Judy Baca: Memorias De Nuestra Tierra, a Retrospec- tive

Raspados Majados by Judy Baca. Photos by Raphael Ri ch ard so n

Josephina by Judy Baca.

In time for the 1984 Olympics, Judith Baca, with the help of 400 community youth and artists, completed The Great Wall of Los Angeles. The effort was coordinated by the Social and Public Art Resource Center or SPARC. Measuring at about a half mile long and 13 feet high, the work is credited as the longest hand painted mural in the world. Now, ahead of the 2028 Olympics, Baca will lead the effort to expand the original Great Wall of Los Angeles mural.

On July 14, the Museum of Latin American Art celebrated its grand reopening in a most extraordinary way, showing one of America’s leading visual artists, Judy Baca: Memorias de Nuestra Tierra, a Retrospective encompassing nearly two square miles of Baca’s work. RETROSPECTIVE

Baca’s Retrospective at 9,880 square feet is the highlight of MOLAA’s grand reopening. The exhibition includes more than 110 works divided across three gallery spaces presenting different aspects of Baca’s artistic production. They include the “Womanist Gallery” [women of color’s term for feminist] focused on Baca’s womanist artworks in a variety of media created throughout her career.

It also includes more personal works, many never seen before. “Public Art Survey” includes painted murals to digital works where visitors will be introduced to the breadth of Baca’s projects through SPARC which Baca founded in 1976. The Great Wall of Los Angeles encompasses Baca’s first masterpiece, as viewers participate in an immersive audiovisual experience of the monumental, half mile long piece that occupies the Tujunga wash in the San Fernando Valley. In not exactly postpandemic times, after the plight of essential workers and marginalized populations have been laid bare, Memorias de Nuestra Tierra is emotionally striking. Baca, who led the tour of her retrospective, affirmed this response saying she thought it was just her but “It is emotional, isn’t it? We’re going to have to put little tissue boxes around,” she said.

MOLAA turned the Great Wall of Los Angeles into an immersive experience, achieved with light projectors and animation. The experience is one that moves beyond the fourth wall — the space between an audience and subject, bringing viewers into the art and augmenting their reality.

The mural is emotionally provocative in its depiction of California’s history “as seen through the eyes of women and minorities” in numerous connected panels.

Viewers are immersed with animated scenes of California’s prehistory depicting native wildlife and the creation story of the indigenous Chumash.

The projected animation takes the viewer through seminal events of the 20th century, including Chinese labor contributions, the arrival of Jewish refugees (fleeing oppression and the Holocaust) and their contributions to the culture and history of Los Angeles, refugees from the Dust Bowl, the Great Depression, the Japanese-American internment of World War II, the Zoot Suit Riots, the Freedom Riders, the disappearance of Rosie the Riveter, gay rights activism, the story of Biddy Mason, deportations of Mexican Americans, the birth of rock ‘n’ roll, and the development of suburbia.

“This was done by Latin American animation experts,” Baca explained. “The seamless connection between the projectors is magical … There are seven or eight [projectors] and as [the mural is] project[ed] there’s no seams.”

Baca explained the animators recreated an entire sense of the mural, almost at full scale. The projection is 28 minutes in length. Animators took different vignettes of the mural highlighting what Baca and her team had to do to integrate sections within the overall view of the piece. The photographs of the mural came from The Getty, which photographed the most recent restoration in which Baca led a team of 30 painters to renovate the 1976 mural.

“We had ... fading and damage over many years,” Baca said. “When it was all up, The Getty came in with a phase one camera and they photographed every inch of the piece so that it could be reproduced at full scale. So if the mural is lost, we could bring it back in full scale print.” When asked how it felt to have an entire retrospective of her work in LA where she grew up, Baca said it’s overwhelming because she’s still digesting it.

“I really understand that I am a river rock,” Baca said. c

Judy Baca as La Pachuca, photographed by Doma Deitch . [See Judy Baca, p. 11] The Birth of the Vision of th e H eart , f r o m When Go d Was A Woman, a collaboration directed by Judy Baa .

San Pedro’s new paleta shop, La Michoacana Ice Cream, was packed with new customers looking for relief from the summer heat. Not surprising considering the new shop aims to become the first choice for cold snacks and drinks and satiate our cravings whether it’s sweet, salty, cold or hot in the Los Angeles Harbor.

There are thousands of such paleterias across the county and more than 20 in Southern California with some variation on the name. The name and myriad variations of it can be found on the labels of paletas in pushcarts, and on boxes in the frozen food aisles of supermarkets from rural Michoacán to Mexico City, Los Angeles to New York, Florida to Texas.

“La Michoacana” is shorthand for a paleteria or ice cream shop in much the same way that people use the brand name Kleenex to mean facial tissue. According to an Eater LA column, La Michoacana isn’t an official brand, but a reference to the loosely connected network of mostly family owned ice cream shops.

La Michoacana Ice Cream

Details: 424-264-5556, https://www.facebook. com/LaMichoacanaSanPedro/ Venue: 683 W. 9th St., San Pedro

New Restaurant Openings

By Terelle Jerricks, Managing Editor

Spiro’s Under New Ownership

Spiro’s Burgers was sold in May 2021 to S&R Palatos Inc., which owns and operates Ted’s Place in Harbor City and Ted’s Burgers in Carson. Spiro’s was one of many burger restaurants established by the Spiropoulos brothers, James and Tom in the Los Angeles Harbor Area.

Though the new fictitious business name for the restaurant will be Ted’s Place San Pedro, it’s not certain that the name on the nearly five decade old establishment will change. It first opened its doors in the fall of 1972 and has kept its doors open ever since.

Specializing in burgers and sandwiches, the restaurant’s menu has expanded over time to

A young patron enjoys ice cream at La Michoacana Ice Cream. Above, the sign of the former Spiro’s Burgers, which was recently sold to S&R Palatos Inc., and has been registered under the fictitious business name Ted’s Place San Pedro. Photos by Arturo Garcia-Ayala

include standard breakfast, lunch and dinner, ranging from burgers, sandwiches and fries to tacos, burritos and quesadillas. Recently, Spiro’s added a teriyaki chicken plate.

If there’s comfort food you’re craving, Spiro’s probably has it.

Spiro’s Burgers / Ted’s Place San Pedro

Details: 310-872-3903 Venue: 240 S. Pacific Ave., San Pedro

The Artistry Lounge and Gallery

Alan Vallia, from the band Sunken City, has just opened a new spot in the place formerly occupied by Off the Vine. Vallia, a jack of many trades and a master of most of them, is trying to bring an old world vibe to this tiny corner of San Pedro.

During this past First Thursday, Vallia talked about traveling the world and gaining inspiration from watering holes in such distant places as Australia and hidden nooks and crannies in Europe complete with deep wooded colors and leather. Vallia envisions the Artistry Lounge as a place for artists and art connoisseurs to gather over fine wines, tapas and cutting edge work.

The tapas offerings include a variety of salads alongside a variety of meats and cheeses. It’s open only four days a week, but it’s worth the wait if you’re looking for a place to lounge and sip the work week’s worries away.

Artistry Lounge

Details: 424-570-0935; https://www.theartistry Venue: 491 W. 6th St., Unit# 103, San Pedro

“All the surges and rages and water running, like the river, I’ve been honed and essentially made smooth, made rounded by all these experiences. And now I’m getting to see it all at once … I’ve never seen it all at once. And now it’s this moving thing from my family’s coming across the border to all that they built and gave. And to this notion of being like a river rock, I watched the LA River turn to concrete. And that influenced me. It influenced The Great Wall production and ... working with these children and all that they suffered and went through.”

The retrospective also includes one of her most controversial murals, Baca’s 2005 Danzas Indigenas — public art commissioned by Metro for a station in Baldwin Park. The work was a monument to Toypurina, a Tongva/Kizh medicine woman who opposed colonial rule by Spanish missionaries in California.

The monument has several engraved unattributed statements. The most controversial inscription read: “It was better before they came.” Another inscription was no better received: “This land was Mexican once, was Indian always and is, and will be again.”

SPARC, at the time, reported that, “Save our State with ties to the vigilante Minutemen Border Patrol, erroneously believed that quotes on the monument were racially charged, seditious and anti-American in nature. The residents of Baldwin Park believed otherwise … and quickly mobilized into a group of nearly 1,000 people in a counter protest.”

Indeed, Baca’s rise as an artist came out of the 1970 Chicano Moratorium, an anti-war action of the Chicano movement, marking the start of Latino empowerment. Baca cannot be separated from the LA mural movement and its populist underpinnings.

Baca reflected on her work in a statement used by MOLAA, saying:

Of greatest interest to me is the invention of systems of ‘voice giving’ for those left without public venues in which to speak. Socially responsible artists from marginalized communities have a particular responsibility to articulate the conditions of their people and to provide catalysts for change, since the perceptions of us as individuals are tied to the conditions of our communities in a racially unsophisticated society. We can not escape that responsibility even when we choose to try; we are made of the ‘blood and dust’ of our ancestors in a continuing history. Being a catalyst for change will change us also.

With this in mind, the Great Wall of Los Angeles is not yet complete. Baca is set to lead the expansion of her masterpiece until it reaches about a mile in length, portraying not only contemporary times, but also a vision of the future. Judy Baca: Memorias De Nuestra Tierra, A Retrospective Time: July 14 to Jan. 2022 Cost: Free Details: www.molaa.org and www.judybaca.com/artist Venue: Museum of Latin American Art, 628 Alamitos Ave., Long Beach

Palos Verdes Art Center

THE SUMMER SHOW ANNIE APPEL: THE MEXICO JOURNEYS – CARMELITA DON CROCKER: LOVE OF PLACE

Mike Ishikawa, Shoreline Park, pastels. Palos Verdes Art Center / Beverly G. Alpay Center for Arts Education is pleased to announce the reopening of its art galleries with three exhibitions at an opening reception July 24 at 7 p.m. The Summer Show juried by Marisa Caichiolo, Annie Appel: The Mexico Journeys – Carmelita and Don Crocker: Love of Place will be on view at the PVAC galleries through Aug. 21 and will also be online at pvartcenter.org. Details: Palos Verdes Art Center, 5504 Crestridge Road, Rancho Palos Verdes, 310- 541-2479

Michael Stearns Studio@The Loft

ANNE OLSEN DAUB: RECENT WORK

At times the process of creating art directs Anne Olsen Daub and sparks inspiration, other times she is directly inspired by way of a metaphor from external cultural sources that lead her to discover a deeper meaning and understanding. Her recent work in cardboard was inspired by the seven deadly sins and evolved into The Land of Oz. The gallery will be open for the First Thursday Art Walk.

Michael Stearns Studio@The Loft, 401 S. Mesa St., San Pedro. Enter at the loading dock on 4th St. Details: 562-400-0544

Ko-Ryu Ramen

Koi Ramen

362 W. 6th St. San Pedro 90731 310-935-2886 koryuramen.com

Vibe

The Vibe is back. Enjoy a new nightlife experience in the heart of downtown Long Beach. Time: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. July 22, 29, and Aug. 5 Cost: Free Details: eventbrite.com Venue: The Harbor, 130 Pine Ave., Long Beach

The Salty Suites

Come out and listen to the original songs of traditional music of the world, from bluegrass, Depression era and old country, swing, classical and roots with current edge. Time: 7 to 8 p.m. July 22 Cost: Free, $5 donation suggested Details: https://tinyurl.com/eldorado-summer-concerts Venue: El Dorado Nature Center, 7550 E. Spring St., Long Beach July 23

The Winehouse Experience

Come see the show everyone has been talking about. The Winehouse Experience, featuring Mia Karter, pays tribute to the late icon Amy Winehouse, known for her distinctive warm vocals, soulful songwriting and signature style. Time: 9 p.m. July 23 Cost: $15 Details: awin1.com Venue: Harvelle’s Downtown Long Beach, 201 E. Broadway, Long Beach

Summer Breeze Concert

Dru Hill, 112, Next, Jon B, Montell Jordan and Adina Howard will be bringing that ’90s Summer vibe to Carson. Get your tickets before they are sold out. Time: 8 p.m., July 23 Cost: $65 - $145 Details: www.dignityhealthsportspark.com Venue: Dignity Health Sports Park, 18400 S. Avalon Blvd., Carson

July 24

Summer Love Jam

SoCal nightlife returns with a night of classic cars and oldies but goodies music including Rose Royce; Joe Bataan; The Emotions; Blue Magic; Evelyn Real People, Real News, Totally Relevant Champagne King; The Temprees; Sly Slick & Wicked; and Little Willie G. Time: 6:30 p.m., July 24 Cost: $35 -$145 Details: www.dignityhealthsportspark.com Venue: Dignity Health Sports Park, 18400 S. Avalon Blvd., Carson Little Miss Nasty Little Miss Nasty is rock ’n’ roll burlesque for the 21st century — good girls gone bad. Time: 9:30 p.m. July 24 Cost: $15 Details: awin1.com

Venue: Harvelle’s Downtown

Long Beach, 201 E. Broadway, Long Beach

July 31

Blues For All

Join Councilwoman Mary Zendejas and the Long Beach Blues Society for a free community concert, featuring The Disciples, Shy But Flyy and the Long Beach Blues Society Allstars. Time: July 31, Aug. 28 Cost: Free Details: bit.ly/LBBSFORALL Venue: Cesar Chavez Park, 401 Golden Ave., Long Beach music. The event will include inflatable jumpers for the children, food trucks and a beer and wine booth. Time: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. July 31 and Aug. 28 Cost: Free Details: rpvca.gov Venue: Point Vicente Park Civic Center, 30940 Hawthorne Blvd., Rancho Palos Verdes Aug. 3

Windy Barnes and Friends

Collage presents live performances during August, starting with Windy Barnes Farrell performing jazz standards. Time: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 3 Cost: $15 Details: 310-351-0070 Venue: Collage, 731 S. Pacific Ave., San Pedro Aug. 7

Summer Swing Nights: Drive-in Edition

Celebrate the return of live entertainment with Summer Swing Nights: Drive-In Edition concert series featuring the jazzy vocal stylings of The Swing Tones, accompanied by a live seven-piece big band plus swing dance lessons. Time: 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Aug. 7 Cost: $50 Details: 323-365-6650; https://tinyurl.com/summer-swing-elcamino Venue: El Camino College, 16007 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance Aug. 8

South Bay New Orleans Jazz Club Session

This is a traditional Jazz Session free to performing musicians, there is room for dancing. Time: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 8 Cost: $12 Details: 310-377-2441; alvasshowroom.com Venue: Alvas Showroom, 1417 W. 8th St., San Pedro Aug. 14

Long Beach Opera and the Los Angeles Philharmonic

Why are women in opera so often depicted as prostitutes, sacrificial victims, or both? Women reframe their own operatic portrayal in this event pairing the most radical monodrama of the last century with one of this century’s most exciting new voices. Time: 8 p.m. Aug. 14 and 15 Cost: $49 to $90 Details: www.longbeachopera. org and www.theford.com Venue: The Ford, 2580 Cahuenga Blvd. East, Los Angeles

THEATER

July 30

Les Misérables

It’s grand and uplifting, and it’s one of the most popular musicals of all time. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, Encore presents this sweeping tale of heartbreak, passion and the resilience of the human spirit at the historic Warner Grand Theater with some of the best and brightest young performers. Time: 7:30 p.m. July 30, 31 and 1 to 2 p.m. Aug. 1 Cost: $60 Details: www.Les-Misérabletickets Venue: Warner Grand Theater, 478 W. 6th St., San Pedro Aug. 13

Love’s Labour’s Lost

A young king and his companions vow to swear off worldly pleasures and devote themselves to gaining eternal fame through scholastic pursuits. But a princess and her ladies render their oath difficult to keep in this love letter to love. Time: 8 p.m. Aug. 13, 14, 15, 20, 21 and 22 Cost: Free Details: 310-217-7596; info@ shakespearebythesea.org Venue: Point Fermin Park, 807 W. Paseo Del Mar, San Pedro Aug. 21

Dennis Forel and Joe Derry’s Theater of Magic

Two veteran magicians, both members of the Magic Castle, present a matinee and evening full of magic, storytelling and humor. Time: 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Aug. 21 Cost: $15 Details: 310-351-0070 Venue: 731 S. Pacific Ave., San Pedro

DANCE

Aug. 7

Flamenco Dinner Show

Forget the airport — the quickest way to get from Long Beach to Spain is an evening of authentic Spanish entertainment and cuisine at Alegria Cocina Latina’s “Ultimate Flamenco Dinner Show Experience.” Time: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 7, 14, 21 Cost: $80 Venue: Alegria Cocina Latina. 115 Pine Ave., Long Beach ARTS

July 22

Art In The Time Of COVID

ESMOA invited artists of all ages to submit artworks created during the period of the shut down for the Art in the Time of COVID-19 Challenge. In summer 2020, a jury panel comprised of artists and cultural producers from El Segundo and Los Angeles reviewed all the submissions and selected the finalists. Now the artworks are finally on view at the El Segundo Public Library until Aug. 31. Time: Library hours, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Saturday. Cost: Free Details: www.elsegundolibrary. org Venue: El Segundo Public Library, 111 W. Mariposa Ave., El Segundo

Even Sparkles Have Shadows

The artworks of Even Sparkles Have Shadows dazzle the viewer with colorful, playful, radiant images — at first glance. However, closer examination reveals a curious undertone of hidden meaning and deeper, sometimes darker stories beneath their glittering veneer. Time: July 22 to Aug. 28 Cost: Free Details: www.torranceartmuseum.com/sparkles Venue: Torrance Art Museum, 3320 Civic Center Drive, Torrance July 24

announces the reopening of its art galleries with three exhibitions at an opening reception July 24. The Summer Show, Annie Appel: The Mexico Journeys — Carmelita, and Don Crocker: Love of Place will be on view at the PVAC galleries through Aug. 21, and will also be online in their entirety at pvartcenter.org. Time: 7 to 9 p.m. July 24 opening reception. Cost: Free Details: 310-541-2479; pvartcenter.org Venue: PVIC, 5504 W. Crestridge Road, Rancho Palos Verdes July 25

Lida Lowrey

Cornelius Projects announces its emergence from pandemic hibernation with an exhibition of paintings by the late Lida Lowrey. Curated by artist Ron Linden, Lowrey was prolific, working in various paint and print media exploring both abstract and representational imagery with conceptual and technical vigor. Time: 3 to 5 p.m. July 25 Cost: Free Details: 310-266-9216; corneliusprojects.com Venue: Cornelius Projects, 1417 South Pacific Ave., San Pedro July 29

Armchair Artwalk

The next Armchair ArtWalk Tour is moving to Last Thursdays and will be held on Zoom. Register in advance to receive a confirmation email containing information. Armchair Artwalk will be live streamed from Facebook at www.anpedrowaterfrontartsdistrict/armchairartwalk . This Armchair ArtWalk Tour will feature Denise Willing Booher, National Watercolor Society, Caroline Brady, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium and Julianna Ostrovsky. Time: 6 p.m. July 29 Details: www.us02web.zoom.us/ meeting/register/armchair-artwalk Aug. 5

First Thursday Art Walk Returns

The First Thursday ArtWalk will return Aug. 5, in the historic core of downtown San Pedro. It will feature guided ArtWalk tours, open galleries, outdoor dining and live music on the corner of Sixth and Mesa Street stage. Time: 6 to 9 p.m Aug. 5 Cost: Free Location: Downtown San Pedro FOOD

July 24

Coffee World

You are about to embark on the journey of coffee from farm to cup with 10 interactive and jaw-dropping installations. This whimsical world of caffeinated wonder is at the Del Amo Fashion Center in Torrance. Time: 1 p.m. July 24 Cost: $25 Details: www.coffeeworld.com

Burger Week

The Inaugural Long Beach Burger Week is coming Aug. 1 to 8. Organized by Long Beach Food & Beverage, Long Beach Burger Week will pay homage to America’s original culinary sweetheart: the hamburger. Time: Aug. 1 to 8 Details: www.burgerweeklb.com Location: Participating restaurants throughout Long Beach Aug. 21

Tenth Annual Taste of Brews LB

Taste of Brews returns to the Lighthouse Park in August. The 10th annual event infuses dozens of craft beers and select hard ciders, seltzers and kombucha along with SoCal’s premier mobile restaurants, all at an amazing ocean-front venue. Time: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 21 Details: http://tasteofbrews.com Venue: Shoreline Aquatic Park, 200 Aquarium Way, LongBeach FILM

July 22

Long Beach Movies In The Park

Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine invites you to participate in Be S.A.F.E. (Summer Activities in a Friendly Environment) and free movies in the park. Movies and activities will take place throughout the summer. Each movie starts at dusk. Time: July 22, Dora and the Lost City of Gold Location: Drake Park, 951 Maine Ave., Long Beach Details: www.longbeach.gov/ park/recreation-programs/moviesin-the-park Cost: Free

July 30

Dave Chappelle’s Block Party

Enjoy the film Dave Chappelle’s Block Party with the irrepressible Chappelle and a slew of legendary artists including Kanye West, Talib Kweli, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, The Roots, Common, The Fugees and more. Plus Compton Centennial High School Marching Band performs live. A percentage of all ticket and concession sales go to My Friends Place; www.myfriendsplace.org Time: 6 p.m. doors open, 8:45 p.m. showtime July 30 Cost: $25 to $45 Details: wl.seetickets.us/event/ DAVE-CHAPPELLESBLOCKPARTY Venue: Exposition Park, 500 Exposition Park Dr., Los Angeles

COMMUNITY

Ongoing

Angels Gate Community Classes

Community classes at Angels Gate Cultural Center started again, July 19. Classes will be held onsite in Angels Gate classrooms. Details: 310-519.0936; www.angelsgateart.org/classes July 29

Aquarium of the Pacific

Take a journey of discovery through the world’s largest ocean at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California. Meet 12,000 animals, and see more than 100 exhibits. Time: July 29 Cost: $26.95 to $36.95 Details: 562-590-3100; www.aquariumofpacific.com Venue: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach colorful bracelets. The presenter explains all the tools, leather, materials and techniques needed. Time: 2 p.m. July 29 Cost: Free Details: Facebook - visit: www. library.torranceca.gov/programs/ adult-programs July 31

Docent Guided Nature Walk

Walk the public trail system and enjoy the vistas and summer blooming habitat, plus a guided tour at the Ocean Trails Reserve, lead by the Los Serenos Docents. A multitude of plants bloom and wither depending on the season and time of day. Trails are well marked. Park and meet in the lot at the end of La Rotonda Drive. Banners will be placed along PV Drive near the parking lot. Time: 9 a.m. July 31 Cost: Free Details: 310-544-5375; www.losserenos.org Venue: Ocean Trails Reserve, 1 Trump National Dr., Rancho Palos Verdes

Aug. 1

Fruit Punch: Adult Water Party

This 21-plus party includes giant inflatable water slides, an above ground pool, live performances and a DJ. Two full bars and two food trucks will be present as well. Time: 12 to 7 p.m. Aug. 1 Cost: $29 and up Details: https://kahlo.ticketspice. com/fruit-punch Venue: Scottish Rite events center, 855 Elm Ave., Long Beach, Aug. 15

Wilmington, Here They Come

Join CicLAvia in Wilmington with over two miles of streets open just for walking, biking, rolling, dancing and rejoicing. Along the route you’ll see public art dotting the buildings and the massive Port of Long Beach just across the East Basin. In the coming weeks, CicLAvia will be rolling out even more details — stay tuned. Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 15 Cost: Free Details: 213-355-8500; www.ciclavia.org/wilmington21 Location: In Wilmington, a 2.25 mile route connecting Banning Park and Wilmington Waterfront Park.

Aug. 21

Docent Guided Nature Walk

Join a tour of the Point Vicente Interpretive Center museum, the native plant garden and a walk along the spectacular bluff top at the Vicente Bluff Reserve followed by a possible tour of the Point Vicente Lighthouse ground hosted by the Coast Guard Auxiliary, if open. Free parking will be available. Time: 10 a.m. Aug. 21 Cost: Free Details: 310-544-5260; www.losserenos.org Location: PVIC, 31501 Palos Verdes Drive West, Rancho Palos Verdes

Aug. 31

LA Harbor Peace Week 2021

A week of activities in San Pedro as an alternative to the normalization of war during the U.S. military’s “LA Fleet Week.” Instead, we promote the solutions of peace in the world and in our towns. Time: Events will happen from Aug. 31 through Sept. 6. Check the calendar for upcoming peace week events Cost: Free Details: Contact/get Involved; 310-971-8280 sojournerrb@yahoo.com Locations: Various locations in San Pedro Peace Week kick off press conference/MFS

with his election to Cleveland’s city council at the age of 23 to his election as America’s youngest mayor at age 33.

Along the way, he takes the reader through corporate espionage, sabotage of Cleveland’s electric system, sabotage of the city’s finances via bank co-conspirators and even a mob directed assassination plot. This is a must read for any young people thinking they want to run for political office.

“You know, in writing the book, of course, I documented everything,” Kucinich said. “I saw the utilities that were taken over before the battle over Muny Light and since then privatization is happening all over the country and all over the world.”

Kucinich noted that even before the fight over the Muny Light, hundreds of billions of dollars in assets were being transferred from public ownership, which allowed energy rates and taxes to be kept reasonably low, to private ownership where people would pay an arm and a leg for service. At the start of the interview, the two-time presidential candidate issued a stark warning:

“When the American Rescue plan-money runs out — and it will — cities are going to be looking for ways of getting more revenue and privatizers will descend like vultures for services to privatize.”

The privatization model has been promoted on various levels, particularly starting with the Ronald Reagan administration to defund government. It’s a phenomenon we’ve seen all over the country. But what I wanted to know was about his run to get back into Cleveland’s mayoral seat and what that means.

Kucinich ran for the Democratic nomination for the presidency of the United States in 2004 and 2008. He earned his chops young in life as both city councilman in the city of Cleveland and then becoming the youngest mayor of any large city. Now, he is running to become one of the oldest mayors of any large city — a career trajectory reminiscent of California’s former governor Jerry Brown.

“Cleveland is a much different city than it was when I was elected mayor 44 years ago,” Kucinich noted.

It is about half the population it was then; And of that half, 20% of the people are making $10,000 or less a year. About a third of the city is at or below the poverty line and half of the children are living at or below the poverty line. And there’s a serious problem with crime. Cleveland, Kucinich noted, has one of the highest crime rates in the country and it was tied according to a recent detailed study with other cities for being the most violent city in the country. So there’s a mix of challenges, Kucinich said.

The eight-term representative for Ohio’s 10th district said he feels that his years of experience at the local level and the legislative, judicial and executive levels, and having served at state and federal government positions, shows that he has the depth of knowledge and experience to address today’s problems in Cleveland. Kucinich added that he also has the willingness to take these challenges on and the energy, the enthusiasm and the ability to confront interest groups who just want to pick over whatever’s left of Cleveland and use it for their own narrow concerns.

“I’m prepared,” Kucinich said. “The book will inform readers on how much I know about local government [and government’s] ins and outs. When I was mayor from 1977 to ‘79, I was able to run the city on a cash basis. We cut city spending by 18% without reducing city services through the elimination of waste, fraud and abuse. So I run a pretty tight ship. We didn’t borrow any money at all. There’s probably no mayor in America who could have said that then and perhaps not now. So, you know, I’m looking forward to the opportunity to serve the people of Cleveland again if they decide that’s what they want.”

This pragmatism that Kucinich expressed is a hallmark of progressive leaning politicians in this country. Conservatives always want to call us tax-and-spend liberals. But the progressive element, particularly of the Democratic Party in the 20th century, has been one of fiscal conservancy, continued ownership of public utilities and things like that. The City of Los Angeles, long ago, during the Progressive Era took back its water and power system.

Kucinich noted that his book has been favorably compared to the film China Town, which was centered on the battle over water rights here in the City of Los Angeles.

The Division of Light and Power is a battle over the public’s right to own an electric system, Kucinich said. Look at the Northern California-San Francisco area where PG&E fought to control

QUICK RESPONSE TIME!

Hetch Hetchy much to the disadvantage of the people in San Francisco. And of course we know PG&E is famous for being instrumental in burning down Paradise, Calif. Private utilities have their own agenda, which is to improve their stock profile. The financialization of our economy has encouraged them even more to do that and therefore, raise the rates. Kucinich noted the words of legendary muckraking investigative journalist, Lincoln Steffens, on the Cleveland mayor who created Muny Light, Mayor Tom Johnson. Steffens said of him, “he was the best mayor of the best governed city in America.” It was at the turn of the 20th century. Mayor Johnson said: I believe in public ownership of all municipal service monopolies of water works, of electric systems, of parks, of schools. Because if you do not own them, The late Dave Arian, left, former president of the ILWU, speaks with they will, in time, own you. They’ll rule Dennis Kucinich at a 2003 Bloody Thursday commemoration in San your politics; corrupt your institutions; and Pedro. Kucinich was campaigning for the Democratic nomination for president of the United States. File photo finally, destroy your liberties. So The Division of Light and Power was a fight for Democratic control and democratic tradition. I think these are very wise, cautionary words. Visit www. randomlengthsnews.com to see the complete video of our interview with Dennis Kucinich. Managing Editor Terelle Jerricks contributed this article. Real People, Real News, Really Effective

COMPLETE PLUMBING SERVICE

RESIDENTIAL/COMMERCIAL

JOBS

RLNews is looking for freelance food and music writers who are knowledgeable about San Pedro and Long Beach area restaurants, culture and music scenes. Experienced writers preferred, but will consider aspiring bloggers. We are looking for writers who have a curiosity for a wide range of cuisines or music in the greater LA / Long Beach Harbor Area. Committment to writing to deadline is a must. Having a strong social media following and bi-lingual skills is a plus. Submit inquiries and any links to your writing to editor@ randomlengthsnews.com or call 310-519-1442 weekdays.

JOB TRAINING

COMPUTER & IT TRAINING PROGRAM! Train ONLINE to get the skills to become a Computer & Help Desk Professional now! Grants and Scholarships available for certain programs for qualified applicants. Call CTI for details! 1-855-554-4616 (AAN

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HEALTH

HOME & GARDEN

20 Ft. tall Queen palm tree, 36 inch box. Perfect for landscaping — $225. Also various sizes of Peruvian spiral San Pedro cactus. Call 310-5617811

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AUTOS

CASH FOR CARS! We buy all cars! Junk, high-end, totaled – it doesn’t matter! Get free towing and same day cash! NEWER MODELS too! Call 866-535-9689 (AAN CAN)

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Real People, Real News, Totally Relevant Bulletin Board

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PLEASE HELP! PLEASE HELP!

The animals at the Harbor Animal Shelter have ongo-The animals at the Harbor Animal Shelter have ongoing need for used blankets, comforters, pet beds.* ing need for used blankets, comforters, pet beds.* Drop off at Harbor Animal Shelter Drop off at Harbor Animal Shelter 957 N. Gaffey St.,San Pedro • 888-452-7381, x 143957 N. Gaffey St.,San Pedro • 888-452-7381, x 143

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FINANCIAL

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PERSONALS

Well-to-do businesswoman seeking good man, 60 to 70. 310-809-0105

PETS

PEDRO PET PALS is the only group that raises funds for the City Animal Shelter and FREE vaccines and spay or neuter for our community. 310-991-0012.

DBAs $140

Filing & Publishing 310-519-1442

Remember to renew your DBA every 5 years

Fictitious Business Name Statement

File No. 2021122657

The following person is doing business as: (1) LEXSERVICE, (2) LEXERVICE, 735 Pacific Coast Hwy, Harbor City, CA 90710. Los Angeles County. Registered owners: Stephen Haddad, 735 Pacific Coast Hwy, Harbor City, CA 90710. This Business is conducted by an individual. The date registrant started to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above: 09/1994. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) S/. Stephen Haddad, Owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on 06/01/21. Notice--In accordance with subdivision (a) of section 17920. A fictitious name statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the county clerk, except as provided in subdivision (b) of section 17920 where it expire 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see section 1411 ET SEQ., Business and Professions code). Original filing: 06/10/21,

06/24/21, 07/08/21, 07/22/21

Fictitious Business Name Statement

File No. 2021122655

The following person is doing business as: (1) WEED-

TIME APPARELL COM-

PANY, 1419 South Mesa Street, San Pedro, CA 90731, Los Angeles County. Registered owners: Filippo Salvato, 1419 South Mesa Street, San Pedro, CA 90731. Stephanie Salvato, 1419 South Mesa Street, San Pedro, CA 90731. This Business is conducted by a married couple. The date registrant started to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above: N/A. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) S/. Filippo Salvato, Husband. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on 02/25/20. Notice--In accordance with subdivision (a) of section 17920. A fictitious name statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the county clerk, except as provided in subdivision (b) of section 17920 where it expire 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see section 1411 ET SEQ., Business and Professions code). Original filing: 06/24/21,

07/08/21, 07/22/21, 08/05/21

Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2021149848

The following person is doing business as: (1) CURLEY’S CAFE, (2)

WORLD FAMOUS CUR-

LEY’S CAFE, 1999 E Willow Street, Long Beach, CA 90755. This Business is conducted by a Corporation. The date registrant started to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above: 01/2012. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) S/. John Toman, Vice President This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on 07/01/21. Notice--In accordance with subdivision (a) of section 17920. A fictitious name statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the county clerk, except as provided in subdivision (b) of section 17920 where it expire 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see section 1411 ET SEQ., Business and Professions code).

Original filing: 07/08/21, 07/22/21, 08/05/21, 08/19/21

“It’s Elemental” — parts of a full set.

ACROSS

1 Jazz group 6 Org. that meets in schools 9 Winter Olympics vehicles 14 Without missing ___ 15 Director Howard 16 Campus town bordering Bangor 17 *”Batman & Robin” role for Uma Thurman 19 One making references 20 “Desperate Housewives” actress Hatcher 21 Three ___ match 22 Four, in France 23 *What your remote might have slipped under 26 Cartridge contents 29 Boise-to-Missoula dir. 30 Source of some pressure before photo day? 31 Airline until 1991 33 Treasure hunter’s need 34 ___ California (Mexican state) 38 What each character in the starred theme answers is (comprising a full set from the periodic table) 42 Carries out 43 Participate in crew 44 Word after zinc or iron 45 Used chairs? 46 Utter 48 “___ Tac Dough” (Wink Martindale game show) 49 *Response to “I had no idea” 55 Offers one’s views 56 Roget’s entry: Abbr. 57 Line of symmetry 61 Less than enthusiastic 62 *WWE wrestler and member of the Undisputed Era (and not the chess player) 64 Split second 65 Craft in the tabloids 66 Alphabet quintet 67 “Bellefleur” author Joyce Carol 68 Payroll deduction 69 Command that can also create a PDF

DOWN

1 1st Lieut.’s boss 2 Instrument among the reeds 3 Israeli P.M. Golda 4 Bare-bones 5 Prefix meaning “ear-related” 6 “When Doves Cry” singer 7 Actress Feldshuh who played 3-Down on Broadway 8 Indeterminate number 9 Plague member? 10 “David Copperfield” character Heep 11 Crime boss known as the “Teflon Don” 12 First month in Madrid 13 Tabitha formerly of MTV News 18 It’s definitely a thing 22 Witty remarks 24 “All Eyez ___” (1996 Tupac Shakur album) 25 Policy honcho 26 With 27-Down, Apple portable player from 2005 to 2017 27 See 26-Down 28 ACL’s locale 32 Gore and Green 33 Tiny noise at a bowl? 34 Bike race with hills 35 Kinda 36 “Harvesting the Heart” author Picoult 37 Guinness of “Star Wars” 39 Waiter’s weights 40 Cairn terrier of film 41 Toy with a string attached 45 Stockholm citizens 46 Pricey stadium seating 47 “And ___ Davis as Alice” (“The Brady Bunch” credits closer) 49 ___ voce (softly) 50 “Pagliacci,” e.g. 51 ___ in the bud 52 Preserved for later 53 Uncle Sam’s land, informally 54 Nilla cookie 58 Number not found on a clock 59 “The pressure ___” 60 Kubrick’s “Eyes Wide ___” 62 Nevertheless 63 Talk and talk and talk

Mr. Caravella

This is the third email from you attacking me personally over issues that are not a matter for our neighborhood council to consider. What should be considered is your continued breach of the Code of Civility with your personal attacks against a member of the council, your open hostility towards me personally and your acquiescence to allowing for the continuation of the “private meetings” with the NC presidents and POLA officials. Which I might add, has no protection from being reported to the general public because you and others often report the items from these meetings in public.

These same public relations initiatives by POLA are readily available through other sources. These are all questions I will toss back to you as well as your continued use of your title of president and email signature to appear as though you are speaking on behalf of the CeSPNC board when you are not authorized to speak for the board — a violation of our bylaws.

That you are more obsessed with blocking any criticism by me or others of POLA or having someone who has the expertise to ask critical questions only shows how you are more interested in being accepted by the power structure than you are in representing the issues of our constituents to the various power structures of the city.

I have to point out that over the course of the last four years there have been more efforts and political maneuvering to limit my influence on the CeSPNC than there has been on actually delivering real representation on the core issues of homelessness, port pollution, critical infrastructure and real quality of life matters.

Yours and Ms. Alexander’s continued personal attacks against me, your unfounded assertions and false claims with no supporting evidence are in fact slander. That many of these same allegations have been repeatedly brought up in the course of official council business only distract from the issues at hand, and I find detrimental to allowing for civil discourse.

You, not I, have continued to disrupt meetings by your biased use of the power of the chair, your unfair use of the parliamentary procedures and the thinly veiled animus you direct towards me and any initiatives I bring forth as motions. All of which are clearly documented in the recorded meetings of late.

As such your actions are considered personal harassment, conduct unbecoming to an officer of our council and simply petty.

Your abuse of power is showing and needs to be curbed. James Preston Allen Publisher

Crackpot Corruptionism

The California Employment Development Department and the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (have they ever read the Unruh Act?) are my definition of corruption. Gov. Gavin “CrackpotCorrupt” Newsom paid contractors $236 million dollars to fix the EDD computer system, but not the phone lines. A federal Judge ordered the city’s politicians and lawyers to spend $1.2 billion dollars to fix the County 2% homeless problem.

The city Mayor is poised to sign an anti-tenant harassment ordinance that has as many teeth as a newborn baby gumming away. (Relocating to LA, anyone?). Drafted in 2017, it is a piece of cake that has taken officials four years to learn how to copy and paste from other laws. LAMC section 41.33 is lifted almost verbatim, but the final draft removed the state law definition of “harassment” (CCP 527.6). The ordinance will apply to single family homes, condominiums, and rent controlled units; “an act or omission” (failure to respond to tenant complaints) will be actionable; refusal to accept rent will be harassment; “substantially” interfering with tenant peaceful enjoyment is unlawful; the tenant must give the landlord “reasonable time” to repair ( civil code 1942.4 says 35 days). The city claims tenants made over 40,000 harassment and housing complaints.

Maybe this harassment law will solve the city’s homeless, housing, harassment, and employment (EDD) problems all at one fell swoop! For more info, see City clerk file number 14-0268-S13 at website LACityClerkConnect.

G. Juan Johnson

Los Angeles

Re: Mayor Garcetti’s Nomination as Ambassador to India

Governing a city as magnificent, complex and diverse as Los Angeles is no easy feat, and Mayor Garcetti has done a remarkable tour of duty. For more than two decades of service, he has led with head and heart. I salute him for his notable contributions to Los Angeles — and respect his commitment to continued public service.

While a disruption in leadership will bring unanticipated challenges – transition also creates room for ingenuity and opportunity. It is incumbent upon the City Council to lean into this change, and work with collective nimbleness, perseverance, compassion, and the pursuit of justice, to address the myriad of issues facing this city – of which the homelessness crisis and recovery from the pandemic remain front and center. In the end, “It’s all about leadership.”

Councilmember Mark Ridley-Thomas

Los Angeles “If we can’t move the mobile homes, we can’t buy anything with the money that they’re giving us. It’s not good enough for a down payment.”

In a moment of cynical reflection of both the city and the park’s developer, Faring Capital, Marcela said greedy people don’t care about seniors and there’s no compassion.

“What we want is the same-size house — three bedrooms or two bedrooms —whatever you have,” Marcela said. “To get the same. That’s all we’re asking for.”

Having a newer home than others, Marcela’s 2015 mobile home cannot find a space in Carson or Torrance; if space could be found, the rent would be triple.

Residents in the three mobile home parks of Park Avalon Mobile Estates, Park Granada Trailer Lodge Mobile and Rancho Dominguez Mobile Estates are witnessing the same process.

“Join the fight, join the fight because it’s coming to them,” Marcela Steiman said.

Eddie Almeida moved back in with his 72-year-old mother after his father passed away to care for her in the Rancho Dominguez Mobile Estates park. He joined the protesters on that hot Thursday afternoon demanding affordable housing. “I just want what’s fair,” Almeida said. “I want to make sure that the seniors are taken care of because we’re not quite sure what they’re going to offer us yet.”

Almeida said when it first started, developers were offering less than what the park residents actually put down as a down payment — $18,000 to $20,000 for a mobile home with a purchasing price of $97,000. “We’re not going to be able to afford anything around here,” Almeida said. “We’re going to have to live further away from our families and everything and it’s stressful just having to move.” The 81-space park community mobile home park was developed in 1962, before Carson was incorporated. The mobile homes are at least 20 years old and contain one to three bedrooms. More than half of the 81 mobile homes are owner occupied with a quarter of them being tenant occupied. The park owned by Carter-Spencer Enterprises, LLC submitted the application in 2019 to close the park, eight years after the LLC was registered to the state of California. “They’ve been trying to shut us down for a lot of years,” Almeida said. “They scare the people. It’s like a scare tactic to use or is going to get shut down. ‘You guys can’t sell; you guys can’t rent, but we’ll buy it from you,’” Almeida said. “Now it’s to the point where all these other parts are getting shut down and it’s only obvious that not only is it continued but they’re trying to shut down all the low-income housing.” On July 15, the city council held a public hearing on the relocation impact report for the Rancho Dominguez Hills Estates closure.

For new Imperial Avalon Homeowner Association president, Jeff Steiman, the fight now is to have a formal process to allow residents time to make a plan.

They are taking the lives of all the people that lived in that park, Jeff said. Most of the people who live in that park are in their 80s. They spent at least the last two decades there. So their lives are there. For their lives to go on, they’re going to have to move to Arizona or even with their kids or become a ward of the state. Public run housing is not nice, Jeff said.

Carson’s mayor pro tem Jim Dear attended the rally and spoke with the residents. Cognizant that the city’s efforts to protect mobile home residents was coming up short, Dear explained, “The idea behind that is that it will be more neutral and the residents would be more trusting and get reliable, accurate, unbiased information. That’s the idea behind it. Some of the residents have complained that it’s not working out the way they had hoped,”

Dear says he is pushing to create a mobile home park zone in Carson so that anyone who wants to buy a park with the intention of closing it (which has been happening over the years) would have to apply for a zone change with the city. This would make it more difficult for developers to flip the mobile home parks.

“This will help future crises because this is going to be repeated,” Dear said. “I’m a history teacher. [I know] history [will] repeat itself if we don’t fix it.”