Rln 04 30 15 edition

Threads of Time Runs Out p. 3

Photo by Slobodan Dimitrov

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Port Truckers Strike to End Wage Theft p. 7 Photographer Captures LA River’s Run p. 16

By Paul Rosenberg, Senior Editor

Breaking the Never-ending Cycle of Homelessness

The Local Publication You Actually Read

President Barack Obama turned heads when he appeared on MSNBC’s Hardball on April 21.

Obama leveled harsh criticism of his critics on trade policy, both on two upcoming trade deals—the Trans-Pacific Partnership, or TPP, and the TransAtlantic Trade and Investment Pact, or TTIP—and on the framework for approving them, (“fast track,” rebranded as “trade promotion authority,” or TPA). This would apply to all trade agreements as far forward as 2021. Fast track means that Congress can only vote up or down on trade agreements in a very limited time window and would give enormous power to one or two presidents.

“I love Elizabeth. We’re allies on a whole host of issues,” Obama told Hardball host Chris Matthews, speaking of Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass), an outspoken opponent of the trade deals and the fast track mechanism itself. “But she’s wrong on this.”

Obama called the TPP “the most progressive trade deal in our history…When you hear folks make a lot of suggestions about how bad this trade deal is, when you dig into the facts, they are wrong.”

There’s just one problem: Unless you’re a member of Congress, you can’t dig into the facts—a slight detail that Warren herself pointed out.

“The Obama Admin says I’m wrong—we shouldn’t worry about TPP. So why can’t the American people read the deal?” she tweeted the next day.

Warren linked to a blog post, “You Can’t Read This,” where she warned: “Don’t bother trying to Google it. The government doesn’t want you to read this massive new trade agreement. It’s top secret.” The reason? “Here’s the real answer people have given me: ‘We can’t make this deal public because if the American people saw what was in it, they would be opposed to it.’”

[See TPP, page 19]

By Terelle Jerricks, Managing Editor

8th Street—the northern side of the Beacon Street Post Office.

For Robinson and his encampment neighbors, James, Tim, Neecee and her two brothers and son, the countdown had been ticking since April 24, when the city posted notices on trees and utility poles near the encampments that had sprung up around the vicinity in the past three weeks.

[See Homelessness, page 6]

April 30 - May 13, 2015

Sixty-two-year-old Gerald Robinson was sweeping up litter and dirt around his possessions at about 7:30 a.m. April 27. All of his possessions were folded and packaged neatly inside five shopping carts—not including the one he uses to collect recyclable bottles and cans.

“I don’t want to depend on handouts,” he said 24 hours before he was to leave or be evicted from the block between Beacon and Ante Perkov Way on

Homeless encampment in front of the former Ante’s restaurant on Ante Perkov Way has since moved. Photo by Terelle Jerricks.

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April 30 - May 13, 2015

Serving the Seven Communities of the Harbor Area

Community Announcements:

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

Robles’ First Action: Approve Zone Change Labor Makes Noise for Stadium Jobs

By Lyn Jensen, Carson Reporter

A public meeting has been set to discuss the upcoming rebuild of the Belmont Pool facilities. The meeting will include information and comments on the conceptual design of the project and include: •Review of city council-approved program requirements •Updated site and facility layout plans •Overview of the design philosophy, guiding principles and project constraints and opportunities •Review of architecture of similar facilities • Public Input on design strategies •Anticipated schedule for the draft environmental impact report, and future public meetings Time: 9 a.m., May 2 Details: Rachael.Tanner@longbeach.gov Venue: Seaport Marina Hotel, Empire Room, 6400 E. Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach

League of Women Voters Forum

The League of Women Voters/Palos Verdes Peninsula/San Pedro invites the public to a free forum with the new superintendent of the Palos Verdes Unified School District, Don Austin.

Time: 10:30 a.m., May 2 Venue: Palos Verdes Library District, Community Room, 701 Silver Spur Road, Rolling Hills Estates

Wings of Freedom

Time Runs Out at Threads, Leaving Memories

By Melina Paris, Contributing Writer

By the end of May, Threads of Time, a 6th Street vintage clothing and costume store that has been dressing San Pedran’s for 17 years, will close.

Lyz Bryant, the owner, is retiring to Palm Springs, where she plans to renew her creative endeavors.

Anyone who has been in Threads of Time knows the selection is eclectic. Many customers consistently seek out 1920s, turnof-the-century, pirate, Roman, I Love Lucy and Mad Men-inspired attire, and much more.

The era of clothing that most inspires Bryant is the 1960s. “[People were] iconoclastic in their clothing, wearing things from different eras to make a look entirely their own,” Bryant said. “It was my most inspiring period, seeing people express their originality.”

This fashion sense falls in line with what Bryant does when she creates a costume for someone. It could be a realistic costume or a fantastic costume. Many movies such as, The Sixties and Catch Me If You Can, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, were filmed on 6th Street, and the latter includes a scene in which DiCaprio’s character purchases a 1950s-era pilot costume, which belonged to Bryant.

“Those were the days when film production used to be a big part of our world in downtown,” Bryant said. “Now, the big productions aren’t shooting as much in California. That was great income for us.”

Bryant’s first establishment, Best of Times, was an antique store down the street from her current vintage clothing shop. There, she sold antiques and a small portion of clothing in a small space. In 1998, she decided to open a new vintage clothing shop specializing in costumes. Best of Times sold only antiques

The Western Museum of Flight, a sponsor of the Collings Foundation Wings of Freedom Tour, needs volunteers to support the event.

Time: 11:30 p.m., May 4 through 6 Details: (310) 326-9544 Venue: Western Museum of Flight, 3315 Airport Drive, Torrance.

POLAHS State of the School

Join the Port of Los Angeles High School 10th anniversary State of the School address, presented by Principal Tom Scotti.

Time: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., May 6 Venue: Crowne Plaza Hotel Details: 601 S. Palos Verdes St., San Pedro

Economic Policy Committee Meeting

The Economic Policy and Development Committee meets on the second Tuesday of every month.

Time: 8:30 p.m., May 12 Venue: the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce board room, 390 W. 7th St., San Pedro Details: (310) 832-7272

Career Fair 2015

Threads of Time proprietor, Lyz Bryant, will open her doors one final time on 1st Thursday, May 7, before closing permanently after 17 years. Photo by Terelle Jerricks.

and Threads of Time focused entirely on clothing and accessories.

Bryant recalled the Threads’ grand opening kicked off with a vintage fashion show.

“The swing dance movement was in full swing,” Bryant said. “People looked for 1940s attire and dancewear. There were more people dressing in vintage then and they wanted real vintage rather than reproductions.”

For Bryant, creating images through fashion is intuitive. She can dress anyone impeccably.

You’ll often see Bryant in a masterpiece ensemble, replicating a runway model in an outfit of her own design.

Bryant’s most memorable time was when she had in-house support fulfilling specialized customer services. Business was at its peak, and

[See Threads, page 4]

Harbor Occupational Center is hosting a career fair that will include workshops on interviewing techniques, résumé and cover letter writing, and more.

Time: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., May 7 Cost: Free Details: www.HarborOC.org Venue: Harbor Occupational Center, 740 N. Pacific Ave., San Pedro

Dyke March Comes to Bixby

Long Beach’s 3rd Annual Rally and Dyke March supports all women regardless of labels. Disparities in heathcare, equal pay and hiring opportunities are some of the issues highlighted.

Time: 7 p.m., May 15 Venue: Bixby Park, 130 Cherry Ave., Long Beach Details: denisepenn@aol.com

Be Prepared for Anything

The Los Angeles Fire Department will give a presentation that will help you prepare for different kinds of disasters. Representatives from COPE Preparedness (Community Outreach Promoting Emergency Preparedness) will also give a short presentation on how to build a kit of tools and supplies for home, vehicle and work.

Time: 6 p.m., May 20 Venue: Peck Park Community Center, 560 N. Western Ave., San Pedro Details: http://readyla.org, http:/emergency. lacity.org, http:/cope-preparedness.org

April 30 - May 13, 2015

[See Stadium, page 5]

Rendering of a futuristic National Football League stadium to be built on the former Boulevards at South Bay site in Carson. Courtesy of Manica Architecture.

Public Meeting Notice

The Local Publication You Actually Read

Normally a zoning change is a simple routine city council action—unless it has something to do with possibly building a stadium for the National Football League. Then, it turns into a major media event with boisterous representatives of organized labor crowding into the council chambers.

On April 21, the Carson City Council considered approving a zoning overlay that would allow for a 75,000-seat football stadium to be built on a former toxic waste dump. Hundreds of stadium supporters—some in labor union shirts, some in Los Angeles Raiders jerseys—crowded noisily into the council chambers, along with several TV news crews.

Petitioners, who were paid to collect more than 15,000 signatures, had swarmed the city for weeks. The effort was to put the zoning change to a vote just in case the council refused.

Carson2gether, a group of more than a dozen labor unions, was behind the petition drive. The group had funding from the Oakland Raiders and San Diego Chargers.

Two agenda items pertained to clearing the way to build a professional football stadium. The first one concerned the certification of sufficiency of signatures on an initiative. The new city clerk and former mayor, Jim Dear, wheeled in carts loaded with boxes that he said contained enough valid signatures to put the zoning change on the ballot. He said the Los Angeles County RegistrarRecorder had indeed validated a sufficient number of signatures on the 300-page petition.

The three sitting council members—Albert Robles, Lula Davis-Holmes and Mayor Pro Tem Elito Santarina—voted unanimously to approve that item.

Next the council called for public comment and watched presentations about how much money a new stadium would make. Albert Robles—sworn in as mayor a few hours earlier—said public comments would be limited to one minute each, except “anybody out there with a Super Bowl ring, you get two minutes.”

That remark was directed to Michael Haynes, who played for the Los Angeles Raiders in Super Bowl XVIII and spoke in favor of the stadium.

Nineteen persons spoke vehemently in favor of the stadium. Mike Hannan of the Los Angeles/ Orange County Building and Trades Council discussed how much money a new stadium would likely make. Various speakers argued the stadium would create 17,000 construction jobs, 9,000 permanent jobs and produce $9 million in continued business revenue every year.

John Acosta of the American Federation of Musicians boasted how entertainer Bruno Mars and other superstars were waiting to headline concerts at the yet-to-be-built site. Several other labor representatives made comments about bringing the “Los Angeles Raiders” back, hysterically cheering about how “we need” football and “we need” a Super Bowl.

One speaker harped on how the planned stadium would create a “world-class tailgating experience,” apparently unaware of the fact that,

Harbor Area

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Leland Street Elementary Celebrates Military Families Ivan Adame, Editorial Intern

Students, faculty and staff at Leland Street Elementary school celebrated military families from all of the service branches on April 15. Photo by Ivan Adame.

On April 15, students, parents and teachers gathered to honor members of all branches of the military and the Coast Guard at Leland Street Elementary School’s military assembly.

The school observed April as the month of the military child, which was declared by the Department of Defense in 1986. There are about 2 million such children in military families in the United States.

“These children make sacrifices and are courageous as their parents serve our country,” said Shauna Brodsky, a psychiatric social worker for the Los Angeles Unified School District. “They face frequent moves, significant life changes, and separations from a military parent when he or she

April 30 - May 13, 2015

Serving the Seven Communities of the Harbor Area

[Threads, from page 3]

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Threads of Time

she employed a seamstress named Lisa Katnich.

“The year she worked for me, around 2002, was the most productive time,” Bryant said.

“People could get alterations, same day if they needed. If they wanted a vintage wedding gown made, we could do that.”

Katnich has now gone on to become Miley Cyrus’ personal stylist and works in the film industry.

Since that time, business on 6th Street has changed. Bryant has found that now, people sometimes think Threads of Time is a thrift store, rather than a vintage clothing and costume store.

“With the financial burdens that most people had around 2008 and 2009, most businesses were selling things cheaply to survive,” Bryant said.

“They had to. Therefore, you became a thrift store in customers’ minds. Most of my money came from renting costumes and using vintage clothing to outfit people for parties…I tried to perform a public service in that way so that I could help them and I could stay in business.”

Bryant calls her experience with the shop a “beautiful frustration.”

“It was beautiful in many ways, but frustrating that it wasn’t fully backed by the town,” she said.

“They looked at it as a museum or a fun place to visit rather than a place to buy something. Even though my prices were among the cheapest you could find anywhere.”

When Bryant first arrived as a teenager in 1964, business downtown and at Ports O’Call was hopping. Now, you can count the vacant

is deployed to war or goes away to work to train for weeks, months, or even years…To date we have approximately 70 students that come from military families here at Leland.”

During the event, students spoke about their experiences as military children and functions of each branch of the military were discussed.

Afterward, students lined up with their parents, who were dressed in uniform.

“My dad fixes army trucks and is a commanding officer,” said Jaylon Davis, a student who has lived in three other states and attended six other schools. “He is a good officer and he has gone away for weeks—sometimes months at a time.” storefronts, she said.

“During the entire 27 years I’ve been on 6th Street, it had a brief period of looking up before the bust,” Bryant said. “People actually came down and enjoyed what there was to offer.

Individuals who owned the properties contributed to make it a beautiful place. First Thursdays had music and mariachis. There was a lot of buzz about beautifying [the area] and doing all the things that needed to be done. After the bust, no one had money or made any money and 6th Street just never recovered.”

Looking forward, Bryant hopes there will be more money invested in advertising and business-to-business cooperation that could spur downtown San Pedro to take off like both the 4th Street corridor and downtown areas in Long Beach have.

“Businesses need to cooperate…and need a strong downtown business association and not be controlled by any other interest,” she said. “Businesses can decide among themselves what needs to be done and not give a cut to organizations that don’t meet their needs.”

Though things got better by 2010 to a certain degree, online shopping alternatives have made it harder to stay in business. Bryant surmises that most people would rather shop “virtually.”

Nevertheless, Bryant said she is happy about the amount of time her shop has been in business.

And, that during its time, she has witnessed and influenced the evolution of her customer base.

“I’ve seen beautiful moments at Halloween and people growing up [who] really love vintage things,” she said. “I really tried to keep that tradition going of what is good and old in our society.”

LB District 4 Elects Supernaw as its New Councilman

By Zamná Ávila, Assistant Editor

Now that the April 14 Long Beach special election has taken place, a new representative will be ushered into the seat that Assemblyman Patrick O’Donnell has vacated. Daryl Supernaw will join the Long Beach City Council May 5.

“Right now, we are focused on our transition into office,” said Supernaw in an email. “From the date of the election I had nine days to officially assume office.” In a normal cycle April election, not a special election, the elected official has up to 90 days to take office.

Supernaw picked up much of the same areas as O’Donnell did in 2012—an election in which Supernaw ran against O’Donnell. This time around, Supernaw garnered 51.67 percent

[Stadium, from page 3]

Stadium Plans

when the nearby StubHub Center was built in the early 2000s, irate residents forced a ban on tailgating.

Harry Dew, a lone opponent at the meeting who spoke of the stadium plan, said he was furious about the proposal to build the stadium.

“Carson is my home,” he said. “This’ll take away my home.”

He left as another meeting attendee shouted an obscenity.

Shortly before 9 p.m. the council voted unanimously to amend the city’s general plan and create a stadium overlay on a parcel along Del Amo Boulevard and the 405 Freeway. The action approved the building of a professional

to Herlinda Chico’s 43.71 percent and Richard Lindemann’s 4.62 percent of the vote.

East Side Versus West Side Story

While District 4 is diverse, there is a clear social, economic and ethnic divide between the east side and the west side of the district.

Voting precincts east of the traffic circle have more affluent constituents, who are more likely to show up to vote and are predominantly more concerned with quality of life issues, such as street repair and noise pollution. Voters west of the traffic circle, where there are large Cambodian and Latino populations, are more concerned with issues such as poverty, affordable housing and stadium and “other permitted uses” within Carson. It eliminated residential uses from the site, a stumbling block in past attempts to develop the former brownfield.

Up the 405 Freeway, a few miles north of Carson, Inglewood is courting the St. Louis Rams of the National Football Conference, who were the LA Rams from 1946 to 1994. That city may be on the verge of bringing them to a new stadium proposed for the old Hollywood Park site.

Whether the NFL will allow two American Football Conference teams in the same division in the same city, while an NFC team plays in the same coverage area, is an issue no one has yet addressed. Both the Oakland Raiders and San Diego Chargers play in the West Division of the AFC.

Daryl Supernaw thanked his constituents who elected him as the next District 4 councilman. Photo by Diana Lejins.

public safety.

It came as no surprise that the vote also had clear geographic, social, economic and ethnic divisions. There are 17 precincts, which include 14 polling places and three areas where constituents vote by mail. Eight out of the 17 precincts are in the east side of the district, where O’Donnell previously had a stronghold. The majority in those precincts, which include one of the vote-by-mail areas, voted for Supernaw. In contrast, more votes went to Chico in seven of the 17 precincts in the west side of the district.

Two small precincts on the west side—each with seven voters—were mail-in votes. The majority of those votes went to Supernaw.

his involvement in the community, most notably for having led the Los Altos/Atherton corridor neighborhood group that successfully convinced local officials to allocate sums for a project that covered an Atherton open ditch.

Also, in 2012, O’Donnell had the support of both political parties and labor unions.

“I was based on keeping partisan politics out of this and still am,” he said. “I did not list any endorsements. I opted not to do that.”

Chico, who has endorsed unions, the majority of the city council and local Democratic clubs, campaigned heavily in the west side and garnered most of that area’s votes.

Supernaw said he also advocated for the west side over the years, and plans to continue doing so. “We need to put more resources into where the challenges are,” he said.

Moving Forward

Supernaw said he sees potential for economic development in District 4 and throughout the city.

He believes Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia’s revitalized economic development department is a step forward. He would like to include corporate [See Supernaw, page 7]

A Bit of Perspective

Chico and Supernaw ran for office in 2012, but O’Donnell, who was termed out, ran for reelection as a write-in candidate. Chico withdrew from the race and Supernaw stuck it out. Though Supernaw won the primary, O’Donnell won the election as a write-in candidate.

Not having to run against an eight-year incumbent also made a difference, Supernaw said. Being a lifelong District 4 resident worked to Supernaw’s advantage. He is well known for The Local Publication You Actually Read April 30 - May 13, 2015

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[Homelessness, from page 1]

The Cycle of Homelessness

April 30 - May 13, 2015

Serving the Seven Communities of the Harbor Area

He didn’t seem to know where he was going to move next. He just said he’ll move.

“As long as my mother is still buried in Green Hills Cemetery, I’ll still be in Pedro,” he said.

But he was conscious of his schedule. At noon, he had an appointment he had to keep, perhaps more important than moving his belongings, with his case manager.

The notices gave the homeless until 7:30 a.m. on April 28 to move their belongings. It didn’t matter where they went as long as they weren’t in front of the iconic Ante’s restaurant that morning.

Ante’s has been closed for the past three years Most of the encampment’s residents belong to the Plaza Park encampment that was vacated in December. Random Lengths reported on the complaints generated by their presence. They were evicted then, too. Neecee and her family were among those who were evicted.

The encampment’s residents said they didn’t think it would be a problem this time around and that up until recently, the police didn’t think so either.

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At least that was the case before the city was spurred into action when a Facebook post drawing attention to the issue went viral— eliciting hundreds of comments.

Neecee and her family share space on the sidewalk next to Ante’s restaurant along with several shopping carts and several bikes — a couple of them in various stages of repair. On the Friday before the April 28 deadline, Neecee said she had a Section 8 voucher and was set to acquire housing in a day or two. If successful, she and her family would be able to make this the last time she’d have to move her home a few blocks whenever the city comes knocking.

Any belongings left behind would be collected by contractors hired by the city’s Bureau of Street Services and kept in a secure location for pickup for up to three months. After those three months unclaimed belongings are discarded. When asked about what they would do if their belongings were taken, James said they will just find more stuff.

But their belongings aren’t easily replaceable when it comes to relatively clean blankets, clothes, bicycles, important documents and other personal effects.

The never-ending cycle of forced evictions from public spaces echoes the Los Angeles City Administrative Office’s assessment of enforcement-only measures in its April 16 report.

The report estimated that the city spends $100 million annually

James in his makeshift shelter next to the Beacon Street post office. Photos by Terelle Jerricks

in addressing homelessness, with little to show for it.

Among the recommendations proposed was better coordination of existing city and nonprofit services on both the city and county levels.

Alex Devin is Harbor Interfaith Services’ outreach and housing navigator and, in this encampment, the most recognizable representative of Los Angeles County’s Coordinated Entry System.

The Coordinated Entry System is a collaboration of public and private partners throughout the county that assess people who are homeless and adds them to a shared database.

With this database, the most vulnerable are prioritized for permanent supportive housing and other services. It also helps ensure those in the system are not forgotten.

Devin was hired in September 2014. He’s created more than 300 case files and found permanent housing for 31 of them since he’s been hired.

“We’re chipping away at it,” Devin said.

He noted that from the time a case file is opened to when a client is placed in permanent housing could take four to nine months.

At 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Robinson’s belongings were still there, but he hadn’t been seen by his encampment mates since the day before. His belongings, including a cart filled with what remains of his record and cassette tape collection topped with neatly folded blankets, were taken away.

Neecee was packing the remainder of her belongings into her shopping carts. She said it would be another month before she’ll be able to move into her Section 8 housing.

Below, Harbor Division Officer Jacqueline Lopez and her partner speak with one of the remaining occupants of the encampment in front of the former Ante’s restaurant April 28. Most of the encampment residents had already moved on by the time social service agents, police, city officials and news cameras arrived.

Port Truckers Strike Again—

But Green Fleet Bows to Pressure in Advance

By Paul Rosenberg, Senior Editor

Truckers at four major companies in the Los Angeles and Long Beach port complex went out on an indefinite strike on April 27.

A last-minute agreement with a fifth company, Green Fleet Systems, averted its inclusion in the strike.

“We had no choice but to go on strike again because my company is continuing to violate the law,” said Humberto Canales, a driver with Pacer Cartage. “The courts have ruled that I am an employee and that their illegal deductions from my paycheck must stop. But they keep fighting me so I am fighting back.”

“We are here to make sure that these companies stop their lawless behavior,” added Hector Flores, a driver with Long Beach-based Intermodal Bridge Transport. “They cannot keep engaging in wage theft…We demand reclassification to employees. We know what we are doing is right and we are not going to stop striking until these companies stop breaking the law.”

“Six hundred thousand working men and women in Los Angeles stand behind the port drivers fighting to stop wage theft and the ability to have a voice on the job,” said Rusty Hicks, executive secretary and treasurer of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFLCIO. “Our ports are the economic engine for our region. Our drivers deserve a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work.”

Pacer is owned by XPO Logistics, as is Harbor Rail Transport, another company being struck, along with Carson-based Pacific 9 Transportation, or Pac-9, and Intermodal Bridge Transport.

“These are some of the biggest companies

The International Longshore and Warehouse Union sent ballots to the rank-and-file to vote on the pending five-year contract between labor and management at 29 West Coast ports April 21.

Results are expected May 22.

Longshore workers in every local have been discussing the proposal after the caucus delegates approved it for their review. The ILWU represents almost 20,000 workers at 29 West Coast ports.

On April 3, the union announced that 78 percent of its 90-member Coast Longshore Caucus recommended sending the proposed contract to the general membership.

Bargaining teams for the parties announced the tentative agreement Feb. 20. Shipping lines, terminal operators and stevedoring companies that make up the 72-member Pacific Maritime Association also vote on ratification.

Registered Nurses Strike 9 California, Illinois Hospitals

Port truckers formed picket lines at ITS Terminal and at three other locations in the Harbor Area. Photo

by Slobodan Dimitrov.

that serve the ports of LA/Long Beach,” Teamster spokeswoman Barbara Maynard said.

The companies have also been flashpoints for wage-theft litigation. The industry as a whole faces an annual liability of $850 million in California alone, according to an estimate from the National Employment Law Project. Legal actions filed so far are only the tip of the iceberg, but are intimately connected with the strike.

In March 2014, the California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement, or DLSE, found seven Pacer drivers in San Diego to be illegally misclassified employees and awarded them a combined total of $2.2 million. Pacer appealed, but a tentative superior court ruling upheld the ruling. Pacer Cartage also faces a class action lawsuit alleging willful misclassification of about

Supernaw in LB District 4

[See Truckers, to page 22]

ILWU Local 10 Stops Work On May Day to Protest Racist Police Killings

The membership of International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 10 has voted at its meeting on April 16, to call for a stop-work meeting on May 1, according to a notice from Local 10. ”It is fitting that on May Day, International Workers Day, Bay Area ports will be shut down to protest the racist police killing of mainly black and brown people,” the notice said.

“This is the first U.S. union to take such action.

Local 10 took similar action on May Day 2008 to close Pacific Coast ports stopping all work to demand an end to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the first such anti-war union action in American labor history.”

The notice drew a direct connection with the annual remembrance of Bloody Thursday, July 5, when the ILWU shuts down all West Coast ports to commemorate the killing of two strikers shot in the back by police during the 1934 maritime strike, out of which the union was born.

“That police murder provoked the San Francisco General Strike,” the notice points out. “Today, Local 10, outraged by the recent escalation in police brutality throughout the U.S. that has resulted in the needless killing of innocent and unarmed minorities, has called for unions and workers to join our march from the port to Oakland City Hall.”

[See Briefs, to page 19]

April 30 - May 13, 2015

airlines may want to do the same and that may result in a very litigious battle.

In February, the council voted to halt discussions about international flights until the council member got elected.

Supernaw, whose wife was on the original HUSH (Homes Under Stress and Hazard) group that got the noise ordinance in the first place, said the council should rely on the advice of staff members who are knowledgeable about the airport’s history, City Prosecutor Douglas Haubert and Assistant City Attorney Michael Mais.

“I would like to defer to our experts,” he said. “What I am hearing now is that there are some issues. There are some inherent threats with bringing the international flights forward.”

This time around there is no involvement from his family or himself in the groups that have come out against the international terminal.

“Further, airport meetings within the district will be held under the auspices of the fourth Council District office and hosted by me,” he said.

662 drivers, with estimated liability amounts to over $5 million. The company’s continued intransigence and lawbreaking are root causes of the strike. These are echoed in the actions of the other companies involved.

Ambulatory strikes—picketing when company trucks arrive at other locations, and continuing until they leave—were ongoing as far away as the Inland Empire and the U.S.-Mexico border. There, drivers picketed Pacer Cartage trucks bringing cargo to Toyota’s Otay Mesa facility to transfer them to Toyota Mexico’s manufacturing plants.

Officials at both ports downplayed the impact of the April 27 strike on overall operations. This is due, in part, to some terminal operators avoiding ambulatory strikes by refusing service from the struck companies.

“Cargo continued to move through the port today without delay,” Port of Los Angeles spokesman Phillip Sanfield said.

But a press advisory the next day from Justice for Port Truck Drivers explained something different.

“Few terminal operators were allowing struck companies to pick up and drop off containers, mitigating impact on port operations—but causing major disruption to the operation of the trucking companies and their retail clients whose cargo was left sitting on the docks.”

Retail clients impacted reportedly included WalMart, Toyota, Costco, Target, General Electric, Forever 21, Louis Vuitton, CVS, Procter and Gamble, Macy’s, Family Dollar and JC Penny.

The groundwork for the current wave of wage theft litigation was laid in the fall of 2012, when the Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy, or LAANE, hosted a legal workshop that resulted in hundreds of wage and hour claims being filed with the DLSE. Individual and class action lawsuits followed.

In August 2013, Green Fleet drivers, facing retaliation for their claims and union organizing efforts, went out on strike. Three months later, in November, drivers at Pac 9 and American Logistics International, joined the Green Fleet drivers in their second strike. Drivers from other companies later joined in as well. In April 2013,

Registered nurses in California and Illinois went on strike April 30 and May 1 to protest unsafe staff levels.

Picketing took place at the University of Chicago Medical Center in Illinois, Kaiser Permanente’s major Los Angeles Medical Center and at four Sutter Health hospitals in Northern California on April 30. Picketing is set to take place in Torrance and Santa Monica Providence Health hospitals.

National Nurses United and its California affiliate, the California Nurses Association, are called for the strikes.

A labor and delivery nurse at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica highlighted high nursing turnover as a consequence of harsh working conditions.

An intensive care unit registered nurse at Providence Health’s Little Company of Mary Torrance, Heather Garrant, called for patient safety regulations to be added to their contracts.

“As the healthcare industry continues to change, the role of the RN remains the same, to advocate for our patients,” she said.

Picketing is set to end May 1.

The Local Publication You Actually Read

[Supernaw, from page 5]

partnerships, such as naming rights, as a form of revenue stream.

“It gets others involved and just a lot of name recognition,” Supernaw said. “Long Beach seems to have a lot of untapped potential.”

But economic development is only one of several issues Supernaw will have to tackle when he takes office.

“The biggest issue is the council district budget,” Supernaw said. “I have to assess the projects already in the pipeline and determine what can be completed and what needs to be cut.”

The council will also be making decisions on issues such as the construction of a new civic center, the arts council and community meetings.

One other discussion he’ll have to take a stand on concerns the Long Beach airport. Recent news that JetBlue is seeking to provide international flights to and from Long Beach sparked concerns of new lawsuits and the reopening of an established ordinance that brought some measure of peace between the airport and its surrounding residents.

JetBlue officials have stated they have no interest in changing the city’s strict noise ordinance, but other situations may arise. Other

West Coast Contract Goes to ILWU Members

7

The Great Homeless Debate

Whack-a-mole enforcement in a city spending $87 million on policing the homeless, and no solution in sight

By James Preston Allen, Publisher

April 30 - May 13, 2015

Serving the Seven Communities of the Harbor Area

Los Angeles Police Officer Maligi Nua Jr. greets me with a smile as he and two other LAPD officers watch a crew of yellow-shirted men from Beacon House and a team of white Tyvek-suited workers clean out the homeless encampment in front of the former Ante’s Restaurant in San Pedro. The workers are from Clean Harbors, a company that cleans up hazardous waste sites.

Nua is the 6-foot something Samoan Senior Lead Officer for Central San Pedro who has an affable “aw shucks” humility and a dedication to community service. I can see he really doesn’t like evicting these homeless folks, as he has seen this happen all before. They get chased out of one location and they just move a few blocks and set up camp again. In fact, several of the homeless have already moved back to Anderson Park just up the street where they or others were evicted a few weeks ago.

This whack-a-mole type of enforcement has been consistently used by the city as a response to neighborhood complaints stemming from the city’s other actions, such as the renovation of Ken Malloy Park, made famous by Reggie the Alligator. There, some 161 homeless people were secretly encamped—out of sight and out of mind.

That there were homeless people lined up on this one block outside the former restaurant run

by Ante Perkov Sr. and later his son by the same name—who had done so much charity in this community—is at least ironic.

That a large residential project is being planned for development on this property, now owned by one of San Pedro’s largest landlords—Jerico Development—is perhaps poetic justice. That they are in plain sight of San Pedro’s City Hall and the Los Angeles County Mental Health Clinic is just absurd.

But absurdity, justice and irony are not easily discussed in this context, if at all. Nor are there any permanent solutions in a city where it was recently reported that the LAPD alone is spending up to $87 million per year policing the homeless.

The principals of Jerico Development, through their charitable Crail-Johnson Foundation donate anywhere between $1 million and $2 million to area nonprofits annually. And yet, with all of their charity and all of their work with groups like Harbor Interfaith Services and others, this homeless problem is far from solved. If we added up all

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of the charitable giving directed at solving this problem, it still wouldn’t come close to the $100 million that Los Angeles spends and what the county has yet totaled up in related annual costs.

This is a problem bigger than any charitable solution.

What is even more curiously frustrating is that directly across the street from this recent encampment is the Los Angeles County Health Services offices, with an auditorium I’ve never seen used. They just spent a bucket of money placing a 12-foothigh steel fence around its parking lot.

That the homeless issue is being kicked around much like the homeless people themselves are being kicked out of every place they land is symbolic of the dysfunction of the civic debate on the issue. The response from Councilman Joe Buscaino’s office is reminiscent of his predecessor’s response to traffic problems: every complaint gets a stop sign.

How we fix this problem directly relates to the waterfront development issues we currently face, whether it’s the revitalization of Ports O’Call, the revitalization of San Pedro’s downtown core, or the eventual redevelopment of Rancho San Pedro public housing. All of these cry out for a coordinated plan in absence of a Community Redevelopment Agency or some holistic approach that includes the construction of more moderate-income residential units and housing for the homeless.

This, my friends and neighbors, is the big picture not taken into account when we talk about ridding San Pedro of homelessness from one street or park or another. This, my friends, is what’s not taken into account when we only incrementally address the aforementioned challenges in isolation.

When people ask, “Why hasn’t San Pedro realized its full potential?” or, “Why do we have the lowest cost housing closest to the water in all of Southern California?” The answer is that we keep solving a complex problem with singular “stop sign” fixes in lieu of comprehensive planning, which includes coordinated development and intelligent urban design.

You can see the basis for this critique in what has happened in the port city of Baltimore.

Hundreds of millions of dollars have been spent over decades to redevelop their waterfront. But just blocks away in the shadow of their grand development stands an entrenched povertystricken community, with an unemployment rate

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. 9 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

twice that of the rest of that city.

The economic injustice of Baltimore should stand out as a major red flag to all of us with intentions to redevelop this Los Angeles Harbor Area waterfront. The homeless encampments are not just a public nuisance, they are the canaries in the coal mine and a warning of greater undercurrents. One can only assume that the cause of homelessness and poverty in Baltimore and their failure to cure it is at the root of the current uprising against the police.

Not far from Baltimore, where the flames of

injustice rose last week, stands in our nation’s capital the Franklin Delano Roosevelt monument, of men waiting in a soup line cast in bronze. The inscription is a quote from Roosevelt: The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little.

That says more on this subject than all of the arguing on Facebook over the homeless or has been printed to date in the Daily Breeze about the encampments.

TPP and TTIP Will Give Power to Multinational Corporations

By Peter Mathews

Free Trade and the North American Free Trade Agreement worked very well for the top 1 percent, mostly super rich corporate owners.

For the bottom 99 percent of Americans, mostly workers, free trade and NAFTA are a disaster, as we’ve seen. And yet, American corporate elites and their sponsored politicians are not content with the enormous riches they have gained from free trade and globalization.

They are pushing hard to pass a free trade agreement among the United States and eleven Pacific Rim nations. This so-called Trans Pacific Partnership is led by President Barack Obama, almost all Republicans in Congress and a large number of Democrats in Congress. What do they have in common? The bulk of their campaign 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

Photographers Terelle Jerricks, Phillip Cooke, Slobodan Dimitrov, Diana Lejins

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

Contributors Peter Mathews, David Johnson, Gina Ruccione, Michael West, J.M. Giordano

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

Advertising Representative David Johnson rlnsales@randomlengthsnews.com

contributions have come from corporate and big business interests. They’ve also been heavily influenced by lobbying from big business and multinational corporations.

There are a few stalwart leaders in Congress, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Rep. Donna Edwards (D-Md.), Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.), Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.), and Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio) who vehemently oppose the TPP. “Over the past 25 years, our country has signed trade deal after trade deal after trade deal, and each time, each and every time, we have been promised more jobs, increased wages, but the [See Trade, 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.

[Trade, from page 8]

Trade Deal

California Water Legacy

As a concerned Southern California resident, I urge you to authorize the construction of a pipeline that would transport water from the huge Columbia river in Oregon to Central and Southern California.

Southern California is wallto-wall with people. Central California farms feed the nation.

We need water.

You can call it the Obama Pipeline. Like the Hoover Dam, it would be a great American achievement. Not only would it significantly aid the current California water crisis, but it would also create thousands of jobs.

California has been good to

you, President Obama. You have had many fundraisers here, and California has given you the votes you needed to take office. Now, it’s time for you to serve us.

This pipeline could be your legacy. It should be federally funded. Funds should be taken from the aid money that your administration currently gives to other countries. That money is our tax money, and we need it here— now. It’s a matter of life.

Mike Puliselich San Pedro

Be aware if you come around the area of the cigar lounge, you are exposed to toxic second-hand cigar emissions. It is a public health nuisance. I wonder why there are no warning signs posted in the vicinity? Hold your breath!

I just got home from work. The wind was really blowing earlier, I was so happy because the wind will blow away the stinky awful toxic second-hand cigar emissions from the Cigar Lounge. Unfortunately, the wind died down. Our clean air was gone soon after the wind stopped. The nasty stinky second-

hand toxic cigar odor from the cigar lounge is engulfing our building again. So we must shelter in place, or be ill and have headaches, and trouble with sinuses and breathing.

Thank you so much, Cigar Lounge, for continuing to ruin our quality of life, our air quality and the health of all the people that are forced to breathe your toxic by-product. It is a public health nuisance.

Thank you to the city of Los Angeles for doing their job protecting the honest, hardworking citizens of the city. Oh yes, the city does not do that. It is a public health nuisance.

J. Olsen San Pedro

Community Alerts

AltaSea CEO Steps Down After Year on the Job

On April 28, AltaSea’s chairwoman of the board directors, Camila Townsend, announced that the organization’s chief executive officer, Rachel Etherington, was stepping down to pursue opportunities in the private sector.

The board appointed AltaSea Chief Finance and Operating Officer Jenny Krusoe as the senior executive in charge.

Townsend said Krusoe played a crucial leadership role in the development of AltaSea from its initial conception.

“The board is confident in Jenny’s ability to maintain AltaSea’s momentum and to bring the project to fruition. AltaSea will launch a search for a new CEO immediately.

Los Angeles Maritime Institute Family Gala

April 30 - May 13, 2015

Join Los Angeles Maritime Institute on May 16, from 3 to 6 p.m. for a family gala. The Cruisein-Company event is designed to get families out on the water to experience adventure education firsthand.

Educational sailing vessels, Irving Johnson and Exy Johnson, provide students with unparalleled access to coastal ecosystems as well as an introduction to the art and science of sailing.

All proceeds from the event will benefit the TopSail Youth Program for underserved youth in San Pedro and Wilmington, and throughout Los Angeles County.

While adults party aboard the M/V Spirit, youth (ages 12-20) will board the Twin Brigantines and become part of the crew for an afternoon.

Adult tickets are $75 each and may be purchased online at: http://www.lamitopsail.org/ activity/2015-gala or call LAMI’s office at (310) 833-6055.

The Local Publication You Actually Read

reality has been very different,” DeLauro put it bluntly. “What is insanity is doing the same thing over and over and over again and expecting a different result.

We are headed to the madhouse with this agreement.”

Since it has not been finalized, we can look at some of its proposals. The TPP will “allow foreign corporations to sue the United States Government for actions that undermine their ‘expectations’ and hurt their business…”

(Trans-Pacific Partnership Seen as Door for Foreign Suits Against U.S.” by Jonathan Weisman, New York Times, March 25, 2015.) Corporations and private investors would be allowed to challenge local, state or federal government rules, regulations, actions, and court rulings before tribunals, established by the World Bank or the United Nations. These would be made up of unelected judges, many of whom were corporate lawyers.

Now corporations, not government, would be allowed to rule the people.

Because of NAFTA and other free trade agreements, the United States has lost millions of high paying jobs, and is running a $500 billion annual trade deficit. TPP, “NAFTA on Steroids,” will cause us to lose even more jobs, run bigger trade deficits, and lose much of America’s sovereignty.

The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) is just as nefarious as the TPP, only larger. While the 12 TPP nations compose 40 percent of global gross domestic product, or GDP, the 29 TTIP nations compose 45 percent of global GDP. The TTIP consists of the United States and the 28 European Union, or EU, countries. So, 40 out of 195 nations in the world make up over half of global GDP, and multi-national corporations will be able to block the democratic decisions of the people of these countries.

A recently leaked chapter from the secretive TTIP agreement, which is currently being negotiated between the United States and European Union, shows that the “Free Trade deal is even a greater threat to environmental, labor, health, and human rights protections— including democracy—than we previously knew.” (“Newly Leaked TTIP Draft Reveals Far-Reaching Assault on US/ EU Democracy,” by Common Dreams, April 20, 2015.) Just as the TPP does, the TTIP also establishes international tribunals composed of unelected “judges”, many of them corporate lawyers and procorporate bureaucrats. These tribunals can rule against national governments (representing the people) when multi-national corporations sue them for making and implementing safety regulations regarding food, labor rights, industrial chemicals, pesticides, and other environmental regulations that may interfere with maximizing corporate profits.

The TTIP has been criticized by its opponents in the United States and the European Union, who claim that “TTIP may give too much power to corporations, especially foreign investors, and that it could undermine food safety and environmental standards, lowering U.S. chemical regulations and forcing Europeans to consume genetically-modified (GMO) American foods and chlorinated chickens.” (“Is Europe on board for a new trade deal with the U.S. ?” by Bruce Stokes, Pew Research Center.)

The EU admits that TTIP will cause European job loss to the U.S. since American wages and union rights are less. The proof for this is that one million U.S. jobs were lost in 12 years due to the North American Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA, between the U.S. , Mexico , and Canada. (“What is TTIP? And six reasons why the answer should scare you” by Lee Williams, The Independent, October 7, 2014.)

Cigar Lounge—a Public Health Nuisance

RANDOMLetters

9

PVPLC Celebrates Earth Day

April 30 - May 13, 2015

Serving the Seven Communities of the Harbor Area

On April 25, 200 volunteers gathered for Earth Day at the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy’s White Point Preserve in San Pedro.

Naturalists led visitors in hands-on guided tours of the Education Center. Photo by Philip Cooke.

10

By Gina Ruccione, Cuisine Writer

I

f you really want to impress mom this Mother’s Day, try something you haven’t done before.

The Dalmatian-American Club recently aquired the highly– decorated chef from the Elks Lodge, Tony Pielin. They now offer monthly bottomless mimosa brunches at a fraction of the price that most other venues charge in the Harbor Area.

Since 1935, the Dalmatian-American Club has hosted more weddings, anniversaries, retirement parties and other special events than any other venue in the South Bay. In fact, for the past 80 years it has served as San Pedro’s center of

hospitality — famously known for its monthly community fish luncheon, attracting everyone from longshoremen to members of Congress.

The word ‘‘club’’ connotes exclusivity, but the DalmatianAmerican Club is anything but. Its members are more than welcoming. Don’t let the stoic outer appearance of the building fool you either; the inside is friendly and inviting. There is an incredible air of nostalgia that resonates throughout and the view from the bar of San Pedro’s great harbor is truly breathtaking.

The Dalmatian-American is historically known for superb food

and quality service and the new brunch service is meant to be, “an exclamation to a fact already well known,” explained Rudy Svorinich Jr., president of the club.

Of course, its buffet brunch offers the ubiquitous staples: scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, eggs Benedict, and the highly popular omelet and waffle station. All of it is delicious, fresh and made from scratch. The eggs Benedict with hollandaise sauce is one of my favorites. I am particularly impressed with the buffet [See Mother’s, page 12]

ACE: Arts • Cuisine • Entertainment April 30 – May 13, 2015 April 30 – May 13, 2015

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[Mother’s, from page 11]

Mother’s Day

BRUNCH choices that aren’t typically present at brunch.

The poached salmon with pineapple and mango salsa is good, and the classic chicken salad is perfect. The bread pudding is so enjoyable that I’m surprised no one stole the sheet pan from the display table. As a special treat this Mother’s Day, expect a ham carving station to accompany the rest of the feast.

Brunch specials vary from $18 for regular brunch to $22 for holiday brunches. Service will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 10.

Dalmatian-American Club, 1639 S. Palos Verdes St., San Pedro, (310) 223-6970.

Mother’s Day Brunch: The Old, The New, Some Tried and True

Still haven’t made reservations for Mother’s Day brunch? Well, not to worry—Random Lengths News has a handful of other options in the Harbor Area that won’t disappoint.

April 30 – May 13, 2015

Independent And Free.

22nd Street Landing

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Known for it’s beautiful view of the marina and its Zagat-rated food, the 22nd Street Landing has been a San Pedro favorite for more than 25 years. It will be serving its ever-popular champagne brunch this Mother’s Day with many favorites including the blue crab Benedict, the lobster fritters Benedict, and the Hawaiian-style French toast. Brunch service: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Price: $17 (additional $9-$10 for free-flowing champagne or mimosas).

22nd Street Landing, 141 W. 22nd St., San Pedro, (310) 548-4400.

The Queen Mary Champagne Brunch

The legendary, retired ocean liner will be hosting its version of a champagne Mother’s Day brunch with what looks to be the most extensive menu in Long Beach. Featuring a carving station with turkey, ham and ribs, a “rise and shine” menu with classic breakfast options, Asianinspired options, and an “eggs your way” feature that includes omelets and egg specialties made to order, and several Italian specialties, there is truly something for everyone. For those wanting something on the lighter side, there will be a market salad station featuring fresh salads, cheeses and fruits, a bountiful seafood medley display, and of course, desert — and plenty of it. Brunch service: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Price: $59.95 per adult; $19.95 for children 12 and under (tax and gratuity is additional). Parking is $7 with validation (up to 6 hours). It includes valet parking.

The Queen Mary, 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, (562) 499-1606.

The Aquarium of the Pacific Enjoy a unique dining experience this Mother’s Day at the Aquarium of the Pacific.

Feel free to explore the wonders of the ocean as you enjoy a wonderful brunch featuring assorted pastries with fresh marmalades, creams and jams, seasonal fruits, stuffed croissants with farm fresh eggs, bacon and potato hash, wild salmon and herb-roasted pork loin. Brunch service: 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Price: $59 per adult; $25 per child (3-11). Includes general admission. $49 for aquarium members; $15 for member children.

The Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, (562) 590-3100.

Gina Ruccione has traveled all over Europe and Asia, and lived in almost every nook of Los Angeles County. When she’s not rummaging through recipes, she spends her days working as an account manager. You can visit her blog at http:// foodfashionfoolishfornication.blogspot.com.

Post-Future: The Art Company and Patricia Correia Projects Present: Gabriel Figueroa, Photography from Mexico’s Golden Age of Film

Opening First Thursday, May 7 from 5 to 9 p.m. and the Sunday Salon on May 10 from 2 to 6 p.m. and by appointment, call (424) 224-7656. Post-Future: The Art Company is located at 443 W. 6th St., San Pedro. www.Post-Future.com

TransVagrant @ Warschaw Gallery riverrun

Ray Carofano’s riverrun is a suite of photographs capturing seldom seen images of the 51-mile storm drain that is called the Los Angeles River. Forsaken for so long and fenced off from the very communities it once sustained, the river is now primarily a flood control channel and conduit for urban waste. Taking “less picturesque” portions of the river as his subject, Carofano’s carefully framed images reveal the not-so-hidden majesty of the concrete, the smooth lines of the river’s channel and its functionality. Sophisticated geometry, atmospheric light and color, and rightness of scale lend these images a painterly quality that requires close observation to determine that they are indeed photographs. riverrun runs through June 13. Gallery hours are Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and by appointment.

For more information please call (310) 600-4873. Transvagrant @ Warschaw Gallery, 600 S. Pacific Ave., San Pedro.

new works on paper and canvas

Pat Woolley and Gloria D. Lee show new works on paper and canvas. Come see the muse. Open 6-9 pm on 1st Thursday and by appointment. For more information call Gloria at (310) 545-0832 or Pat at (310) 374-8055, 345 W. 7th Street, San Pedro

Michael Stearns Studio 347

For as low as $35

Random Lengths News has the longet running promotion for the First Thursday Artwalk and offers affordable ad space. To reserve your space call (310) 519-1442.

ACE: Arts • Cuisine • Entertainment

Studio Gallery 345

Advertise Here!

Writers in Search of the Sacred

A multimedia art exhibit by Cie Gumucio explores the works of American writers Jack Kerouac, Ernest Hemingway, Emily Dickinson and John Steinbeck and the common thread expressed in each - a yearning for an experience of the transcendent. Paint, pastel, assemblage, sculpture, photography and video projection.

Artist’s reception during First Thursday Art Walk, May 7, 6 to 9 p.m. Michael Stearns Studio 347 is located at 347 W. 7th St., San Pedro. Call (562) 400-0544 for information or appointments.

South Bay Contemporary Visualizations in Art and Science

Image shown: Jamie Sweetnam, Lungs, Mixed media

April 30 – May 13, 2015

South Bay Contemporary will host an art exhibition called Visualizations in Art and Science from May 7 through June 21. The opening reception will be on Thursday, May 7 from 6 to 9 p.m.

Visualizations is curated by Margaret Lazzari, Vice Dean of Art at USC’s Roski School of Art and Design. The show will have sculpture, painting, digital media and more, and will include artistic renderings of human organs, seismic readings, and other natural phenomena. Open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thurs., Fri. and Sat (call when you arrive) (310) 429-0973.

South Bay Contemporary, At the LOFT, 401 S. Mesa St., 3rd floor, San Pedro. www.southbaycontemporary.com

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Ladies and Gentlemen, Please Drink Responsibly

By Gina Ruccione, Food Writer

Y

ou’ve had a month to recover from St. Patrick’s Day debauchery in March, and hopefully, no permanent damage was caused. For those of you ready for round two—the madness and mayhem that is Cinco de Mayo—we’ve scoped out local hot spots around Long Beach that will possibly leave you with even more muddled memories, random phone numbers and awkward selfies to post on Facebook.

Agaves Kitchen & Tequila

April 30 – May 13, 2015

Independent And Free.

Known for Mexican specialties served alongside more than 250 fine tequilas and agave spirits, this

14

is probably your most viable option for a true Cinco de Mayo party. Happy hour will start at 2 p.m. on Tuesday. There will be a DJ and, most importantly, no cover charge. The cocktails are made with fresh fruits and homemade, infused tequilas. I would recommend just about anything on the menu. Trust me, you’re going to want to eat something after downing several of their spicy mango margaritas.

Agaves Kitchen & Tequila, 200 Pine Ave., Suite A, Long Beach, (562) 435-7700.

[See Cinco, page 18]

ACE: Arts • Cuisine • Entertainment

April 30 – May 13, 2015

15

Photographer Exposes a Watershed with riverrun Exhibit

By Andrea Serna, Arts and Culture Writer

April 30 – May 13, 2015

Independent And Free.

P

16

hotographer Ray Carofano has fallen into the Los Angeles River. Well, not literally.

Known for his black and white photography of the California Mojave Desert, he now has had an encounter with the Los Angeles River that has elevated his color palette and subject matter with a dramatic look at the 51-mile concrete corridor.

The result is riverrun at Transvagrant/ Warschaw Gallery, on exhibit through June 13.

“Taking ‘less-picturesque’ portions of the river as his subject, Carofano’s carefully framed images reveal the not-so-hidden majesty of the concrete, the smooth lines of the river’s channel and its functionality,” stated curator Ron Linden,

in a press release. “Sophisticated geometry, atmospheric light and color, and rightness of scale lend these images a painterly quality that requires close observation to determine that they are indeed photographs. Conditions considered appalling appear alluring, serene—each image paying homage to the intersection between nature and the designed environment.”

Painterly indeed.

Carofano is known for presenting the melancholy dystopian landscape of the desert in his series Land of Broken Dreams. With riverrun, he has deconstructed the landscape by tightening [See Photographer, page 17]

[Photographer, from page 16]

What sets RLn apart from the rest?

Entertainment May 1

Clive Farrington Clive Farrington from When in Rome is kicking off his No Promises - 2015 Tour with an Alpine Village party. ATOMIC 80S and Retro Projections is what’s going to move the dance floor. The event is for 21 and older only.

Time: 9 p.m.

Cost: $10 Details: www.alpinevillagecenter.com Venue: Alpine Village, 833 W. Torrance Blvd., Torrance Tadic, Manring, Garcia Three instrumental virtuosos return to the stage at Alvas. Michael Manring, Miroslav Tadic and Christopher Garcia are each known for extensive bodies of work solo, duo and beyond in a variety of musical settings. Their previous performance in 2011 at Alvas is still being talked about.

Time: 8 p.m.

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

May 2

Scott Henderson Trio Henderson has accumulated an impressive body of work over the years as co-leader of the group TRIBAL TECH, leader of his own groundbreaking trio, and sideman to some of the best jazz artists of their generation.

Time: 8 p.m.

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

May 3

Elizabeth Pitcairn & Louise Thomas Rolling Hills United Methodist Church’s Second Sundays at Two concert series presents celebrated violin virtuoso Elizabeth Pitcairn and Irish-born pianist Louise Thomas.

Time: 2 p.m.

Cost: Free Details: (310) 316-5574 Venue: 26438 Crenshaw Blvd., Rolling Hills Estates

May 7

Klezmer Juice Klezmer Juice bandleader and clarinet player Gustavo Bulgach was born and reared in Buenos Aires, where he learned traditional Klezmer from his family. He now lives in Los Angeles.

Time: 8 p.m.

Cost: $20 in advance and $25 at the door Details: www.grandvision.org Venue: Grand Annex, 478 W. 6th St., San Pedro

May 8

Frank Unzueta’s Jazz Trio Get ready for an evening of jazz and opera featuring jazz pianist and composer Unzueta and operatic tenor Aaron Blake. Frank Unzueta will perform music from his CD release Thoughts Revealed. Blake will perform selections from his CD, Lights of the Season, as well as other operatic favorites.

Time: 8 p.m.

Cost: $25 Details: (800) 403-3447; www.alvasshowroom. com Venue: Alvas Showroom, 1417 W. 8th St., San Pedro

May 9

Josh Nelson Nelson, a Thelonious Monk International Jazz Piano Competition semi-finalist, and a recipient of the Louis Armstrong Award and the John Philip Sousa Award, returns to the Annex with Discovery Project, an original production which combines sophisticated live music with early science fiction film imagery.

San Pedro

St.,

Music Under the Guns The month of May brings the River Heights Intermediate School Jazz Band to Battleship IOWA. Under conductor Jonathan Hartling, the jazz band will bring sweet sounds to the battleship.

Time: 2:30 p.m.

Cost: $10 for adults and $5 for youth Details: (877) 446-9261 Venue: Battleship Iowa, 250 S. Harbor Blvd., San Pedro

May 10

Fred Schreuders Talk Story Trio Fred Schreuders’ musicianship and composing influenced and inspired by many genres of music as a result of his father and four uncles, — all guitarists.

Time: 6 p.m.

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

Community/Family May 2

5th Annual Fashion Extravaganza Maral’s Annual Fashion Show & Fundraiser features an exquisite selection of Maral’s Clothing Designs plus a showcase from local artisans, tastings from some of San Pedro’s finest restaurants, along with samples of Afghan delicacies. Entertainment includes Firuze - Dances of the Middle East and Central Asia, directed by Robyn Friend, and belly dancer Perizad. Proceeds go to the Kiwanis International and San Pedro Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Time: 5:30 p.m.

Cost: $35 advance or $45 at the door Details: (310) 418-0109; www.maraldesigns. com Venue: Grand Annex, 478 W. 6th St., San Pedro

May 3

Target Free Sundays Cinco de Mayo Festival Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at the Museum of Latin American Art, where you’ll enjoy performances, art, workshops, craft vendor booths and more.

Treat yourself to food from a local food truck and drink at our fiesta-style bar and lounge.

In Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is known as El Día de la Batalla de Puebla and commemorates the victory of Mexico over France in the state of Puebla.

Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cost: Free Details: (562) 437-1689; http://molaa.org Venue: MOLAA, 628 Alamitos Ave., Long Beach Bully Prevention Extravaganza Join 12-year-old singer, songwriter and recording artist Just Faith and 12-year-old award-winning filmmaker Gerry Orz as they team up for a Bully Prevention Extravaganza. Learn about the bully mindset, hear from local artists and bands, preview Orz’s film The Equation of Life and treat yourself to a Just Faith’s concert.

Time: 1 p.m.

Cost: $10 general admission and $5 for children younger than 16 Details: http://tinyurl.com/ BullyPreventionExtravaganza Venue: Warner Grand Theatre, 478 W. 6th St., San Pedro

May 9

Guided Nature Walk at White Point Nature Preserve View a premier example of our restoration of coastal sage scrub habitat and stop at a former gun emplacement to learn about the military history of the area.

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

Cost: Free Details: www.pvplc.org, (310) 541-7613 ext.

201 Venue: White Point Nature Preserve Education Center, 1600 W. Paseo del Mar, San Pedro [See Calendar, page 18]

April 30 – May 13, 2015

Adal Ramones Tour Monologues Comedian Adal Ramones brings his monologue tour to San Pedro. Get ready to laugh.

Time: 8 p.m., Cost: $39 to $69.50 Details: www.grandvision.org Venue: Grand Annex, 478 W. 6th St., San Pedro

Time: 7 p.m.

Cost: $20 in advance and $25 at the door Details: www.grandvision.org Venue: Warner Grand Theatre, 478 W. 6th

ACE: Arts • Cuisine • Entertainment

his lens to discover the abstract beauty within the concrete ribbon of the river. Carofano does not attempt to represent external reality, but seeks to achieve its effect using shapes, forms, colors and textures.

“These are probably the most geometric compositions I have done in a single body of work,” Carofano said. “I have been thinking about doing a body of work in color for many years, but this work sort of found me.”

An avid bicyclist, Carofano has been riding the river bike path for many years. During a long ride this past year, he took a break to fix a flat tire and the river caught his creative gaze.

“It was just a perfect day when the light was right,” he said. “There was just the right reflection [of light] on the water and I went, ‘Wow!’ The very next day I was back with my camera and started the project. I don’t think I have ever completed a series in such a short period of time.”

The ever-changing waterline and skyline reflected on the river created material for the photographer. The reflections in his photos become abstractions. Many of the images in this series are not recognizable as landscape, and it doesn’t matter.

“Carofano turns his subject into narrator,” Linden said. “The river narrates itself. It makes you want to look and, more importantly, look again.”

Ghost-like reflections of a towering electrical transformer, big rig trucks running their loads down the 710 Freeway, and migrating waterfowl stopping for a rest along their north-south route are all reflected in the water’s many hues.

Many of the geometric images reflect how the concrete banks control the flow in the channel, engineers intervened to prevent the river from its natural tendency to meander.

Nevertheless, the river just keeps on rolling, and repairs to the embankment contribute to the artistic ethos.

A particularly striking image of tar repairs to the cracking concrete embankment is reminiscent of California painter Richard Diebenkorn’s residual landscape work. Diebenkorn’s images depict perspectives of suburban views crisscrossed with roadways found on the West Coast, where the artist lived for many years.

In the fourth year of the worst California drought in modern history, some may think that this series is a commentary on water

conservation, but Carofano claims no desire to make a political statement with his art.

Instead, he has experienced his own personal revolution with his move into color, away from representational photography and toward contemporary abstraction. It seems much of this collection could have been created with a paint brush, rather than a camera.

Born in Connecticut, Carofano drove to the West Coast in 1966 in an old Jaguar. A 50-year career in commercial photography has allowed him the freedom to pursue his artistic gift. Today, he and his photographer wife, Arneé, live and work at Studio 478 on 7th Street in San Pedro.

During the First Thursdays Artwalk, you can drop in to mix with an eclectic group of artists, musicians and intellectuals to discuss art, politics and enjoy a glass of wine.

Although Studio 478 has exhibited many high-profile artists, a decision was made this year to focus on the exhibition and development of the two artists’ own work. Both have shifted their aesthetic toward large-format color abstracts.

Eliminating the time consuming distraction of curated exhibits has paid off for the husband and wife team, and it shows in their lush photography series.

“About a year and a half ago my wife and I exchanged thoughts on what we wanted to accomplish in the years ahead,” Carofano said.

“As we have been showing other artists’ work in our gallery for over 17 years, we both agreed that it is time to focus on our own projects and personal work and so that is just what we have been doing.”

Ray Carofano’s photographs have been widely exhibited in the United States and abroad, including solo exhibitions at Fototeca de Cuba in Havana, the Museum of Photographic Art in San Diego and Galería de Arte Fotografo in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. His work can be found in the permanent collections of the Fototeca de Cuba in Havana, the Museum of Fine Art in Houston, the University of Texas at Austin in Austin, Texas and the Santa Barbara Museum of Art in Santa Barbara, among others.

Organized by TransVagrant, riverrun runs through June 13.

Time: Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and by appointment.

Cost: Free Details: (310) 600-4873; Transvagrant.com Venue: Transvagrant/Warschaw Gallery, 600 S. Pacific Ave., San Pedro

17

[Cinco, from page 14]

[Calendar, from page 17]

May 15

Barley Forge Tap Attack Come have a taste of this new OC Brewery. Barley Forge Brewing Co. brews Belgian, West Coast and German-style beers – a blend of traditional, recognized styles and creative twists that draw from the melting pot of cuisines and cultures in Southern California. You must RSVP. Time: 5 p.m.

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

May 16

The Amazing Race: Long Beach in Lincoln Park Friends of Lincoln Park partnered with Back on My Feet, a national nonprofit organization that uses running to help those experiencing homelessness transform their lives and achieve employment and independent living. The Amazing Race is a scavenger hunt open to the Long Beach community. Post-hunt snacks will be provided by the Friends of Lincoln Park. Prizes will be awarded to the top three teams.

Time: 10 a.m. 12:30 p.m.

Cost: Free Details: http://la.backonmyfeet.org/ to donate Venue: Lincoln Park, Pacific Ave. at W. Broadway, Long Beach

Theater/Film May 1

Independent And Free.

HP Lovecraft Film Festival San Pedro Experience three days of films, live radio, special guest speakers and events as you celebrate the 125th birthday of this master of gothic horror.

Time: 7:30 p.m. May 1 through 3 Cost: $25 to $100 Details: http://cthulhucon.com/hplfilmfestivalsanpedro-ca#top Venue: Warner Grand Theatre, 478 W. 6th St., San Pedro 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, May 1 through May 3 Cost: $25 ($18 for children 12 and younger) Details: www.centerforthearts.org Venue: El Camino Center for the Arts, 16007 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance 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 Details: (562) 436-4610; www.

InternationalCityTheatre.org Venue: International City Theatre, 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach

April 30 – May 13, 2015

Placas: The Most Dangerous Tattoo Ricardo Salinas of Culture Clash headlines Placas: The Most Dangerous Tattoo, 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 gangbanging past.

Time: 7:30 p.m.

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

18

May 8

Reel Rock Films: Don’t Look Back (1967) In 1965, at the age of 23, the iconic troubadour Bob Dylan toured the United Kingdom. Director D.A. Pennebaker was allowed behind the scenes to provide one of the most intimate glimpses of the songwriter. The film also features Joan Baez, Donovan, and a cameo by Allen Ginsberg. A wellreviewed and highly respected documentary.

7:30 p.m. $12 general admission, and $10 for students, seniors and military personnel Details: (562) 436-3983; www.placas.org Venue: Scottish Rite Event Center, 855 Elm Ave., Long Beach Time: Cost:

Photo cour tesy of Lola’s Mexican Cuisine.

May 14

The Iron Giant A 1999 animated science fiction comedydrama film using both traditional and computer animation, based on the 1968 novel The Iron Man by Ted Hughes. The film depicts a boy who discovers an iron giant who fell from space. With the help of a beatnik artist, they have to stop the U.S. military from destroying the Iron Giant. The event is sponsored by the San Pedro Waterfront Arts District and the San Pedro International Film Festival.

Time: 7 p.m.

Cost: $5 for adults, $2.50 for students, $7 at the door D e t a i l s : ( 31 0 ) 7 3 2 - 0 0 1 0 o r e m a i l sandpedrowaterfrontartsdistrict@gmail.com Venue: Grand Annex, 434 W. 6th St., San Pedro

Art May 7

Visualizations: ​Art and Science​ Visualizations is curated by Margaret Lazzari, Vice Dean of Art at USC’s Roski School of Art and Design.In this show, Lazzari will use works by both artists and scientists to explore the overlap between the two fields. She borrowed the concept from Martin Kemp, who wrote numerous articles in the journal Nature, in which he showed that both artists and scientists use visualizations as a way to comprehend concepts beyond their knowledge. Visualizations will have sculpture, painting, digital media and more. The opening reception will be on Thursday, May 7 from 6 to 9 p.m.

Time: 6 to 9 p.m.

Cost: Free Details: www.southbaycontemporary.com Venue: South Bay Contemporary Gallery/Loft Gallery, 401 S. Mesa St., San Pedro Gabriel Figueroa: The Collection Gabriel Figueroa was considered the premier cinematographer of Mexico’s golden age of film. Oscar-nominated and honored at the Cannes Film Festival, He was the cinematographer for directors Luis Bunuel and John Ford. This collection represents photo images taken from original 35mm strips. Presented by Patricia Correia Projects, Contemporary Fine Art. Time: 6 to 9 p.m.

Cost: Free Details: www.post-future.com Venue: Post-Future (Williams Book Store), 443 W. 6th St., San Pedro

May 8

John Elgin Woolf: Master of Hollywood Regency Born in Atlanta, Ga. in 1910, John Elgin Woolf moved to Hollywood in 1936 after studying architecture at Georgia Institute of Technology.

Heralded as “architect to the stars,” Woolf gave film royalty a new luxury style. According to the New York Times, Woolf “established a new vocabulary for glamorous movie star living… synthesized 19th-century French, Greek revival and modernist touches into a heady mixture that has since been christened Hollywood Regency, which foreshadowed aspects of postmodernism.” He designed houses for many luminaries, including Judy Garland, Cary Grant, Bob Hope, David O. Selznick, Katherine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy. Included in the exhibition are Woolf’s drawings, photographs, and designs.

Exhibition closes May 29.

Time: 10 a.m to 4 p.m Mondays through Fridays, and 1 to 4 p.m Saturdays Cost: Free Details: (310) 541-2479; pvartcenter.org Venue: Palos Verdes Art Center, 5504 W. Crestridge Rd., Rancho Palos Verdes

Alegria Cocina Latina

A colorful and comfortable spot in downtown Long Beach, Alegria provides a fusion of all the best that Latin American cuisine has to offer. The décor, including twinkling lights on the outdoor patio, is warm and inviting. Known for fruitinfused sangrias, unique signature appetizers and live entertainment, Alegria is one of the more popular spots on Pine Street.

Alegria Cocina Latina, 115 Pine Ave., Long Beach, (562) 436-3388.

a shame spiral the next morning, I’d head to Los Compadres — arguably the best Mexican restaurant in Long Beach. This place always has a line out the door. But, my god, it is worth it. There are no “special” Cinco de Mayo plans, but good luck trying to get a table. You might be able to snag one, if you skip going to the office altogether and just head there in the morning.

Los Compadres, 1144 Pine Ave., Long Beach, (562) 432-0061.

Tequila Jack’s

Lola’s Mexican Cuisine

In the heart of Rainbow Harbor in Long Beach, Tequila Jacks provides the perfect indoor and outdoor ambience in the marina. The earth-toned dining area is relaxing and the patio overlooks the beautiful harbor. Service is typically quick and attentive. Lucky for you, Cinco de Mayo falls on a Tuesday; Tequila Jack’s Taco Tuesday specials are typically $1.20 for tacos including carne asada, carnitas, chicken, Baja fish, grilled vegetables and bean and cheese. House margaritas and well drinks are practically a steal.

Tequila Jack’s, 407 Shoreline Village Dr., Long Beach, (562) 628-0454.

Taco Beach Cantina

A true Mexican cantina atmosphere, Taco Beach on Pine Street is the perfect place to eat authentic Mexican food and enjoy delicious margaritas. The atmosphere is fun and upbeat and they have an outdoor patio, so there will be plenty of people watching. Featuring many imported Mexican beers and tequilas, there will be countless potent potables to chose from. The DJ starts at 8 p.m. and you’ll most likely dance until you drop (or you’re carried out) at 2 a.m.

Taco Beach Cantina, 211 Pine Ave., Long Beach, (562) 983-1337.

Los Compadres

Perhaps bar hopping is not your thing, and I don’t blame you. If you’d prefer to opt out of a night that includes stumbling from bar to bar, or one that leaves you at the dead end of

Lola’s is one of my favorite spots in Long Beach. It’s a quaint but festive place to grub, specializing in modern, contemporary Mexican cuisine. They use only the freshest ingredients and organic meats. Expect them to be crowded on Cinco de Mayo, as Taco Tuesdays are typically standing room only. I suspect their mesquite tacos and Pacifico pints will probably be the most popular menu items that evening, but don’t shy away from any of the moles or platillos especiales. They currently only serve beer and wine, but don’t worry, a little bird told me that they will soon be toting a full bar featuring signature craft cocktails. I’ll be waiting with bated breath.

Lola’s Mexican Cuisine, 2030 E. 4th St., Long Beach, (562) 343-5506.

A wise man once told me, “Never drink so much that you can’t remember.” Truer words have never been spoken. That being said, I want you to go out there this Cinco de Mayo, have some fun, make (somewhat) good decisions, and above all, call an Uber.

Gina Ruccione has traveled all over Europe and Asia, and lived in almost every nook of Los Angeles County. When she’s not rummaging through recipes, she spends her days working as an account manager. You can visit her blog at http://foodfashionfoolishfornication.blogspot. com.

[TPP, from page 1]

Secretive TPP Protects Special Interests

California Air Board Issues Clean Freight Report

On April 23, the California Air Resources Board released a draft report, “Sustainable Freight: Pathways to Zero and Near-Zero Emissions” that promises progress that was unimaginable just a few short years ago.

California’s air board estimates that 2,000 Californians die prematurely each year from the fine particulate pollution from the freight industry,” Earthjustice lawyer Adrian Martinez wrote in blog commentary. “Along with the hospitalizations and emergency room visits, this industry imposes more than $20 billion dollars in economic impacts each year from these deaths.

The report also highlights new science showing health harms from breathing toxic diesel exhaust is up to 300% more dangerous to young children than we previously knew. These health costs are not currently being borne by the freight industry; rather families, health clinics and California taxpayers defray these costs…The proposed plan presented to the air board lays out part of a vision of how to move this industry from one that is addicted to filthy fuels to one that is powered by clean energy. Importantly, the plan proposes regulations to push zero emissions technologies.

The plan needs to go further to bring clean air to Californians, so the coalition will continue to force our political leaders to address the crisis.

Sen. Charles E. Schumer weighs in on the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal as Sen. Harry Reid looks on.

File photo

floodgates for fracking, make environmental safeguards vulnerable to polluter attacks and worsen climate disruption,” Solomon said. “We’re raising our voices to say ‘no’ to fast tracking a flawed trans-pacific partnership, and ‘yes’ to protecting our families and communities.”

In addition to his criticism, Trumka has also been outspoken about what labor wants instead.

“We know what we’re looking for in these agreements,” Trumka said at a March 25 event with the Center for American Progress. “We want trade agreements to contribute to democratic global economic governance and to promote good jobs, full employment and rising wages.

A key element, of course, is strong labor rights protections so that every worker in every country can exercise fundamental human rights on the job — without fear. So we are looking for every trade agreement to require nations to adopt, maintain and enforce the core labor rights — as agreed by the International Labor Organization — and as set out in the ILO core conventions and their related jurisprudence. These include freedom of association and the right to organize, and bans on child labor, forced labor and discrimination in employment.”

Reporting on Trumka’s speech, progressive news magazine In These Times added, “Leaked portions of the TPP and TTIP have not included any mention of these rights.”

This is hardly surprising. While earlier trade agreements really did focus on reducing tariffs— the traditional definition of “free trade”—since the 1970s, the focus has shifted to reducing socalled “non-tariff” barriers, including health, environmental and labor laws and regulations. A January report from the Congressional Research Service laid out this history: “For roughly the first 150 years of the United States, Congress exercised its authority over foreign trade by setting tariff rates on all imported products,” the report stated.

However, following the disastrous SmootHawley tariff, which only worsened the Great [See TPP, to page 22]

WILMINGTON—On April 24, Harbor Community Benefit Foundation announced it has awarded $518,000 in Healthy Harbor grants to organizations that will address port-related health impacts in the Harbor communities of Wilmington and San Pedro.

The awards include almost $500,000 in matched funding from other sources, which brings a combined $1 million investment in port-related health to Wilmington and San Pedro residents in 2015.

The goal of the foundation’s program is to identify, fund and strengthen organizations that are actively tackling issues such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other complications from port environmental impacts.

Programs include home visits for children with asthma, full-time asthma nursing at public schools, air quality education, noise and hearing screening, mobile asthma clinics and chronic disease self-management.

Once awarded, each grantee will actively work with the foundation on documenting its efforts and impact through progress reports and site visits. Findings and data are shared publicly through the foundation’s annual reports and website for the benefit of the community and the development of future programs.

The Healthy Harbor Grant program is funded by the Port of Los Angeles through the Port Community Mitigation Trust Fund, which is administered exclusively by the foundation.

2015 Healthy Harbor Grant Recipients: • Coalition for Clean Air • Long Beach Alliance for Children with Asthma • Providence Little Company of Mary • St. Mary Medical Center Foundation • The Children’s Clinic • The Los Angeles Trust for Children’s Health • Tzu Chi Community Clinic of Wilmington Officer-Involved Shooting LONG BEACH—On April 23, 19-year-old Hector Morejon was shot and killed, and four suspects were taken into police custody after allegedly breaking in to a vacant residence

April 30 - May 13, 2015

problems that you had in things like NAFTA.” But according to whom? There were no labor or environmental leaders involved in crafting those standards and none will be able to read a word of them until after fast track is approved.

Only then is TPP expected to move forward.

An obvious parallel is labor. Would any labor leader go ask his members to vote on a contract that no labor representatives were involved in negotiating? Much less, would he or she recommend that they approve it?

The closest labor leaders have gotten is giving testimony to Congress, as AFL-CIO president Richard Trumka did last week, telling senators, “We were told by the [United States Trade Representative] general counsel that murdering a trade unionist doesn’t violate these standards, that perpetuating violence against a trade unionist doesn’t violate these agreements.”

They’ve also been heard in support of protest rallies, as when hundreds protested this past December when TPP negotiators met in Washington, D.C. “The voices of millions of working, middleclass Americans cannot be ignored,” Hoffa said, in a prepared press statement from Public Citizen. “They are tired of being the casualties of bad trade deals that send good-paying jobs overseas. The Teamsters Union will continue to fight against fast track authorization and the Trans-Pacific Partnership—American workers cannot pay the price of another bad trade deal.”

George Kohl, senior director of Communications Workers of America, echoed Hoffa in that same press release.

“We believe in trade,” Kohl said. “We are fighting against old trade policy that literally guarantees corporate profits at the expense of working families in all nations.”

Public Citizen presented opposition that came from environmentalists as well, represented by Ilana Solomon, director of the Sierra Club’s Responsible Trade Program.

“We can’t let negotiators secretly shape trade pacts behind closed doors that will open up the

HCBF Contributes to $1 Million Healthcare Investment in Wilmington, San Pedro

The Local Publication You Actually Read

That same day, Warren also went on the Rachel Maddow Show to explain more fully.

“Senators can go and read it; people in the House of Representatives can read it, but we’re not allowed to talk about it,” she explained. “The president says that he wants the American people to judge the bill based on the facts, but to do that he’s got to make the deal public. Otherwise, the American people can’t judge it on the facts; he won’t put the facts out there…. The press should be able to see this; people should be able to dig into it. If it’s a great deal for families, like the president says, or a great deal for workers, then put it out there, and let ’em see it, before we have to grease the skids.”

Maddow then asked about a White House promise to put the agreement online before a vote.

“They’re asking us now to grease the skids, so we give up any chance to be able to amend it, any chance to block it, any chance to slow it down,” Warren responded. “Give that up, and then you’ll be able to see the deal on the other side. I just don’t think that’s reasonable.”

In fact, some details of the deal are known, though perhaps not in final form, thanks to a series of major document leaks facilitated by Wikileaks. The most recent and most damaging release, the “Investment Chapter,” was picked up by the New York Times. On March 26, it reported the remarks of Sen. Charles E. Schumer of New York, the Senate’s No. 3 Democrat.

“This is really troubling,” Schumer told reporters. “It seems to indicate that savvy, deeppocketed foreign conglomerates could challenge a broad range of laws we pass at every level of government, such as made-in-America laws or anti-tobacco laws. I think people on both sides of the aisle will have trouble with this.”

Schumer is considered a top Wall Street ally among Senate Democrats—yet here he is sounding more like Warren on this.

We also have the record of past deals, whose costs in lost jobs and massive trade imbalances were vastly under-anticipated. Plus, there is the continuity of those corporate leaders, lawyers and lobbyists empowered to craft these deals behind closed doors, as well as the intellectual and economic history of trade theory and practice that has brought us to the current situation. All these factors point in the same direction: that those negotiating the TPP have every right to fear making it known to the American people.

Warren cut to the most salient point with her next argument: “There’s one fact the American people can see and that’s how the negotiation process worked,” Warren said. “These negotiations have been going on for a long time and there are 28 different working groups for it. Eighty-five percent of the people in those working groups are senior executives in various industries that are going to be affected, or they are lobbyists for those industries. They’re the ones who helped shape the deal. They’re the ones who have helped determine what that deal is going to look like on the other side. And, my view is when the process is rigged, the outcome is likely to be rigged.”

Notably absent from these negotiations are senior labor leaders, environmentalists or consumer protection advocates. They are all locked out and are justifiably critical.

On Hardball, Obama also claimed TPP had “unprecedented labor standards, unprecedented environmental standards,” and “fixes a lot of the

[Briefs, from page 7]

[See Briefs, to page 22]

19

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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, 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

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FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FILINGS from previous page 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. 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 registrant 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,

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

Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2015097941 The following person is doing business as: The Painted Soapery, 1840 S. Gaffey St., San Pedro, Ca 90731. Los Angeles County. Registered owners: Aixa Remta-Deluca, 1840 S. Gaffey St., 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/. Aixa Remta-Deluca, owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on April 13, 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: 04/17/15, 04/30/15, 05/14/15,

05/28/15

Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2015102358 The following person is doing business as: Pacific Yacht Landing, Berth 203 #24, Wilmington, CA 90049. Los Angeles County. Registered owners: Perel Marinas Inc., 1001 Casiano Rd., Los Angeles CA 90049, California. This Business is conducted by a corporation. The date registrant started to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above:July 13, 2015.

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/. Robert Perel, President. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on April 16, 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: 04/17/15, 04/30/15, 05/14/15,

05/28/15

Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2015100668 The following person is doing business as: Blue Engravers, 1375 Caspian Ave.,Long Beach, CA 90813.

Los Angeles County. Registered owners: Midonna Inc.,1375 Caspian Ave.,Long Beach, CA 90813, California. This Business is conducted by a corporation. The date registrant started to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above:1987. 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/. Michael Leonard, Chief Executive Officer. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on April 15, 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: 04/17/15, 04/30/15, 05/14/15,

05/28/15

Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2015109115 The following person is doing business as: San Pedro Health Center, 302 W. 5th Street #101, San Pedro, Ca 90731. Los Angeles County.

Registered owners: Kromas Chiropractic Inc.1723 Ortega Place, San Pedro, California. This Business is conducted by a corporation. The date registrant started to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above:NA. 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/. Kim Kromas, President.

This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on April 23, 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: 04/17/15, 04/30/15, 05/14/15, 05/28/15

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The Local Publication You Actually Read April 30 - May 13, 2015

21

Long Beach to Hire Locally First City Council Adopts a 5-Year Plan to Help Workers

By Crystal Niebla, Editorial Intern

Long Beach construction workers might find it easier to get work in the next few years.

In April, the Long Beach City Council approved a five-year project labor agreement with the Los Angeles/Orange Counties Building and Construction Trades Council that would prioritize employment for Long Beach residents in construction projects costing more than $500,000.

The agreement will work in three tiers that will prioritize Long Beach, then draw workers from Los Angeles and Orange counties in succeeding tiers, if necessary.

Rev. Gregory Sanders, pastor of the ROCK Christian Fellowship and president of the Long Beach Minister’s Alliance, which advocates for local jobs, said the point is to “exhaust” the first tier before moving on to the other two.

Under the details of tier one, the agreement requires that at least 40 percent of work hours will belong to Long Beach residents and also guarantees 10 percent of jobs will go to the “economically distressed,” Sanders said.

The agreement, over a course of five years, will cover about $28 million annually in construction projects. These projects do not include the civic center or the Belmont Beach and Aquatics Center, which will be covered under separate agreements.

In the case of the civic center, Long Beach leased the land to an outside developer.

Previously, Long Beach established labor agreements for individual projects. Once projects

were completed, the agreement ended.

Susanne Browne, senior lawyer at the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles, said a successful local hire policy would lay out the specific details of the hiring process. Browne, who is in the foundation’s Long Beach office, works with Long Beach Local Hire Coalition to “fine tune” policy themes. An example of these themes may include providing formatted steps as to how contractors can hire locally.

“Every project labor agreement with local hire that’s been done by a municipality or a large entity typically has one of these local hire policies,” Browne said.

[See Local, page 23]

[Truckers, from page 7] [Briefs, from page 19]

April 30 - May 13, 2015

Serving the Seven Communities of the Harbor Area

and vandalizing it, Long Beach Police Department officials said.

The incident took place at about 2:45 p.m. at the 1100 block of Hoffman Avenue in Long Beach. LBPD officers responded to a report that several people were trespassing and vandalizing a unit in a multi-unit complex.

The preliminary report states that when the officers arrived at the scene, they discovered an open window with no screen in the rear of the residence. The officers found a second window that was broken with the screen removed. An officer looked through the opening to the broken window and allegedly saw the suspect standing next to a wall, turn toward him, while bending his knees and extending his arm out as if pointing to an object, which the reports states the officer perceived was a gun.

The report states the officer then shot the suspect. The Long Beach resident was taken to a local hospital in critical condition and was later pronounced dead.

In a statement, Morejon’s family asked for an independent investigation and the release of the name and badge number of the officer who shot the unarmed 19-year-old. The family also is demanding that the City of Long Beach and its police department suspend the shooting officer.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to call (562) 570-7244 or go to www.lacrimestoppers.org to make a report.

22

Truckers Strike Again drivers at Total Transportation Services Inc., or TTSI, struck alongside drivers from Green Fleet and Pac 9.

Then, in November, 2014, Green Fleet entered into “confidential discussions” with the Teamsters on the verge of a threatened strike, which began with drivers from Pac 9 and TTSI, later joined by drivers from Pacer, Harbor Rail Transport, QTS Inc., LACA Express and WinWin Logistics. By the end of a relatively brief strike, all the companies were involved in discussions with the Teamsters.

But most of those discussions have failed to bear fruit, resulting in the current strike.

However, Green Fleet is a notable exception.

Along with the Teamsters Port Division, they issued the following joint statement: “We are pleased to announce that Green Fleet Systems, LLC, and the Teamsters Union have entered into a comprehensive labor peace agreement designed to ensure that Green Fleet’s drivers have an opportunity to exercise their rights under the National Labor Relations Act and, if they choose, to select an exclusive representative for purpose of collective bargaining. This agreement also allows for the orderly conduct of business and insures that Green Fleet’s loyal customers

will continue to receive their deliveries timely and without interruption.”

Notably not being struck this time is TTSI. There are rumors of a settlement in the works, but no official comments as of press time. The drivers have also launched a national petition asking Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia to ban lawbreaking for profit from the ports.

“As stewards of our nation’s two largest port

complexes, where roughly 40 percent of our country’s imported goods land on our shores, I call on you to end the port trucking industry’s profiting from lawbreaking,” the petition reads, in part. “Wage theft has enabled port trucking companies to get away with preventing their drivers from qualifying for ANY assistance that everyday Americans rely on.”

When asked how long the strike would last, Maynard said it was up to the drivers, but added, “It’s really up to these companies to say, ‘Yes we’re willing to follow the law,’ and only when that happens is this really going to end.”

[TPP, from page 19]

Secret Deal

Depression, the Reciprocal Trade Agreements Act of 1934 “authorized the president to enter into reciprocal trade agreements that reduced tariffs within pre-approved levels.”

The most recent trade agreement signed under this system was the “Kennedy Round” of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), “the last round in which tariff reduction was the primary focus of trade negotiations” [Italics in original].

There were two non-tariff provisions as well: one related to customs valuation, the other to anti-dumping provisions. The presence of these agreements lead to a prolonged debate, not only about those provisions, but about the whole trade negotiation process. While many wanted to require implementing legislation to be treated like any other congressional business, others objected — ironically, in light of how things now stand. They said that doing so “would defeat a major purpose for delegating trade agreements authority to the president in the first place: to reduce the special interest pressures inherent in trade policymaking.”

This was the logic that prevailed when fast track was first approved in 1974. But rather than eliminating special interest pressure, the fast track process has greatly favored the most powerful special interests that are now directly involved in writing so-called “trade agreements.”

These are no longer even primarily about trade. “[T]his is not a trade agreement,” Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman wrote on his New York Times blog. “It’s about intellectual

property and dispute settlement; the big beneficiaries are likely to be pharma companies and firms that want to sue governments. Those are the issues that need to be argued.”

Economist Dean Baker, co-director of the Center for Economic Policy and Research, added even more telling detail on his Beat the Press blog, the oldest economics blog on the Internet.

“The formal trade barriers between the parties to these deals are already low, which means there is not much room to lower them further,” Baker said. “These deals are mostly about putting in place a business-friendly structure of regulation.

Some of this business-friendly regulation involves increasing barriers in the form of stronger and longer patent and copyright protection.” (Yes, that is “protection,” as in protectionism.)

And, MSNBC host Chris Hayes summarized the irony in a tweet: “Amazing to hear an ostensible free trade deal sold in the zero-sum language of mercantilism.”

Mercantilism was the dominant trade ideology prior to the 19th century. Wikipedia says it “promoted governmental regulation of a nation’s economy for the purpose of augmenting state power at the expense of rival national powers. It is the economic counterpart of political absolutism.”

In the era of Citizen’s United, the 2010 Supreme Court decision that removed restrictions to corporate contributions in political fundraising, it’s really no surprise to see it making a return.

What’s surprising—and disturbing—is to see Obama continue to argue for it, when only a small handful of other Democrats support him in doing so.

[Local, from page 22]

Local Hires

She said that with entities such as the Port of Long Beach or Metro, Long Beach’s construction industry needs the agreement and a local hire policy to “overlap” their themes.

She said following these guidelines will help project contractors meet and then surpass the first tier’s percentage quotas.

Sanders said the local hire community wants to start reaching out to students at Long Beach City College and trade schools. The group is also targeting people who don’t want to go to college. He said he wants to infuse unions with apprentice-qualified candidates, where the candidates will receive training in fields such as construction and plumbing.

“The goal is that they get picked up by the union, once they go through the apprenticeship program, and then they’re in the union,” Browne said. “Then, they’re going to get dispatched to other jobs... The goal is to create a pathway for a construction career.”

Jerry Rueb, lead pastor at Cornerstone Church, who works closely with local hire coalitions, said that the agreement can address long-term joblessness in Long Beach, especially for those who are disadvantaged.

“Long Beach’s unemployment numbers are well over the national average,” he said. “When you include the minorities, and when you include just the economics… there [are] many, many people that need jobs and careers, and this seems to be a logical place for people to get started.”

Good Cops, Bad Cops

By Michael West, Contributing Columnist from Denmark

When analyzing the actions of members of any profession, it is essential to remember how these professions arose and evolved. For instance, journalism, my own profession, began as gossip mongering and tattletaling in the 15th century. The practice continues to this day.

The first surgeons were barbers and butchers, as were the first dentists. The first doctors and psychiatrists were witchdoctors—as were the first priests. Sadly and worryingly the first policemen were the king’s and the nobilities’ bullyboys. They were not hired to serve the community at large but to milk them for taxes and to keep them from stealing the king’s property—not each other’s.

Until as little as 300 years ago Britain had over 200 different crimes punishable by death. Why so many?

It was because the king and the aristocracy didn’t want to spend money on prisons and food for prisoners. The nobility paid little or no taxes and the poor had little money to contribute to a humane penal system. Instead, the king relied on the nobility to supply men and arms for constant wars—the only major form of socialized taxation—and to keep the poor in line.

Since that time, far too many police from any country in the world have consciously or unconsciously adopted the philosophy that poor people don’t really mind incarceration— they even enjoy the free food and lodging—and the only ways to keep the primitive brutes in line are brutal beatings and regular instant capital punishment executed on the spot.

At the moment, a great divide is opening even wider. We see white racists sending money to white cops caught redhanded murdering minority citizens. We see other enraged citizens claiming all or most cops are murderous racists. It can’t go on like this. We need honest police officials to step forward and say that, “Yes, far too many policemen joined the force because they like pushing people around, that their impulse is not to serve but to bully.” Sadly, it’s hard to know what’s in a man’s heart during a job interview. Conversely, community leaders have to admit that it is natural for an honest 5-foot-9-inch, 180-pound officer to be worried about his safety when dealing with a 300-pound man. Cops naturally fear for their safety nearly every day.

As a resident of Denmark, whenever I return for a prolonged visit to Los Angeles, I’m astounded by the cops here killing someone, if not every day, at least every week.

Baltimore’s First Night Under Curfew Police from all over the state and the Maryland National Guard mobilized throughout the city, mostly at the corner of North and Pennsylvania avenues, to enforce a citywide curfew. Media outnumbered protesters and all were quickly dispersed by law enforcement using pepper spray, tear gas and rubber bullets. Members of Anonymous Street Medics tended to those in need of assistance. Photos by J. M. Giordano, courtesy of The City Paper.

In Denmark, years go by without a single copinflicted death. Why? Are Danes more advanced, more civilized people? Er...yes, but that’s beside the point. Is the point that Americans have oodles of guns, far more poverty and are crazier on average? Quite definitely.

But the question remains—how can we reduce the number of people killed in America by both good and bad cops?

It seems we must hurry to technology to reduce the misery. What the police require (since they are prohibited from shooting people in the legs and must make kill shots to protect innocent bystanders) is an instant, totally incapacitating weapon. Rubber bullets, tasers and tear gas apparently aren’t trusted by police. Perhaps we need an Elon Musk or some other tech genius to develop an instantly paralyzing

non-lethal weapon?

But until that day comes, we can surely change the laws of this nation to something along these lines: A policeman who fears for his own life and those of innocent bystanders enough to kill, automatically loses his job afterwards. He can still count himself lucky. He saved his own life and possibly others. That should be enough recompense for him. Such a law might keep the more murderous on the force in check. Killing will become truly a last resort and not the first.

If something drastic is not done to change things, we’ll continue to hear bitter jokes like Bill Maher’s recent: “The cop who shot that black guy 8 times said, “I was only defending myself. He was running backwards at me while shrinking.”

The Local Publication You Actually Read April 30 - May 13, 2015

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April 30 - May 13, 2015

Serving the Seven Communities of the Harbor Area