Aug. 17, 2018 | Vol. XL | No. 34

S IGNAL T RIBU NE Serving Bixby Knolls, California Heights, Los Cerritos, Wrigley and Signal Hill with 30,000 issues every Friday

VOL. XL NO. 34

Your Weekly Community Newspaper

www.signaltribune.com

IN THIS ISSUE

August 17, 2018

Voters to decide on possible term increase for mayor, councilmembers in November

NEWS

City of LB halts use of weed killer linked to cancer

Roundup will no longer be used in parks pending further investigation.

A proposed amendment to the charter would establish three-term limit for Long Beach City Council.

Denny Cristales Online Editor

building for seniors. Many Lexanna tenants recently received notice that their rent would increase by $200 to $450 effective Sept. 1, according to a press release from Long Beach Residents Empowered (LiBRE).

“To me it’s horrible that these people are going through this,” Hall said.

“Senior citizens normally don’t have the income [...] I mean, my mom is 88 years old, and I mean, she lives with my sister for the same reason: financially, she can’t afford to live on her own. So, this is crazy that they’re having to pay $400 in rent increase.”

LiBRE is a resident-led community organizing group that advocates for affordable housing, renter protections and community economic development. Community organizer for LiBRE Alicia Perez said the organization has participated in several demonstrations concerning issues of displacement, gentrification and rent increases in Long Beach this year.

Perez said the rally was a response to the “lucrative rent increases taking place at the Lexanna Apartments” and a “call to action” for owner Kenneth Voight to address the concerns of his tenants as a result of the rent increase.

“We hope this is one step closer to the discussion with the owner, [Ken-

Public vote later this year will determine how the future process of mayoral and city-council service will be established, after the Long Beach City Council unanimously voted at its joint meeting Tuesday, Aug. 7 at City Hall, as council and the Charter Amendment Committee, for a proposed charter amendment on the Nov. 6 ballot that would create a three-term limit for said positions.

The city attorney will conduct an impartial analysis of the charter amendment and provide for the filing of written arguments regarding the initiative to be submitted for voters for the November election, according to the city-council agenda.

Elected officials spoke to the Signal Tribune this week about their decision to give local residents the options to vote for the increase in term limits– currently maxed at two terms– or to maintain the status quo.

During the Aug. 7 meeting, some of the council, namely 8th District Councilmember Al Austin, said there is currently a loophole that allows the council to run beyond two terms in the form of a write-in candidate.

“I do believe it’s important to give the voters the opportunity to decide,” Austin said. “I don’t think we want to continue to be the only city with a write-in loophole. [...] The threeterm modification is really not out of the norm or out of whack with other city governments. And, I can just say to many folks who said this was self-serving, please don’t assume that everybody wants to be here for 12 years. That’s an assumption. This is very hard work.”

During the public-comment portion of the meeting, some residents were outspoken against some of the proposed charter amendments that were discussed. Local resident John Deats criticized the councilmembers for their decisions.

“I’ve been a council watcher since 1965, when my father was first elected to the 3rd district,” Deats said.

see TENANTS page 14

see LIMITS page 11

Page 3

Signal Hill City Council opposes repealing gas tax

Photos by Paige Pelonis | Signal Tribune

Tenants of Lexanna Apartments on Sixth Street, along with Long Beach Residents Empowered, on Aug. 9 protest rent increases to take place in September at a rally organized by seniors and veterans who live in the building.

‘Housing is a human right,’ seniors, veterans cry at rally against rent increases

If passed, Prop. 6 would cost City $207K in transportation funds.

Tenants in Lexanna Apartment building may be paying up to $450 more in rent next month.

Page 3

Not enough hands on deck

Local community organization alleges housing-code enforcement underfunding is impacting LB tenants.

Paige Pelonis Staff Writer

Just getting home at the end of his day last Thursday, Rigo Hall climbed out of his car and said he could not believe what he saw: nearly 50 senior citizens, veterans and other advo-

cates were gathered across the street from his condo complex on Sixth Street carrying signs and chanting a variety of call-and-response cries against rent increases in Long Beach.

Hall lives across the street from the Lexanna Apartments, a 51-unit

Page 9

COMMUNITY Contractors urge state legislators to pause recent Dynamex court decision Rally on Capitol steps follows Long Beach press conference.

Page 8

Seniors and veterans who live in the Lexanna Apartments on Sixth Street in Long Beach organize a rally on Aug. 9 to protest rent increases set to take place in their building next month.

2

Signal Tribune

August 17, 2018

NEWS

August 17, 2018

Signal Tribune

City of Long Beach halts use of weed killer linked to cancer

3

Roundup will no longer be used in parks pending more investigation into product’s risks.

Cory Bilicko Managing Editor

Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Monsanto’s weed killer Roundup, has been making national news lately, after a San Francisco jury ordered the Bayer company, which recently purchased Monsanto, to pay $289 million in damages to a school caretaker who developed the blood-cell cancer non-Hodgkin lymphoma after years of using the herbicide.

A recent report by the nonprofit Environmental Working Group also found glyphosate in several breakfast cereals that are popular with children, and scientists worldwide have been attempting to halt the use of the chemical in crops.

The concern over the substance reached the local level this week, when the Long Beach City Council agreed that the City should quit using Roundup and explore other weed-abatement methods.

Gerardo Mouet, who is in his third month as director of the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department, addressed the city council during its meeting Tuesday night and indicated that the City should halt the use of the product until further information is available.

“One of the issues you may have heard about is Roundup, with regard to being on the list with Prop 65, as well as some recent news with regard to a court ruling [...]” Mouet said. “I recommend that we stop using Roundup in the parks. The maintenance contract, as you know, is not just [for] the parks, it’s also the golf courses, the street medians, the landscape around the police [stations], the library facilities. But right now,

Courtesy Legislative Analyst’s Office

longbeach.granicus.com

At Tuesday’s Long Beach City Council meeting, Gerardo Mouet, director of Parks, Recreation & Marine, recommended that the City halt its use of Roundup, a product used as a weed killer that contains glyphosate, a chemical that has been possibly linked to cancer.

we’re going to stop using Roundup– the chemical in question is glyphosate– so we can have time to assess and have an understanding of the regulations that are being placed on this chemical.”

Second District Councilmember Jeannine Pearce said that her constituents “have been waiting to end Roundup for a while.”

During the discussion, Mayor Robert Garcia sought clarification on what the council’s and staff’s decision is concerning Roundup.

Mouet responded by saying that his department has already stopped its use in parks, however they will continue using it on golf courses and medians, for the time being.

Garcia expressed confusion as

to why the product will no longer be sprayed in parks but will still be used in other areas.

“I would feel better if we just stopped, completely, using Roundup,” Garcia said.

The council agreed that it would discuss the matter further at its next meeting two weeks later.

In a phone interview Wednesday afternoon, Mouet explained to the Signal Tribune that he made the recommendation because, effective July 7, 2017, glyphosate is listed under Proposition 65, a law enacted by California voters in 1986 that mandates notification and labeling of all products that the State has detersee ROUNDUP page 13

A chart from the California Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) shows projected revenues from SB 1 fuel-and-vehicle tax increases over the next two years, earmarked for transportation infrastructure repair. If passed in November, Proposition 6 would eliminate $5.1 billion annually two years from now, the LAO estimates, reducing statewide highway and road maintenance-and-repair funding, as well as transit programs.

Signal Hill City Council opposes repealing gas tax Prop. 6 would cost City $207K in transportation funds.

Anita W. Harris Staff Writer

The Signal Hill City Council made two transportation-related decisions at its meeting Tuesday. One was to adopt a resolution opposing Proposition 6, which would reverse the recent 12-cents-per-gallon gasoline tax increase if the initiative passes in November.

The council also authorized contracts to install and maintain an electric vehicle (EV) charging station at the city’s civic center that can charge up to four vehicles at once.

Proposition opposition The council adopted a resolution opposing Proposition 6, the Voter Approval for Future Gas and Vehicle Taxes and 2017 Tax Repeal Initiative, which has see COUNCIL page 13

“

4

OPINION

Signal Tribune

August 17, 2018

LETTERS, EMAILS, WEBSITE COMMENTS AND STATEMENTS Letting the cat out of the bag

I believe it was always my intention to go to my 9th-grade dance. For three years at Marshall Junior High, I dressed weird, played clarinet in the band, spray-painted my lunch table, set a city record in track, earned nearly all As, threw spit wads on the ceiling of my English class, asked a girl to “go around” for the first time and started a punk band. Going to the last dance was the one act of normality, marking my advancement to high school.

My date was a girl I had known since elementary school. We were good friends, and, frankly, I was surprised she said yes, but we had history and even though she was way more surfer and California Girl, she liked my punk-rock antics and we always got along well.

After photos and pinning of the corsage, we were dropped off by my mom at the Jolly Roger, where we met our friends for our fancy dinner before the dance.

Once we actually got to school and walked into the gymnasium, I saw that I was wearing the same seersucker sports coat as one of the teachers. I was mortified! I was already blushing and in a cold sweat before anyone else had even noticed the fashion faux pas. I begged my friend Denos to let me wear his tan Members Only jacket instead of facing the embarrassment all night. He saved the day, but I felt more like Jack Nicklaus at that moment than I did a snotty punk rocker.

Things were fine inside the gym. I wouldn’t say it was overly decorated like you see in the movies, but, after all, it was just a junior-high dance. I do remember there was more mood lighting than I thought possible for a gym where we played hours of basketball and dodgeball.

Everything was pretty much as I had imagined it would be. The deejay played the new wave and pop hits of the day. The boys were on one side. The girls on the other. The night was a rite of passage.

I think my date ditched me immediately. I just hung out with my close friends and made the rounds saying hi to everyone. I was actually very social being there now mostly stag.

I even danced with Mary Hall, whom I had been feuding with in class the last few months. (Who can even remember what that was all about?) We promised to be civil to each other from there on out. She even wrote that in my yearbook.

Making my way around, I noticed Faith McClanahan sitting with her friends in the bleachers. She seemed to stay there most of the night and kind of sang and danced in place. She just watched everyone else move around the gym. Much later into the night, she got brave enough to come to the dance floor and rock out to “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll”

by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts.

Faith and I were pals and complete opposites. I was the punk rocker, and she was more

Hollie Hobbie-ish with thick glasses and long floral Jan Brady dresses. I was 5’11” and 125 pounds of all sharp points and knee caps.

Faith was 5’0” at most. We had many classes together over three years, and she was my savior while I suffered in pre-algebra class.

I hated math and that class, but ironically enough I respected the teacher (he had taught alongside my dad years and years before).

I got into a lot of trouble there, mostly for talking. I spent some class periods standing up the whole time as punishment or getting a lecture with a life lesson. Faith tutored me and explained pre-algebra so I could actually understand the subject and pull off a B- in the class by the end of the year.

As the night wore on, my date had danced with just about every other guy but me. Faith remained back in the bleachers just watching everyone else.

Finally, the deejay called “last song,” and the couples flooded the dance floor. My date had paired up with a mutual friend and were making out outside the basketball key. I stood there for a second as the opening piano notes from Journey’s “Open Arms” started to play. The mood turned perfectly cinematic: couples swaying on the dance floor, lights dimmed, the sense of graduation near, and Faith alone in the bleachers watching it all.

Like a dramatic scene from a teen movie, I slowly walked over to Faith, gave her my best 14-year-old sincere smile, held my hand out to take hers, helped her down the stairs and out to the dance floor. She had both arms wrapped around me in a bear hug, her head rested against my belly button. We danced “The Box” to the sweet song and rock anthem about love lost and love returned. Steve Perry’s voice filled the room, and the teen hearts, with his sincerity. Faith was happy to not sit this one out. I was happy to end the dance, and the school year, on this high note with a nice person as a very special thank-you for getting me through it all.

The song ended. We smiled. We parted ways. We went on to different high schools.

That night devolved into a group of us huddled around a fire pit at Bolsa Chica. One girl philosophized about fire and life and the mystery of the universe. I was still irked at my date for disappearing on me all night and now I had to sit at the after party with her? I was ready to get the hell out of there. At least the grunion was running so I had something else to do.

To this day every time I hear “Open Arms,” the movie starts to play and I remember that swaying room and last dance with Faith, Members Only jacket and all.

Last week, the national No Kill Advocacy Center sent a letter to the LA County district attorney asking for an investigation into Mayor Garcia’s alleged hiding of comments by animal advocates on his Facebook page in violation of the First Amendment. The 115-page letter includes photos of more than 28 comments Mayor Garcia appears to have hidden on his Facebook pages just prior to the April election in an apparent attempt to deflect criticism about his handling of the Long Beach Animal Care Services (LBACS) animal shelter, which a recent review by City Auditor Laura Doud has shown to be chaotically managed and characterized by poor decision-making and a lack of operational protocols, resulting in the inhumane treatment of animals.

Just one day after the letter was made public, the comments on Mayor Garcia’s page were apparently unhidden, revealing 28 additional formerly hidden comments by the public, including comments on non-animal-related issues, such as crime and homelessness. Due to their critical nature, it seems reasonable to assume that the 56 comments the letter alleges Mayor Garcia to have hidden were blocked in an attempt to suppress information that could adversely affect Mayor Garcia’s bid for re-election.

The hiding of comments on Facebook is a violation of the First Amendment, which guarantees people the right to free speech. It is unconstitutional, and therefore illegal, for an elected official to deprive citizens of this constitutionally protected right.

This past May, President Trump’s practice of blocking his critics on Twitter was declared unconstitutional by a federal judge in Manhattan. Mayor Garcia’s alleged practice of hiding Facebook comments parallels Mr. Trump’s actions and reflects a disturbing trend in which free-speech rights are being violated by politicians who believe they are above the law.

Based on Mayor Garcia’s willingness to get elected on the backs of shelter animals in 2014 and then wholesale abandon them almost immediately after he was elected, it has long been clear to animal advocates in Long Beach that Mayor Garcia is willing to engage in unethical behavior, but this represents a new low.

The people whose rights may have been suppressed are people who are concerned about shelter animals. They are speaking for some of the most vulnerable in society– those who are truly without a voice.

People in Long Beach love their pets– they’re part of our families. LBACS should have a strong adoption and foster program, medical and behavioral programs, community outreach and volunteer programs like other progressive shelters do, and people should not be shut down when they ask for such lifesaving programs When elected officials attempt to silence the voices of people who advocate for shelter animals, one has to wonder who they will attempt to silence next. We at No Kill Long Beach urge those who care about animals to get involved politically and stand up for Long Beach’s shelter animals. Visit No Kill Long Beach at facebook.com/NoKillLongBeach.

Patricia Turner, Ph.D. No Kill Long Beach

Four more years?

The only additional term our [Long Beach] mayor and city council deserve is a term in jail. We have one of the most dishonest, deceptive and corrupt city governments in the state led by Robert Garcia and his nine sheep.

What do independent observers have to say about this group’s ability to actually run this city? Wallethub, a respected financial website, publishes an annual list of the best and worst managed cities in the country. Long Beach is listed as one of the 25 Worst Managed Cities in America.

State Data Lab, another financial/accounting website, revealed that between 2015 and 2016, Long Beach went from a city with positive equity to a “sunken city” (negative equity) because Dr. Garcia added $2,100 in debt to every man, woman and child in town.

One of the 25 Worst Managed Cities in America? A sunken city? This abysmal performance merits a third-term?

Oh, but there are many more reasons to deny a third term.

Start with Dr. Garcia’s many lies, like the need for a new city hall/civic center. See how he used “creative financing”– a scam/fraud called a “public-private partnership (P3)”– to fund this billion-dollar obscenity. This fraud (P3) allowed him to borrow a billion dollars without taxpayer approval. Yes, we have all, unwittingly, signed up for a billion-dollar mortgage. Payments start next year, end in 2062. You do the math.

See how our leader curates his corruption. In this city, if you need something, say a raise or a tax break, it’s quid pro quo. You donate/contribute to any of Dr. Garcia’s campaigns, and you get what you want.

Why did city employee unions rush to contribute (invest) obscene amounts of money to Proposition A and Measure M? Because they knew they would be rewarded a hundred times over when it came time to (secretly) negotiate a pay raise. Which is, in fact, what happened.

But what’s truly important is discovering his real agenda, which is his own “war on poverty.” With over 100,000 Long Beach residents at or near the poverty level, it sounds like an admirable goal. But this is not a war on poverty that seeks to improve the economic circumstances of the poor.

This is a real war– a war to remove the poor from this city. By making gentrification at any cost his God, by giving the carpetbaggers/developers who have descended on this town whatever they need– City properties at fire-sale prices, tax breaks, zoning exceptions– he has abetted thousands of evictions and tens of thousands of unconscionable rent increases, and incentivized landlords to opt out of Section 8. Thousands have already left the city. But they need more time to finish removing the 100,000. That’s the true purpose of their unjustifiable third term.

We can stop this three-term insanity in its tracks. Follow Nancy Reagan’s advice and just say no!

Alex Victor Long Beach

S IGNA L T R I BU N E

PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Neena R. Strichart

ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS

Barbie Ellisen Katherine Green Sharon McLucas

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Stephen M. Strichart

STAFF WRITERS

CJ Dablo Anita W. Harris Paige Pelonis

MANAGING EDITOR

Cory Bilicko

CULTURE WRITERS

Adam Buchsbaum Ava Homa Rachael Rifkin

ONLINE EDITOR

Denny Cristales

EDITORIAL INTERNS

Izzie Hallock Lissette Mendoza

DESIGN EDITOR

Sebastian Echeverry

COLUMNISTS

Claudine Burnett Blair Cohn

The Signal Tribune welcomes letters to the editor, which should be signed, dated and include a phone number to verify authenticity. Letters are due by noon on the Wednesday before desired publication date. The Signal Tribune reserves the right to edit l­etters for grammar, language and space requirements. Letters must be 500 words or fewer. The Signal Tribune will publish no more than one “pro” letter and one “con” letter on a particular topic in a single issue. The Signal ­Tribune does not print letters that refer substantially to articles in other publications and might not print those that have recently been printed in other ­publications or otherwise presented in a public forum. Letters to the editor and commentaries are the opinions of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Signal Tribune or its staff. Although the editorial staff will attempt to verify and/or correct i­nformation when possible, letters to the editor and commentaries are opinions, and readers should not assume that they are statements of fact. Letter-writers will be identified by their professional titles or affiliations when, and only when, the editorial staff deems it relevant and/or to provide context to the letter. We do not run letters to the editor submitted by individuals who have declared their candidacies for public office in upcoming races. This policy was put in place because, to be fair, if we publish one, we would have to publish all letters submitted by all candidates. The volume would no doubt eliminate space for letters submitted by other readers. Instead, we agree to interview candidates and print stories about political races in an objective manner and offer very reasonable advertising rates for those candidates who wish to purchase ads. The Signal Tribune is published each Friday with a circulation of 30,000. Yearly subscriptions are available for $50.

1399 E. 28th St., Signal Hill, CA 90755 (562) 595-7900 www.signaltribune.com newspaper@signaltribune.com

S T COMMUNITY Putting their foot down

August 17, 2018

ignal

Open 7 Days a Week

nOW serving Dinner

Monday through Friday 5pm - 9pm

Breakfast & Lunch

patiO Dining

7am - 3pm Benedicts, Omelettes, Wraps, Salads, Chili & more.

Also... Bloody Marys, Mimosas, beer & wine.

5

3405 Orange ave. LB 562.490.2473 backbirdcafelb.com

Patricia’s Mexican Restaurant

Dine In

TAKE OUT

$$16.00 Salmon Fish Fillet Dinner Order your holiday tamales now!

OFF Dinner

Choose from beef, chicken, pinapple, chicken,pork, pork, pineapple, +Medium +Medium Drink per dozenDrink Choose from beef, when you purchase 2 dinner plates & 2 drinks (with this ad)

sweetsweet corn, strawberry or cheese w/ jalepenos corn, or cheese w/jalapeños

JUST $12.99* Authentic

*Offer expires 10/31/18

JUST $9.99*

Mexican Food

3626 Atlantic Ave. • Bixby Knolls 562-426-7547 • Fax: 562-426-0684 562-426-7547

*Offer expires 10/31/18

Hours: HOURS: Hours: Mon-Sat: 99a.m. a.m.--10 10p.m. p.m.

Mon-Sat 8:30am-10:30pm Mon-Sat: Sun: a.m.

9 p.m.

Sunday 8:30am-9pm Sun:99a.m.

-- 9p.m.

1/2 OFF*

CURIOUS HOW YOUR HOMES VALUE IS INCREASING THIS YEAR? Want an Instant, Free market evaluation?

Go To PriceMySignalHillHome.com Richard Daskam (562) 857-1965

Keller Williams Coastal Properties CalBRE 01091037 & 01443822

ribune

5

Community pop-up kicks off Long Beach’s e-scooter pilot program.

Cory Bilicko Managing Editor

Those with the willingness– and a bit of courage– to scoot around town may now do so, since the company Razor hosted a community pop-up event last Friday to introduce a fleet of e-scooters to Long Beach.

The company set up the event in the courtyard outside One World Trade Center from 11am to 1:30pm that day and distributed free helmets to attendees. Professional scooter rider Chandler Dunn was on hand to show how the electronic scooter works.

The event kicked off the City’s new e-scooter rental pilot program, which allows participating vendors to deploy e-scooters for program members to use for a fee. However, unlike the City’s bike-share program, the e-scooters are dockless and use an app-based system whereby riders are able to find a nearby e-scooter along rights-of-way, rent it for a period of time and then park it at their destination. Officials say a fee structure is in place to encourage riders to return the scooters to station locations.

In an interview with the Signal Tribune last month, Eric Widstrand, city traffic engineer, explained that the rights-of-way are basically the same as where bicycles are allowed to ride. In other words, riders are not allowed to use them on sidewalks. Upon the completion of the ride, the user must lift the scooter and place it into a designated “drop zone.”

“E-scooters should be ridden in the street, in bike lanes,” Widstrand said. “They should not be ridden on sidewalks. The max operating speed for the e-scooters is going to be 15 miles an hour, so that is a more appropriate speed for that vehicle to be in the bike lane, where bikes are traveling in that speed range as well. We don’t think it’s appropriate to have e-scooters ridden on the sidewalk where they’re with people who are walking [at] a much slower speed, not expecting e-scooters to be zipping by them.”

Widstrand said the pilot program will end on Oct. 30, see E-SCOOTERS page 14

Courtesy Razor USA

Professional scooter rider Chandler Dunn was on hand at Razor’s community e-scooter pop-up in downtown Long Beach Aug. 10 to show how the electronic scooter works.

AROUND TOWN MUSIC MONDAYS What Concert in the Park(ing Lot) Who Hosted by the Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association When Monday, Aug. 20 at 6:30pm Where Howard CDM lot, 3750 Long Beach Blvd.

More Info The 20-plus-piece band Western Standard Time Ska Orchestra will play at the final free Concert in the Park(ing Lot) of the year. Lola’s Mexican Cuisine will serve tacos and margaritas. Attendees are encouraged to bring a folding chair and dancing shoes. Visit bixbyknollsinfo.com.

In Long Beach in 1914 being gay is a crime.

But being who you really are is even more dangerous.

by Tom Jacobson Closing Weekend!!

562-494-1014 lbplayhouse.org 5021 E. Anaheim St

MONEY TALKS What Workshop Who Hosted by the American Association of University Women When Wednesday, Aug. 22 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm Where YMCA of Greater Long Beach, Suite 210, 3605 Long Beach Blvd.

More Info The free workshop about pay and benefits negotiation is developed for working women of workforce age to evaluate, negotiate and articulate their worth confidently in the job market. The workshop includes exercises, strategies and role-playing opportunities. Details and registration at salary.aauw. org/longbeach.

E. Bixby Hill Rd. More Info Attendees will get to sample wine, craft beers and appetizers, as well as explore the gardens and bid at the silent auction. Tickets cost $150 per person or $125 for Rancho Los Alamitos members.

Visit RanchoLosAlamitos.org.

GOOD TASTE What Taste of Downtown Who Hosted by the Downtown Long Beach Alliance When Wednesday, Aug. 29 to Thursday, Aug. 30, from 6pm to 10pm Where The boardwalk along Shoreline Drive between the Yard House and Q Smokehouse restaurants More Info Multiple DTLB restaurants will offer tasting-sized portions of their signature dishes and drinks. Admission is free, and $1 tasting tickets can be purchased at the event, or in advanced online.

Parking is available for a fee at the Shoreline Village Parking Lot or at the Pike Outlets Parking Garage at 65 Cedar Ave. To see participating restaurants, visit bit.ly/dlbatod.

CRACK A BOOK What Book club meeting Who Hosted by the Bixby Knolls Literary Society When Wednesday, Sept. 12, at 7pm FARM FEAST Where Elise’s Tea Room, 3924 AtWhat Fundraiser lantic Ave. Who Hosted by Rancho Los Alam- More Info At the group’s 127th itos meeting, attendees will discuss When Saturday, Aug. 25, from Maryanne Robinson’s Housekeep5:30pm to 9pm ing. The event is open to the public.

Where Rancho Los Alamitos, 6400 All are encouraged to read the book

in advance. Refreshments will be provided. Call (562) 595-0081 or email info@bixbyknollsinfo.com.

SAND, SUN AND SUCCESS What Fundraiser Who Hosted by the Boys and Girls Club of Long Beach When Saturday, Sept. 15, from 7am to 10am Where Meet up at the Granada Launch Ramp, 5000 E. Ocean Blvd.

More Info The walk will raise money for the Health and Life Skills programs at Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach. Check-in will be at 7am. After the walk, there will be a raffle and refreshments given out at 9:30am. A minimum $30 donation is required to participate in the walk. Contact Kari at KariC@bgclublb.org or call (562) 595-5945.

STATE OF THE ARTS What Community recognition Who Hosted by the Arts Council for Long Beach When Friday, Oct. 12 from 6pm to 9pm Where The Expo Arts Center, 4321 Atlantic Ave. More Info The Arts Council for Long Beach will hold its annual State of the Arts event in partnership with the Office of Mayor Robert Garcia. This event will recognize artists, performers, educators and administrators who work to foster creativity, enliven communities and enable a thriving arts city.

The event is free and open to the public. Visit artslb.org/2018-stateof-the-arts.

6

Signal Tribune

August 17, 2018

The “Meet The City” luncheon will be on Thursday, Aug. 23 from 12:00pm to 2:00pm at the Grand Event Center, 4101 E. Willow St., Long Beach, CA 90815. The guest speaker will be Signal Hill Mayor Tina Hansen. Tickets are available on Eventbrite at the following link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/3rd-annual-meet-the-city-signal-hill-california-tickets-48721128206

Have a leak?

LET US CHECK!

DON’T WAIT UNTIL IT IS TOO LATE!

James Mills-Winkler, CMFC Financial Advisor CA Insurance License # 0E48583 3030 Old Ranch Pkwy.

Suite 220, Seal Beach

www.jamesmillswinkler.wrfa.com

Pete’s Plumbing HAVE US CHECK (562) 425-2373 petes-plumbing.com

YOUR LANDSCAPING DRAIN LINES NOW!

562.248.5003 x 101 jamesmillswinkler@wradvisors.com

We’re in a drought...

Don’t leak it out!

Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday

Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday

August 17, 2018

Kids mentoring program seeking volunteers Power 4 Youth, an academic mentoring program for middle-school students, will be hosting a no-obligation information meeting for prospective volunteers on Tuesday, Aug. 28 at 6:30pm at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 370 Junipero Ave., one of five community sites the program operates.

The program is seeking community members “to act as champions and make a difference by mentoring our youth for only one and a half hours each week.” Mentors meet with their students, one-on-one, at a supervised Power 4 Youth site, assisting with academics while building a caring, consistent relationship, according to the program’s officials.

Free training and support is provided for all mentors throughout the year.

“Mentoring provides youth with the opportunity to develop a caring, consistent relationship with a non-parental adult who shows them that they are valued and assures them they can achieve their highest potential,” said Maryam Diaab, Power 4 Youth’s executive director. “We always have students who are seeking leadership, support and guidance in their lives and know that our community is full of adults who can fill that role.”

Samana Budhathoki, the program’s match supervisor, said the mentoring allows students to start the new year with new hopes, new joy and new beginnings.

“This is the time students really need you to help them thrive– not only in school, but in life in general,” Budhathoki said. “This is the time for you to make the difference in the life of a young person.”

More information is available at (562) 386-2428 or info@power4youth.org.

Source: Power 4 Youth

BACK TO SCHOOL

Signal Tribune

7

COMMENTARY

Back-to-school tips for parents and caregivers

A

by Valerie Wilson-Lindberg, LCSW The Guidance Center

re you counting down? Maybe counting down the days, hours and minutes until the chaos ends and you have your house back! Or are you counting down the hours until you have to give up the lazy days of summer, have to navigate the wake-up routine and become the “homework police” once again?

Whatever your feelings are, chances are you are not the only one “counting down” for better or for worse. Your child feels it too. It is hard to get away from all the ads about back-to-school Sales, which began the end of June! If you are lucky, you have a child that enjoys school, feels good about their academic abilities and can’t wait to see their friends again. But many children do not have such good feelings about going back to school. And for most of us, transitions and new experiences can bring up mixed feelings.

Everyone’s back-to-school experience is different. Maybe your child is in kindergarten and going to school for the first time? Maybe your child is transitioning from elementary school to middle school, or middle school to high school? Or maybe your child is in the same school but going to the next grade, which might mean increased expectations and pressures. Whatever your particular situation is, there are some basic tips you can use to help both you and your child have a smooth return to the school year.

Start now Don’t wait until the last minute. Plan ahead for buying supplies and school clothes/uniforms. Find out information about your child’s school or new class before school starts, which can help you and your child feel less anxious and more prepared for the first day.

Let your child or teen help Involve your child in back-to-school shopping. Let them help you pick out their school supplies. Make finding items on the back-to-school supply list a game. The more fun the experiences and the more of a choice your child has about what color pencil box or what color notebook they will have can help them feel some control over their situation and feel more excited about school.

Teens especially will feel less anxious if they feel they are “cool enough for school” and feel good about the colors/designs they pick out for supplies and type of clothes/uniform they will be wearing the first day.

Practice makes perfect Do your homework, find out about what teacher and class your child will be in.

You have a right to orient your child to their new school. Some schools are good at scheduling formal orientation days and allowing you to bring your child to visit the campus, meet their teacher and become familiar with their school.

If not, you can! Most schools will welcome parents who want to bring their child for a tour a few days ahead of the first day. If teachers are in their classroom setting up, they are usually happy to say hello for a minute to make their new student feel more comfortable. You have a right to call your child’s school and make sure they have the information they need, whether that’s the name of their teacher and where their classroom will be, or, if they are in middle or high school, what their daily schedule will be.

Walk around the school campus with your child and find their classroom(s), bathroom, cafeteria, etc. Sometimes one of the biggest worries when starting a new school is, “What if I get lost?” Heading off these fears and worries can help both your child and you feel more settled and ready for the new school year.

Sleep, sleep, sleep!

A good night’s sleep is the key to a good day at school. We all enjoy not having to fight with our kids to get them to bed on time or having to drag a groaning kid out of bed in the morning. To ensure a smoother transition to the school schedule, start changing your family’s sleep schedule at least one week before school starts or two weeks if you have a child with ADHD, an autistic spectrum disorder or other learning differences that might make transitions harder. Begin shifting your child’s bedtime and wake-up time by 10 to 15 minutes a day.

To help get them back into the sleep routine, try having your child start a quiet time but not sleeping, turning off electronics earlier and reading a book or reading together. Young children who are growing need 10 to 11 hours of sleep a night, and teens whose bodies and minds are developing need at least 9.5 hours of sleep.

If both you and your child are rested, you will all be able to manage emotions and stress more easily.

Dress rehearsal If you have a young child and they are just starting school, take some time to pretend. Play out with them how a day at school will go. Let them be the teacher, pretend to get on the bus, sit in a desk, go to lunch and end the day. If you have an older child or teen, spend some time just talking about what the first day of school might be like, what time things will happen and where they will go.

And allow your child to ask questions they might have about what will be happening on their first day of school. If your child is older, help them to find the answers to their questions, support them in problem-solving or call the school to get information for them.

Flexibility Last but probably most important, be flexible and gentle with yourself and your child. Acknowledge that change is hard, allow time in the weeks ahead for your child to talk about how they feel about going back to school. Give yourself permission to have your own mixed feelings. Talk positively about school with your child, help them to get excited about school and what fun things will happen in the fall.

Hold appropriate expectations, accepting that it may take up to a month for your child and you to settle into the new school routine. Allow children who have learning differences and other special needs even longer to adjust. Do what you can to plan ahead by making lunches, setting out clothes, etc. the night before to make the morning calmer, but be prepared and open to the fact that things might not always go as planned. And that’s OK. If you notice your child is struggling for longer than usual, it may be time to meet with their school counselor. Many schools have great resources, like support groups, or they can refer you to a school-based mental-health provider, like The Guidance Center. It’s important to know that asking for help doesn’t mean that your child is different or weak. Children respond differently to situational stressors, and that’s OK too.

So, as you are counting down, take some steps that you can count on to make going back to school a smooth experience and milestone moment you want to remember.

Wilson-Lindberg, LCSW is a clinical supervisor in The Guidance Center’s Long Beach Outpatient Program, where she helps guide children and families struggling with mental-health conditions or abuse toward positive and productive futures.

Long Beach City College’s Senior Studies Program class schedule now available The fall schedule of classes and day tours for the Senior Studies Program at the Lifetime Learning Center at Long Beach City College is now available online at lbcc.edu/ seniorcenter.

Registration for the classes and day tours starts Aug. 21 and 22 from 10am to 2pm in QQ 122. All classes are conducted at the Pacific Coast Campus in the Lifetime Learning Center Building QQ. Music Appreciation & Musical Theatre Lovers will be Mondays, Aug. 27 to Dec. 10 from 1pm to 3pm with Lucy Daggett and Sidney Hopson. World Affairs with Mary Thoits and guest speakers will take place Wednesday, Aug. 29 to Dec. 12 from 1pm to 3pm. Tai Chi for

Better Balance will be on Fridays from 10:30am to 11:30am beginning Aug. 24.

New this semester is Beginning Drawing & Basic Watercolor Techniques on Tuesdays, from Sept. 11 to Oct. 30 at 9:30am to 11:30am, taught by retired illustrator and artist Mori Morikawa. Music & Film: An In-depth Profile of the Greatest Composers of Hollywood with Angela Romero Anderson will start Sept. 25 and run through Nov. 13 from 1pm to 3pm.

Classes range from $30 to $55.

Day Tours include Pretty Pasadena with guide Jonathan Daugherty, Malibu’s Past and Present, Yakult Factory and Anaheim Brewery, Spirit of Hollywood with lunch at

the Stinking Rose, the Braille Institute and Guide Dogs of America, Stained Glass Tour with Curtis Tucker and lunch at the Biltmore Hotel, and Myrtle Creek and Botanical Gardens for the Holidays. Tours range from $69 to $98 per person.

Long Beach Transit will join the program on Aug. 21 from 10am to 2pm to take photos and applications for the senior transportation TAP cards.

The Lifetime Learning Program is a nonprofit organization and operates under the LBCC Foundation.

For more information, call Theresa Brunella at (562) 938-3047 or (562) 938-3048.

Source: LBCC

Local program offering enrichment classes for seniors to open registration soon The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at CSULB (OLLI), which offers enrichment-education opportunities for individuals 50 and older, will provide fall registration for its classes beginning Saturday, Aug. 25.

The in-person registration will be from noon to 3pm in the OLLI office located in the CSULB Human Services and Design Building [HS&D], Room 101, near the corner of Palo

Verde Avenue and East University Drive.

Parking for that day is available in E6 by paying $8 for day parking at a meter/kiosk.

Online registration will also be available beginning at 9am. More information for online registration is available by calling (562) 985-2398.

OLLI has an annual membership fee of $40 that covers four sessions.

Tuition is $10 per lecture class and $35 per eight-week or $20 per fourweek computer class.

For more information, call the OLLI at CSULB Office at (562) 985-8237, send an email to olli@ csulb.edu or visit csulb.edu/centers/ olli.

Source: OLLI

8

NEWS

Signal Tribune

August 17, 2018

Independent contractors urge state legislators to pause recent Dynamex court decision Rally on Capitol steps follows Long Beach press conference.

Paige Pelonis Staff Writer

A single mother with an injury that requires ongoing medical attention, Bonita Smith struggled to balance her work schedule, her doctor appointments and her son’s school schedule and extracurricular activities. Seeking flexibility and autonomy over her day-to-day routine, Smith left her job as a supervisor in a storage company and opted to begin driving for Uber as an independent contractor.

“Because I no longer have [my job] as a barrier or obstacle– like I had to either choose my son or work or my medical appointments or work– it gives me so much more peace of mind,” Smith said. “And it makes it so much easier for me to literally dictate my day. I go to physical therapy twice a week [...] if I were working in a traditional job, there is no way I could meet my obligation to go to the doctor, get medical treatment and deal with my son.”

Approximately three years after making her career change, Smith has joined a movement alongside the I’m Independent Coalition and the California Chamber of Commerce opposing the recent Dynamex Operations West, Inc. v. Superior Court of Los Angeles County decision.

Smith and other critics argue the April ruling puts the livelihoods of independent contractors and freelancers at risk.

At a press conference and rally that took place on the steps of the California State Capitol Wednesday, nearly 200 people called on state legislators to take action to stop or pause the Dynamex decision before the Aug. 31 legislative deadline.

The Dynamex Operations West, Inc. v. Superior Court of Los Angeles County ruled that Dynamex had incorrectly categorized its truck drivers as independent contractors, rather than employees. The decision adopted what is commonly referred to as the ABC test for determining whether workers ought to be categorized as employees or independent contractors.

According to the court decision, the newly adopted ABC test presumes that all workers are employees unless the hiring entity meets the following three requirements for categorizing workers as independent contractors: “(A) that the worker is free from the control and direction of the hirer in connection with the performance of the work, both under the contract for the performance of such work and in fact; (B) that the worker performs work that is outside the usual course of the hiring entity’s business; and (C) that the worker is customarily engaged in an independently established trade, occupation or business of the same nature as the work performed for the hiring entity.”

Opponents of the ruling, like the I’m Independent Coalition, argue that the ABC test is a “onesize fits all test” that will compromise a wide range of complex and rapidly changing industries.

“There are nearly two million Californians who work as independent contractors in many industries that range from health-

care, technology, construction, transportation, beauty, finance, insurance, entertainments and many more,” according to an I’m Independent Coalition press release.

Laura Curtis, policy advocate for the California Chamber of Commerce, said there is a wide range of industries that may be impacted by the decision and the ABC test.

“The B prong [of the ABC test] is the real kicker, if you’re in the same line of business,” Curtis said. “That leads to salons and hairdressers that run a chair at a salon; it leads to transportation; it leads to dog-walkers [...] the same with music schools.

We’re looking at musicians who play their own gigs throughout the year, but then when they’re not off traveling playing gigs, they want to teach music classes through school programs. So, the B factor is the one that’s really concerning.”

Curtis said the primary goal of the opposition movement is to get the State Legislature involved with the decision-making process in this case in order to allow every industry an opportunity to participate in the discussion.

“We’re simply requesting that the legislature would pause the implementation of the Dynamex case and give us some time to have some thoughtful deliberation on this,” Curtis said. “Just to have this go through the legislative process, have

it be discussed in policy hearings and have all the industries be able to be represented and heard rather than have it come down through the system in a way that would only allow for certain industries to be able to express their concerns [...] without some sort of involvement by the legislature, we’re just going to see a lot of businesses that are going to be collateral damage of this.”

Truck broker Marco Silva, chief financial officer of Silva Sons Transportation Inc., called his independent contracting experience in his family business a means to achieving the American dream at Wednesday’s press conference.

“As first generation Americans, up until now, [my brother and I] have been able to live the American dream,” Silva said. “However, through California’s Supreme Court ruling back in April, the American dream of being able to build a business and shape your future has been shattered. [...] This ruling is overreaching, as it threatens our future and monopolizes the construction and transportation industries by allowing those with the deepest pockets to control all the work. [...] As independent contractors, we have the liberty to make our own schedules, choose who we want to work with and how we want to execute see CONTRACTORS page 9

Courtesy I’m Independent Coalition

Nearly 200 workers and advocates protest the ruling of the recent Dynamex Operations West, Inc. v. Superior Court of Los Angeles County on the steps of the State Capitol Wednesday.

We love our residents!

Seminar: Will or Living Trust?

Free event!

An informational event featuring a guest speaker Join John T. Anderson, an estate-planning attorney (Long Beach Bar Association’s Lawyer of the year in 2007), who invites you for a free seminar.

Date: Saturday, August 25 Time: 1pm At: Bixby Knolls Towers 3737 Atlantic Ave. Topic: Will or living trust?

Anderson will cover topics, such as living trusts, wills & probate, to help determine which best suits your needs to protect your family.

Please RSVP to the event by calling Chuck at 562 426-6123 by August 23rd. Seating is limited. Refreshments will be served.

NEWS

August 17, 2018

Not enough hands on deck

Signal Tribune

9

Local community organization alleges housing-code enforcement underfunding is impacting Long Beach tenants.

Sebastian Echeverry Staff Writer

A local community organization, Long Beach Residents Empowered (LiBRE), has claimed that the City’s housing-code enforcement bureau is underfunded and understaffed. The group alleges that lengthy response times to complaint-based calls and the long-winded completion of an in-

spection program are reasons to believe that the City department that oversees housing violations is in need of more funding.

Three years ago, the Long Beach Planning Services Department introduced an ordinance called the Proactive Rental Housing Inspection Program (PRHIP) to maintain citywide livability standards and City Municipal Code compliance.

Oscar Orci, Long Beach Housing and Neighborhood Services deputy director, said the program is a labor-intensive effort to inspect 75,000 four-unit rental properties citywide.

It’s an expansive undertaking, which Jorge Rivera, LiBRE program director, believes the City is not well prepared to carry out in a timely manner.

During a phone interview Tues-

LABOR DAY WEEKEND - LONG BEACH 2018

NEW BLUES FESTIVAL V SEPT.1st & 2nd EL DORADO REGIONAL PARK 7550 E. SPRING ST.LONG BEACH CA 90815

LOWRIDER BAND

JANIVA MAGNESS DENNIS JONES

JAMES HARMAN

KING BROTHERS NEW BLUES REVOLUTION BERNIE PEARL WITH BARBARA MORRISON DEB TAREN BOXCAR 7 TIM RUSS CASEY HENSLEY SOUTHSIDE SLIM BLIND LEMON PEEL STONEY B BLUES

AMAZING WILDCATS

SHY BUT FLYY

UNION HOBOS

2 STAGES 30+BANDS 2 DAYS OF MUSIC FOOD & FUN! VENDOR VILLAGE FOOD COURT VIP LOUNGE BEER GARDEN

Tickets At:NewBluesFestival.com

PRESENTED BY GIG, INTL. AND LONG BEACH BLUES SOCIETY

*ARTIST SUBJECT TO CHANGE

day with the Signal Tribune, Rivera said that it can take complaint-based calls from tenants about housing violations three to four weeks before the City can address them. He also claimed that PRHIP was originally going to take the City “a year’s time” to complete and that city officials have expanded that time frame to seven years.

“If you call code enforcement right now, and you ask them, ‘What is the response time on complaint-based inspection requests?’ they’re going to tell you it’s from three to four weeks,” Rivera said. “That to us signifies that they don’t have the adequate staff to be able to respond to the amount of the need in the community.”

During a phone interview with the Signal Tribune Wednesday morning, Orci said that he did not recall any legislation that stated the PRHIP would be completed within a year’s time, and that he believes housing-code enforcement is not underfunded.

He said that the PRHIP does not have a concrete schedule, but that city officials were aiming to inspect 75,000 properties in five to six years.

Orci explained that housing-violation inspections operate on a tier system. First-tier issues are life-safety concerns, which are prioritized first.

Not having hot water or heat in an individual’s dwelling during winter are considered first-tier concerns, according to Orci. He said it may take longer for inspectors to address complaint-based calls when issues are not catego-

rized in the first tier.

He said that PRHIP inspections are currently undergoing in the most challenging areas of the city first.

“It’s intensive but well worth it,” the deputy director said.

Orci also explained that the City is currently preparing for the Fiscal Year 2019 proposed budget, which Mayor Robert Garcia and City Manager Patrick West introduced on July 31. In the budget, under economic development, Garcia proposed funding for two building-combination-inspector positions to “maintain inspection response [times].”

Rivera said some tenants have approached him through LiBRE and raised concerns about insufficient housing inspections, despite the City’s efforts to address housing-code violations in a timely manner.

One of Rivera’s contacts, Troy Ruff, lived on the 700 block of Pacific Avenue before he was evicted. During a phone interview with the Signal Tribune Wednesday afternoon, Ruff said the housing-code violation offices closed his case for a repair complaint he made last year, despite him claiming that no repairs were made.

He said there was mildew near his sink, electrical issues throughout the dwelling and an unstable patio.

A letter from an inspector that came to his dwelling indicated that repairs were indeed made, according to Ruff, causing housing-code inspectors to close the case. see HOUSING page 11

Contractors

continued from page 8

Bixby Knolls Detail Center & Car Wash

COMPLETE PROFESSIONAL DETAILING DEPARTMENT: Includes Exterior and Interior Cleaning, Polishing, Restoring with Buffing by hand &/or by machine with our without Clay Wax Treatment.

Upholstery: Leather & Vinyl Restoration, Dashboard Cleaning, Carpets & Mats.

GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE

Headlight Restoration Available

WE USE MEGUIAR’S SUPERIOR PRODUCTS Results are long-lasting paint protection with a shinier, brighter vehicle inside & out with Removal of Paint Overspray, Oxidation, Tar, Bug & Road Grime. In addition we offer Meguiar’s Express Hand Wax. Most Services Include Full Service Car Wash Phone:

(562) 595-6666 Address:

577 E. Wardlow Rd. @ Atlantic Ave.

Our goal is to consistently exceed your expectations with unparalleled service.

ASK ABOUT OUR FREE CASH BACK PROGRAM

our work [...] We ask our legislative representatives to please take action this month and suspend the [California] Supreme Court’s ruling before we become victims of it.”

Silva said he wants to see a two-year suspension placed on the ruling.

He and his brother had a meeting scheduled with their state representative, Assemblymember Luz Rivas (D–Arleta), Thursday in addition to several meetings with other representatives and staff members that he and other advocates participated in after the rally.

Smith and Sylva also joined President and CEO of the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce Randy Gordon for a press conference last week, where a major issue discussed was the lack of legislative approval or process in the Dynamex decision.

“We, in Long Beach, are very concerned about the Dynamex decision,” Gordon said in a press release following the conference. “We are asking State legislators to take action now in the next three weeks to suspend the application of the decision. This will provide the time to determine the best protections for workers while protecting their choice to work as a freelancer or independent contractor. No action by legislators will severely restrict work opportunities for people in Long Beach and across the state and dramatically impact our economy.”

Representative of Signal Hill, most of Long Beach and several other cities in Los Angeles County, State Senator Ricardo Lara authored Senate Bill 1402 this year. The measure, though separate from the Dynamex court case, addresses concerns about misclassification of independent contractors, specifically that of truck drivers at the Ports of Long Beach and LA. “I have seen how misclassification of port truck drivers as independent contractors has driven down wages and decimated working families, and by any standard the exploitation of truck drivers at the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles violates our laws and is a disgrace for our state,” Lara said in a statement. “More than one million Californians work as independent contractors without protections of health care, retirement and paid vacation and sick days, and I agree with legislative leaders that this issue is too important to leave to the final weeks of a legislative session.”

The senator’s communications director, Michael Soller, confirmed Wednesday via email that Lara supports the decision in the Dynamex court case.

Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell, who also represents Signal Hill and most of Long Beach, declined to comment on the matter at this time, but Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon said in an interview with Capitol Public Radio on Aug. 8 that the legislature will not act on the issue this year.

“Ultimately, this decision is about the future of the way work looks,” Rendon said. “And that requires us to be thoughtful and deliberate. And there’s no way we can be thoughtful and deliberate in three weeks.” ✦

10

NEWS

Signal Tribune

August 17, 2018

Harbor Commission appoints new security director

Courtesy LBPD

The City of Long Beach’s crime laboratory staff

Long Beach Police Department’s crime laboratory first in world to achieve highest level of accreditation The Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) this week announced that on July 17, the ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board (ANAB) renewed its crime laboratory accreditation in the field of forensic science testing. Of the 459 accredited forensic laboratories worldwide, the LBPD’s crime lab is the first to meet the International Organization for Standardization’s (ISO) new requirements, according to the LBPD. Based in Wisconsin, the ANAB is the largest multi-disciplinary accreditation body in North America that sets international standards for all testing and calibration laboratories across scientific disciplines worldwide.

“I am proud of the men and women of our police department who have demonstrated leadership and unwavering commitment to providing excellent public service to the community,”

said Mayor Robert Garcia. “With our world-class forensic laboratory and crime team, we will continue to keep our neighborhoods safe.”

The LBPD indicated in a press release that the new level of ANAB accreditation demonstrates the high caliber of its crime laboratory. The ISO’s newest standards put a focus on “management requirements,” which relate to the operation and effectiveness of the laboratory’s quality management system, and “technical requirements,” which include factors that determine the correctness and reliability of the tests and calibrations performed by the laboratory.

“This achievement is the highest level of accreditation a crime laboratory can attain and a major milestone for our Department,” said Police Chief Robert Luna. “Forensic analysis supports our ability to further investi-

gate crimes and is a vital law-enforcement tool. This accomplishment is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our crime lab employees and demonstrates their commitment to the residents of our community.”

In the spring of 2018, ANAB released the updated version of their additional “forensic-specific” standards, called AR3125, and announced that starting June 1, 2018 they would begin accepting applications for accreditation based on the new standards.

All ANAB accredited forensic laboratories, worldwide, will be required to meet these new standards by June 1, 2019.

More information about the ANAB is available at anab.org/forensic-accreditation.

Source: LBPD

Courtesy Port of LB

Casey Hehr The Long Beach Board of Harbor neering from the U.S. Coast Guard Commissioners has appointed Casey Academy and a master’s degree in Hehr to lead the Security Division at business administration at the Bosthe nation’s second-busiest seaport. ton College Carroll School of ManHehr has been with the Port of agement.

Long Beach since November 2016, The Security Division’s top priorserving as the assistant director of ity is to provide safety and security Security. He has been the acting di- throughout the Port of Long Beach. rector of the division since March, The Port takes a leadership role in following the retirement of the pre- the development of strategies to mitvious director. igate security risks in the port comPrior to his position at the port, plex, working closely with multiple Hehr served with the U.S. Coast partner agencies to plan and coordiGuard for more than 20 years, retir- nate security measures, according to ing as the Chief of Operations and officials.

Response for the Los Angeles-Long The appointment of Hehr was efBeach Sector. He earned his bach- fective Aug. 4, 2018. elor’s degree in mechanical engiSource: Port of LB

Long Beach residents encouraged to participate in City’s digital-inclusion survey The City of Long Beach is encouraging residents to participate in a community-based digital-inclusion survey that the City’s Technology and Innovation Commission (TIC) is conducting to assess how residents are currently accessing the Internet and the barriers they face to connect to such services.

“The survey will provide the City with quantitative community feedback that will help us develop and implement initiatives to support low-income communities [to] overcome the digital divide,” said Mayor Robert Garcia. “I would like to encourage Long Beach residents to participate in the survey within the next week.”

The survey is currently available online, in community centers and at all Long Beach public libraries until Friday, Aug. 17. More information about the survey and the City’s digital-inclusion efforts can be found at longbeach.gov/ti/

digital-inclusion.

“Digital inclusion is necessary for economic, workforce and community development,” said 1st District Councilmember Lena Gonzalez. “I am looking forward to truly making our city a leader in the movement to close the digital divide through innovation partnerships.”

On Jan. 23, the city council voted unanimously to approve the creation of a Digital Inclusion Master Plan that addresses the “digital divide” communities in Long Beach, at the request of Gonzalez, Vice Mayor Dee Andrews and 7th District Councilmember Roberto Uranga.

City staff have since established the Digital Inclusion planning initiative, which includes a community-based survey as a component. The City has also hired a project manager who will help lead the City’s efforts.

In addition, local stakeholders

this week convened for the first time at a digital-inclusion roundtable hosted by Gonzalez that started the process for the stakeholders to provide essential input on current and future technology initiatives to support the efforts.

The survey has been translated into multiple languages and distributed at community hubs, community-based organizations and the Digital Inclusion Community Forum, which took place on July

26.

The forum provided a community-friendly space for Long Beach residents to learn more about the City’s digital inclusion efforts. During the forum, the TIC and City staff facilitated an open dialogue in which they co-developed solutions with residents that would address the digital divide and advance digital equity in Long Beach.

Residents can stay engaged and

informed on social media by using the following hashtag: #LBdigitalinclusion.

Source: City of LB

Now Open!

Slice of Pie– Vegan Gluten-Free

A cup of Coffee Only $4.95

Good from: Aug. 16-Aug. 30, 2018

Lic #571388

We have Delish Organic Muffins Banana • Apple Blueberry • Zucchini Green Onions

HONEST PRICING ON ALL REPAIRS Broken Springs

$350 $29500

00

$69500

Gluten-free Apple and Peach Pies & Berries Tarts Cookies & More

LIMITED TIME

NO BAIT & SWITCH PRICES

Standard Double Garage Door 16’x7’

Call For A Phone Quote 562.404.3833 – 714.739.2073 www.DouglasDoors.com

2594 Cherry Ave at Willow/ Signal Hill 562/ 595-8226

for you

6761 E. Carson St. Next to Sambat Donuts @ Los Coyotes Diagonal for you (310) 650-7622

NEWS

August 17, 2018

Limits

continued from page 1

“[...] In all that time, I have only witnessed two charter amendments that were worth a ‘diddly darn.’

One was the creation of the Citizen Police Complaint Commission.

The other was, in fact, term limits.

And, in both cases, those charter amendments were driven by popular demand from the populous. It was the people’s initiative to bring those forward. For you to mess with those now, I find that reprehensible. It is so blatantly and transparently self-serving. You should be ashamed of yourselves.”

Laura Doud, city auditor, confirmed during the meeting that the mayor and councilmembers “can run for an unlimited number of terms as a write-in candidate.” In such a scenario, once a write-in candidate would win the primaries, his or her name would appear on the general-election ballot.

Doud said she is in favor of establishing a three-term limit.

“I also support term limits for three terms, because I believe that it promotes long-term decision making, which, I believe, allows for more prudent long-term decision making on behalf of our city,” she said.

Fifth District Councilmember Stacy Mungo told the Signal Tribune Monday that she believes there is a lot of misinformation about the issue. She said, in theory, as Doud and Austin mentioned, there are no term limits, because of the write-in option. She used Vice Mayor Dee Andrews as an example, mentioning that he has run and won elections three times as part of the council.

“I have not voted for or against term limits,” Mungo said. “All I

have done is said that the voters should have the choice, as they are the ones who voted the original legislation. Now they have the ability to add term limits in the method that is most often seen in the region. If the voters don’t want that, then they can keep the current system. If they want something else, they can vote for that, too.”

In a phone interview Tuesday, 3rd District Councilmember Suzie Price reaffirmed her remarks from the council meeting that she has always been a strong supporter of term limits, believing that such limits provide opportunities for others to become involved in public service.

“So, I gave myself as an example,” she said. “[...] Without the councilmember who served before me being termed-out and opting not to run as a write-in, I would not have had a meaningful opportunity to run for the seat and win. I think term limits bring fresh ideas, they give people opportunities to get involved with public service and bring [...] different attitudes and new perspectives.”

Garcia and Doud presented the agenda item to the council, according to Price. She said now that the proposed charter amendment will be on the November ballot, residents will have to educate themselves about the initiative to make an informed vote later this year. The councilmember said the City will not be hosting any more meetings regarding any of the proposed charter amendments.

“Like I said, I have mixed feelings about this particular one, because I believe strongly in term limits, and I want to hear what the voters

think about this,” she said. “And, of course, we will respond accordingly, but this is something that the people should get to decide in terms of the length of service for a representative.”

In a phone interview Wednesday, 9th District Councilmember Rex Richardson said there has been a trend with elected seats on the county and state level of instituting limits for its officials.

He said the City of Los Angeles, County of Los Angeles and State of California all have recently implemented a 12-year limit– three fouryear terms– for elected officials.

“It seems like there’s beginning to be a standard forming,” he said, “and I think it makes sense for the City of Long Beach, the second-largest city in the county, to consider being on a similar schedule as these other agencies.”

He also expressed concern about a candidate potentially being written-in to an electoral ballot an unlimited amount of times with the current system, also echoing his colleagues’ statements that incumbency is strong in the city and having a real cut-off promotes new ideas.

“All of our surrounding cities, with the exception of the City of Carson, which just went to 12 years, by the way, all the rest of the cities around– Compton, Paramount, Bellflower, Signal Hill, Lakewood– every city that touches the county has no term limits whatsoever,” Richardson said. “If we went to 12 years, we will still be amongst the most modest term limits in the region and consistent with most of the larger agencies.” ✦

Signal Tribune

11

Man shot, killed in 600 block of Cedar Avenue A man was killed on the night of Sunday, Aug. 12 in the 600 block of Cedar Avenue, according to the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD).

At approximately 8:30pm that day, officers were dispatched to the area regarding a possible shooting.

Once on scene, officers gathered information indicating the victim and the suspect had been involved in an altercation. Officers located evidence that a shooting had occurred. Both the suspect and the victim fled the scene prior to officer arrival.

Shortly thereafter, in the immediate area, officers located a male adult who had been struck in the upper body by gunfire. Long Beach Fire Department paramedics responded and determined him deceased on the scene.

The LBPD indicated that the suspect is likely a male adult Hispanic, but a motive for the shooting is unknown. The investigation remains ongoing.

The victim’s identity is being withheld pending notification to next of kin.

Those with information regarding the incident are asked to call Homicide Detectives Mark Mattia or Donald Goodman at (562) 570-7244.

Anonymous tips may be submitted through “LA Crime Stoppers” by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), downloading the “P3 Tips” app to a smartphone or by visiting lacrimestoppers.org.

Source: LBPD

Housing

continued from page 9

Upon his demand, an inspector returned to his apartment for a second time. Ruff claimed the inspector approached his front door after waiting in his car for 15 minutes and left a note.

“He came to my door, didn’t knock, but he left a note that [read], ‘Sorry I missed you,’” Ruff said. “My neighbor was watching him, and I was taking pictures of him because I was waiting for him to knock. I took a picture of him sitting in his car for 15 minutes.”

Ruff said he went to the inspection offices again to make a complaint, and they assigned an inspector to return once more on June 27.

Ruff claimed that he did not receive a new inspection report for his previous dwelling after the third visit from the inspector.

Rivera’s second contact, Gabriel Ortiz-Sanchez, currently lives in a duplex apartment in the 400 block of East 59th Street. He is currently undergoing a legal dispute with his landlord over housing repairs.

He mentioned that the City sent an inspector to respond to his complaint-based issue about a faulty water heater in February. Due to his lawsuit, Ortiz-Sanchez could not share details on his situation, however, he told the Signal Tribune that the water heater had not been fixed by press time.

Upon receiving various input from residents about the inspection process, Rivera told the Signal Tribune that LiBRE has reached out to Orci about the concerns of underfunding. Orci confirmed with the Signal Tribune that the two have met, and Orci also mentioned that Rivera was once a City employee.

“They’re not willing, or not allowed, to share with us any information, really,” Rivera said.

“We were asking them how much more staff do [they] need to be able to adequately inspect the units. They weren’t able to get us any numbers at that time.” ✦

Chelsea

Woke up, it was a Chelsea morning … Chelsea mornings are glorious. There you are with your favorite breakfast beverage, a plate of something healthy, a morning show on TV, and this adorable little silver tabby sprawled out at your feet, or possibly on the table, sniffing at whatever you have on the plate. Chelsea’s only about a year old and has many, many mornings to share. Meet her on the shelter side of the Companion Animal Village at 7700 East Spring St., (562) 570PETS. Ask for ID#A606697.

(This rescue encouraged by the usual suspects.)

12

Signal Tribune

TST5735 SUMMONS CASE NO. 18NWLC01258 NOTICE TO DEFENDANT: Justin Brock Gerber, DOES 1 to 10 YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF: Fion lp NOTICE: You have been sued. The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days.

Read the information below.

You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this Summons and legal papers are served on you to file a written response at this court and have a copy served on the plaintiff. A letter or phone call will not protect you. Your written response must be in proper legal form if you want the court to hear your case.

There may be a court form that you can use for your response. You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www. courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form. If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money and property may be taken without further warning from the court.

There are other legal requirements. You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may call an attorney referral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Web site (www.lawhelpcalifornia.org), the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www. courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association.

NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court’s lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case.

The name and address of the court is: LOS ANGELES COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT , NORWALK COURTHOUSE, 12720 Norwalk Blvd., Norwalk, CA 90650 The name, address, and telephone number of plaintiff’s attorney is STEPHEN M. DENNING, ESQ., The Law Offices of Stephen M. Denning, a P.C., 6067 N. Fresno St., Ste. 107, Fresno, CA 93710 (559) 438-5600.

Date: January 16, 2018. Judicial Officer, Sherri R. Carter, Clerk, C. Nash, Deputy Published in the Signal Tribune Newspaper on July 27 & August 3, 10, 17, 2018.

TST5732 / Case No. YS030354 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME, SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, TORRANCE COURTHOUSE, 825 Maple Avenue, Torrance, CA 90503.

PETITION OF Maryjade Villoria Connor by her father Joel Macaraeg Bedania.

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner: MARYJADE VILLORIA CONNOR by her father Joel Macaraeg Bedania has filed a petition with this court for a decree changing his daughter’s name as follows: Present Name: MARYJADE VILLORIA CONNOR to Proposed Name: MARYJADE VILLORIA BEDANIA. 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: September 7, 2018; 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, 1399 E. 28th, Street, Signal Hill, CA 90755: July 27, & August 3, 10, 17, 2018 ___//ss//___ Eric C. Taylor, Judge of the Superior Court Dated July 16, 2018 TST5733 / Case No. YS030359 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME, SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, TORRANCE COURTHOUSE, 825 Maple Avenue, Torrance, CA 90503.

PETITION OF Kitaro Cory Takesue Webb.

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner: KITARO CORY TAKESUE WEBB has filed a petition with this court for a decree changing his name as follows: Present Name: KITARO CORY TAKESUE WEBB to Proposed Name: KITARO CORY TAKESUE. 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: September 7, 2018; Time: 8:30A M; Dept. M, Room 350. 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, 1399 E. 28th, Street, Signal Hill, CA 90755: July 27, & August 3, 10, 17, 2018 ___//ss//___ Eric C. Taylor, Judge of the Superior Court Dated July 19, 2018

PUBLIC NOTICES TST5734 / Case No. YS030360 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME, SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, TORRANCE COURTHOUSE, 825 Maple Ave., Torrance, CA 90503.

PETITION OF Aisha Christie Webb.

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner: AISHA CHRISTIE WEBB has filed a petition with this court for a decree changing her name as follows: Present Name: AISHA CHRISTIE WEBB to Proposed Name: AISHA CHRISTIE TAKESUE. 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: September 14, 2018; Time: 8:30A M; Dept. B, Room 340. 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, 1399 E. 28th, Street, Signal Hill, CA 90755: July 27, & August 3, 10, 17, 2018 ___//ss//___ Eric C. Taylor, Judge of the Superior Court Dated July 19, 2018 TST5730 / 2018 178861 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person is doing business as: SEREY SOPHORN, 2418 E. Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach, CA 90804. Registrant: WILLIAM REATTHANAK SONG, 2418 E. Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach, CA 90804.

This business is conducted by: an Individual. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed: William Reatthanak Song. The registrant has begun to use this fictitious business name. The registrant began using this fictitious business name in July, 2018. This statement was filed with the county clerk of Los Angeles County on July 19, 2018.

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 27 & August 3, 10, 17, 2018.

TST5736 / 2018 182229 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person is doing business as: BUILDER BOY, 1819 Redondo Ave., Signal Hill, CA 90755. Registrant: BUILDER BOY INC., 1819 Redondo Ave., Signal Hill, CA 90755. This business is conducted by: a Corporation.

I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed: Jereme James, President. The registrant has begun to use this fictitious business name. The registrant began using this fictitious business name in July, 2018. This statement was filed with the county clerk of Los Angeles County on (date) . 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 27 & August 3, 10, 17, 2018.

TST5731 / 2018 178861 STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME The following person has abandoned the use of the fictitious business name: SEREY SOPHORN, located at 2418 E. Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach, CA 90804. The fictitious business name(s) referred to above were filed on November 24, 2015, original File No. 2015298563, in the County of Los Angeles. Registrant(S): MILLEENA SONG, 12549 Rose St., Cerritos, CA 90703. This business was conducted by an Individual. Signed: Milleena Song. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on July 19, 2018. Pub. The Signal Tribune: July 27, & August 3, 10, 17 2018.

TST5737 / Case No. TS021119 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME, SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, Compton Courthouse, 200 W. Compton Blvd., Compton, CA 90220.

PETITION OF Olivia Rene Joseph.

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner: OLIVIA RENE JOSEPH has filed a petition with this court for a decree changing her name as follows: Present Name: OLIVIA RENE JOSEPH Proposed Name: YAKINI OLIVIA HOLLOWAY. 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: September 4, 2018; Time: 8:30A M; Dept. A, Room 904. 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, 1399 E. 28th, Street, Signal Hill, CA 90755: August 3, 10, 17, 24, 2018 ___//ss//___ Maurice A. Leiter, Judge of the Superior Court Dated July 19, 2018 TST5738 / 2018 184835 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person is doing business as: DARKPOINT RECORDS, 10 Windjammer CT., Long Beach, CA 90803-4321. Registrant: DAVID O’NEAL SHANK, 10 Windjammer CT., Long Beach, CA 90803-4321.

This business is conducted by: an Individual. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct.

Signed: David O’Neal Shank. The registrant has begun to use this fictitious business name. The registrant began using this fictitious business name in July, 2018. This statement was filed with the county clerk of Los Angeles County on July 26, 2018. 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: August 10, 17, 24, 31, 2018.

TST5739 / 2018 172682 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person is doing business as: BETTER SPEECH AND LANGUAGE SERVICES, 2599 E. 28th St., #206, Signal Hill, CA 90755.

Registrant: MAYA TYLER, 2599 E. 28th St., #206, Signal Hill, CA 90755.

This business is conducted by: an Individual. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct.

Signed: Maya Tyler. The registrant has not begun to use this fictitious business name. This statement was filed with the county clerk of Los Angeles County on July 13, 2018. 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: August 10, 17, 24, 31, 2018.

TST5742 / 2018200849 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person is doing business as: WEST COAST CLEANING SOLUTIONS, 4513 Falcon Ave., Long Beach, CA 90807. Registrant: ADAM VON HEEDER, 4513 Falcon Ave., Long Beach, CA 90807. This business is conducted by: a Married Couple. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed: Adam Von Heeder. The registrant has not begun to use this fictitious business name. This statement was filed with the county clerk of Los Angeles County on August 8, 2018. NOTICE: This fictitious business name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the county

August 17, 2018

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: August 10, 17, 24, 31, 2018.

TST5746 / 2018 2018205497 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person is doing business as: SEAWIND REAL ESTATE, 4515 E. Anaheim St., 2nd Floor. Registrant: KENNETH DOUTHIT, 549 Flint Ave., Long Beach, CA 90814. This business is conducted by: an Individual. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed: Kenneth Douthit. The registrant has not begun to use this fictitious business name. This statement was filed with the county clerk of Los Angeles County on August 14, 2018. 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: August 17, 24, 31, & September 7, 2018.

TST5745 NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF DEAN R. TOLZMAN CASE NO. 18STPB07356 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of DEAN R. TOLZMAN A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed

by JUDY LYONS in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that JUDY LYONS be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

THE PETITION requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate.

The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court.

THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.)

The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held on SEPTEMBER 7, 2018 at 8:30 A.M. in Dept.: “4” located at: 111 N. Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012 IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing.

Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative ,as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code.

OTHER CALIFORNIA statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a formal Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250.

A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.

EDWARD M. BAHNY, SB# 185218 Attorney For Petitioner Bahny & Close 200 Pine Avenue, Suite 250 Long Beach, CA 90802 Reporter# 107126 Published in: Signal Tribune Pub Dates: August 17, 24, 31, 2018

CITY OF SIGNAL HILL TST5744

NOTICE OF A PUBLIC WORKSHOP AUGUST 27, 2018 10:00 AM NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Public Workshop will be held on Monday, August 27, 2018 to discuss a project related to the City’s Hazard Mitigation Plan. The City of Signal Hill is proposing to submit a grant request administered by the California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) and funded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide emergency generators for City Hall and the Community/ Youth Services Center. Members of the public are invited to attend the workshop to be held at the Emergency Operations Center located at the Signal Hill Police Station, 2745 Walnut Avenue, Signal Hill, California.

For further information, contact the Office of the City Clerk at (562) 989-7305.

All interested persons are hereby invited to attend.

_________//ss//_________________ Keir Jones City Clerk Published in the Signal Tribune newspaper Posted in accordance with S.H.M.C. Section 1.08.010

August 17, 2018 August 17, 2018

CITY OF SIGNAL HILL

TST5743 NOTICE OF PROPOSED TRAFFIC SIGNAL MODIFICATION PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY AND JUNIPERO AVENUE August 17, 2018 In response to neighborhood concerns, the City of Signal Hill in conjunction with the City of Long Beach and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is proposing traffic signal modifications at the intersection of Pacific Coast Highway (SR-1) and Junipero Avenue The goal of the proposed modifications is to reduce Northbound and Southbound cut-through traffic on Junipero Avenue in Signal Hill and Long Beach. The proposed traffic signal modifications will require drivers to turn left or right onto Pacific Coast Highway from Junipero Avenue. Drivers will no longer be able to go straight across Pacific Coast Highway.

Lanes on Junipero Avenue will be restriped to accommodate the new left or right turning movements as shown below. The modifications will require the removal of the crosswalk on the East leg of Pacific Coast Highway.

Diagram of Existing Intersection

Diagram of Proposed Intersection

The traffic signal modifications are anticipated to begin October 2018. A separate notice of construction will be issued to all residents and business owners in the vicinity with more detailed information on the scheduled start date of work.

If you have any comments on the proposed signal modifications, please submit them in written format to Jesus Saldana, Senior Engineering Technician, by the close of business on September 17th, 2018, at 2175 Cherry Ave, Signal Hill, CA 90755 or by email at jsaldana@cityofsignalhill.org. For questions, please contact Jesus Saldana at (562) 989-7352.

NEWS

August 17, 2018

Signal Tribune

EYE ON CRIME

13

CRIMES REPORTED BY THE SIGNAL HILL POLICE DEPARTMENT Thursday, Aug. 9 7:24am Auto burglary 2000 block Crescent Dr. 8:24am Auto burglary 2400 block Maxson Ct.

9:05pm DUI; willful cruelty to child with possible injury/death 2700 block E. PCH (suspect arrested)

1:02pm Auto burglary 2500 block E. Willow St.

Saturday, Aug. 11 12:22am Inflicting corporal injury on spouse/ cohabitant; misdemeanor warrant Gundry Ave./E. Willow St. (suspect arrested)

5:15pm Auto burglary 2700 block Wall St.

9:22am Forgery 1900 block Temple Ave.

Friday, Aug. 10 3:35pm Elder abuse 2000 block E. 19th St.

10:02am Misdemeanor warrant 2300 block Lewis Ave. (suspect arrested)

12:10 Burglary 2900 block Cherry Ave. Monday, Aug. 13 1:44am Battery 2600 block Wall St. 11:07am Auto burglary 2700 block Cherry Ave. 12:51pm Possessing paraphernalia; possessing controlled substance; driving while license suspended/revoked; two misdemeanor warrants E. PCH/Orizaba Ave. (suspect arrested)

Elder abuse 2100 block Ohio Ave. Tuesday, Aug. 14 9:53am Forgery 200 block E. 29th St. 10:06am Grand theft– motor vehicle 2300 block E. Spring St. 1:11pm Robbery 1600 block E. Willow St. 1:32pm Grand theft– motor vehicle 1500 block E. Spring St.

2:59pm

Wednesday, Aug. 15 1:20am DUI 3200 block E. PCH (suspect arrested) 9:16am Burglary 2100 block Sea Ridge Dr. 2:22pm Robbery 700 block E. Spring St. 2:39pm Grand theft 3500 block E. PCH 6:17pm Auto burglary 1000 block E. 32nd St.

Council

continued from page 3

qualified to appear on the statewide voter ballot in November.

If passed, Prop. 6 would eliminate Senate Bill (SB) 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017, which increased gas-and-vehicle taxes to fund statewide transportation infrastructure improvements. The state projects SB 1 to generate $52 billion over the next 10 years, $15 billion of which will be directly allocated to cities.

The state legislature passed SB 1 in response to the 2016 California Statewide Local Streets and Roads Needs Assessment, which identified more than 1,600 structurally deficient bridges and overpasses and found that 89 percent of roads needed repair and were causing hundreds of fatalities.

Signal Hill itself has identified over $10 million in needed road repairs over the next 10 years and has factored $207,439 from SB 1 funds into its 2018-2019 fiscal year capital-improvement budget.

Charlie Honeycutt, city manager, said that the proposition, funded in large part by the California Republican Party, is primarily a political ploy to sway voters.

“It’s a conservative group [behind it] that’s– from my perspective– looking to gain a political advantage in the upcoming state elections and using this as a kind of tool for that,” he said.

The adopted resolution allows Signal Hill to be listed as a member of the “No on Proposition 6” coalition– consisting of local governments, safety organizations, businesses, labor groups, environmental and transportation advocates and political groups, including the California Democratic Party– that oppose the proposition.

The three council members present at the meeting unanimously approved the resolution, though with mixed reactions.

Vice Mayor Larry Forester expressed strong approval of the opposition.

“We grew a lot faster than people thought,” he said of the state of California. “We didn’t maintain [roads]. I would say the State has a fault in it but [SB 1] was a logical way of getting it done.”

Councilmember Lori Woods considered the impact on vehicle owners having to pay more for gas and also vehicle registration fees as a result of SB 1.

“I have to say– I’m conflicted on this,” she said. “I know that we can definitely use the funds [but] we’re all personally going to be affected greatly and it’s a shame that over the years– the decades– the State hasn’t directed the taxes and the funding the way they should have done.”

EV charging The council also authorized contracts with two companies to install and operate an EV charging station in the upper parking lot of the civic center.

ABM Electrical & Lighting Solutions, Inc. (ABM) will in-

stall the infrastructure for a cost of $52,335, and ChargePoint, Inc., an EV charging-station operator, will then run the system through a subscription service.

The station, expected to be installed in November, will have two dual-port chargers for four vehicles to charge at one time and be fully charged in three hours.

The council will incur electricity costs of approximately 19 cents per kilowatt hour, according to the staff report, and will approve public charging-session rates at a later date. Ten percent of that revenue will go to ChargePoint.

“The ChargePoint infrastructure offers the most economical option on a per-port basis,” Public Works Director Kelli Tunnicliff said. “[It] offers the ability to: track energy usage, cost, and revenue; send user notifications on the status of the charge; [offer] virtual queueing when charge points are full and notifications if the car is unplugged unexpectedly.”

Tunnicliff explained that the City’s budget of $75,000 for an EV charging-station project is fully funded by two grants– a Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee (MSRC) grant for about $50,000 and subvention funds from the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) for $25,000.

The council also agreed that the $22,664 in remaining funds will cover unforeseen circumstances as well as Southern California Edison’s cost to upgrade electrical service at the station from 100 to 200 amps.

Tunnicliff said that the new library budget also includes a charging station for two EVs. Honeycutt noted that Mother’s Market has charging opportunities as well and that the City will continue to consider opportunities to install more in future development projects.

“Our strategic plan includes an objective to make Signal Hill more sustainable,” Tunnicliff said.

Presentations Tunnicliff also shared an update on new library construction, which is scheduled for completion in March 2019.

“It’s starting to look like a building,” she said.

MariaElena Gonzalez, owner of Signal Hill Florist at 2099 E. Willow St., presented on her flower shop during the meeting’s “small-business spotlight” before Mayor Tina Hansen presented her with a proclamation of appreciation on behalf of the city, recognizing Gonzalez’s 20 years of ownership.

“I’ve gotten flowers from Signal Hill Florist, and they are always so beautiful and so fresh and they last for such a long time,” Hansen said. “[Gonzalez’s] attention to detail is evident in each of her arrangements, whether for a wedding, graduation, quinceañera, baptism, party or corporate event.”

Hansen also commended Police Chief Christopher Nunley on his department’s recent “National Night Out” community event

and suggested more cooling refreshments and activities for next year’s event, such as a dunk tank and another snow-cone machine.

“It’s always a good event to see the police in a different light,” Nunley said in response. “Instead of an enforcement setting, it’s more of a fair setting. It also allows people to get to know their neighbors.”

Anita W. Harris | Signal Tribune

Signal Hill Mayor Tina Hansen (left) presents a proclamation of appreciation to MariaElena Gonzalez, owner of Signal Hill Florist, during the Aug. 14 Signal Hill City Council meeting’s “small-business spotlight.”

The next Signal Hill City Council meeting will take place Tuesday, Aug. 28, at 7pm in the council chamber at 2175 Cherry Ave.

Roundup

continued from page 3

mined to potentially add to a person’s cancer risk or may cause harm to unborn children or other reproductive harm.

In a press release Wednesday, the Long Beach Coalition for Non-Toxic Parks and Schools, which was formed two years ago to remove herbicides and pesticides from City parks and schools because of evidence that those substances were causing cancer, thanked the mayor and city council for supporting Mouet’s recommendation.

“The members of the Long Beach Coalition for Non-Toxic Parks and Schools want to thank Mayor Garcia and members of the city council, who agreed last night to stop the spraying of Roundup in City parks and in City median strips,” the

press release states. “We especially want to thank the newly appointed director of Parks, Recreation and Marine, Gerardo Mouet, who recommended that this herbicide not be used by the Azteca Landscape services, with which the City contracts to take care of parks and median strips. We request the city council seek assistance from the City of Irvine and the Non-Toxic Irvine organization to discuss the safe, effective and affordable alternatives they have been using for several years since they removed Roundup.”

However, the Coalition also expressed concern for workers who have been spraying the substance.

“Finally, for the past two years, [...] we have monitored

landscaping contractors and City workers [who] spray Roundup in the parks, alleys and median strips without masks or available hand-washing facilities,” the press release states. “In light of the recent $289-million-dollar lawsuit won by a school groundskeeper, who alleges that he has terminal cancer because of his exposure to Roundup, we ask the City to identify, test and treat any of the Public Works staff who may be at risk because of their use of Roundup. We are hopeful that City contractors will do the same.” ✦

14

NEWS

Signal Tribune

Tenants

continued from page 1

E-scooters

August 17, 2018

continued from page 5

Courtesy Razor USA

The City of Long Beach has initiated a pilot program for electronic scooter rentals, which will end Oct. 30, after which vendors will be required to pick up all their scooters and city officials will evaluate the program.

Paige Pelonis | Signal Tribune

Betty Pleasant, 85, joins her neighbors outside the Lexanna Apartments on Sixth Street in Long Beach on Aug. 9 to protest rent increases that are set to take effect next month.

neth] Voight,” Perez said. “We will continue to meet and organize with the tenants and build unity among the different buildings and communities facing displacement and unjust rent increases. The goal of the tenants and ours is to meet with Mr. Voight to discuss solutions to this issue [… ] We hope he does the right thing.”

LiBRE has called on Long Beach residents to contact Voight directly or to send him an email through an online petition that the group is circulating called “Save Our Seniors from Being Homeless.” Seven letters had been sent as of Thursday morning. Voight did not attend the rally, and Perez said he has “refused to meet with residents to this date.”

Voight declined to comment on the issue at this time.

At the rally, Housing Long Beach Director of Community Organizing Maria Lopez led the crowd from street corner to street corner, in call and response with questions like: “When seniors and veterans are under attack, what do we do?”

“Stand up, fight back,” the crowd answered.

Housing Long Beach Community Organizer Norberto Lopez also attended the rally in support of LiBRE and the Lexana Apartments seniors.

“I believe that, in order to have a strong movement, we need to come together,” Lopez said. “[We] as Housing Long Beach, some of our residents are going to come out and support the Lexanna Apartment residents.”

Lopez said that even though none of the residents experiencing rent increases at the Lexanna property were receiving services from Housing Long Beach at this time, solidarity amongst housing organizations would be necessary to bring about the kind of change they hope to see related to renters’ rights.

“Until we get something done through policy, we’ll be doing what we have to do out here in the streets,” Lopez added. “And if we have to continue being out here supporting one another, we’ll continue doing that. The more people we are, the stronger we are.”

There is no policy in place for rent control in Long Beach. As previous-

ly reported in the Signal Tribune, rent-control advocates and members of the #RentControlNow Coalition ceased their efforts to collect enough signatures by the deadline to put rent control and just-cause eviction on the November ballot, citing harassment and additional obstacles as explanation for the decision to halt the movement.

Betty Pleasant, 85, said she sold her home of 41 years in Detroit, Michigan, to come to Long Beach, and she has lived in the Lexanna Apartments for nearly two years.

“I like it here, you know, it’s a beautiful city […] but people have to live,” Pleasant said at the rally.

“It’s not bad, but seniors need that housing for them [...] Social Security doesn’t go up like [rent does]. I’m really thinking about going back to Detroit.”

Pleasant said she understands that the landlord has the right to raise the rent on his own property, but she wishes there were a way all parties involved could “meet in the middle.” She and other residents in the building said they worry that the scheduled rent increase will price them out of their homes and leave them with nowhere to go.

“Rent is too damn high,” read one

BOOKKEEPING & TAX SERVICES

TAX TAXSEASON SEASONIS

EXTENSION? HERE

Call the experts and get started NOW! Individual and business taxes Year-end Tax Planning Payroll • Quickbooks Setup 1099 Preparation • Sales Tax

Let us help you with your BOOKKEEPING NEEDS! Cambodian + Spanish speaking!

large banner in bright red lettering at the rally.

Hall watched his neighbors carry the sign up and down the side of the Lexanna building, repeating the words, “Housing is a human right.

Fight, fight, fight.”

He said he has lived in Long Beach since 1997 and if he were experiencing a rent increase like his neighbors from across the street, he would likely have to move.

“I don’t own the place […] so if [the property owner] decided to go up on the rent, I would have to move,” Hall said. “Which is something I think is unreasonable.”

Perez said LiBRE is encouraging residents to attend an Everyone Home Taskforce meeting conducted by the City of Long Beach Friday.

The Everyone Home Taskforce is a citywide effort to address homelessness in Long Beach. Additional information about the initiative is available online at longbeach.gov/ everyone-home-long-beach.

“These rent increases are correlated to the issue of homelessness,” Perez said. “If people can’t afford the new rent, they can be in the streets the following day.” ✦

after which vendors will be required to pick up all their scooters.

“We’ll evaluate the pilot [program] and then decide how best to move forward with a permanent program over the months following the completion of the pilot,” Widstrand said.

Part of that evaluation will involve city staff monitoring vendor compliance, as well as tracking complaints and responsiveness to address concerns.

“We want them in our city,” Widstrand said. “Scooters provide another mobility option for people. It gives people another chance– much like Bikeshare, bicycling and walking– to get around town without driving.” ✦

Home Improvement

Painting & Handyman

BY JOSEPH WILSON

cell (562) 644-5225 office (562) 803-5009

FREE ESTIMATES! Servicing SPRINGTIME LB SAVINGS & SH since 1978

–Lock the year Kobe price Bryant in your wasMay born!10th. before Call for details.

MadKat, Inc

• Hundreds of local references • Over 35 years experience • Bixby Knolls resident • Hundreds of SPRINGTIME LoCaL • LicensedreferenCes & fully insured (General & Worker’s • SAVINGS oLiability ver 40 yearsComp)

SINCE 1961 3900 Kilroy Airport Way Ste. 240 Long Beach, CA 90806

YOUR GO-TO SOURCE FOR WILLS, TRUSTS AND PROBATE – AVOID PROBATE – Set up your trust today to avoid probate and to prevent Medi-Cal recovery.

You want to make things easy for your loved ones. A complete estate plan package includes a living trust, pour over will, durable power of attorney and advance health care directive. Flat fee prices include deeds to transfer your real estate to your trusts.

Jennifer Sawday, ESQ. Tel: (562) 923-0971 Email: jsawday@tldlaw.com

LockexperienCe in your price “A-rated” • Bbefore ixBy KnoLLs resident May 10th. on angieslist.com LiCensed • B onded • insured Call forusdetails.

Check out at “A-rated” on angieslist.com

NextDoor.com

• Hundreds local Check us out atof NextDoor.com Contractor’s 629882 ContraCtor’License s LiCense ##629882

references • Over 35 years experience • Bixby Knolls resident • Licensed & fully insured (General Liability & Worker’s Comp)

ALWAYS NO CHARGE CONSULTATIONS FOR SIGNAL TRIBUNE READERS!

LIVES LIVED Donald Tormey 72 Carlos Garcia 65 John Lauzon 100 Jean Hovanian 96 Michael Bartlett 64 Priscilla Edwards 70 Abraham Million 93 Kathleen Lytle 50 Sarim Tes 92 Tomme Ellis 73 Shirley Dellett 77 Ashley Bunting 38 Virginia Day 88 Cassandra Smith 35 Rosa Cantera 57 Ganesh Bhat 37

The families were assisted

by McKenzie Mortuary.

For more details on service dates and times, contact (562) 961-9301.

JuneS9, 2017Tribune ignal August 17, 2018

NEWS

7

Signal Tribune Signal Tribune

715

$Special Purchase We made a Relax, its on sale for 1,595 Stressless.

We’ve cut thefrom cost. Not the comfort.

THE INNOVATORS OF COMFORT ™

Limited to Stock On-Hand

THE INNOVATORS OF COMFORT ™ *See sales associate for complete details.

Mayfair – SAVE $1100

Leather: Noblesse Rust, Base: Brown

Sunrise – SAVE $500

Leather: Paloma Teracotta, Base: Wenge

Large

Large

Medium

Admiral – SAVE $1100 Leather: Paloma Sand/Chocolate, Base: Brown

Large Medium

Medium

In-stock and ready to go home with you!

Save $500 on select Stressless® Garda recliner and ottoman June 15, 2017. in the following leather colors with our timeless*The Classic Base. Good March through 10 - 27, 2017. pictured colors are for illustrative purposes.

nd ottoman June 15, 2017.

Good March through 10 - 27, 2017.

Paloma Black

Paloma Chocolate

Paloma Light Grey

Paloma Metal Grey

Paloma Sand

16

Signal Tribune

August 17, 2018

When’s the last time your taxi caught a wave?

AquaLink 7-day service is almost over! Hop aboard Long Beach’s most unique transportation experience any day of the week until Labor Day. For schedules and route information visit lbtransit.com/aqualink