July 2011 Archives

Re "The Map" that caused so much of an uproar this week: I saw this on Facebook tonight, posted by one of San Pedro's downtown businesses, the San Pedro Brewing Co. : 

In the ongoing drama over that Navy map -- the one that designated several areas, including San Pedro's downtown, as a "high drug use and distribution" district -- newly elected Rep. Janice Hahn today expressed her "anger and outrage" in a letter to U.S. Navy Secretary Ray Mabus.

She then invited him on a walking tour of the so-called danger areas. From her letter:

These so-called dangerous areas included San Pedro's Chamber of Commerce and our Historic Downtown and Arts District where local businesses were looking forward to welcoming the sailors to a much deserved break from duty.

I invite you to tour San Pedro with me. And then, once you have had an opportunity to visit our community, dine in our restaurants and meet the families who are proud to call San Pedro home. I would hope that you would then understand our dismay over these maps.

In addition, I'd ask that NCIS policy regarding the publication of such maps for domestic visits be reviewed and possibly changed.

The Daily Breeze story about the map went viral after it appeared on Thursday, with television stations and numerous blogs picking up the story.

See our original story about the map and today's Daily Breeze follow-up story.

***Update: Assemblymembers Warren Furutani and Bonnie Lowenthal also have jumped in on the issue, sending a letter to the director of the NCIS, Mark Clookie:

It is our understanding that these maps were created with no input from either the Los Angeles Port Police or the Los Angeles Police Department. This situation could have been avoided if staff from NCIS had reached out to local law enforcement agencies, as well as community organizations like the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce who could have provided more information on the great things San Pedro has to offer.

.... We hope in the future that NCIS will be more collaborative with local communities before distributing information about an area.

And this from Los Angeles Mayor Villaraigosa, who issued his own statement on the matter this afternoon:

The area, he said, is "safer today than it has been in decades. ... Since 2005, total violent crime has dropped over 35% and homicides are down over 40% (citywide).

For those of you interested in the early twists and turns of the race for L.A.'s harbor district seat:

Our Daily News colleague Rick Orlov, who covers Los Angeles City Hall, has a post about Pat McOsker, one of the candidates for Janice Hahn's vacated City Council seat.

***Update: We've also just learned (on Friday afternoon) that former Los Angeles City Councilman Robert Farrell -- who represented south central Los Angeles in the 1970s and 1980s and moved to San Pedro in the early 1990s -- will throw his hat into the ring. So that makes an even dozen.
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"A cast of thousands" was how one local characterized the number of candidates who could be expected to run if L.A.'s City Council District 15 became an open seat.

We don't have 1,000 yet, but four more candidates have filed with the city's Ethics Commission today, signalling they'll be raising funds for a campaign to succeed Janice Hahn who was elected to Congress this month. That brings the total to 11 candidates intending to vie for the nonpartisan seat that has two years remaining on Hahn's term.

The latest to file for fundraising are:

• David Greene, a Democratic party activist
  

• Kenneth Melendez, long active in the Wilmington waterfront cause
  
• Gordon Teuber, a Hahn staffer
• Jayme Wilson, active in the San Pedro waterfront and downtown revitalization efforts

They join Justin Brimmer, Joe Buscaino, Mervin L. Evans, Warren Furutani, James T. Law, Pat McOsker and Rudy Svorinich Jr.

See our earlier post on the contest.


 

When: Wednesday, July 27, 2011 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Where: The Conference Room at Peninsula Center Library

Palos Verdes Library District Trustees will host a workshop for residents interested in running for a position on the Library Board at the November 2011 election. The workshop will be from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 27, 2011, in the Conference Room at the Peninsula Center Library, 701 Silver Spur Road, Rolling Hills Estates, 90274. Information about the Library District and the role and workload of an elected Trustee will be reviewed. Questions from prospective candidates are welcome. All interested parties are invited. To assist with handout printing, please notify the Library of your intention to attend by contacting Nicole Gentica in the Library administrative offices at (310) 377-9584, ext. 245 or by email at ngentica@pvld.org.

Seven candidates (so far -- expect at least a few more before the end of the week) have signed up to raise campaign funds for Los Angeles' 15th City Council District, vacated earlier this month when Janice Hahn won a seat in Congress.

Two years remain on her existing city term and the city has set a special election for Nov. 8, with a runoff, if needed, on Jan. 17.

Candidates who have filed paperwork so far with the city Ethics Commission indicating they'll be raising funds for the race are: Justin Brimmer, Joe Buscaino, Mervin L. Evans, Warren Furutani, James T. Law, Pat McOsker and Rudy Svorinich Jr.

Meanwhile, we heard from another candidate who plans to run for the seat,  Kambiz Mostofi.

Others who are or may be seriously weighing a run include Robert Farrell, David Greene, John Mavar, Kenneth Melendez, Gordon Teuber and Jayme Wilson.

Doug Epperhart, who has long been active in the city's neighborhood council movement, has seriously thought about running for the seat but told me yesterday he's decided to opt out, saying he "couldn't get past the math."

With prominent -- read, well-connected with well-heeled backers -- political names jumping into this race early on, it will surely leave behind a big field of "also rans." He said he didn't want to be one of them.

Epperhart estimated a candidate will need to raise $1 million in order to wage a successful campaign in the city of Los Angeles. That may or may not be true. But either way, it'll cost a whole lot of money, you can be sure of that.

The formal filing period to declare candidacy for office runs from Aug. 22-27. 

Within hours of taking her oath of office, Congresswoman Janice Hahn stepped headlong into the looming debate over the nation's debt ceiling.

In her first official act, Hahn signed on to the Congressional Progressive Caucus letter to Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-San Francisco, opposing cuts to Social Security and Medicare.

The newly-minted congresswoman also expressed disapproval of the "cut, cap and balance" bill, which would allow a $2.4 trillion raise in the federal debt limit. The measure also includes spending cuts and a constitutional amendment requiring a balanced federal budget.

Favored by tea party-backed House Republicans, the legislation has little hope of passing the Democratic-controlled Senate. President Barack Obama has promised to veto the bill.

"This plan presents a false choice for Americans," Hahn said in a statement. "It will force seniors and other vulnerable citizens to pay for more tax breaks for millionaires, billionaires and corporate jet owners. It's not right, and it's not a fair way to balance our budget."

Hahn defeated Republican Craig Huey one week ago today in the runoff election to replace Democrat Jane Harman in the 36th Congressional District. Harman resigned in February to lead the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars.

Reached by phone Tuesday, Hahn discussed several topics, including:

• The current atmosphere in Congress: "All day long, you're sitting here watching the speeches. It's very cantankerous," said Hahn. "(At the same time), when I was there, on the floor, it was very collegial. Members of both parties from all states were coming up and welcoming me."

• On using the Hahn family bible to take the oath: "It meant a lot to hold it today," the congresswoman said. "It has so much meaning and significance for me."
  
  The family bible, given as wedding gift in 1948 to Hahn's mother, Ramona, and her father, 40-year Los Angeles County Supervisor Kenneth Hahn, was stolen and discarded by thieves in 2006.
  
  A good Samaritan returned the bible to Ramona Hahn, who died July 11, one day before the election.
  
  "My mother held that every time my dad got sworn in, every time my brother (former Los Angeles Mayor James Hahn) got sworn in," said Hahn.
  
  "I'm looking at a picture right now of her holding it the first time I got sworn in to city council. It was very emotional for me today."
  
  
• She addressed concerns from liberal activists that she was waffling over protecting Medicare and Social Security.
  
  Hahn was quoted in a post-election interview saying she was open to compromises Obama has considered during debt negotiations regarding changes to the programs.
  
  "I think my statement was taken out of context," Hahn said, adding an unequivocal "no" when asked if she would be for reductions in Social Security or Medicare.
  
  
• Hahn said the latest congressional draft maps drawn by the California Citizens Redistricting Committee that include the district she represents links communities that have "no commonality."
  
  "I would be surprised if they stood," said Hahn.
  
  Addressing any perception in her own district that there is little shared between more conservative-leaning South Bay cities and the strongly-liberal areas in Los Angeles at the northern and southern edges, Hahn pointed out that many Huey-won areas were closely split. 
  
  She also trotted out well-worn campaign language.
  
  "I think the message of people wanting jobs and getting our economy up and running, transitioning to clean energy and other new technology, is something a lot of people rally behind," Hahn said.

The 50^th Anniversary of the Charlie Saikley 6-Man Volleyball Tournament is nearing and today city officials issued a press release detailing rules and regulations. (Note rule No. 1: No alcohol).

This year's edition of 6-Man is expected to run over budget, but that hasn't stopped the city from hosting the beloved event. And earlier this month, the Manhattan Beach City Council reminded tournament goers that alcohol will not be tolerated. Police are expected to be out in force. Alcohol fines can be as high as $600.

Here's the press release from City Manager Dave Carmany's office:

The City of Manhattan Beach will once again host the Charlie Saikley 6-Man Volleyball Tournament on Saturday, July 30th and Sunday, July 31, 2011. This year will mark the 50th Anniversary of the event and Manhattan Beach Police and Fire Departments, along with LA County Beaches and Harbors and LA County Lifeguards are closely working together to ensure a safe event. These agencies have partnered to strictly enforce the rules and regulations of the event in order to alleviate any potential issues.

All weekend long, visitors, participants and residents should prepare for heavy traffic (vehicular and pedestrian) and expect parking delays for this major event, as there is no shuttle service. Also, there will be a significant police and private security presence on the streets and along the beach.

Each team and their designated "Team Manager" have been provided a copy of the following rules:

• No alcoholic beverages (fines up to $600 per incident, per MBMC 4.48.030)

• Upon entry to event, no un-sealed beverages/containers allowed

• No "jello"-type or frozen liquid-type of food/beverages allowed

• No amplified music or balloons

• No band equipment

• No structures, inflatables, stages or poles

• No wagons or motor operated devices

Failure to abide by rules, may cause disqualification of player and/or team (for other guidelines and tournament information, www.citymb.info)

In addition, the Fire Department would like to remind beachgoers of the following safety tips:

• Drink plenty of water, especially small children. Dehydration can lead to heat exhaustion.

• Use sunblock and shade appropriately and seek medical attention if large blisters appear.

• Pedestrians should cross streets in marked crosswalks and avoid walking between parked cars.

• MBFD will staff a first-aid station at the foot of the pier, next to the Lifeguard Station.

• If calling 9-1-1 from the beach, be prepared to give accurate location description (i.e. sand court number, lifeguard tower number, etc.)

The MBPD Public Information Officer Stephanie Martin will be available throughout Saturday's event for updates and can be reached by calling 310-802-5140.

(Photos courtesy of Jeff Otto)

Marathons and sprints are nothing new. But competitive treadmill running?

That's exactly what more than a hundred onlookers and a few dozen contestants took part in when they flocked to Hermosa Beach's Pier Plaza earlier this month for a treadmill marathon.

The July 8 event was hosted by stand-up comic Daniel Tosh of Comedy Central's Tosh.O show.

The marathon featured about 70 contestants and was filmed for television. The episode will air tonight on Comedy Central. Check television listing's for air times.

Tosh is a South Bay resident.

Images of the treadmill marathon are courtesy of Jeff Otto, a Santa Monica-based photographer.

A memorial service for longtime El Camino College journalism professor Jolene Combs has been set for Friday.

The service will be at 3 p.m. at Riviera United Methodist Church, 375 Palos Verdes Blvd. in Redondo Beach.

Combs, 69, of Rolling Hills Estates died Wednesday of a heart attack while being treated for pneumonia.

Combs taught journalism, yearbook and english classes at Redondo Union High School in Redondo Beach beginning in 1970. In 1984, she moved to El Camino, where she taught journalism and advised the student publications, including the Warwhoop newspaper, which later became The Union.

Many of her students went on to successful journalism careers.

Just when you thought it was over ....

As soon as the intense campaign for the 36th Congressional District finished this week another campaign was launched.

Anyone feeling campaign fatigue?

This one will be for the Los Angeles City Council seat (District 15) that Janice Hahn will be leaving now that she's won her congressional seat.

Because this is the first time the council seat will be wide open in 10 years, there is already lively interest with some one dozen candidates appear to be lined up and ready to run. The City Council is expected to call a special election next week, with the City Clerk's Office recommending a Nov. 8 primary and a Jan. 17 run-off if needed.

The council district takes in San Pedro, Wilmington, Harbor City, Harbor Gateway and part of Watts.

As an addendum to our story from today, we got word that at least one of those named as possibly considering a run won't be running. San Pedro attorney Bob Nizich says count him out, he's "never stated nor will I consider running  ..."

That leaves:

• Former Los Angeles City Councilman Rudy Svorinich Jr.
• Pat McOsker, president of the Los Angeles City firefighters union
• State Assemblyman Warren Furutani
• LAPD Senior Lead Officer Joe Buscaino
• Neighborhood Council leader Doug Epperhart
• San Pedro Democratic Club President David Greene
• Northwest San Pedro Neighborhood Council leader John Mavar
• Wilmington waterfront advocate Kenneth Melendez
• Hahn deputy Gordon Teuber
• San Pedro businessman and community leader Jayme Wilson

Others have been mentioned as possibly interested, as well.

Candidates will be able to begin raising money when the special election is formally set (which will probably happen sometime next week) -- but they need to file the necessary paperwork with the city's Ethics Commission first.

Among the early jockeying to watch in the next week or so: Whether some of the candidates decide to join forces behind a chosen contender to narrow the field; and who appears to be garnering those all-important union endorsements. Union money and volunteer support will likely be a key factor in this city race and a few of the higher-profile contenders enjoy strong union ties.

So hang on tight. It won't be boring.

*Updates web story to include quotes from Manhattan Beach Mayor Richard Montgomery.

Manhattan Beach has prevailed in its three-year legal battle against a coalition of plastic bag manufacturers fighting to get the city's ban on single-use plastic sacks overturned.

The state Supreme Court ruled today that the city was not required to prepare an environmental impact report before implementing the ban. The decision reverses a state appellate court ruling.

"Substantial evidence and common sense support the city's determination that its ordinance would have no significant environmental effect," wrote Justice Carol A. Corrigan in the unanimous ruling.

The decision by the seven-judge panel is a major victory for the eco-minded seaside community, and paves the way for the city's elected leaders to move forward with an outright ban on single-use plastic bags.

"We are ecstatic," Mayor Richard Montgomery said in a statement. "Environmental stewardship has long been an issue on the agendas of local governments, and in these difficult times the challenges are sharper."

In an interview shortly after the ruling was announced, Montgomery acknowledged the widespread support among local businesses, residents and other coastal communities for the city's legal fight to ban plastic bags.

"It's not just victory for us, it's a victory for cities who believe like we did that plastic bags are bad for our environment," Montgomery said, adding that Manhattan Beach will soon move forward with a ban on single-use plastic bags. "They chose the wrong city to

go after. It goes to show you that sometimes the good guys win."

Montgomery said the court's ruling was a victory on two levels.

"One, it proves our methodology was correct in determining that plastic bags do harm the environment. And two, it saves us and other cities from paying for full blown EIR," Montgomery said.

Manhattan Beach in early July 2008 became the first city in the South Bay to place a outright ban on single-use plastic sacks.

The Save the Plastic Bag Coalition sued Manhattan Beach following the decision, arguing the city violated the state Environmental Quality Act by not fully analyzing a ban's effects. The coalition includes several plastic bag manufacturers.

A Los Angeles Superior Court judge in February 2009 ruled in the coalition's favor, and the city appealed. After an appellate court upheld the ruling, the Manhattan Beach City Council petitioned the state Supreme Court.

Manhattan Beach city officials, including then-interim City Attorney Lee Dolley and Mayor Richard Montgomery, traveled to San Francisco on May 4 to defend the city's position.

Arguing the case for the city were Manhattan Beach-native Christian Marsh and James Moose. Both attorneys specialize in environmental law. The city also received assistance from attorneys from the League of California Cities, California State Association of Counties and Californians Against Waste.

The Save the Plastic Bag Coalition was represented in court by Stephen Joseph, a San Francisco-based attorney and spokesman for the nonprofit group. The coalition has filed legal objections to proposed plastic bag bans in Marin County, San Jose and Encinitas.

Arguments from both sides lasted about two hours. Manhattan Beach launched its own environmental study before the July 2008 City Council decision to outlaw plastic bags. During the May hearing, Joseph referred to the study as "whitewash."

In November, two months after California lawmakers rejected a bill that would have banned plastic bags statewide, single-use plastic bags were outlawed in unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County by the Board of Supervisors.

The county's ban went into affect for larger supermarkets and pharmacies this month and will extend to smaller retailers in January 2012.

It's summer. The time of year for backyard barbeques, pool side parties and leisurely beach days with friends and family.

It's also the season for planking.

We here in the Daily Breeze newsroom have followed the planking trend as it's risen from a strange foreign curiosity into an headline-grabbing international craze. We haven't stopped laughing, or scratching our heads.

If Dwight Howard and Ron Artest - sorry, Metta World Peace - are doing it, then it has to be cool. Right?

But surely, planking - like other strange fads - is destined for obscurity and irrelevance.

And before it goes the way of the hacky sack and rollerblading, we'd like to put out a call: Send us your planking photos. Have an interesting or hilarious planking story to tell? We want to hear it. We'll post the photos here, on the Pipeline Blog. Maybe we'll consider a few for a possible story in the pages of the Daily Breeze. Just be sure to include your name, where the photo was taken and some contact info.

Send e-mails to: douglas.morino@dailybreeze.com

Just don't put yourself - or anyone else - in harms way, break any laws and/or get yourself fired from your job. After all, the Daily Breeze does not condone illegal behavior. And we certainly don't want anyone to get hurt.

Now, happy planking.

Barbs continued to fly even as ballots were being cast today in the 36th Congressional District campaign between Democrat Janice Hahn and Republican Craig Huey.

Sales tax generated from businesses in Manhattan Beach was 12.7 percent higher from January through March than the same period a year ago.

A portion of the increase can be attributed to higher fuel prices, although restaurants and electronics stores are also seeing substantial sales increases from the year prior. Shoe stores saw a 50 percent climb, too.

The data was calculated by the HdL Companies, an independent accounting firm that tracks revenue streams for public agencies across Los Angeles County.

Sales declines were seen in family apparel, home furnishing and office supply businesses.

The top sales tax producers in Manhattan Beach include Apple Computer, Dewitt Petroleum, Chevron, Mobil Oil, Target and the Manhattan Beach Marriott.

During the 2009-10 fiscal year, $7.5 million was generated in sales tax revenue from Manhattan Beach businesses. That number climbed to $8.5 million in 2010-11.

The report can be seen here: 1st Quarter Sales (Jan-Mar) 20111.pdf

For all those Rancho Palos Verdes residents -- or maybe just the subset in Portguese Bend -- who are eagerly awaiting news of a ruling in one of the lawsuits I wrote about recently, there's been a delay.

The city of Torrance has created a "Torrance Resident Services" page on its web site as a sort of one-stop center to access information about permits, forms and the like for residents and visitors.