December 2009 Archives
Los Angeles Councilwoman Janice Hahn, who lives in San Pedro, has announced her 2010 bid for lieutenant governor.
Hahn, sister of former Los Angeles Mayor Jim Hahn and daughter of the late County Supervisor Kenneth Hahn, announced this week that she will seek the Democratic Party nomination for the slot.
The state's No. 2 position is currently open. In November, former Lt. Gov. John Garamendi won a Northern California congressional seat.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger recently named state Sen. Abel Maldonado, R-Santa Maria, to the post, but some Democrats have argued it should remain open as the state grapples with a deficit.
Regardless of what happens, Maldonado plans to run in the Republican primary for the seat in June. Other expected GOP contenders include state Sens. Sam Aanestad of Grass Valley and Dean Florez of Shafter.
State Sen. Alan Lowenthal, D-Long Beach, had expressed interest in the job but said recently that he was leaning against running in order to finish out the final two years of his Senate term.
In announcing her bid, Hahn named Garry South of Los Angeles as her chief campaign consultant. South is considered a heavy hitter among Democrats. He managed Gray Davis's campaigns for governor in 1998 and 2002.
County Supervisor Don Knabe will give a "State of the County Address" to the Cerritos Regional Chamber of Commerce from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 13.
The speech, which includes the 4th District supervisor's forecast for 2010, will take place in the Sierra Room of the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 12700 Center Court Drive.
Seating is limited. Admission is $30 for chamber members and $50 for non-members. Sponsorships are available.
RSVP to 562-467-0800, catherine@cerritos.org or www.cerritos.org
Mail payment checks to Cerritos Chamber, 13259 East South St., Cerritos, CA 90703.
The North County Times in San Diego reports that Oceanside Police Chief Frank McCoy is not a formal candidate for the open position in Long Beach. The Press-Telegram reported last week that McCoy, a former Long Beach cop, was among six candidates seeking to replace Tony Batts, who left Long Beach for the top spot in Oakland this year.
McCoy tells the North County paper that he has not yet decided whether to apply in Long Beach and that his name is likely circulating in the rumor mill in Long Beach.
The deadline for applications is Wednesday.
Read the story here.
Scheduled the week between Christmas and New Year's Day, today's school board election will almost certainly mean low voter turnout.
But in an effort to boost voting in the District 3 special election to replace former trustee Michael Shane Ellis, who resigned from the board after missing multiple meetings, the taxi cab company that services the city will offer free rides to and from the polls.
Long Beach Yellow Cab Cooperative Inc. will shuttle voters to polling places, which are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., at no cost to riders.
"This is something we do during each election, but many people don't know about the services," John Rouse, president of Long Beach Yellow Cab, said in a prepared statement. "We are happy to do our part to help get out the vote."
A spokesman for the Gardena-based cab company, which has a contract to serve Long Beach, could not be reached for comment.
Five candidates are competing to replace Ellis. The school's board's 3rd District includes much of the downtown area. School district lines are drawn differently than those for the City Council, where the 3rd District includes the Belmont Shore area.
Voters who would like the free rides to the polls can call (800) 233-0420.
Nice feature at CNN Money today on Mike O'Toole, the longtime owners of Gondola Getaway in Long Beach. Check it out online.
U.S. Rep. Linda T. Sanchez, D-Lakewood, was named one of the most influential people in sports in 2009 by the New York Times for focusing attention on brain injuries in the National Football League. She likened the unwillingness to discuss concussions and resulting disorders to Big Tobacco's reluctance to discuss the effects of smoking prior to the 1990s. Sanchez used telling video clips during a House Judiciary Committee meeting to make her case.
Wonderful essay in today's Los Angeles Times by Lakewood city spokesman Don Waldie, who writes as D.J. Waldie. He looks back on the times when bakery trucks rolled into the city's tracks and housewives walked to the store since they couldn't drive or didn't own a car. Waldie grew up among the frugal survivors of the Depression and the Dust Bowl.
Of course, Lakewood, with its Restaurant Row and multiple grocers, has grown into a food Mecca of sorts, but Waldie nicely remembers the era of limited choices:
The Boys Market at the distant end of my block had long aisles of packaged and canned goods, but the fresh vegetable counters still followed the seasons. Heads of iceberg lettuce -- the only kind available -- dwindled in winter. Corn on the cob arrived only in July. Butcher cuts of local beef weren't very good, and the Farmer John company pitched its pork products as "easternmost in quality, westernmost in flavor." There were times you couldn't get chicken, but you could get rabbit. Fresh fish was hard to find. Cardinal McIntyre in the weekly Catholic Tidings recommended "tunies" (tuna hot dogs) for Lenten Fridays. Some grocery stores showcased an aisle of frozen food, but the Coldspot refrigerator at home had room in its freezer compartment for only two or three rectangular blocks of peas.
Mayor Bob Foster, who is so far unopposed in his 2010 bid for reelection, could have a challenger next year.
A candidate named Stevie Merino, who is affiliated with the Party for Socialism and Liberation in Los Angeles, took out papers this week to run in the April election, the Long Beach city clerk's office confirmed.
Merino would not formally be considered a candidate unless she returns her declaration to seek office.
Merino could not immediately be reached for comment. A woman who answered the phone at the Socialism and Liberation office said Merino is 21 years old and a student at Cerritos College.
After inoculating those most at risk, the Health Department plans to offer the H1N1 vaccine to the general public.
Due to a nationwide shortage, previous swine flu shot clinics and appointments were at first reserved for those most vulnerable, such as children, pregnant women, asthmatics and others with compromised immune systems.
But now everyone else can sign up for an appointment. Vaccines are free -- thanks to a federal grant.
The Health Department will continue to provide vaccines until it runs out. Appointment slots were said to be filling up quickly on Monday morning.
Due to a recent vaccine recall, pediatric preservative-free vaccine will not be given.
Pediatric doses of the H1N1 flu vaccine with preservative are available. Also available is the live virus -- given as a nasal spray. The spray can be given only to healthy people ages 2 to 49.
The Health Department also recommends that residents frequently wash hands with soap and water or a hand sanitizer; avoid close contact with people who are sick; stay at home from work or school when ill; cover their mouth and nose with a tissue after a cough or a sneeze; avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth; eat healthy food, drink plenty of water and take vitamins; exercise; get plenty of rest; and avoid alcohol and tobacco.
The H1N1 vaccine is available only by appointment by calling 562-570-4103 from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon and 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. on weekdays. The shot is given at the Health Department's main office, 2525 Grand Ave.
Appointments may also be made online at http://lbdhhs.genbook.com
In a review of an Audi electric prototype, Los Angeles Times auto critic Dan Neil says he has high hopes for Tesla Motors, which may build an electric sedan in Downey or Long Beach, but he's not sure if it has much of a future once established luxury brands get into the market. Neil, a Pultizer Prize winner, also has kind words for Fisker, another California electric car company, but he cannot see the upstarts competing too well against the giants of the auto world:
Predicting their demise is not the same as wishing for it, and I do hope that Fisker and Tesla survive and thrive. I just don't see how. Ironically, the explosive growth in the e-car market might be the very thing that does them in.
DOWNEY -- Tesla Motors, which is in negotiations to build an electric car plant at the old NASA site in Downey, has donated 100 remote-control cars to needy children in the area.
The city received the toys this week and distributed them to True Lasting Connections Resource Center, or TLC, PTA HELPS, Angel Tree, Downey Police Officers' Association and Downey Firemen's Association. Those organizations will pass the toys along to children in time for the holidays.
"We are extremely thankful and appreciate Tesla's generosity," said Downey Mayor Anne Bayer. "Our local needy children will have one more reason to smile about this holiday season."
Tesla has memorandum of understanding to build an electric car production line on the Downey Studios property off Lakewood Boulevard and Columbia Way. The San Carlos-based company also is considering a site in Long Beach, the former Boeing 717 site, also off Lakewood Boulevard.
Caltrans will close the northbound Long Beach (710) Freeway connector to the eastbound Artesia (91) Freeway from 10 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday to repair damage to the 91 bridge bottom. The stretch was damaged by an oversized truck collision Dec. 3. Detours will be in place.
The Blue Cafe, which closed in August after a flood, is reopening in a new location in downtown Long Beach, the District Weekly reports today. The venue opened 17 years ago, not long after downtown started its comeback in earnest.
The Boeing crowd, and anyone who watches aviation, may like to know that the 787 Dreamliner finally took flight today in Washington state today. The jumbo jet was beset by several production delays but the maiden flight, which began an hour ago, went well. The Wall Street Journal has the story.
Rep. Linda Sánchez, D-Lakewood, recently announced that she has secured support for more than $3 million in federal funding for projects across her district, including programs in the Long Beach area.
Most of the investments were included in the Omnibus Appropriations bill passed last week by the House of Representatives last week and Sunday in the Senate.
Among the projects announced by Sanchez are:
- $100,000 for environmental job training program for at-risk youth in Long Beach and southeastern Los Angeles County.
- $100,000 for Hawaiian Gardens Drop Out Prevention Program to expand an existing and successful drop-out prevention and intervention program with the ABC Unified School District.
- $200,000 for bus shelters in Hawaiian Gardens:
- $250,000 for solar lights at Artesia Park.
I am a little late getting to this but the Cranky Flier, a blog that covers the airline travel industry, has a nice detailed account on the parking garage under construction at Long Beach Airport. We covered the groundbreaking as well but I always like the Cranky Flier's detailed take on events.
State Sen. Jenny Oropeza, D-Long Beach, has invited constituents to attend the West Coast debut of an exhibition honoring African-Americans' contributions to the nation's achievements.
"'America I AM: The African American Imprint' brings together Americans of all cultures, ages and backgrounds to celebrate and better understand the importance of contributions African Americans have made to this country," Oropeza said of the exhibit, in a news release.
The exhibition spreads across 12 galleries and 13,000 square feet. It depicts pivotal moments of African American courage, conviction and creativity, according to the news release.
To tell the stories of achievement, the exhibit uses multimedia, artifacts, documents, photos and music as it centers on four main themes: the economic, socio-political, cultural and spiritual.
The exhibit includes:
- Cape Coast Castle in Ghana (Doors of No Return);
- Author Alex Haley's typewriter used to write Roots; personal effects of Malcolm X;
- The door key and chair from the Birmingham jail cell that held Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.;
- Sports memorabilia from Michael Jordan, Arthur Ashe and Muhammad Ali.
The exhibit, developed under guidance of an advisory panel and organized by museums, will remain at the California Science Center, 700 Exposition Park Drive, in Los Angeles, through April 15. It is scheduled for a 10-city tour during the next four years.
More information is at: www.AmericaIAM.org
A college pitcher recently recruited by Long Beach State has gone missing in Fullerton. The Orange County Register has the story.
Starting Thursday, residents can get an H1N1 shot from the city -- without waiting in line.
Following a series of sometimes-crowded public clinics at schools and other locations citywide, the Health Department plans to start offering swine flu immunizations by appointment.
Shots will not be available to all. Only residents in priority groups, those considered at greatest risk of catching swine flu or suffering from its effects, can book a slot at the Health Department, 2525 Grand Ave.
Qualified groups include:
- Anyone age 6 months to 24 years.
- Those who care for or live with an infant 6 months or younger.
- Health care workers who come into direct contact with patients.
- Pregnant women.
- Adults ages 25 to 64 with a high-risk medical condition, such as lung disease or diabetes.
Younger children often need to be vaccinated in two installments. Pediatricians should be consulted about age and weight requirements.
Residents age 65 or older are not eligible to receive the H1N1 vaccine from the city.
So what do those not in risk groups do?
Wait.
Once vaccine manufacturers are able to provide ample H1N1 flu vaccine supplies, the profile of individuals who may be able to receive the vaccine will be expanded, according to a news advisory from City Hall.
Slots will vary week to week, dependent upon vaccine availability.
Thanks to federal funding, the flu shot is free.
To make an appointment, call 562-570-4103 from 8:30 a.m. to noon or 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For information, visit www.longbeach.gov/health and 562-570-4499.
Facing an unexpected reelection challenge from the city prosecutor, City Attorney Bob Shannon on Wednesday announced the endorsement of District Attorney Steve Cooley.
"I fully intend to accept his offer of assistance and will vigorously campaign to retain my position leading the finest municipal law office in California," Shannon said, according to a statement issued by his campaign.
In office since 1998, Shannon, 67, is seeking another bid in the April 2010 election. He has a record of easily winning reelection. In 2006, he won by a 70 percent margin and was unopposed in 2002.
But in 2010 Shannon will face what is his most formidable challenge in Long Beach City Prosecutor Tom Reeves, also an 11-year incumbent.
Reeves would have likely coasted to reelection next year if he were not giving up the office to challenge Shannon.
Reeves, who does not report to Cooley, instead has decided to challenge Shannon while one of his top deputies, Assistant City Prosecutor Tim O'Reilly, campaigns for the prosecutor's job.
The city prosecutor is generally in charge of prosecuting misdemeanor criminal cases that take place in the city. Felonies are handled by the D.A.'s office.
The city attorney serves as general counsel to the City Council and represents the city in litigation. The attorney also researches and drafts laws and makes sure that city proceedings and decision-making are legal.
Like the mayor City Council offices, the city attorney and city prosecutor positions are non-partisan.
My daily blog and weekly column will be only intermittent through the end of December. I am working on some long-term stories that should be in print and online as this year comes to a close and the new one begins, so posting will be light until then. See you in 2010.-John
U.S. Rep. Laura Richardson said in a statement that she is not ready to endorse President Obama's proposal to increase the presence of U.S. troops in Afghanistan.
The Long Beach Democrat plans to visit Afghanistan on a fact-finding mission that she says will help her make up her mind.
"As I am scheduled to visit Afghanistan later this week, I will take full advantage of briefings and the opportunity to meet with all parties responsible for implementing this plan on the ground," Richardson said. "So I will reserve judgment regarding the president's position, giving me the opportunity to make the most informed decision possible. Tonight (Tuesday), as one of the 435 votes the President needs to pass his plan, he has not secured my vote yet."
Obama wants a 30,000-troop increase by Christmas.
Richardson, who identifies as centrist or New Democrat, has generally supported Obama on major issues, including health-care reform, but did not endorse him in the Democratic primary for president. She supported Hillary Clinton in the primary and then backed Obama in the General Election.
Richardson represents the 37th Congressional District, which includes Long Beach, Compton, Carson, Watts, Willowbrook and Signal Hill. She is seeking reelection in 2010.
As Long Beach City Hall reviews matters involving lobbyists' access to employees and elected officials, I asked Assemblywoman Bonnie Lowenthal, D-Long Beach, the other day what she thought of reviving the lobbyist ordinance she championed a year ago while still on the Long Beach City Council.
Lowenthal, a Democrat who still lives in Long Beach when not in Sacramento, spent much of her time on the council seeking ethics reform, often at the committee levels. But she had trouble getting support from other officials on regulating lobbyists' interactions with city officials.
A year ago she and Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske were the lone votes when the proposed lobbying ordinance went before the City Council.
"Gerrie was very supportive of getting this done," Lowenthal recalled. "After I was elected to the Assembly, 'I thought this is my last opportunity. I believe in, it's good government, it creates transparency, I would really like to see it passed.' But I couldn't get it passed. The vote was 7-2 with just Gerrie and I."
Lowenthal said she finds it ridiculous that Los Angeles and other large cities have lobbying ordinances and that Long Beach does not.
She is not opposed to lobbying, as she views it as a form of free speech, advocacy and education, but would like to see relationships disclosed so that the public is aware of them.
"I strongly believe relationships between lobbyists and city staff, as well as council members, can be clarified for the sake of the taxpayer for the sake of transparency and ethics," she said.
Lowenthal, a Democrat, said she would be fine if Long Beach adopted a policy forbidding officials from accepting gifts, particularly those of any value.
She said she has accepted gifts in the past that fall within those acceptable in state guidelines and has declared them on state disclosure forms. However, she has turned down vacations and other generous offers.
"If you're offered something, if you want to do it, you can pay for it," she said.
The Aquarium of the Pacific in conjunction with Shoreline Village will light a holiday tree at 6 p.m. Sunday near its entrance to The Pike at Rainbow Harbor on Shoreline Drive and Pine Avenue. Read all the details here.
Sea Launch, a Long Beach-based partnership involving the Boeing Co. and companies in Russia, Ukraine and Norway, on Monday successfully launched another rocket, the Associated Press reported today. Sea Launch used it pad in Kazakhstan to launch the mission. Sea Launch is in bankruptcy, and Boeing has hinted that it will divest its interest.
