In Basket

Local retailers offering extended hours, deals on Black Friday and Thanksgiving weekend

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 16:33:38 -0800

Can't get enough shopping at the malls? Here's a list of some local retailers offering holiday deals on Black Friday and Thanksgiving weekend:

* Big J Carpet & Supply:The Long Beach flooring wholesale company is having a "wholesale to the public" sale from 6 to 11 a.m. Friday; 724 E South St. Long Beach; 562-984-9284; www.BigJCarpet.com

* Chuck & Toby: The Belmont Shore unique pet shop -- a new store from the original founders of Wiskers -- is offerring 20 percent off this weekend for anyone who mentions seeing this in the Press Telegram; They'll also have kitty adoptions in front of the store all weekend; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday; 191 Park Ave.; 562-434-8085. www.chuckandtoby.com or on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/chuckandtoby.

* Cookies by Design: Buy one cookie bouquet and get one cookie bouquet for 50 percent off; 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; 562-961-9161; www.cookiesbydesign.com
* DDR Projects Contemporary Art Gallery: DDR is opening earlier on Friday to help "quench your shopping thirst for unique, one-of-a-kind and artistic gifts"; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; 3403 East Broadway, Long Beach; 562-434-8480; www.ddrprojects.com
* Fresh Footwear:This new East Village retailer will open at 7 a.m. for Black Friday; 316 Elm Ave.
* Long Beach Playhouse: Tickets are $10 each for the theatre productions ($22 value): LUTZ Radio Hour (mainstage), Rabbit Hole (studio); 5021 East Anaheim St. Long Beach; 562-494-1014; www.lbph.com

* Metropolis Comics: This Bellflower retailer is 60 percent off all back issues, and 25 percent off many store items, including already discounted products; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday; 16509 Bellflower Blvd. Bellflower; 562-263-0277; www.metrohero.com

* Pulp Fiction: This Long beach comic book store is offering 40 percent off graphic novels, 30 percent off manga, 25 percent off select figures, toys and collectibles, $1 comics for 50 cents and 25-cent boxes will be 10 for $1; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday-Sunday11/27-11/29; 1742 Clark Ave. Long Beach; 562-496-3343 or www.pulpfictiononline.com

* Songbird: This Retro Row retailer is offering 20 percent off all clothing; noon to 7 p.m. Friday; 2240 E 4th St. Long Beach; 562-439-4444

DENSO Sales California create food baskets for Long Beach families in need

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:08:22 -0800

DENSO Sales California employees today participated in the company's 15th annual "Thanksgiving Food Basket Drive."

Employees formed "shopping teams" and went to local grocery stores to purchase food for Thanksgiving meals for Long Beach families in need. Each basket contained a turkey and other essential items to prepare a Thanksgiving meal.

The event was part of "DENSO Community Service Day" where each of the more than 200 DENSO companies worldwide organizes an activity to give back to their local community.

DENSO employees presented the 44 Thanksgiving meal baskets to Christian Outreach In Action, which distributed the baskets to families throughout the city.

"DENSO makes several contributions to the community, American Red Cross, American Cancer Society, and this is just one example. Our associates are always willing to help out," said Richard Shiozaki, senior vice president at DENSO Sales California.

Established in 1971 as the first overseas affiliate of the DENSO Corporation, DENSO Sales California is an automotive components sales and distribution company that employs 280 people in Long Beach.

Longtime nautical supplier has new digs on Pine Avenue

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 14:31:56 -0800

A longtime nautical supplier has dropped anchor on Pine Avenue.
The owners of Safe Navigation Inc., Dev and Janet Mavi, have moved to 236-240 Pine Ave., the 12,000-square-foot space that formerly housed Crown books.
The lease was up on their 15,000-square-foot store at 129 W. 5th St. and the space on Pine was available, said manager Harpreet Singh, adding that the company started moving their stock of 30,000 to 40,000 charts and maps and products in early October.
Workers were still setting up -- this week they were preparing to put up the store's sign -- but the store is open for business, Singh said.
The Mavis, who were out of town this week, founded their chart supply store in 1985 at the urging of their friend and partner, retired sea captain K.S. Ghotra. They have stayed downtown to take advantage of their proximity to the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles.
Theirs is a niche market, selling thousands of charts, navigation maps, flags and books to captains, yachtsmen and companies of tankers and container ships.
While Safe Navigation caters mainly to the international professional seafaring community, it hopes to draw a wider audience, particularly law firms and other professionals downtown who need high-end marine clocks and gifts to give to partners and clients.
"We always had some recreation walk-in traffic but we figured now with this location, we'll probably pick up more on that," Singh said.
Safe Navigation, which employees about a dozen people, fills a large void on Pine Avenue, once the shopping hub for the region. The property had been home to several retailers through the years, including Harris Furs, a haberdashery, Book Barn and a Crate and Barrel outlet store.
It was most recently a Crown Books before shuttering in 2006. Since then, the space has sat vacant, except for the occasional temporary holiday retailer.
"We are thrilled to hear that the space has been leased and we are not only excited to have Safe Navigation as a neighbor, but are looking forward to their opening and the benefits it will bring to Pine (Avenue)," said Z Gallerie owner and CFO Mike Zeiden, whose Pine store neighbors Safe Navigation.
Neysa Colizzi, president of the Downtown Residential Council, which represents six downtown neighborhood associations, said it's good to see the space active.
"For awhile they had paper up on the windows and now that the paper's off and you can see their products, it's actually really exciting to see."
First District City Councilman Robert Garcia, who lives on Pine Avenue, said the new business is "a great sign for the future."
"It's great to see that people are thinking about reinvesting on Pine," Garcia said.
Pine will soon be home to a couple of new businesses, including La Creperie, which is opening a second Long Beach location in the space currently occupied by Hooters (Hooters will be moving to the Pike at Rainbow Harbor) and Kress Market, an organic, fresh foods and gourmet neighborhood market in the Kress Building's ground floor formerly occupied by Executive Fitness.
"We expect a lot of great things to happen in the next year," he said.

ANTONOV Aircraft at Long Beach Airport

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:53:57 -0800

From the Long Beach Airport:

An AN124 (ANTONOV 124) aircraft is scheduled to arrive on Tuesday, November 24, 2009, and depart on Wednesday, November 25. The aircraft is scheduled to arrive and depart during the morning hours, after 9:00 a.m.

The Antonov 124 is a large aircraft, usually white with blue markings, and will be noticeable as it passes overhead. The noise footprint of the aircraft is similar to a Boeing Co. C-17.

Secure a trucking job before the holidays

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:01:19 -0800

The Pacific Gateway Workforce Investment Network's Harbor WorkSource Center on Dec. 1 will host a hiring event for trucking company CRST for open CLASS A DRIVERS positions.

Job offers will be made at the recruitment on Dec 1, 2009 at 10:00 am at the Harbor WorkSource Center, 1851 N. Gaffey St., Ste. F, San Pedro.

Those selected to begin training on Dec. 7 could be working by the holidays.

From Pacific Gateway:

Salary is $350 -$990 per week, depending on experience, with immediate medical coverage and a 401k-retirement plan after 90 days. CRST offers company-sponsored, tuition-free, Class A training programs with new classes beginning every week. CRST also offers a "20 days on, 10 days off" program.

To participate in this hiring event, call the Harbor WorkSource Center at 310.732.5700 or visit any of the Network's One-Stop Centers. Visit www.PacificGatewayWorkforce.com for locations. Registration with the Pacific Gateway Workforce Investment Network is required prior to attending the event. The Pacific Gateway Workforce Investment Network, administered by the City of Long Beach, offers free services to both businesses and job seekers.

To save time, individuals may pre-register for the recruitment at the Career Transition Center, 3447 Atlantic Ave. or the Center for Working Families, 1900 Atlantic Ave., Long Beach. Registration will also be available at the recruitment. To register the day of the recruitment, please arrive one hour earlier, at 9:00 am.

Required job qualifications include:

Must be 21 years old and pass a DMV/D.O.T. physical and drug screen
Must have been licensed in the United States for at least two years out of the last three years
Must have no misdemeanor convictions for possession of a controlled substance in the last 10 years
Must have no DUI, DWI, or open container violations in the last five years
Must have no misdemeanor convictions involving crimes of moral turpitude in the last three years
Must have no felony convictions in the last 10 years

Bring the following information to register:

State ID / 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).
If applicable, bring unexpired Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).
Males born on or after January 1, 1960, must be registered with the Selective Service. For information, call 847.688.3117 or visit www.sss.gov.

Networking breakfast on starting a nonprofit

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:47:14 -0800

Thinking about starting a nonprofit?

The Long Beach Nonprofit Partnership is present a networking breakfast on the "Realities of Starting a Nonprofit" on Tuesday, Nov. 24.

Admission is one free breakfast per paid membership and $10 for nonmembers.

Visit www.lbnp.org and click on "Workshop Registration" to register. E-mail info@lbnp.org for more.

The event is from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the Long Beach Nonprofit Partnership Offices, 3635 Atlantic Ave. Call 562-290-0018 Ext. 2.

Long Beach restaurants to offer free dog show vouchers

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:19:14 -0800

Long Beach restaurateurs are offering a doggone deal for dog lovers.

From Dec. 4 to Dec. 12, several Long Beach restaurants will participate in Dining For Doggies, a weeklong special that treats customers to a voucher for a free ticket ($20 value) to the 2009 AKC/Eukanuba National Championship at the Long Beach Convention Center if they order a particular menu item.

Participating restaurants include Michael's On Naples, P.F. Chang's, Johnny Rockets, Gladstone's, Boston's, Bono's, L'Opera, Madison, Alegria, La Creperie, Lucille's BBQ, Open Sesame, Taco Surf, Aroma di Roma, Café La Strada, Legends, Magic Lamp, Crème de la Crepe, Lotus Café, Buono's Pizzeria, It's A Grind, Rock Bottom, Extreme Pizza, Natraj, Yen Sushi, BJ's Pizza, George's Greek Café, Bouchee's Bistro, Phuket Thai and Stefano's Pizza.

The two-day international competition and exhibition held Dec. 12 and 13 is expected to draw more than 25,000 attendees.

Shopping local and giving to locals on tap along Broadway Thursday

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:45:36 -0800

The On Broadway Merchants Association will sponsor a Broadway Discovery Tour and We Love Long Beach Food Drive from 6 to 10 p.m. on Nov. 19.

Join 2nd District City Councilwoman Suja Lowenthal for the kick-off party at 5:30 at Paradise Piano Bar and Restaurant (1800 E. Broadway Long Beach; 562-590-8773
valet available).

Tickets are $5 for the Big Red Bus, which will be traveling on Broadway between Hermosa and Loma Ave. Bring canned foods or sealed box food
for the Food Finders Food Drive.

Get an extra raffle ticket when you bring something for the food drive at participating locations.
Extra tickets are handed out for every purchase made that night at participating locations while supplies last. Raffles will be awarded at Paradise at the Curtain Call after party 10:00 p.m.

Go to www.OnBroadwayLB.com or call Sidney Cramer @ Spa Sidney 562-433-9665 or e-mail spasidney@aol.com for more info.

San Pedro fitness business wants to feed people

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:27:18 -0800

Curves of San Pedro will host Give a Gobble event benefitting the Salvation Army of San Pedro on Nov. 23 and Nov. 24.

For new members who bring in a turkey or a $20 contribution during the two-day event San Pedro Curves will waive the initial service fee.

"We chose this organization because the Salvation Army does a fantastic job of feeding those in need during the holiday season," said Curves owner Mary Skinner. "Our goal is to donate twenty turkeys and I think we can do it."

Festivities will include a turkey toss where members can earn raffle tickets for each frozen turkey they toss into the roasting pan.

Contact Curves at 310-547-9740 or curfesrpv@sbcglobal.net to participate in the San Pedro Curves Give a Gobble.

RDA lends Vault 350 developers $500,000

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:20:31 -0800

The Long Beach Redevelopment Agency Board today voted to lend $500,000 in Downtown Project Area funds to Rudy Medina and Luis Kaloyan of 350 Entertainment Group for the development of The Vault 350.

The loan would be used for "working capital and to purchase furniture, fixtures and equipment" for the entertainment venue at 350 Pine Ave.

Medina and Kaloyan would receive a $500,000 loan with a 3.5 percent fixed annual interest payable in 10 years or amortized over 15 years. Developers would pay about $3,574 a month.

This is in addition to the $250,000 facade improvement grant the agency approved in September. The developers said they will use that money to outfit the exterior with a cinematic marquee, box office and presentation case to announce programming and merchandising opportunities. They intend to incorporate some of the 1920s Greek Revival architecture recently uncovered from inside the building, built in 1921 by Parkinson & Parkinson, the architects of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

San Diego natives Medina and Kaloyan purchased the venue for $3.5 million from foreclosure about a year after its last owner, Mitchell Stewart of Network Development LLC, died of a heart attack.

Medina, 51, who owns Medina Investments and Development, a boutique urban infill firm, and Kaloyan, 46, who owns X1FM Network Radio, an interactive live broadband radio station, have been working on more than $5million in renovations to the building, which they hope will be a multifaceted venue that could house concerts and private and public events. The mezzanine is near completion and both have said they plan to open in the first quarter of 2010.

RDA and NFL's Willie McGinest will be in talks over Central Long Beach lot

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:01:55 -0800

The Long Beach Redevelopment Agency board today voted to enter into an exclusive negotiating agreement with NFL player Willie McGinest's company, Wilmac Enterprises, Inc., for the development of the northeast corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Pine Avenue.

The site is a vacant 17,188-square-foot lot, the site of a former recycling center that drew homeless people and drug dealers to the neighborhood. The agency purchased the blighted lot a few years ago for about $1 million.

Wilmac, a private real estate firm established in 1998 that specializes in neighborhood retail, and the agency will spend the next 120 days (with an optional 120-day extension) to discuss the terms of the development.

"I've been wanting to put my footprint in Long Beach for a long time," said the former Long Beach Poly and USC star who played on three Super Bowl championship teams with the New England Patriots and spoke at today's RDA meeting. McGinest said he is excited and enthused in joining in the vision for bettering Long Beach.

RDA to consider negotiating contract with NFL's Willie McGinest

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:22:45 -0800

NFL player Willie McGinest is looking to invest in Central Long Beach.

The Long Beach Redevelopment Agency board on Monday will consider an exclusive negotiating agreement with the longtime linebacker's company, Wilmac Enterprises, Inc., for the development of the northwest corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Pine Avenue.

Wilmac, a private real estate firm established by McGinest in 1998 that specializes in neighborhood-serving retail, approached 6th District City Councilman Dee Andrews' office about available sites for potential development and was directed to the RDA, said Central Project Area Officer David White.

One of those sites was a vacant 17,188-square-foot lot, site of a former recycling center that drew homeless people and drug dealers to the neighborhood.
"It was a horrible, horrible situation over there," White said.

Deeming it blight, the agency purchased the lot a few years ago for about $1 million, White said.

"That site was a very challenging site for us," he said. "It's a small site that large developers don't find attractive because it's not big enough, but (McGinest) was like, 'You know, I just want to come in and give back to my community.'"

If approved, both parties will spend the next 120 days (with an optional 120-day extension) to discuss the terms of the development.

Andrews said McGinest's project could mean job creation for the youth in his community.

"I like athletes who have done well and come back to put something back in and create jobs that lower crime," the councilman said. "This is going to be a great thing and it's really wonderful that Willie is taking this on."

The former Long Beach Poly and USC star won three Super Bowls with the New England Patriots.

The meeting will take place at 9 a.m. at City Hall Council Chamber at 300 W. Ocean Blvd.

RDA to consider half-million loan to Vault 350 developers

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:28:59 -0800

Redevelopment leaders on Monday will consider giving a half-million loan to the developers of a downtown entertainment venue.

The Long Beach Redevelopment Agency Board will decide whether to lend $500,000 in Downtown Project Area funds to Rudy Medina and Luis Kaloyan of 350 Entertainment Group for "working capital and to purchase furniture, fixtures and equipment" for the Vault 350 at 350 Pine Ave., according to a staff report released today.

If approved, Medina and Kaloyan would receive a $500,000 loan with a 3.5 percent fixed annual interest payable in 10 years or amortized over 15 years. Developers would pay about $3,574 a month.

This is in addition to the $250,000 facade improvement grant the agency approved in September. The developers said they will use that money to outfit the exterior of the building with a cinematic marquee, box office and presentation case to announce programming and merchandising opportunities. They intend to incorporate some of the 1920s Greek Revival architecture recently uncovered from inside the building, built in 1921 by Parkinson & Parkinson, the architects of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

San Diego natives Medina and Kaloyan purchased the venue for $3.5 million from foreclosure about a year after its last owner, Mitchell Stewart of Network Development, LLC, died of a heart attack.

Medina, 51, who owns Medina Investments and Development, a boutique urban infill firm, and Kaloyan, 46, who owns X1FM Network Radio, an interactive live broadband radio station, have been working on more than $5 million in renovations to the building, which they hope will be a multifaceted venue that could house concerts and private and public events. Both have said they plan to open in early 2010.

The meeting will take place at 9 a.m. at 333 W. Ocean Blvd.

Presentation on "Family & Divorce Taxation" in Long Beach

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:45:43 -0800

On Wednesday, Nov. 11, there will be a business networking mixer prior to the CLE/CPE presentation on "Family & Divorce Taxation."

Free admission and parking for all attendees.

The mixer will begin at 6 p.m. followed by the 7 p.m. presentation, sponsored by Harrington & Harrington.

The event will be at Cardinal Pacific Escrow Education Center, 6621 E. Pacific Coast Highway, Ste. 105 in Long Beach (located behind building 6615). Call 562-594-9784

CLE/CPE CREDIT:
2.0 hours of MCLE credit for Attorneys
2.0 hours of MCLE TAX SPECIALIZATION CREDIT
2.4 hours of TAX CPE credit for CPAs & EAs

Accreditation Source:
(1) State Bar of California, Tax Specialization
(2) Harrington & Harrington is an IRS Approved
Education Provider No. 672

Volunteers needed to plant trees downtown

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:47:27 -0800

City and business leaders need volunteers to help them plant more than 100 trees downtown on Nov. 21.

Join the Downtown Long Beach Associates, City Council members Suja Lowenthal and Robert Garcia, the city and Redevelopment Agency as they help plant 104 trees in existing tree wells between Ocean Boulevard and 10th Street and between the 710 Freeway and Alamitos.

"This is an opportunity for the community to come together and play a role in the beautification of our Downtown," said DLBA President and Chief Executive Officer Kraig Kojian. "These trees will greatly improve the aesthetics of many of our streets and walkways and will enhance the pedestrian experience."

The tree planting will be from 9 a.m. to noon. Check-in at Broadway and The Promenade, adjacent to The Cellar at 201 E. Broadway beginning at 9 a.m. All who participate will start their day with complimentary coffee, juice and pastries. Drinking water, shovels, brooms and gloves will be provided.
Call Mary Coburn at 562-485-3133 or e-mail her at maryc@dlba.org for more information.