RLn 9-3-20

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ncertainty reigns for students and parents as the virtual school year begins in the Los Angeles Unified School District. Despite disparities among those who want students back in the classroom now and those who consider distance learning the only option, two things are clear: the local schools have your children’s backs and students find success in distance learning when parents and even siblings get involved.

Random Lengths News spoke to three local teachers, the new San Pedro High School principal and Michael Romero, the Local District South superintendent.

“I’m very proud to be part of the LA Unified family and to see all of the teachers, administrators, bus drivers, classified, plant managers — it goes on and on — really giving everything they can to support our families and students right now,” Romero said.

In response to bringing students back to school safely and to setting a new standard for distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, LAUSD and United Teachers Los Angeles reached a bargaining agreement in early August to provide the best possible education for LAUSD students.

Romero didn’t serve on the negotiation team in union talks, but he noted that everyone agreed on the need for longer blocks of time for daily instruction, better use of office hours and to ensure ample professional development for teachers.

Romero explained how parts of this agreement will look this school year and for when students can safely return to campuses.

By Melina Paris, Editorial Assistant Point Fermin Elementary School kindergarten teacher Karen Cass.

Photo by Raphael Richardson

By Terelle Jerricks, Managing Editor

Praise for the “essential worker” as heroes is ubiquitous. You can’t change a channel, read a news feed, or peruse social media for any period of time without getting the message that they are America’s heroes. It is also not lost that it is the essential workers who have kept the economy running during the pandemic.

Yet six months in, many of these workers are now losing the bonuses and pay raises they were given as a substitute for hazard pay.

They are called heroes, but these workers are daily made to choose between their lives and their livelihoods.

Health care workers are the most at risk as many fear retribution for speaking out about lack of PPE, exposure

to the coronavirus or working conditions.

In the early months of this pandemic, I befriended a licensed nurse assistant in a California town on the U.S.-Mexico border. In this story, I’m identifying her by Virginia to maintain her anonymity for fear of losing her job.

Virginia, 43, spoke of regularly feeling mentally exhausted dealing with the high number of COVID-19 patients being received at her hospital and having to take melatonin to sleep after working overnight shifts.

Virginia is single, and she has no children. She’d just recently purchased a new home and her elderly mother, who has a few chronic health conditions, lives

with her.

Getting geared up in personal protective equipment is a nightly ritual at her hospital. When she returns home, she immediately strips out of her clothes in the garage and takes a shower before greeting her mother.

Some nights she just feels like going home shortly after arriving to work.

“There are so many of them that have it and they don’t know ‘cause they are not being tested,” Virginia said.

I asked her how she keeps herself and her patients calm in this situation.

COVID-19 deaths and infections in the US as of Sept. 2, 2020: Deaths 184,910 · Cases 6,082,260 For local numbers visit: www.randomlengthsnews.com

September 3 - 16, 2020

At-Large Elections: Lawsuit filed to stop Carson’s district-based voting p. 21

The Gaslighting of Essential Workers

Allyship: Does Netflix really believe Black Lives Matter? p. 13

The Pandemic’s Heroes:

Labor Day Edition

Community Policing: After latest police shootings, activist and Harbor Division captain discuss ways forward p. 3

[See Teachers, p. 8]

[See Hero, p. 4]

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September 3 - 16, 2020

Labor Day Edition

Community Announcements:

Harbor Area 2020 Census Deadline One Month Away

With the Census 2020 deadline moved up to Sept. 30, there are only 27 days left to participate in the 2020 Census.

It is easy and it only takes 10 minutes to complete — and it directly translates to more funding for everything from early education to affordable housing to senior nutrition programs.

Complete the 2020 Census now — then tell a friend to do the same.

Details: https://2020census.gov/en.html

Back To School Resources

The school year looks much different this fall — but there are several resources available to families that will help make the transition a little easier.

• The LA County Library has free homework help available from live, online tutors every day from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. K-12 students, college students, and adult learners are all eligible. Go to https://lacountylibrary.org/homework • AT&T is offering low-cost Wi-Fi and free installation for families in need. Go to https:// www.att.com/internet/access • For those navigating new devices or technology, the Los Angeles Unified School District has a hotline available at 213-443-1300 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday to help guide you through the process.

The LA County Department of Mental Health is offering comprehensive resources for those students, parents and teachers who may need a little extra support during this difficult time.

Details: https://dmh.lacounty.gov/resources/ education

Long Beach to Provide 16 Vote-By-Mail Drop Boxes

LONG BEACH — The Long Beach city clerk has partnered with the Los Angeles County RegistrarRecorder/County Clerk to place 16 vote-by-mail drop boxes — available 24/7 — at locations throughout Long Beach for the general election.

All registered voters will be mailed a vote-by-mail ballot. The County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk also will expand the number of dropoff locations throughout the county to provide additional opportunities to return completed ballots, which also can be returned by mail (no postage required) or in-person at any vote center.

The 16 drop box locations in Long Beach include: Bixby Park Community Center, 130 Cherry Ave. Bret Harte Neighborhood Library, 1595 W. Willow St. Burnett Neighborhood Library, 560 E. Hill St. Dana Neighborhood Library, 3680 Atlantic Ave.

Freeman Community Center, 1205 Freeman Ave. Heartwell Park Community Center, 5801 Parkcrest St.

Lunch is On Us

ILWU Local 94 gives boxed lunches to St. Mary Medical Center workers

By Terelle Jerricks, Managing Editor

LONG BEACH — This year would have been the 41st gathering of thousands of union members and supporters from throughout Los Angeles County, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there won’t be a Los Angeles/Long Beach Labor Coalition solidarity march and parade in Wilmington this Labor Day. However, longshore workers opted to express solidarity with the essential workers on the frontlines fighting the coronavirus. Instead of the holiday march, longshore foreman’s union Local 94 and others that are part of the Los Angeles/ Long Beach Labor Coalition will continue the parade’s spirit via a Sept. 7, “Labor of Love” food distribution to help feed those in need. The goal is to distribute food to 3,500 families.

The journey toward this event started in early spring when COVID-19 cases began appearing in Long Beach. Al Galuppo, a trustee for the foreman’s union, decided to use his position to organize and show solidarity with workers in the health field that have always been there for him, his family and his brothers and sisters of Local 94.

“St. Mary is the nearest trauma center to the Port of Long Beach and the staff has helped so many longshoremen over the years, including critical injuries, chemical exposures, heart attacks and other conditions,” Galuppo said.

“They even cared for my dad when he was hurt, and that’s something I’ll never forget.

“It seemed natural to give back to the healthcare

Local 94 Foreman of the ILWU donate meals to St. Mary Medical Center staff. From left to right are foremen, Danny Miranda, Al Galuppo, Ambrose Galuppo, and Ryan Cox with St. Mary Foundation Director of Development, Jennifer Bourgeois, St. Mary Foundation President, Michael Neils, St. Mary Hospital President, Carolyn Caldwell, and Foreman Marcos Holguin at Dignity Health. Photo courtesy of St. Mary Medical Center

heroes on the front lines of the COVID-19 virus.

They suit up and show up every day to help others.

This is the least I could do.”

In partnership with the San Pedro Fish Market, Local 94 delivered the first set of meals to the health care workers at Dignity Health-St. Mary Medical Center in April, and they haven’t stopped giving. The local recently delivered its 650th order of San Pedro Fish Market’s special creole shrimp.

Activist, Captain Provide Perspectives on Community Policing

By Hunter Chase, Reporter

While some conservatives have called for stricter policing, others have called for the defunding of the police. Wherever you stand, there’s no question that something needs change.

San Pedro resident Najee Ali, a civil rights activist with a focus on police reform who travels to different cities across the US to provide support to protestors and Jay Mastick, who has

been in the LAPD for 24 years and is now a captain at the Los Angeles Police Department Harbor Division, recognize the need for progress in community policing.

Najee Ali

Protests have surged in the midst of COVID-19 fueled by the “law enforcement”

Houghton Park Community Center, 6301 Myrtle Ave. Long Beach City Hall, 411 W. Ocean Blvd.

Long Beach Senior Center, 1150 E. 4th St. Marina Vista Park, 5355 E. Eliot St.

killings of unarmed people of color such as George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Andres Guardado. The latest act of violence was against an unarmed Jacob Blake, who was shot in the back seven times by a police officer in Kenosha, Wis., after Blake tried to settle a dispute between two women. Blake is now in a hospital bed, paralyzed from the waist down.

“It’s been mind-blowing, hearing stories of police abuse, that the black community has faced systematically for years,” Ali said about his experiences during the protests in Kenosha, Wis. “Jacob being shot ... in the back as he was unarmed in front of his kids was essentially the straw that broke the camel’s back. And that’s why we see the amount of property damage, due on years of bent-up frustration and anger.”

A trained professional may have better handled the domestic violence disputes, avoiding the shooting by the police officer, Ali said.

“If that type of counselor or interventionist had been called to the scene to help diffuse the situation, we wouldn’t

Mark Twain Neighborhood Library, 1401 E. Anaheim St. Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library, 5870 Atlantic Ave.

September 3 - 16, 2020

Ramona Park, 3301 E. 65th St. Scherer Park, 4600 Long Beach Blvd.

Veterans Park, 101 E. 28th St. Vote-by-mail drop box locations will be available beginning Oct. 5, and will close at 8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 3. Track your ballot at https://california.ballottrax.net/voter.

Details: lavote.net.

[See Announcements, p. 12]

Their long-term goal is to deliver food to every hospital in the area.

“It is an honor to lead a hospital that is so well-regarded by its community,” said Carolyn Caldwell, president of Dignity Health-St. Mary.

“The entire staff at St. Mary Medical Center is proud to serve the Long Beach community.

Receiving support from the local longshoremen at the port is a reminder that the community stands beside us during these trying times.”

Labor Day Edition

El Dorado Park West Community Center, 2800 N. Studebaker Road

Committed to Independent Journalism in the Greater LA/LB Harbor Area for More Than 40 Years

Police and demonstrators face off in the wake of the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wis. Photo

by Najee Ali

[See Perspectives, p. 18]

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[Hero, from p. 1]

Hero Workers

“You mean with this whole COVID thing going on?” she asked. “I’m actually scared to be honest. I have no choice. But I already made the decision that if our hospital won’t provide us with the proper PPE (personal protective equipment) … with this virus going on ... I will refuse to work ... and quit.”

I asked if her hospital was reaching that tipping point?

“Well, we are short on PPE,” she said. Keep in mind, we had this conversation in April.

“We’re having to reuse our gowns and our masks,” Virginia said. “They just give us one set for the whole shift and they want us to reuse it.

It’s ridiculous.”

Virginia’s family wants her to quit, fearing that she would contract COVID-19. The only thing keeping her there is that she has a mortgage and other outstanding debts to pay.

Going over our exchange of direct messages, I was reminded of just how hopeful we all were about the duration of this pandemic. Virginia, at the time, believed it would be months before COVID-19 went away or calmed down. Now

there’s expert speculation that it could be years.

She explained that what scared her the most was getting COVID-19 and not knowing how her body will react to it.

“A lot of younger people are also dying and ending up intubated (inserting a tube into the trachea for ventilation) … a lot of them,” she continued.

Virginia was particularly worried knowing that people with preconditions were more susceptible to die from COVID-19. She has asthma. Virginia recounted the story of a nurse with asthma in New York who died from COVID-19. I asked if there were a support group within her union to help cope with the stress.

“We don’t have a union at my hospital,” she said. “When they wanted to start one, they fired all the nurses that were trying to start it … all 10 of them. Isn’t that awful?”

Interestingly, we don’t have to go as far as Calexico to find conditions such as these. I know of a licensed vocational nurse who is working on becoming a registered nurse. She noted that for nurses like her, who for all intents and purposes are treated as independent contractors, find

themselves jumping from one care facility to another with varying levels of protective gear and work conditions that protect health care workers from COVID-19.

EDITION In this edition of Random Lengths News, we offer a look at the new normal from the perspective of local educators in the K through 12 system and tasked with the job of educating students online via Zoom.

Back when the Donald Trump administration was pressuring school districts to reopen, the Los Angeles Unified School District replied that schools will reopen when the experts say it is safe to open. Meanwhile, United Teachers Los Angeles called for campuses to remain closed and for online learning to continue when classes start again. Period.

In this edition, we also feature the story of Rosemberg Jones-Pavon, a local registered nurse who is on the frontlines in the battle against COVID-19. Jones-Pavon spoke on the responsibility he bears and how that responsibility has impacted his family.

The term “hero” is defined as a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities. But it’s also defined by a person, who at great sacrifice (often making the ultimate sacrifice) exhibits admired qualities of courage and outstanding

2020

achievements. What I hope is not forgotten is that essential workers are being called heroes to jumpstart a faltering economy until it is no longer convenient to do so.

Remember the great fanfare with which grocery store workers were met with a bump in pay and $200 bonuses? Now, retailers across the country have quietly stopped providing their “heroic” workers those pay raises they had dispensed at the start of the pandemic, despite surging virus numbers in many states.

The companies’ rationale for cutting back on this so-called hero pay is that the panic-buying that flooded stores during the early weeks of the crisis has waned.

Amazon, Kroger and Albertsons have also ended pandemic hourly pay raises, though some of them continue to give out bonuses. ShopRite said it planned to end its $2-an-hour raise early next month.

The politicization of mask-wearing hasn’t made working conditions any better. Store employees now risk violent confrontations when they remind customers and colleagues alike to cover their faces.

If nothing else, this pandemic has exposed the lie on how much America values its heroes, let alone essential workers. It also exposes how much everyone is interdependent upon the average working class heroes from the supermarket to the schools, hospitals to the post office. Here are a few of their stories.

Real Superheroes Wear Scrubs

Labor Day Edition

By Sarai Henriquez, Editorial Intern

September 3 - 16, 2020

PMA Shoe Vouchers Out Now!

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When we think about superheroes we usually think about Captain America, Superman and Batman. Those superheroes are great but unfortunately, they don’t exist. They only exist on comic book pages or movie screens. Nurses, on the other hand, have always walked among us.

In 2011, Rosemberg Jones-Pavon’s hospitalization in an intensive-care unit was a life-saving — and life-changing — event.

“What made me want to be a nurse was when I was hospitalized,” Jones-Pavon said. “I appreciated how all the staff worked in a group setting from the check-ins to the doctor, to the nurse, to everyone collaborating, working and even the lab technicians. So, I appreciate that they were there to save my life when I was in the ICU. I felt that I needed to pay that back into the world.”

Now, as a licensed vocational nurse, he is doing what he loves and giving back and helping those that need help. But being in the medical field for nine years did not prepare him enough for what was in store when COVID-19 hit the United States.

According to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, since Aug. 29, there has been an increase of 1,339 new cases of COVID-19.

Since the pandemic, the clinic where JonesPavon worked assisting doctors and patients (everything from checking the patient’s vitals to giving out vaccinations) closed. He was relocated to a different clinic, where he works as a tent screener.

Due to job safety Jones-Pavon couldn’t give the name of the clinic that he works at.

Doctors and nurses are given personal protective equipment at his clinic every day to make sure that their employees are as safe as possible. They have the opportunity to switch out and put on new PPE throughout their shifts.

Rosemberg Jones-Pavon in full personal protective equipment. Photo courtesy of Rosemberg JonesPavon

“They check our temperatures, they ask us screening questions,” Jones-Pavon said. “[Like] do you have a sore throat or loss of taste or smell or any cough or fever? Those are the essential questions we get asked before our shifts start.”

He then gets his assignments for the day.

“I could be triaging patients,” Jones-Pavon said. “What that means [is that] if a patient comes in and says, ‘I have like a tickle in my throat, but I don’t think it is a sore throat,’ for us, that is a red flag and they are not allowed in the building until we do more of an investigation and we call a doctor on duty and the doctor will give us the yay or the nay.”

Jones-Pavon explained that after the assessment, if the doctor believes the patient [See Scrubs, p. 6]

Labor Day Edition

September 3 - 16, 2020

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Street Vendors Make Living Despite Hate, COVID-19

By Sarai Henriquez, Editorial Intern

COVID-19 has affected most everyone this year, but it hasn’t stopped Vicenta Dinicio from working.

Every day she wakes up, goes to work and sets up her stand of masks to sell. She offers a wide variety of designs and sizes for children and adults. Dinicio is a street vendor in Long Beach trying to make a living to provide for her family during the pandemic.

She has been living in the United

States for 16 years, but started selling masks only three months ago.

“I was laid off from my previous job as a housekeeper and I found a way to make money still,” Dinicio said in Spanish.

According to the Employment Development Department, 957,300 people are unemployed in EDITION Los Angeles County. California’s employment rate increased to 14.9% in June because state employers

2020

Long Beach street vendor Vicenta Dinicio. Photo by Sarai Henriquez

added 558,200 jobs. EDD conducted two surveys after a previous record gain of 134,200 jobs in May. California has now regained more than a quarter of the 2,625,500 non-farm jobs lost during March and April as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I do not rely on help from the government,” Dinicio said. “ I am not here to live off welfare or food stamps because I alone can work and I know how to work.”

She spends about $600 on masks she thinks are worthy of selling. Some days she makes money; other days she doesn’t.

“It’s not a promised salary,” Dinicio said.

“When you lose your regular job, what else can you do? I have to least try and help my husband provide for our family.”

Dinicio said that the most challenging obstacle she has faced selling during this pandemic is dealing with racist people. She was verbally attacked by a white man one-day when she was trying to sell.

“I have seen in the news how people get attacked,” Dinicio said. “It does not compare when you live through that and it’s scary. You

ask yourself, ‘What do I do? How do I defend myself?’”

She retold how on one occasion a white man started yelling at her and telling her and her son to go back to Mexico. He said that her kind was not welcome here.

A local bystander stopped and told the man to leave Dinicio and her son alone and that she is trying to provide for her family.

“We are not causing harm to anyone,” Dinicio said. “But there will always be bad people. Before, I was not scared of having my mask stand, but with the experience I faced, I have been more cautious about my safety.”

Now, she sells her masks with her husband, when he is off from work, and with her son. She is never alone.

Ernesto Alfonso has a similar story to Dinicio. He has been selling fruit since he arrived to this country and has been working every day to provide for his family.

“The pandemic has really made it hard to sell,” Alfonso said in Spanish. “Thankfully, we never had to close our stand, but we did see a [See Vendors, p. 12]

[Scrubs, from p. 4]

September 3 - 16, 2020

Labor Day Edition

Scrubs

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may endanger the clinic or has concern for the patient’s health, the patient is sent to a different clinic where patients are treated for COVID-19 symptoms.

When COVID-19 hit the United States, no one really was prepared or understood how big of an impact the virus would have.

“One of the things for us was actually learning about the disease,” Jones-Pavon said.

“We did not know much about it, our clinic and regional department work directly with the World Health Organization and also with [the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]. So, learning about a new disease, how do we treat it, how we go about it, how to protect our staff, we all had to learn that.”

Updated training was necessary for all staff.

That was provided by the health education department from the clinic that Jones-Pavon works for. They also had to learn how to wear the proper personal protective equipment, and how to have more proper hygiene and how to deal with patients that may have COVID-19.

“We get new masks every day; PPE is available to us at all times,” Jones-Pavon said.

“With new masks, we also get new gowns, gloves, surgical masks, N95, and we also get hair caps and shields.”

With every superhero, there is a sidekick and

Jones-Pavon is no exception. His wife is always making sure that his mental state is OK and when he gets home from a long shift that he is in the most comfortable environment.

“I feel proud that he is a nurse,” said Brooke Jones-Pavon, his wife. “That he is contributing in a positive manner to the community in ways that he can help decrease current health disparities that affect our community, specifically the black and Latino community. He is making an impact and you can see his care literally for each patient.”

As a Latino, he has also made it his mission to educate people from his community.

“We are not given the luxury to all of this education, but being born Hispanic and being raised as a minority and being considered a minority in the eyes of others,” Jones-Pavon said.

“It is my duty as a nurse to help our community and help educate [them] on the importance of taking care of [themselves].”

What 2020 has shown us is that even though Captain America only lives in a fantasy world, nurses are the real-life heroes who risk their lives every day to help and serve those in need. “[In] healthcare we have been busting our asses and it’s about to get worse because of flu season,” Jones-Pavon said. “When we hear good comments like, ‘Thank you guys for working, thank you for going through this during the pandemic,’ it boosts our confidence and people are acknowledging that we are making a difference.”

Labor Day Edition

September 3 - 16, 2020

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[Teachers, from p. 1]

can improve upon that would help the parents help their children. This includes Zoom etiquette, and what parents can do at home with their children. For example, how to properly write their name, help them to properly hold a pencil — things they can work on ahead of time that Cass physically will not be able to do with them in the class.

Cass’s goal is to get to know her students and what they like so they can establish a relationship. In this light, with Zoom, Cass can share and project from her screen but she prefers the old fashioned way of reading aloud Michael Romero, Local District South to her students for superintendent. File photo storytime. It works

Teachers Rise to the Moment

September 3 - 16, 2020

Labor Day Edition

He described consistent scheduling and regular communication with parents, support staff for teachers, teacher-led student breakout groups, synchronous [distance education that happens in real time] and asynchronous [students work on their own time] instruction time and extra support for students with one-on-one tutoring.

Romero supports eight school communities including San Pedro, Wilmington, Carson, Harbor City, Lomita, Gardena, Fremont Community of Schools, Rivera and Achievement Network.

A local District South survey showed about 35% of parents would like their children to physically return to school. Romero said that the majority of parents understand and would be comfortable in a hybrid model approach. “[Superintendent Austin] Beutner wants to get our kids back on campuses as soon as possible,” Romero said. “Once we feel we can do it in a safe manner, as we work with the Department of Public Health and with the state, he will do it as soon as he can. We all agree [that] we need students in front of teachers as soon as possible.”

While virtual learning will be available for families who choose it, LAUSD has prepared to switch from an online environment to a hybrid environment when it is safe. In elementary schools, that looks like a model A/B with 50% of students attending a morning block and the other 50% attending an afternoon block. Across the district, many secondary schools will be able to accommodate students in that A/B hybrid model.

A few high schools will probably need models A, B and C to do it safely.

When schools pivoted to teaching virtually, the district had to plan and implement quickly. By summer, District South opened a summer school program with about 30% or 19,000 kindergarten through eighth-grade students enrolling. Through that experience, they narrowed down what works for online support. For example, they used sites such as NewseLA and CommonLit and online curriculum, procedures and routines to keep children engaged. They grouped lessons and they built online communities. Now, schools will be teaching in longer blocks in a virtual

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environment, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Teachers received training on how to engage students online, how to break down and group lessons together, and how to use breakout rooms so students can engage and absorb concepts.

Online learning has provided an opportunity to explore virtual resources from science lessons to virtual field trips, bringing the world to a classroom virtually, Romero said.

Virtual Engagement

During the 2019 school year, Point Fermin Elementary School kindergarten teacher Karen Cass had 122 days with her students before the lockdown. Now, instead of having that face time to begin this year, Cass will introduce herself to her new students via Zoom.

Cass has been teaching for 27 years, 17 of those at Point Fermin. She called this the biggest challenge of her career. After teaching through distance learning, Cass’s priority is to make sure the children feel safe. She wants to establish and maintain a good connection with students and parents.

“People referred to [distance learning] as crisis learning, without much time to prepare for it,” Cass said. “They had to figure out how to adapt, figuring out the technology, putting lessons and more on platforms, and communicating with parents to make sure their children had everything they needed.”

Children with families who logged on with them and helped them did well, said Cass. For students without home support to assist them with asynchronous learning, Cass reached out to parents to link them to activities the children could do on an alternative website.

Before school began this year, Cass planned to meet with parents virtually to discuss what she

because by the end of the school year 87% of Cass’s students read at grade level or above.

“Before the pandemic, I would sit at my teacher’s chair and hold the book up for the kids who sat in front of me on the rug,” she said. “The kids are familiar with that and when I did read aloud [via Zoom] I did it the same way instead of projecting it on the screen. They look at the screen so much during the day, I wanted the kids to actually see me read the story out loud to them.”

Between returning to school and distance learning, Cass said she would rather deal with catching up on a year of socialization and lost academics than to deal with a lifetime of guilt if a child or a teacher gets sick or dies from COVID-19 because a child or somebody else was asymptomatic.

Virtual High School

David Crowley teaches ninth and 12th grade English, social media/journalism and is the founder and faculty advisor of Pride Club at San Pedro High School. Experiencing distance learning this past semester made Crowley reflect on what he was trying to accomplish.

“Student engagement was a problem and I happen to be one of the teachers who thrives in a live environment,” he said. “That doesn’t come

San Pedro High School journalism teacher, David Crowley. He is also the founder and faculty adviser of the school’s Pride Club. Photo by Raphael Richardson

across on Zoom like it does in person. That’s what woke me up about distance learning. You have to find ways to connect with students that go beyond your force of personality or your inperson connection.”

Crowley also pointed to taking care of the socio-emotional aspect.

“When you’re in-person students can tell if you care about them or not,” Crowley said.

“They can feel it in their conversations with you or in what they are allowed to talk to you about.”

On Zoom, he noted, the minute you speak, you fill-up the screen. Most high school students don’t like that. They ask for help and everybody hears them. You can’t deal with it individually.

You can’t tell if they are having a bad time at home or are dealing with other issues emotionally.

However, teachers were provided with lessons on how to take time out for themselves regularly. Their schedules will also include advisory classes to help establish that connection that so many students need from their teachers.

Crowley quipped that he’s been teaching for 20 years “but now we’re all first-year teachers again.” It’s a new reality, with new lesson plans, new methods to reach students and meet new challenges. He said LAUSD has done a pretty darn good job of mobilizing to get teachers what they need.

[See Teach, p. 9]

[Teach, from p. 8]

Teach

Crowley is confident in his fellow teachers and staff to do their best. This includes having compassion for students and contacting parents to find out how they can help. They want to partner with the community. He noted students may have to help their younger siblings and if they aren’t showing up for class, that’s where teachers need to reach out and find out why.

“That’s where we get creative and figure out how to make it work and get the work to the student,” Crowley said. “If I have to work extra hours or work at night to help, that’s the San Pedro High School way.”

Safety should take precedence before returning to school, he said.

“Personally if there’s not enough testing or contact tracing and social distancing, I’ll sacrifice a lot for my kids and my school, but not my life and not the health of my family either,” Crowley said. “I want to be back as soon as possible but not until it’s safe. I want to listen to the scientists. It’s sad that we are not really where we should be. It’s upsetting because we all want to be back with our students. I don’t know any teacher who doesn’t want to be back in the classroom. LAUSD is playing it safe and safety is the number one concern.”

SPHS hopes to find things they can do to

San Pedro High School American Literature teacher John Guldseth. Photo by Raphael Richardson

bring the students together in a kind of socially distant way.

“We’re going to work our butts off to bring some of the joy, the excitement, the camaraderie to the online arena and maybe in other ways, like drive-by things that are socially distant things we can do,” he said. “Never underestimate the power of a teacher to be creative and work extra hard to make their kids successful and happy.”

John Guldseth teaches 10th and 11th grade English and American Literature and writing. He is also the teacher sponsor of San Pedro High School’s Restorative Justice program.

Given the disparity and anxiety around hybrid versus distance learning, understanding how to approach it through a restorative justice lens seemed helpful. Guldseth flushed that out a little.

“Parents are tired and if you think about it, this has been going on since March,” Guldseth said.

“That’s a long time for parents. It’s been a growing period for them. That is spot on when you’re referring to restorative justice. A broader swath of that would be the social-emotional learning that goes with it because kids have a need for social interaction. They also have a need to be safe.”

Private Event Rental Community Meetings Art Classes/ Exhibitions

For information call 310-847-7704 Banning’s Landing is a Port of Los Angeles facility operated by Friends of Bannng’s Landing

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A New Principal

Steve Gebhart, the new principal at SPHS, speaks with the confidence necessary to carry out his first year of administering the challenges of distance learning. Prior to this position, Gebhart was principal at Dana Middle School. Before that, he taught English at SPHS for eight years.

At the end of the school year, former principal of 11 years, Jeanette Stevens, transferred to Central District in a staff relations position in support of Local District South.

Gebhart said SPHS will provide teachers support with a variety of technological lessons and professional development sessions. It will provide the time and space that is necessary when learning something new and make any tech resources that are needed available for staff.

“When we shut down last year, it was unprecedented but at the same time, I don’t think anyone anticipated it would continue as long as it [has],” Gebhart said. “Similar to a classroom, the school and the district have done a great job differentiating the type of professional [See Teachers, p. 20]

Labor Day Edition

September 3 - 16, 2020

9

Hypocrisy on the White House Lawn

Shades of Nixon’s law and order while breaking and entering

By James Preston Allen, Publisher

Labor Day Edition

The Republican National Convulsion was mostly impossible to witness, but what stood out so blatantly (and could not be ignored) was the Trumpster standing on the White House lawn, using federal property for express partisan purposes (a violation of the Hatch Act) moaning about law and order. Such a hypocrite — he could be impeached for less. We haven’t witnessed such bald-faced lying to the American people since President Richard (Tricky Dick) Nixon exclaimed “I’m not a crook” and went on the law and order binge while his plumbers were breaking into the Democratic National Headquarters at the Watergate Hotel in D.C. Back then, the crooks actually had to break into the opposition’s offices. They didn’t use the help of foreign governments to hack into and steal compromising documents. What we are seeing today, America has seen before. It’s like the sequel to a B movie drama. And as the reinvented and compromised GOP gets down to the final leg of a very ignoble four-year term and competes for reelection, the bigger the lies they will tell, and the more the true believers will chant Don-the-Con’s refranes.

I won’t reiterate the lies as they bleed through the walls of all the far right media outlets, seeping into the mainstream and social media that you use, no matter how many times you delete or mute them.

There is a new silent majority that is quietly praying that this will pass over them like one of the seven plagues of Egypt missing the believers of liberty and justice and only striking down those with pre-existing racism or attending a rally without a mask. Perhaps herd immunity will somehow be attained before the entire republic becomes infected by Trumpian gaslighting of America. I fear there will be no such luck.

Back in Nixon’s day, the silent majority ruse was the distraction against the millions demonstrating against the War in Vietnam who were watching the growing casualties in a war we never felt justified in winning. Then, as now, this passive set of citizens sat wideeyed glued to their TV screens, mostly in shock and horror at the nightly news reports as the war flashed across television screens.

Protests and riots ensued. These were the days when the young believed they could change America or the world for the better.

These were the days of social justice reform, voting rights and the birth of women’s liberation and so much more. These were days of change and idealism and the subversive resistance to such change. And for the last 50 years, we as a nation have struggled with the consequences of resisting change. Fox News calls it the “culture wars” and Rush Limbaugh and his fellow far right shock-jocks back it up with racial slurs and misogynistic slanders.

Today is clearly a repetition of Nixonian corruptions only, except it’s far worse. Trump is not going to leave the presidency without an overwhelming and convincing vote to evict him. Yet the legacy of the damage he has already done while in office will take years if not decades to repair, even when he loses!

In fact the Democrats should probably just use the slogan “Evict Trump” rather than trying to repel his ignorant tweets. It might inspire the thousands of renters who are now facing homelessness, job loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic fallout from it to actually vote for a change.

So, here we are once again five decades after driving one crook from the presidency having to do it all over again. Only this time he’s more blatantly racist. More delusional and self absorbed as he tries to promote himself as the only one who can “fix” America and stop the lawlessness and disorder brought about by the absence of any controlling authority-his.

Fixing is a double entendre here that shouldn’t be overlooked, which also means fixing a fight or an election. This is curious for one who insists that there will be voter fraud with mail in ballots.

Is this something only he can fix?

Wait a minute. Isn’t Trump the one who shifted his responsibility to the state governors to deal with the pandemic? Was it not he who dismissed the coronavirus as something that would “magically disappear by April”? Then it got worse. Who was it that provided no leadership against the white supremacists in Charlottesville, Va., or in anywhere in America to address racial injustice?

Remind me of why is it that our nation is so divided again?

He’s now using law and order to distract you, the actual majority, silently quarantining from a distance in the dystopian new reality

September 3 - 16, 2020

Publisher/Executive Editor James Preston Allen james@randomlengthsnews.com

10

Assoc. Publisher/Production Coordinator Suzanne Matsumiya

“A newspaper is not just for reporting the news as it is, but to make people mad enough to do something about it.”

—Mark Twain Vol. XLI : No. 18

Published every two weeks for the Harbor Area communities of San Pedro, RPV, Lomita, Harbor City, Wilmington, Carson and Long Beach. Distributed at over 350 locations throughout the Harbor Area.

Managing Editor Terelle Jerricks editor@randomlengthsnews.com Senior Editor Paul Rosenberg paul.rosenberg@ randomlengthsnews.com Internship Program Director Zamná Àvila

he has invented by pretending to bring bold leadership. Has he built a wall that isn’t built?

Has he jailed immigrant children at the borders to protect us from the caravan hoards, deregulated environmental laws that have taken years to pass to protect our air and water?

The new silent majority is the mass of Americans whose opinions are not loud and public, but who together have enormous power.

Some 70% of whom think universal healthcare is a good idea. They are the ones who actually wear a facemask and believe that the local public health officials are mostly right. They are the ones who

have come to believe that diversity is strength, that tolerance is a civic virtue and that compassion for their fellow citizens is not a weakness.

There is a growing number who believe in the very American creed of liberty and justice for all is more than empty words spoken at patriotic ceremonies before a flag. This country only has one flag and it’s not the blue bars and stars used by the Confederacy to defend slavery. These are the ones who are coming to realize that the United States of America cannot stand if some are less equal than others and that no one is above the law — including Mr. Donald J. Trump.

Defend Us from Donald Trump:

A Labor Day Plea to Police, Military

By Greggory Moore, Columnist

Without Russian influence in the 2016 election, Donald Trump might not be president.

Without partisan voter purges and identification laws and uncounted ballots and choking off poll access, Trump probably wouldn’t be president.

Without the democracy-nullifying clusterfuck that is the Electoral College, Donald Trump definitely would not be president.

But Donald Trump is president. You already know that, of course, just as you know this makes him commander-in-chief of the U.S. military.

What you don’t know is how he may wield this power in the coming months. The generals — his generals — don’t know. Their troops don’t know. Local law enforcement doesn’t know.

Civilians don’t know.

None of us know because our president is

Columnists/Reporters Melina Paris Staff Reporter Hunter Chase Staff Reporter Send Calendar Items to: 14days@randomlengthsnews.com Photographers Terelle Jerricks, Raphael Richardson, Chris Villanueva Contributors Joseph Baroud, Mark Friedman, Ari LeVaux, Greggory Moore Cartoonists Andy Singer, Jan Sorensen, Matt Wuerker

unpredictable and unstable, save that he will always act in what he perceives to be his best interests. In that, he is a model of consistency.

He will lie. He will break the law. He will violate the Constitution. He will replace qualified public servants with incompetents whose loyalty is to Trump above country. He will attempt to enlist foreign governments to bring down political rivals. He will spout propaganda to the detriment (medical, environmental, educational, you name it) of the American people. He will undermine our electoral system.

And he will use his military against us. He did it in Washington, D.C., deploying the National Guard to forcefully remove peaceful protestors from the grounds of St. John’s Episcopal Church in [See Plea, p. 11]

Design/Production Suzanne Matsumiya, Brenda Lopez

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Random Lengths News presents issues from an alternative perspective. We welcome articles and opinions from all people in the Harbor Area. While we may not agree with the opinions of contributing writers, we respect and support their 1st Amendment right. Random Lengths News is a member of Standard Rates and Data Services and the Association of Alternative Newsweeklies. (ISN #0891-6627).

All contents Copyright 2020 Random Lengths News. All rights reserved.

RANDOMLetters

On Bukowski at 100

I read both Bukowski and your article. I want to comment on each.

First, your article was very instructive, well said and I learned from it. Thanks.

It has always amazed me that you (and others) like Bukowski’s writing. To me, he was a slob and when I read some of his stuff, it was ugly and repulsive. He wrote about the shit and scum drunks in Wilmington and San Pedro.

His reference was the bars and alleys and filth and stupid people.

I hated reading it because I saw all that stuff first hand when I was growing up. I sold the Daily News in the bars and Longshoreman’s Dispatch Hall in Wilmington when I was just 10 years old. Drunks and hard-scrabble guys were my best customers and I bought my first bicycle that way. I shined shoes [Plea, from p. 10]

Plea

The thorough calling-b.swhat-it-is in this last edition of RLn is so very important! Keep it up.

In this time of the wolf at the door of all we believe, hold precious and depend on, RLn does us an essential and great service.

The foolish and ignorant opinions of the reality deniers are a great opportunity for us to be polite and immediately move on to other people and considerations.

Convincing “true believers” has proven to be a questionable activity for me, much like the thought that ketchup is a vegetable and that “facts are funny things.”

Robin Doyno Los Angeles

military conflict could result — another possibility for which to prepare. We have a long history of preparing for the unlikeliest of scenarios (e.g., all-out nuclear war); we should be no less diligent here.

By the same logic, police should make contingency plans to defend the local citizenry — the people they are sworn to protect and serve — from possible military incursions.

needed to 50 instead of the current 500 and allow registered voters to nominate candidates through an online process, rather than the cumbersome nominating petition.

Accordingly, I have thrown my hat in the ring for 2022 and now run as a candidate for Mayor of Los Angeles. The best of luck to everyone, in the face of our challenging political climate.

G. Juan Johnson Los Angeles

This is a president who recently effected a unilateral deployment of federal troops against peaceful protestors simply to secure a photo op.

What might he do as a lame duck to maintain power?

Dear brothers and sisters in blue and olive drab, please keep in mind your sacred covenant with the rest of us. We the People have invested you with extra power so that you might

defend us and the Constitution from all enemies foreign and domestic. This is your labor, your vocation, your oath.

I submit to you that Donald Trump has already proven an enemy of the United States.

But if it comes to pass that he is officially voted out of office despite his best efforts to prevent it, you may be our last line of defense against yet greater attacks on our country.

Where is Barron Trump?

Demented Donald Trump idiotically insists local school boards should illegally force your vulnerable children back into crowded classrooms unsafely as the Trump-caused COVID-19 catastrophe only continues to get worse, while on permanent vacation, Trump golfs endlessly at [See Letters, p. 22]

September 3 - 16, 2020

gets a few misguided loyalists with guns to back him up.

But Kaplan doesn’t fully imagine all that Trump and his enablers might do in the twoand-a-half post-election months when he’s still legally entitled to occupy the Oval Office.

Writing for The Guardian, Lawrence Douglas does better, conceiving of a “worst-case scenario” in which Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania — all with Republican-controlled legislatures but Democratic governors — each submit conflicting electoral certificates to a deadlocked Congress.

“As protests roil the country,” Douglas writes, “Trump invokes the Insurrection Act, deploying the military to protect his ‘victory’. The nation finds itself in a full-blown crisis of succession from which there is no clear, peaceful exit.”

But my worst-case scenario is worse, because of what I noted earlier: boots are already on the ground. In addition to Operation Legend, National Guard troops are currently deployed in at least 44 states in order “to Respond to COVID-19 and to Facilitate Economic Recovery.” What is to stop Trump from giving these troops new orders?

Over the next few months, we should prepare ourselves for the possibility that our president may attempt to use the military to subjugate or even overthrow our (frailerthan-it’s-been-since-the-Civil War) democracy. A top-down coup d’état.

Military personnel, from the four-star generals to the newest recruits, should mentally prepare themselves to break the chain of command. Because it is foreseeable that not all would be willing to do so, internecine

Thank you, Random Lengths News for your coverage on the vigorous debate about reform of city departments including the Los Angeles Police Department. The city personnel website is long on qualifications but very short on job duties, and says “As a sworn member of the Los Angeles Police Department, a Police Officer maintains order, enforces laws and ordinances, and protects life and property; issues citations, makes arrests, prepares reports, and provides information to the public and departmental units; works with neighborhood associations and community members as a planner, community organizer, problem solver and information link; and does related work.” Salary $68,000 to $104,000. By comparison, some city council members and some code enforcement inspectors make over $200,000 per year. Powers

of police are also spelled out in the city charter, as well as the extensive State Penal Code under “peace officers.”

Election time is upon us again. I have asked government officials to support a reform of the city election process. I see widespread prejudice against write-in candidates, even though many of those candidates run for Superior Court Judge positions.

I suggest that the write-in candidate process be eliminated in exchange for a more inclusive and transparent process that will include (1) elimination of the nominating process petition but still keep the nominating process, or (2) eliminate the nominating process altogether and allow candidates a short window to sign up as a candidate online rather than initially appear in person, and (3) if the nominating process (not petition) is continued, or not, then reduce the voter signatures

on the ground in predictable pockets of resistance should Trump either manage to get the election delayed or declare it invalid and then institute some form of martial law.

While the former gambit would require congressional assistance (seemingly unlikely, considering the response of even Republican bigwigs; but when haven’t they ultimately enabled him when the rubber meets the road?), to some degree he can go solo with the latter. He’s the commander-inchief, after all, capo di tutti i capi, and nowhere is a chain of command more sacred than in the military.

Martial law seems farfetched, I know. But what about the Trump presidency — and 2020, in general — hasn’t?

And what is the one thing we know about Donald J. Trump, children? What is his most consistent trait? Above all, he acts out of self-interest.

To be sure, the alarm has been sounded. Retired U.S. Army officers John Nagl and Paul Yingling recently wrote an open letter to Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, “to assist you in thinking clearly about [the potential] choice […] between defying a lawless president or betraying your Constitutional oath [… i]f Donald Trump refuses to leave office at the expiration of his constitutional term.” In such an instance, they say, “the United States military must remove him by force, and you must give that order.”

But as military expert Fred Kaplan pointed out recently in Slate, if Trump is voted out, existing mechanisms regarding the transfer of power should be sufficient to remove him even if he refuses to go quietly and

Kudos

A Letter of Thanks

Labor Day Edition

order to exemplify the “LAW & ORDER” [the Donald likes all caps] message that plays so well with his base. A month later, he did it again in Portland, Ore. Not all federal authorities going into states recently have been uninvited. Cities like Cleveland, Detroit, and Chicago signed on to be part of Operation Legend, which the Department of Justice calls “a sustained, systematic and coordinated law enforcement initiative in which federal law enforcement agencies work in conjunction with state and local law enforcement officials to fight violent crime.” But many of these local authorities no longer trust that the federal government will be limiting their actions to the agreed-upon scope. “[… W]hen we see what’s happening in other cities and see these stories, I think every mayor in America should be concerned,” Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller said during a July 29 telephonic press conference, at which he was joined by the mayors of Oakland, Philadelphia, and Seattle. “And [although] we are working locally to get the written assurances and guarantees that we can, […] I’m worried that our local authorities aren’t the ones in charge.”

Considering that Trump, with his sliding poll numbers, has both floated the idea of delaying November’s scheduled election and has repeatedly foretold its invalidity, we might wonder whether Operation Legend — along with incursions made over the explicit objections of local officials — has an ulterior motive: to put boots

down there too and even flight other kids for the best bars.

Bukowski simply wasn’t a person (IMO) to emulate, read or even care about. I still feel that way and simply cannot understand why anyone would even consider — unless they wanted to go [on] a bummer. I read war stories by Leon Uris and those kinds of writers (as a young man) because they showed me a better way to look at humans.

I’m always seeking smarter not ugly.

To each his own.

And BTW, I watched every minute of the Democratic Convention and it — IMO — was much needed. I gave me a glimmer of hope. Just a glimmer.

Richard Pawlowski Oregon Dear Richard, As Bukowski said, it only takes

a spark to light the whole forest on fire, and he wasn’t talking about Yosemite either.

James Preston Allen, Publisher

11

Community Announcements:

Harbor Area

[Announcements, from p. 3]

Vote-By-Mail Updates

LOS ANGELES — California Assembly Bill 860 was recently enacted to ensure all registered voters in California receive mail-in ballots for the Nov. 3 election. In-person voting poses a higher risk of spreading COVID-19 because it can produce large crowds and long wait times.

At least 300 secure ballot drop boxes are coming to locations across Los Angeles County. These boxes will be open 24/7 during the election period and are an option for those who neither want to vote in-person nor mail in their ballot. A full list of locations will be announced soon.

Vote-by-mail ballots will be processed starting 29 days prior to election day; any mailin ballots received by (or postmarked on) Nov. 3 will be counted; multiple measures have been put in place to make in-person voting safer and more accessible, including offering expanded voting days and voting at any vote center.

Details: lavote.net/home/voting-elections

Carson Offers Emergency Rental Assistance

Carson is offering a one-time emergency rental assistance to individuals and families renting in Carson who are financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This emergency rental assistance is available to Carson renters who meet the income qualification (less than $63,100 for individuals and up to $92,950 for a family of four) and can demonstrate financial hardship due to COVID-19, such as loss of employment, reduction of work hours, or reduced wages.

Financial assistance is available for up to a maximum of $1,000 per month for up to three months and based on actual need for monthly rent payment, and does not have to be repaid.

Applications will be accepted only until 5 p.m.

Sept. 10. Applications are only accepted by appointment by calling 310-233- 4829.

Details: https://tinyurl.com/CarsonRentalAssis-App

Call In to the AQMD Meeting

September 3 - 16, 2020

Labor Day Edition

On the first anniversary of the Air Quality Management Board allowing two refineries to continue to use deadly hydrofluoric acid/ modified hydrofluoric acid, the AQMD board invites the public to Zoom/call in and speak for three minutes in public comment at the end of the meeting.

Here is the link: https://scaqmd.zoom. us/j/93128605044 Meeting ID: 931 2860 5044 Teleconference Dial In +1 669 900 6833 or +1 253 215 8782 Voice your concern about the health and lives in the community and demand phaseout of HF/MHF. Time: 9 a.m. Sept. 4 Details: www.aqmd.gov/home/newseve n t s / m e e t i n g - a g e n d a s - m i n u te s / agenda?title=governing-board-meetingagenda-september-4-2020

12

Labor Must Fight for a Public Works Program

By Mark Friedman, Columnist

Strikes and job actions throughout Los Angeles and nationally have pointed to an uptick in labor’s actions to regain concessions that have reduced workers’ buying power, benefits, safety on the job, pensions and a decreasing percentage of U.S. labor organized into unions. It is apparent that America faces depression-like conditions with mounting job cuts and the scourge of a “for profit” health care in a pandemic. Conditions in the Los Angeles Harbor Area are no different.

One of the most significant mobilizations was the work stoppage at 29 ports by the International Longshore and Warehouse union over police brutality and its Oakland march in June. Many thousands attended.

With the outbreak of the pandemic and the inability and refusal of the federal government to supply necessary personal protection equipment, nurses’ unions staged militant demonstrations throughout Southern California and nationally. At the same time, workers in scores of factories, meatpacking plants, Amazon, Google and other sites staged walkouts demanding safety on the job.

Ensuing stay-at-home orders to slow the pandemic’s spread and the shutdown of thousands of restaurants and work centers resulted in millions of unemployed unable to pay rent and food. Yet Big Pharma, groceries and Amazon continued to profit.

The brunt of this pandemic has been disproportionately born by working people of color (native peoples were hit especially hard). This has increased polarization in the country with antiscience, anti-vaccine, anti-mask advocates mobilizing to denounce health and safety measures to protect the majority of the population.

Memorial Day weekend saw the brutal killing of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis that resulted in an uprising of protests against police brutality and racism (removal of Confederate statues, renaming of sports teams, protests by major sporting leagues, etc.).

The Washington Post estimated there were 15 to 26 million people participating, making these the largest protest actions in the history of this country. Despite the ebb and flow of these demonstrations, they have been viciously attacked by the cops in Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Portland, Ore., Denver, Colo. and now Kenosha, Wis. The cause of the violence has been the police abuse, tear-gassing and beating peaceful protesters, not the demonstrators, as claimed by the Donald Trump administration. Daniel Miskinis, the Kenosha, Wis. police chief has gone so far as to say the demonstrators brought it on themselves. Groups of right wing gun carrying vigilantes have attacked

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the peaceful protesters, urged on by the police and the President.

Nearly 30 million workers are now drawing on unemployment programs. At least 4 million workers who are still on the job have had their pay cut, and countless more face lower incomes with their hours slashed.

EDITION Evictions and foreclosures are rising. Thousands of restaurants and other small businesses have been wiped out altogether.

In the midst of this crisis neither Democrat nor Republican aid packages provide enough relief nor propose any job creation to put people back to work, as the government was forced to do during the depression of the 1930s.

Our unions must take the lead and demand immediate, emergency relief for the working class,

farmers, small shop owners and workers.

Workers need a union movement in every workplace, for workers’ control of production and to fend off daily attacks by the bosses.

We need to build a powerful working-class movement to fight for a government-funded public works program to create jobs at union pay for all those thrown out of work, building medical centers, day care centers and low-cost housing.

This kind of fighting labor movement would be the basis for workers to organize their own political party, a labor party, to strengthen their struggles and fight to take political power into their own hands.

Neither of the two parties have any solution to the devastation working people confront — homelessness, speedup on the job, dangerous work conditions, police violence, drug addiction, low wages and housing shortages.

[Vendors, from p. 6]

more than verbal abuse. Some have been physically assaulted and others have even had their property stolen. That was the case of 65-year-old Bernardo Nuñez.

Back in July, Nuñez took a break from his regular routine and went inside a store leaving his cart outside. When he returned his cart was gone.

Fortunately for him, Local Hearts Foundation came to the rescue. The organization helped raise money to help replace the ice cream cart. It also has donated protection gear for street vendors.

“We just started to help people,” said HJ Chong, founder of Local Hearts Foundation.

“We have the ambition and the motive to do good and serve our community.”

Chong said street vendors have been dealing with these kinds of problems for quite some time.

“This isn’t a new emerging problem that our street vendors are being attacked out of nowhere,” Chong said. “No, this is a dilemma that has been going on for years. And, this is one of the things that have become normal for our street vendors.”

The organization found out about Bernardo Nuñez’s cart being stolen by coincidence.

Chong’s partner, Tito Rodriguez, was handing out personal protective equipment and mace to street vendors for their safety. Someone got a hold of Rodriguez and explained how Nuñez got his cart stolen.

Rodrigez got a hold of Nuñez and was determined to find a way to help him.

“This guy lost his livelihood; he lost everything,” Chong said. “He makes about $50 to $80 a day, working eight [to] nine [hours] walking around; he doesn’t make much. Quickly, Tito contacted me and we started planning away to get him a cart so he can be back on his feet.”

They managed to get Nuñez a cart and a bicycle and it took Rodriguez about a week to assemble it. And, in the midst of putting the cart together, they decided to make a GoFundMe page, which raised more than $10,000.

“Initially, the GoFundMe was to raise money for a cart and it turned into something bigger,” Chong said. “We shared it on social media and it went viral. George Lopez put it on his Instagram and a lot of ... Latino Instagramers were posting it. Next thing you know, it was flooded. We raised $10,000 in just two days.”

2020

Vendors

decrease in sales, which is something we expected.

People are more cautious.”

Alfonso left his home in Puebla, Mexico, for a better life and job opportunity here in the United States six years ago.

Not only does Alfonso have to worry about COVID-19 affecting his business, but he also has to make sure that he is not breaking any laws when it comes to selling food on the streets.

“We have permits to sell food,” Alfonso said.

“We are not allowed to chop the fruit out in the open. We are supposed to have them in containers ready to sell. Another rule is that you can’t have knives and peelers with you.”

In Long Beach, if a street vendor is selling food on the public sidewalk from a stationary cart, is compliant with all California Health and Safety codes, is not violating any Americans with Disabilities Act laws or blocking the sidewalk and is not causing a public nuisance, then the vendor is not violating any ordinance.

Selling in the City of Long Beach

To sell in Long Beach, a person has to apply for a selling permit and all temporary food facilities and temporary events with food must follow with all applicable requirements of the California Health and Safety Code and City of Long Beach ordinances.

“There are currently no regulations in place that specifically regulate stationary carts that would like to vend merchandise,” said Chelsey Finegan, a media relations representative for the City of Long Beach. “In response to the changes in state law related to sidewalk vending, a local ordinance to establish regulations for these business activities is being developed. However, finalizing the ordinance has been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Under state law, sidewalk vending does not require a permit unless specified by local regulations.

Local regulations for the City of Long Beach are still being finalized. For those vendors who meet the definition of a peddler, a permit is currently required and can be obtained by applying for a business license to conduct that type of business.

According to the City of Long Beach, peddlers are people who go from place to place, house to house or business to business, displaying or selling any goods or food items.

The Voice for the Voiceless

Some street vendors have been experiencing

Netflix and Faux Allyship

Marketing versus support: There is a difference

By Zamná Ávila, Contributor

If there is anything COVID-19 has taught Americans, it’s that every day could be a Netflix night. That is until Americans get fed up with injustice, as was the case after the murder of George Floyd this past Memorial Day, when thousands of people across the country took to the streets to protest police brutality.

“Of all the indicators for anything that have to do with education, socio economics and politics, unfortunately, black folks are on the bottom,” said Audrena Redmond, a founding member of Black Lives Matter Long Beach and the program director for anti-racism and social justice with the California Faculty Association. “And so, one would think that means that there is something inherently wrong or that black people are degenerate and none of that is true. What is happening is the system is set up in a way that it’s doing exactly what it was always meant to do if you know American history.”

To be clear, police brutality is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to racial inequity in the United States. Racism and injustice are continuing issues that encompass criminal justice reform, immigration, economic development, access to healthcare, voter suppression,

environmental and human rights and education equity.

Performative Allyship

Beyond the protests of those most affected, movements such as Black Lives Matter have garnered the support of many allies who sympathize with their struggles.

Some businesses — and some educational institutions — have rebranded, supposedly realizing what for years have obviously been racist tools or names, such as the Aunt Jemima syrup. Yet, as I drive on the 710 Freeway and read electronic billboards that read “We stand with Black Lives Matter” or drive through the streets of Long Beach and observe the boarded-up store windows with signs that read “Black Lives Matter,” “#BLM” or “Justice for George Floyd,” I can’t help but wonder if the owners actually support the movement, are trying to cash in on the latest upsurge demanding social justice or if they were just just hoping those words would spare their stores from potential looting and damage.

“There’s this term that’s kind of gone out into the lexicon of ‘performative allyship,’ where you perform it, but you don’t necessarily interrogate your own racist ideas or you’re just trying to show

that you’re not racist, but you’re not trying to undo racism,” said Dr. Donna Nicol, chairwoman of the Africana Studies Department at California State University Dominguez Hills. “I’m particularly interested in … the uses and abuses of performative allyship, where folks — particularly in this current moment — are using performance to demonstrate how concerned they are about Black Lives Matter and George Floyd and these issues, when they’ve been silent up to this point.”

Prior to her 15 years as an academic, Dr. Nicol had worked for an AfricanAmerican-based advertising firm where she did graphic design and marketing research.

Nicol warns that companies are just as vulnerable to performative allyship as individuals are.

Case in point, Netflix recently began to label some of its films #BLM feature.

While many viewers are content with this apparent show of support, others question whether that display is just a flawed marketing strategy targeting a group of already marginalized people for their dollars.

[See Black Lives, p. 17]

Labor Day Edition

September 3 - 16, 2020

13

A

September 3 - 16, 2020

Labor Day Edition

tree-ripened peach needs nothing but a place for the juice to drip after your face dives into it. It is like no other fruit, with a complex bouquet of flavors that changes from peach to peach, fine-tuned by the subtle weather patterns that are different each summer. When allowed to properly ripen on a tree, the flavor of a ripe peach is joyfully explosive, which is why the orchard that grows the world’s best peaches is often the one closest to your house.

Once you’ve gotten used to properly ripened peaches, the store-bought alternatives quickly lose their appeal. That disappointment in the available peaches is what inspired Tom and Lynn McCamant, my peach growers here in Montana, to start Forbidden Fruit Orchard, which might literally grow the best peaches in the world. No, really.

I buy their peaches by the boxload, at both Tuesday and Saturday markets in Missoula.

Whether I’m enjoying them fresh or preserving them at the peak of freshness for later use, there are few local foods as shockingly special as peaches and decidedly superior to the imported version as peaches, and now is the time to get on it.

For both preserving and cooking, look for free-stone peaches, the flesh of which easily relinquishes the seed. The other category, called clingstone, are fine for eating — you barely notice a difference. It’s impossible to tell from the outside if a peach is free- or clingstone; you have to ask.

I spend the majority of my peach-eating time leaning over the sink, my face plunging repeatedly into juicy, messy peach flesh. But when peaches are in season, we can afford to mess around. Tom’s favorite way is diced with heavy cream (40% fat — the stuff at Costo in

14

Preaching About Peaches

By Ari LeVaux, Flash in the Pan Columnist

sides down. Sometimes I’ll add pieces of chopped ham and pickled peppers to the spot where the pit used to be, and top it with cheese.

When the cheese melts, I’ll sometimes drizzle balsamic vinegar or reduction. The blend of fatty, fruity and savory flavors has the wide ranging complexity of bacon-wrapped cheesestuffed fig.

A dehydrated grilled peach half with ham and peppers inside, with cheese on top.

Fresh peaches for sale. They can be enjoyed at the peak of freshness or preserved for later uses. Photos by Ari LeVaux

the half-gallon cartons).

I used to forever be on the hunt for new ways to preserve my peaches, so as to enjoy their sweet glory through winter. I’d can them in quart jars, spending hours in the steamy kitchen blanching and peeling and sealing bright orange peach halves in syrup, or putting away pints of jam, sometimes with blueberries or

huckleberries. I finally settled on peach slices in the dehydrator as my go-to peach storage technique. Each slice is like a drop of sunshine, and they are among the most treasured items in my freezer.

During the deliciously long evenings of summer, when the coals are still warm, I’ve been laying peach halves on the grill, fuzzy-

I asked Tom if he’d ever tried grilling peaches, and he admitted that he had not. But he told me about a dish called peach sambal. By the time Lynn sent me the recipe I had already gotten involved with another peach sambal recipe which I’d met online. It calls for a spicy Indonesian red pepper and garlic paste called sambal oelek, which is available in most Asian grocery aisles. It also has lots of turmeric.

I’ve been making it with chicken, marinating whole quarters in fresh garlic, lemon, turmeric and other flavorings, along with crushed peaches, and then grilling or broiling the chicken. The balance between the turmeric, peach and chile paste is otherworldly. Only available in this world for a short, peachy time.

Sept 3 - 16 • 2020 ART

Sept. 6

South Bay Watercolor Society The South Bay Watercolor Society will hold a juried art show at Crafted at the Port of Los Angeles during three weekends in September.

Time: 4 to 6 p.m. Sept. 6, 12 and 19 Cost: Free Details: www.craftedportla.com Venue: Crafted, 112 E 22nd St., San Pedro

Sept. 8

Paul Jean Martel, PostImpressionist The Palos Verdes Art Center presents an online exhibition of the noted Belgian-American artist’s work. Inspired by European traditions as well as 20th-century Pennsylvania Impressionists, Martel’s interest shifted from depicting the subjects themselves to capturing their ethereal atmosphere.

Time: Sept. 8 Details: https://pvartcenter.org

Sept. 12

Skin in the Game Palos Verdes Art Center presents

BIG NICK’S PIZZA

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

The best selection of Italian specialties include hearty calzones, an array of pastas and our amazing selection of signature pizzas. We are taking all safety precautions to protect our diners and staff.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on new developments. Call for fast delivery or to place a pick up order. Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mon.-Thurs.; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fri.-Sun. Big Nicks’ Pizza, 1110 N. Gaffey St., San Pedro, 310-732-5800, www.bignickspizza.com

BUONO’S AUTHENTIC PIZZERIA

Sept. 4

PCH Movies and Moonlight PCH Movies & Moonlight happens every Friday at sunset through Sept. 25. Each Friday screens a different movie on the top deck of 2nd Street and Pacific Coast Highway, in the Whole Foods Market parking garage. FM radio is required for audio. Vehicles are required. Parking is first come, first serve. No Entry before 6 p.m. Social distancing and masks required at all times.

Time: Sept. 4: Selena ; Sept.11: A Dog’s Purpose Cost: Free Details: https://tinyurl.com/PCHmovies Location: 6400 E. Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach

COMMUNITY Sept. 3

5th Annual LA Harbor Peace Week Join friends of peace and justice over Labor Day weekend to march and rally for peace in the Harbor Area and beyond.

Details: https://facebook.com/ events/s/lobby-march-and-rally-4-

Sept. 5

Peace Week Open Mic Join LA Harbor Area’s 5th Annual Peace Week 2020 virtual open mic for peace and justice.

Come as audience member or performer to this creative space for all supporters of peace and justice. Calls are going out locally, nationally and internationally.

RSVP to perform approximately 5 min., 1 or 2 pieces.

Time: 6-8 p.m. Pacific time (US and Canada) Sept. 5 Details: Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81969 917166?pwd=WjU2cnNGWmVUe UpSYWwvNC9Nc3ZtUT09 Meeting ID: 819 6991 7166 Passcode: 541253

online for curbside pick up and delivery. Hours: Mon.-Sat. 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. S. Conrad’s Mexican Grill, 376.

W. 6th St., San Pedro • 424-264-5452, www.conradsmexicangrill.com

dishes are served. Order online for delivery or call for curbside pickup. Hours: Mon. - Sat. 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., Sun. 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Happy Diner #2, 1931 N. Gaffey St., San Pedro, 310-935-2933, www.happydinersp.com

fresco dining, takeout and delivery through Grubhub, Postmates and Doordash. San Pedro Brewing Company, 331 W. 6th St., San Pedro, 310-831-5663, www.sanpedrobrewing.com

COMPAGNON WINE BISTRO

HAPPY DELI

TAXCO MEXICAN RESTAURANT

Compagnon Wine Bistro offers rustic French cuisine that pays tribute to classic French bistros in various regions of France. Enjoy outdoor dining in our newly built “parklet” or call in your dinner and family meal orders for pick-up. Hours: Wed. - Thurs.. 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.; Fri. and Sat. 4 to 9 p.m.; Sun. 10 to 1 p.m. and 4 to 8:30 p.m. Compagnon Wine Bistro, 335 W. 7th St., San Pedro, 424-342-9840, www.CompagnonBistro.com

HAPPY DINER #1

The Happy Diner #1 in Downtown San Pedro isn’t your average diner. The selections range from Italian- and Mexican-influenced entrées to American Continental.

Happy Diner chefs are always creating something new—take your pick of grilled salmon over pasta or tilapia and vegetables prepared any way you like. Dine al fresco or call for takeout. Hours: Mon.-Wed. 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Thurs.-Sat. 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Sun. 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Happy Diner #1, 617 S. Centre St., San Pedro, 310-241-0917, www.happydinersp.com

HAPPY DINER #2

Built on the success of Happy Diner #1, Happy Diner #2 offers American favorites like omelets and burgers, fresh salads, plus pasta and Mexican

The Happy Deli is a small place with a big menu. Food is made-to-order using the freshest ingredients.

Breakfast burritos and breakfast sandwiches include a small coffee. For lunch or dinner select from fresh salads, wraps, buffalo wings, cold and hot sandwiches, burgers and dogs. Order online or call for takeout or delivery. Hours: Mon. - Sat. 6 am. to 8 p.m., Sun. 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Happy Deli, 530 S. Gaffey St., San Pedro, 424-364-0319, www.happydelisp.com

PAPPY’S SEAFOOD

Pappy’s Seafood is your destination for fresh, sustainably caught seafood, locally sourced farm-to-table produce, craft beer, fine wines and cocktails. Dine outside, pickup curbside or delivery via Grubhub and Seamless.

Hours: Wed.-Sun. 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Pappy’s Seafood, 301 w. 6th St., San Pedro, 424-224-5444, www.pappysseafood.com

SAN PEDRO BREWING COMPANY

A micro brewery and American grill, SPBC features handcrafted awardwinning ales and lagers served with creative pastas, BBQ, sandwiches, salads and burgers.

Order your growlers, house drafts and cocktails to go (with food purchase)! Open daily 12 to 8 p.m. for al

We are proud to serve our community for almost four decades with generous plates of traditional Mexican Call in your order for pickup or order online for delivery at Doordash. com. Hours: Tues.-Sat. 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sun. and Mon. 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Taxco Mexican Restaurant, 28152 S. Western Ave., San Pedro, 310-547-4554, www.taxcorestaurantpv.com

WEST COAST PHILLY’S

Welcome to West Coast Philly’s Cheesesteak and Hoagies where authentic Philly cheesesteaks meet the waterfront in San Pedro. Along with serving the classic cheesesteak, West Coast Philly’s puts its unique twist on its cheesesteaks and hoagies. Also on the menu are subs, burgers, wings and salads. Order online or call for pickup in the rear parking lot or delivery via Postmates, Doordash and Grubhub. Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. West Coast Philly’s, 1902 S. Pacific Ave., San Pedro, 424-264-5322, www.westcoastphillys.com

Support Independent Restaurants • Dining Guide online: www.randomlengthsnews.com/dining-guide

September 3 - 16, 2020

Conrad’s reflects the cuisine of Oaxaca with a focus fresh on local, seasonal ingredients for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Now Conrad’s features Peruvian dishes, as well as an inventive Mexican vegetarian and vegan menu. Dine outdoors or order

Sept. 17

Complete Works: Table Top Shakespeare: At Home UCLA’s Center for the Art of Performance presents a series of online plays with one actor narrating the entirety of each play.

The series covers 36 of William Shakespeare’s plays, and they can be watched on YouTube for free with a reservation.

FILM

Sept. 10

QFilm Festival Tickets are now on sale for the 2020 Long Beach QFilm Festival. This year’s festival has gone digital with more than 40 first-run narrative, documentary, and short films and live panel programs celebrating the diversity and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community.

Time: Sept. 10 to 13 Cost: check website for individual films; pass packages available Details: https://watch.evntive.org/ qfilms

CONRAD’S MEXICAN GRILL

THEATER

Time: Sept. 17 through Nov. 15 Details: https://cap.ucla.edu/ calendar/details/shakespeare

Labor Day Edition

Family owned and operated since 1965, Buono’s is famous for awardwinning brick oven baked pizza.

Buono’s also offers classic Italian dishes and sauces based on tried-and-true family recipes and hand-selected fresh ingredients. Takeout, delivery and patio dining.

Hours: Sun.-Thurs. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Buono’s Pizzeria, 222 W. 6th St., San Pedro, 310-547-0655, www.buonospizza.com

an exhibition with work from 12 artists about black identity during this time of cultural upheaval. It includes Afrofuturism, Afropunk and street portraiture. It will be available as both a virtual and physical exhibit.

Time: Sept. 12 through Nov. 14 Details: https://pvartcenter.org/ portfolio-item/skin-in-the-game Venue: Palos Verdes Art Center, 5504 Crestridge Road, Rancho Palos Verdes

15

San Pedro♥Festival of the Arts (previously the TriArt♥Festival) announces its 14th year.

This is a free virtual family event featuring dance exclusively in its many forms. The link opens on Sept. 19 and 20, open for two weeks through Oct. 4.

Eight years ago, the TriArt♥Festival moved to Ports O’ Call Village, helping draw in thousands of new spectators, performers and vendors to showcase San Pedro as a center for art. After creating settings in a few more locations, in 2019 San Pedro Festival of the Arts had a new home at Anderson Memorial Senior Citizen Center. In conjunction, a health/ wellness and a visual art/community event produced by the Los Angeles City Recreation and Parks also took place both days. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the festival was unable to return to Anderson, leaving all group events in uncertainty. However, the Department of Cultural Affairs suggested moving to a digital platform honoring Council District 15. Janice Hahn, Los Angeles County supervisor of Supervisorial District 4, has also pledged a grant supporting this.

San Pedro Festival of the Arts 2020

By Melina Paris, Editorial Assistant

Original founder, Joe Caccavalla, envisioned the dance, music and visual arts and crafts as the heart of the festival to foster art appreciation.

After his death in 2012, the producers reforming as SAN PEDRO ♥ TRI ART Festival.

Executive producer and dance director Louise Reichlin curates a diverse range of companies from a large competitive group of applications.

Performances this year include ballet, modern, jazz, contemporary and specific and fusion ethnic groups. Professional choreographers range in age up to 79 years old. Also included are professional dance companies and four studios or schools including a few performers younger than 10.

As part of its mission, the San Pedro Festival of the Arts in collaboration with Los

Angeles Choreographers & Dancers / Louise Reichlin & Dancers assert that education that takes place in the arts transcends generational, cultural and economic boundaries. It provides the tools necessary for people of any age to express themselves, work through problems and find self-fulfillment.

Indeed for students, the arts are especially important to promote self-confidence, to learn to work with others in teams to think creatively and ultimately to become a successful part of a larger community.

Performances

As a special feature besides videos, each piece will have a short introduction by the artist, or an interview with Reichlin, or a short verbal

introduction. Andrew Zutta is editor for the online festival.

The exact times of each companies’ interview and performance, including bios and photos will be on the triartSP.com website closer to the opening.

The festival presents 19 curated, diverse dances from 17 companies and studios: Akomi Dance, Alán L. Pérez, Barkin/ Selissen Project, Brittany Woo, Cathartic Art, Degas Dance Studio, Emergence Dance Company, Emergent Dance Company, Jose Costas Contempo Ballet, Kairos, Louise Reichlin & Dancers/LA Choreographers & Dancers, Mixed eMotion Theatrix, Pranamya Suri, Re:borN Dance Interactive, San Pedro City Ballet, Tonia Shimin, WestMet Classical Training, plus live interviews and scenes of San Pedro.

Time: Sept. 19 and 20 through Oct. 4.

Cost: Free Details: www.vimeo.com/showcase/ sanpedroartsfest, www.triartSP.com, www. lachoreographersanddancers.org

September 3 - 16, 2020

Labor Day Edition

We Wear Human Skin Under All These Clothes by Alán L. Pérez will be performed at the San Pedro Festival of The Arts

16

[Black Lives, from p. 13]

Black Lives

Several efforts were made via LinkedIn to reach out to Myles Worthington, the director of brand marketing and editorial at Netflix, as well as through Netflix’s media center, without any response.

In fairness, Netflix has pledged to donate $1.5 million to Ghetto Film School, Film Independent’s Project Involve, Firelight Media and Black Public Media, as well as give $1 million grants to three youth-oriented organizations: Know Your Rights Camp, the Posse Foundation and Black Girls Code. But most people would not readily know that, because its philanthropic endeavors are not prominently featured on its website.

“I would rather see that than a statement on Black Lives Matter, because Black Lives Matter is quite comprehensive in terms of what it aims to do and so selling products is really not part of Black Lives Matter’s platform,” Nicol said.

There are 13 guiding principles in Black Lives Matter’s network, including affirming diversity, restorative justice, unapologetically black, globalism, collective value, transgender affirming, black women, black villages, empathy, black families, queer affirming, loving engagement and intergenerational.

“The hashtag ‘Black Lives Matter’ is so confusing to a lot of people, because it’s both a statement and it’s an organization,” Redmond said. “People grab onto the statement because it’s convenient … but they are not grabbing on to the meaning of what that means. They are not grasping on to the whole thing.”

But Netflix is not the only company that seems to be using performative allyship. On

July 23, Major League Baseball garnered criticism from those opposed to the Black Lives Matter movement, as well as supporters of the movement who see the action as performative allyship. The logos of Major League Baseball and Black Lives Matter were redesigned so as to intertwine in a display on the pitcher’s mound at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. Additionally, all players for the Washington Nationals and New York Yankees knelt for about 20 seconds before the national anthem, although they all stood for the song.

In June, Walmart, one of the largest corporate employers of a black workforce, announced its commitment to use $100 million in five years for a racial equity center.

It also announced it would no longer place “multicultural hair care and beauty products” in locked cases. While this might be considered a step forward, it ignores the fact that the company compensates its workers with poverty wages, inadequate health insurance, insufficient health precautions in the midst of COVID-19, maintains a disproportionate number of black workers in low-paying and non-managerial positions and supports incendiary politicians who fuel racial divisions.

“If you are business and you are putting the hashtag ‘Black Lives Matter’ or ‘George Floyd’ on your boards, we love you, we appreciate you, but now need your mouth, money and your body where the words are,” Redmond said. “Those are actions.”

Predatory Marketing

Capitalist America may view this strategy as smart, disregarding that it is the same capitalist America that has created the inequities which result in uprisings.

It’s not surprising that companies are

seeking the black dollar during a time of heightened awareness. According to the Simon S. Selig Jr. Center for Economic Growth, which conducts research on economic, demographic and social issues, black buying power was $1.4 trillion in 2019. That’s about 47.8 million people in the United States with a buying power that is on par with many countries’ gross domestic products, outpacing spending nationally, Nielsen, an information, data and measurement firm, reports. And yet, even though the black buying power trend and over-indexing in spending continues to increase, companies’ investments in providing genuine advertisement for those communities have declined 5% between 2017 and 2018. “The problem is that the market does this kind of appeal to black people for their spending, but they’re not doing the advertising that will go toward black people or their hiring practices are questionable if you look behind these brands to see who’s in positions of power, who are key decision makers, employee relations,” Nicol said. “How sincere are you about the black dollar? It’s almost predatory in terms of, ‘We are going to put out a Black Lives Matter statement.’ OK, do me a favor before you put out this statement, let me know how many black employees you have first.”

Taking Action

Many black consumers should take note and be more cautious about the companies they support.

“If you don’t like the way a company operates, leave,” Nicol said. “Don’t spend money there. There is nothing that requires you to spend money on a company that you don’t believe in. … If you feel so committed as to engage that company write letters or go onto

their social media.

“We need to be a little bit more circumspect and speak out if you know a company is trying to use us and we don’t get to get something back in return.”

Genuine Solutions

Redmond said she worries about pandering and the opportunity to try to be on the right side of history without doing the work. There is a fine line in advertising between reaching out to a community and being inclusive, and simply being insulting and insensitive to a group.

“If you are not invested in the black community, if you haven’t trained your employees, if you are not hiring people, do you really mean Black Lives Matter?” Redmond asked, rhetorically. “Do you really know what it means? Because it comes with responsibility. It is action. To say Black Lives Matters is action.

It requires you to do something.”

Nicol made a few suggestions about how companies might approach the black community: • Include black people in advertising campaigns • Position black people in power to make key decisions • Improve the institutional culture within the company • Engage the community to find out what they need and want. Black people should be part of the market testing to understand their stance on a product. It should be part of the company’s market research. Companies should be intentional about their market research to include black people’s options about their brand, rather than making assumptions often based on stereotypes [See Support, p. 20]

Labor Day Edition

September 3 - 16, 2020

17

[Perspectives, from p. 3]

Public Health Reports an Increase in MIS-C Cases in LA County Children

LOS ANGELES—The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) is reporting three additional cases of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). This brings the total cases of MIS-C in LA County to 28 children.

MIS-C affects children under 21 years old who may have been exposed to COVID-19 or had COVID-19. Different body parts can become inflamed, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes, or gastrointestinal organs and there can be lifelong health impacts.

Twenty-eight percent of these cases were between the ages of 0 and 5 years old, 39% were between the ages of 6 and 12 years old and 32% were between the ages of 13 and 20 years old. The majority of cases (71%) were Latino.

There continue to be no reports of deaths in children associated with MIS-C in LA County.

If you believe your child may be displaying MIS-C symptoms, contact your primary care provider. If you do not have a primary care provider, dial 2-1-1 and LA County will help connect you to one.

Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd and director of Public Health said over 21,000 COVID-19 cases have occurred in children under one to 17 years old.

“COVID-19 spreads among children the same way it spreads among adults – exposure to a symptomatic or asymptomatic people infected with the virus,” Ferrer said.

“As we look at ways to safely offer opportunities for children to be supported in their learning, we must do so taking every precaution to limit exposures and spread of COVID-19.”

Details: www.publichealth.lacounty.gov.

POLA Awards $51.9 Million for Wilmington Waterfront Promenade to OC Company

SAN PEDRO — Construction on the Wilmington Waterfront Promenade is expected to begin this fall on the LA Waterfront after the Aug. 20 approval of a $51.9 million construction contract to Sully-Miller Contracting Co. of Brea by the Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners.

The project includes the realignment of Water Street parallel to the existing railroad tracks and construction of a community park adjacent to Banning’s Landing Community Center, along with a waterfront promenade, public pier, public dock, public restroom with green roof, playground and parking lots. Work along Water Street includes utilities, street grading, paving, striping, lighting and landscaping. Other improvements to the 9-acre site include irrigation, signage and furnishings such as public seating, bike racks and drinking fountains. The project is expected to be completed in 2023.

A planned Wilmington Youth Sailing Center will also be a component.

POLA Announces Community Investment Sponsorship Program Grants

September 3 - 16, 2020

Labor Day Edition

SAN PEDRO — The Port of Los Angeles Aug. 20, awarded grants totaling $1 million in non-taxpayer funds to 29 organizations as part of its fiscal year 2020-21 Community Investment Sponsorship Program. The initiatives and programs receiving funding will directly benefit the Los Angeles Harbor communities of Wilmington and San Pedro, as well as the LA Waterfront.

The port awarded grants in three categories: small ($5,000 and under), medium (between $5,001 - $99,999) and large ($100,000 or more). Grants focus on initiatives, events and programs that support the environment, maritime-related workforce development and education and promotion of the LA Waterfront. As an added precaution this year, all grant applications were reviewed for adherence to COVID-19 safety protocols and policies.

All grant applications were reviewed by a committee featuring a representative from the San Pedro community, the Wilmington community and three internal port staff members.

The list of all grant recipients and programs is at https://tinyurl.com/POLACommInvestmentGrants

LA Regional COVID-19 Recovery Fund Grows to More than $100 Million to Boost Microentrepreneurs, Small Businesses and Nonprofits

18

[See News Briefs, p. 22]

LOS ANGELES — Thousands of Los Angeles area businesses and nonprofits will now be eligible to receive critical financial assistance thanks to $100 million of additional funding which will greatly increase the impact of

Two Community Policing Perspectives have Blake clinging on to life, paralyzed,” Ali said. “We wouldn’t have millions of dollars in property damage, that’s continuing rampant right now.”

Ali, who founded a civil rights organization called Project Islamic Hope, short for Helping Oppressed People Everywhere, has attended protests against police violence in Kenosha, Wisc., Louisville, Ky., Minneapolis, and Gardena, Calif., where Guardado, a security officer, was killed by a deputy of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

Ali’s current activism comes at a time when Los Angeles is seeing a record low in

come out of police being heavy-handed, as stories came out against the protesters who protested in LA over the last few weeks,” Ali said. “Now we have several lawsuits that have been filed against LAPD and the Sheriff’s Department.”

Ali believes that law enforcement should focus on serious crimes and that other types of calls should be handled by other agencies.

He praised Mayor Garcetti’s expansion of the Community Safety Partnership bureau with the LAPD, a program that aims to change policing to be more community-based.

“Even minor traffic stops could be done by the city parking bureau enforcement,” he said.

know, whenever we can.’”

Capt. Jay Mastick

Capt. Jay Mastick acknowledges there is room for improvement of community policing, specifically in the Harbor Area, where property crime has been up by 4.6% in 2020 compared to 2019, including theft, burglaries and grand theft auto.

“It would be disingenuous to describe this state of the policing in our community as a success,” Mastick said. “So, I won’t.”

“This is actually a time for Harbor to become more engaged with the community and more vigilant in the investigation and enforcement of violent crime,” Mastick said. “Our community reported last night that some crimes around the homeless shelters are … going unreported because of perceived lack of effectiveness by the police. So this is not the time for Harbor to take credit on our accomplishments.”

Violent crime is down specifically in the Harbor Division of the Los Angeles Police Department, which includes San Pedro, Wilmington, Harbor City and the Harbor Gateway in its jurisdiction.

However, this is in comparison of 2020 to 2019.

Protestors march at a demonstration against the killing of Breonna Taylor in Louisville, Kentucky. Photo by Najee Ali Violent crime is Ali said that the LAPD has problems with down by 17.6% in 2020, Capt. Mastick said. crime for two years in a row, in 2019 and 2018. Last year had the lowest homicide police discrimination, just like other parts of Rapes, robberies and aggravated assaults number 696 so far this year, compared to 845 rate since 1962, Mayor Eric Garcetti said in the of the country.

“The LAPD, as well as the Sheriff’s from January to August in 2019. In addition, a tweet on Jan. 15, 2020. Many have also called for the reallocation of funding for the Department, continue to be problematic there has been a 31% reduction in reported Los Angeles Police Department to other city when it comes to use of deadly force, when shots fired (there were 107 in 2020, and 155 it comes to racial profiling, when it comes in 2019) and a 46.3% reduction in shooting agencies.

“Ultimately, I’m in favor of resources to the disproportionate amount of black and victims (29 in 2020, and 54 in 2019).

“2019 was a bad year,” wrote Mastick being allocated smartly, to help continue brown people being unfairly stopped and in an email. “Back in January [2020] in the to reduce crime,” said Ali, who has been victimized by law enforcement,” Ali said.

For this reason, Ali is in favor of Harbor Area we went ‘all in’ for a reduction fighting for social justice in Southern redirecting resources to programs for young in violent street crime.”

California for 30 years.

Mastick said that in the Harbor Area Ali quoted Martin Luther King Jr., people that prevent crime. Such programs and said that riots are the language of the may have helped steer a younger Ali in a violent crime has historically centered different direction. After his mother died, at around gang activity. Because of this, Harbor unheard.

“So that’s why I’m here witnessing the age 12, he went to live with his grandmother. Division increased its deployment to its gang city burn, as I witnessed two months ago, But at 17, he dropped out of high school, division by 50%.

Mastick also spoke of a recent mass Minneapolis burn after George Floyd lost joined a gang and subsequently was in and out of jail repeatedly. That is, until one day, shooting with six victims hit at a warehouse his life at the hands of police,” Ali said.

Ali travels the country to provide support in 1990, when he read The Autobiography in Harbor Gateway on Lockness Avenue to communities based on his experience as of Malcolm X. It inspired him to convert to north of Sepulveda Boulevard, as well as a homicide in east Torrance and shooting on an activist. At protests for the killings of Islam and become an activist.

Carson Street and Denker Avenue.

Ali is grateful he was able to travel and Blake and Taylor, Ali shared his experiences Mastick said that this is not a time to represent San Pedro while showing support of living through the 1992 civil unrest. celebrate, and that his division still has a lot “My job is not to be a leader in someone to the residents of Kenosha.

“When I let them know that I came out of more work to do. else’s city, it’s just to give them advice and “I still hope to achieve success this Southern California, there’s a look of shock support in what they’re doing,” Ali said.

Ali said that there will always be police and amazement,” Ali said. “They say, ‘You year by improved communication and brutality against protesters when the two came all the way from San Pedro to help us?’ interaction with the community, as well as and I just said, ‘Well yes, that’s just how the leadership and accountability of the Police clash.

“Ultimately, we’ll hear stories that will folks in my city are. We help each other, you Department,” said Mastick via email.

Labor Day Edition

September 3 - 16, 2020

19

[Teach, from p. 9]

Teach

development and/or instruction to meet the teachers where they are just the same way we try to meet the students where they are.”

Gebhart said people are disappointed about hybrid versus distance learning.

“It’s been such a strain on work and home life balance,” he said. “There used to be a real line. … You knew when you were at work and when you were at home, but now those lines have blended and you feel like you are always at work and really never at home. That’s what drives that, ‘I wish we were going back’ sentiment.”

Gebhart said he has it too, a people person, he didn’t get into this job to have virtual meetings.

distance learning SPHS has built things into school structure, like the advisory courses. The courses are intentionally set up so teachers do not meet with students who are part of their academic classes. Advisory classes are 30-minute Zoom sessions for student guidance before and after lunch Tuesday through Thursday. This provides a different level of engagement when there isn’t an academic pressure with it. Gebhart will be hosting student orientations when school begins and the school’s plan is to host more regular community meetings to rally and come together.

“We’re making efforts and trying to be intentional around that,” Gebhart said. “I’m really trying to over-communicate. It may sound minor but I’m encouraging people to engage with our Facebook and other social media because calling

September 3 - 16, 2020

Labor Day Edition

In the San Pedro High School library, from left to right: SPHS American Literature teacher John Guldseth, new SPHS Principal Steve Gebhart, Point Fermin Elementary School kindergarten teacher Karen Cass and SPHS Journalism teacher, David Crowley. Photo by Raphael Richardson

20

But there’s a real understanding that they want to do it safely and they don’t want to be stupid about it.

“Just like if you watch the news, there are pockets of people who think we should be fully playing sports now and doing everything,” he said. “But I don’t know how much of that is motivated just by their own political leanings or how much it’s motivated by their needs.”

To help engage students ongoing through [Support, from p. 17]

Support

• Companies should not be lazy and arrogant. They should make real attempts to find out about a culture they are trying to market to • Make a concerted effort to change ideologies, not just branding • Companies should promote their grants programs, social justice donations and participation and their advocacy for progressive laws and politics “A lot of — particularly larger companies — like to put out these corporate responsibilities statements or they like to hire a diversity expert or someone to come in to be their diversity officer, but they don’t make a lot of substantive changes,” Nicol said.

The Weakest Link

There is no question that success of a civil

the school office or going to the school website requires some action on the community’s part.”

Alternatively, these platforms help parents find information but more importantly, they foster community connection.

San Pedro teachers are dedicated. They provide students with support, enthusiasm and cheer. It cannot be overstated, when a teacher stands beside you — as these teachers do daily in their students’ respective corners — you cannot lose. rights movement necessitates allies, but allies must act in meaningful ways that aren’t just performative.

“The most marginalized should lead,” Redmond said. “The most marginalized voice should have a lot of weight, should have power, should lead. That has to be key. What we don’t [need] is saviors. We don’t need white folks trying to educate us about racism. We feel that; we live that; that’s not what we need. What we need from you is to be an ally. At the very least the ally is there to support you. … We need coconspirators.”

It’s acknowledging that everyone has a collective responsibility. People need to be in trenches and check their privilege, Redmond said.

“A chain, no matter how big it is, is only as strong as its weakest link,” she said. “So, we have to focus on the weakest link. When that link is strong we are all strong.”

Lawsuit Aims to Stop Carson’s District-based Voting

Jim Dear

FOR CARSON MAYOR

By Joseph Baroud, Reporter

On Aug. 17, the city of Carson was hit with a lawsuit to prevent the city from implementing district elections for the Nov. 3 elections.

Filed by Torrance attorney and tentative candidate running for city council, Jaime Monteclaro filed the lawsuit claiming that the City Council violated its own charter as well as California election law.

Monteclaro filed his nomination papers before the close of the filing period and the council’s passage of Ordinance 20-2008. When the council pushed through the passage of

Attorney Jaime Monteclaro filed a lawsuit against the city of Carson to continue at-large elections through Nov. 3. File photo

voting districts, it was found that Monteclaro’s residency fell outside the boundaries of District 1 and 3, and he was unable to run for City Council. Specifically, Monteclaro argues that the ordinance passed Aug 4. would only be valid if it were passed May 7, six months before an election which is the deadline set by the Los Angeles County Recorder’s Calendar of Events list. Monteclaro shows that the council didn’t submit the map until Aug. 4, 2020.

Monteclaro also argues that the council’s changing of the city charter from an at-large voting system could not be enforced without the majority of Carson voters approving it first.

The voting districts ordinance was first introduced to the city council on June 21. The council voted 3-2 in favor of the change, with Mayor Albert Robles and Councilmen Jim Dear and Jawane Hilton in the majority. The change in the voting system applies to the four council members only. Only two council seats are up for election this cycle. The mayor, city clerk and city treasurer will continue as at-large elected seats.

Since the city’s 1968 inception, the City of Carson has voted for its council and mayor through an at-large citywide system. This meant that a resident from any part of the city could run for city council.

Carson asked its residents if they wanted to see the city adopt a charter and become a charter

Honest, Progressive Representation for the Harbor Area Supporting Local Unions in their struggle for fair representation at the bargaining table

I applaud the dedication of the Harbor Area Unions that fight for working families, for decent wages and benefits for all men and women, and for their diligent efforts in demonstrating their commitment through the Labor Union’s many worthy undertakings.

PAID FOR BY JIM DEAR MAYOR 2020, FPPC #1427460, PO BOX 4844, Carson, CA 90749-4844

[See Lawsuit, p. 22

Labor Day Edition

September 3 - 16, 2020

21

[Lawsuit, from p. 21]

Lawsuit Become a Published Author with Dorrance.

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city in the 2018 general election. Fiftysix percent of the residents voted in favor of Carson becoming a charter city. The charter was adopted and passed on Jan. 17, 2019.

Following the city becoming a charter city, the city hired demographers to form districts in accordance with state law. In a June 2019 article, Random Lengths reported that several residents spoke against changing to districts, while none spoke in favor at a May 21 hearing on district maps.

The Southwest Voter Registration Education Project, a non-partisan Latino voter participation group, kept the pressure on to force the city to follow through forming the districts or face defending an expensive lawsuit for violating the California Voting Rights Act. The attorney representing the

Southwest Voter registration Education Project, Kevin Shenkman, charged that the at-large voting disenfranchised Latino voters by diluting their vote.

Monteclaro highlights a section of the city charter which states that an ordinance could be proposed by a majority council vote, but the proposal can’t take place until the residents have voted on it in a citywide general election.

Monteclaro also said that placing residents in districts would violate California’s Voters Rights Act. Monteclaro claims that voters will be disenfranchised because of an inadequate notification period and that they would be expecting to vote atlarge like they always have.

The court will listen to Monteclaro’s petition and enter a judgement without a jury trial. The city has responded to Monteclaro’s lawsuit. If a denial is issued, the Court of Appeals loses the authority to reopen the case.

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Paid for by Albert Robles for Mayor 2020, FPPC#1418224 • 249 East Ocean Blvd., Suite #670, Long Beach, CA 90802

Vote to Re-Elect Mayor Albert Robles Tuesday, November 3

Labor Day Edition

Carson Mayor Albert Robles

23

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[continued on p. 25]

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Registered owner(s): RGM, LLC, 6442 PARKLYNN DRIVE, RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CA 90275. This business is conducted by a CORPORATION

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tious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration. Effective Jan. 1, 2014, the fictitious business name statement must be accompanied by Affidavit of Identity form. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a Fictitious Business Names in violation of the rights of another under Federal, state, or common law (See Section 14111 et seq. Business and Professions code).

Original Filing 07/22/20, 08/06/20,

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61ST PLACE, LONG BEACH, CA 90803 This business is conducted by an Individual. The registrant(s) started doing business on 01/1984.I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000)). S/ JAYME WILSON, Owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on 07/09/2020. NOTICEIn accordance with Subdivision (a) of Section 17920, a Fictitious Name Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except, as provided in Subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to Section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A new Ficti-

For answers go to: www.randomlengthsnews.com

JOBS

LEGAL & DBA FILINGS

ACROSS

1 Movie in a case, e.g.

4 $, at a currency exchange 7 Web traffic goal 13 Sign up for 15 “Insecure” star Issa 16 Wear 17 Boss of all mischievous sprites?

19 Singer Grande 20 Jazz singer Laine 21 How a typesetter turns a president into a resident?

23 “What’s this now?”

24 Nebraska’s largest city 26 Cross-country hauler 27 Reduce in rank 29 “Miracle Workers” network 32 Racket 33 Fanged movie creature, for short 34 Largest country bordering the Mediterranean 38 Expensive version of an East Asian board game?

41 Narrowest possible election margin 42 Neighbor of Tex. 45 NHL division 48 Numerical prefix 49 The last world capital, alphabetically

51 Dove sounds 53 Roster listing 56 YouTube interrupters 57 Removing the word before “and behold”?

60 Voting rights org.

62 Certain book page size 63 Good publicity for characters like Grimace, Amethyst, and Twilight Sparkle?

66 Late WWE wrestler Dusty 67 Charlemagne’s domain, briefly 68 “It must have been something ___” 69 “___ Rides Again” (classic western) 70 “Then what?”

71 Vulpine critter

DOWN

1 Turntablists, familiarly 2 Receipt 3 One with a mission 4 Geller who claims to be telepathic 5 “The Metamorphosis” character Gregor 6 Profundity 7 Coffeehouse order 8 Innocent fun 9 Harvard and Princeton, e.g.

10 Came to a close 11 Video game company with a famous cheat code

12 Fasten securely, perhaps 14 “Born,” in some announcements 18 Ginseng or ginger, e.g.

22 Like video games for the 1319 set 23 Like almost all primes 25 Sparse 28 Dos times dos times dos 30 Piece of cake 31 Papal topic 35 Devoted 36 Day-___ 37 Stunned 39 Doc for head colds 40 Vegetable part that can be served in a salad (as opposed to a gumbo) 43 Paved the way for 44 Sit-up targets 45 International agreement 46 “Well said” 47 State gambling games 50 High-priority notation 52 City, in Germany 54 A as in “Aristotle” 55 Lament 58 Bon ___ (“Holocene” band) 59 Prone to butting in 61 151, in Roman numerals 64 Color meaning “stop” internationally 65 Dinosaur in “Toy Story” movies

LEGAL & DBA FILINGS [from p. 24] The registrant(s) started doing business on: N/A. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000)). S/ JAYME WILSON, Owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on 07/09/2020. NOTICE-In accordance with Subdivision (a) of Section 17920, a Fictitious Name Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except, as provided in Subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to Section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A new Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration. Effective Jan. 1, 2014, the fictitious business name statement must be accompanied

by Affidavit of Identity form. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a Fictitious Business Names in violation of the rights of another under Federal, state, or common law (See Section 14111 et seq. Business and Professions code).

Original Filing 07/22/20, 08/06/20, 08/20/20, 09/03/20

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 2020107263 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: CHEF’S CORNER PIZZERIA, 1306 S. GAFFEY, SAN PEDRO, CA 90731, County of LOS ANGELES. Registered owner(s): AMALIO ALVAREZ, 1306 S. GAFFEY, SUITE 105, SAN PEDRO, CA 90731. This business is conducted by an Individual.

The registrant(s) started doing business on N/A. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000)). S/ AMALIO ALVAREZ, Owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on 07/17/2020.. NOTICE-In accordance with Subdivision (a) of Section 17920, a Fictitious Name Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except, as provided in Subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to Section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A new Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration. Effective Jan. 1, 2014, the fictitious business name statement must be accompanied

by Affidavit of Identity form.

The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a Fictitious Business Names in violation of the rights of another under Federal, state, or common law (See Section 14111 et seq. Business and Professions code).

Original Filing 08/06/20, 08/20/20,

09/03/20, 09/17/20

09/03/20, 09/17/20

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME Case No. 20LBCP00182 Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles Petition of: Richard Michael Martorella for Change of Name TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner Richard Michael Martorella filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Richard Michael Martorella to Savio Liberante Martorello. The Court orders that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted.

Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted.

If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. Notice of Hearing: Date: October 1, 2020, Time: 8:30 a.m., Dept.: S26, Room: 5500 The address of the court is 275 Magnolia Ave, Long Beach, CA 90802 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Los Angeles Daily Journal Date: August 07, 2020 Michael P. Vicencia Judge of the Superior Court 8/17, 8/24, 8/31, 9/8/20 DJ-3389613#

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 2020115943 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: SANPEDRO. COM, 3185 ALMERIA STREET, SAN PEDRO, CA 90731 County of LOS ANGELES. Registered owner(s): JEROME T. DORSEY, 3185 ALMERIA STREET, SAN PEDRO, CA 90731. This business is conducted by an Individual. The registrant(s) started doing business on N/A.. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000)). S/ JEROME T. DORSEY, Owner This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on 07/31/2020. 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

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 2020107263 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: JOSEPHINE TUBEROS TAX SERVICE, 28631 S. WESTERN AVE, SUITE 105 A, SAN PEDRO, CA 90731. County of LOS ANGELES. Registered owner(s): JOSEPHINE TUBEROSI, 2025 UPLAND STREET, SAN PEDRO, CA 90275. This business is conducted by an Individual The registrant(s) started doing business on 01/1981. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000)).

S/ JOSEPHINE TUBEROSI, Owner . This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on 07/17/2020.

NOTICE-In accordance with Subdivision (a) of Section 17920, a Fictitious Name State-

ment generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except, as provided in Subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to Section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner.

A new Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration.Effective Jan. 1, 2014, the fictitious business name statement must be accompanied by Affidavit of Identity form. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a Fictitious Business Names in violation of the rights of another under Federal, state, or common law (See Section 14111 et seq. Business and Professions code).

Original Filing 08/20/20, 09/03/20, 09/17/20, 10/01/20

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 2020112419 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: 110 VIP MOBILE DETAILING, 1135 N. CABRILLO AVENUE, SAN PEDRO, CA 90731. County of LOS ANGELES. Registered owner(s):STEVE V. GUEVARA, 1135 N. CABRILLO AVE. SAN PEDRO, CA 90731. This business is conducted by an Individual . The registrant(s) started doing business on 01/2018. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000)).

S/ sTEVE V. GUEVARA, Owner This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on 07/27/2020. NOTICE-In accordance with Subdivision (a) of Section 17920, a Fictitious Name Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except, as provided in Subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to Section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner.

A new Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration.Effective Jan. 1, 2014, the fictitious business name statement must be accompanied by Affidavit of Identity form. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a Fictitious Business Names in violation of the rights of another under Federal, state, or common law (See Section 14111 et seq. Business and Professions code).

Original Filing 08/20/20, 09/03/20, 09/17/20, 10/01/20

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 2020112421 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: ARABELLA’S, 350 W. 5TH STREET #212, AVENUE, SAN PEDRO, CA 90731. County of LOS ANGELES. Registered owner(s):STEVE V. GUEVARA, 1135 N. CABRILLO AVE. SAN PEDRO, CA 90731. This business is conducted by an Individual. The registrant(s) started doing business on 01/2018. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand

dollars ($1,000)). S/ VALERIE MONIQUE SANCHEZ-BUENO, Owner . This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on 07/27/2020.

NOTICE-In accordance with Subdivision (a) of Section 17920, a Fictitious Name Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except, as provided in Subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to Section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner.

A new Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration.Effective Jan. 1, 2014, the fictitious business name statement must be accompanied by Affidavit of Identity form. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a Fictitious Business Names in violation of the rights of another under Federal, state, or common law (See Section 14111 et seq. Business and Professions code).

Original Filing 08/20/20, 09/03/20, 09/17/20, 10/01/20

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 2020118391 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: KENIA Z. FLORALS, 729 WEST BASIN STREET, SAN PEDRO, CA 90731. County of LOS ANGELES. Registered owner(s):KENIA RIVERA, 729 WEST BASIN STREET, SAN PEDRO, CA 90731. This business is conducted by an Individual. The registrant(s) started doing business on N/A. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000)). S/ KENIA RIVERA, Owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on 08/05/2020. NOTICE-In accordance with Subdivision (a) of Section 17920, a Fictitious Name Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except, as provided in Subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to Section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner.

A new Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration.Effective Jan. 1, 2014, the fictitious business name statement must be accompanied by Affidavit of Identity form. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a Fictitious Business Names in violation of the rights of another under Federal, state, or common law (See Section 14111 et seq. Business and Professions code).

Original Filing 08/20/20, 09/03/20, 09/17/20, 10/01/20

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 2020117742 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: ALL CARPET CARE RESTORATION SERVICES, 1840 S GAFFEY STREET #414, SAN PEDRO, CA 90731. County of LOS ANGELES. Registered owner(s):MARTIN MADRIGAL, 24517 MARINE AVE, CARSON, CA 90745. This business is conducted by an Individual The registrant(s) started doing business on 01/2000. I declare that all information in this statement

is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000)). S/ MARTIN MADRIGAL, Owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on 08/04/2020. NOTICE-In accordance with Subdivision (a) of Section 17920, a Fictitious Name Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except, as provided in Subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to Section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A new Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration.Effective Jan. 1, 2014, the fictitious business name statement must be accompanied

by Affidavit of Identity form. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a Fictitious Business Names in violation of the rights of another under Federal, state, or common law (See Section 14111 et seq. Business and Professions code).

Original Filing 08/20/20, 09/03/20, 09/17/20, 10/01/20

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 2020119322 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: SV HARDWOOD FLOORING, 3420 Barbara St., SAN PEDRO, CA 90731. County of LOS ANGELES. Registered owner(s): SHAUN VICKERS, 420 Barbara St., SAN PEDRO, CA 90731 This business is conducted by an Individual. The registrant(s) started doing business on 06/2017. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000)). S/ SHAUN VICKERS, Owner . This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on 08/06/2020. NOTICE-In accordance with Subdivision (a) of Section 17920, a Fictitious Name Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except, as provided in Subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to Section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A new Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration.Effective Jan. 1, 2014, the fictitious business name statement must be accompanied by Affidavit of Identity form.

The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a Fictitious Business Names in violation of the rights of another under Federal, state, or common law (See Section 14111 et seq. Business and Professions code).

Original Filing 09/03/20, 09/17/20, 10/01/20, 10/15/20

September 3 - 16, 2020

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 2020107261 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: (1) ROYAL PALMS CONSULTING (2) SOUTH SHORES WELLNESS (3) SOUTH SHORES WELLNESS CENTER, 1611 W. 25TH ST. SAN PEDRO CA 90731, County of LOS ANGELES. Registered owner(s): ROYAL PALMS CONSULTING, INC. 3425 S. PATTON AVE., SAN PEDRO, CA 90731. This business is conducted by CoPartners.

The registrant(s) started doing business on N/A. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000)). S/ Rebecca Melzer, CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on 07/17/2020. NOTICE-In accordance with Subdivision (a) of Section 17920, a Fictitious Name Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except, as provided in Subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to Section 17913 other than a change in the residence

08/20/20, 09/03/20

which it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except, as provided in Subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to Section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner.

A new Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration. Effective Jan. 1, 2014, the fictitious business name statement must be accompanied by Affidavit of Identity form. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a Fictitious Business Names in violation of the rights of another under Federal, state, or common law (See Section 14111 et seq. Business and Professions code).

Original Filing 08/06/20, 08/20/20,

08/20/20, 09/03/20

08/20/20, 09/03/20

address of a registered owner.

A new Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration. Effective Jan. 1, 2014, the fictitious business name statement must be accompanied by Affidavit of Identity form. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a Fictitious Business Names in violation of the rights of another under Federal, state, or common law (See Section 14111 et seq. Business and Professions code).

Original Filing 07/22/20, 08/06/20,

Labor Day Edition

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 2020102756 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: OMELETTE & WAFFLE SHOP, 1103 S GAFFEY STREET, San Pedro, CA 90731, County of LOS ANGELES. Registered owner(s): MONA SUTTON, 437 W 38TH STREET, SAN PEDRO, CA 90731. LESLIE JONES, 437 W 38TH STREET, SAN PEDRO, CA 90731. This business is conducted by CoPartners. The registrant(s) started doing business on N/A. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000)). S/ LESLIE JONES, Partner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on 07/09/2020. NOTICE-In accordance with Subdivision (a) of Section 17920, a Fictitious Name Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except, as provided in Subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to Section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A new Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration. Effective Jan. 1, 2014, the fictitious business name statement must be accompanied

by Affidavit of Identity form. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a Fictitious Business Names in violation of the rights of another under Federal, state, or common law (See Section 14111 et seq. Business and Professions code).

Original Filing 07/22/20, 08/06/20,

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 2020108119 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: (1) NORTH SHORES WELLNESS CENTER (2) ABSOLUTELY NORTH SHORES WELLNESS CENTER (3) NORTH SHORES SOLUTIONS, INC. (4) NORTH SHORES WELLNESS (5) VITAL HEALTH WELLNESS CENTER, 3425 S. PATTON AVE., SAN PEDRO, CA 90731, County of LOS ANGELES. Registered owner(s): NORTH SHORES SOLUTIONS, INC., 3425 S. PATTON AVE., SAN PEDRO, CA 90731 This business is conducted by CoPartners.

The registrant(s) started doing business on N/A. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000)).

S/ Rebecca Melzer, CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on 07/19/2020.. NOTICE-In accordance with Subdivision (a) of Section 17920, a Fictitious Name Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except, as provided in Subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to Section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner.

A new Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration. Effective Jan. 1, 2014, the fictitious business name statement must be accompanied by Affidavit of Identity form. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a Fictitious Business Names in violation of the rights of another under Federal, state, or common law (See Section 14111 et seq. Business and Professions code).

Original Filing 07/22/20, 08/06/20,

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RANDOMLetters [Letters, from p. 11]

the taxpayers’ expense.

Delusional Donald continues to claim the coronavirus will simply “... disappear, one day, it’s like a miracle, it will disappear ...” as some sort of sick, psychotic rationalization for his Russian-controlled regime’s intentional inaction during this deadly pandemic. Vladimir Putin and his pathetic puppet Trump aren’t fooling anyone other than Jim Jones Trump’s Orange Kool-Aid drinkers and their greedy, hypocritical charlatan pastors in their private jets.

Over 170,000 Americans are dead due to the Republican Party’s ongoing criminal negligence and purposefully incompetent cruelty. On Nov. 3, the American people will finally render their political and constitutional judgment against Orange Julius Caesar in a landslide defeat for the GOP of historic

proportions. Adios, Trump!

And if the GOP’s dimwitted, draft-dodging version of Julius Caesar (who is more like a comb over Caligula) follows through on his tyrannical, terroristic threats to sabotage and/or cancel this November’s presidential election, the American republic’s defenders will respond appropriately in the remaining days of traitor Trump’s pathological presidency.

(Perhaps the Orange Emperor has never read William Shakespeare’s play about this subject?)

Speaking of Shakespeare, where in the world is the Tangerine Tyrant’s 14-year-old son Barron Trump — a sad, tragic, unloved Shakespearean character if there ever was one? Considering the virtual blackout of almost all news coverage of President Trumptanic’s troubled relationship with his youngest son Barron, isn’t it time for the craven corporate media to highlight the highly relevant fact that Barron will NOT be returning to school in person this year like your children, but Barron Trump will instead stay safe at

home and attend class online?

Jake Pickering Arcata, Calif.

“They Say” Talking Points

• They say we want to disband police departments (and that we hate the police): we don’t, that’s a lie.

We want to weed out racism and unnecessary police brutality and for those who abuse their power to be held accountable.

• They say we want to release all prisoners: we don’t, that’s a lie. We want to weed out racism and ensure the punishments match the crimes.

• They say we want open borders: we don’t, that’s a lie. We want asylum seekers to be given their chance to seek asylum. We want to help people, who are coming from unimaginable terror and poverty, help to give them the chances we have. We want to ensure children aren’t separated from their parents and that nobody is

kept in cages. But we do want proper vetting.

• They say we want to take away your guns: we don’t, that’s a lie. We want logical gun control to help prevent mass shootings.

• They say we want to wage a war on Christianity and Christian values: we don’t, that’s a lie. We want people of all religions to be able to practice and worship freely.

• They say we want to get everything for free: we don’t, that’s a lie. We want to work hard and make sure that healthcare and education are affordable for all.

• They say we want a war against traditional marriage: we don’t, that’s a lie. We want people of all sexual orientations to be able to love freely, no matter who you love. Love is love.

• They say we want to destroy or rewrite history: we don’t, that’s a lie. We want to recognize the ugly parts of our past and do everything we can to say “that’s not okay, let’s not honor those aggressors, let’s not let those things happen again.”

• They say we want to take away your constitutional rights: we don’t, that’s a lie. We choose to believe science and wear masks and try to prevent the spread of this disease.

• They say we hate America: we don’t, that’s a lie. We just recognize our faults and want us to do better, be better.

Stop with the us vs. them.

Stop with the straw man arguments.

Stop with the fake news.

Stop with Fox news.

Our position is one of empathy, compassion and logic.

Stop believing the hype.

Stop with the division.

Stop the lies.

Just stop.

Facebook.com/FilAmsForBiden Twitter/Instagram: @FilAmsForBiden

September 3 - 16, 2020

Labor Day Edition

[News Briefs, from p. 18]

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the Los Angeles Regional COVID-19 Recovery Fund.

The Recovery Fund, which has already awarded $3.2 million in grants to more than 300 L.A. County microentrepreneurs, small businesses and nonprofits, has now been bolstered by an additional $60 million in CARES Act funding from the County of Los Angeles and an additional $40 million from the City of Los Angeles. This will provide thousands of Los Angeles County businesses with awards ranging from $5,000 to $25,000.

Businesses can apply for the next round of Recovery Fund awards now by visiting LACOVIDFund. org. Businesses will only need to apply once to be eligible for future rounds. Nonprofit organizations will also be eligible for $75,000 awards in a later round of funding.

Details: 833-238-4450; lacountyhelpcenter.org.

Gardena Man Pleads Guilty in Loan Fraud Scheme

GARDENA — A Gardena man pleaded guilty Aug. 17 to federal criminal charges that he defrauded nonbank lenders to obtain loans, resulting in at least $550,000 in losses.

Troy Rustill Stroud, 53, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

According to his plea agreement, over the course of several years and continuing through May 2020, Stroud defrauded non-bank lenders by supplying them with false information to obtain loans. Stroud created a number of corporations that purported to be in business, but, in fact, were not.

Stroud took in more than $1.5 million.

Stroud was arrested in Gardena in May and evidence recovered following his arrest indicated that he was planning to commit additional fraud.

His sentence is scheduled for Feb. 22, 2021, at which time Stroud will face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.

Labor Day Edition

September 3 - 16, 2020

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Thank You to Our Workers Thank you to all the men and women who work hard to keep cargo moving during these uncertain times. Happy Labor Day!

September 3 - 16, 2020

Labor Day Edition

And remember that Port workers can get free COVID tests with no appointment at our site in the Harbor District. More information at polb.com/COVID19.

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