Plaque thieves arrested:
Two of three plaques still missing p. 2
Community Voices:
Justice for Andres Guardado p. 6
Buk’s 100th birthday:
Awaiting the next chapter p. 10 On May 29, Jane Gainer-Talbott took the day off from work, stood at the intersection of Torrance Boulevard and Madrona Avenue and held a sign that read, “Am I next?” It was four days after Minneapolis police killed George Floyd.
‘I An Artist Uses Her Work to Inspire Social Justice By Hunter Chase, Reporter
personally felt like I could not go on without standing up for the fact that this man was just murdered,” Talbott said. “Another black man was murdered by the police.” It was a very emotional stance. So much so that she couldn’t help breaking down and sobbing uncontrollably while holding her sign. Many people who drove by honked at her. Talbott brought a canvas with her in case she was inspired to paint. She is an artist and has been teaching art for more than 20 years. She returned to the same spot on Torrance Boulevard for a much larger protest, and she participated in the protest in San Pedro that was sponsored by the NAACP and the Los Angeles Police Department. Her son went with her for her first protest, because he wanted to protect her. Her husband, who is white, joined her for the second protest, even though he is a very private man. “He’s not a very loud, verbal man,” Talbott said. “But I said, ‘If not now, then when? When do you stand up? What is [a] good enough time, when a people group are being annihilated, do you stand?’” In his book Artists in Times of War, historian Howard Zinn asked if artists say war or other social issues are not their business, then whose business are they? “Does that mean you are going to leave the business of the most important issues in the world to the people who run the country?” Zinn writes. “How stupid can we be? Haven’t we had enough experience historically with leaving the important decisions to the people in the White House, Congress, the Supreme Court, and those who dominate the economy?”
[See Change, p. 13]
Trump is heading toward an epic loss By Paul Rosenberg, Senior Editor
COVID-19 Deaths in the US as of Aug. 5, 2020: 157,467 • Confirmed cases: 4,793,950 For local numbers visit www.RandomLengthsNews.com
August 6 - 19, 2020
[See Stress-Test, p. 4]
Artist Jane Gainer-Talbott stands in front of her painting titled Traffick-ing. In the piece, people are distracted by their phones and ignoring the societal ills around them, including signs of human trafficking. Photo by Chris Villanueva
The second quarter gross domestic product in the United States was announced July 30: a disastrous, unheard of 32.9% annualized drop, dwarfing anything on record. It was a catastrophe both for America, and for Donald Trump’s bid for re-election as president: the economy, bizarrely remains his sole strong suit. So he did what he does best: he tweeted bombastic lies, attacking mail-in voting, claiming fraud in all caps, and hysterically suggesting postponement of the election — something only Congress can do, and that’s never happened before. Not during the Civil War. Not during World War II. Not ever. It was just the latest in a cacophony of threats to disrupt the electoral process — threats that a bipartisan group of top government, political and academic experts called the Transition Integrity Project warns could lead to violence and potentially a stolen election, and that a coalition of grassroots organizations, Protect the Results, is preparing to defend against.
Real News, Real People, Really Effective
Stress-Testing Democracy
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Community Announcements:
Committed to Independent Journalism in the Greater LA/LB Harbor Area for More Than 40 Years
Historic Liberty Hill Plaque Thieves Arrested One plaque recovered; two others still missing By James Preston Allen, Publisher
On Dec. 5, 2019, surveillance cameras at the Port of Los Angeles caught the image of a single figure removing the historic brass plaques off of the Liberty Hill and Joe Hill monuments on Fifth Street near Harbor Boulevard and loading them onto an unusual pickup truck. The video didn’t catch the license plate. A week later, a reader of this newspaper called the office to report the theft, which was confirmed by Mary Jo Walker of the San Pedro Bay Historical Society and then the port police. Port detectives have been on the case ever since. The first break in the case came a few weeks later. A metal theft investigator from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department alerted detectives, referring them to a recycling plant in Carson. Sure enough, it was one of the three plaques — but it was badly damaged. From there, the port police tracked down the person who sold the metal as scrap. With the help of the Los Angeles Police Department, Alexa “Brisa” Chavez, a homeless woman from Wilmington, was arrested and charged with receiving stolen property. Chavez claimed the property was “given to her.” Arturo Liviano was also arrested on the same charge and for outstanding warrants for auto theft. Both were arraigned in the Long Beach court charged with felonies for receiving stolen property under California Penal Code Section 496(a) as the value of the three plaques were valued at over
Suspect Arturo Liviano.
The previously stolen brass plaque which was recently recovered by port police. Photos courtesy of port police
$2,800. The charges were reduced from felonies to misdemeanors and for an unknown reason the judge dismissed the case against Chavez but the prosecutors are continuing against Laviano for auto thefts. Both defendants insist that they weren’t the ones who actually stole the plaques. This seems to be the case, according to Detective
Suspect Alexa Chavez.
Roberto Redondo, who says that they eventually found the owner of the pickup truck and arrested him for the Department of Motor Vehicles fraud, because he used stolen license plate tags on the truck in the video. To further complicate things, this defendant claims that it was someone else who actually did the deed. “We are still hopeful to find the original perpetrator,” said Lt. Rosario Ferrara of the port police. “We’re still actively investigating this crime but are not optimistic about recovering the
other plaques.” They say that this isn’t “the crime of the century,” but that they know the value of these items to the community. The latest break in this case is that the last suspect in the Liberty Hill thefts was located in the L.A. Sheriff’s Wayside detention center held
[See Plaques, p. 3]
Harbor Area Text-based Survey to Research COVID-19 Symptoms Across L.A. County
The Los County Department of Public Health or Public Health announced, July 30 Angelenos in Action, a text-based survey to monitor COVID-19 symptoms across LA County. The survey aims at capturing potential spikes and trends in real-time to assist Public Health workers to appropriately allocate resources to affected communities. Adults (18 years and older) living in Los Angeles County, who have access to a cell phone, and can send and receive text messages, can volunteer for the survey. The survey is confidential, consists of five questions, should take less than a minute to complete, and helps Public Health understand the spread of COVID-19 and how to better support community residents. Details: http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/acd/ ncorona2019 or text @PROTECT to 35134.
Support for LA Nonprofit and Small Business Community
The LA Regional COVID-19 Recovery Fund will deploy $3 million in grants available at $5,000 or $15,000 to micro-entrepreneurs, small businesses, and 501(c)(3) non-profits. There are 6 total rounds, with finalists notified after each round. Round 3 is now open through 11:59 pm, Aug. 7. Details: www.lacovidfund.org/grants
Contact Tracing Scam
Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell warns that the use of contact tracing in the fight against COVID-19 has set the stage for any number of scams perpetrated by imposters who contact members of the public claiming to be contact tracers. To avoid being victimized takes vigilance and knowledge of the difference between scammers and legitimate contact tracers. If you are contacted, remember that legitimate contact tracers will only ask where you may have visited recently and who you may have come in contact with. They will never ask for money, your immigration status, your Social Security number or your personal financial information. If you receive a call and are unsure about the legitimacy of the caller, call the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health COVID-19 Contact Tracing Call Center at 833-540-0473. Details: http://publichealth.lacounty.gov
Real News, Real People, Totally Relevant
Housing in Long Beach Depends on Input
The City of Long Beach Housing Element is a roadmap for accommodating the more than 26,000 units needed to adequately house existing and future city residents through the year 2029 and guides future decisions that impact housing. The Housing Element will focus on: removing barriers to housing production to offset current housing shortages; addressing homelessness and displacement, and ensuring the availability and fair distribution of affordable housing throughout the city. Join one of the upcoming community meetings listed below and RSVP. www.surveymonkey. com/r/HEUworkshops English Digital Housing Element Workshop 1 Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Aug. 8 Join on computer or Zoom app: tinyurl.com/ y82d53fz or by telephone: 346-248-7799 Webinar ID: 826 1377 1879#
August 6 - 19, 2020
Spanish Digital Housing Element Workshop 1 Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Aug. 15 Join on computer or Zoom app: tinyurl.com/ y82d53fz or by telephone: 346-248-7799 Webinar ID: 810 3575 1166#
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Digital Community Forum 1: Understanding the Housing Crisis in Long Beach Time: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 12 Join on computer or Zoom app: tinyurl.com/ y77dpbsl or by telephone: 346-248-7799 Webinar ID: 842 7333 3941# Digital Community Forum 2: What is the Housing Element and How Can it Help Address the Housing Shortage? Time: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 19 Join on computer or Zoom app: tinyurl.com/ y77q4s62 or by telephone: 346-248-7799 Webinar ID: 871 9106 8776#
Coronavirus Myths Explored
Myth 8: Hand dryers kill coronavirus. Truth: Hand dryers do not kill coronavirus. The best way to protect oneself and others from the virus is to wash the hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.
By RLn Staff
In June 2020, Medical News Today, produced by Healthline Media UK Ltd in Brighton, UK, published a fact check of the top COVID-19 myths. As the coronavirus continues to make the news, a host of untruths has surrounded the topic. In this special feature, some of these myths and conspiracy theories are addressed. The novel coronavirus, now known as SARSCoV-2, has spread from Wuhan, China, to every continent on Earth except Antarctica. The World Health Organization officially changed their classification of the situation from a public health emergency of international concern to a pandemic on March 11, 2020. The virus has been responsible for millions of infections globally, causing hundreds of thousands of deaths. The United States is the most affected country. As ever, when the word “pandemic” starts appearing in headlines, people become fearful — and with fear comes misinformation and rumors. Here are some of the most common myths that are circulating on social media. Myth 1: Spraying chlorine or alcohol on the skin kills viruses in the body. Truth: Applying alcohol or chlorine to the body can cause harm, especially if it enters the eyes or mouth. Although people can use these chemicals to disinfect surfaces, they should not use them on the skin.
Myth 2: Only older adults and young people are at risk. Truth: SARS-CoV-2, like other coronaviruses, can infect people of any age. However, older adults and individuals with preexisting health conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, are more likely to become severely ill. Myth 3: Children cannot get COVID-19. Truth: All age groups can contract SARSCoV-2. So far, most cases have been in adults, but children are not immune. In fact, preliminary evidence suggests that children are just as likely [Plaques, from p. 3]
Graphic by Brenda Lopez.
to contract it, but their symptoms tend to be less severe. On May 15, 2020, the WHO released a commentary about an inflammatory condition, affecting children and adolescents, which may have links with COVID-19. The condition, called a multisystem inflammatory condition, has features similar to Kawasaki disease and toxic shock syndrome. Scientists know little about this condition, but research from May 2020 suggests that it is rare, “probably affecting no more than 1 in 1,000 children exposed to SARS-CoV-2.” Myth 4: COVID-19 is just like the flu. Truth: SARS-CoV-2 causes an illness that does have flu-like symptoms, such as aches, a fever and a cough. Similarly, both COVID-19 and the flu can be mild, severe, or, in rare cases, fatal. Both can also lead to pneumonia. However, the overall profile of COVID-19 is more serious. Different countries have reported different mortality rates, and the case fatality rate in the United States appears to be around 6%.
Myth 5: Everyone with COVID-19 dies. Truth: This statement is untrue. As we mentioned above, COVID-19 is only fatal for a small percentage of people. In a recent report, the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention concluded that 80.9% of COVID-19 cases were mild. The WHO also reports that around 80% of people will experience a relatively mild form of the disease, which will not require specialist treatment in a hospital.
August 6 - 19, 2020
Myth 6: Cats and dogs spread coronavirus. Truth: There have been several reports of pet cats and dogs being infected with the virus, including in the United States. In most cases, the pets became sick after coming into contact with people with COVID-19. Scientists are debating the importance of these cases to the outbreak. For instance, Jonathan Ball, a professor of molecular virology at the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom, said, “We have to differentiate between real infection and just detecting the presence of the virus. I still think it’s questionable how relevant it is to the human outbreak, as most of the global outbreak has been driven by humanto-human transmission.” Myth 7: Face masks always protect against coronavirus. Truth: Healthcare workers use professional face masks, which fit tightly around the face, to
protect themselves from infection. Disposable and cloth masks can protect against droplets, but neither can protect against aerosolized particles. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that all people wear cloth face masks in public places where it is difficult to maintain a 6-foot (2-meter) distance from others. This will help slow the spread of the virus from asymptomatic people and those who do not know that they have contracted it. Surgical masks and N95 respirators provide greater protection, but these are reserved for healthcare workers only.
on a charge of assault with a deadly weapon or ADW in police lingo. As of press time he hasn’t been interviewed on this case. The ILWU Southern California Pensioners, who raised most of the money for these historic plaques have regained possession of the one returned and are considering using the same brass to make new ones. They will have to raise donations to pay for the recreation. The first Liberty Hill plaques were placed on the monument stone at Liberty Hill Plaza in 1991 to commemorate the 1923 incident in which the famous author of The Jungle, Upton Sinclair, was arrested by the LAPD for reading the First Amendment of the U.S. Bill of Rights to striking dock workers. This event is commemorated annually with a reading of the Bill of Rights by local activists. The irony of the police now investigating the theft of these First Amendment plaques that document past police abuse doesn’t go unnoticed. The investigation continues and if anyone has any tips regarding this case they are urged to call the port police at 310-732-3599 and ask for Det. Redondo or Lt. Ferrara.
[See Myths, p. 16]
Real News, Real People, Really Effective
Plaques
Myth 9: SARS-CoV-2 is just a mutated form of the common cold. Truth: Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, all of which have spiky proteins on their surface. Some of these viruses use humans as their primary host and cause the common cold. Other coronaviruses, such as SARS-CoV-2, primarily infect animals. Both Middle East respiratory syndrome, known as MERS, and severe acute respiratory syndrome, known as SARS, began in animals
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[Stress, from p. 1]
Stress-Testing Democracy
August 6 - 19, 2020
Real News, Real People, Totally Relevant
“As we saw from Trump’s comments today and last week, he’s actively working to sow doubt about the results,” Emily Phelps, of Indivisible and Ryan Thomas, of Stand Up America (the organizations that founded Protect the Results) told Random Lengths via email. “Democrats and Republican officials quickly spoke out against his lies and refuted his false claims about delaying the election,” they said. “But we’ll continue to do the work needed to ensure our elected leaders continue speaking out against any attempt by Trump to contest the results or declare victory while votes are still being cast.” Since its founding in June, more than 30 organizations have joined. “The reason we’re partnering with such a large coalition of organizations — which include progressive groups like MoveOn and conservative groups like Republicans for the Rule of Law — is because we intend to be as prepared as possible for an all-hands on deck moment: from lawmakers to election officials to activists,” Phelps and Thomas explained. Other partners include Communications Workers of America, The Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, Public Citizen, Supermajority and United We Dream. “If there’s anything we’ve learned in the Trump era, it’s that we have to be prepared for all possibilities,” said Shane Larson of the Communications Workers of America in a joint press release. “If Trump in his escalating efforts to turn this country’s democracy into a one-man show refuses to leave office, we are ready to mobilize our members and take to the streets to protect the integrity of our elections.” But Phelps and Thomas point out that the work begins now. “We’re building a broad coalition of grassroots organizations, good government groups, voting rights advocates, and labor unions to educate the public about Trump’s efforts to undermine the election,” they said. “Each of these groups has organizers and experts with different expertise to help us plan how to best mobilize the public if Trump contests the results or refuses to step down.” Their focus is primarily, “on being a convener of grassroots organizations, but we’re also engaging with legal experts and scholars from across the country to be able to inform those plans.” Nor is their coalition alone in raising alarms. The Transition Integrity Project was co-founded by Rosa Brooks of Georgetown Law School and Nils Gilman of the Berggruen Institute. They conducted a wargame exercise with 67 former government officials, political professionals and academic students of government, including former heads of both the Democratic and Republican National Committees — the parties’ governing bodies. The exercise involved four different scenarios — ranging from a landslide Joe Biden win to a near 2016 repeat, with Trump winning the electoral college while losing the popular election by 5 million votes. “All of our scenarios ended in both street-level violence and political impasse,” Brooks told The Boston Globe, which first reported the story. “The law is essentially ... it’s almost helpless against a president who’s willing to ignore it.” She summarized the dynamics more precisely in a Twitter thread: 4
1. Here’s how Trump & his team work: • Announce something outrageous and illegal. Followers act on it. Critics scream & go to court. Court says “stop.” • Trump team announces some new variant, also outrageous and illegal. Same happens. • Trump Team does the same thing, over & over. 2. Each time, critics challenge his words/ acts. Each time, his followers (in & out of gov’t) act on his directives. Each time, court challenges conclude at least some of what he’s doing is unlawful. But each time, he retreats on one outrage and advances on another... As a cumulative result, Brooks explained: 3. Trump keeps “losing” and having to retreat. But meanwhile, he is winning, because each time, some damage is done: his directives cause real harm that cannot be undone by subsequent rollbacks. 4. That is what he is doing now and will do through the election. Example: legally, can he delay the election? Of course not. Will this stop him and his allies from trying it? Of course not. Will, whatever he does cause just enough confusion to prevent some voting? Yup. 5. Trump formula: repeat x 1,000, on every single issue. Expect it. Prepare for it. And she warned: 6. Don’t be lulled into complacency by the people saying, “But he can’t do X, it would be clearly illegal!” They are right but also miss the point. Trump does not need to prevail in court to achieve his goals — he just needs to keep chipping away, causing chaos & fear. 7. Slowing things down on the margins, changing a few people’s behavior on the margins, causing confusion on the margins, hurting a few people on the margins. Over time, it adds up. 8. Presidential elections are often decided by the slenderest margins in swing states. That’s why we can’t just dismiss Trump’s outrageous statements. Need to build a counter-strategy premised on recognizing how and why Trump’s approach often succeeds, despite illegality, etc. If the strategy Brooks describes is unprecedented, the foundation it’s built on is not: tried-and-true practices like purging voters from election roles, reducing the number of polling places and challenging ballots to get them thrown out. This is all backed up by a drum-beat of baseless claims about widespread voter fraud — fraud that no Republican administration — not Trump, not George Bush, not any state governor, attorney general, or secretary of state — has ever been able to find any trace of. In fact, that fruitless search has caused significant damage, including the U.S. attorneys scandal, which resulted in the resignation of Attorney General Alberto Gonzales in 2007. The refusal to pursue flimsy voter fraud charges was the most common thread in the politicized firings at the core of that scandal. Significantly, prior to Trump, the main focus was on in-person voting, and demands for strict voter-ID laws. But an exhaustive 2012 investigation that turned up 2,068 alleged election-fraud cases since 2000 showed that
Former Vice President Al Gore and former President George W. Bush during the 2000 election cycle. Right: Emily Phelps, of Indivisible and Ryan Thomas, of Stand Up America are a members of the organizations that founded Protect the Results.
“while fraud has occurred, the rate is infinitesimal, and in-person voter impersonation on Election Day, which prompted 37 state legislatures to enact or consider tough voter ID laws, is virtually non-existent.” Just 10 cases were found. Mail-related cases were more common, with 491 cases of absentee ballot fraud — another minute number, compared to the number of ballots cast, since the vast majority were individual cases. There are rare exceptions, such as a recent case in a Patterson, New Jersey City Council election. But the full story weakens Trump’s assertions, rather than strengthening them. “We’ve known for a long time that on a small scale absentee ballot fraud is something that can happen,” election law expert Rick Hasen said on MSNBC on Aug. 1. “These tend to be small-scale events and they tend to be found out because there are all kinds of procedures in place to make sure that people are not cheating. This was discovered when someone tried to submit a few hundred ballots through the mail,” he said. “To try to do something like this on a large scale, involving the presidential election, would be practically impossible.” What’s more, headlines about the Patterson election said that 20% of ballots had been thrown out. But “Those weren’t ballots that mostly were thrown out because of fraud,” Hasen pointed out. “Those were ballots that were thrown out because people didn’t follow directions.” Mail-in ballots have complicated procedures to prevent fraud, which end up disqualifying large numbers of legitimate voters who simply make innocent mistakes — yet another form that de facto voter suppression can take. Such voter-suppression strategies have been crucial to Republicans winning elections in the past and Trump is not only pushing to intensify them but adding new complications as well — such as crippling the U.S. Postal Service at a time when the need for safe mail-in voting has skyrocketed due to COVID-19. He first refused to allow money for a bailout as part of the COVID-19 stimulus package, and then installed a campaign donor, Louis DeJoy, as postmaster general, who is now cutting services, causing
service delays that threaten to prevent millions of mail-in votes from being counted. While the experts Brooks and Gilman convened know a great deal about politics today, a new book by LSU political scientist Nathan Kalmoe sheds light on significant historical parallels and the deeper, darker dangers that exist. With Ballots and Bullets: Partisanship and Violence in the American Civil War provides a detailed examination of American politics at the time of its closest approach to collapse, and in doing so, reveals things that cannot otherwise be known, simply by studying less stressful conditions. “My work in this area is motivated partly by the worry that modern Americans — including political leaders and scholars — think violent political conflict is in the past and couldn’t happen again in some form today, and they don’t recognize the partisan dynamics of that conflict in the past. I worry we are unprepared for where we may be headed because of that blindspot,” Kalmoe told Random Lengths. “The biggest risk factor for conflict then and now involves the fusion of social identities including partisanship.” The threat is “greatest when race, religion and other identities align with party,” he explained. On top of that, “Elections concentrate political stakes into a single moment. Those times tend to produce the most conflict and the greatest risk for violence,” he said. “The Civil War began when Southern Democrats refused to accept the election of a Republican as president. The parallel concern for violence today is that one party refuses to accept the election result. Republicans are already baselessly alleging fraud to undermine legitimate election administration.” But another factor is crucial as well, Kalmoe noted. “One of the main takeaways in my book — and in public opinion research generally — is that leaders matter, including those elected, those in the community and even those in peer groups,” he said. “People tend to follow those they trust. Leaders have the power to mobilize people in directions that are healthy for democracy and in ways that are hostile to it.” Thus, it was a good sign when journalists [See Stress, p. 8]
Protestors March in Defense of Portland BLM Activists By Mark Friedman, Reporter As a result of the nationwide solidarity marches, federal troops, under Department of Homeland Security control, have agreed to leave Portland. The world watched the escalation of federal troops’ harassment, arrests and beatings of Portland, Ore. protesters, and they responded with one demand: “U.S. troops out of Portland!” More than 60 demonstrators were arrested and 46 charged with felonies. What began as a racial justice movement became a broader campaign to drive the federal forces from the city. President Donald Trump and DHS have repeatedly labeled the protesters in Portland and other cities as “violent anarchists.” But protestors formed a “Wall of Moms” that grew to include hundreds of women in yellow shirts linking arms. A “Wall of Dads” in orange shirts included many with leaf blowers to push tear gas away from the crowds. Most recently, there was a “Wall of Veterans.” Many nurses on July 25 even showed up in blue scrubs. Large demonstrations in Portland gathered for two solid months, increasing local and national support. At the same time, the U,S. government sent federal troops to abduct, threaten and arrest targeted youth. While the Portland police force and Mayor Ted Wheeler previously collaborated with these troops, they changed their tune and demanded their withdrawal, saying that they incited violence through their actions. On July 25, the state lost its bid for a restraining order against the four federal agencies. That same day, at least 2,000 demonstrators, primarily young Latinx, protested at Los Angeles City Hall. There was no police presence.
New to these demonstrations were scores of signs by young Latinx and their families demanding justice for Army Spc. Veronica Guillen, who was murdered April 22 by Army Spc. Aaron Robinson. Her remains were just found near the Fort Hood base. Everyone wore masks and practiced physical distancing. After speeches deploring cop brutality, and demanding “US feds out of Portland,” a small group led by the Maoist Revolutionary Communist Party split into its own march. After more speeches, another group of more than 1,500 marched through downtown Los Angeles, rallied in front of the Los Angeles Police Department and proceeded to the Department of Homeland Security. At this point, a small group of anarchists, ultra-leftists and undercover cops spray-painted slogans on the U.S. Courthouse building and broke its windows. The majority correctly stayed in the streets, refusing to be suckered into this provocative action. The march continued to the 101 Freeway entrance, where again the small group of self-proclaimed leaders urged marchers onto the highway ramp to be arrested. But the overwhelming majority refused to move, so as to avoid negative publicity for an otherwise peaceful march. This way, law enforcement wouldn’t have reason to use violence against the protestors. Seeing that they failed to involve hundreds, they continued their march, while 95% of the crowd dispersed and left, realizing a confrontation was in store. But some people were intent on having a clash with the police to “Shut the fucker down,” as a woman with a bullhorn
Protestors marched in Los Angeles in support of Black Lives Matter and the protestors in Portland, Ore. At least 2,000 protestors came to Los Angeles City Hall on July 25, the day Oregon lost its bid for a restraining order against four federal agencies. Photo by Mark Friedman.
proclaimed. They ultimately had their melee and some were arrested. During the massive protests that have lasted for weeks in many cities, small groups of self-proclaimed more militant demonstrators were unable to carry out these encounters. But as the movement has ebbed and focused on cases of local police brutality, bringing down symbols of the Confederacy, getting police out of the schools, pushing back on all examples of racism inherent in capitalism, face-offs like this, often provoked by police, can discredit the movement that has involved tens of millions of people throughout this country. Lessons of prior victorious social struggles like the anti-Vietnam War movement, the civil rights movement, and the labor movement
point to the need for continued massive peaceful, legal mobilizations to push back on police brutality. During the protests after the killings of George Floyd, two labor actions, the June 16 ILWU Oakland rally, port shutdowns on the West Coast and the SEIU on July 20, workers strikes and walkouts around the country were effective, unlike the small groups disrupting traffic or trashing buildings. Keeping the focus on demands to indict law enforcement officers who killed people such as Andres Guardado and Breonna Taylor is imperative for activists, as well as reopening police brutality cases nationally. Demonstrators have shown that demanding troops out of cities and keeping actions peaceful help engage people becoming anti-racist activists.
Real News, Real People, Really Effective August 6 - 19, 2020
5
Republicans’ Revolt
COVID-19 denials, conspiracies and distractions By James Preston Allen, Publisher
while the rest of Los Angeles County is surging with infections and parts of Orange County are quickly approaching the brick wall of reality (think of our neighbors in Huntington Beach). Over the past week, Orange County has averaged 462 new cases and 10.3 new deaths per day. The number of confirmed infections is currently doubling every 52.1 days, according to the Orange County Health Department. So much for the anti-maskers. Yet, I recently received this message from Justin Clark, political director of the Los Angeles Republican Party, which states: With each passing day life feels more and more like a dystopian novel. We live in a time where we are being conditioned by large swaths of society to think it is selfish and dangerous to protect your freedom and God given rights. The consequences of this are already being realized. In California, we are rolling back the reopening of our economy. The talking points are simple: lockdowns save lives. If you dare question this doctrine you are labeled antiscience or must think the virus is a hoax. These claims are outlandish and a smoke screen. They are meant to distract you from the very clear reality that this was never about safety. This is, and always has been, about control.
Now I’m not going to take the time to deconstruct this small piece of political propaganda for you as it is readily evident to anyone who can read. But clearly, when he gets to “protect your freedom and God given rights,” Mr. Clark is pushing knee jerk emotional truth buttons. Yet, even he later admits that “Mask usage, social distancing, limiting capacity, are a lot more digestible than simply closing everything down.” This is a far cry from the original “it’s all a hoax” or a “Wuhan conspiracy” or that “it will magically disappear by April” myths. The PV Republicans should take heed of this —wear a mask and consider voting by mail. What Mr. Clark and others are actually arguing for is that we get back to normal as fast as possible, open up schools, get these “lazy” unemployed people back to work and get this economy rolling again just to make you-knowwho look great again. It doesn’t matter who or how many get infected. But quickly getting back to normal is just not in the cards. This is true in all of the red states Publisher/Executive Editor James Preston Allen james@randomlengthsnews.com
August 6 - 19, 2020
Real News, Real People, Totally Relevant
I was stopped on the sidewalk the other day by one of our well known personalities who accused me of abetting in the cover up of the truth behind the pandemic. She told me that, “She knows a lot of people in town and more on Facebook, and not one of them knows a person who has been infected nor died of COVID-19.” Neither had I at that point, but I told her I had reason to believe that the Los Angeles County Health Department stats were reasonably accurate and you can’t cover up 150,000 deaths. She stormed off in a huff. I finished drinking my coffee thinking that people just don’t believe what they don’t personally experience. Their truths are only experientially referenced. I suppose this is part of the universal human condition — individuals bundling together political beliefs, personal prejudices and cultural preferences to form one perspective through which to judge life and others. This only changes when you hit one of those brick walls in life like going to war and coming back wounded, ending up homeless or having a near death experience or getting infected with COVID-19. Sooner or later, life will give you a scar that alters your perspective. Since that sidewalk conversation, I ran into the woman who hosted the infamous party out at Trump National golf course back in March — the one with all the Palos Verdes Republicans thinking that the coronavirus was a hoax and refusing to socially distance. Only later did it come out that a man who attended the party was infected and died. I’ve learned that since that party, the gracious host also became ill from COVID-19, but survived. She looked a lot worse for wear, but she is no longer denying the existence of COVID-19. However, her personal truth has been expanded to include hydroxychloroquine as a cure. The problem is that in this small corner of Los Angeles County, the San Pedro Harbor Area (not unlike many other parts of California or the nation), the ratio of infections to total population is small like .009 percent, fortunately. This, I might add, is about the same number of homeless people in our community, except the homeless are much more visible than the infected. We should not be complacent. And as much as I hear people complain about “some people not wearing masks,” it appears as though we’re doing a pretty good job of keeping this pandemic in check here,
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Assoc. Publisher/Production Coordinator Suzanne Matsumiya
“A newspaper is not just for reporting the news as it is, but to make people mad enough to do something about it.” —Mark Twain Vol. XLI : No. 16
Published every two weeks for the Harbor Area communities of San Pedro, RPV, Lomita, Harbor City, Wilmington, Carson and Long Beach. Distributed at over 350 locations throughout the Harbor Area.
Managing Editor Terelle Jerricks editor@randomlengthsnews.com Senior Editor Paul Rosenberg paul.rosenberg@ randomlengthsnews.com
that have taken this rapid reopen approach. Those states now have surging infection rates — most notably Florida, Mississippi, Texas, Alabama and Arizona and expanding into more rural populations with less health care services than Los Angeles. The dead bodies are stacking up in Brownsville, Tex., reports say. What stands out amongst all of these late-comers to the COVID-19 party is California — in particular Southern California. Here our leaders took the threat seriously earlier than most and stayed locked down longer than many. Yet, here we are, living in this dystopian novel. But who is actually the author? We still are not out of this pandemic and may not be for some while. The tides are beginning to turn against the MAGA man even in parts of the Golden State that are traditionally red. Those places are starting to turn blue for Joe Biden, who now has the support of 67% of respondents in the
UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies poll, while Donald Trump has fallen to 28%. Not that this is a battleground state that will decide the national election, but it may be the one that crushes the Republican revolt. However, the election is getting desperate as Rep. Alan Lowenthal (D-Long Beach) writes, “My Republican opponent just tweeted out a fake photoshopped CNN poll showing the president leading former Vice President Biden. He called the poll “new” and “Embarrassing for the Democrats.” What’s embarrassing is that the poll wasn’t new. It wasn’t even real.” And you can bank on the Republicans to become even more irate and irrational the closer to election day and the closer Cyrus Vance Jr., the New York District Attorney gets to revealing the MAGA scandal behind the taxes of the man corrupting the White House and the nation.
Justice for Andres Guardado Now! By Najee Ali Andres Guardado was an 18-year-old Los Angeles man shot several times in the back and killed by Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriff Miguel Vega in Gardena on June 18, 2020. Guardado was working outside as an unlicensed plain clothes security guard at an auto-body shop. Deputies were reportedly out on patrol when they saw Guardado talking to someone in a car blocking a driveway, so they stopped their vehicle. Deputies allegedly saw him with a gun outside the body shop. Guardado ran from two deputies into an alley, where he died after being shot seven times in the back by deputy
Vega. Vega’s partner never fired his weapon. Both deputies at the scene stated that Guardado reached for a handgun on the ground near him as he was being detained. The only problem with that explanation is that according to one of the witnesses, Guardado “got down on his knees and surrendered with his hands behind his head but was still shot seven times in the back.” The gun deputies said Guardado allegedly had was not fired according to investigators. That same witness also reported that several [See Justice, p. 7]
Columnists/Reporters Melina Paris Staff Reporter Hunter Chase Staff Reporter Send Calendar Items to: 14days@randomlengthsnews.com
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Address correspondence regarding news items and tips to Random Lengths News, P.O. Box 731, San Pedro, CA 90733-0731, or email: editor@randomlengthsnews.com. Send Letters to the Editor to james@randomlengthsnews.com. To be considered for publication, letters must be signed with address and phone number (for verification purposes) and be about 250 words.
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For advertising inquiries or to submit advertising copy, email: rlnsales@randomlengthsnews.com. Annual subscription is $40 for 27 issues. Back issues are available for $3/copy while supplies last. Random Lengths News presents issues from an alternative perspective. We welcome articles and opinions from all people in the Harbor Area. While we may not agree with the opinions of contributing writers, we respect and support their 1st Amendment right. Random Lengths News is a member of Standard Rates and Data Services and the Association of Alternative Newsweeklies. (ISN #0891-6627). All contents Copyright 2020 Random Lengths News. All rights reserved.
RANDOMLetters COVID-19 Hits Long Beach Leadership
It is with deep sadness that I share that my mother, Gaby O’Donnell, has passed away due to complications from COVID-19. My brother and I are heartbroken. Our mother was the kindest and most compassionate person we’ve ever known. She immigrated from Peru to the United States in search of the American Dream—and she found it. She became a healthcare worker, caring for thousands of patients over her career and assisting nurses and doctors who she loved dearly. She loved to help people and lived a happy and joyous life. She will always be our guiding light and the center of our lives. My brother and I want to thank the incredible team at Long Beach Memorial for taking care of our mom during her last days. They are heroes and we are forever grateful. My stepfather, Greg O’Donnell, is still in the hospital and on a ventilator. We pray and hope for a full recovery. Robert Garcia, Mayor of Long Beach
Melville, Mythology, Madness, Just Not So Nuanced
Excellent editorial as usual.
(At Length “Good Trouble and Bad–Capt. Ahab, confronted by naked white Athena in Portland, retreats” July 23, 2020). Wonderful Melville, mythology and madness but it is not as nuanced as you state. This bellicose, cruel and halfasleep former(?) slave state is just getting what it deserves. In the months to come we can rid ourselves of this pestilence and begin the long and arduous repair work. Maybe voting does matter, maybe black lives do matter, maybe we should love our brothers and sisters. Warm regards to you and the talented staff at RL. Robin Doyno, Los Angeles
The Truth about Antifa
In the July 23 edition of Random Lengths News, Senior Editor Paul Rosenberg’s story, “The Truth About Antifa,” received the second highest amount views in our last issue but received the most responses, mostly negative attention from sympathizers and supporters of President Donald Trump. While this newspaper has never shied away from reporting through a progressive lens, we do aim to be fair and thorough on all that we report. In this space,
[Justice, from p. 6]
Justice
Lisa Bennett 07/24/2020 At 1:37 pm This entire article is propaganda. On the street, ANTIFA is a violent Marxist group that assaults any perceived “enemy.” They are thugs. AvatarSarah F 07/28/2020 At 9:16 pm This article is factual. Your words are pure fear mongering propaganda. No evidence Antifa are “Marxist thugs.” Fascism is the enemy of any freedom-loving, rational person. Cheryl 07/25/2020 At 2:22 am PAUL, your superiority complex interferes with your facts and hightens [sic] your lack of ethics. It is sad that you can not describe various hate groups without insulting the President every chance you get. I don’t appreciate your inability to report the news without your opinion smeared in
Mike 07/27/2020 At 2:24 pm Wow, the propaganda is real. The author of this article is a terrorist, nice try. Americans are catching. You are the Nazi Reply AvatarYouDumb 07/28/2020 At 5:35 am Pure garbage. Why are people so stupid? Paul Rosenburg [sic] must be a drooling idiot going by the drivel in this stupid article. Reply AvatarSarah F 07/28/2020 At 9:27 pm Natasha Lennard wrote: “Antifa practices understand that the desire for fascism is not something based on reason, so it is not something to be reasoned out of.”
Census 2020 Deadline Moved Up Los Angeles County health leaders urged residents to complete the 2020 Census, highlighting the COVID-19 crisis as an example of how important federal funding is to maintaining a strong local health care system. An accurate count is essential because the census influences billions of dollars in federal funding that helps patients access health care services, as well as funding for substance use disorder treatment and prevention, schools,
unemployment benefits and services for seniors. In response to the evolving situation around COVID-19, the U.S. Census Bureau extended the official deadline to participate in the census. The last day for households to respond online, by phone or by mail was previously Oct. 31 but 2020census.gov announced Aug. 4, the date has now been changed to Sept. 30. Completing the census is private. Responses are protected by federal law, specifically Title 13 of the U.S. Code. Details: www.my2020census. gov, or call 844-330-2020 or by mail if you receive a paper form.
CORRECTION
In the July 23 edition of Random Lengths News, in the story “The Truth About ANTIFA,” a photo of U.S. Attorney Nicholoas Trutanich was misidentified. We regret the error. — Terelle Jerricks, Managing Editor
The lack of reason in the comments here underscore the truth of her statement.
Reply AvatarAntifa are the real fascists 07/30/2020 At 6:37 am All these ads for IQ tests on this page are pertinent, I definitely feel dumber after reading this drivel.
August 6 - 19, 2020
Najee Ali is the founder and president of the Muslim Democratic Club of Southern California and Project Islamic Hope. Ali is a community activist who has been engaged in the fight for social justice in Southern California for more than 30 years. www. Najeeali.com
Artemis Gordon 07/28/2020 At 9:33 pm If stating the facts about Trump’s Antifa conspiracy bs “insults the President” you really think Paul is to blame? That’s some twisted logic.
Community Alert
I’m not holding this back because I feel it in my soul that my brother was murdered, and this was covered up.” Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva immediately spoke out against conducting an independent investigation at a news conference he held two days after the shooting and then placed an “emergency hold on the autopsy report preventing the release of details pending the conclusion of the investigation conducted by the Homicide division of the LASD. The cover up of the Guardado killing had now reached all the way to the top of the department. To his credit, Chief Medical ExaminerCoroner Dr. Jonathan Lucas released the autopsy report despite a “security hold” put in place by Villanueva, and in a statement said “I have given careful consideration to the major variables in this case — supporting the administration of justice, as well as the public’s right to know ... I do not believe that these are mutually exclusive ideals. Both are important, particularly amid the ongoing national discussion about race, policing and civil rights. I believe that the government can do its part by being timelier and more transparent in sharing information that the public demands and has a right to see.” I agree with everything Dr. Lucas stated. Villanueva pledged transparency but he is the ringleader of the Guardado cover up. He should resign immediately. If he does not, hopefully Los Angeles City Councilman Joe Buscaino, a former LAPD officer and dedicated public servant our community trusts will consider running for sheriff against Villanueva, who has shown himself unfit to lead. Our protests for justice for Guardado will not stop until Vega is arrested for his murder.
our faces.
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cameras at the scene of his store, including a digital recorder that stored surveillance footage, were taken and destroyed by police. I never believe in jumping to conclusions. If a suspect has a gun, law enforcement should get the benefit of the doubt in a foot pursuit. But in the shooting of Guardado, I believe he was unjustly murdered by Vega, a deputy with a history of brutality allegations against him, which have yet to be resolved, including tampering with evidence, making false statements to investigators (an action for which he was given a four day suspension) and prior complaints for use of unreasonable force. Based on the eyewitness accounts, along with Vega’s track record of being a rogue deputy, he does not belong in law enforcement. He belongs in jail for murder. I am a long-time civil rights activist with over three decades of community work with a focus on police reform. I visited the scene of the Guardado shooting the very next day to pay my respects to the family. I also called a press conference calling for an independent investigation into the shooting. I know all too well what happens when you let law enforcement investigate their own. They always clear each other. The cover up into the killing of Guardado by the leadership in the Sheriff’s Department was already in motion and would not stop unless the community rose to end it. The press conference was well attended by the media but more importantly the Guardado family was there as well. I had a chance to meet and speak with his parents. They told me exactly who their son was. He was a hard working young man with two jobs who had just completed high school and was currently enrolled at Los Angeles Trade Technical College studying to be an engineer or mechanic. He was fun loving and always had a smile on his face. His sister, Jennifer Guardado, spoke at the news conference and stated: “Even if this is the last day I breathe,
we chose to reprint the comments we’ve received in response to “Truth About Antifa” to illustrate the work that still needs to be done on media literacy and helping our readers decipher the difference between information from credible sources versus an echo-chamber recycling conspiracies theories and outright falsehoods. Here’s a sampling of the mostly one line snipes.
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[Stress, from p. 4]
Stress-Test
pressed Republican senators after Trump suggested postponing the election, and they almost uniformly rejected it, with only one or two waffling a bit. “What’s striking about this one, of course, is that it got a lot of bipartisan pushback,” Gilman said on Democracy Now! “But what’s striking is how many of his tweets don’t get bipartisan, or at least Republican, pushback. So, when he says that, you know, mail-in ballots are going to be fraudulent, there’s no pushback against that from the Republicans.” The real problem will be what happens over time — as Brooks described above. That’s what Protect the Results and others of like mind need to defend against. Indivisible and other groups in the coalition have considerable experience in mobilizing fast and pressuring politicians when they’re dragging their heels. There was virtually no such organizing 20 years ago, in the wake of the stolen 2000 election. “We cannot predict what Trump might do after the election, but we can prepare the infrastructure to respond to his attempts to undermine the results,” Phelps and Thomas wrote. “Folks should join us at ProtectTheResults.com, and we’ll keep them up-to-date on what’s going on before, during and after the election.” As dangerous as this threat may be, it shouldn’t distract from normal kinds of political objectives. “We, at Indivisible San Pedro, will be ready to respond should other steps be called upon to end the Trump administration,” said Peter Warren, who’s worked with the group since its founding in early 2017. In the meantime, “We are focused on running several phone banks a week for Katie Porter in Orange County,” Warren said. “And, we are connecting people to texting, phone banking,
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writing to voters in the Payback States to oust the GOP senators and vote against Trump in swing states.” (“The Payback States,” Warren explained, “are those where GOP senators who voted to acquit Trump in the impeachment are seeking reelection.”) “We are writing and calling our members of Congress to vote for the Heroes Act and other relief measures to help Americans, the post office, small businesses, school districts, hospitals, cities and states short of cash, to assist frontline healthcare workers or those ill and beset by COVID-19, as well as to oppose Trump legislation. That is our work now,” he added. As for the future, “No one who is paying attention expects a good-faith response from Trump or his administration to the election results. What happens after the balloting ends is speculative. We have 2000 as one ugly model. Regardless, our efforts now are focused on winning and ensuring the flaws exposed in the recent primary voting in LA County are fixed.” The threat Trump poses to our democracy is chillingly real. But it didn’t come out of nowhere. It’s built upon a myriad of earlier threats to and flaws in our democracy — such as the ones Warren points to, and ones Kalmoe exposes in his book. There is some good news, he explains. The threat of all-out war is significantly less, now. “The geography of partisanship today is reassuring. It is much harder to imagine regional secession movements that would fuel violent conflict,” Kalmoe pointed out. Abraham Lincoln wasn’t even on the ballot in most of the South, but there are no such shutouts today. “Stark urban/rural divides are more of a concern today,” he noted. “But they do not correspond with state administrative capacities, which were key to multiplying the Civil War death toll. “The most reassuring aspect of both eras is that one party is broadly committed to actively advancing democracy, which has not always been the case.“ The same day Trump tweeted out his attack on the election, former President Barack Obama vividly underscored what Kalmoe was talking about. Eulogizing civil rights legend John Lewis, Obama said that Bull Connor and George Wallace may be gone, but…: ... we can witness our federal government sending agents to use tear gas and batons against peaceful demonstrators. We may no longer have to guess the number of jelly beans in a jar in order to cast a ballot. But even as we sit here, there are those in power who are doing their darndest to discourage people from voting — by closing polling locations, and targeting minorities and students with restrictive ID laws, and attacking our voting rights with surgical precision, even undermining the Postal Service in the run-up to an election that is going to be dependent on mailed-in ballots so people don’t get sick.
In short, Republicans are playing a very old game, with some new wrinkles here and there, just as there have always been. Although Bull Connor and George Wallace were both Southern Democrats, Republicans have owned that game since Richard Nixon’s “Southern Strategy” first rolled out. This year, with a majority of whites now endorsing Black Lives Matter, it may finally be possible to shut that game down — but no one should expect it to be easy.
Black is King
Beyoncé Knowles-Carter’s Gift to the World By Terelle Jerricks, Managing Editor
M
Simba, the heir of his father Mufasa. Simba’s wicked uncle Scar plots to usurp Mufasa’s throne by luring father and son into a trap, but Simba escapes and only Mufasa is killed. Simba returns as an adult to take back his homeland from his uncle with the help of his friends. The filmmakers have said that the story of The Lion King was inspired by the lives of Joseph and Moses, from the Bible, and William Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Black is King follows the same script, except that the entire album takes a afropunk and afrofuturist visual and sonic aesthetic, opening up the story to invite conversations about the origins of the African diaspora, and the future of black people the world over. Despite all the various moving parts, the film holds together tightly and with intention. The film opens with a scene that references the story of Moses and his mother spiriting him away down the river in a watertight basket. Beyoncé sings Bigger, a song that seemingly prophesies the future of her newborn son. The recentering of this story in West Africa, also recalibrates the focus of the Abrahamic faiths to include animism — the belief that objects, places and creatures all possess a distinct spiritual essence. Potentially, animism perceives all things — animals, plants, rocks, rivers, weather systems, human handiwork and perhaps even words — as animated and alive. When Black is King transitions from the first song to the second, Find Your Way Back, the scene is reminiscent of the birth of Jesus when a black child from heaven comes to earth. From the beginning until this point, it’s clear that this film does more than just center black people within The Lion King, it recenters black women and black womanhood within [See King, p. 13]
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y assignment is to mount an expedition deep into the heart of Black is King, the just-released musical film and visual album by Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, and return with the answers to the questions that these days weigh so heavily on the minds of white people — you know, whether black lives matter, and why that should matter to someone living a white life. Yeah, those questions. Sweet assignment. Or it might be, except that Black is King was never intended to answer white questions. Its music, visuals and message were conceived, created and calibrated so as to reach Africans throughout the diaspora. Black is King was not green-lighted to sort and organize white supremacy’s rusty old parts, arranging the whats, hows and whys in a way that makes clear its simple, enduring machinery. Beyoncé was looking forward as she created this companion piece to The Lion King. With Black is King, she is advancing the story, encouraging and celebrating the future, lifting and being lifted by possibilities far beyond the small minds and cramped comfort zones that allow the legal tools and institutions from the days of slavery to continue to support white supremacy. Black is King wasn’t intended to clarify why so many white people have taken to the streets in alliance with the cause of Black Lives Matter, although I would venture to say that the movement’s legions of supporters understand that “black lives matter” isn’t a rallying cry against white people, but a statement of affirmation against American institutions that state otherwise. Reports from the entertainment industry are describing Black is King as an urgent passion project, needed now, in this moment, more than ever before. Black is King was released on July 31 as a visual companion to the 2019 album The Lion King: The Gift, a tie-in album curated by Beyoncé for the 2019 remake of The Lion King. After watching the musical film, a few thoughts came to mind. Black people of African descent everywhere have long sought to center our origin story in a way that’s truthful, and nurturing to our psyche and spirit and intentionally forward looking. It’s the reason we reflect the idea that our origins come from royalty and power, something not defined by slavery and humilation. Given the number of films that use the African savannah as a backdrop, it’s amazing how rare it is for black folks to be the center of those stories. That’s even true of the original animated feature The Lion King, Walt Disney Animation Studio’s first original story not based on an existing work. It used to annoy me that whenever I saw stories set in Africa, the stories were about the animals, or human stories of indeterminate cultures were told through anthropomorphized animals. Rarely did I see stories about Africa from Africans from an African perspective. This Disney animated feature follows the young Prince
August 6 - 19, 2020
Beyoncé Knowles-Carter and Folajomi Akinmurele in Black is King. Graphic by Suzanne Matsumiya
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D
uring this crisis, the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control has to date temporarily suspended or modified enforcement of 16 legal prohibitions of its licensees to assist in their ability to conduct business and survive. As breweries and businesses attempt to continue commerce during this time of constant flux, it is becoming increasingly more-complicated for them to assure they are doing so in accordance with current guidance from regulatory bodies (These include federal and state regulations, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, California ABC, local agencies, etc.).
Navigating the Current Normal By David Mulvihill, Writer for BeerPaper.com
Beer Past Prime
Given the cease and/or slowdown of business for breweries and many of the retail establishments that carry their beer, there are currently many cases where beer has passed its prime. Varying requirements direct handling of that product, depending on where that beer has been. Brewers have the option of destroying beer that has never left the brewery without restriction or prior approval and can Photo courtesy of BeerPaper.com submit claims for refund of excise taxes (state and federal) previously paid on said brewery, returns by retail licensees are now also beer. And, thanks in-part to a relaxing by the being accepted in greater numbers. California ABC restrictions governing returns For beer returned to the brewery, additional of alcoholic beverages after they have left the recordkeeping and ABC approvals may also
August 6 - 19, 2020
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Bukowski in Bronze, a GoFundMe campaign launched nearly a year ago on Charles Bukowski’s 99th birthday, Aug. 16, 2019, was supposed to raise money and focus preparations for a celebration of his 100th that would feature the unveiling of a bronze sculpture of the poet and author in the Waterfront Arts District. Bukowski lived in San Pedro from 1978 until his death in 1994, and the area was often the inspiration and setting for his work. The plan, according to the San Pedro Heritage Museum, was to create a gathering place where fans could honor the author’s legacy. But, with less than two weeks remaining until the big day, there has been no news or updates on the celebration. Only crickets have been chirping since the last update on the GoFundMe page in August 2019. San Pedro Heritage Museum called upon renowned sculptor, educator and San Pedro resident Eugene Daub to work on the monument renderings. The coming celebration was reported on in Random Lengths News and other publications. Sacred Grounds coffee house hosted the poetry reading and crowdfunding launch on Bukowski’s August 2019 birthday anniversary. The fundraising goal was set at $150,000. The campaign had the support of Los Angeles Councilman Joe Buscaino, the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce, the San Pedro Business Improvement District,
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be necessary if a claim for refund or credit of excise taxes paid will be sought. I won’t bore you with all of the details, forms and processes required for federal and state claims
Buk’s 100th: Awaiting the Next Chapter By Melina Paris, Editorial Assistant
the San Pedro Waterfront Arts District, Grand Vision Foundation and Angels Gate Cultural Center. Unfortunately, the funds weren’t met. To date and amid the pandemic, the crowdfunder has raised $5,000. Indeed, absent an unveiling and local celebration, as Buk’s 100th birthday approaches, the author of thousands of poems, hundreds of short stories and six novels and more than some 60 books, his legacy persists in San Pedro and beyond. Recently, film company Slamdance released a rediscovered film titled You Never Had It —An Evening with Bukowski, to be released in virtual cinemas Aug. 7, through Kino Marquee and Slamdance sites. Hosted by Italian journalist — and probably as close as one might call a contemporary friend of Bukowski — Silvia Bizio, the film is a look into what made the celebrated author of “dirty realism transgressive fiction” tick. Bizio knew Bukowski and interviewed him many times, including for Rolling Stone and the Los Angeles Times. Being Bukowski’s friend allowed Bizio and film crew entry into the author’s San Pedro home in 1981. The interview went on long
Proposed Bukowski bronze sketch by Eugene Daub.
into the night — beginning at 4 p.m. and going until 1 a.m. The crew was accompanied by Bukowski’s wife, Linda Lee Beighle and their cat, Max. They talked, they drank wine, they looked at the view from Buk’s upstairs bedroom and writing room. They even viewed a little of the author’s artwork. The film is unlike many other documentaries about Bukowski in that it is set in
here. Brewers, feel free to reach out to me with any questions or for assistance with the process. Time permitting, I’m happy to help Southern California breweries that are considering submitting claims, returns and reports. Consider it my way of giving back to a brewing community I want to see get back on track without additional strains on business. If going it on your own, I recommend a thorough review of the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations/ Title 27/ Chapter 1/ Subchapter A/ Part 25; specifically the following subsections: 25.221 Voluntary destruction of beer; 25.225 Destruction of tax paid beer which never left the brewery; 25.283 Claims for refund of tax; 25.211 Beer Returned to brewery. For federal claims TTB Form 5620.8b and its associated Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) are informative sources (ttb.gov). For state refunds refer to: cdtfa.ca.gov/taxesand-fees/refund.htm and Form CDTFA-101. As noted in a previous column, as an alternative to dumping down the drain many breweries are donating overstock and past-prime beer to local distilleries for ready distillation and making of hand sanitizer during this pandemic. [See Normal, p. 11]
one mostly uninterrupted scene of the author’s home. There are a few cutaways to scenes of the Los Angeles streets Bukowski haunted by murals depicting him and even a few visuals of San Pedro. Yet, most of the scenes and the dialogue in You Never Had It are driven by Buk himself, which is the main magnetism of the film. For any fans of Bukowski it will be a good time spent with the author as he offers insights into his thought processes and idiosyncrasies. What made Bukowski magnetic? That is something that unfolds in his poem Dinosauria,We [Born Into This] in which Bukowski depicts a dystopian world. Written in 1992, its nightmarish verses depict the world we live in right now. It’s worth the read and you will understand. But even within the wickedness of Dinosauria, We in its end he offers light. And there will be the most beautiful silence never heard Born out of that. The sun still hidden there Awaiting the next chapter.
While Bukowski lived in this town during his last decade-and-a-half, San Pedro did “have” and behold him while he was among us. And that may well be the way he would have preferred it to be. Coming February 2021, the Palos Verdes Art Center will celebrate Bukowski with an exhibition of works inspired by his writing. Details: https://vimeo.com/439315696
[Normal, from p. 10]
Current Normal Re-opening
As our state and country embark on a complicated, slow and distance-required reopening process, navigation can be onerous and complicated. To assist more beer and alcohol-related businesses in opening for onsite consumption, the ABC has made additional allowances. Expansion of the existing license’s footprint (where it normally conducts its business) is being allowed to include adjacent and nearby areas. This will help with meeting distancing requirements and accommodating customer numbers that will also make business worthwhile. Note that while the ABC is temporarily allowing for expanding ones serving area to include outside adjacent areas, it still requires licensees to assure that their local governing authorities have also authorized using the area for serving meals and alcoholic beverages. Judging by an increasing number of examples of adjacent parking spaces now housing temporary outdoor eating spaces for breweries, pubs, and restaurants now open, localities appear to be accommodating.
BIG NICK’S PIZZA
BUONO’S AUTHENTIC PIZZERIA
Family owned and operated since 1965, Buono’s is famous for awardwinning brick oven baked pizza. Buono’s also offers classic Italian dishes and sauces based on tried-and-true family recipes and hand-selected fresh ingredients. Takeout, delivery and patio dining. Hours: Sun.-Thurs. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Buono’s Pizzeria, 222 W. 6th St., San Pedro, 310-547-0655, www.buonospizza.com
curbside pickup. Hours: Mon. - Sat. 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., Sun. 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Happy Diner #2, 1931 N. Gaffey St., San Pedro, 310-935-2933, www.happydinersp.com
COMPAGNON WINE BISTRO
HAPPY DELI
Compagnon Wine Bistro offers rustic French cuisine that pays tribute to classic French bistros in various regions of France. Enjoy outdoor dining in our newly built “parklette” or call in your dinner and family meal orders for pick-up. Hours: Wed. - Thurs.. 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.; Fri. and Sat. 4 to 9 p.m.; Sun. 10 to 1 p.m. and 4 to 8:30 p.m. Compagnon Wine Bistro, 335 W. 7th St., San Pedro, 424-342-9840, www.CompagnonBistro.com
HAPPY DINER #1
The Happy Diner #1 in Downtown San Pedro isn’t your average diner. The selections range from Italian- and Mexican-influenced entrées to American Continental. Happy Diner chefs are always creating something new—take your pick of grilled salmon over pasta or tilapia and vegetables prepared any way you like. Call for takeout breakfast, lunch and dinner. Hours: Mon.-Wed. 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Thurs.-Sat. 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Sun. 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Happy Diner #1, 617 S. Centre St., San Pedro, 310-241-0917, www.happydinersp.com
HAPPY DINER #2
Built on the success of Happy Diner #1, Happy Diner #2 offers American favorites like omelets and burgers, fresh salads, plus pasta and Mexican dishes are served. Order online for delivery or call for
food purchase)! Open daily 12 to 8 p.m. for takeout and delivery through Grubhub, Postmates and Doordash. San Pedro Brewing Company, 331 W. 6th St., San Pedro, 310-831-5663, www.sanpedrobrewing.com
The Happy Deli is a small place with a big menu. Food is made-to-order using the freshest ingredients. Breakfast burritos and breakfast sandwiches include a small coffee. For lunch or dinner select from fresh salads, wraps, buffalo wings, cold and hot sandwiches, burgers and dogs. Order online or call for takeout or delivery. Hours: Mon. - Sat. 6 am. to 8 p.m., Sun. 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Happy Deli, 530 S. Gaffey St., San Pedro, 424-364-0319, www.happydelisp.com
TAXCO MEXICAN RESTAURANT
PAPPY’S SEAFOOD
WEST COAST PHILLY’S
Pappy’s Seafood is your destination for fresh, sustainably caught seafood, locally sourced farm-to-table produce, craft beer, fine wines and cocktails. Now offering curbside pick-up or delivery via Grubhub and Seamless. Hours: Wed.Sun. 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Pappy’s Seafood, 301 w. 6th St., San Pedro, 424-224-5444, www.pappysseafood.com
SAN PEDRO BREWING COMPANY
A micro brewery and American grill, SPBC features handcrafted awardwinning ales and lagers served with creative pastas, BBQ, sandwiches, salads and burgers. Order your growlers, house drafts and cocktails to go (with
We are proud to serve our community for almost four decades with generous plates of traditional Mexican Call in your order for pickup or order online for delivery at Doordash. com. Hours: Tues.-Sat. 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sun. and Mon. 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Taxco Mexican Restaurant, 28152 S. Western Ave., San Pedro, 310-547-4554, www.taxcorestaurantpv.com Welcome to West Coast Philly’s Cheesesteak and Hoagies where authentic Philly cheesesteaks meet the waterfront in San Pedro. Along with serving the classic cheesesteak, West Coast Philly’s puts its unique twist on its cheesesteaks and hoagies. Also on the menu are subs, burgers, wings and salads. Order online or call for pickup in the rear parking lot or delivery via Postmates, Doordash and Grubhub. Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. West Coast Philly’s, 1902 S. Pacific Ave., San Pedro, 424-264-5322, www.westcoastphillys.com
Support Independent Restaurants • Dining Guide online: www.randomlengthsnews.com/dining-guide
August 6 - 19, 2020
Conrad’s reflects the cuisine of Oaxaca with a focus fresh on local, seasonal ingredients for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Now Conrad’s features Peruvian dishes, as well as an inventive Mexican vegetarian and vegan menu. Order online for curbside
pick up and delivery. Hours: Mon.-Sat. 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. S. Conrad’s Mexican Grill, 376. W. 6th St., San Pedro • 424-264-5452, www.conradsmexicangrill.com
CONRAD’S MEXICAN GRILL
David Mulvihill thirsts to experience and promote the best of craft beer. He also provides businessside support to local breweries and brewers guilds (reporting, excise tax, regulatory compliance, policies and personnel) (SoCalCraftBeer.com). david@socalcraftbeer. com.
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Tradition, variety and fast delivery or takeout—you get it all at Big Nick’s Pizza. The best selection of Italian specialties include hearty calzones, an array of pastas and our amazing selection of signature pizzas. We are taking all safety precautions to protect our diners and staff. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on new developments. Call for fast delivery or to place a pick up order. Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mon.-Thurs.; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fri.-Sun. Big Nicks’ Pizza, 1110 N. Gaffey St., San Pedro, 310-732-5800, www.bignickspizza.com
The COVID-19 Temporary Catering Authorization Application will also allow businesses that have not historically served food (i.e. breweries with taprooms without kitchens) to enter into agreements with other entities to perform the meal service requirement for Phase 2 opening. Bootlegger’s Brewery has even launched its own Bootlegger’s Concept Kitchen Food Truck to provide its own in-house food selections and open its Fullerton location. Keep in mind that during California Phase 2 Reopening business owners are required to comply with CDC, state, county and local guidelines. They are new for everyone and it’s far from business-as-usual. Support your local businesses, but be sure to grant them a great deal of slack during this trying new period of adjustment. For my brewery friends, there is extensive info and FAQs available to assist alcohol licensees on the ABC’s website (abc.ca.gov). Access the COVID-19 Updates link for complete guidelines for each of the five Notices of Regulatory Relief along with extensive FAQs.
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F
or two decades, Easy Reader and Random Lengths News published JB Kennedy’s commentaries, devilnitions and poetry as often as possible. He had strong opinions and wasn’t afraid to express them, especially during the George W. Bush presidency when we were frogmarched into a war on false pretenses. “He was an original skeptic with a cunning and cutting sense of humor,” Random Lengths’ publisher James Allen pointed out. Kennedy had a bookshop two doors down from Random Lengths on Pacific Avenue in the 1990s. Kennedy was also curmudgeonly and he took pride in this. But if you came to know him, then you saw behind that visage and would realize how dedicated he was to fine literature. I often heard him speak at length about Robinson Jeffers, Ezra Pound, Octavio Páz, James Joyce, e.e. cummings, Wallace Stevens and many other of our finest mid-century poets. I’m not sure how many secondhand bookstores he owned during his half-century as a bookseller, but when I met him in the latter 1970s he had a shop on Pier Avenue in Hermosa Beach. I’d stopped in with my then-girlfriend and we both found books to buy. Strangely, I remember the titles I set down on the counter (Beyond the Tragic Vision and The Mind of the European Romantics), and my friend Suzanne bought at least one book on Celtic lore. Kennedy’s first words were, “Ah! People who read,” implying that we clearly hadn’t come seeking the latest Sidney Sheldon or Jackie Collins or whoever else was on the bestseller list at that time.
Ode to a Bookman
James Bullard Kennedy, July 13, 2020 By Bondo Wyszpolski, Contributor There were additional bookstores — in Redondo Beach, San Pedro and Torrance. It was after chancing upon the San Pedro location that Irishman Noel O’Hara wrote an article claiming that he’d found the best bookstore in the world. No small praise, that! But no matter the location, each Jan. 27, when Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart racked up another birthday, one could walk into the store and hear the glorious sounds of this music master, and JB Kennedy. Photo by Nancy Batchelder, c.1997. there would always be free cupcakes and punch to celebrate the of a kind. occasion. JB Kennedy was born Aug. 17, 1932 in In 2013, Kennedy was the star of Easy Denver, Colorado. He leaves behind his wife, Reader’s lone literary soirée, hosted at Live at Tina, a younger brother, Jusdon Kennedy, and the Lounge in downtown Hermosa Beach. He two daughters. JB’s father was an evangelical graces the cover (in glorious black and white) minister and his mother owned a religious of the issue that inspired the event. We saluted him then and we salute him now. The South Bay has lost someone very special; and we will be poorer for it because, truly, JB Kennedy was one
bookstore. Tina Kennedy told Random Lengths that Kennedy was self-educated by reading and that his introduction into literature and writing came via the Bible. Kennedy was the author of Hellexicon, late entries to Ambrose Bierce’s Devil’s Dictionary, a satirical dictionary. Bierce was a American Civil War soldier, journalist and writer. Devil’s Dictionary consisted of common words followed by humorous and satirical definitions. Kennedy’s Hellexicon was written over three decades as a series of installments for magazines and newspapers.
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Bondo Wyszpolski is the former art director at the Easy Reader and current arts and entertainment editor and photographer at the publication. He has written for numerous publications throughout the South Bay.
August 6 - 19, 2020
There is no time to mourn or ponder. Decency has been buried under Wild mendacity. Conscience commands that we Summon thunder. Morality has been torn asunder. Welcomed a reign of rapacity. Electoral college ordained the blunder. Conscience commands that we Summon thunder. Our fierce resolve can’t veer or wander. Focused tenacity exposing depravity Must generate uncommon Must generate uncommon wonder. Conscience commands that we Summon thunder — The thunder of intemperate rage — Rage that eclipses and eliminates The toxic trumpery Shaming and defaming unUnited States. —JB Kennnedy
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Quintana intends the series to point to big corporations, in this case Google, which does a lot of surveillance of neighborhoods. The series explores the idea of representation, or misrepresentation of a neighborhood. Even before he worked on the campaign, social justice issues were already present in his work, but not as direct and straightforward as they were in the campaign. Quintana pondered how he could keep his artistic momentum going now that the campaign was over. “Now it’s not so much about art, for me it never really was,” Quintana said. “Art was just kind of a tool to talk about, you know, my community and try to … talk about these issues facing my community.”
[Change, from p. 1]
Art of Change
[King, from p. 9] Artist Jane Gainer-Talbott participated in many of the George Floyd demonstrations across the South Bay and Los Angeles Harbor Area, creating work inspired by both the injustices and the protestors. Photo by Chris Villanueva
August 6 - 19, 2020
Many people were blind to the struggles of black people, Talbott said. “It’s almost like things were suppressed for so long, and they’re finally able to come to surface,” Talbott said. “People see because of social media how black people have been feeling for years. When they saw George Floyd die, when they saw him murdered, they felt that pain too. They felt that injustice too.” So many people’s eyes have been opened compared to 10 or 15 years ago and Talbott would like to see art reflect that. Quintana said that the pandemic created a need for art as a launch pad for social change. “In general, a lot of my colleagues, artists, friends and community who are just creative individuals, when the pandemic hit, they saw that there was like a big need for art (and) for people just to organize and mobilize and … fight for an issue,” Quintana said. Quintana said that his friends and colleagues looked at his work and saw it unfold alongside legislative action that was taken, including paid sick leave and rent relief. “The response has been really positive, especially … given the time, people are paying much more attention to the artwork that’s really supporting … a lot of these movements,” Quintana said. For Quintana, because of the length of the campaign, he was able to be at the forefront of the conversation, and really have a say in how he wanted to use his voice and his artwork. “People who aren’t really used to … going to see art in a gallery setting, they were able to open up their email or go to this campaign website and see, you know, the artwork front and center,” Quintana said. Working on the campaign involved lots of collaboration. Quintana was able to respond to current social issues as they became prevalent. In one case, the campaign was working on a project and had to put it aside because paid sick leave legislation was gaining traction. “In that way, the work was very much responding to the time,” Quintana said. “Moving more into it, when there was more downtime, I was able to … think about what projects had precedent, and also, you know, given the time frame … of my residency which ones could I really flesh out.” Quintana has also been working on a series called Los Angeles Blueprints. For the series, he takes pictures from Google Maps, tints them blue, and draws on them. The idea of the project was to highlight specific neighborhoods in Los Angeles.
The Lion King. Here and in other places in Black is King, Beyoncé pushes a vision of shared power, shared responsibility and shared possibility balancing the role of women and men while pushing back against the most toxic aspect of black masculinity and patriarchy. Immediately after the release of Black is King, the work was panned as capitalism draped in African aesthetics. Some have assigned the critique as being a charge of cultural appropriation. The point can be argued, but I’m not sure it would get much traction. Black is King, on its own, was reminiscent of Tyler Perry’s inspirational words at the 2019 BET Image Awards, when he recounted how his life’s work has been about “getting others across.” “It’s all about trying to help somebody cross,” Perry said. “While everybody else is fighting for a seat at the table, talking about ‘#OscarsSoWhite, #OscarsSoWhite,’ I said, ‘Y’all go ahead and do that. While you’re fighting for a seat at the table, I’ll be down in Atlanta building my own.’ Because what I know for sure is that if I could just build this table, God will prepare it for me in the presence of my enemies.” Referring to the name of the award he was receiving, Ultimate Icon Award, Perry said, “rather than being an icon, I want to be an inspiration. I want you to hear this, every dreamer in this room. There are people whose lives are tied to your dream. Own your stuff, own your business, own your way.” Black is King is undeniably that table, feeding black hunger for an identity not associated with racist tropes and trauma porn. Indeed, in Black is King, Africans throughout the diaspora are getting to feast including songwriters, poets, producers, choreographers, dancers, actors and recording artists from urban markets across the African continent to North America. The most telling was the Mood 4 Eva scene in which young Simba (played by 7-year-old South African actor Folajomi Akinmurele) is napping and an Alice in Wonderland dream sequence or vision takes place. I saw one review that refers to Mood 4 Eva as an “ode to decadence.” I suppose that’s one way of looking at it. Another way of looking at this scene is as an ideation of black power and spiritual and material fulfilment — if you can dream it you can build it. 13
classification of different races and taught that black people were lazy and hyper in their tone. “Growing up, there wasn’t a lot of information about me, and people with my skin,” Talbott said. “The information they gave you was Martin Luther King and Harriet Tubman and then Malcolm X. The media was very biased, the school was very biased.” Talbott said she has experienced so much pain from not having a history and not seeing art where black people were portrayed positively. Instead, she only saw art of black people being worn out and broken down. “The paintings in the museums were white, and [in] church you saw white Jesus,” Talbott said. “It’s hard to actually develop an identity as a black young girl that was positive.” However, while studying art at El Camino College, she learned that black people were alive and well during the Renaissance, and present in that period’s artwork. “I was taught that we literally had paintings about us, with us as topics in the paintings, main characters, kings and queens,” Talbott said. “But a lot of the paintings … were covered over, painted over with white faces, so that black people would never get a sense of identity, or any type of pride was stripped away.” Talbott learned of Saint Maurice, a black man who was the leader of a Roman legion in the third century, as well as Dido Elizabeth Belle, a black British heiress from the 18th century. “You realize when you have history that you don’t have to pretend, it’s right there on paper that you come from a strong, resilient people,” Talbott said. “And, that’s what art does, it shows us our history.” Talbott recently attended an exhibit at the Broad Museum called Soul of a Nation: Art in the Age of Black Power, which includes the work of black artists from 1963 to 1983. She saw impressionist-style murals of activists like Malcolm X and Angela Davis. “That was the art of revolution,” Talbott said. “We need art of revolution again.” Talbott saw pictures at the exhibit that portrayed the hatred of the Ku Klux Klan, but she would like to see more depictions of the love that emanates from the Black Lives Matter movement. “There’s a lot of people who are trying to love … who are protesting who don’t have my skin color,” Talbott said. “There’s a lot of people who are trying to do good and who are doing things politically on paper to try to stand up for black people.”
King
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Zinn wrote that artists should be transcendent of the framework of society. He said they should think for themselves outside of what the government says, and should not be afraid to comment on social issues. Talbott uses her artwork as an outlet to address social issues when her words are not enough. “People are tired of hearing black words,” she said. “I know they are. My Facebook page shows me that. People don’t want to hear me be sad or … ask for help. They don’t want to hear how I’m sad about injustice, or how I wish there was change.” Talbott has relatives who are not people of color who do not want to talk about controversial topics, such as the killing of George Floyd. “Because I can’t say things with words, I can say it with art,” Talbott said. Talbott said artists have a responsibility in this climate to speak with art so that people who are numb to words will hear it. “We’ve been speaking words for 400 years,” Talbott said. “We’ve been saying, ‘Stop killing us, stop killing us,’ and trying to get people to believe us that they’re killing us.” Men who spoke out for the black community, like Malcolm X, were killed. Leaders that made a difference used their words; Talbott uses her art. She’s not alone. Felix Quintana, an artist based in southeast Los Angeles who has taught Slanguage workshops, recently took part in a sixmonth campaign to spread awareness to different social justice movements, such as Black Lives Matter, the unfair treatment of essential workers and asking for rent freezes during the pandemic. “A lot of these themes are pretty much thinking about art as action,” Quintana said about the project, which was coordinated by the San Jose nonprofit Working Partnerships USA, “and thinking about community identity as well.” Quintana’s artistic goal is not to get his work exhibited in a gallery. Instead, he is finding ways to rethink where his art will be seen. This includes sharing his work on social media, and conceiving web-based projects, as well as social practice projects that involve the community. Talbott is similarly engaged. She is creating a piece — its working title is either Our History or Three Screams; she’s still deciding — that depicts three people screaming. Two are black silhouettes and one has a hand around his throat. “I look at this and it’s me being angry,” Talbott said. Her next project will be on a black canvas with a black image. “I want them to look at this canvas and I want them to say it’s black,” Talbott said. “But I want them to look at it and see that, oh wait a minute, there’s so much more here. Because that’s reflective of how I feel.” She is also working on a piece consisting simply of an elegant, beautiful black woman in a dress. She based it on a photograph she found. “It’s just something I’d never seen before,” Talbott said. “Black kids especially, and you know what, I’ll even say, black men and women and adults, they need to see us portrayed without all the drama, that’s portraying beauty and dignity. We are a people of beauty and dignity and strength and resilience. And yeah, that came from our ancestry as slaves and our history in the United States of America as an oppressed people.” When Talbott was in high school and elementary school, she was taught about the
“That’s the Joint” — taking a few.
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PLEASE HELP! The animals at the Harbor Animal Shelter have ongoing need for used blankets, comforters, pet beds.* Drop off at Harbor Animal Shelter 957 N. Gaffey St.,San Pedro • 888-452-7381, x 143 PLEASE SPAY/NEUTER YOUR PET! *In any condition. We will wash and mend.
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FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 2020102768 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: SPIRIT CRUISES & YACHT PARTIES, 429 SHORELINE VILLAGE DRIVE, SUITE D, LONG BEACH, CA 90802, County of LOS ANGELES Registered owner(s): JAYME WILSON, 43-61ST PLACE, LONG BEACH, CA 90803 This business is conducted by an Individual. The registrant(s) started doing business on 01/1984.I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000)). S/ JAYME WILSON, Owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on 07/09/2020. 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 expires 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. Effective Jan. 1, 2014, the fictitious business name statement must be accompanied by Affidavit of Identity form. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a Fictitious Business Names in violation of the rights of another under Federal, state, or common law (See Section 14111 et seq. Business and Professions code). Original Filing 07/22/20, 08/06/20, 08/20/20, 09/03/20
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 2020102768 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: THE KATHERMAN COMPANY, 6442 PARKLYNN DRIVE, RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CA 90275, County of LOS ANGELES. MAILING ADDRESS: 46
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E PENINSULA CENTER #284 Registered owner(s): RGM, LLC, 6442 PARKLYNN DRIVE, RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CA 90275. This business is conducted by a CORPORATION The registrant(s) started doing business on: N/A. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000)). S/ JAYME WILSON, Owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on 07/09/2020. 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 expires 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. Effective Jan. 1, 2014, the fictitious business name statement must be accompanied by Affidavit of Identity form. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a Fictitious Business Names in violation of the rights of another under Federal, state, or common law (See Section 14111 et seq. Business and Professions code). Original Filing 07/22/20, 08/06/20, 08/20/20, 09/03/20
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 2020102756 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: OMELETTE & WAFFLE SHOP, 1103 S GAFFEY STREET, San Pedro, CA 90731, County of LOS ANGELES. Registered owner(s): MONA SUTTON, 437 W 38TH STREET, SAN PEDRO, CA 90731. LESLIE JONES, 437 W 38TH STREET, SAN PEDRO, CA 90731. This business is conducted by CoPartners. The registrant(s) started doing business on N/A. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant
ACROSS
1 Activity that may use multiple dice, for short 4 Friedlander of “30 Rock” 9 Former Soviet spy org. 12 What the snooty put on 14 “Fingers crossed!” 15 “The Matrix Reloaded” role 16 Esoteric bit of pop culture that’s mired? 18 Do a sub service? 19 Keen observer of surroundings 20 Twitch subscription levels, e.g. 22 “Well, ___-di-dah!” 23 Burger topper 26 Concave cooker 29 Ill-mannered guy 31 Decent stand-in 34 Novelist Patchett 35 MLB figures 37 Entertainment awards acronym 38 Use as a bed 40 Carte lead-in 41 Put on ___ 42 “Stay (I Missed You)” singer Lisa 43 “Angels and Earthly Creatures” poet Wylie 45 Tax preparer busy in Apr. (but later this year) 46 Defunct Microsoft encyclopedia made obsolete by Wikipedia 48 “Tic ___ Dough”
who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000)). S/ LESLIE JONES, Partner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on 07/09/2020. 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 expires 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. Effective Jan. 1, 2014, the fictitious business name statement must be accompanied by Affidavit of Identity form. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a Fictitious Business Names in
49 Georgia, from 1921 to 1991 (abbr.) 50 Creature on a slide 52 Word ignored when alphabetizing 54 Rapper whose hologram appeared at Coachella 56 Improve 61 Abbr. at the bottom of some applications 62 Noodle dish that gears up for skateboarding? 65 Bustle of activity 66 “Layer Cake” actress Sienna 67 Kirlian photography phenomenon, supposedly 68 May celebrant 69 Facilitated 70 Tax form ID
DOWN
1 Shed tool 2 “Escape (The ___ Colada Song)” 3 Bryant Gumbel’s brother 4 “Friends” spinoff 5 Bunk-bed choice 6 12 of 12, briefly 7 Sch. that’s home to the Sun Devils 8 Racetrack advantage, theoretically 9 Notes for sopranos that are only so tall? 10 Equipment 11 Automated programs 13 Move merchandise 14 Country/comedy series with violation of the rights of another under Federal, state, or common law (See Section 14111 et seq. Business and Professions code). Original Filing 07/22/20, 08/06/20, 08/20/20, 09/03/20
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 2020108119 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: (1) NORTH SHORES WELLNESS CENTER (2) ABSOLUTELY NORTH SHORES WELLNESS CENTER (3) NORTH SHORES SOLUTIONS, INC. (4) NORTH SHORES WELLNESS (5) VITAL HEALTH WELLNESS CENTER, 3425 S. PATTON AVE., SAN PEDRO, CA 90731, County of LOS ANGELES. Registered owner(s): NORTH SHORES SOLUTIONS, INC., 3425 S. PATTON AVE., SAN PEDRO, CA 90731 This business is conducted by CoPartners. The registrant(s) started doing business on N/A. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions code that the registrant knows to be false is
Buck Owens 17 Clergy official 21 Archipelago components 24 Roving adventurously 25 Electric guitar pioneer Paul 26 2008 Pixar film about a robot 27 Ring-making material? 28 Protective covering that released Mega Man and Street Fighter? 30 Place for paternity testing 32 Backyard buildings popping up now that people have chickens for pets 33 Battling 36 Pharmaceutical founder Lilly 39 One of two presidents with two Ivy League degrees 41 Like an angry cat’s back 43 Summer, in France 44 Granola concoction, in some places 47 Falco’s request to Amadeus 51 “Hello” singer 53 “Let’s Roll” jazz singer James 54 Giants or Titans 55 Backtracking computer command 57 Commentator’s page 58 Consequently 59 Some Mr. Potato Head parts 60 “Knives Out” director Johnson 63 “Boyz N the Hood” actress Long 64 Chicago Loop carriers guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000)). S/ Rebecca Melzer, CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on 07/19/2020.. 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 expires 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. Effective Jan. 1, 2014, the fictitious business name statement must be accompanied by Affidavit of Identity form. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a Fictitious Business Names in violation of the rights of another under Federal, state, or common law (See Section 14111 et seq.
continued on following page
DBA FILINGS from previous page Business and Professions code). Original Filing 07/22/20, 08/06/20, 08/20/20, 09/03/20
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 2020107261 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: (1) ROYAL PALMS CONSULTING (2) SOUTH SHORES WELLNESS (3) SOUTH SHORES WELLNESS CENTER, 1611 W. 25TH ST. SAN PEDRO CA 90731, County of LOS ANGELES. Registered owner(s): ROYAL PALMS CONSULTING, INC. 3425 S. PATTON AVE., SAN PEDRO, CA 90731. This business is conducted by CoPartners. The registrant(s) started doing business on N/A. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000)). S/ Rebecca Melzer, CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on 07/17/2020. NOTICEIn 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 expires 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. Effective Jan.
1, 2014, the fictitious business name statement must be accompanied by Affidavit of Identity form. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a Fictitious Business Names in violation of the rights of another under Federal, state, or common law (See Section 14111 et seq. Business and Professions code). Original Filing 07/22/20, 08/06/20, 08/20/20, 09/03/20
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 2020107263 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: CHEF’S CORNER PIZZERIA, 1306 S. GAFFEY, SAN PEDRO, CA 90731, County of LOS ANGELES. Registered owner(s): AMALIO ALVAREZ, 1306 S. GAFFEY, SUITE 105, SAN PEDRO, CA 90731. This business is conducted by an Individual. The registrant(s) started doing business on N/A. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000)). S/ AMALIO ALVAREZ, Owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on 07/17/2020.. 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 expires 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. Effective Jan. 1, 2014, the fictitious business name statement must be accompanied by Affidavit of Identity form. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a Fictitious Business Names in violation of the rights of another under Federal, state, or common law (See Section 14111 et seq. Business and Professions code). Original Filing 08/06/20, 08/20/20, 09/03/20, 09/17/20
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 2020115943 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: SANPEDRO. COM, 3185 ALMERIA STREET, SAN PEDRO, CA 90731 County of LOS ANGELES. Registered owner(s): JEROME T. DORSEY, 3185 ALMERIA STREET, SAN PEDRO, CA 90731. This business is conducted by an Individual. The registrant(s) started doing business on N/A.. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000)). S/ JEROME T. DORSEY, Owner This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on 07/31/2020. NOTICEIn 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 expires 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. Effective Jan. 1, 2014, the fictitious business name statement must be accompanied by Affidavit of Identity form. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a Fictitious Business Names in violation of the rights of another under Federal, state, or common law (See Section 14111 et seq. Business and Professions code). Original Filing 08/06/20, 08/20/20, 09/03/20, 09/17/20
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[Myths, from p. 3]
COVID-19 Myths and passed into humans.
Myth 10: You have to be with someone for 10 minutes to catch the virus. Truth: The longer people are with a person who has it, the more likely they are to catch the virus themselves, but it is still possible to catch it in under 10 minutes.
Myth 11: Rinsing the nose with saline protects against coronavirus. Truth: There is no evidence to suggest that a saline nose rinse protects against respiratory infections. Some research suggests that this technique might reduce the symptoms of acute upper respiratory tract infections, but scientists have not found that it can reduce the risk of infection. Myth 12: You can protect yourself by gargling bleach. Truth: People should never put bleach in their mouths. There are no circumstances in which gargling bleach might benefit a person’s health. Bleach is corrosive and can cause serious damage. Myth 13: Antibiotics kill coronavirus. Truth: Antibiotics only kill bacteria. They do not kill viruses.
August 6 - 19, 2020
Real News, Real People, Totally Relevant
Myth 14: Thermal scanners can diagnose coronavirus. Truth: Thermal scanners can detect whether or not someone has a fever. However, other conditions, such as seasonal flu, can also produce a fever. In addition, symptoms of COVID-19 can
16
appear 2–14 days after infection, which means that someone who has the virus could have a normal temperature for a few days before a fever begins. Myth 15: Garlic protects against coronaviruses. Truth: Some research suggests that garlic might slow the growth of some species of bacteria. However, COVID-19 is caused by a virus, and there is no evidence to suggest that garlic can protect people against COVID-19.
Myth 16: Parcels from China can spread coronavirus. Truth: From previous research into similar coronaviruses, including those that cause SARS and MERS and are similar to SARS-CoV-2, scientists believe that the virus cannot survive on letters or packages for an extended period of time. The CDC explains that “because of poor survivability of these coronaviruses on surfaces, there is likely very low risk of spread from products or packaging that are shipped over a period of days or weeks at ambient temperatures.” Myth 17: You can catch coronavirus from eating Chinese food in the United States. Truth: No, you cannot.
Myth 18: You can catch coronavirus from urine and feces. Truth: It is unlikely that this is true, but the jury is currently out. Professor John Edmunds, from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine in the United Kingdom, said, “It isn’t a very pleasant thought, but every time you swallow, you swallow mucus from your upper respiratory tract. In fact, this is an important defensive mechanism. This sweeps viruses and bacteria down into our gut where they are denatured in the acid conditions of our stomachs.”
However, it is worth noting that some research concludes that viruses similar to SARSCoV-2 might persist in feces. A recent research letter in JAMA also concludes that SARS-CoV-2 is present in feces.
Myth 19: The virus will die off when temperatures rise. Truth: Some viruses, such as cold and flu viruses, do spread more easily in the colder months, but that does not mean that they stop entirely when conditions become milder. As it stands, scientists do not know how temperature changes will influence the behavior of SARS-CoV-2. Myth 20: Coronavirus is the deadliest virus known to humans. Truth: Although SARS-CoV-2 does appear to be more serious than influenza, it is not the deadliest virus that people have faced. Others, such as Ebola, have higher mortality rates. Myth 21: Flu and pneumonia vaccines can protect against COVID-19. Truth: As SARS-CoV-2 is different than other viruses, no existing vaccines protect against infection.
Myth 22: 5G helps SARS-CoV-2 spread. Truth: As the world becomes more connected, some regions are rolling out 5G mobile technology. One of the most recent theories to emerge is that 5G is responsible for the swift spread of SARS-CoV-2 across the globe. Some people claim that 5G helps viruses communicate, often citing a paper from 2011. In this study, the authors conclude that bacteria can communicate via electromagnetic signals. However, experts dispute this theory and SARS-
CoV-2 is a virus, not a bacterium. Wuhan was one of the first cities to trial 5G in China, which helps explain the origin of some of these theories. However, Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou also rolled out 5G at a similar time. It is also worth noting that COVID-19 has significantly impacted countries with very little 5G coverage, such as Iran.
Myth 23: You can catch coronavirus in swimming pools. Truth: According to the CDC, there is no evidence to suggest that SARS-CoV-2 spreads between people through the water in swimming pools, hot tubs, or water playgrounds. If these facilities disinfect their water with chlorine or bromine, this should inactivate the virus. That said, as with all public areas, people can still catch the virus from others who attend these facilities. The virus can spread through inhaling respiratory droplets in the air and coming into contact with surfaces. People who operate pools should take extra care to clean and disinfect all facilities.
What should be done?
The CDC recommends these simple measures to reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2: • Avoiding close contact with people who appear to be sick • Trying not to touch the eyes, nose, or mouth • Staying at home if sick • Sneezing into a tissue, then throwing it in the trash, or sneezing into the crook of the elbow • Using standard cleaning sprays and wipes to disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces • Washing hands with soap regularly, for at least 20 seconds • Wearing a cloth face-covering — in stores, pharmacies and other public settings