June 2009 Archives

The Pacific Gateway Workforce Investment Network's Harbor WorkSource Center will hold a hiring event on July 14 for drivers holding Class A licenses.

CRST, one of the largest trucking companies in the United States, offers company-sponsored, tuition-free, Class A training programs with new classes beginning every week.

The recruitment will be held at 10 a.m. July 14 at the Harbor WorkSource Center, 1851 N. Gaffey St., Suite F, San Pedro. To participate, visit or call the WorkSource Center at 310-732-5700.

From the city:

Representatives from Daphne's Greek Café, Jamba Juice, Krispy Kreme, Segway of Long Beach and Whole Foods Market will talk about their fundraising programs at a "Meet the Funders" workshop tonight, June 29.

These businesses support the Long Beach community by providing charitable organizations with fun and easy ways to reach their fundraising goals.  

Residents are also invited to bring canned food to donate to Food Finders to assist our Long Beach neighbors during the current economic crisis.  

This free workshop will be presented in English with Spanish and Khmer translation available. Please call 48 hours in advance for Khmer translation. Free parking is available behind the building and on the street.

The workshop is at 6 p.m. at The Neighborhood Resource Center, 425 Atlantic Ave.   

To RSVP or for more information, e-mail Scottie Hinkey at Sharron.Hinkey@longbeach.gov or call 562.570.1010.

My colleague Greg Mellen recently caught up with Julian Ship Supplies owner Flo Martinez and found out that the business - which has spent 55 years outfitting outgoing ocean vessels with whatever they needed - is closing its doors.

From Greg:

 The chandler was a fixture in downtown Long Beach at the corner of Magnolia Avenue and Broadway in its unique historic 1931 historic that was torn down earlier this year.
 
Owner proprietor Flo Martinez moved the business to 16th Street several years ago after reluctantly selling her property to the Redevelopment Agency. The original Julian Ship building was an example of one of the area's first drive-in markets and designed by noted architect Cecil Schilling.

After several attempts were made to relocate the historical building fail, it was torn down earlier this year. A new courthouse is scheduled to be built where the building and a number of other razed structures stood.

Martinez, 82, said her business has struggled during the economic downturn and the slowdown of business in the port. She also said that at her age, she's simply ready to retire and "smell the roses" and has several trips already planned.

"I'm gonna take a trip through the Panama Canal," Martinez said of her first excursion.

Many years ago Martinez said she and her husband, Julian, supplied the Canadian Navy with a number of supplies and watched it pass through the canal.

"I said, 'I'm going to pass through those locks.' Now I'm gonna do it on a cruise ship," Martinez says.
 

The East Anaheim Street Business Alliance will host a street cleanup of East Anaheim Street at 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 27.

EASBA Board of Directors also will be on hand to update local business owners and the public on the organization's efforts to form a Business Improvement District.

Cleaning supplies will be provided. Meet at Farmers & Merchants Bank, 3140 E. Anaheim St. 

Whether it's cooking or playing music, there's something so engrossing about watching an person's creative process.

DDR Projects Fine Art Gallery gets it. In fact, DDR Projects has started inviting the public to see a new artist painting live at the gallery on Fridays.

This Friday, at 6 p.m. June 26, it's artist Cody Lusby, "a classically trained figurative artist-turned mixed medium with a slight twist of narrative."

From the release:
Born in Portland, Oregon in 1978, then raised in Southern California, Lusby entered a national art competition, (New Minds, Angels Gate Cultural Center, San Pedro, CA) where his illustration of George Washington was selected to be a part of a traveling show across the country. From then on Cody new he wanted to be an artist.
In 1994 he was accepted into the Orange County High School of the Arts (OCHA).
Graduating OCHA he received a scholarship to Laguna College of Art and Design (LCAD). At LCAD his passion for the fine arts flourished. After receiving his BFA in painting and drawing, Lusby traveled the world and experienced life that has since and continues to influence his work.
Now focused and determined as ever, Lusby is determined to carve out his niche in the art world.

So check him out at DDR Projects Fine Art Gallery, 3403 East Broadway in Long Beach. Phone/Fax: 562-434-8480.

Love movies but don't want to pay the high theater prices?

Then consider the Art Theatre's free showing of "Hachi" starring Richard Gere, Joan Allen and Jason Alexander on Saturday, June 27.

The free showing at noon is filled up but the theater at 2025 E. 4th St. still has the free showing at 10 a.m. But you've gotta RSVP for the tickets.

Go here to RSVP.

I know I'm a little late on this, but if you're hankering for some BBQ and Southern food, then consider Johnny Rebs', which is looking to help provide some Southern comfort to those battling cancer.

Folks who come to Johnny Rebs' of Bellflower today (June 23) with this flyer will have 20 percent of their bill donated to support Bellflower's 2nd Annual American Cancer Society Relay for Life.
 

The Relay, which will take place July 11 and July 12 at Bellflower High School, will raise money and awareness for cancer research, special programs and outreach.

Johnny Rebs' in Bellflower is at 16639 Bellflower Blvd. Go to www.bellflower.org for more info.

The Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce will honor 13 non-profit groups at its annual Industry Awards on Thursday at the Long Beach Hyatt Hotel.

Salvation Army/KROC Center will receive the Destination Tomorrow Award at the event, which boasts more than 750 attendees, the largest attendance for the annual event, said Chamber President and CEO Randy Gordon.

"We're pretty proud of this in this tough economy because we've got 750 people coming," he said.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe will serve as master of Ceremonies and Joe Magaddino, chair of Cal State Long Beach's Department of Economics, will discuss the economic impact of Long Beach's non-profit sector. For more info, call Sarah Nguyen at 562-432-7830.

In the seven or so years I've worked at the P-T, I've seen some interesting groups come through the Long Beach Convention Center. Comic geeks. Mary Kay consultants. Inventors.

Right now I'm a bit intrigued about what's coming to town next week.

Apparently 5,000 square dancers will convene in Long Beach for a National Square Dancers event June 24-27. It's the first time in 19 years the convention has been here. About 2,300 are from California, while there are attendees come from Japan, Sweden Taiwan, Germany, China, etc.

Several types of dance will be performed, including clogging, country western/line dancing and Rainbow Room (a high-energy style of dancing for the LGBT community).

Look in the P-T for pics from the event.

Long Beach's newest club Shore Ultra Lounge hopes you'll come out tonight to help break a world record and raise money that will help put breathalyzers in Southern California bars.

Nicholas Grond, president and CEO of the nonprofit organization Don't Die Drunk, expects about 1,500 people at Shore Ultra at 10:30 tonight to take shots of "Sex on the Beach" at the same time --- all in an effort to break the Guinness World Record for largest group to simultaneously take a shot. (The record is currently held by 1,300 people in Germany, who all took a shot of corn schnapps.)

Shots of "Sex on the Beach" - which usually includes a mix of peach Schnapps, vodka and cranberry juice - were chosen for universal appeal, Grond said.
 
Cover charge is $10 --- most of which will go the nonprofit to buy FDA-approved breathalyzers to put in bars. (The shots are donated by the Sparkles Angels Girls.)
 
Grond said he's pretty confident that the world record will be broken tonight, especially after appearing on KROC's Kevin and Bean yesterday morning to promote the event.

"I've been planning this for a long time," he said. "We got about 3,000 or 4,000 people hit us up between the time I did the (morning) interview and noon yesterday."

Doors open at 8 p.m. but Grond says to get there before 9:30 p.m. because doors will close once the lounge hits capacity. The big event starts promptly at 10:30 p.m. 

Click here for more info.

In its latest efforts to raise awareness in the Latino community about the benefits of milk, the California Milk Processor
Board and Long Beach ad firm Grupo Gallegos have launched some Spanish-language
viral videos this week on social networking sites like YouTube to get young people
to learn about the health and beauty benefits of drinking milk.

The three 45-second video poems are supposed to be a cheesy and funny way to illustrate milk's power to produce strong, healthy teeth, and shiny hair as well as smooth, soft skin, said spokeswoman Tatum Wan. The videos' beauty messages are featured on social networking sites Facebook, YouTube, Migente.com and Quepasa.com
 
Check 'em out at http://www.youtube.com/TomalechePoemas

The family that owns Golden Star Family Restaurants in Long Beach and Leonard Ortiz of Cerritos-based Lennova were among the 17 local entrepreneurs who today earned top honors at the 28th annual Small Business Awards at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in downtown L.A.

Here is a look at our local winners:

Family-Owned Business of the Year - The Contos Family, Owner and Founder of Golden Star Family Restaurant (Long Beach, CA)

Golden Star Family Restaurant has been in operation for more than 46 years.  The family owned and operated restaurant is in its second generation of family where everyone pitches in to make the business a satisfying experience for both owners and customers.  When curious customers ask family member why they don't take time off weekends or holidays, they simply state, "some of the customers don't have families, so on these days, including Christmas and New Year's, we get to be their family." Their love of family extends to the community - they are constantly working with and donating their culinary delights to the local schools and churches.  They have expanded their enterprise to two restaurants and will open a third one this year. 

Small Business Person of the Year - Leonard Ortiz, Founder and President/CEO of Lennova (Cerritos, CA)

Leonard Ortiz is President and CEO of Lennova, a general contractor specializing in superior floor coatings and coverings.  Ortiz is a Los Angeles native, who keeps his business and staffing local but has contracts throughout the United States. The business started with just two employees, but with a current staff of 25, sales are now skyrocketing.  His belief is that "success is only achieved when preparation meets opportunity and that to achieve true success, one must say focused on the goal." Ortiz is also a believer in giving back - he works with the small business community via speaking engagements and is currently heading efforts to create a scholarship fund that is jointly funded by both the California Black Chamber of Commerce and the Latin Business Association that will target disadvantaged youths who have promising potential.

Innovation Through Technology Business of the Year - Karrie Chan & Edwin Cheung, Co-owners and Founders of Rabbit Air (Downey, CA)

Co-founded by Edwin Cheung and Karrie Chan in 2001, Rabbit Air designs and manufactures high-quality HEPA air purifiers to improve the lives of those suffering from allergies, asthma and other environmental sensitivities. The advanced air purification system is as aesthetically pleasing as it is healthful in purging the air of 99.97 percent of allergens and pollutants. Both Cheung and Chan believe that air purification is a science as well as an art and combine extensive research with innovative design.  Rabbit Air products have been featured in numerous magazine articles and on a television show featuring hot new products. Sales have increased more than 150% in the past two years. Rabbit Air also has a commitment to quality customer service, offering 24-hour technical support along with a five-year warranty on all their products. The employees also contribute to the company's innovation and are treated as family - communication is a top priority.  A recently launched special edition product donates five percent of all sales to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Minority Small Business Champions of the Year (tie with Frank Quevedo) - Sandy Cajas, President and CEO of Regional Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (Long Beach, CA)

Sandy Cajas is President and CEO of the Regional Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (RHCC) for Los Angeles. Cajas has more than 15 years of expertise as a small business owner herself. Through her ongoing efforts in the marketing and advertising of multi-ethnic events and fundraisers, the RHCC is a strong advocate for small business, providing advice and information about financial and procurement opportunities, technical assistance and legislative initiatives and actions. RHCC's program "Success Through Diversity" has successfully matched small businesses with governmental agencies for contracts and procurement opportunities. In addition, international trade is a strong component of the portfolio of services that enables further growth for small businesses. Cajas has a strong commitment to underserved markets. "Not only does the Regional Hispanic Chamber give small businesses viability in the business community, it gives them a voice, unity and strength."

Still trying to figure out where to take your dad for Father's Day? Then consider Michael's on Naples. The new Northern Italian restaurant is offering fathers 20 percent off everything on the menu this Sunday.

Call 562-439-7080. Check out the restaurant here. And don't forget to thank your Dad. It's his day, after all.

The Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association is asking folks to flex their photography skills for this weekend's Summer Shutters 2.0: 24-hour digital photo contest.

From the BKBIA:

What does a typical day look like in "the Knolls?"  For 1,440 minutes, beginning at noon on the summer solstice, Saturday, June 20, 2009, and ending at noon on Sunday, June 21, 2009, life in Bixby Knolls will be immortalized through digital photography.
 
Overall winning images per category and best 50 images BKBIA will showcase winning photos as a First Fridays exhibit, Friday, August 7, at the Expo building, 4321 Atlantic Avenue, 8pm - 10pm.  
 
There are prizes for a number of categories including Best Digital Art Piece, Best Bixby Interiors, Best Business Photo, Best Neighborhood Photo, Best "Subtlety"
 
BIXBY IN DIGITAL ART
We want to see what you can do with Photoshop and similar software.  Go beyond touching up the photo.  Be creative with your photos, but still retain the essence of Bixby Knolls.  Source images must be included with digital art submission. 
 
FIND THE SUBTLETIES
Long Beach has so many different and vibrant neighborhoods that are unique in their own way.  We are seeking to definitively capture through digital images Bixby Knolls and surrounding neighborhoods with the subtleties that make the area so special.  There is so much to discover in Bixby Knolls and this is your chance to explore your creative, humorous, artsy, or serious side to showcase our community. The contest aims to capture special moments during 24 hours of this small "box" within our city limits. We expect that these images will speak volumes about how truly special the neighborhoods of Long Beach are. 
 
TO ENTER
Entry is free. Entering the contest is simple. All rules and entry form can be found at http://www.bixbyknollsinfo.com/summershutters.html

Dust off those bell-bottom jeans, platform shoes and polyester suits. Tonight belongs to the lords and ladies of disco --- at least it does in Bixby Knolls, where the Long Beach Petroleum Club is opening its doors for "Friday Night Fever" at "Studio 3636."

Dinner begins at 5 p.m., followed by music and dancing at 8 p.m. ($5 cover charge applies here.) Elise's Tea Room will host dance lessons at 8 p.m. for those who need to brush up on the Hustle and other dance moves.

The club is at 3636 Linden Ave. in Long Beach. Call 562-595-0081 or info@bixbyknolls.com for more info.

Also:

Eat.  Play. Grow. will offer childcare services from 5 to 10 p.m. for $10 per child with dinner & snacks provided. Reservations strongly encouraged. Call 562-427-8600  marisol@eatplaygrow.com

 

Pacific Gateway Workforce Investment Network is asking stakeholders in the healthcare sector to complete a survey that will help shape workforce recruiting, training, and retaining strategy.

The Allied Healthcare Workforce Needs Survey is available at www.pacificgatewayworkforce.com and must be completed by Tuesday, June 16.
 
"Earlier this year, the Workforce Investment Board determined that a portion of the Network's Recovery Act Funds would be utilized to continue efforts to address workforce needs of industry sectors of vital importance to our regional economy," said Executive Director Bryan Rogers. "In our region, healthcare provides a critical link to future jobs," he said. "So this survey and partnership are important to that effort."

E-mail workforce.dev@longbeach.gov for questions about the survey.

Sustain your local football team with a little sustenance from Chili's.

Chili's at the Pike at Rainbow Harbor will donate 10 percent of Monday's sales to Cabrillo High School's football team.

You've got to come in from 4 to 9 p.m. that day at the Chili's at 30 Shoreline Drive to make it count. Call 562-590-5103 for more.

To reach out to the local community and bring skaters together, District 8 Board Shop in Bixby Knolls will host a sale and BBQ at its store this weekend. Apparently invites have gone to the 14^th Street Skate Park skaters and kids from Houghton Park.

Deals include 50 percent off jackets and sweaters and 10 percent off skateboard hardware and pro-model skateboards. The event will be from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at 4242 Atlantic Ave. Call 562-595-0700 for more.

Lawyers can learn a thing or two from former State Bar Judge Ellen Peck.

Peck will give a talk on "Staying Out of Trouble with the State Bar: Tips from a Former State Bar Judge" on June 22 at Peking Wok in Long Beach.

Admitted to the practice of law in California since December 1979, Peck has served as Ethics Counsel to the ethics committees of the State Bar of California and the American Bar Association. From 1989 to 1995, she served as a judge of the State Bar Court in the trial department in Los Angeles, where she participated in over 1,200 cases involving the professional responsibilities of members of the bar.

The course, approved for one hour of MCLE ethics credit, is sponsored by the Women Lawyers of Long Beach. Admission is $35 for members and $40 for non-members. RSVP no later than June 18 with J.Chang@MPGLAW.com or 714-668-2446. (E-mail is preferred.) The course will take place at 5:30 p.m. at 6252 E. Pacific Coast Highway.

From "Ken Mojitos" and "Barbie Cosmos" to a meet-and-greet with Mattel designers, business owners along Broadway are celebrating Barbie their way.

Ten merchants along Broadway are hosting a block party on Sunday to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the iconic doll with activities that should draw regional fans and collectors, said Sidney Cramer of Spa Sidney. Click here for more info.

Also, Spa Sidney will host an autograph-signing with celebrity guests Robert Best, Mattel Barbie designer and contestant on Project Runway; Bill Greening, Mattel Barbie designer specializing in vintage reproductions; and Linda Kyaw, a Mattel Barbie designer specializing in Dolls of the World.

The originally scheduled (then postponed) wealth empowerment seminar hosted by 6th District City Councilman Dee Andrews and Long Beach Chapter NAACP president Naomi Rainey is back on "due to an overwhelming response," according to Andrews' office today.

The seminar will take place from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, June 6, at Ernest S. McBride Park at 1550 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave. Call Kimberly Dodson at 562-570-6816 or Naomi Rainey at 562-856-7586.

Palacio De Long Beach is looking to reach the city's English and Spanish speaking audience with a free monthly bilingual magazine, which launched earlier this month.

Stories will be translated into Spanish and run next to the English version. More than 10,000 copies will be in over 150 locations in Greater Long Beach.

Stories will include features on artists featured at the Museum of Latin American Art, summer activity ideas for families and real estate market tips from local experts.

"The informative and entertaining content covers a diverse blend of topics and serves to educate readers interested in community, family, education, real estate, and more," editor-in-chief Andrea M. Sulsona said in a statement. "It is designed to bridge communications between the Latino population and those interested in providing high level services to them."

Ever wonder, as you're sipping your java, about the artists whose works hang in Creama Cafe?

Now you can find out more. Creama co-owner Susana Prego is hosting receptions for the new artist displaying his or her works in the cafe all month.

The next reception, which will take place at 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 11, will be for June's featured artist, Annie Clavel.

Creama is at 440 Pine Ave. Call 562-435-8435 or e-mail at info@creamacafe.com