government resources" from 10 a.m. to noon today in Long Beach Council Chambers, 333 W. Ocean Blvd. Parking is available in the City Hall structure on Broadway.

Dominguez Hills' orthotics and prosthetics program moves to VA

By John Canalis on August 21, 2009 9:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) |

Cal State Dominguez Hills plans to dedicate its new Orthotics and Prosthetics Program at the Veterans Administration Long Beach Healthcare System at 11 a.m. today. To mark the move and new affiliation, U.S. Rep. Laura Richardson, D-Long Beach, university and VA officials will participate in a ribbon-cutting ceremony

According to a news release from CSUDH:

The new 10,200-square-foot facility at VALB will provide unprecedented opportunities for O&P students to learn and veterans to receive the latest in prosthetic care. The new home at VALB also opens the doors for expanding the O&P program's academic offerings, such as vocational training for returning veterans and continuing education for VA staff.

Peter Mathews calls town hall meeting on health-care reform

By John Canalis on August 21, 2009 8:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) |

Peter Mathews, a college professor from Belmont Heights who is challenging U.S. Rep. Laura Richardson, D-Long Beach, in the 2010 Democratic Primary, has organized a town-hall meeting on healthcare reform. The forum will take place from 10 a.m. to noon Aug. 29 at Sipology, a cafe at 448 E. Broadway in the East Village Arts District.

Aquarium receives grant for disabled instruction

By John Canalis on August 21, 2009 8:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) |

The Aquarium of the Pacific has received an $8,600 Quality of Life grant for disabled programming from the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation.

The aquarium plans to use the funding for its Jan. 23-24 Festival of Human Abilities, "which celebrates the creative spirit of people with disabilities." The grant will provide sign-language interpreters and instructors in dance, visual arts and music.

The award was one of 86 grants to nonprofit organizations that help people living with paralysis become more integrated into society.

The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, named for the late "Superman" actor and his wife, awarded $500,000 in grants nationwide this year.

Since the Quality of Life program began in 1999, the foundation has awarded $13 million.

Reformed tagger turns to mural art in recovery

By John Canalis on August 20, 2009 3:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) |

Matt Hernandez stands in the 700 block of Gaviota Avenue, gesturing to murals he painted over graffiti-marred residential walls, garage doors and Dumpsters.

His serene underwater images -- fish, rays, sea stars and plant life -- contrast with what he once painted on walls.

"I used to do it on the illegal side of the law, and I went to prison for that," the 28-year-old reformed tagger says. "Now I am getting paid to do it."

Hernandez works in maintenance and remodeling for Choices Recovery Services, which treats alcoholics, drug addicts and those suffering from mental disabilities in 10 residential centers citywide. Three years sober, Hernandez is also former Choices client.

A couple of years ago, Sean Zullo, Choices director, asked Hernandez to paint over graffiti on and near Choices properties located between Fourth and 10th streets and Alamitos and Cherry avenues.

Zullo emphasizes art therapy and neighborhood beautification, believing they have a positive effect on those in recovery and in the community's in which they are trying to reintegrate.

"Since we want to view ourselves as a community resource, as well as a community partner, it's really important," Zullo says.

Neighbors who have seen Hernandez's work have asked for murals to cover the tagging on their garages and walls. He's done their walls at no charge.

"We've seen a lot of what they've done," says Ramon Aguilar, field deputy for 2nd District Councilwoman Suja Lowenthal. "They look much improved over what they had before. We definitely want to see more public artwork, and they've promised to do the maintenance and upkeep."

Hernandez does not always choose conventional surfaces. He painted Choices' youth-outreach trailer with cityscape images of downtown buildings and the Walter Pyramid at Cal State Long Beach. He sprayed seascapes on utility boxes, including a few on Seventh Street, that once swam in graffiti.

He and Zullo, however, have decided not to paint over graffiti on any additional utility boxes because they could not get permission.

Hernandez's seascapes are inspired by the Aquarium of the Pacific, the Wyland murals on the Long Beach Arena and the city's coastal location. He paints the occasional jungle scene.

"I learned on my own," says Hernandez, who has not had any formal art training. "My mother was an artist, so I guess it runs in the family."

"He took the art of the tag and made it legit," says Janice Harris, art director at Choices. "He truly did."

Harris says she believes that the combination of artwork and community service can be key to helping substance abusers recover.

On a tour of Hernandez's murals, most of which are in the 2nd District, it is clear that neighborhood taggers leave his work alone.

Hernandez says that taggers can tell by his style and other cues that he used to be one of them and have a respect for his work.

As an example, he stops by a blue and white mural in the deeply cracked and heavily littered alley between Walnut and Gaviota avenues.

"Choices 2007" appears in angular street script. The periphery of the mural had been tagged, but not the main images.

Other nearby walls have not fared as well.

Island Village knocks on Seal Beach's door

By John Canalis on August 19, 2009 5:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) |

Homeowners in Island Village, a small community off Second Street and Studebaker Road near the Orange County line, are discussing whether to join Seal Beach, the District Weekly reports.

The 3rd District enclave is near the border with Seal Beach, which generally has higher property values. The issue has come up before, but the idea is gaining steam with residents, according to the article.

It's hard to say whether Seal Beach would be interested in annexing the neighborhood. The Seal Beach City Council recently voted against a proposal to annex Sunset Beach, a much larger parcel, due to cost concerns about providing services to the unincorporated area.

Laura Richardson to tour L.B. business today

By John Canalis on August 19, 2009 9:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) |

U.S. Rep. Laura Richardson, D-Long Beach, will tour the General Dynamics/Gulfstream operation at 4150 Donald Douglas Drive at 1 p.m. today, her spokesman said via e-mail. The congresswoman is also visiting various locations outside of Long Beach in the South Bay portion of the 37th District.

Linda Sanchez talks healthcare

By John Canalis on August 19, 2009 9:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) |

U.S. Rep. Linda Sanchez, D-Lakewood, discussed healthcare reform on MSNBC this morning. Sanchez, who was interviewed via satellite from Irvine, said President Obama "has gone the extra mile" to bring Republicans around on the plan. Check out the clip.

Shakespeare in the Park preview

By John Canalis on August 19, 2009 6:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) |

The Los Angeles Times' Culture Maven blog previews the upcoming Shakespeare in the Park production of "The Tempest" at Bixby Park. The article also takes a look at the issues surrounding the park's destroyed-and-rebuilt band shell -- knocked down by a tempest of its own.

LB Report: Another assault on Second Street

By John Canalis on August 18, 2009 10:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) |

Two victims were injured in an assault with a deadly weapon in the 5300 block of E. Second St. (near Glendora Avenue) in Belmont Shore at 1:30 a.m. Sunday, according to this story on LBReport.

A verbal altercation apparently grew physical when a suspect used a blunt object to assault the two victims. The victims were treated at the scene.

The LBPD is investigating.

New York Times visits Laura Richardson's Sacramento home

By John Canalis on August 18, 2009 9:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) |

The New York Times examined the Congressional ethics inquiry into U.S. Rep. Laura Richardson's Sacramento home in today's edition.

There's not too much new in the piece for Long Beach readers, but the article does say work on improving the home, which neighbors had described as dilapidated, began earlier this month.

A nice green lawn now replaces the old overgrown and dying patch out front, according to the newspaper of record.

Richardson, a former member of the state Assembly and Long Beach councilwoman for the 6th District, declined to comment, and a spokesman also refused to answer several questions, according to the report. However, the spokesman did say previous reports on the house were inaccurate, biased and partisan.

Richardson had lost the home in foreclosure a couple of years ago, but managed to win it back from her lender, Washington Mutual, after a man bought it auction.The Office of Congressional Ethics, which has made inquiries into the sale of the home, told The Times it doesn't comment on ongoing matters.

Paul Rodriguez, Tom Arnold, Jamie Kennedy to attend USO benefit in L.B.

By John Canalis on August 18, 2009 4:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) |

A comedy show benefitting the USO will take place from 7:45 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. Wednesday at the Laugh Factory, 151 S. Pine Ave.

The "GI Comedy Boot Camp and Show" will help operations that entertain military personnel and their families at the Bob Hope Hollywood USO branch at Los Angeles International Airport.

Performers include Paul Rodriguez, Tom Arnold, Jamie Kennedy, Tom Dreeson and several military comedians. K-Earth 101 morning show host Gary Bryan will serve as master of ceremonies.

General admission is $20. VIP admission, which includes a front-of-the-line pass and preferred seating, is $30.

For reservations, call the box office at 562-495-2844, ext 1, or click on the USO banner at www.laughfactory.com.

Fund-raiser to help historic Rancho Los Alamitos

By John Canalis on August 18, 2009 4:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) |

Rancho Los Alamitos Historic Ranch and Gardens plans to stage a "Rancho RoundUp" fund-raiser featuring a campfire barbecue, live country music and dancing, a silent auction and a poker tournament on Aug. 29.

"We hope it will be a fun and memorable event while at the same time providing significant support for the rancho's educational programs and services," said Pamela Seager, the rancho's executive director.

Events begin at 5 p.m. A Texas hold 'em poker tournament limited to 80 players will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. There is a $100 buy-in separate from the price of admission to the roundup. Prizes include a flat screen TV, iPods and a Wii video game.

Before the event, on Aug. 20, the rancho will host a free seminar on poker strategy. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (562) 431-3541.

There will be a drawing for "Morning Light in the Native Garden," a framed oil painting of the rancho's historic landscape by artist Steven Looman.

Event sponsors include former California Gov. and first lady George and Gloria Deukmejian, Supervisor Don Knabe, Long Beach City College Trustee Doud Otto and several private citizens and businesses.

Free parking is available in Cal State Long Beach Lot 11, which is on the west side of Palo Verde Avenue between Atherton Street and Anaheim Road. Shuttles will take guests to the rancho on Bixby Hill.

Admission tickets, which are $125, can be purchased online at www.rancholosalamitos.com and by calling (562) 431-3541. Raffle tickets, which have a suggested donation of $20 each or six for $100, are also available online.

Boeing union plans large C-17 rally

By John Canalis on August 18, 2009 3:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) |

The way George Burden sees it, the effort to save the Boeing C-17 is not just about those fighting to stay employed.

"We're concerned about our state, Long Beach and the impact it would have on us," said Burden, political director of the United Auto Workers Local 148, which represents hourly workers on the C-17 line. "With me, it's not about jobs, jobs, jobs. Everybody's looking for a job these days. It's about why would we cede the airplane we build to a foreign country?"

The UAW plans to stage a rally in support of the threatened cargo plane program at 2:45 p.m. Thursday in front of the Boeing Fitness Center, 2019 E. Wardlow Road. The event, which will take place during a shift change to maximize attendance, is expected to draw 700 to 1,000 people.

Rep. Laura Richardson, D-Long Beach, members of the City Council, the Teamsters union and business people that depend on Boeing employees are expected to attend.

Boeing management also plans to participate. Jean Chamberlin, Boeing's vice president manager of global mobility programs and the head of the C-17 program, is expected to address the workers.

"She's very appreciative of the effort by the union and the employees," said Boeing Co. spokesman Jerry Drelling.

The goal is to call attention to the federal budgetary threats to the C-17 and the effect it could have on Long Beach, Lakewood and surrounding areas, as well as communities throughout the country dependent on the program.

Boeing employs about 5,800 workers in the Long Beach-based cargo plane program. About 1,700 workers are represented by the Lakewood-based UAW local.

"We're really in kind of a predicament with sales," Burden said.

Boeing needs 15 U.S. Air Force orders next year to keep the program going, Drelling said.

The House of Representatives included only three orders for the airlifter in its 2010 budget.

"The Senate reconvenes next month, so we're hoping they will add 15 C-17s to the budget when all is said and done," Drelling said.

Foreign orders alone cannot keep the program running because costs rise when fewer units are built, he said.

Schwarzenegger signs Oropeza's elder-abuse bill

By John Canalis on August 18, 2009 12:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) |

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed a bill by state Sen. Jenny Oropeza, D-Long Beach, that increases elder-abuse penalties.

When it takes effect Jan. 1, 2010, Senate Bill 18 will increase fines from $6,000 to $10,000 for those found guilty of placing an elder or dependent adult in situations where great bodily harm or death is likely.

In addition, the new law will increase fines from $2,000 to $5,000 for those found guilty of placing an elder or dependent adult in dangerous situations not likely to cause death or serious bodily injury.

SB 18 is aimed at protecting senior citizens ages 65 and older. It does not change sentencing guidelines for elder abusers who are imprisoned for their actions.

"California's senior citizens and their families will rest easier knowing that my new law will help protect them from abuse," Oropeza said in a prepared statement. "Elder abuse for far too long has been a hidden, pervasive and deadly crime where out of 5 million recent cases, a shocking 84 percent went unreported."

SB 18 was endorsed by the California District Attorneys Association, the California State Sheriffs Association, the California Commission on Aging and the Alzheimer's Association.

Candidate Whitman to speak in L.A.

By John Canalis on August 18, 2009 12:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) |

Former EBay chief Meg Whitman, a Republican candidate for governor, plans to make a Southland campaign stop from noon to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Bank of America, 350 S. Bixel St., Los Angeles.

Whitman gave an address to the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce earlier this year.

Seal Beach real estate is the hottest in O.C.

By John Canalis on August 18, 2009 7:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) |

Seal Beach's 90740 ZIP Code had the hottest housing market in Orange County in the second quarter of this year, the O.C. Register reports. The newspaper looked at data that combined sales prices, how fast inventory moves, the number of foreclosures and other factors to determine how well the market there is doing.

Cultura Latina celebrates 15 years in Lakewood Village

By John Canalis on August 18, 2009 7:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) |

There's a nice feature on Cultura Latina on the Los Angeles edition of Examiner.com today. Opened in 1994 in the Lakewood Village area near Long Beach City College, the book store is one of the oldest of its kind in Los Angeles County, according to the article.

Here's a snippet:

Run by husband and wife Roberto and Anita Cano, Cultura Latina has been providing the Long Beach community with cultural awareness, education, award-winning fiction, and an array of events with renowned Latino writers for over fifteen years.

Seal Beach effort to help U.S. troops needs donations

By John Canalis on August 18, 2009 6:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) |

The Support Our Troops chapter based at Grace Community Church in Seal Beach recently sent along a flier with wish list of items requested by U.S. military personnel in Iraq and Afghanistan. The flier, which has contact information at the end, appears in full below.

Snacks: (individual size only, manufacturer sealed, PLEASE not mixed with toiletry items --- please pre-assemble as individual gift bags using sandwich size ziploc bags)

ê Granola bars/cracker packets/nuts/potato chips (in cylinder cans only)

ê Hard candy/Life Savers (no chocolate during summer months)

ê Sugarless gum/bubble gum/mints

ê Raisin packs/dried fruit/trail mix

ê Beef jerky

ê Individual drink mix packets (Tang, Crystal Light, Wyler's, etc.)

ê Tuna or chicken salad and cracker packets (pre-assembly not needed--these will be boxed separately)

ê Microwavable meals - mac and cheese, soup, etc. (pre-assembly not needed--these will be boxed separately)

Toiletry Items: (small travel size only, manufacturer sealed, PLEASE not mixed with snack or drink items--please pre-assemble as individual gift bags using sandwich size ziploc bags):

ê Toothpaste/toothbrushes/dental floss

ê Chap stick/lip balm

ê Lotion/sunblock

ê Deodorant

ê Body wash/soap

ê Wet wipes

ê Body/foot powder

ê Razors/Non-aerosol shaving gel

ê Shampoos/conditioners

ê Tissue packs, cotton swabs, Q-tips

ê Non-prescription medications (such as aspirin/ibuprofen, eye drops, anti-itch cream, cold/allergy medications)

Miscellaneous:

ê Socks (white, crew length only - absorbent cotton)

ê Cooling scarves (for summer)

ê Knit caps (for winter) - black only

ê DVDs/CDs

ê Pens, pencils

ê Crossword puzzles, journals

ê Blank greeting cards/envelopes

ê Small handheld games/puzzles/travel size board games

ê Magazines (health, fitness, sports, computers, cars/golf/boating, etc.--no current event magazines, please)

ê Batteries, disposable cameras

ê USB Flash Drive Memory Sticks

Notes of Support and Encouragement:

ê No envelopes, and please, no opinions on the war, no talk of death, killing, dying, etc. These cards must be positive and uplifting for the morale of our Troops.

Prepaid Global Phone Calling Cards:

ê Tax deductible monetary donations for our discounted purchase of global prepaid phone cards are always needed and appreciated (made out to "Grace Community Church of Seal Beach", with "Troops" noted in the memo line, and mailed to the address below):

Support Our Troops

Grace Community Church of Seal Beach

138 8^th Street

Seal Beach, CA 90740

Laurie Fulton, Program Coordinator

fulton@grace-sealbeach.org

h 562-799-4990

c 562-533-8223

Book sale to help uptown's Dana Library

By John Canalis on August 17, 2009 8:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) |

A book sale to benefit the Dana Neighborhood Library, 3680 Atlantic Ave., will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 29.

Bixby book salon to take on 'Love in the Time of Cholera'

By John Canalis on August 17, 2009 8:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) |

The always interesting Bixby Knolls Literary Society has chosen "Love in the Time of Cholera" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez for its next discussion. The group meets at 7 p.m. Sept. 9 at the Richard Goad Theatre, 4250 Atlantic Ave. For information, call (562) 997-1494.

Retro Row plans a sidewalk sale on Saturday

By John Canalis on August 17, 2009 4:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) |

Retro Row on Fourth Street plans to host a sidewalk sale from noon to 6 p.m. Aug. 22. Dozen of merchants on the strip between Cherry and Junipero avenues plan to participate in the event, which includes live music and food.

Weekend car show in L.B. will benefit vets

By John Canalis on August 17, 2009 4:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) |

The Aug. 22 classic car show at the Long Beach Veterans Hospital, 5901 E. Seventh St., will benefit veterans programs in the area.

The show takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Doors open at 6 a.m. Vehicle registration is $35 and, for the first 200 drivers, includes a T-shirt, dash plate and entry into the barbecue.

Admission is free for the general public.

Those who would like to volunteer to help with the event can contact Diane Goodpaster, who handles volunteer services at the VA at 562-826-5715 or diane.goodpaster@va.gov.

Vote for the Seal Beach Daily in O.C. blog awards

By John Canalis on August 6, 2009 10:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) |

The Seal Beach Daily, one of my favorite local news sites, is up for A Just Spotted OC Blog Award. Instructions on how to vote for the online paper are on the site. The Seal Beach Daily, which dips into Los Alamitos, Rossmoor, Sunset Beach, Surfside and sometimes Belmont Shore, is entered in the local news category.

Though I have to say my vote goes to the Seal Beach Daily, I just love the name of one of the other entries: VitaminOC.

Sip L.B.'s Wig wine to help women with cancer

By John Canalis on August 6, 2009 3:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) |

It's hard to say what came first -- the wine or the desire to help women whose looks were altered by illness.

OK, it was the wine.

But the good intentions soon followed, says Leanne Sabo and Margie A. Padavan, who started the WIG Foundation -- which provides custom-made wigs to ill women who have lost their hair and cannot afford well-made wigs -- over a couple of nice glasses.

"This is for women who are struggling," says Sabo, a Lakewood resident whose day job is marketing a Long Beach dental clinic. "There are a lot of women out there struggling financially and emotionally."

To finance wigs, massages and makeovers for women with cancer and other ailments that lead to hair loss, the women sell private-label Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, a syrah-rose blend and other varietals bottled at the Eagle Castle Winery in Paso Robles.

The non-profit located in Parkview Village near Long Beach City College also sells T-shirts and jewelry to raise money for the custom-made wigs.

Women's International Group launched in January and recently helped its first client, Donna Holt, a breast cancer patient from Bellflower who lost her job and health insurance in January and was diagnosed with breast cancer in April.

Part of her right breast was removed. She is gearing up for radiation and chemotherapy and the inevitable loss of her blond hair.

"I wouldn't even be able to afford a wig at this point because I lost my job," Holt, a mother of four, says. "I was really happy when they chose me."

Holt received a free wig from the foundation and a makeover and massage at the Indulgence Salon and Studio C spa across Carson Street from the Long Beach Towne Center.

"I love them. They are so awesome," Holt says of the Wig women. "I have to be honest. I said to myself, 'I am going to loose both my breast and my hair, two of the things that women love.' And then to have to endure the cost of a wig because they are very expensive."

The idea, the founders say, is to give women custom wigs that look more natural than off-the-shelf models. Patients are photographed and measured before their information is sent to a wig maker, Girl on the Go in New York.

"When I put it on my friends though it was my real hair," Holt says. "It makes the transition a little easier so not so many people know you are a cancer patient."

Regaining a natural look can help women whose bodies, self-esteem and dignity have been harmed by cancer and other diseases, Padavan says.

"For a woman that's probably the most important process of their healing," says Padavan, an Anaheim resident who works in film production.

The friends plan to promote WIG at the upcoming Night at the Village, one of the events tied to first lady Maria Shriver's Women's Conference, and in Padavan's upcoming film project, "Hormone Tuesday."

Holt, a separated mother of four, says that the wig and makeover session were the first positive things to follow her surgery and the sadness that come with it.

"It was the first time I really laughed and smiled," she says.

For those who want to taste the wine and help the cause, WIG is on the menu at Ristorante DaVinci near Long Beach Airport.

Information on how to buy bottles and related merchandise is available at www.wigwine.com.

A Long Beach connection to the late John Hughes

By John Canalis on August 6, 2009 2:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) |

Director John Hughes, the man behind "The Breakfast Club," "16 Candles" and other films that defined my generation, has died, according to this Associated Press report. Hughes suffered a heart attack on a morning walk in Manhattan. He was 59.

The only Long Beach connection of which I am aware is that much of "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" was filmed near the Virginia Country Club. There may be others. If there are, let me know.

Until then, I am going to retreat into my iPod and listen to "Pretty in Pink" by the Psychedelic Furs.

Sanchez, Napolitano issues statements on Sotomayor

By John Canalis on August 6, 2009 1:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) |

Shortly after the Senate confirmed Judge Sonia Sotomayor as an associate justice on the U.S. Supreme Court, U.S. Rep. Linda Sanchez, D-Lakewood, issued a statement praising the decision. Sanchez, I should note, is an attorney by training.

Here's what Sanchez had to say:

"Today's Senate vote to confirm Sonia Sotomayor as the first Hispanic justice and third female justice on the United States Supreme Court is a historic occasion and reminds me just how far this country has come since the first time César Chávez said '¡Si, se puede!' Judge Sotomayor's rise to the top of the legal profession from humble beginnings represents the best of the American story, and I wish her many successful years on the Supreme Court."

A little later Rep. Grace Napolitano, D-Norwalk, issued a similar statement, calling the appointment "an inspiration for all Americans."

Knabe to interview Foster at Historical Society on Thursday

By John Canalis on August 5, 2009 4:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) |

County Supervisor Don Knabe will interview Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster Thursday night as part of the Historical Society of Long Beach's Mayors Oral History Series.

The series, which began in June, has already included interviews with four living mayors: Tom Clark, Eunice Sato, Ernie Kell and Beverly O'Neill.

The Knabe-Foster interview is the final event in the series.

Admission is $10 for the general public and free for students and society members.

The session begins at 7 p.m. in the Historical Society's Main Gallery at 4260 Atlantic Ave. in Bixby Knolls.

For more information, call 562-810-9329.

School Board's Felton Williams is not running for council

By John Canalis on August 5, 2009 3:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) |

Education reporter Kevin Butler just checked in with Long Beach Unified school board member Felton Williams, who was rumored to be considering a 2010 run for City Council in the 7th District.

Williams said he has endorsed Assistant City Auditor James Johnson in the race for the area that includes California Heights, the Wrigley District and the Westside.

Also in the contest are Wrigley Area Neighborhood Association President Jill Hill and Roberto Uranga, husband of incumbent Councilwoman Tonia Reyes Uranga.

Citywide water use declines

By John Canalis on August 5, 2009 8:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) |

Despite a warm July without rainfall, the Long Beach Board of Water Commissioners announced this week that citywide water use remains well below the city's historical 10-year average.

Citywide water use was 15.3 percent below average in July and down from the same month in 2008, according to a news release from the Long Beach Water Department.

For the current fiscal year, which began on Oct. 1, Long Beach water consumption is 16.5 percent below the historical average.

LB Post interviews wetlands-area developer Tom Dean

By John Canalis on August 4, 2009 2:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) |

Ryan ZumMallen at the Long Beach Post just posted an interview with Tom Dean, the developer in the complicated Los Cerritos Wetlands' land swap going before the City Council tonight.

In the interview, Dean says if the deal to trade industrial land so the wetlands cannot be resolved tonight he is pulling it off the table.

Here's a snippet:

"Today is the last day," Dean said in a phone interview with the LBPOST.com this morning. "We have worked very hard to bring this to the City. The controversy and the amount of legal fees that we've spent have just gotten ridiculous. And so we have put a letter out that we are concluding one way or another tonight."

Gavin Newsom returning to Long Beach

By John Canalis on August 4, 2009 2:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) |

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, a candidate for governor, plans to make a campaign stop from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Aug. 10 at Cesar Chavez Elementary School.

Newsom, who is seeking the Democratic Party nomination, plans to hold a "town hall about the future of the state." Newsom visited the city earlier this year when he served as political grand marshal in the Long Beach Lesbian and Gay Pride Parade.

"We are looking forward to welcoming Mayor Newsom to Long Beach and to the 1st District," Councilman Robert Garcia said in a prepared statement. "The community will be able to ask the mayor questions about the future of California and the region."

Newsom is the only announced Democrat in the California governor's race. Former Gov. Jerry Brown, the state attorney general, is expected to enter the race as well. Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has dropped out of the contest.

On the Republican side, the candidates are former EBay CEO Meg Whitman, who recently addressed the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce, U.S. Rep. Tom Campbell and state Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner.

For more information about the town hall, visit GavinNewsom.com.

Those interested in attending are encouraged to write rsvp@gavinnewsom.com or call (415)962-4532.

L.A. Examiner drops in on Belmont Shore

By John Canalis on August 3, 2009 9:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) |

Examiner.com drops in on Belmont Shore today and lauds the community.

Here's the lead:

Belmont Shore is an area of Long Beach that attracts people from all over due to its excellent restaurants, boutique shopping, and bar scene.

The Examiner is an online newspaper with outlets in major cities.

Why Long Beach Airport offers the nation's cheapest flights

By John Canalis on August 3, 2009 5:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) |

Flying doesn't get any cheaper than Long Beach Airport.

The city-owned airport offered the lowest fares of the top 100 airports in the nation, according to a federal transportation study that examined changes from the fourth quarter of 2008 to the first quarter of 2009.

Long Beach's average fare landed at $207 compared with $315 nationwide, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation's Bureau of Transportation Statistics.

Data were aggregated from one-way and round-trip fares charged by airlines, as well as fees and taxes charged by airports. Frequent flier and other promotions were not included.

Long Beach Airport Director Mario Rodriguez said Long Beach's fares are lower in part because the cost of doing business here for airlines is the second lowest in the state.

Rodriguez said it runs airlines about $5.30 cents a passenger to fly out of Long Beach -- about half of the cost at Los Angeles International Airport.

Competition from LAX,John Wayne, Burbank and other airports helps bring down prices.

"We are in an incredibly competitive market," Rodriguez said. "It's a very strong aviation market. It has wonderful demand. Long beach offers a very competitive product with JetBlue, Alaska, Delta and US Air."

The recession has had an impact. Ticket prices dropped 9.1 percent nationwide from the fourth quarter of 2008 to the first quarter of 2009.

California's suburban airports offered some of the lowest prices in the country. Oakland ($227) and Burbank ($231) ranked right behind LGB. Rounding out the top 5 were Dallas Love ($231) and Las Vegas ($235).

The most expensive airports were in smaller markets: Huntsville, Ala. ($505), Cincinnati ($446), Grand Rapids, Mich. ($418), Savannah, Ga. ($405), and Des Moines, Iowa ($403).

Higher prices are generally based on a lack of competition in smaller markets, Rodriguez said.

Long Beach fares experienced a 16 percent drop -- from $247 to $207 -- the first quarter of 2008 to the first quarter of 2009. Prices at LGB were also among the slowest to increase since the mid-1990s.

"If we can provide higher quality service at a lower cost we've done our job," Rodriguez said.

Former L.B. Councilman Harwood resurfaces in Ventura race

By John Canalis on August 3, 2009 4:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) |

Warren Harwood, who served on the Long Beach City Council from 1982 to 1994, is running for state Assembly in Ventura County's 37th District.

Harwood sent me a letter with a brief update and some campaign materials. He is currently serving on the Pleasant Valley school board and as a Ventura County housing commissioner.

While on the council, Harwood supported a proposal by Disney to build a waterfront park in Long Beach and backed retention of the Queen Mary. The classic ship is still in town but Disney decided not to build here.

The Camarillo Acorn, a local paper in the area, has a short story on his announcement.

Eastside dog recovers from officer-involved shooting

By John Canalis on August 3, 2009 2:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) |

Xena, an 8-year-old rottweiler who was shot last week by a Long Beach police officer, was at home and on the mend Monday morning.

"There was no major damage," Monica Dennis, the dog's owner, said. "She lost a lot of blood but she's fine."

The officer shot the canine at 10:20 a.m. Thursday in the 8200 block of Tula Street located in the Imperial Estates tract near the city's eastern border with Los Alamitos and Cypress.

Xena, who was unleashed, had walked out of the house's open garage.

"She was sitting in the driveway, and when the officer approached, she went into a protective state," said Dennis, who is captain of the area Neighborhood Watch. "She was doing what was she was supposed to be doing, just like the officer was doing what he was supposed to be doing, protecting the city."

The "officer attempted to use less lethal means to stop the dog from biting him," according to an LBPD news release. "Those methods failed, and when the dog attempted to bite the officer, he fired his handgun in self-defense."

A single bullet entered just below the dog's left eye and exited through the neck, said Dr. William Stewart, who treated Xena at South Gate Dog and Cat Hospital.

"God blessed, it was a clear path and didn't hit any bony structures," Stewart said, adding that the dog went into shock and suffered internal hemorrhaging.

Stewart said he sees more shot dogs than one might think -- two in the last two months -- and the most are shot by burglars and threatened law enforcement officers.

LBPD Police Sgt. Dina Zapalski said the shooting is under investigation, which is routine any time an officer fires a weapon.

The officer's name has not been released.

"We do not fault the officer," Dennis said.

Long Beach Animal Control took Xena to the Long Beach Animal Hospital after the shooting. The dog was transferred the same day to the South Gate hospital because Stewart is a family friend.

"We checked on my dog every three hours," Dennis said.

Animal control did not cite the dog's owners.

Andre Dennis, Monica's husband, said Xena is well-behaved and good with the family's four children.

"That was the first time Xena has ever gotten out," he said.

The pet was named for a character on the former television show, "Xena: Warrior Princess."

Andre Dennis, who picked up the pooch from South Gate Monday morning, said he planned to call the officer to let him know she is doing well.

The Dennises said the dog is not a threat to the community.

"If it makes people feel better, we have a Pomeranian and she has not eaten the Pomeranian," Monica Dennis said.

Long Beach Airport offers lowest fares in the nation

By John Canalis on August 1, 2009 10:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) |

At $207, Long Beach Airport has the lowest average airfares of the top 100 airports in the nation, Consumer Affairs reports. Oakland and Burbank were also in Top 5.

The publication placed average nationwide fares at $315. Huntsville, Ala., had the highest prices.

'Dangerous agricultural pest' discovered in L.B.

By John Canalis on August 1, 2009 10:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) |

Apple moths, which threaten California farm crops, have been discovered in Long Beach and other parts of the state, the Stockton Record reports in today's paper:

Because of the recent detection of the apple moth in the Los Osos area of San Luis Obispo County and in Long Beach, state and federal officials are working to establish new quarantines in those areas.

Weigh in on proposal to close 3 L.B. Post Offices

By John Canalis on August 1, 2009 7:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) |

Three Long Beach Post Offices are on a list of 677 targeted for possible closure, according to the Washington Post:

5227 E. Second St. in Belmont Shore

1 World Trade Center downtown

101 E. Market St. In North Long Beach

Of the 677 targeted for study, only 200 or so nationwide will close, according to the Post article.

I've already received concerned e-mail about the Shore location. I'd like to know what readers think of this proposal for all three locations and if they can identify alternatives.

Post your comments below.

Sunday preview: Mayor, city manager target new revenue

By John Canalis on August 1, 2009 6:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) |

My regular Saturday column will run Sunday this week as part of a large package on the city's proposed budget.

Staff Writer Paul Eakins will provide the big picture about what the proposed $38 million in cuts means to taxpayers while I will focus on the mayor and city manager's quest for new revenue.

Here's a snippet:

Mayor Bob Foster and City Manager Pat West used a
triangle-shaped diagram last week to illustrate the "three prongs" of
their proposed city budget.

The foundation of that triangle -- the two bottom corners -- is
ginsu-sharp cuts to employees and services in the fiscal year
beginning Oct. 1.

But the top prong puts a point on "potential new revenue."

"It's almost an economic-development strategy," West said in a
follow-up interview. "It's a core practice of city management."

Placing an emphasis on new income in a year of cutbacks is no
accident, Foster said.

"What you really have to do in this environment is always look for
the edge, where you can get more revenue without taxing people," he
said.

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