Signal Tribune
INSIDE: Long Beach Collective Association recommends changes to City’s failing Cannabis Social Equity Program
Your Weekly Community Newspaper
VOL. XLIII NO. 30
see page 3
Serving Bixby Knolls, California Heights, Los Cerritos, Wrigley and Signal Hill
LB CITY COUNCIL
Friday, July 23, 2021
COMMUNITY
Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune
A permanently closed Russian Foxtrot-Class submarine known as the Scorpion sits next to the Queen Mary on June 7, 2021.
Sink or swim? Long Beach weighs options for the future of the Queen Mary Karla M. Enriquez | Signal Tribune
Emma DiMaggio
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Porche Smith stands next to her son Landen Smith at a July 2021 weekend sale. Porche teaches Landen the lemonade-making process.
Managing Editor
o matter what Long Beach chooses to do with the Queen Mary, one thing is for certain: it will be ex-
pensive. “There really is no cheap option, just the least expensive of several expensive items,” said Franc Pigna, a consultant hired by the Port of Long Beach. During a special meeting on Tuesday, July 20, the Long Beach City Council publicly weighed its options for the Queen Mary for the first time since the City regained control of the ship in June. The historic ocean liner has been a tourist attraction since it first arrived in Long Beach in 1967 and is listed on the National Register for Historic Places. In the past four decades, the ship has had seven different operators, the most recent of which filed for bankruptcy. Deferred maintenance has left the ship with up to $289 million in needed repairs, according to a 2017 marine survey. Now, the ship’s fate lies in the hands of the city council. If Long Beach wants to wash its hands of the Queen Mary, a “retire and recycle” option would dismantle see QUEEN MARY page 7
This 8-year-old’s Black-owned business donates part of proceeds to support those experiencing homelessness
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Karla M. Enriquez Digital Editor
mong the muraled shops and heavy traffic on Artesia Boulevard in North Long Beach stands 8-year-old Landen Smith next to a fresh batch of lemonade. He started his lemonade stand on Juneteenth with a philanthropic goal—using part of the proceeds to help provide hand sanitizer, wipes and other essentials to those experiencing homelessness. “I wanted to be a superhero and help the homeless,” Smith said. According to the 2020 Point-in-Time Homeless Count, the City of Long Beach identified 2,034 people experiencing homelessness in January 2020—a 7% increase from the previous year. The 2020 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count identified 66,436 people experiencing
Karla M. Enriquez| Signal Tribune
Landen serves fresh original lemonade during a July 2021 weekend sale. Part of his proceeds go to help buy essential items for those experiencing homelessness.
homelessness—a 12.7% increase from the previous year. Sympathetic to the cause, Landen’s grandmother began donating bags full of essential items such as water and soap to support those experiencing homelessness and became the inspiration behind his philanthropy. Intent on doubling his grandmother’s donations, part of Landen’s proceeds have allowed them to give out 150 bags of essentials a month. “I’m very proud and I’m excited because it was all his idea,” said Landen’s mother Porche Smith. The idea flourished last year while Landen watched television and saw that lemonade stands garnered considerable revenue. “My grandmother called me and said ‘you know, Landen wants to get involved with feeding the homeless because he’s a hero and he wants to be a superhero,’” Porche recalled. However, the Safer at Home order that was triggered in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 see LEMONADE page 6
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WWW.SIGNALTRIBUNE.COM • NEWS • FRIDAY, JULY 23, 2021
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EDUCATION
LBUSD to implement learningacceleration plan; Board chooses new president, vice president Anita W. Harris
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Senior Writer
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bout 15,000 Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) elementary students are currently enjoying in-person summer school, with about 55,000 other LBUSD students to start classes on Sept. 1. In the meantime, the LBUSD Board of Education is taking steps to ensure a successful 2021-2022 academic year—a “renaissance” of in-person learning, as former LBUSD Board president Diana Craighead described it—assuming Long Beach allows schools to reopen as planned given the recent uptick in COVID-19 cases. The board reorganized with a new president and vice president, chose a new communications chief and learned that LBUSD’s new Learning and Acceleration Support Plan (LASP) may be made public as soon as the end of this week—complete with a transparent budget and expense tracker.
Board chooses new president, vice president; appoints new communications chief
LIVES LIVED
The board unanimously chose a new president from among its members during its July 19 meeting, as it does each year at this time. Dr. Juan Benitez will preside over the board for the 2021-2022 school year, replacing
Craighead, with Megan Kerr continuing as vice president. Benitez said he would continue his efforts to help historically marginalized students and their families, especially poor communities of color. “I am 100% committed to ensure our community’s vision for student success,” he said, referring specifically to the new learning-acceleration plan spearheaded by Superintendent Dr. Jill Baker and incorporating public input. Benitez was snubbed by the Board last year after being nominated for president by Kerr but not approved by the board. The board also voted to appoint Justin Grayson in LBUSD’s newly created position of chief communications and community-engagement officer. Baker said the position stemmed from the results of a recent communications audit that recommended LBUSD centralize its communications efforts rather than rely on school staff and administrators to respond to the community. She told the board that the new position would allow educators to focus on education rather than community engagement. In addition to public-school communications experience, Grayson’s background includes a journalism degree, a stint as an ABC News producer and a public-relations manager for Amazon. “The most important thing in communication is listening,” Grayson told the board.
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Baker told the board that information on the new LASP may be posted on LBUSD’s website as soon as this week. The public will be able to read about the four “pillars” of the plan and view its budget, which will be updated quarterly, Baker said. LBUSD approved a $1.1-billion annual budget last month, including about $500 million in pandemic-related funds from the state and federal governments. LASP is a cornerstone of Baker’s “excellence and equity” vision for LBUSD students. The plan divides the district’s goals and action steps into four main areas: academic acceleration and support, social and emotional wellbeing, engagement and voice, and infrastructure and capital improvement.
Baker said that though LASP hasn’t been published publicly yet, LBUSD has already implemented some of its action steps. “We have thousands of staff participating in professional development around culturally relevant instruction, around social and emotional learning, and around better serving our English-language learners, among the many things that are in the learning-acceleration and support plan,” Baker said. On Sept. 1, students can expect in-person classrooms to offer a “restorative restart,” as Baker described it, including activities that foster relationships among peers and with teachers, especially at the beginning of the school year. Classrooms may not “get down to business” right away in favor of students’ social and emotional wellbeing, Baker said.
Signal Hill Police Foundation to sponsor National Night Out Concert in the park
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Signal Tribune Partner Sponsored Article
Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune
The burnt remains of the playground area of Admiral Kidd park in West Long Beach on July 20, 2021. The fire occurred on Sunday, July 18.
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Learning and Accelerated Support Plan to go public as soon as this week
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Odis Allen 82 Siava Ala 58 Larry Shafer 83 Aaron Goldman 50 Gregory Leonard 68 Helen Moyer 60 Benito Garcia Jr 78 Kimberly Goss 61 Michelle Stueve 53 Evelyn Degenhardt 61 John Monigold 48 David Watkins 61 Roxie Brown 88 Charlotte Wikert 82 Uche Abioye 46 The families were assisted by McKenzie Mortuary. For more details on service dates and times, contact (562) 961-9301
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From left: Megan Kerr, LBUSD Board of Education Vice President for the 20212022 school year, Dr. Juan Benitez, LBUSD Board of Education president, Justin Grayson, approved by the LBUSD Board of Education on July 19 to be the school district’s first communications chief and community-engagement officer.
Emma DiMaggio Managing Editor
A fire engulfed the playground at Admiral Kidd Park this past Sunday, July 18, leaving the play structure charred and collapsed. The Long Beach Fire Department responded to the fire at approximately 2 a.m. after receiving calls of smoke in the area. The blaze took firefighters 45 minutes to extinguish, said Long Beach Fire Captain Jack Crabtree. On the morning of Tuesday, July 20,
Councilmember Roberto Uranga made a statement ensuring that the City will work to replace the playground area “as soon as possible.” “I am devastated to hear of this senseless loss of playground equipment at Admiral Kidd Park, especially during a time when children are out on summer vacation and participating in summer camp activities,” Uranga said in a statement. An investigation into the cause of the fire is underway, Crabtree said.
n Tuesday, August 3, the Signal Hill Police Foundation will sponsor the National Night Out Concert in the Park featuring local favorite - Knyght Ryder. The concert begins at 6:30 p.m. at Signal Hill Park. National Night Out is an annual event bringing the Signal Hill community and Police Department together for an evening of fun, food, and raffle prizes. The Signal Hill Police Foundation will host a booth with giveaways, raffle tickets for great prizes, and information about the Police Foundation and how to support its efforts. Slices of Big E’s Pizza will also be available at no charge. Signal Hill Police Foundation President and former Signal Hill City Manager Charlie Honeycutt shared that “The Police Foundation is very happy to sponsor a Concert in the Park and give the community an opportunity to interact with our police officers while spending an enjoyable evening outdoors with friends and family”. He continued by explaining “The Signal Hill Police Foundation is an amazing group of business and civic leaders that dedicate their time to supporting the Police Department and making Signal Hill a welcoming place for all”. He concluded by saying “The Foundation is fortunate to have great support from
individuals as well as Signal Hill Petroleum, Big E’s and Jimmy E’s restaurants, Boulevard Cadillac, EDCO, DISC Solutions, and Coldwell Banker Global Luxury”. Jimmy Eleopoulos, owner of Big E’s and Jimmy E’s restaurants commented on how fortunate Signal Hill residents and businesses are to have its own Police Department. “I have been in business in Signal Hill since 1986 and lived in the community for many years. We have a great Police Department with great officers who keep us safe and treat people with respect.” Mr. Eleopoulos also serves as Vice President of the Police Foundation. The Signal Hill Police Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose primary mission is to support events that continue building positive relationships between the Signal Hill community and its Police Officers. In addition to the National Night Out concert, the Foundation will be hosting a Popsicles with Police event promoting engagement with the city’s youth and supporting the Police Department Holiday Outreach program that assists seniors, families, and individuals inneed during the Christmas season. To support the efforts of the Signal Hill Police Foundation, you can participate in the annual Golf Invitational on November 1, 2021 at Old Ranch Country Club or make a donation through theirwebsite - www.SH-PoliceFoundation.org.
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WWW.SIGNALTRIBUNE.COM •NEWS • FRIDAY, JULY 23, 2021 CANNABIS
Long Beach Collective Association recommends changes to City’s failing Cannabis Social Equity Program
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Kristen Farrah Naeem Staff Writer
he Long Beach Collective Association, a group of individuals and businesses in the local cannabis industry, has asked the City to rethink its Cannabis Social Equity Program. "I think the public should know that the City is trying to portray this image of change and assistance, but in actuality, it has only helped one applicant," program applicant Bryant Ezeji said.
Cannabis Social Equity Program has less than 1% success rate
Since the program began in 2018, it has only helped one out of 117 applicants open a cannabis business, according to an email from the Office of Cannabis Oversight on June 24, 2021. The program was created to help people and communities targeted during the War on Drugs benefit from the now legal cannabis industry. However, with a less than 1% success rate, the program seems like an empty gesture. "Whatever atmosphere of change that they're trying to portray is not true, most of us still aren't operating at all," Ezeji told the Signal Tribune. The LBCA has presented a series of policy recommendations to the City's Human Relations Commission, focused on providing reliable funding and guidance to potential business owners in the Cannabis Social Equity Program. “There's no infrastructure that is built to oversee us as we become equity applicants,” Ezeji said. The amount of money needed to open a cannabis business can often cost over $1 million-- a practically impossible amount of money for social
equity applicants to come up with by themselves. Qualified social equity applicants are required to have a net worth of less than $250,000 and have an annual family income at or less than 80% of the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale Area Median Income—$72,100 per year for a two-person household. Although business owners can potentially receive $215,000 through the Cannabis Social Equity Program, in most cases it isn't nearly enough to open a cannabis business. "The City grants gets you about halfway there. And the other half, you're kind of on your own," Ezeji said.
Equity cannabis businesses need investors to survive This means most social equity applicants need additional funding to open a cannabis business, usually in the form of investors. "Because of these requirements for capital, many equity applicants partner with investors to get the capital required to open their business," Emily Armstrong, manager of Long Beach’s Cannabis Social Equity Program, told the Human Relations Commission on July 7. This often leaves new business owners vulnerable to shady investors who claim to want to help them, but really just want to take advantage of them. “From our research, equity businesses often fall trap to these agreements due to the need for resources and capital,” Armstrong said on June 16. Predatory investors may offer funding to a social equity applicant in order to gain a license that's been set aside for those in the Cannabis Social Equity Program, and then slowly take over control of the business once it opens. "Predatory practices involve predatory agreements and unfair business practices by individuals seeking to
partner with equity applicants, who would otherwise not qualify for a business license without that partnership," Armstrong said to the commission on July 7. Armstrong presented an example of predatory practices: where an equity applicant owns 51% of a business when first partnering with an investor, but then the investor slowly takes control of the shares of the business, until the equity applicant owns only a very small percentage.
Cannabis equity applicants can potentially receive $215,000 through the City’s program. Starting a cannabis business can cost upwards of $1 million. Equity applicants are required to have a net worth of less than $250,000 to qualify for the program.
"At some point we're etched out of our own licenses, pretty much." Ezeji said. Ezeji said that during his time as an applicant in the Cannabis Social Equity Program, several large corporations have tried to rope him into unfair contracts. “They'll come in with these contracts that can be much more beneficial to them, and give no control to the social equity applicant. You know, most of us are running businesses for
the first time. And most of us aren't too business savvy so they'll come in with contracts that give them most of the control, and then give us most of the liability,” Ezeji said.
LBCA recommends a list of trustworthy investors be made by the City
To help social equity applicants decide which investors to trust when accepting funding to start their businesses, the LBCA is asking the City to create a list of reliable investors. "I think this would really protect the applicants from those predatory business practices," said Samantha Carillo, co-founder of Melons Co. alongside social equity applicant Henry Buyekx. The LBCA has requested that either the Human Relations Commission create the list, or that a new Cannabis-Specific Commission or a Social Equity Commission be formed to do so. When vetting potential investors, the LBCA recommends that the City look into any past bankruptcies, litigation, criminal records or non-payment of taxes, among other background information. However, Armstrong told the Human Relations Commission that the Cannabis Social Equity Program currently can't afford to verify investors to that extent. "I can say that any process to vet investors or have a more robust vetting process will likely cost additional City resources than what we currently have allocated for the program," Armstrong told the Human Relations Commission.
LBCA recommends letting applicants team up to open business Another recommendation by the LBCA could make outside investors unnecessary.
It asks that social equity applicants be allowed to team up and combine the money they receive from the Cannabis Social Equity Program to open a business together. Under this model, they would all share a business license, "with small or no percentage of outside investors," according to the LBCA recommendations. "That would be a great help if we're allowed to do it with every license type," Ezeji said.
Creating a list of industry professionals to help equity applicants
Besides helping applicants secure funding, the LBCA recommendations also want the Cannabis Social Equity Program to offer a series of business development and educational opportunities to business owners. In a list similar to the one proposed for investors, the LBCA wants the City to also vet professional organizations that it can navigate applicants towards for resources such as mentoring, incubation, training and business and law education. This would provide guidance on how to run a successful business and how to navigate City policies as applicants move through the program. "I think that's so important because without the proper knowledge of the industry you will get eaten up," Carillo said. "And that's education coming from people who have experienced the industry firsthand." The Human Relations Commission will further discuss and vote on accepting the LBCA's policy recommendations during their next meeting on Wednesday, August 4. "I think this program has the potential to change so many lives, including ours, and I'm excited to see the program evolve," Carillo said.
Signal Tribune MANAGING EDITOR
Emma DiMaggio
DIGITAL EDITOR
Karla M. Enriquez
PHOTO EDITOR
Richard H. Grant
LEGALS COORDINATOR
Katherine Green
SENIOR WRITER
Anita W. Harris
STAFF WRITER
Kristen Farrah Naeem
COLUMNIST
Claudine Burnett
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WWW.SIGNALTRIBUNE.COM • NEWS • FRIDAY, JULY 23, 2021
PUBLIC SAFETY
Long Beach dedicates $8.63 million to public safety, over half goes to LBPD Kristen Farrah Naeem Staff Writer
The Long Beach City Council unanimously voted to dedicate $8.63 million to deal with crime arising from the pandemic at their Tuesday, July 20 meeting. “The city of Long Beach has had a significant increase in violent crime, especially crime around gun violence. This is a national issue not just a local Long Beach issue and it stems from economic distress, unemployment and societal stresses,” City Manager Tom Modica said. The newly-passed Long Beach Safety Recovery Plan lays out how a previously committed $3.63 million in federal relief money will be used, as decided by the Long Beach Recovery Act. Besides the money set aside by the Long Beach Recovery Act, the Long Beach Safety Recovery Plan allocates an additional $5 million in general fund money to address crime and public safety. The general fund is replenished by taxpayer dollars. Over half of the money from the Long Beach Safety Recovery Plan will go towards the police, with the rest going to community programs that aim to
reduce violence. $1 million from the plan will be used to maintain the size of the Long Beach Police Department which is expected to lose 30 officers to retirement this year, Councilmember Stacy Mungo said.
Council looks to address increasing gun violence
The Long Beach Safety Recovery Plan focuses on addressing gun violence in the city. According to a presentation by the City, there was a significant increase in gun violence in Long Beach at the beginning of 2021. Across the United States, gun sales were up 64% in 2021. The City presentation also said that firearm seizures by LBPD during the first half of this year were up by 51% compared to the same period last year. According to the City, as of July 13, 2021, firearm assaults in Long Beach were up 60% compared to the same time of year in 2020. $75,000 from the Long Beach Safety Recovery Plan will be used to fund a Gun Buyback Program, where the City will exchange gift cards for unwanted firearms in order to reduce the number of guns on the street.
Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune
$1.75 million out of the $8.63 million will go towards LBPD’s Coordinated Response Team (CRT), which investigates firearm assaults. According to Assistant City Manager Linda Tatum, the CRT team is made up of sworn officers as well as civilian staff. The team will use “crime analysis and intelligence techniques” to investigate gun crimes, according to Tatum.
Community calls on council to dedicate more resources to alternative modes of violence prevention
During public comment multiple people criticized the amount of funding the police department received
when compared to other programs. LBPD received over $4.57 million out of the $8.63 million allocated in the Long Beach Safety Recovery Plan. Community members and local nonprofits told the city council that they wanted additional funding for programs that prevent violence before it occurs. “We’re not investing enough into our local youth. We’re not investing enough into violence prevention, what really works. I’m a Washington neighborhood youth, I’m a Washington neighborhood emerging adult. Our youth are crying for help. Our young men, specifically, are crying for help in that neighborhood. And we need to actually start supporting them,” said David McGill Soriano, founder of the youth-centered nonprofit Books & Buckets. Soriano said that violence has persisted in the Washington neighborhood where he lives despite the police department’s implementation of the Neighborhood Walks Program– referencing the recent homicide of 22-yearold Rafael Ortiz Araiza on June 24. Organizer Jordan Wynne told the city council that they were misrepresenting the increase in gun violence in 2021 when compared to 2020, saying that it should be expected since many
people were stuck at home for the majority of 2020. He noted that rates of violent crime in 2021 were still lower than they had been in previous years. “You’re telling me that crimes involving firearms have increased 60% compared to last year, 2020, a year when almost all people, everyone, stayed constantly isolated inside their homes? That doesn’t surprise me,” Wynne said. “Crime is still down compared to where we were 10 years ago, even five years ago, even three years ago, and we can’t use that as a justification to go back on our promise to commit to our communities.” Both violent crime and property crime occur at a lower rate than they did at the same point in time five years ago. Three years ago, in 2018, there was a higher rate of violent crimes by this point in the year, but less property crimes. “I’m not convinced that the police needs this money,” Wynne said. City council members thanked those who gave public comments, and agreed that community programs that prevent violence are important, but did not allocate any additional funding or opt to change the way funds would be dispersed.
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Secret Life of Pets 2 Bixby 6/28 Veterans 6/30 Silverado 7/2
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The Croods: A New Age Ramona 7/12 Davenport 7/14 Wardlow 7/16
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WWW.SIGNALTRIBUNE.COM • NEWS • FRIDAY, JULY 23, 2021 RENAMING
Proposal to rename North Long Beach health facility after Ronald Arias moves forward
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Long Beach residents could soon refer to the newly renovated North Health Facility as “The Ronald R. Arias Health Equity Center” after the former Long Beach Director of Health and Human Services. At its Tuesday, July 20 meeting, the Long Beach City Council referred the renaming proposal to the Government, Personnel, and Elections Committee for consideration with a unanimous vote. The move honors the legacy of the “modern-day father of the Long Beach Health Department,” as Mayor Robert Garcia referred to him during the meeting. “Ron’s legacy is really community health, investing in local communities to spur transformational change,” said Vice Mayor Rex Richardson, who introduced the item. For over 22 years, Arias was part of the leadership at the City’s Health Department—12 of those he served as department director. Some of the accomplishments during his tenure include the development and opening of the Miller Family Health Education Center and the introduction of the City’s Healthy Beverage Snack Policy. Over the years Arias kept North Long Beach at the forefront in his mission to improve health inequities through policy changes. Under his leadership, he procured a $1 million investment into North Long Beach by Kaiser Permanente through the Healthy Eating, Active Living (HEAL) Zone initiative, which centered on Houghton Park and surrounding neighborhoods. “Arias is not just a legend in the health world locally, but also for the Latino community,” Garcia said, noting that Arias fought for equity as a young student activist. Arias committed his career and life to social justice, youth development and better health outcomes for all, a document from Richardson’s office said branding him a “public health champion.” Reflecting on his contributions to the city’s public health, Richardson and other council members agreed that Arias was the appropriate person to name the facility after. The North Health Facility is scheduled to reopen this summer after it closed two years ago for needed renovations. A $5 million dollar investment was made into the facility, according to Richardson. The facility will include youth violence prevention and reentry programs, workforce development programs, medical services to North Long Beach residents, a public health clinic with emphasis on sexual health and meeting rooms for program leaders. “It’s a great opportunity to engage in placemaking,” Richardson said. “I believe in taking something that really didn’t have much of an identity and give it a name, give it an identity that really reflects our community.” Community leaders signed a letter in support of the renaming including Dr. Juan Benitez, Long Beach Unified School District Board of Education president, and Martha Cota, executive director for Latinos In Action California. “He is a true example of an advocate, mentor, and compassionate leader,” the letter said. The item will need to make its way back to the council for final approval.
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Long Beach unveils $3 billion budget proposal, recovery funds give City a year to prepare for future shortfalls
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Ronald Arias poses in front of the Department of Health and Human Services. For over 22 years, Arias was part of the leadership at the City’s Health Department.
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WWW.SIGNALTRIBUNE.COM • LEGAL NOTICES/COMUNMUNITY • FRIDAY, JULY 23, 2021
EYE ON CRIME CRIMES REPORTED BY THE SIGNAL HILL POLICE Thursday, July 15
7:31 a.m., Burglary, 3200 block E. 19th St. 8:28 a.m., Auto burglary, 2400 block Cherry Ave.
Friday, July 16
12:31 a.m., Burglary tools; possessing paraphernalia; resisting police officer; felony warrant, 1600 block E. Spring St. (suspect arrested) 2:10 a.m., DUI, Junipero Ave./Combellack Dr. (suspect arrested) 5:16 p.m., Auto burglary, Orange Ave./Nevada St.
Saturday, July 17
5:10 p.m., Assault with a deadly weapon, 1800 block Junipero Ave. 6:14 p.m., Battery, 2300 block Lewis Ave.
Sunday, July 18
11:47 a.m., Grand theft, 900 block Las Brisas Way 7:21 p.m., Petty theft, 900 block E. 33rd St. (suspect arrested) 8:24 p.m., DUI, E. PCH/Gaviota Ave. (suspect arrested)
Monday, July 19
8:12 a.m., Grand theft – motor vehicle, 1600 block E. Burnett St. 9:29 a.m., Grand theft, 2100 block Ohio Ave. 5:10 p.m., Auto burglary, 2600 block Panorama Dr. 5:28 p.m., Auto burglary, 2500 block Temple Ave.
Tuesday, July 20
3:48 a.m., Auto burglary, 1800 block Molino Ave. 7:33 a.m., Grand theft, 2300 block E. Spring St. 6:30 p.m., Robbery, 2500 block E. Willow St. 9:46 p.m., Robbery, 3000 block California Ave.
Wednesday, July 21
8:48 a.m., Identity theft, 1500 block E. Spring St. 11:29 a.m., Grand theft – motor vehicle, 900 block E. Willow St. 2:07 p.m., Grand theft, 2500 block E. Willow St. 2:50 p.m., Grand theft – motor vehicle, 1600 block E. Spring St. 8:34 p.m., Battery, 1800 block Freeman Ave. 10:31 p.m., Grand theft – motor vehicle, 700 block E. Spring St.
TST6470 Case No. 21TRCP00204 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, 825 Maple Ave., Torrance, CA 90503 PETITION OF: David Garcia JR TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioners: David Garcia JR has filed a petition with this court for a decree changing his name as follows: Present Name: David Garcia JR to Proposed Name: David Garza 2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall 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. NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: August 20, 2021; Time: 8:30a.m., Dept. B. The address of the court is the same as above. 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, THE SIGNAL TRIBUNE, 1860 Obispo Ave., Ste. F, Signal Hill, CA 90755, July 2, 9, 16, 23, 2021 _________ Gary Y. Tanaka, Judge of the Superior Court Dated June 23, 2021
TST6488 Case No. 21LBCP00215 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELESGEORGE DEUKMEJIAN COURTHOUSE, 275 Magnolia, Long Beach, CA 90802 PETITION OF: Jenny Manimbo TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioners: Jenny Manimbo has filed a petition with this court for a decree changing her name as follows: Present Name: JENNY MANIMBO to Proposed Name: JENNY KREE MANIMBO. 2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall 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. NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: August 31, 2021; Time: 8:30a.m., Dept. 26. The address of the court is the same as above. 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, THE SIGNAL TRIBUNE, 1860 Obispo Ave., Ste. F, Signal Hill, CA 90755, July 23, 30 & August 6, 13, 2021 ________ Michael P. Vicencia, Judge of the Superior Court Dated July 19, 2021
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TST6487/Order No: 10091 Auto Lien Sale On 8/5/2021 at 6821 CRENSHAW BLVD LOS ANGELES,CA a Lien Sale will be held on a 2017 BMW VIN: WBA8E1G38HNU17338 STATE: CA LIC: 8SRB574 at 10 AM
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continued from page 1 pandemic delayed Landen’s plans. This summer, however, Landen sells his popular fresh lemonade from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays with his mother by his side. “I just have his back,” Porche said. “I let him know ‘whatever you want to do, I’m here to support.’” Dreaming up ideas on how to expand his small business, Landen modeled his lemonade stand after Hot Dog On a Stick, but he wants it “to be bigger.” Landen’s menu is extensive—he offers original lemonade, with the option to add strawberries or blueberries and on occasion the in-demand mango flavor. His stand also offers corn, flavored pickles (chamoy and tajin), hot links, hot dogs and chips. The lemonade flavors are made from scratch by slow-cooking raspberries and peaches. Behind the scenes, Porche teaches Landen the process. The original lemonade is made out of lemons, sugar and spring water—a combination that pairs well with Southern California heat waves. On Saturday, July 17, Landen took to Instagram to announce that the lemonade had sold out in the first few hours. The same happened at his Santa Fe Springs pop-up on July 3. Landen hasn’t just been in demand in his own neighborhood. He has been invited to do several pop-ups in the Crenshaw District and Chino. “We’ve been getting a lot of support and I would like to thank everyone who’s been giving us support,” Porche said. “I hope everybody comes out and tries it.” Landen’s Lemonade will be available Saturday and Sunday at 1082 Artesia Blvd. in Long Beach until mid-August. For more information, follow @landenlemonade8 on Instagram.
TST6485 NOTICE OF ORDINANCE ADOPTION Ordinance No. 2021-06-1524 was introduced by the Signal Hill City Council at their meeting of Tuesday, June 22, 2021. A summary of the ordinance is as follows: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SIGNAL HILL, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE CITY’S PURCHASING ORDINANCE AS SET FORTH IN TITLE 3 OF THE SIGNAL HILL MUNICIPAL CODE The ordinance was adopted by the following vote:
AYES: MAYOR EDWARD H.J. WILSON, VICE MAYOR KEIR JONES, COUNCIL MEMBERS ROBERT D. COPELAND, TINA L. HANSEN, LORI Y. WOODS
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
A copy of the full text of the ordinance is available in the City Clerk’s Office and on the City’s website: www.cityofsignalhill.org _______________________ Carmen R. Brooks City Clerk Published in the Signal Tribune newspaper on July 23, 2021. Posted at City Hall, Discovery Well Park, Reservoir Park, and Signal Hill Public Library on or before July 16, 2021.
Long Beach will draft ordinance that could penalize participants and spectators of street takeovers
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LEMONADE
CITY OF SIGNAL HILL
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TST6489 / 2021 157997 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person is doing business as: EMBLEMAGIC, 1961 Obispo Ave., Signal Hill, CA 90755. Registrant: PATRICIA FAIRCHILD, 202 E 185th St., Carson, CA 90746. This business is conducted by: an Individual. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed: Patricia Fairchild. The registrant has begun to use this fictitious business name. The registrant began using this fictitious business name in June, 2021. This statement was filed with the county clerk of Los Angeles County on July 13, 2021. NOTICE: This fictitious business name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the county clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed prior to that date. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code). Pub. The Signal Tribune: July 23, 30 & August 6, 13, 2021
ONLINE AT SIGNALTRIBUNE.COM
Pet of the week:
Porter
Porter came to our shelter as a stray. He’s a 3-year-old Lab mix, with that sweet Lab disposition that immediately endeared him to our volunteers, as it will to you. Porter is looking for a port where he can finally drop his anchor and drift off for a nap. Then, he’ll bound back up, all shipshape for some shenanigans! Our shelter’s adoptions are conducted through appointment only, so call 562-570-PETS or email PetAdopt@longbeach.gov to meet Porter. Ask for ID#A658985. (This rescue is encouraged by the usual suspects.)
WWW.SIGNALTRIBUNE.COM • NEWS • FRIDAY, JULY 23, 2021 QUEEN MARY
continued from page 1 the ship with a cost of $105 million to $190 million, according to city-hired engineering firm Moffatt & Nichol. The short-term solution would save the City time and money on repairs, but deprive Long Beach of its historic artifact and economic generator. The ship brings in an estimated $93.7 million in economic output and 1,374 jobs, according to a 2019 study by Beacon Economics. The ship and surrounding land generated $58 million in revenue in the last full year it was open. Alternatively, the City could take a medium-term approach to preserve the ship. If it continues critical repairs and base maintenance until the ship is too costly to maintain, the City could pay up to $175 million over the next 25 years, in addition to $5 million annually and up to $50 million in one-time costs. But as long as the ship remains in water, it will continue to degrade. Naval architect John Waterhouse said that the ship is at a “tipping point” after 30 years of “fits and starts” in maintenance. The ship could last another century if the City chooses to drydock the Queen Mary with an estimated cost of $200 to $500 million, according to Moffatt & Nichol. Dry-docking the ship may be feasible, but only if the Queen Mary is structurally sound without the support of water. “The reports aren’t in,” Pigna said. “And we will find out, I guess, soon enough what the structural integrity of the Queen Mary will be. Now this sounds promising and it is promising. But then you’ve got the alternative, which is the reality issue.” Council members seemed in support of preserving the Queen Mary, both for its historic value and its potential as a revenue generator. The meeting was tinged with cautious optimism as the council awaits final reports on the full cost of conservation. “I think most cities would die for an opportunity to have a ship like the Queen Mary,” Councilmember Cindy Allen said, noting that the ship brings in an estimated 1.6 million annual visitors. Vice Mayor Rex Richardson said dismantling and recycling the ship would be “irresponsible,” given the substantial cost and loss of revenue opportunities. Dry-docking the ship could create job opportunities, he said, especially if the City decides to develop neighboring parcels of land. Economic Development Director John Keisler stressed that investments for the Queen Mary would not come from the taxpayer-funded General Fund, but rather the Tidelands Operating Fund. One-time costs associated with repairs could also be spread out across years, with some costs front-loaded at the beginning of the project. “Certainly the amount of history that has happened here is something to be celebrated and to be preserved and to be honored,” Mayor Robert Garcia said. “I want to also recognize that this is a very complex project or future project, this is not something that’s going to get decided today or next week.” The Queen Mary is expected to reopen sometime in 2022 after critical repairs are completed. City staff are expected to report back later this year with additional information on the City’s options for the ship.
ENVIRONMENT
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Aquarium of the Pacific joins effort to rescue hundreds of baby birds in danger of drowning City News Service Southern California Local News
Courtesy Aquarium of the Pacific
A rescuer with the Aquarium of the Pacific wraps up an elegant tern chick in a towel to warm it up after being saved from the ocean on the week of July 19.
A rescue effort to save some baby birds from drowning in Long Beach Harbor continued this week, with around 500 chicks saved so far. According to officials at Aquarium of the Pacific, the elegant terns formed a colony on two barges in the harbor, but the chicks keep falling into the water. Because they have not fledged, meaning they haven’t grown into their adult watertight feathers, they drown unless they are pulled from the sea. “Staff members from the aquarium have been going out on their boat daily to retrieve chicks from the water,” aquarium officials said, while also asking people to keep their distance from the barges and reduce speeds when boating in the harbor. Staffers in the Aquarium of the Pacific’s boat are picking up an average of about 35 chicks each day. “Our work isn’t done yet,” said JD Bergeron, CEO of International Bird Rescue in San Pedro, which is working with the Aquarium, Oiled Wildlife
Care Network and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. “This seabird crisis requires quick minds and strong hearts to do the best for these impacted birds.” Bergeron said about 500 chicks have been rescued so far. Once the wet birds are on the boat, they are transported to the groups’ clinic in San Pedro, where they are hand-fed and rehabilitated before they can be released back into the wild. The San Pedro group said the rescue event started after the colony was disturbed over the long Fourth of July weekend, which included a major fireworks show at Long Beach waterfront. They plan to mark some of the rescued birds with a temporary color identifier to track their progress. The number of rescued tern chicks at International Bird Rescue far exceeds the group’s normal caseload of patients, and all the organizations involved in the effort are asking the public to contribute donations to help feed and house the chicks by visiting birdrescue.org/help-terns.
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WWW.SIGNALTRIBUNE.COM • FRIDAY, JULY 23, 2021
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