August 2010 Archives

The Willmore Community Police Center is inviting residents to meet recently assigned Long Beach Police Department Commander Joe Stilinovich today at the Willmore Police Center 910 Daisy Ave., from 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.
The commander will talk about the South Division and how his office handles cases. Residents and business owners will have an opportunity to discuss issues and share concerns directly with command staff and officers.
Translation in Spanish will be available. Information is available by calling Teresa Gonzalez at 562- 570-1146 or email: teresa.gonzalez@longbeach.gov

Fifth District Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske is inviting residents from her district to join her on a free information-packed boat tour of the Port of Long Beach, Wednesday, Sept. 8. Residents are asked to check in by 5:30 p.m. and the boat leaves from Dock 2 at Rainbow Harbor at 6 p.m. for a two-hour tour.

Food and beverages will be provided. Participants are urged to dress casually and bring a light jacket and rubber-soled shoes.

Parking is available at the Aquarium of the Pacific Parking Structure and costs $8.

The event is expected to fill up quickly so RSVPs are required by calling 562-570-6932 or emailing district5@longbeach.gov.

 

 

Seal Beach traffic police officers will be working especially hard this Labor Day weekend with back-to-back DUI checkpoints,  attempting to weed out offenders.

 DUI/Drivers License checkpoints on both Friday and Saturday -- set from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. -- are designed to increase awareness of the dangers of impaired driving and to encourage sober designated drivers.

A DUI checkpoint is a proven effective method for achieving this goal, said police spokesman Sgt. Steve Bowles.

Traffic volume and weather permitting, all vehicles may be checked and drivers who are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs will be arrested.

" Our objective is to send a clear message to those who are considering driving a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol and/or drugs - Drunk Driving, Over the Limit, Under Arrest," Bowles said.

Funding for this operation is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Victor Bermudez of the Los Angeles County Department of Power and Water issued the following update for residents of the Belmont Shore area and those affected by the Termino Drain Project.

"Coffer Dam at Marine Stadium is ongoing. Colorado Blvd is scheduled for reopening on Friday, August 27th with Park Ave closing on Monday August 30th. Appian Way from Colorado to Park will remain closed until approx. middle of October, possibly sooner. Reason is: We are encountering unknown utilities at Colorado/Park intersection which is causing some delays but we will try to get through it a.s.a.p. Colorado Lagoon parking lot will be opened for parking around the beginning of September as restoration completes. Work in the PE R/W is progressing with beams being installed through the whole reach. The additional sound wall blanket will be installed at the northern end of the PE R/W a.s.a.p. Work will commence at the edge of 6th and Quincy sometime next week for the laterals that will be installed. Drilling operations will possibly begin around the beginning of October. Any questions, let me know. Thank you again for all your patience and understanding."

 

Victor Bermudez of the Los Angeles County Department of Power and Water issued the following update for residents of the Belmont Shore area and those affected by the Termino Drain Project.

"Coffer Dam at Marine Stadium is ongoing. Colorado Blvd is scheduled for reopening on Friday, August 27th with Park Ave closing on Monday August 30th. Appian Way from Colorado to Park will remain closed until approx. middle of October, possibly sooner. Reason is: We are encountering unknown utilities at Colorado/Park intersection which is causing some delays but we will try to get through it a.s.a.p. Colorado Lagoon parking lot will be opened for parking around the beginning of September as restoration completes. Work in the PE R/W is progressing with beams being installed through the whole reach. The additional sound wall blanket will be installed at the northern end of the PE R/W a.s.a.p. Work will commence at the edge of 6th and Quincy sometime next week for the laterals that will be installed. Drilling operations will possibly begin around the beginning of October. Any questions, let me know. Thank you again for all your patience and understanding."

 

Seal Beach neighbors of the Naval Weapons Station might notice more activity at the base during its four-day Exercise Citadel Rumble 2010, beginning Monday.

The exercise will help prepare naval installations to respond to earthquake, wildfire and terrorist threats, and maintain the ability to operate even under the most adverse conditions. It will be conducted on naval bases throughout the continental United States, according to base spokesman Gregg Smith.

Increased security and emergency response activity should be noticed during regular hours, Smith added.

The installation's "Giant Voice" mass notification loudspeaker system may also be used.

Civilian boat access to Anaheim Bay is currently scheduled to remain open during the event.

The Seal Beach Police Department is now accepting applications for the Volunteer in Police Service (VIPS) program.

The program is sponsored by Citizen Corps through the Department of Homeland Security that prepares individuals and community members to respond in the event of a disaster. The training is conducted by experienced volunteers and officers from the participating departments.

The VIPS' ultimate goal is to enhance the capacity of the local department, according to police spokesman Sgt. Steve Bowles.

The VIPS training course will be held on every Thursday, starting Oct. 7, from 6 to 9:30 p.m., and ending Nov. 18. The course will be held at the department headquarters, 911 Seal Beach Blvd.

Space for the session is limited, and anyone interested in the program should contact the volunteer office at 562.799-4100, Ext.1122 or Ext. 1121. 

Harbor Commissioner Mario Cordero will serve as Grand Marshal of the 2nd Annual Latin American Parade & Festival on Seot. 25.

Spanish singer Shaila Durcal will be honored as the event's Celebrity Marshal.

The Community Marshals will be Centro CHA Executive Director Jessica Quintana and "bicycle ambassador" Tony Cruz.

The office of Councilman Robert Garcia and the Downtown Long Beach Associates (DLBA) named the four recently.

"This is a great opportunity to recognize the incredible talent, enthusiasm and commitment of these Latino leaders," said Garcia in a prepared statement. "I don't think we could have chosen people more deserving of this honor."

Garcia and the DLBA will host a 6-8 p.m. reception Sept. 8 at Hotel Maya . The public is invited to attend and should RSVP to cory.allen@longbeach.gov.

The parade begins at 1 p.m. on Pine Avenue from Sixth Street to Broadway and ends in the East Village Arts District with a festival of Latin-American arts, music, dancing and food.

For more details, call 562.570-6919 or visit district1@longbeach.gov.

Remember September 11 with a neighborly act.

Councillman Dee Andrews will host the 6th District Neighborhood Cleanup -- along with several city agencies -- in remembrance of day.

Volunteers will be taking to the streets for three hours, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 106 E. 20th St., clearing away debris throughout nearby neighborhoods.

 "I encourage my neighbors to join me to make a positive change on this memorable date", said Andrews in a prepared statement. "Keeping our neighborhoods clean and safe is a joint effort. We can not do it alone."

The event will cover Pine to Locust avenues and 20th to Pacific Coast Highway.

The program is in partnership with the Long Beach Police Department, Fire Department, Neighborhood Services, Department of Community Development, The Long Beach Housing Development Co. and Pine Locust Revitalization Group.

Some of the services being offered during the clean-up include:

· Large dumpsters for disposal of all non-hazardous waste

· City staff to answer questions and/or concerns about the clean-up, disposal of materials, code compliance issues, etc.

· Free refreshments and information booths

· Mobile skatepark for the kids

· Tools, rakes, brooms, shovels, gloves, trash bags, and mask provided

Get started making a difference on 9/11 this year by exploring causes that need your help.

For more detailsl, call Andrews at 562.570-6816 or visit www.longbeach.gov/district 6 

The South Coast Interfaith Council is playing host to its fourth annual "Pedaling for Peace" bike-a-thon and a brunch on Labor Day, Sept. 6.

Riders will meet near Belmont Pool in Belmont Shore at 8:30 a.m. with the ride commencing at 9 a.m. The brunch will be a potluck staged at DeForest Park at 11 a.m..

According to the SCIC "The Interfaith Unity Bike-a-Thon brings together people of many different cultures and faiths to enjoy a day of social bicycling and great food. Donations help to support the South Coast Interfaith Council and its supporting organizations."

Riders can gather sponsorships from individuals and groups and split proceeds with the SCIC and their  organization/faith community or donate all proceeds to the SCIC. 

The bike route is approximately 25 miles. However, participants do not have to ride the entire distance. There will be groups of riders going at different speeds to suit participants.

The brunch is available to riders and nonriders alike. According to the SCIC "Even if you are not riding, we would be delighted to have you join us for a brunch at 11:00 a.m. at DeForest Park, which is the half-way point of the ride located at DeForest and Harding in North Long Beach. Just bring a dish to share and a chair to sit on if you'd like to attend!"
For information on registration and questions call Richard Brehove at 310-325-7289 or Richard@unitybike.org

Newly appointed South Division police Cmdr. Joe Stilinovich will meet the public Sept. 1 at the Wilmore Community Police Center.

The event is scheduled 6 to 7:30 p.m. at 910 Daisy Ave.
Stilinovich will give an overview of the division and area.

Visitors will get to know and exchange information with the South Division command staff and officers, and learn how to work together for a better neighborhood.

Fifth District Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske will give residents her take on the 2011 budget at a community meeting Saturday, August 21 at 10 a.m. at Emerson Elementary, 2625 Josie Ave. Facing $18.5 million in cuts, the 2011 budget has been particularly difficult. On hand to talk about the challenges will be City Manager Pat West, who is charged with finalizing the budget. Also participating will be representatives from police, fire, public works, parks recreation and marine and other departments. Information is available by calling Schipske's office at 562-570-6932 or district5@longbeach.gov

Community Budget Meeting  Saturday, August 21, 2010 10:00 am Emerson Elementary (2625 Josie Ave.)

Cats and kittens are being dumped on the Seal Beach Public Works Department yard property.

The increased activity -- between the Animal Care Center and the Police Station -- may be the work of a few "rescuers" who know that Seal Beach is a no-kill facility, according to city officials.

To discourage the dumping, the officials  have placed a strongly worded a-frame sign where the dumping typically occurs. 

Seal Beach's Fall edition of the Community Services "Shoreline" recreation brochure is now posted on its website.

The focus of the Fall edition is highlighting the 95th anniversary Founders Day celebration. The link is http://www.ci.seal-beach.ca.us/parksandrec/pdfs/RecGuideFall10.pdf.

The brochure began arriving in residents' mailboxes around Aug. 9. 

Goodwill retail stores are holding a $2 clothing sale on Aug. 27 and 28.

Clothing currently priced under $2 remains at Goodwill's lower price.

When shopping Goodwill, purchases fund skills training, education and job placement programs for people with barriers to employment.

Goodwill serves the area as a community resource providing job training and employment placement services.

Goodwill locations:

Carson: 21827 S. Avalon Blvd., 310.830-3630

Cerritos: 10745 South St., 562.207-9464

Compton: 121 S. Long Beach Blvd., 310.537-4380

Hawaiian Gardens: 12130 E. Carson St., 562.429-6515

Long Beach/West: 800 W. Pacific Coast Highway, 562.435-8214

Long Beach: 2610 Atlantic Ave., 562.989-3630

Long Beach: 1130 Redondo Ave., 562.0498-0040

Long Beach: 8155 E. Wardlow Rd., 562.719-9242

Norwalk: 12827 Pioneer Blvd., 562.864-0662

Paramount: 8524 Alondra Blvd., 562.602-1856

Long Beach homeowners can enter to win energy efficiency makeovers for their home.

One grand-prize winner and one runner-up prize winner will be chosen in each of the nine council districts.

 Nine grand prizes worth $5,000 each, and nine runner-up prizes worth $800 each, will be available through Long Beach's Energy Efficiency Opportunity Drawing.

To be eligible, entries must be Long Beach residents, Southern California Edison customers and homeowners. Entry forms and a step-by-step process are available online at www.sustainablelb.com.

The Energy Efficiency Opportunity Drawing is a partnership between the city and SCE, as a result of the city's Local Government Energy Efficiency Partnership, which was launched in January.

Winners will be selected the week of Nov. 29.

Grand-prize winners will choose which energy efficiency measures they want to install based on the results of a Home Energy Survey.

Runner-up prize winners will be able to pick from a predetermined list of devices, which includes a Variable Speed pool pump, an Energy Star Refrigerator, an Energy Star Room AC or a Whole House Fan. The awards for grand and runner-up prizes will cover both materials and labor.

For more information, visit www.sustainablelb.com or contact the sustainability coordinator at Meredith.Reynolds@longbeach.gov or 562.570.6396.

Residents are being urged to take precautions regarding a rash of mail thefts.

They should not place, leave or expose outgoing mail hanging from residential mailboxes, police officials said.

Recently, fraud investigators have experienced a surge of mail theft reports where suspects are stealing mail that contain payments earmarked for creditors such as mortgage lenders, credit card companies, financial institutions and retail businesses.

Residents are encouraged to practice the following recommendations:

* Do not write account, driver's license or social security numbers on your checks

* If possible, satisfy payments on-line or at your creditor's website

* Place or deposit outgoing mail in a mail slot located inside a postal facility or hand it to your neighborhood postal carrier

* When ordering checks from your financial institution, request the secure type that cannot be altered

* Do not send cash in the mail

* Retrieve mail from your mailbox promptly after delivery

If you discover that you have become a victim of mail fraud:

* Report the incident to the police

* File a complaint with the United States Postal Inspection Service

For more details, visit the United States Postal Inspection Service website at https://postalinspectors.uspis.gov, or call the police Forgery/Fraud Detail at 562.570-7330.

The public's invited to a refreshing free annual community party Saturday at King Pool in the 6th District.

"Summertime is a great time to get out and enjoy the company of your neighbors," said 6th District Councilman Dee Andrews, who will  host the event with the Long Beach Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine. "This is what this event is about and it will keep you cool enough to stay all afternoon."

The free pool party is scheduled 1 - 4 p.m. at Martin Luther King Jr. Pool, 1910 Lemon Ave.

 All ages are welcome. For more details, call Andrews office at 562.570-6816 or visit www.longbeach.gov/District6

Low-cost pet clinics in Long Beach are scheduled for the second Saturday and third Wednesday of every month to provide a one-stop station for vaccination, microchipping and licensing services.

Today's Low-Cost Pet Clinic is set for 5 -- 7:30 p.m., at Veterans Park Community Center, 101 E. 28th St.

The program is made possible by a state licensed veterinarian from the Southern California Veterinary Vaccine Clinic (SCVVC) onsite to provide the shots, and residents can process their license renewals onsite. Visit http://scvvc.webs.com/ for a full listing of prices. Services available include:

* Dog Rabies: $6
* Cat Rabies: $6 (or if preferred, "Purevax" Rabies @ $20)
* DHPP (DA2PP): $15 (dogs)
* Bordetella: $12 (dogs)
* Lyme: $22 (dogs)
* FVRCP: $15 (cats)
* FELV: $17 (cats)
* AVID Microchips: $28 (cats and dogs)
* Altered Dog License: $20 (half-price for seniors)
* Unaltered Dog License: $90
* Altered Cat License: Free

<CF11> </CF>Animal Care Services is open to the public Wednesday through Friday, from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. The Village is closed on Monday, Tuesday and all holidays. Call 570-PETS (7387) for service. Visit ACS online: www.longbeach.gov/acs.</CF>

For more details about upcoming clinics, visit http://www.longbeach.gov/acs/pet_license/microchip/microchip_clinic_schedule.asp

Gardeners, green thumbs and those interested in helping create a bit of sanctuary in the Central Area are invited to join with the Peace Garden Leadership Group in a couple of volunteer workdays.

The group, made of members from several community groups, is working to create a shared garden area at Martin Luther King Jr. Park, 1950 Lemon Ave. As envisioned the evolving project will include community lots, a small orchard, Monarch butterfly garden, learning center, meditation area and other elements.

"This peace garden is a special place to connect with yourself and your neighbors," Sixth District Councilman Dee Andrews said in a prepared statement.

The volunteer workdays are on Saturdays, Aug. 14 and Aug. 21 from 8:30 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Information is available by calling the garden's manager Deborah Kearn at 562-570-7967 or 562-477-8052.

The Wrigley Area Neighborhood Alliance ( WANA ) will stage its quarterly clean-up Saturday, Aug. 14, from 9 a.m. until noon. Interested participants can meet at 1990 Pacific Avenue. Tools, gloves, snacks and water will be provided and community service credits are available for students. Residents can drop off old electronics and tires for disposal at the registration site To sign up a group, suggest a location for a future clean-up,or for more information, call Jill at 599-1822 or send e-mail to jhill2075@verizon.net.

 

Traffic could be a tad slow these days on Lampson Avenue in Seal  Beach.

City Manager David Carmany, however, says relief is on the way -- in the next month or so.

The Lampson water well project started June 21 for the offsite water and sewer line-piping portion of this project, and it's scheduled for completion by Sept. 24. The project water supply line will run from Lampson to the city's water system at Basswood Avenue. A project sewer line will connect to the sewer system at Candleberry Avenue, Carmany said.

"City staff and the contractor are working to have traffic opened as soon as possible," the city manager added. "It is likely that the contractor will still be finishing up items of work for the month of October, but will not be allowed to impact traffic on Lampson Avenue in the manner that they currently are allowed after Sept. 24."

 Onsite construction and improvements, as well as installing the pumps, is scheduled to continue through the rest of the year, Carmany said.