RLn 04 16 15 Edition

Cabrillo Marine Aquarium Announces Expansion p. 2 Earth Day Calendar p. 3 Lawsuit Shines Light on Carson Stadium Deal p. 5 Working Class Kitchen— Not Your Everyday Butcher p. 12

By Paul Rosenberg, Senior Editor

T

change that will force California to reinvent itself once again.

“We’re not going to have that snowpack,” Felicia Marcus, chairwoman of the State Water Resources Control Board, told members of the Environmental Law Section of the California State Bar this past November. “So not only are our reservoirs low, the snowpack is low. If you’re trying to deal with reality in a cleareyed way, it’s going to take us decades to retrofit ourselves.”

That’s the stark truth behind the recent headlines about California’s record-breaking drought. Whatever anguish, extreme measures, and conflicts we’ve seen so far, it’s only the beginning of a decades-long process, a process some say is equally long overdue.

The overwhelming driver will be the impact of global warming, which many scientists argue is already being felt. Others are less certain, citing natural variations, while still saying that current drought conditions are a foretaste of what a global warming future holds for the state.

Random Lengths News reported in 2014 that for 13 years, more

Before and after satellite photos from 2010, left, and 2015 reveal dramatic declines in California’s snowpacks.

Photos by NASA.

than half the state was under some degree of drought conditions.

And that from 2012 until March of 2014, the figures ranged from 87 to 98 percent.

This year however, just about 100 percent of the state has been under drought conditions.

For that story, we interviewed Columbia University’s Robert Seager, whose research was the first to put North America’s Medieval megadroughts on the map.

“Some part of the West has been in or out of drought since 1998,” he told us. Hence, “We are getting up to that 15 year time frame.”

We also spoke with Aiguo Dai, author of the 2010 paper, “Drought under global warming.” Dai said that the American West, particularly the Southwest, had “reversed the course since around year 2000 towards a much drier climate for the foreseeable future.”

One year later, we re-contacted both scientists, as well as Seager’s Columbia colleague, Benjamin Cook, who recently

April 16 - 29, 2015

he satellite photos make it starkly clear: California’s Sierra Nevada snowpack—the lowest ever recorded—is virtually nonexistent this year, following a record three straight years of severe drought. The last time a majority of the state was not considered “abnormally dry” or worse was in December 2011, according to weekly data from the Drought Monitor Index. On April 1, Gov. Jerry Brown chose a snow-bare mountain location to announce “an executive order mandating substantial water reductions across our state.”

“Today we are standing on dry grass where there should be 5 feet of snow,” Brown said. “This historic drought demands unprecedented action... As Californians, we must pull together and save water in every way possible.”

But as dire and unprecedented as the current situation is, it is only a foretaste of what’s to come, a

The Local Publication You Actually Read

California Wakeup Call: Preparing for Droughts to Come

[See Drought, page 6]

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Committed to Independent Journalism in the Greater LA/LB Harbor Area for More Than 30 Years

Cabrillo Marine Aquarium Announces $25 Million Expansion Plan

By Eric Fujimori, Editorial Intern

April 16 - 29, 2015

Serving the Seven Communities of the Harbor Area

Cabrillo Marine Aquarium has come a long way from its start as a beachside display table of sea specimens in empty mayonnaise jars in 1935.

Since then, it’s evolved into one of San Pedro’s most popular waterfront attractions.

The success is due in part to the aquarium’s history of creating and executing ambitious yet achievable plans for expansion. Hoping to continue the trend, a $25 million plan has been drawn up and is ready to be put into action.

The project, which was presented to the Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners March 19, includes plans for a more visible entryway, a new pavilion and a refurbished exhibit hall, among other features. These plans will be officially unveiled at the aquarium’s Grand Grunion Gala on April 25.

Mike Schaadt, director of the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, said the expansion plan wasn’t designed to bring in more visitors, but to improve upon the quality of their experience.

“We do not expect visitor numbers to rise a great deal,” Schaadt said. “What we want is a better experience for them.”

This vision is consistent with those that

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A rendering of the Whale Room, one of the planned Cabrillo Marine Aquarium upgrades.

CMA has launched a campaign to raise $25 million. Photo courtesy of the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium.

served as the foundations for past projects.

In 1981, the aquarium moved to its current location after spending years in a bathhouse at Cabrillo Beach. The most significant aspect of the move was that the new facility was able to house live animals. An exhibit hall, an auditorium and staff offices were constructed as well.

The aquarium’s most recent renovation

project was completed in 2004. Led by former executive director, Susanne Lawrenz-Miller, the project was highlighted by the addition of an aquatic nursery, exploration center and library.

The $10 million expansion enabled the aquarium to accommodate daily school tours and more public visitation, which was a major objective from the start.

Like these past renovations, the new project is not going to be completed in one night. Projected to take 10 to 15 years, certain aspects will take priority over others.

At the top of the agenda is the installation of an information hub near the front entrance.

There, visitors will be able to interact with staff members and ask questions.

Another priority is the new exhibit hall, which

will be renovated to include more interactive exhibits, such as an intertidal zone and a whale room. The new features will be primarily focused on marine life in and around the Harbor area.

“The exhibit hall will include a couple larger aquariums that make it obvious that we’re talking about Southern California and why this is such a special place for ocean life,” Schaadt said.

Schaadt explained that the aquarium is next to a biodiverse part of the ocean. The region is the farthest south that many marine animals from the northern West Coast travel. It also is the northernmost limit for marine animals that primarily inhabit waters from Baja California down to the equator.

The most expensive and perhaps most

[See Aquarium, see page 4]

Candidates Line Up for Honorary Mayor Campaign

Rebuilding the Elks Lodge Begins

Earth Day On April 11, Councilman Joe Buscaino, third from left, and officers of the San Pedro Elks Lodge gathered for a groundbreaking ceremony to rebuild the Elks Lodge on 19th Street and Cumbre in San Pedro. Just a year before, the popular local landmark was completely gutted by arson fire. Photo by Ivan Adame.

By Ivan Adame, Editorial Intern

On April 4, Toberman Neighborhood Center hosted a gala honoring Kobe and Vanessa Bryant with the Bill Sharman Humanitarian Award at the Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes. The gala raised nearly $600,000 to help the center provide after-school services, summer camp, parental support services, and more.

Photo courtesy of Toberman Neighborhood Center.

PVPLC The Beauty of Nature Film Series Palos Verdes Land Conservancy is launching its second annual Beauty of Nature Film Series with the film Miss Potter and a special English afternoon tea on April 19.

Time: 4 to 6:30 p.m.

Venue: Trump National Golf Club, 1 Trump National Dr., Rancho Palos Verdes Cost: $50 per person Details: http://pvplc.org Bill Patzert on Droughts and Climate Change California’s history is written in great droughts, according to climate scientist Bill Patzert of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. California is entering its fourth year of below-normal rainfall and snowpack. Patzert will explain how the drought developed, its ties to ocean phenomena and how people can deal with the impacts of future droughts. This April 21 speaking engagement will be streamed live via the Web. Time: 7 p.m.

Venue: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach Cost: $5 for non-members; free for members Details: http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/ Coastal Park Naturalists Cabrillo Marine Aquarium offers a naturalist training program that equips volunteers from fifth grade students through adults with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide interpretation, conservation and environmental monitoring at Cabrillo Beach, the Point Fermin tidepools, the Cabrillo fishing pier and the Salinas de San Pedro Saltmarsh. Deadline to apply for training is April 24. Pre-registration is required. Training begins April 30.

Time: 4 to 6 p.m. for five consecutive Thursdays, beginning April 30 Venue: Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, 3720 Stephen M. White Drive, San Pedro Cost: $30 (financial aid is available).

Details: (310) 548-7562; www. cabrillomarineaquarium.org.

2015 Green Prize Festival The goal of the Green Prize Festival is to support, promote and recognize local community achievements of balance and sustainability in Long Beach and its surrounding areas. The event is on April 25.

Time: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Venue: 401 Golden Ave., Long Beach Details: www.greenprizefestival.com PV Earth Day Celebration The Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy will host its Earth Day celebration starting at 9 a.m. April 25 at the White Point Nature Preserve. The event will include volunteer beautification projects, a familyfriendly ranger walk, a talk by conservation director Danielle Lefer, a colorful art activity [See Earth Day, page 4]

April 16 - 29, 2015

[See Mayor, page 5]

Toberman’s Annual Gala a Slam Dunk Success

Earth Day Bird Fest Celebration Cabrillo Marine Aquarium will celebrate Earth Day on April 18 with a day of free programs, including a beach clean-up, grunion egg hatching, guided walks to the salt marsh and much more. The celebration will highlight the coastal environment and shore birds, the creatures most impacted by the oil spill that inspired Congress to establish Earth Day 45 years ago.

Time: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Venue: Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, 3720 Stephen M. White Drive, San Pedro Cost: Free Details: www.cabrillomarineaquarium.org/

The Local Publication You Actually Read

For almost half a century, the San Pedro Honorary Mayor’s campaign has been a tradition. Business owners and distinguished community members compete to raise funds for local charities and the candidate who raises the most money wins the honors.

The honorary mayor is a ceremonial position.

The winner will represent the community and the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce at a variety of events for two years, including flag salutes, the holiday parade and 4th of July celebrations at the Korean Bell.

The honorary race dates back to 1966, when it was sponsored by the San Pedro Junior Chamber of Commerce—known then as the Jaycees—a leadership training and civic organization for people between the ages of 18 and 40.

The first honorary mayor was Sylvia Zankich of Sylvia’s Bail Bonds, and head of the city’s social services commission under Mayor Sam Yorty. She served a one-year term, having solicited the most votes from her sponsors at the Harbor District Tavern and Restaurant Association.

The terms of each mayor have been set to two years since 1989, when Kuzma “Matty” Domancich, retired owner of the Bike Palace, won the honors.

Now, the 31st San Pedro Honorary Mayor’s campaign is in full swing with three candidates competing. The winner will succeed honorary Mayor Kathy Carcamo, who is a teacher at San Pedro High School. “[To be an honorary mayor] is a great chance to give back to charity, and I’m all for local charities, being born and raised here,” said John Bagakis, general manager at Big Nick’s Pizza.

“It’s just a fun opportunity to put events together and give back.”

Bagakis is raising money for Encore Entertainers, Legends Car Club and San Pedro Pet Pals.

“Pedro Pet Pals does great work with animals and I’m a big animal lover, especially dogs,” he said. “Legends is a car club, but they give a lot back to needy kids and families, especially in the holiday season. Encore Entertainers is a great extracurricular activity for kids. I think a lot more people should get involved with groups like Encore and discover fun ways to get kids involved and meet new friends. It’s just a perfect Pedro kind of group.”

Carter Calhoun, the director of development at Toberman Neighborhood Center is raising money for the nonprofit where he works.

“I’m running because I have deep roots in San Pedro,” Calhoun said. “I’m very passionate about the future of the city. I grew up and went to school here, I’ve owned a business in San Pedro (PC Nerds), I’ve co-founded a nonprofit (COPE Preparedness) and I’ve volunteered a lot in this town and [have] seen a lot of opportunity.

I believe I have the knowledge and skills to make the leap into the future.”

Community Announcements:

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Community Announcements:

Harbor Area Cambodian Genocide Remembrance Day The public is invited to an evening dedicated to observing the passage of 40 years since the Cambodian Genocide, April 17 at the Expo Arts Center in Long Beach.

Time: 5 to 8 p.m.

Venue: Expo Arts Center, 4321 Atlantic Ave., Long Beach Charity Voyage for the Homeless New Image Emergency Shelter for the Homeless presents its 4th Charity Voyage fundraiser, April 18, aboard the Majestic in San Pedro. The event will include a reception complete with a harpist, a five-course gourmet dinner with wine, a comedian and a silent auction. Admission is $150 per person.

Venue: The Majestic, 141 E. 22nd St., San Pedro Details: (562) 822-7657, www.newimageshelter.org Coastal SPNC Meeting The Coastal San Pedro Neighborhood Council will host its monthly stakeholder meeting April 20.

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Venue: Cabrillo Marina Community Building, Cabrillo Plaza, Berth 28, Via Cabrillo Marina Way, San Pedro Details: www.cspnc.org

Serving the Seven Communities of the Harbor Area

Sheriff Oversight Panel The Los Angeles Board of Supervisors encourages the public to be a part of the creation of a Civilian Oversight Commission to help restore public trust and promote transparency within the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s policing and detention practices, particularly as they relate to the use of force. A working group was formed to provide recommendations on the proposed commission’s mission, authority, size, structure and its relationship to the sheriff and the Office of Inspector General, as well as to offer appointment options for the board’s consideration. The group is reaching out to residents across Los Angeles County for their recommendations and comments through nine town hall meetings.

Details: (213) 974-1431; www.lacounty.gov/ town-halls-set-to-discuss-sheriff-oversightpanel Networking Mixer The San Pedro Chamber of Commerce is hosting a networking mixer April 22. The event will benefit the Ralph J. Scott fire boat restoration plan. Entrance fees are free for members and $10 for non-members.

Time: 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Venue: The Big White Tent, 300 S. Harbor Blvd., San Pedro Details: (310) 832-7272

April 16 - 29, 2015

POLA Expands Marina Engine Exchange Program Apply for the Port of Los Angeles expanded Marina Engine Exchange Program, which now includes all-electric and alternatively fuelled motors. POLA will offer up to $3,000 to boat owners choosing to purchase a lesspolluting electric motor. In order to qualify, an applicant’s boat must have an operational, two-stroke outboard motor no greater than 20 horsepower and be in a port marina. The old motor will be replaced with an equivalent horsepower rating (up to 15 horsepower).

Upon engine replacement, the boat must remain in a Port of Los Angeles marina for at least one year.

Details: http://portoflosangeles.org/ environment/marina_engine_exchange_ 4 program.asp

[Aquarium, from page 2]

Aquarium Expansion

innovative addition to the aquarium is the new pavilion. Estimated to cost $11 million, the structure will feature historic collections, thematic exhibits and a workshop and lab area for those interested in robotics and 3-D printing.

Although much of the funding has yet to be allocated, the aquarium has a steady flow of annual contributions to get the project started.

The Port of Los Angeles provides the most help, giving $3 million a year to support the aquarium.

Donations from the aquarium’s 300,000 annual visitors are also a significant contributor.

While the rest of the money continues to be raised, minor renovations have already begun.

The fence in front of the aquarium’s entry is being repainted and receiving new chain links.

Although the new features are expected to be flashier than the current installations, the aquarium hopes to maintain its tradition of being a center for education first and entertainment second.

Schaadt said he hopes that the upgrades and additions will serve to better inform visitors of important issues relating to the ocean, such as climate change, overfishing, marine pollution and endangered species.

“In the process of telling the story of

Rendering shows the new treatment and additions to the entrance of the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium.

Photo courtesy of CMA.

California marine life, we want to sprinkle in these issues,” Schaadt said. “We want people to know so they can make informed decisions when they vote.”

While the plan gradually unfolds, the aquarium will continue to captivate and educate visitors with its array of programs and activities.

One such program is the Discovery Lecture Series, a collaborative effort with the worldclass urban marine research and innovation center, AltaSea. The program brings scientists and teachers to the aquarium’s John M. Olguin Auditorium on selected Friday nights to discuss

different topics related to marine research and developments.

The aquarium also offers a variety of handson programs for both grade-level and high school students such as marine biology workshops and whale watching.

More of these educational programs are expected to be offered throughout the process of the expansion project.

Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is open year-round from 12 to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Suggested donation of $5 for adults and $1 for children and seniors. Details: (310) 548-7562.

Community Announcements:

Earth Day [Earth Day, from page 3]

and a native plant sale.

Time: 9 a.m.

Venue: White Point Nature Preserve, 1600 W. Paseo del Mar, San Pedro Details: (310) 541-7613 Magnificent Marine Mammals at Aquarium of the Pacific Dive into the wondrous world of whales, sea lions, and sea otters in this class about marine mammals on April 25. During this hour-and-a-half program, you and your 4- to 6-year-old child will take a guided tour of seals, sea lion and sea otter exhibits.

Time: 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Venue: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach Cost: $49 per adult/child pair; $20 per additional guest; $36 for aquarium member pairs; $15 per additional guest Details: (562) 951-1630; www.aquariumofpacific.org Earth Day Festival at the Aquarium Learn what you can do to help our ocean planet at the Aquarium’s 15th annual Earth Day festival on April 25. Spend a weekend of family fun celebrating the Earth while learning easy, everyday tips to protect the environment. Visit booths from various Earth-friendly organizations.

Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Venue: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach Cost: General Admission is $28.95, $14.95 for children 3 to 11 years old; $25.95 for seniors.

Free to aquarium members Details: (562) 951-1630; www.aquariumofpacific.org Explore the Shore Explore the shore at Cabrillo Beach. Join the Walk Cabrillo free, guided tour of Cabrillo Beach Coastal Park habitats on April 26.

Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Venue: Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, 3720 Stephen M. White Drive, San Pedro Details: (310) 548-7562; www.cabrillomarineaquarium.org

The NFL to Carson:

How a Big Deal was Kept Secret

By Terelle Jerricks, Managing Editor, and Lyn Jensen, Carson Reporter When Carson’s political leaders announced that an 80,000seat football stadium was going to be built on the San Diego and Harbor freeway juncture a month ago, no one knew a deal was brewing—not members of Carson’s city council and not the city’s planning commission.

The only clue to this secret was a lawsuit filed against Carson the day after it was announced that a stadium would be built.

Until recently, 157 acres of this former landfill produced so much methane gas that anything built on top could have spontaneously combusted, like it almost did in the early 1980s when there was a drive-in theater. This and other hazardous waste at the site made it too toxic to build on, thwarting Carson’s chances of landing a professional football team at least two times in the past 20 years.

But after the announcement, the Department of Toxic Substance Control deemed the land ready for construction once all the extraction wells—built to safely release the methane gas— are installed within the next six months.

Construction on the Boulevards at South Bay projects was to begin in 2012. But when former Mayor Jim Dear was asked about the project’s progress in 2014, he blamed the economy for the delay and the “thousands of [polyethylene] piles” that still needed to be driven before construction could begin.

Before the Feb. 20 announcement, council members Lula Davis-Holmes and Elito Santarina appeared unaware of any stadium plan. Santarina talked about how the Boulevards at South Bay was going to open in 2016 and Davis-Holmes complained about the lack of progress on the project.

Grassroots Solutions, an out-of-state public relations firm, hit the ground running building community support. With a client list that includes major labor and environmental groups—an apt choice given the leftward political leanings of the city—the firm formed Carson2gether.

With major backing from the Oakland Raiders and [San Diego] Chargers Football LLC, paid circulators swarmed Carson for several weeks, aggressively soliciting signatures on a 309-page spiral-bound initiative—a document based on the Boulevards at South Bay plan with the addition of a stadium overlay zone and the removal of residential housing. Applicable laws regarding site remediation is not as strict for commercial development.

The group delivered the completed petitions containing almost 14,000 signatures to the Carson City Clerk on March 21.

The Los Angeles County RegistrarRecorder has 30 days (until April 20) to verify that the petitions contain at least 8,041 valid signatures. If so, the initiative may end up on the November ballot, unless the city council acts to change the zoning before then.

While there’s widespread support for a team in Carson, there are still voices of trepidation in the city on building anything on the former landfill.

When the city was last in consideration

for an NFL team in the early 2000s, several Carson residents, including former Mayor Vera Robles DeWitt, Robert Lesley and Pat Seals raised serious concerns about the remediation of the toxic soil on the property.

Lesley recently expressed concern about “horrendous” traffic around an 80,000-seat stadium and whether an adequate traffic study was ever completed.

“They [stadium supporters] don’t understand an 80,000-seat stadium is different from a 30,000-seat stadium,” he said, comparing the proposal to the [See Carson, page 10]

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In Random Lengths News

[Mayor, from page 3]

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April 16 - 29, 2015

Toberman has been in San Pedro since 1937 and its roots in this community go as far [back] as the canneries.

“It’s part of the fabric of San Pedro and also one of the longestrunning social services here,” he said. “We’re doing afterschool programs, academics, family support services and food pantries.

What Toberman is trying to do is strengthen family connections.”

Scott Donnelly is a certified public accountant and founding partner of Piazza Donnelly and Marlette LLP, a public accountant firm in Torrance and San Pedro. He is also a chairman at Harbor Interfaith Services. He is raising money for that nonprofit.

“I’ve lived in San Pedro for over 20 years and I’ve known the prior honorary mayors,” Donnelly said. “[I] decided that it’s something very worthwhile for the Chamber of Commerce and the charity (Harbor Interfaith).”

Donnelly believes that the services that Harbor Interfaith provides are very necessary in today’s economy, specifically in the San Pedro community.

“We won’t be able to serve as many people as we want to because we need more funds,” he said. “They do a great job of helping the homeless regain their dignity. That’s really important to me. We help them get jobs, we take care of their kids and make sure they’re living well and they dress well and they have the opportunity to regain their lives and live again.”

The winner, as well as the total amount of money raised, will be announced at the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce’s annual luncheon, at 11:30 a.m. June 11, at the Crowne Plaza Los Angeles Harbor Hotel.

The Local Publication You Actually Read

Honorary Mayor’s Race is On

5

[Drought from page 1]

April 16 - 29, 2015

Serving the Seven Communities of the Harbor Area

California’s Wake Up Call

6

published “Unprecedented 21st Century Drought Risk in the American Southwest and Central Plains,” which predicts that “future drought risk will likely exceed even the driest centuries of the Medieval Climate Anomaly.”

That’s the period Seager first explored in discovering American megadroughts, which, the paper also notes, “had profound impacts on regional societies and ecosystems.”

All three scientists view the past year as conforming to the pattern of global warming foretelling of what’s to come, rather than saying global warming caused it. The scientists essentially see this structure as a reflection of how causation works in large-scale systems.

“In many ways, the current California drought is a taste of the sort of events we can expect to see with increasing frequency,” Cook told Random Lengths. “The fundamental cause of the current California drought is natural climate variability. Basically, [the] circulation patterns in the ocean and atmosphere have gotten stuck in place and has rerouted storms away from California and much of the West Coast.”

But there’s a difference as well, Cook noted.

“One thing that makes the current California drought really stand out compared to previous droughts is how hot it really is,” he said. “[This is] due, at least in part, to the long term anthropogenic [human-caused] warming trend over the last 150 years. When things are warmer, this amplifies any kind of natural drought impacts because evaporation is higher, making everything that much drier.”

Regardless of precipitation patterns, the heat alone ensures that “we can expect to see more and more really hot years in the future which will mean that, when droughts do occur, they will be that much hotter and drier.”

Cook’s paper—using three drought measures with a suite of 17 models—found that decadal drought risk in the second half of the 20th century ranged from 80 to almost 100 percent in the Great Plains, and from 90 to almost 100 percent in the Southwest.

Meanwhile multi-decadal drought risk ranged from about 70 to 90 percent in the Great Plains, and was consistently close to 80 percent in the Southwest for all three measures. So, droughts will almost certainly be much longer, as well.

“Our results point to a remarkably drier future that falls far outside the contemporary experience of natural and human systems in Western North America, conditions that may present a substantial challenge to adaptation,” Cook and his co-authors concluded.

It’s that future, and the challenge to California’s ability to adapt that Felicia Marcus was referring. Random Lengths turned to another published climate scientist, Michael Hanemann, who we interviewed last year for an even more refined look at the challenges from a historical perspective.

In addition to researching economic costs of climate change, Hanemann has a deep background in California water policy, as well as comparative knowledge of what other Western states and Australia have done to modernize their water policy systems in preparation for the coming challenges.

The first thing Hanemann pointed out was that, with just a single exception, California has always responded to droughts by relying on water users to voluntarily take drought-

fighting action. That’s what makes Brown’s and the water board’s, under Marcus, use of governmental authority all the more remarkable. Even if the scope of their action is relatively limited, action such as this was virtually unheard of in the Golden State before.

“Before 1914 there was no water rights agency in California. The only mechanism for dealing with water allocation was through litigation,” Hanemann explained.

Most significant were appropriative water rights (originally based on miners working claims on public land) to divert a specific quantity of water from a certain time forward (which makes the issue of “seniority” particularly important). The original controlling agency, the California Water Commission, came into being in December 1914, with authority residing in the State Water Resources Control Board since its founding in 1967.

Although it has authority over water rights, “It has limited authority” compared to similar boards in other Western states, Hanemann said. “One crucial difference is the authority to supervise distribution of water.”

The board registers claims, noting both the amounts and the date they were filed, but it has no power to arbitrate disputes.

“Suppose it’s 1924—that’s a dry year,” Hanemann explained. “Logically you need somebody out there to enforce seniority and to enforce the rights, so you need somebody on the ground to say, ‘Hanemann, you can’t be taking water because Rosenberg has a, senior right.’ You let him take his water first.’ You also need a traffic cop which says, ‘Rosenberg you have a right, but you have a right to 50 cubic feet and you’re taking 60 cubic feet, and that’s a no-no.’”

Hanemann said that without enforcement on the ground, the make-believe system we have now will continue.

Hanemann noted that though other states established agencies with enforcement powers, when California’s agency was set up in 1914, that power was withheld.

“We know this from the historical record; it was withheld because water users objected,” Hanemann explained. There were subsequent requests to grant that authority, “but the legislature never acted on those requests. It still does not have that power today.” The result is “like an intersection with no traffic lights.” The only recourse is individual lawsuits, just one step short of shooting at one another.

The second thing California was missing was a firm handle on the rights involved. Throughout the West, water rights were originally claimed simply by diverting water, and making a note of it on the spot.

“There’s actually no mechanisms for recording this,” Hanemann said. “Literally people would put a stick in the ground by the point of diversion, and put a piece of paper saying. ‘I, Michael Hanemann, started diverting 50 cubic feet a second as of April 8, 1920.’” The shortcomings of this method are selfevident.

“The sticks in the ground don’t always stay in the ground, the paper doesn’t stay there. This is not a system of record keeping. The river might be 50 miles long. So who knows what sticks are in the ground 40 miles upstream from where I am,” Hanemann said.

This system wasn’t unique to California. It began like that throughout the West—and if there were disputes, you sued. But even that was slapdash, at best. “I sued you, there were 10 other water users along the river, they didn’t take part in the suit,”

[See Drought, page 7]

[Drought from previous page]

Hanemann pointed out. “It was a really chaotic system.”

Hanemann noted that this was eventually replaced by state agencies handing out new water rights and grandfathering all the preexisting water rights alongside them. But after a few decades, grandfathering ended as well, and all rights were integrated into a single system.

“California is the only state which still grandfathers the pre-existing [pre-1914] water rights, and we didn’t create our agency, essentially until 60 years after first using appropriative rights, in 1914. So, we have a huge number of water rights that were grandfathered and are still grandfathered to this day.”

Hanemann noted that other western states have an agency with authority over all water rights. In California, water agencies don’t have authority to supervise the distribution of water, at least not unless the water users in the basin requested to do so. That happened in a few cases which did not include major parts of the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys.

Haneman noted that California water agencies have no authority over pre-1914 rights, rights that make up over half of the water rights.

Here, Hanemann added another footnote, calling attention to California’s riparian rights (rights to use a body of water adjacent to land you own), which he pointed out are “even more nebulous than appropriative rights” because they are essentially unlimited. The only way they get limited in amount is via a lawsuit. “That happens, but that’s a very rare occurrence, that type of litigation,” Hanemann added.

California experienced the second-worst single drought year even to this day in 1924.

Hanemann noted that at the time, the state didn’t have the power to allocate water because its power was limited to post-1914 rights, which in 1924 was only a tiny fraction of the total number of water rights in California. And, so was born the practice of convening meetings of water users and asking them to work things out amongst themselves.

“Basically that’s continued in every other drought until now,” Hanemann said.

Hanemann noted 1977 was the only

The recent view off State route 168 in the Eastern Sierra near Bishop does not include snow. Inset right, Chairwoman of the State Water Resources Control Board Felicia Marcus and Gov. Jerry Brown are on the cusp of remaking water rights and making history at once with new drought fighting initiatives. File photos.

exception. California was suffering the second dry winter in a row during Jerry Brown’s first stint as governor, and an exceptionally effective leader of the state’s water rights board, John Bryson.

At the time, the board ordered those with post-1914 rights to stop taking water from the Sacramento River. Hanemann noted that this was actually a well-established power—just one that had never been used before.

But pre-1914 rights were another matter, Hanemann explained. In 1977, the water situation was so dire that the board directed those with grandfathered pre-1914 riparian rights to stop taking water.

Hanemann described this as a daring move.

“It had no authority over those rights, and it also didn’t have the enforcement staff on the ground actually to enforce the restriction,” Hanemann said. The board didn’t even have the staff to enforce the restriction on the post-1914

claims where it did have authority.

Nonetheless, “It sent letters to the water rights holders. What happened was, in some cases neighbors and others complained, and said so-and-so is violating your order. and then the state board sent somebody [on the] ground, but it was more the moral effect of trying to get water users to cut back.”

On top of that, Brown, acting on Bryson’s advice, appointed a high level commission— chaired by a former California Supreme Court Justice—to review water rights in California.

Unfortunately for us now, the drought ended, Bryson left the board and Brown’s interest

waned, leaving enforcement still stuck in the 19th century. As a result, “In the subsequent droughts, like 1991 and 1992, and then later 2008 and so on, the state board played no role in dealing with the situation,” Hanemann pointed out.

Now, almost 40 years later, Brown has a rare opportunity for a major do-over.

“I think he’s very much learned the lesson of, should we say, his ineffectiveness in his first period in office,” Hanemann said. “The other thing is, Jerry Brown gets climate change. He’s been concerned about it for a dozen years or more. He takes it very seriously.”

Brown is aided by Marcud, another strong board chair, who also enjoys his strong confidence and support. Together, they’ve began modestly cutting off thousands of post-1914 rights holders late last summer. Hanemann called that a “strong initiative,” but was uncertain about what it portended. Now, after another dry winter, it’s “been stepped up with the governor’s order and the events of the last 10 days. That, in my mind, is a big deal. It’s way, way overdue.” But much more remains to be done, including putting an end to grandfathered rights—as all other western states have done.

“As part of adaptation to climate change, we need to start getting our house in order,” Hanemann said. “If we’re not going to start doing things properly in this round, when the hell are we going to adapt to climate change? This is like, when the house is on fire, that’s a time that you better do something about fireproofing.”

In her November Bar Association speech, Marcus explicitly embraced the notion that nothing less than a fundamental reconceptualization of water policy was at hand: [See Drought, page 19]

The Local Publication You Actually Read April 16 - 29, 2015

7

Taking Sides We Can Be Pro-business and Pro-labor

By James Preston Allen, Publisher

April 16 - 29, 2015

Serving the Seven Communities of the Harbor Area

I recently found myself involved in a very long conversation about development issues with a local business owner. But something he said stopped me cold.

“Wait a minute,” I said. “Let me make sure I heard you right. You think that this newspaper is ‘anti-business.’ Is that what you really think?”

He answered affirmatively citing the many articles written by my senior editor Paul Rosenberg and my managing editor Terelle Jerricks.

“And you support all those labor unions with your progressive perspective, too,” he added.

Well, my friend, it seems that you have only part of this right. Let me explain. I run two small businesses. Both are located on a main street in this community. The one more widely known of the two is a progressive newspaper that’s been continuously operating for the past 35 years.

We don’t hide our progressive leanings.

However, during the course of these three-anda-half decades we have probably done more to support, promote and advertise local small businesses than any other publication, chamber of commerce or any other entity that purports to be “business friendly.” Furthermore, I defend our support of both small business and labor unions with the rationale that a strong, well-paid middle class is both good for business and it’s just and fair.

The complaint that is often lodged directly at the local longshore union but applies generally to the 30,000 members of other unions in the Harbor Area is that these workers are “overpaid.” These relatively good paying jobs with benefits form a significant backbone of our local economy.

But their pay is in parity with other public sector jobs like police and firefighters— both represented by unions with arguably comparable skill sets. Yet, hardly ever do you hear complaints about the pay of the men and women in the police and fire departments— except when they want a raise.

The larger issue is that more than $200 billion worth of imports and exports flow through the industrial ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach every year, creating up to 230,000 jobs in Southern California. Many of these are not well-paid union jobs, but the amount of wealth generated by this industry has a huge impact both economically and environmentally on our Harbor communities.

The pay of these union workers represent

8

less than 5 percent of the employers’ average operating costs. As a percentage, this is far below the costs paid by the average small business owner, which results in the disparity in scale.

These workers buy homes, raise families, pay for goods and services and contribute in many other ways to the community and economy of this region. Some estimate the spending power of this group at more than $1 billion per year.

The connection is that without these good paying jobs, the local economy would suffer even more than it has over the past five years of this Great Recession.

Well-paid jobs are not a detriment to small business. It’s just the opposite. The issue is that the small business owners have been squeezed by the recession; the tightening of credit by Wall Street banks and their incomes have failed to keep pace because of foreign competition and technological innovations.

The problem is one of perspective. The corporate-owned media likes to chide the waterfront unions for being the highest paid blue-collar workers in the nation. Yet, you never hear them lodge the same accusations against the trade unions in the entertainment industry.

Hollywood is one of the great sacred cows in Southern California that draws a large number of incentives to keep their highly paid professionals and union jobs from evacuating California in favor of Florida. Don’t get me wrong, the Hollywood “dream machine” is a huge economic factor in our region. It supports directly, or indirectly, a large number of small and medium sized businesses, even when they film in our business community and disrupt things.

Seven years ago this past December, RLn launched the first Shop Local campaign in the Harbor Area. Only much later did some corporate types, like American Express co-opt the idea to promote their brands.

It was small independent presses like this one that originated the idea, promoted it and made it popular. And, we continue to do it still while the corporate brand names have moved on to the next gimmick to suck more money out of the local economy and give little back.

On the editorial side, I can’t even count the amount of ink we’ve used promoting small business related to dining, entertainment and the arts in this region. I have personally volunteered more hours of my life to promoting the arts and entertainment in this area than I have almost anything else, except running this publication

Publisher/Executive Editor James Preston Allen james@randomlengthsnews.com Assoc. Publisher/Production Coordinator Suzanne Matsumiya Managing Editor Terelle Jerricks “A newspaper is not just for reporting the news as it editor@randomlengthsnews.com is, but to make people mad enough to do someSenior Editor Paul Rosenberg thing about it.”

—Mark Twain Assistant Editor Vol. XXXVI : No. 8 Zamná Ávila Published every two weeks for the Harbor Area zamna@randomlengthsnews.com communities of San Pedro, RPV, Lomita, Harbor City, Communications Director Wilmington, Carson and Long Beach. Distributed at Mathew Highland over 350 locations throughout the Harbor Area. reads@randomlengthsnews.com

and making it succeed against all odds.

On top of this, I have spent thousands of hours consulting hundreds of businesses in this area on how to market, advertise and promote their goods and services, helping to make them successful. My personal philosophy is, “if you’re not successful, I’m not successful.”

We are all in this economy together.

Small businesses especially must realize that collaboration trumps competition almost every time. Yet, we get programmed to argue for the competitive model of doing business even when the evidence proves otherwise.

It is true, however, that this newspaper and I have regularly taken aim, criticizing the “too-bigto fail” banks, Wall Street capitalists and other corporations for their greed, corruptions and tax avoidance schemes. We have also challenged

our government on every level, holding them accountable for their mistakes, deceptions and corruptions. This is a part of what we journalists do—ask hard questions and do the research when others don’t have the courage or the access to do it themselves.

So in short, Mr. Small Businessman, I do take sides. I’m on your side (even if you won’t admit it) and on the side of the working class. The two are not mutually exclusive. I’m for the people who fight for a fair and just system of labor and governance. I’m for people who stand against injustice and who believe that there is still some part of this land that was made for you and me. I am also on the side of a Main Street that is more concerned with quality of life, not a Wall Street that is more focused on profits than people. And, you should be too.

Voting Rights:

The Return to Jim Crow

By John Gray, RLn Community Voices Contributor In one of my favorite songs, the lyrics ask, “Are you alive?”

I know I am alive, because I saw the march on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Ala. on television in 1965. I know I am alive because I still flinch, hurt and remain shocked at the insanely violent pathology of cruelty as the Selma police ran amuck and brutalized Americans because they wanted to vote. Those attending the march were there seeking justice for all. You know them: the 47 percent, the reverends, rabbis, priests, older folks, politicians and students.

On that day 50 years ago, I was at Venice Beach playing basketball. When I finished playing, I went over to watch the bodybuilders Cartoonists Ann Cleaves, Andy Singer, Matt Wuerker

Columnists/Reporters Lyn Jensen Carson B. Noel Barr Music Dude John Farrell Curtain Call Lori Lynn Hirsch-Stokoe Food Writer Andrea Serna Arts Writer Melina Paris Culture Writer Calendar 14days@randomlengthsnews.com

Design/ Production Mathew Highland, Suzanne Matsumiya Advertising Representative David Johnson rlnsales@randomlengthsnews.com

Photographers Terelle Jerricks, Phillip Cooke, Betty Guevara, Diana Lejins

Editorial Interns Ivan Adame, Eric Fujimori, Crystal Niebla, Arlo Tinsman-Kongshaug

Contributors John Gray, David Johnson, Gina Ruccione

Display advertising (310) 519-1442 Classifieds (310) 519-1016 www.randomlengthsnews.com

lift weights. I remember feeling guilty for letting others fight for me. But what does a young California guy do?

On March 7, voting rights advocates met at Selma again. Some of the old leaders were there.

You know them: John Lewis, Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton. And, there was a messiah, President Barack Obama. He was there with Michelle and the girls. Obama made such a heartfelt speech, I teared up.

He spoke with passion and emotion. He spoke all truths Americans still face regarding race relations and the right to vote. We are facing a return to the case of Plessy v. Ferguson in 1896.

[See Rights, page 9] Random Lengths News editorial office is located at 1300 S. Pacific Ave., San Pedro, CA 90731, (310) 519-1016. Address correspondence regarding news items and news tips only to Random Lengths News, P.O. Box 731, San Pedro, CA 90733-0731, or email to editor @randomlengthsnews.com.

Send Letters to the Editor or requests for subscription information to james @ randomlengthsnews.com. To be considered for publication, all Letters to the Editor should be typewritten, must be signed, with address and phone number included (these will not be published, but for verification only) and be kept to about 250 words. To submit advertising copy email adv@randomelengthsnews.com or reads@ randomlengthsnews.com.

Extra copies and back issues are available by mail for $3 per copy while supplies last. Subscriptions are available for $36 per year for 27 issues.

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 to express those opinions. Random Lengths News is a member of Standard Rates and Data Reporting Services and the Association of Alternative Newsweeklies. (ISN #0891-6627). All contents Copyright 2015 Random Lengths News. All rights reserved.

RANDOMLetters The Red Car’s Second Demise

It’s another “harbor folly” that the Red Car operating parallel to the Main Channel in San Pedro is in jeopardy. Another casualty of excessive spending for improvements and subsequent demolition, e.g. the upgraded parking lot adjacent to the Los Angeles Maritime Museum and promenade now “submerged” for the frivolous water-cut.

It demonstrate [sic] lack of awareness, foresight and fiscal irreverence similar to the POLA/ Harbor Department investing in the “Angelina” (purchased for $480K) and futilely spending millions to make the boat energy efficient now being sold at a huge loss.

In the days when “two Hahns were better than one,” the Red Car would be esteemed and secured, because (Congresswoman) Janice Hahn certainly would be “fighting the good fight” for preservation.

With its historic lineage and innate charm, the Red Car is a vital and authentic source of transport that adds to the landscape of historic downtown and waterfront.

At least one Red Car should continue to operate from Fanfare Fountain to Sixth Street while other questionable reconstruction occurs.

Stephanie Mardesich San Pedro

Excuse Me, but Capitalism IS Democracy

Re: In Response to Response to April 2 Letter to the Editor, “In Defense of Capitalism”

The IRS insures that the government gets paid. Ever heard the term, “He who has the gold makes the rules?” Well, once we [Rights, from page 8]

Rights

Then I remembered Republicans don’t advocate for civil and human rights in public. In reflection—and I can reflect—I asked myself, “What do young people know or care about the pursuit of voting rights?” I determined it to be little. That appears to be the truth for all races and ethnic groups. Young Afro-Americans are too much into Kanye West, Jay-Z and Kendrick Lamar.

Other young folks are too much into surfing, snowboarding and skateboarding. They accept no kinship for societal progress and, in fact, they believe the Civil Rights Movement ended in 1867. A typical question and response would be, “I don’t

Haybay Bush?

I’m writing to express my astonishment upon hearing of presidential candidate Jeb Bush’s recent contentions of Latino-hood!

Does Jebe (pronounced Haybay in Spanish) really think that one chance encounter with a jalapeño pepper qualifies him as a Latino?

Some candidates will say anything to garner votes for the presidency!

G. Ban Salvo San Pedro

oppose it.

Dr. Richard Vladovic Candidate for LAUSD School Board District 7 San Pedro

Gutierrez’s Response to Vladovic

Response to Richard Vladovic’s letter misrepresenting my view on vaccinations (Richard Vladovic is my opponent for LAUSD School Board): Vaccinations are important to the lives of children and their parents.

My belief is “only” that

children are checked for allergic reactions prior to receiving any vaccinations. I personally had an allergic reaction to a chemical I ingested which I had to learn to walk again with permanent nerve damage.

Vladovic should spend more time finding money to give teachers a raise since they haven’t received one in 8 years, instead of wasting time misquoting my viewpoint.

Lydia Gutierrez Candidate for LAUSD School Board District 7 San Pedro

On Vaccinations in LAUSD

Open Letter from Dr. Richard Vladovic to Lydia Gutierrez, his LAUSD District 7 opponent Dear Ms. Gutierrez, There are times in the course of an election where candidates are called to address issues that go beyond mere differences in leadership styles or accomplishments. Issues that get to the heart of why we are involved in this crucially important field of education.

This is one of those times.

I have spent my career protecting our children as a U.S. Army officer, as a teacher, a school administrator, a superintendent, and now a proud member of the LAUSD School Board. I consider it a sacred trust. It is a responsibility that I take on, not for political gain, but because I have the experience, the knowledge, and the dedication to carry out this duty.

That is why I cannot stand by while you knowingly and willingly endanger the children of Los Angeles Unified Schools. On one of your campaign websites, you have repeatedly stated that you do not support vaccinating our children. This is in the wake of several outbreaks of measles in Southern California—most notably the outbreak at Disneyland in late December, which infected

have anything to do with that.”

One suspects good folks of the United States will forever require civil and human rights movements. The question is, “Who will lead?” Do blue eyes or being a hip hop artist safeguard you from having your voting rights stripped away?

Are young people going to wait until the Confederacy knocks on the door? Will young folk be arrested and then taken to reeducation camps, where they will be told the Confederacy really won the Civil War? Is that what it will take to get young folks interested in voting rights? Or will it be more of fun, fun, fun ‘til daddy takes the T-Bird away?

April 16 - 29, 2015

It seems as if the Southern Republican states of America are determined to turn back the clock to the Jim Crow era by denying Afro-Americans and others the right to vote.

Next, they will formalize a Confederate States of America and elect a Confederacy president.

I saw the crowd on the bridge and asked myself, “Where are all the reasonable Republicans?”

Oh yeah, George W. Bush was there but where is Jeb? Aren’t Republicans supposed to be the party of equal rights (remember Abraham Lincoln)?

started allowing Uncle Sam to take our money, we gave Uncle Sam the power to use that money against us.

How long would this war on terror have lasted if We the People volunteered our dollars to fund it, and could stop funding it (and stop it altogether) whenever we wanted? What about the war on drugs? Vietnam? NSA spying?

The IRS has a motto: “Taxes are the price we pay for a civilized society.” Really? Are you happy with the “social services” that taxes have brought us? Do you like public schools in America? What about our justice system? Would the new and expanding private prison industry really be booming if the government had no money to pay those corporate-owned human cages?

Hmm. Seems like taxes are the price we pay for a backwards and corrupt society. How about we stop paying them and instead let teachers and parents create schools (instead of politicians) while We the People reserve the choice to spend our dollars on that which is quality, and nothing less.

Do you, San Pedro citizen, feel that you have any power over the demise of the harbor Red Car? Of course not. The Port Authority does what it wants because it already has your money.

Independence.

Capitalism.

Democracy. These are all one in the same.

Robin Hood did not rob from the rich and give to the poor. He stole back the money that Sheriff John illegally taxed from the people. He returned what they had already earned so they could keep it for themselves. Robin Hood was a capitalist.

He who has the gold always makes the rules. So, lets [sic] keep our gold, so we can keep our individual power and never give the government, or anybody, that power and wealth to use against us.

Because, yes, the Air Force should have to have a bake sale to

Joel Tiger San Pedro, aka “Pedro Land”

125 people.

As of today, the measles count continues to rise, and 21 percent of infected residents are living in Los Angeles County. This problem is not just close to home, it is in our backyards. Fortunately, outbreaks like this can be prevented through vaccination.

In February, Senator Richard Pan, a pediatrician, introduced SB 277 to ensure the health of all children in California schools. The bill went before the Senate Health Committee yesterday. I have put my full support behind this bill because I want to keep LAUSD students safe and healthy. You

The Local Publication You Actually Read

The definition of capitalism is you keep what you earn.

It’s very simple. When the IRS was created, capitalism died in America. No longer do you keep what you earn.

build a bomber.

9

[Carson, from page 5]

Carson’s NFL Dreams

StubHub Center.

Carson2gether spokesman Fred MacFarlene said that the stadium project will rely on the traffic studies of previous environmental impact reports such as the one for Boulevards at South Bay and the L.A. Metromall. Random Lengths News was not able to find a traffic study that takes traffic considerations of a stadium in the Boulevards at South Bay plan.

MacFarlene also told Random Lengths News that the Oakland Raiders and Chargers Football Co. were in the final stages of purchasing the property from Starwood Capital, the latest entity to hold title to the 168-acre piece of land.That information was confirmed by the San Diego Chargers special counsel Mark Fabriani on April 8.

After all is said and done, this is a big deal.

For the city, it has been a 30-year wait for the land to become rehabilitated enough to build on.

Twenty-four of the 32 NFL team owners have to approve any deal that relocates a team in the Los Angeles market. How this Carson deal came to be is still a billion dollar question.

A Beverly Hills developer controls the 91 acres of land shaded in yellow. The former Boulevards of South Bay’s 168-acre parcel is where the National Football League stadium will be built.

NFL in Carson in Context

NFL team owners have teased Angelino football fans with the prospect of a franchise in Los Angeles since the late 1990s. Each of those times, Carson was a part of the conversation.

In the late 1990s, the site attracted the attention of Hollywood deal-maker Michael Ovitz, who, along with a few partners including Glimcher Realty Trust, sought to develop the property into a stadium.

At the time, a union pension plan acquired the property from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. in an auction for $10.8 million. They planned to build the L.A. Metromall, but ultimately ended up selling the land to the Carson Marketplace LLC, a shell company for the LNR Property Corp. The sale was made for $30 million in 2004.

In 2005, Carson officials including Dear, Jerry Groomes and Ron Winkler met with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell about developing a stadium at the former Cal Compact Landfill. Dear said at the time, there was no NFL team committed to playing in Los Angeles but, “if you build it, they will come.”

A month later, Carson abandoned the stadium plan. Instead they pursued the Boulevards at South Bay project, a retail and residential space with no stadium.

The developer of the Boulevards project was LNR Property Corp.’s Commercial Property Group and Hopkins Real Estate Group.

In 2012, Starwood Capital acquired the property after purchasing LNR Property for $1 billion.

In 2013, representatives from Starwood Capital submitted a development plan that identified a 43-acre outlet mall to be built along the San Diego Freeway, accompanied by two parking garages. Their plan saw the future buildout of a warehouse discount store along with more than 800,000 square feet of retail space, 209 hotel room, as well as 850 residential units, and 1,150 rental units, all in conformance with the Carson Marketplace plans.

April 16 - 29, 2015

Serving the Seven Communities of the Harbor Area

Rand Properties Jilted Before the Dance

10

Now that the former Cal Compact Landfill is just about ready for construction, bit players in Carson’s decade’s-long saga of getting a football team to Los Angeles feel as if the rug has been pulled out from under them.

This past February, Beverly Hills developer Richard Rand filed a breach of contract lawsuit against the city and Leonard Bloom of U.S. Capital LLC. Rand claimed in the lawsuit that he began working through his companies Rand Resources LLC and Carson El Camino LLC to bring one or more NFL franchises to the city and play in a “state of the art” stadium within the city.

This is not the first time the city and Rand have tangled in the courtroom.

In 2003, in a suit against the city and its redevelopment agency, Rand accused then Mayor Darryl Sweeney of soliciting a bribe in exchange for various entitlements in connection with a “$100 million mixed-use development” he had planned for the 91acre property. Rand said he refused to pay the bribe and as a result, the city denied the entitlement, despite earlier assurances.

In 2006, a jury sided with Rand, finding that his civil rights had been violated. The city appealed the civil verdict and Rand filed a cross-appeal seeking $20 million in damages.

In 2008, while the appeal was still ongoing, Rand and Carson’s redevelopment agency entered into an Exclusive Negotiating Agreement. The agreement was contingent upon Rand halting his cross appeal and not enforcing the judgement.

The agreement was first extended for three years, then extended a second time in 2011 to end in 2012. Rand and the redevelopment agency entered a new two[See NFL, page 19]

The popularity of Roller Derby bouts are steadily growing. The next bout is in Torrance on April 25. Photo courtesy of Shayna Meikle.

R

oller derby is by no means a mainstream sport, but it’s well on its way to becoming a relevant force in the South Bay and Long Beach areas.

Since its inception four years ago, Beach Cities Roller Derby has been recruiting more members and attracting a bigger fan base each season. The growth in popularity comes from the organization’s commitment to its unaltered mission statement of being a diverse and welcoming community.

This concept is driven by Beach Cities Roller Derby’s founder

and leader, Shayna Meikle.

“People in my league are scrawny, fat, short, tall, black and white,” Meikle said. “Anyone can do it. Any body style, any body type, any sort of career. Unemployed to freakin’ lawyers, we got ‘em all.”

Before starting the organization, Meikle spent her days teaching biology at a middle school in South Central Los Angeles. She cared about her students and had a passion for teaching, but felt she wasn’t living up to her full potential.

“I made a big impact on the kids that I taught, but I think I’m able to make more of an impact on adults, especially in the aspect of sports,” Meikle said.

Following a path more tailored to her interests, Meikle traded in her teaching supplies for roller skates and started Beach Cities Roller Derby in April 2012.

“I guess I was like a punk rock jock growing up,” Meikle said. “I played all sorts of sports, but I also skateboarded and stuff too. So being in a roller derby league allows you to get the best of all those worlds – a little bit of extreme sport, a little bit of team sport and definitely a lot of personal and physical growth.”

One of her main goals is to offer adults a way to spend their free time away from work and parenting.

ACE: Arts • Cuisine • Entertainment

By Eric Fujimori, Editorial Intern

[See Derby, page 16]

April 16 – 29, 2015 April 16 – 29, 2015

1111

Working Class Kitchen is known for it’s signature dish, the Chianina burger. Photos by Phillip Cooke.

Working Class Kitchen:

A Butcher Shop That Finally Meats My Expectations

By Gina Ruccione, Food Writer & Blogger

April 16 – 29, 2015

Independent And Free.

W

12

hen it comes to dating and choosing a restaurant, my approach is essentially the same: “What are you willing to do to impress me?”

In the Harbor Area, there is no shortage of restaurants, and God only knows you could walk 10 steps and trip over a man.

Lately, I’ve been a little underwhelmed by both (men and restaurants) doing very little to pique my interest, hold my attention, or just simply put in the work. But when I stumbled upon Working Class Kitchen in Long Beach, I was immediately intrigued.

Working Class Kitchen is owned by the same restaurant group that brought us Michael’s on Naples, Chianina Steakhouse and Michael’s Pizzeria.

The concept is quite simple: it’s all about the meat. A modern take on an old-school tradition, the Working Class Kitchen is first and foremost a whole animal butcher. Upon entering, I was immediately entranced by a generous amount of delectable meaty goodness that is sitting in a glass case in the middle of the shop—all of

General manager Tim Balen (right).

which are hand picked, hand carved, cut and curated in their perfect form: raw.

Next to the deli case is a large window, which allows onlookers to peek inside the back and watch as meat is broken down, sliced and prepared. The other important aspect of Working Class Kitchen is that it’s a deli. But it’s unlike any deli you’ve probably ever seen.Their motto is Sine Labore Nihil: “Nothing Without Work,” so, as one can imagine, they’re not serving your average sandwich.

I surveyed the deli area and the menu with careful scrutiny. As someone who has prepared and eaten raw bison on many occasions, I’d like [See Kitchen, page 16]

ACE: Arts • Cuisine • Entertainment

April 16 – 29, 2015

13

Big Nick’s Pizza Tradition, variety and fast delivery; you get it all at Big Nick’s Pizza.

The best selection of Italian specialties include hearty calzones, an array of pastas and of course, our amazing selection of signature pizzas, each piled high with the freshest toppings. Like wings or greens? We also offer an excellent selection of appetizers, salads, beer and wine.

Call for fast delivery. Hours: 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Sun.Thurs., 10 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Fri. & Sat. Big Nick’s Pizza • 1110 N. Gaffey St., San Pedro • (310) 732-5800 • www.facebook.com/BigNicks

Independent And Free.

Buono’s Authentic Pizzeria A San Pedro landmark for over 40 years, famous fo r exc e p t i o n a l award-winning pizza baked in brick ovens. Buono’s also offers classic Italian dishes and sauces based on tried-and-true family recipes and hand-selected ingredients that are prepared fresh. You can dine-in or take-out. Delivery and catering are also provided. Additionally, there are two locations in Long Beach. Hours: Sun.-Thurs.

11 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. • Buono’s Pizzeria • 1432 S. Gaffey St., San Pedro • (310) 547-0655 • www.buonospizza.com Happy Diner The Happy Diner isn’t your average diner.

If you pay attention to its special menu on blackboards, it’s almost a cer tainty you’re going to find something new each week. The cuisine runs the gamut of Italian and Mexican to American continental. The Happy Diner chefs are always creating something new.

They believe that if an item is good, its reputation will get around by word of mouth. You can even find items normally found at curbside lunch trucks. You can take your pick of grilled salmon over pasta or tilapia and vegetables, prepared any way you like. Try their chicken enchiladas soup made from scratch. Happy Diner • (310) 241-0917 • 617 S. Centre St., San Pedro Nazelie’s Lebanese Cafe Nazelie’s Lebanese Cafe is a favorite of the neighborhood for the terrific kabobs, beef or chicken shawarma, lamb dishes and falafel.

Nazelie’s chicken and rice soup with lemon is like a warm embrace—it takes chicken soup to a whole new level. Nazelie uses a recipe handed

Waterfront Dining

April 16 – 29, 2015

Boardwalk Grill

14

Casual waterfront dining at its finest!

Famous for slabs of Chicago-style baby back ribs, fish-nchips, rich clam chowder, cold beer on tap and wine.

Full lunch menu also includes salads, sandwiches and burgers. Indoor and outdoor patio dining available. Proudly pouring Starbucks coffee. Open 7 days a week. Free Parking. Boardwalk Grill • 1199 Nagoya Way, LA Harbor - Berth 77, San Pedro • (310) 519-7551

down in her family for generations, starting with homemade chicken broth, and adding a refreshing touch of lemon for taste and nutrients.

Nazelie’s Lebanese Café, 1919 S. Pacific Avenue, San Pedro. (310) 519-1919 PHILIE B’S ON SIXTH Owner Philie Buscemi welcomes you to Philie B’s on Sixth, where New York– style pizza, Sicilian rice balls and pizza by-the-slice are the specialties. Fresh hot or cold sandwiches, gourmet pizzas and fresh salads are also served.

Try the “white pizza” with smooth ricotta, mozzarella and sharp PecorinoRomano cheeses topped with torn fresh basil.

Extended hours accommodate San Pedro’s unique lifestyle and work schedules. Catering and fast, free local delivery ($15 min.) available.

Philie B’s On Sixth • 347 W. 6th Street, San Pedro (310) 514-2500 www.philiebsonsixth.com San Pedro Brewing Company A m i c ro b r ewe r y a n d American grill, SPBC features handcraf ted award-winning ales and lagers served with creative pastas, bbq, sandwiches, salads and burgers. A full bar with made-fromscratch margaritas and a martini menu all add fun to the warm and friendly atmosphere. Wi-Fi bar connected for Web surfing and email—bring your laptop. Live music on Saturdays. Hours: From 11:30 a.m., daily. San Pedro Brewing Company • 331 W. 6th St., San Pedro • (310) 831-5663 • www.sanpedrobrewing.com

dinner with fresh egg dishes, omelettes and griddlecakes. Both restaurants have a fine selection of wines and beers that complement the dishes. Sonny’s Bistro • 1420 W. 25th St., San Pedro. Hours: Mon-Fri, 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m., Sat and Sun. from 4 p.m. • (310) 548-4797.

Think Café • 302 W. 5th St., San Pedro • Hours: Mon-Sat. 8 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun. 8 a.m.- 2 p.m. • (310) 519-3662.

Tally’s Sandwiches One of San Pedro’s newest dining spots, Tally’s offers a fresh take on American homemade cuisine. Everything, from the hamburgers, ground in-house, to the macaroni salad is made fresh daily. Open for lunch and dinner; enjoy one of the specials as you dine in this unassuming, centrally located sandwich shop. Feeling adventurous?

Try the Thursday Thanksgiving sandwich special with homemade stuffing. Tally’s Sandwiches • Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. • 1438 S. Pacific Ave. San Pedro • (310) 974-0728.

The Whale & Ale San Pedro’s British gastro pub of fer s comfortable dining in an oak–paneled setting, featuring English fish & chips, roast prime rib, sea bass, rack of lamb, beef Wellington, meat pies, salmon, swordfish & vegetarian dishes. Open for lunch & dinner, 7days/wk; great selection of wines; 14 British tap ales, & full bar. Frequent live music. First Thursdays live band & special fixed price menu.

Hours: Mon.-Thu. 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Fri. 11:30 a.m.-midnight Sat. & Sun. 1-10 p.m. Bar open late.

The Whale & Ale • 327 W. 7th St., San Pedro • (310) 832-0363 • www.whaleandale.com

Sonny’s Café and Think Bistro Sonny and Carly Ramirez are the husband and wife team behind Sonny’s Bistro and Think Café. They operate both establishments: Sonny works in the kitchens and Carly attends the front of the house. The handson attention to detail makes their restaurants so successful, in both quality of food and service. Sonny’s Bistro’s lunch and dinner menus feature dishes made from locally sourced and hand–selected meats, seafood and seasonal vegetables. Try the $10 lunch menu served Mon. through Friday. Think Café serves breakfast in addition to lunch and PORTS O’ CALL WATERFRONT DINING S i n c e 1 9 61 t h e y ’ v e extended a hear ty welcome to visitors from every corner of the globe.

Delight in an awe-inspiring view of the dynamic L.A. Harbor while enjoying exquisite coastal California cuisine and varietals.

Relax in the plank bar or outdoor patio for the best happy hour on the waterfront. With the awardwinning Sunday champagne brunch, receive the first Spirit Cruises harbor cruise of the day free.

Open 7 days, lunch and dinner. Free Parking. Ports O’Call Waterfront Dining • 1199 Nagoya Way, LA Harbor - Berth 76, San Pedro • (310) 833-3553 www.Portsocalldining.com

SPIRIT CRUISES

An instant par ty!

Complete with all you need to relax and enjoy while the majesty of the harbor slips by.

Their three yachts and seasoned staff provide an exquisite excursion every time, and all-inclusive pricing makes party planning easy! Dinner cruise features a three course meal, full bar, unlimited cocktails and starlight dancing. Offering the ultimate excursion for any occasion. Free parking. Spirit Cruises • 1199 Nagoya Way, LA Harbor - Berth 77, San Pedro • (310) 548-8080, (562) 495-5884 • www.spiritmarine.com

Include Your Restaurant in the Dining Guide In Print & Online • (310) 519-1442

Village Treasures owner Max Viltz. Photo by Phillip Cooke.

Long Beach’s Renaissance Woman

Advocates Arts Diversity, Funding

By Melina Paris, Columnist Max Viltz, the owner of Village Treasures, is a community servant, promoter of the arts and music, and a major influence for African American culture in Long Beach.

While Viltz doesn’t believe she’s done anything special, a glimpse into her day planner reveals the contrary. The term “Renaissance woman” is a fitting description, she has responsibilities to a great number of circles in Long Beach’s civic life.

She recently finished her third three-year term on the Long Beach Arts Council, first on the allocations committee and then serving as the chairwoman of governance.

Viltz explained that the arts council’s purpose is to make people understand there are all kinds of art, from graffiti to glassblowing.

Community service, the arts council and arts community are Viltz’ priorities. She says people need to be aware of what is going on and add their support to the arts community, which struggles to attract funding because its value is often not appreciated.

Viltz envisions Long Beach as a city with more diverse artists and events (galleries, music, theater, dance companies) that engage residents and encourage visitors to choose Long Beach as a premiere destination. Some programs exist, but she emphasizes there needs to be better access and communication through marketing.

This past year, the arts council received only $300,000 from the city, which speaks to the minimum importance the city puts on the arts. There was a time when the arts council had much more funding, but without it, events had to be removed. It takes money for the arts council to be relevant.

[See Renaissance, page 15]

Entertainment April 17

The Sure Fire Soul Ensemble The Sure Fire Soul Ensemble hails from San Diego and specializes in a potent blend of funk, Latin and Afro-beat rhythms with some serious jazz chops.

Time: 9 p.m.

Venue: Alex’s Bar, 2913 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach Cost: $10 Details: www.alexsbar.com Jacob Szekely Trio Critically acclaimed cellist Jacob Szekely trio will perform.

Time: 8 p.m.

Venue: Alvas Showroom, 1417 W. 8th St., San Pedro Cost: $20 Details: (800) 403-3447 [Renaissance, from page 14]

David Jackson at the Seabird Lounge Join David Jackson and friends for a night of live jazz.

Time: 9 p.m.

Venue: Roscoe’s Seabird Lounge, 730 E. Broadway, Long Beach Cost: $10 Details: http://seabirdjazzloungelbc.com

April 18

Superhero Soundtracks The Golden State Pops Orchestra will present a special concert featuring iconic melodies from popular superhero soundtracks.

Time: 8 p.m.

Venue: Warner Grand Theatre, 478 W. 6th St., San Pedro Cost: $28.50 to $60 Details: (310) 548-2493; www.grandvision.org Thom Rotella 4tet Thom Rotella has performed or recorded with a wide variety of well-known artists both in jazz and mainstream pop music. That list includes Rick Braun, Keiko Matsui, Herbie Hancock, Stanley Turrentine and more.

Time: 8 p.m.

Venue: Alvas Showroom, 1417 W. 8th St., San Pedro Cost: $20 Details: (800) 403-3447

April 19

A Wailing of a Town Craig Ibarra is releasing his long-awaited compendium of punk history with a bang. First with a book release party, then the after-party at Harold’s, with Mike Watt and the Missing Men, the Alley Cats and Saccharine Trust performing.

Time: 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Venue: Cornelius Project 1417 Pacific Ave., Harold’s Place, 1908 S Pacific Ave, San Pedro Cost: Free; book is $20 Details: http://endfwy.bigcartel.com Nova Live at the Seabird Lounge Spice up your Sunday with Latin jazz band Nova Live.

Time: 5 to 9 p.m.

Venue: Roscoe’s Seabird Lounge, 730 E. Broadway, Long Beach Cost: No Cover Details: http://seabirdjazzloungelbc.com David Garfield Quintet Keyboardist David Garfield will perform with his contemporary acoustic Latin jazz quintet.

Time: 6 p.m.

Venue: Alvas Showroom, 1417 W. 8th St., San Pedro Cost: $20 Details: (800) 403-3447

April 23

Andy Waddell Performing professionally since his teens, Waddell has worked alongside countless jazz greats including Grammy Award winner Maria Schneider, Peter Erskine, Jim McNeely and more.

Time: 8:30 p.m..

Venue: Roscoe’s Seabird Lounge, 730 E. Broadway, Long Beach Cost: No Cover Details: http://seabirdjazzloungelbc.com

April 25

Noise Fest 19 Join Freda Rente’, a.k.a. Sista Sin, as she performs live music, poetry and art.

Time: 8 p.m.

Venue: Harold’s Place, 1908 S. Pacific Ave., San Pedro Cost: No Cover Details: (310) 832-5503 Azar Lawrence at the Seabird Lounge Join the Azar Lawrence group for a night of jazz and fun.

Time: 9 p.m.

Venue: Roscoe’s Seabird Lounge, 730 E. Broadway, Long Beach Cost: $15 Details: http://seabirdjazzloungelbc.com The Gears, The Crowd Rock out with bands The Gears and The Crowd.

For audiences 21 and older only.

Time: 8 p.m.

Venue: Alex’s Bar, 2913 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach Cost: $8 to $10 Details: www.alexsbar.com Spock’s Beard Over the past 20 years, Spock’s Beard has built a reputation for invention, musicality and sheer restive energy. Yet, perhaps nothing they have done before can properly prepare you for their 11th studio album, Brief Nocturnes And Dreamless Sleep.

Time: 8 p.m.

Venue: Alvas Showroom, 1417 W. 8th St., San Pedro Cost: $50 Details: (800) 403-3447

April 26

Oil Boom, Sir Madam, the South Hollows Check out live rock bands Oil Boom, Sir Madam and the South Hollows. The show is for audiences 21 and older.

Time: 8 p.m.

Venue: Alex’s Bar, 2913 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach Cost: $5 Details: www.alexsbar.com Los Angeles Philharmonic Grand Vision will present a rare opportunity to see the Los Angeles Philharmonic perform as part of its “Neighborhood Concert” series.

Time: 5 p.m.

Venue: Warner Grand Theatre, 478 W. 6th St., San Pedro Cost: Free, there is a $1 service charge per ticket Details: (310) 548-2493

Community/Family April 17 - 18

Rolling Hills Homes Tour “Behind the Gates,” a tour of three homes in the gated city of Rolling Hills, is presented by The Circle, a support group of the nonprofit Palos Verdes Art Center/Beverly G. Alpay Center for Arts Education. The art center will receive all proceeds from the tour. The event includes tour, shuttle ride and catered lunch [See Calendar, page 16]

April 16 – 29, 2015

challenge is drawing community support and educating Long Beach residents about their presence and what they offer. Part of the resistance is criticism that the council is not as diverse as it could be and that it does not represent the makeup of the city.

“When they hear arts or arts council [people] don’t think it’s for them,” Viltz said. “[They think] it’s [for] some elite group.”

The arts council has incorporated different ways to connect to the community, yet a disconnection still exists.

“Our role as the arts council is to be as connected as we possibly can be to the many different communities in Long Beach,” said Victoria Bryan, the council’s executive director.

“It’s sort of the point of the council.”

Bryan described how the council looks for diverse representation from community members to serve on panels. They hold quarterly arts forums where each council member and a member of their staff select a delegate from each community in Long Beach to come together with them. From that point, these representatives are able to serve on panels, potentially join committees and even become a board member.

Bryan also explained that the council creates combinations of people representing all area’s of the arts community, from individual artists and small arts organizations to large ones such as the Museum of Latin American Art. Bryan said that Viltz has contributed to the organization and the community in many ways. From the perspective of her arts-based retail business and her involvement on so many committees, they feel they received a two-forone with Viltz’s fellowship. Bryan added that with Viltz’s continued involvement and help toward the council, she does not feel like they have said goodbye.

Viltz has touched the lives of many, including students, artists and musicians, through her business and astute perception for art. A constant supporter and promoter of everything artistic, her work is her philosophy.

“Some people may not think what they have to offer is enough or relevant, but if more people volunteered (they would find), it’s really rewarding,” Viltz said. “You may not get a certificate or accolade. It’s nice to get those things but it’s important for people to give back to their community.

“Nothing is too small. Expose your kids to music and art outside their neighborhood or circle and attend other people’s cultural events.”

South Side Slim Blues Slim represents hardcore blues, influenced by classic Chicago blues, Mississippi blues and Texas blues.

Time: 9 p.m..

Venue: Roscoe’s Seabird Lounge, 730 E. Broadway, Long Beach Cost: No Cover Details: http://seabirdjazzloungelbc.com

ACE: Arts • Cuisine • Entertainment

Viltz compares arts support here to that of New York. The New York City Department of Cultural Affairs had a 2014 fiscal year expense budget of $156 million, according to its website.

That figure is for a city of 8,336,697 New Yorkers (in 2013) compared to a population in Long Beach of 469,428 the same year.

“New York may be the extreme,” Viltz said, but art is the reason people go there, from Broadway to Chelsea. “Things have improved (here) with the [Long Beach] Convention and Visitors Bureau. The facility has been enhanced, but what else? What about music and theater?”

The arts council particularly wants to involve young people in art and let them know they can have a career in the field, whether it’s as an administrator or in a medium they might decide to explore such as music, painting or sculpture.

Viltz has a bachelor’s degree in business administration. She approaches her passion for business, as well as the arts, with pragmatism.

“I don’t know to what extent, or how long it would take for more of the public to understand or acknowledge our relevancy and that art is important,” Viltz said. “It has also been proven [that] the arts will enhance education.”

Viltz’s first serious entry into the arts as a purveyor came in a business context. In the 1980s, she and her former husband Femi went on an educational tour of Egypt. The goal of the tour was to inspire people to go back to their hometowns to open cultural centers and create study groups from more of an AfricanAmerican perspective, instead of a Caucasian or Arabic one.

When the couple returned from the tour in 1988, Max and Femi started the African Cultural Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Long Beach. It was because of their drum and dance classes that Viltz got involved with the arts council, and has been involved in the art world ever since.

As they submitted proposals to the arts council to receive grants for their program, Viltz became familiar with everybody. Dixie Swift, the director at Homeland Cultural Center, was in charge of the program on the allocations committee and was ready to retire. She wanted to make sure someone of color took her place and asked Viltz to replace her.

“Depending on who is on the allocations committee, they can help influence bringing in more diverse programs and people that win these grants,” Viltz said.

In Viltz’s eyes, the council’s greatest

April 24

Brian Auger’s Oblivion Express Recently inducted into the Hammond Organ Hall, the Hungarian Rock & Roll Museum Hall of Fame and given a star on the Vienna “Walk Of The Stars” in the Austrian Rock Museum, Auger is a treat not to be missed.

Time: 8 p.m.

Venue: Alvas Showroom, 1417 W. 8th St., San Pedro Cost: $20 Details: (800) 403-3447

15

[Kitchen, from page 12]

[Calendar, from page 15] Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Venue: Palos Verdes Art Center, 5504 W. Crestridge

Rd., Rancho Palos Verdes

Cost: Tickets are $50 presale; Details: www.pvhomestour.org

$55 at the door

Long Beach Grand Prix The roar of turbocharged engines heralds the return of three days of nonstop racing excitement through the city streets at the 41st Annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach.

Time: All day Venue: Downtown Long Beach Cost: Three-day general admission is $77; Sundayonly general admission is $57; Saturday-only general admission is $50; Friday-only general admission is $30 Details: (888) 827-7333; www.gplb.com

April 18

LA Local Beer and Food Fest Craft beers from well-known and up-and-coming Los Angeles breweries and a wide variety of artisanal foods made locally will be available at Alpine Village. Admittance is for guests 21 years old and older only. There’s free parking.

Time: 8 p.m.

Venue: Alpine Village, 833 W. Torrance Blvd., Torrance Cost: $40 Details: www.alpinevillagecenter.com

April 19

Authors Day with Lisa See The Friends of the San Pedro Library present Lisa See, an award-winning, bestselling author. See was born in Paris but grew up in Los Angeles, spending much of her childhood with her father’s family in Chinatown. Her first book, On Gold Mountain was a national bestseller and a New York Times Notable Book. Her ensuing novels, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, Peony in Love, Shanghai Girls and Dreams of Joy, were also NYT bestsellers.

Time: 2 p.m.

Venue: Grand Annex, 434 W. 6th St., San Pedro Cost: $15 Details: www.grandvision.org,

Independent And Free.

April 20

Welcome to Night Vale Live Nation Presents: “Welcome to Night Vale With Musical Guest Mary Epworth,” from the wildly popular serial podcast of dispatches from a strange desert town. A rich and nuanced community radio show hosted by Cecil Baldwin, Welcome to Night Vale has grown to be one of the most popular podcasts in the world.

Time: 8 p.m.

Venue: Warner Grand Theatre, 478 W. 6th St., San Pedro Cost: Tickets $25 to $30 Details: ticketmaster.com

Theater/Film April 17

Screening 1915 Tickets are on sale for the highly-anticipated movie, 1915. The film thrills, educates, challenges, and honors the memory of the Armenian Genocide, 1915 the movie is perfect to watch and discuss with Armenians and nonArmenians of all ages.

Time: 11:35 a.m., and 1:40, 3:45, 5:50, 8 and 10:05 p.m.

Cost: $10 Venue: Terrace Cinemas, 28901 Western Ave., Rancho Palos Verdes Details: h t t p : / / s t a r l i g h t c i n e m a s . c o m / movie/204536/1915/2015-04-17

April 16 – 29, 2015

April 18

16

Bye Bye Birdie This classic romantic musical comedy chronicles a bunch of teenagers who go bonkers when the nation’s most popular singer and heartthrob, Conrad Birdie, arrives to give his biggest fan one last kiss before going into the army.

Time: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, at 3 p.m.

Sundays, through May 3 Cost: $25 ($18 for children 12 and younger) Venue: El Camino Center for the Arts, 16007 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance Details: www.centerforthearts.org

Legally Blonde, the Musical Root for Elle Woods as she completely transforms stuffy Harvard University in Miraleste Intermediate School Booster Club’s bubbly production of Legally Blonde.

Time: Fri. through Sat. at 7p.m.; Sun at 2 p.m.

April 24 through May 2 Venue: Miraleste Intermediate School, 29323 Palos Verdes Dr E, Rancho Palos Verdes Cost: $15 for reserved rows. $12 general admission for evening performances; $10 for matinees.

Details: (310) 344-4501, legallyblondetkts@ yahoo.com

APRIL 19

The Suburban Showgirl Suburban Showgirl is an inspirational, onewoman show written by and starring Palmer Davis, about a wife, mother of two and professional dancer whose life is not turning out quite the way she had hoped. The show is appropriate for all ages.

Time: 3 p.m.

Venue: Alvas Showroom, 1417 W. 8th St., San Pedro Cost: $20; $25 at the door Details: (800) 403-3447 In My Life: Tribute to the Beatles More than just a live musical tribute show, In My Life tells the Fab Four’s tale through the eyes of their late manager, Brian Epstein, who acts as narrator to renowned tribute band Abbey Road’s live performance of some 33 Beatles classics.

Time: 2 p.m.

Venue: Warner Grand Theatre, 478 W. 6th St., San Pedro Cost: $20, $30, $40 Details: (800) 595-4849; www.tix.com

April 29

Abigail/1702 This is an imagined dramatization of the sequel to Arthur Miller’s play The Crucible, set in 1702, a decade after the tale of the Salem witch trials.

Time: 8 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays through May 24 Cost: $34 to $54 Venue: International City Theatre, 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach Details: (562) 436-4610; www.InternationalCityTheatre.org

April 30

Placas: The Most Dangerous Tattoo Ricardo Salinas of Culture Clash headlines “Placas: The Most Dangerous Tattoo,” April 30 through May 2, at the Scottish Rite Event Center.

“Placas” is an original play of a Salvadoran immigrant who tries to reclaim his family after nine years in prison, while letting go of his gangbanger past.

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Cost: $12 in advance and $15 at the door Venue: Scottish Rite Event Center, 855 Elm Ave., Long Beach Details: (562) 436-3983; www.placas.org

Art April 25

Ray Carofano: riverrun Artist’s reception for Ray Carofano’s riverrun, a suite of photographs capturing seldom-seen images of the 51-mile storm drain called the Los Angeles River. Forsaken for so long, the river is fenced off from the very communities it once sustained. Carofano’s carefully framed images reveal the not-so-hidden majesty of the concrete, the smooth lines and its functionality.

Time: 4 to 7 p.m.

Venue: Warschaw Gallery, 600 Pacific Ave., San Pedro Cost: Free Details: (310) 600-4873

April 26

Open Studios at Angels Gate Angels Gate Cultural Center’s annual Open Studios Day is a great way to meet local artists and learn about their work, during one of the largest studio artist programs in the region.

Time: 12 to 5 p.m.

Venue: Angels Gate Cultural Center, 3601 S. Gaffey St., San Pedro Cost: Free Details: (310) 519-0936; angelsgateart.org

Working Class

to think I know quite a bit about meat. I struggled over the menu options and couldn’t decide what to order, so I ended up with way more than I could handle in one sitting.

Let’s talk about the Chianina burger, which, by the way, is nothing short of perfect. I ordered it medium rare with cheddar and it came out on a soft, buttery brioche bun with caramelized onions and a spectacular remoulade. The burger was juicy and oozing with flavor—it was absolutely wonderful.

Some people shy away from exotic meat, but I have a strange appreciation for somewhat gamey flavors. It reminds me of traveling to foreign cities. Goat meat is popular in nearly every single country other than the United States. So, naturally I ordered the goat sandwich. Marinated in a creamy yogurt sauce and served on a crunchy baguette, it certainly exceeded my expectations.

I felt compelled to try the carne asada sandwich. Served on a crunchy baguette, this sandwich was loaded with heaps of carne asada strips, so much so that it was spilling out all over my plate. Full–flavored, tangy and with just the right amount of onions, it was well worth being uncomfortably full for three hours.

Eating meat is a privilege. Most people don’t truly appreciate good meat. Overcooking it or trying to hide the true flavor with a barrage of

seasoning is just wrong. The best meat needs very few condiments. Organic, sustainable, humanely raised animals need no fluff and very little finesse.

Maybe a touch of salt and pepper, but really that’s it. And truth be told, that’s how we should eat meat. Working Class Kitchen understands this concept and they execute everything with pride and precision.

The restaurant’s manager, Tim Balen, elaborated on the kitchen’s relationship to its meat.

“This is a rare spot,” Balen explained. “Where else can you find a local butcher shop like this?

We have real relationships with our ranchers and food purveyors. It’s more than just about the meat. It’s about doing it right.”

Working Class Kitchen actually partners with ranchers who humanely and sustainably raise animals, including their own Chianina cattle. Ranchers come to visit the butcher shop/ deli frequently. Shipments are biweekly. That is what makes this place so intriguing. The menu is constantly evolving and serves only the best quality products. They maintain a passion for their work and you can taste it.

“We aren’t satisfied with mass-produced, factory-farmed meat,” Balen said. “Maintaining close connections with our suppliers, butchering nose to tail, respecting each animal, and using every part—these are our guiding principles.”

The Kitchen also believes in keeping things [See Kitchen, page 17]

[Derby, from page 11]

Roller Derby Instead of typical activities like golf or book club, Meikle wants to accommodate those looking for something with a little more of an edge.

Playing roller derby is also a great way to socialize. Meikle, better known in the derby community as “Pigeon,” said that many members join the league because they’re new to the area and are having trouble making new friends.

“You sign up, skate for a few practices and instantly you have like 85 home girls,” Meikle said. “We’re all family.”

Another part of the appeal is female empowerment. Roller derby has long been the only contact sport with women at the forefront.

This continues to be a source of inspiration and pride for female skaters at Beach City Roller Derby.

“They’re doing it for themselves to feel more empowered, stronger and more connected to the society of women around them,” Meikle said.

Although mostly comprised of women, Beach City Roller Derby does have some male skaters. Jacob Anderson, Meikle’s boyfriend and a member of the league, thinks self-image is a big reason for the imbalance.

“It seems like more guys are embarrassed to be taught something, especially something athletic,” Anderson said. “The fact that there are girls around makes it harder for them to put down their pride.”

Despite its male minority, Beach Cities Roller derby is an extremely diverse community.

Ranging in age from 18 to 55, there are skaters of all shapes, sizes and backgrounds. This shatters the common misconception of derby girls only being big and burly.

As Beach Cities Roller Derby continues to expand and progress, it’s garnering a lot of attention from the Southern California derby community. The league’s all-star team, the Riptide Rollers, is undefeated thus far and on the way to its strongest season yet.

Although tempted to keep pushing and take their competitive play to the next level, Meikle recently made the decision to keep the league fun and friendly.

“That’s what makes us special,” Meikle said.

“We’re not all about the competition. We’re all about having fun, being all-inclusive and being a supportive community for people to become strong athletes.”

Another important focus of Beach Cities Roller Derby is giving back to the community.

Throughout the year, league members spend time volunteering around the Long Beach area. They also have skate-a-thons to raise money for local charities and individuals in need of financial support.

“Since we started in 2012, I could probably estimate that we’ve given over 2,000 hours up to volunteering and probably at least $15,000 to charities,” Meikle said.

Beach City Roller Derby will resume action at 7 p.m. April 25, as the Riptide Rollers take on San Diego Roller Derby at Wilson Park Arena in Torrance. Tickets are available online and at Moxi Roller Skate Shop in Long Beach for $10.

All longshoremen with a union card receive 50 percent off. Children 12 and younger get in free.

All proceeds will go to the Ronald McDonald Charity House.

[Kitchen, from page 16]

local. From their bread to their pickles, they work with like-minded farmers and artisans who all share a fondness and appreciation for craftsmanship and integrity. Expect to see Working Class Kitchen evolve into a sort of artisanal market toting not just meat, but all sorts of local handcrafted delicacies to enjoy at home—including fresh produce, olive oils, and beans.

When my adventure at the kitchen was near an end, Balen said, “Come back tomorrow.

That’s when the fun starts.”

With a grin, Balen explained he was expecting goats, three whole hogs and veal.

While my dating life might be in the midst of

confusion, my food game is certainly not. After my jaunt with this eatery, one thing is certain: this place is willing to put in the work.

Working Class Kitchen: It’s official. I am impressed.

Gina Ruccione is a fearless blogger and self-proclaimed food critic. She has traveled all over Europe and Asia, lived in almost every nook of Los Angeles County and has worked in some rare form of finance or fashion her whole adult life. You can visit her blog at http:// foodfashionfoolishfornication.blogspot.com.

Venue: Working Class Kitchen, 1322 Coronado Ave., Long Beach, CA 90804 Details: www.workingclasskitchen.com

ACE: Arts • Cuisine • Entertainment April 16 – 29, 2015

17

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DBA filings Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2015055904 The following person is doing business as: Violet Stone Press, 1379 W. Park Western Dr.,Suite 309 San Pedro, Ca 90732. Los Angeles County.

Registered owners: Roxanne Lawrence, 1360 W. 14th Street, San Pedro, Ca 90731. This Business is conducted by an individual. The date registrant started to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above: N/A. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) S/. Roxanne :Lawrence, Owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on March 3, 2015. 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. were to 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.The filing of this statement does not of itself

authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see section 1411 ET SEQ., Business and Professions code).

Original filing: 03/19/2015, 04/02/2015,

04/16/2015, 04/30/2015

Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2015050883 The following person is doing business as: Gaffey St. Diner, 247 N. Gaffey Street, San Pedro, Ca 90731. Los Angeles County. Registered owners: Mary Louise TaLiuLu, 802 Barhugh Pl., San Pedro, Ca 90731. This Business is conducted by an individual.

The date registrant started to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above: N/A. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) S/.

Mary Louise TaLiuLu, Owner.

This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on Feb. 26, 2015. 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,

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[Drought, from page 7]

Drought

We’re at this period of paradigm shift. Not to overstate it, but it’s always an uncomfortable period. As in Thomas Kuhn’s Structure of Scientific Revolutions, he says as things are changing, people become very uncomfortable, and it becomes very messy.

The old order is somehow changing yet you see these brilliant strides forward and strides backward.

We’re just in a difficult time and the drought exacerbates it.

Marcus did not explicitly say how deep that reconceptualization would go, or what it would involve. At this point, it’s probably impossible to say. But Hanemann did cite three basic steps as a commonsense starting point, just to bring California into the modern era.

First is to create “an accessible database of water rights and legal rulings in California,” including all the appropriate documentation.

Complete documentation exists at the county level for post1914 rights, only, but hasn’t been fully integrated online.

Second is to implement record-keeping to support real-time water management, meaning a record of all water diversions. This has been legally required for decades, but penalties were not introduced until quite recently, so data only goes back to 2012, and reporting is required only every 3 years. It should be yearly, at least, and monthly during

droughts, Hanemann said.

Third, the board must be given authority to supervise the distribution of water. This exists only in a very crude, limited, emergency form, without real enforcement power. It needs to be fully formalized and written into law.

Actually, he added a fourth point—the need to verify and consolidate claims, including the resolution of conflicting legal claims, a process called “adjudication,” which can drag on for years and even decades.

“It’s been done in many western states,” Hanemann said. “It’s a bonanza for the lawyers,” but it would finally provide clarity as to who has what rights.

As it stands today, claims are so unreliable, so exaggerated that, for example, “the flow of the Kern River was claimed like 30 times over,” Hanemann said. So, “What California needs is an adjudication of the Central Valley, especially the Sacramento Valley,” just to create a reality-based foundation for moving forward and dealing with future challenges.

All these are just practical, common sense changes, but California water rights holders have successfully resisted them for more than 150 years now.

Overcoming this resistance is the first hurdle.

But there’s a second hurdle that should also be considered, and that involves a fundamental re-conception of how water policy is handled, down to the very definition of water rights—or possibly even some alternative formulation.

Hanemann highlighted the contrast in ways of thinking about the two paradigms.

The traditional, legalistic way of thinking is in terms of water rights, and the senior water rights that agricultural users have, based on their earliest claims. As we’ve already seen, however, those rights are anything but clear cut, well-defined, and even, in many cases, plausible. So the anarchic “Wild West” nature of the system casts the legitimacy of this approach into doubt— not to mention that it’s the holders of the water rights themselves who have insisted on maintaining this state of chaos. Indeed, Hanemann said, the legacy of this approach, historically, “is massively counterproductive.”

In contrast, we need to “step back and…say ‘no, let’s take a modern view of this.

We live in a modern society.

We have competing needs. We have a population of 38 million people. We have large cities…

This is not a sensible way of allocating water.’”

This is a view that makes sense in terms of preparations for dealing with the growing challenges California faces.

But it “goes against property rights,” and nobody has the power to simply wipe out all those rights, however questionable they may be.

Yet, something akin to this process has taken place in Australia over the past 25 years, because starting around 1990, a growing sense of urgency emerged that managing water inefficiently was a threat to the nation’s prosperity and well-being. This lead to federal intervention and legislation, which had never been contemplated before.

from previous page except as provided in subdivision (b) of section 17920. were to 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.The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see section 1411 ET SEQ., Business and Professions code).

Original filing: 03/19/2015, 04/02/2015,

04/16/2015, 04/30/2015

04/16/2015, 04/30/2015

Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2015089654 The following person is doing business as: Top Blue USA, 17899 S. Susana Rd.,Rancho Dominguez, CA 90221., Los Angeles County.

Registered owners: SPF Terminals,

Inc, 1861 N. Gaffey St. STE E, San Pedro, CA 90731. This Business is conducted by a corporationl. The date registrant started to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above: N/A. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) S/. Peter Balov, CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on April 3, 2015. 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. were to 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.

The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see section 1411 ET SEQ., Business and Professions code).

Original filing: 04/16/15, 04/30/14, 05/14/15, 05/28/15

etc.—in which those in power had all the facts they needed to solve a problem, but ignored them “by fearing change” that ended in disaster. Heeding this lesson, “We need to be thinking forward,” Marcus said, “and looking at the present through the lens of what our future holds, for better or for worse, and what we can do about it, versus looking at today through the lens of the past and stubbornly sticking to it.”

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The In the Downtown Pizza & Much More 399 W. 6th St.

[Carson, from page 5]

Carson NFL Stadium Plans year agreement similar to the first one.

Gov. Jerry Brown’s dismantling of the state’s redevelopment agencies caused Rand to question his rights. In September 2012, Rand proposed entering into an exclusive agency agreement with the city in exchange for staying his $20 million cross-appeal of the 2003 lawsuit. This agreement allowed Rand to operate as the city’s exclusive agent in talks with the NFL about bringing a team to Carson.

Under the agreement, no one other than Rand Resources was permitted to represent the city in negotiations with the NFL, and Rand was to shoulder all the cost of meeting with NFL executives and hiring architectural firms to draft proposed stadium designs, among other costs. The agreement was to end in 2014.

Rand accuses the city of double dealing while the contract was enforced—

starting at least in the summer of 2013. He accuses the city specifically of meeting with Leonard Broom of U.S. Capital while his exclusive agreement with the city was in force.

For perspective, Rand owns 12 acres of a 91-acre piece of land adjacent to the 157-acre brown field.

The remaining 79 acres are owned by at least two other parties. Before California’s redevelopment agencies were dismantled, Rand hoped the Carson Redevelopment Agency would use its powers of eminent domain to enlarge the 91-acre property to help entice the NFL. A substantial portion of the 91 acres has the same issues with hazardous waste as the 157-acre field.

Rand Resources lawyer Joseph Ybarra said he’s confident the courts will find that the city violated the Exclusive Agent Agreement.

Councilman Albert Robles said the council was asked not to speak on the NFL stadium just yet.

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April 16 - 29, 2015

Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2015055905 The following person is doing business as: Rude Dog Olive, 716 31st St., San Pedro, Ca 90731. Los Angeles County. Registered owners: Mark Vollmer, 716 31st St., San Pedro, Ca 9073. Patti Vollmer, 716 31st St., San Pedro, Ca 90731. This Business is conducted by a husband and wife..

The date registrant started to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above: N/A. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A regis-

trant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) S/. Mark Vollmer, Owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on March 3, 2015. 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. were to 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.

The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see section 1411 ET SEQ., Business and Professions code).

Original filing: 03/19/2015, 04/02/2015,

rare and precious as its tech industry. “We’re one of only five Mediterranean climates that can grow healthy fruits and vegetables and we should honor that,” Marcus said in her speech, “even as we are clear and hardline and fair and demanding of agriculture to do their part.”

But the system is as archaic as slavery—if not as evil—and in need of a sweeping overhaul to prepare us for the difficult future ahead.

Highlighting this need for forward thinking, Marcus referenced Barbara Tuckman’s book, March of Folly, which, she noted, deals with historical examples—King George losing the colonies, the Vietnam War,

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FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FILINGS

However hard it is to envision in advance, it’s conceivable that a whole new approach to designing water policy could be adopted in California at some point in the future.

This wouldn’t be without precedent. Prior to the Civil War, slaves were considered property and this reality made it virtually impossible to contemplate slavery’s end. With slavery’s post-war abolition, things looked completely different. In retrospect, the slaveholder’s “rights” were seen to be more like crimes. No one suggests that water rights are like slavery.

Though seriously flawed, they serve a vital purpose.

California’s agriculture is as

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