Aug. 24, 2018 | Vol. XL | No. 35

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. 35

IN THIS ISSUE NEWS

Metro Blue Line to close in 2019 for renovations Shuttle service to be offered for riders during shutdown.

Your Weekly Community Newspaper

www.signaltribune.com

August 24, 2018

Long Beach fire chief to retire in October

DuRee, a fifth-generation City employee, served LBFD for 24 years.

Page 3

SH Planning Commission conducts review of CUP to expand auto-body facility

Request made based on local business’s status as ‘major service provider’ for Honda dealership.

Page 5

Leaders discuss local issues at NAACP meeting

California Community Colleges Chancellor Eloy Oakley, U.S. Rep. Alan Lowenthal among speakers during event.

Page 6

Photos by Sebastian Echeverry | Signal Tribune

Courtesy City of LB

Mike DuRee

Pictured in the distance, family and friends of Fred Taft, who was shot and killed in a restroom at Pan American Park on July 21, question residents about the murder during a community investigation on Saturday, Aug. 18. The Long Beach Police Department has not identified the suspect by press time.

Killer on the loose

Cory Bilicko Managing Editor

Michael A. DuRee, a 24-year veteran of the Long Beach Fire Department, will retire as fire chief this October, according to city officials, who made the announcement Tuesday.

DuRee began his tenure in Long Beach in 1994 as a firefighter but worked through the ranks to become fire chief, a role in which he has served the last six years.

Born and raised in the city, DuRee, a fourth-generation Long Beach firefighter and a fifth-generation City employee, has served as: president of the Los Angeles Area Fire Chiefs Association, representing 31 fire departments throughout Los Angeles County; president of the California Fire Chiefs Association; and board member for the International Metro Chiefs Association.

In a statement Tuesday, Mayor Robert Garcia called DuRee an outstanding fire chief and a “great partner” in rebuilding the department.

“I first worked with Mike when he led the Firefighters Association,” Garcia said. “He did so with passion and a commitment to his membership. As fire chief, he has led the department with integrity and set polisee DUREE page 15

Community leads investigation of man killed at Pan American Park, as family demands LBPD classify murder as hate crime.

Sebastian Echeverry Staff Writer

When family and friends of Fred Taft, who was shot and killed in a restroom at Pan American Park on July 21, questioned nearby residents about the murder, most of the comments collected were that of shock, confusion and worry.

The investigative party met on Saturday, Aug. 18, at the same park where the killing took place– just feet away from the restroom where Taft was shot in the upper torso– to gather more information pertaining to the murder.

Shortly after residents began to congregate at the park, members of the Black Lives Matter Long Beach group held hands with those in attendance and prayed for Taft, before they ventured into the nearby streets to question residents around the park.

Dawn Modkins, a Lakewood resident, said the purpose of the community investigation was to support the family, reach out to the community and make sure people are aware

of the shooting.

There was concern from Taft’s family, and the volunteer investigators, that perhaps some residents near the park were not aware of the shooting.

Taft’s family said they believe the murder should be investigated as a hate crime, which the police depart-

ment has not done. Many echoed the demand to view the situation as a hate crime during a community meeting between residents, police and city officials on July 28.

Arantxa Chavarria, LBPD public information officer, wrote in an see INVESTIGATION page 14

During a community investigation on Saturday, Aug. 18, volunteers Miles Haisley (left) and Allison Flanagan (right) approach a house near Pan American Park in Lakewood to question residents about the shooting of Fred Taft that took place on July 21. Community members who took part in the investigation said most residents did not know about the murder.

SIGNAL HILL HOME FOR SALE! 2035 Dawson Ave, Signal Hill 90755 MLS #PW18149174 4+ bed 2 bath, completely remodeled and upgraded, 2556 sq ft mid-century modern home on quiet, tree-lined Dawson Ave. Private Master suite. No HOA dues! Open House this weekend, Saturday & Sunday 1-4, or call for private tour.

Be sure to ask about special buyer incentives!

Kelly McHugh Lopes | 562-243-3223 | Century 21 Masters | DRE #02018494

2

Signal Tribune

August 24, 2018

NEWS

August 24, 2018

Signal Tribune

Renovation project prompting 2019 Blue Line closure expected to change ‘perception’ of ‘unsafe’ rail

3

Shuttle service to be offered for Blue Line riders during shutdown.

Denny Cristales Online Editor

Although seen as an inconvenience for frequent riders, the closure of the Metro Blue Line in January 2019– the start of an eight-month shutdown of the rail for a massive renovation project dubbed “New Blue”– will begin a campaign to change the reputation of what is perceived to be a crime-ridden rail, as stated recently by the Long Beach City Council and officials with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA Metro).

The Blue Line’s closure early next year will be the first major shutdown of the rail since it first began operations in the early ‘90s, according to Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia at a recent city council meeting. Garcia, a member of the Metro Board of Directors, acknowledged the significance of the closure and the project at the Aug. 14 city council meeting at Long Beach City Hall.

“So, while the outcome is going to be excellent, and we’re going to end up with a better system and a good ridership and all of the things that we want, that shutdown is going to be very significant for thousands and thousands of people who use the Blue Line every day [...],” he said. “We’re going to do everything we can to ensure that it’s the least impactful for the folks here in Long Beach.”

LA Metro is investing $350 million into the New Blue Improvement Project and will begin a series of construction and maintenance work on the Blue Line to enhance its safety, efficiency and technology, according to Anthony Crump, director of community and construction relations with LA Metro,

at the Aug. 14 council meeting.

The project will be separated into two four-month closures, with the first portion from January 2019 to May 2019 featuring the suspension of rail service from Willowbrook/Rosa Parks Station to 1st Street Station. The second series of renovations will be from May 2019 to September 2019 from Willowbrook/Rosa Parks Station to 7th Street Station/Metro Center.

Crump said Metro is specifically looking at improvements with the train-control and signal system, rail tracks and overhead power.

The train-control improvements will feature the construction of four additional crossover tracks and switches to reduce service interruptions. There will also be an upgrade of existing train-control signals systemwide.

The track improvements will include the inspection and replacement of tracks in certain segments of the rail. The overhead-power improvements will upgrade and replace the power system for all of the 22 miles of the Blue Line.

The Regional Connector is also a major project that’s underway in downtown Los Angeles, Crump said.

“We are adding three new stations, but, more importantly, we are actually connecting the Metro Blue Line to the Metro Expo Line to the Metro Gold Line, and this will actually allow you to have a one-seat ride that goes from downtown Long Beach all the way out to Azusa.”

During the closure, Metro will provide three levels of bus-shuttle service to its patrons for transportation to various stops along the Blue Line: • The free Blue Line Local Shuttle, which will serve all closed stations

that operate during normal Blue Line hours • The Blue Line Select Shuttle, priced at $1.75 with free bus transfers for those with a TAP card, that will serve select closed stations Monday through Friday during peak hours from 6am to 9am and 3pm to 7pm • The Blue Line Express Shuttle, priced at $1.75 with free bus transfers for those with a TAP card, that has direct express stops Monday through Friday during peak hours from 6am to 9am and 3pm to 7pm In the last few years, Metro has made numerous improvements to the Blue Line rail, according to Crump, including the implementation of: new canopies; new paint; new LED lighting; additional CCTV cameras; tile repair and replacement; and landscaping replacement and irrigation upgrades.

Metro has also added new walkways and accessible routes for those with disabilities. Moreover, there are 46 new trains and 38 overhauled trains.

The Blue Line, connecting those from downtown Long Beach to downtown Los Angeles, has had an infamous reputation of having high crime rates, as acknowledged by some of the Long Beach City Council and Metro officials at the council’s Aug. 14 meeting, where Metro representatives gave a presentation about the closure.

However, since the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) began patrolling local portions of the rail last summer, crime has significantly reduced, according to Alex Wiggins, chief systems security and law-enforcement officer with LA Metro.

“We want to get to the point where see METRO page 10

Photo by Nicolette Aguirre

Sections of the Metro Blue Line will shut down beginning in January 2019 for a renovation project, dubbed “New Blue,” which will feature significant upgrades to the rail– that connects downtown Long Beach and downtown Los Angeles– in an effort to improve safety, reliability and efficiency, according to LA Metro officials. In lieu of the typical rail service, LA Metro will offer three levels of bus-shuttle service at all closed stations for transportation purposes to various stops along the Blue Line route. LA Metro officials said the shuttle rides are expected to take about an hour, roughly the time the Blue Line currently takes. Pictured is the Willow Street Blue Line Station.

4

OPINION

Signal Tribune

August 24, 2018 LETTERS, EMAILS, WEBSITE COMMENTS AND STATEMENTS

COMMENTARY

Medicare can help if you’re at risk for hepatitis

Full of what?

By Greg Dill Medicare regional administrator Did you know viral hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver, causes more than 1 million deaths per year worldwide?

That’s about the same number of deaths caused by tuberculosis and HIV combined.

Fortunately, Medicare can help protect you from hepatitis B and hepatitis C, the most common types of viral hepatitis in the United States.

Hepatitis is contagious. The Hepatitis B virus, for example, spreads through contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person. People can also get infected by coming in contact with a contaminated object, where the virus can live for up to seven days.

Hepatitis B can range from being a mild illness, lasting a few weeks (acute), to a serious long-term illness (chronic) that can lead to liver disease or liver cancer.

Medicare Part B covers hepatitis B shots, which usually are given as a series of three shots over a six-month period. You need all three shots for complete protection.

Medicare covers these shots for people at medium or high risk for hepatitis B. Risk factors include hemophilia, end-stage renal disease, diabetes– if you live with someone who has Hepatitis B– or if you’re a healthcare worker and have frequent contact with blood or body fluids. Check with your doctor to see if you’re at medium or high risk for hepatitis B. You pay nothing for hepatitis B shots if your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider accepts Medicare payment.

Medicare also covers a one-time hepatitis C screening test if your primary-care doctor or practitioner orders it and you meet one of these conditions: • You’re at high risk because you have a current or past history of illicit injection-drug use • You had a blood transfusion before 1992 • You were born between 1945 and 1965 Medicare also covers yearly repeat screenings for certain people at high risk.

Medicare will only cover hepatitis C screening tests if they’re ordered by a primary-care doctor or other primary-care provider. You pay nothing for the screening test if the doctor or other qualified healthcare provider accepts Medicare payment.

Hepatitis shots and screening are among the many preventive-health services that Medicare helps pay for. These screenings and tests help detect preventable and chronic diseases early, in their most treatable stages.

Here are some other preventive-health measures Medicare covers: • Alcohol misuse screening and counseling • Bone mass measurement (This test checks whether you’re at risk for broken bones) • Breast cancer screening (mammograms) • Cardiovascular disease screening (This includes blood tests that help detect conditions that may lead to a heart attack or stroke) • Cervical and vaginal cancer screening • Colorectal cancer screening (This helps find precancerous growths or cancer early, when treatment is most effective) • Diabetes screening and diabetes self-management training • Flu and pneumococcal shots • Glaucoma tests • HIV screening • Lung cancer screening • Obesity screening and counseling • Prostate cancer screening • Smoking and tobacco‑use cessation counseling (to help you stop smoking or using tobacco products) You pay nothing for most Medicare-covered preventive services if you get the services from a doctor or other qualified healthcare provider who accepts Medicare payment.

However, for some preventive services, you may have to pay a deductible, coinsurance or both. These costs may also apply if you get a preventive service in the same visit as a non-preventive service.

Greg Dill is Medicare’s regional administrator for Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada and the Pacific Territories.

You can always get answers to your Medicare questions by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

Visit signaltribune.com to access all of the Aug. 24 stories found in the print issue and to view exclusive multi-media content.

Email newspaper@signaltribune.com for any inquiries or submissions of letters to the editor and press releases for publishing consideration.

Call the Signal Tribune office at (562) 595-7900 with any questions.

I have lived in Long Beach for 38 years and love my city. I have also been a volunteer for many rescues in the So Cal area for 10 years. My wife and I just started volunteering at Long Beach Animal Care Services (LBACS) knowing they did euthanize some animals due to being unhealthy or extremely vicious.

We have unfortunately found this not to be the case. They are killing healthy, young, non-reactive dogs– around 30 a month.

When we return to walk and love our pals, we find out they have been killed, and when we ask why, they say, “We are full.”

Well, I know the definition of “full,” and LBACS is not full. When there are 10-plus empty cages, it is unethical to kill our animals.

Many of us Long Beach residents are asking the mayor and city council to make LBACS a no-kill facility like many other cities have done already.

It is certainly possible, as: Austin, Texas has done this; Sacramento has gone no-kill; Reno, Nevada is no-kill; and many others.

We are hoping you might shed some light on this so the public is aware of what is really going on in our Long Beach shelter.

Alex Armstrong Long Beach

But it’s not a tax... right?

The Long Beach Water Department commissioners will be meeting on Aug. 30 to raise your utility rates yet again. And, sadly, the confused citizens of Long Beach voted to allow this tax when the mayor and council essentially blackmailed them with loss of basic services– as they usually do when they’re asking for more money.

You must send letters of protest regarding this blatant extortion of money.

Otherwise, you may as well just sign over your whole paycheck to the City.

They will gladly take it.

Long Beach City Hall’s mantra: Tax, tax, tax; spend, spend, spend!

City Hall’s new motto: Working together to serve ourselves at the public’s expense.

Only you can make a difference with your protests, telephone calls and letters. Do it now!

Diana Lejins Long Beach

Polluters in the driver’s seat?

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) has a simple mandate: when our federal agencies make policy and consider proposed projects, they must thoroughly assess how their decisions impact our environment and our public health. Undermining NEPA and the transparency it provides puts our nation at risk of falling further behind in our fight against climate change.

Weakening NEPA’s strong standards hinders our work to protect and improve the environment and the health of all Californians, environmental-justice communities in particular. We’re sending President Trump a message: if you roll back the safeguards protecting our nation’s environment and put polluters in the driver’s seat, we will hold you accountable.

Xavier Becerra Attorney general California

It would take an act of Congress

Congress has the opportunity and responsibility to pass the Secure Elections Act and make the first major investment in election security and administration in more than 15 years. I am troubled by reports out of Washington suggesting that the Act will be watered down or stalled as a result of partisanship. Election security is a matter of national security and should not be treated as a partisan issue.

Earlier this week, I sent a letter outlining my concerns that the most recent markup of the Act contained no funding for state and local elections officials to further strengthen cybersecurity. The latest markup also misguidedly removes the requirement for a manual tally of paper ballots during post-election audits, instead allowing machine audits of machine tallied results. Given the cyber threats to our voting systems, only audits of physical, paper ballots can provide the security we need and the confidence voters deserve to have in the accuracy and integrity of election results. That policy has served California well for more than a decade, and it should be a national standard.

Ensuring the integrity of our elections is at the very foundation of our democracy. State and local elections officials are doing our part to protect and secure our elections. We need Congress to do theirs.

Alex Padilla Secretary of State California

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 INTERN

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

COMMUNITY

August 24, 2018

Open 7 Days a Week

nOW serving Dinner

Breakfast & Lunch

Monday through Friday 5pm - 9pm

7am - 3pm

Benedicts, Omelettes, Wraps, Salads, Chili & more.

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

$1

patiO Dining 3405 Orange ave. LB 562.490.2473 backbirdcafelb.com

TACO TUESDAYS

Ground Beef or Shredded Beef (Dine in Only)

$2 Domestic Pints

Try Our HOuse specials!

Lona’s Albondigas • Fajitas Supreme • Wings Border Burger • Nachos • Pork Sliders

16

BEERS

Karaoke

ON TAP! Wed–Sat 8 p.m.

Mexican & American-Style Food

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner served 6am-9pm 1174 Wardlow Rd., LB (West of Orange Ave.) 562-427-4630 us on Facebook!

CURIOUS HOW YOUR HOMES VALUE IS INCREASING THIS YEAR?

Signal Tribune

5

SH Planning Commission conducts review of CUP to expand existing non-conforming auto-body facility Request made based on business’s status as ‘majority service provider’ for Honda dealership.

Cory Bilicko Managing Editor

During a public workshop at its Aug. 21 meeting, the Signal Hill Planning Commission conducted a preliminary review of a conditional-use permit to expand an existing non-conforming auto-body repair facility as an auto-accessory use.

The commission also viewed a video from the California Department of Housing and Community Development regarding housing opportunities.

Conditional-use permit Caliber Collision, an auto-body repair and paint shop, has requested permission to expand its non-conforming facility into five additional units in three buildings, within its existing six-building development at 2370 Walnut Ave. The business, which is located within a light-industrial zoning district, made the request based on its status as the “majority service provider” for Long Beach Honda, which is also located in Signal Hill.

Signal Hill Planning Manager Colleen Doan provided a report on the request, indicating that, since that portion of the meeting was a public workshop, the commission would make no decisions on the matter.

Doan said an auto-center accessory-use ordinance was adopted in 2016 to facilitate the economic via-

Cory Bilicko | Signal Tribune

Caliber Collision, an auto-body repair and paint shop, has requested permission to expand its existing, non-conforming facility into five additional units in three buildings, within its existing six-building development at 2370 Walnut Ave.

bility of the city’s auto center. It allows certain auto-accessory uses to be located off the main dealerships’ sites and on industrially zoned properties, so that sales could be the primary focus at the dealerships’ sites and auto-body repair with a conditional-use permit (CUP), painting and storage allowed off-site.

“The important factor in determining eligibility for the uses is that they demonstrate a specific type of affiliation with one or more of the

auto-center dealerships,” Doan said, before going into detail on the logistics of the operations at Caliber.

She explained that the auto-body work in the new spaces at Caliber would include squaring up frames, applying filler, welding, painting and detailing.

Doan also said Caliber had provided a statement letter from Long Beach Honda indicating that the see COMMISSION page 11

AROUND TOWN

Want an Instant, Free market evaluation?

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

Keller Williams Coastal Properties CalBRE 01091037 & 01443822

Sept 1st - 29th

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

SEW WHAT? What Meeting Who Hosted by The Long Beach Chapter of the Embroiderers of America, Inc. When Friday, Aug. 24 at 11am Where Long Beach City College, 1305 E. PCH More Info Email Christa Barry at barrychen99@gmail.com.

perform jazz music at Rancho Los Cerritos’s final summer concert.

Attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic dinner and low chairs or blankets. Snacks and drinks are also available for sale. No pets are allowed. Visit rancholoscerritos. org.

LADIES WHO LUNCH What Luncheon Who Hosted by the American Association of University Women When Saturday, Sept. 8 from 9:30am to noon Where Golden Sails Inn, 6285 East Pacific Coast Highway More Info The AAUW will host a luncheon with Long Beach community leader Dr. Virginia “Ginny” L. Baxter speaking on “The History of Feminism: A Letter to the Next Generation.” Cost of luncheon is $28 per person with RSVP

by August 27 to Ellen Mathis at epmathis@verizon.net. A $5 charge is required to attend only the program at 10am. Visit aauw-longbeach.org.

MUSIC IN THE AIR What Outdoor concert Who Hosted by the City of Long Beach When Friday, Aug. 24, from 6pm to 8pm Where Marine Stadium, 5255 Paoli Way. More Info The “100 Days of Summer” is winding down with a free finale concert by the band Trinity, who will play tributes to the rock sounds of Styx, Foreigner and Journey. Attendees can bring their family to the Kid Zone and purchase dinner at the food trucks, including the Cheddar Wheel (quesadillas, nachos and more), Chowdown Food (burgers and sandwiches) and Yogurtland. Visit FOOD AND PHILANTHROPY 100daysofsummer.org.

What Fundraiser Who Hosted by Chipotle and MeMORE MUSIC IN THE AIR morialCare Miller Children’s & What Outdoor concert Women’s Hospital Long Beach Who Hosted by Rancho Los Cer- When Thursday, Sept. 13 from ritos 10:30am to 10pm When Sunday, Aug. 26 from 5pm Where Any Los Angeles or Orto 7pm ange County Chipotle Where Rancho Los Cerritos, 4600 More Info Those interested in conVirginia Road tributing to the fundraiser should More Info Acknowledgement will indicate it to the cashier at check-

out, so that 33 percent of their payment benefits Miller Children’s & Women’s.

PRECIPITATION ANTICIPATION What Workshop Who Hosted by Rancho Los Cerritos When Saturday, Sept. 22 from 10am to noon Where Rancho Los Cerritos, 4600 Virginia Road More Info Rancho Los Cerritos will host a workshop about creating and maintaining rain gardens.

A panel featuring plant and water experts will explain how rain gardens work, the benefits and how to create and maintain them. Tickets cost $8 per person and can be purchased at rancholoscerritos.org.

THE PLOTS THICKEN What Cemetery tour Who Hosted by the Historical Society of Long Beach When Saturday, Oct. 27 from 8:30am to 2:40pm Where Long Beach Municipal Cemetery and Sunnyside Cemetery, 1095 and 1151 E. Willow St. More Info The 23rd annual Historical Cemetery Tour will feature costumed actors performing graveside presentations about the lives of people buried at the cemeteries.

Tickets cost $25 for general admission and $15 for HSLB members.

Visit hslb.org to purchase tickets or call (562) 424-2220.

6

Signal Tribune

NEWS

August 24, 2018

Leaders discuss local issues at LB NAACP meeting U.S. Congressmember Alan Lowenthal and L.A. County Sheriff Jim McDonnell among speakers.

Anita W. Harris Staff Writer

The Long Beach branch of the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) co-hosted five local leaders at a meeting Sunday to report on current issues affecting the local community.

Speakers included Alan Lowenthal, U.S. Congress member; Jim McDonnell, Los Angeles County sheriff; Eloy Oakley, chancellor of California community colleges; Doug Haubert, Long Beach city prosecutor; and Jeffrey Prang, Los Angeles County assessor.

Naomi Rainey-Pierson, president of the NAACP branch, praised the speakers while emphasizing the organization’s non-partisanship.

“These people represent us, were elected by us. They make decisions that impact us, and they’re good guys,” she said, addressing more than 50 attendees at the McBride Park community center.

The leaders spoke on topics including housing and homelessness, immigration, education and issues affecting the jail population.

Alan Lowenthal Lowenthal expressed frustration about addressing issues that affect people under the current federal administration led by President Donald Trump, including immigration,

nia State Assembly and Senate, Lowenthal has served in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2013, representing the 47th congressional district, which includes Long Beach.

He said one of the issues Congress has not addressed is how to deal with the 11.5 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S., including the Dreamers, those protected under DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), whom he supports.

Responding to a question about recent incidents of children of asylum seekers being separated from their parents at the border, Lowenthal shared that he had visited one of those detention facilities and said such separation has “destroyed” the children and their mothers.

“We’re talking about people seeking asylum who have been victims of domestic violence or Photos by Anita W. Harris | Signal Tribune victims of gang activity, with members of their family,” he said.

Alan Lowenthal, U.S. Congress mem“People walked a thousand miles ber, speaks at a Long Beach NAACP from Honduras, Guatemala, with meeting on Aug. 19. no money, just asking for safety, just asking for asylum. […] The affordable housing, health care and crime was not their seeking asyclimate change.

“It’s a very difficult time to get lum; the crime and who should be things done,” he said. “It’s kind of a accountable were the people who separated those children.” year of contentiousness.”

Lowenthal also talked about lawFormerly a member of the Long Beach City Council and the Califorsee NAACP page 9

Jim McDonnell, Los Angeles County sheriff, addresses the Long Beach NAACP meeting on Aug. 19.

BOAT 3rd ANNUAL LA HARBOR

SHOW Sept. 20-23 Cabrillo Way Marina

2845 Miner St., Berth 43, San Pedro, CA 90731

Official Show Sponsors:

California

BOATER CARD

Admission: Hours: (Rain or shine) $15 for adults; Thurs. & Fri.: Noon to 7 p.m.

Children 12 and younger, FREE Sat.: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Military ID, $5 discount Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Trawlers, cruisers, sportfishers, sailboats, catamarans, motoryachts, dockage, tenders, paddlecraft from kayaks to stand-up boards, financing, gear & accessories, engines, services and lots more! If you love boating and sailing, don’t miss this show!

Parking $10 (at the show)

For more information go to:

LAHarborBoatShow.com

NEWS

August 24, 2018

Signal Tribune

7

Former Long Beach vice mayor being considered as Hermosa Beach city manager The Hermosa Beach City Council this week announced that it will vote on Aug. 28 to appoint Suja Lowenthal, DPD, a former Long Beach city councilmember and vice mayor and currently the senior advisor to Santa Monica’s city manager, as Hermosa Beach’s city manager.

Lowenthal would bring more than 20 years of government, municipal and community engagement experience to the job, having served in leadership positions in Long Beach and Santa Monica city governments and in local water districts.

Since 2017, Lowenthal has been responsible for analyzing and addressing high-profile issues surrounding the Santa Monica Airport and has served as co-chair of the City’s mobility strategic goal.

Previously, she served as Transit Planning and Community Engagement manager for the City of Santa Monica from 2012-2017. In that role, she was responsible for regional intergovernmental transit planning and all other aspects of transit planning and community engagement for the Big Blue Bus regional transit agency. Lowen-

thal also served as a member of the Long Beach City Council from 2006 to 2016 and as the City’s vice mayor from 2010 to 2012 and 2014 to 2016. In addition, she served as an alternate member of the California Coastal Commission from 2007 to 2009.

“We are thrilled to have found such a great fit for our city at such a pivotal time in our development,” said Mayor Jeff Duclos.

“Suja’s extensive knowledge of all the various facets of local government, her experience as a Coastal Commissioner, her work in the fields of transportation, education and water management, and her experience in business development and public/private partnerships will be of great benefit to us. In addition to her management skills, she is unquestionably one of the most impressive individuals I have had the pleasure of meeting in a long time.”

In addition to being elected to the Long Beach City Council, Lowenthal was elected to the Board of Education in the Long Beach Unified School District in 2001 and served until 2006. Before joining the City of Santa Monica,

Expires 9-7-18

45

she served in a variety of positions for the Water Replenishment District in Cerritos, the Central Basin Municipal Water District, the West Basin Municipal Water District, the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office and the Los Angeles City Department of Aging.

“Hermosa Beach is such a special place, and I am so excited to have the opportunity to become a part of the community and work with its residents and business and community leaders,” Lowenthal said. “I am also enthusiastic about the prospect of serving the community and getting to know City staff– all of whom have committed themselves to making Hermosa an incredible place to live, work and play. Having spent time studying Hermosa’s City government and its strategic plan, I am ready to get to work on implementing the City’s long-range plans and enhancing City services.

Lowenthal would fill the position left vacant by the departure of former City Manager Sergio Gonzalez, who accepted another position.

Source: City of Hermosa Beach

City of Hermosa Beach

Former Long Beach City Councilmember and Vice Mayor Suja Lowenthal is being proposed as Hermosa Beach’s next city manager.

Man arrested for installing camera inside employee restroom of restaurant A man has been arrested for installing a camera inside the employee restroom of a local business.

On Sunday, Aug. 19, Signal Hill Police Department (SHPD) officers were dispatched to the Applebee’s restaurant located at 899 E. Spring St. regarding a video camera found inside the employees’ restroom. The camera was used to capture footage of various employees, according to the SHPD. There is no evidence that patrons of the restaurant were videotaped, police said.

Applebee’s employees and management are cooperating

with the investigation, according to police.

Signal Hill Police detectives working the case suspect the camera was planted by an employee.

Detectives have obtained an arrest warrant for Edgar Garcia-Franco, 49, who was arrested and booked for multiple counts of invasion of privacy.

The investigation is ongoing.

Any potential victims or anyone with information on the case should notify Detective Nick Butler at (562) 989-7219.

Remains of missing LB man found in desert

Source: SHPD Courtesy LBPD

The body of Douglas Clifford Grant, a Long Beach resident, was found in the Barstow desert a few weeks after he went missing, according to police.

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

The remains of a 79-year-old Long Beach man who went missing the morning of July 19, 2018 were found in the Barstow Desert on Aug. 7, according to the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD).

The LBPD indicated this week that the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department, who found Douglas Clifford Grant’s body, notified local police of the discovery on Aug. 18.

The San Bernardino Sheriff’s Coroner Office will determine the official cause of death.

On July 24, family members received a notification from the California Highway Patrol indicating that Grant’s vehicle– a tan 2008 Toyota pick-up– had been towed for being abandoned on the westbound I-40 Freeway between mile markers 42 and 43. There had been no activity with any of his bank cards nor his cell phone since he left his residence.

Source: LBPD

8

Signal Tribune

Free backpacks with school supplies to be offered at family event

The office of Councilmember Al Austin, in partnership with a number of community organizations, will help more than 1,000 kids get ready for the start of school on Saturday, Aug. 25, when more than 1,000 children will receive backpacks filled with school supplies, health screenings, resource information and free food at the annual Back to School Summer Blast, according to Austin’s office.

The free end-of-summer event will take place from 10am to 1pm at Scherer Park, located at Del Amo Boulevard and 49th Street.

“For seven years, we have hosted this crucial event in the community that many families look forward to and rely upon, and it is always one of the highlights of the year for me,” Austin said.

“It is important that our kids are healthy and return to school. The lack of school supplies should not be a barrier to success, and I am doing what I can to make sure every student has the tools they need to thrive.”

The event will also feature face painting, opportunity drawings, shaved ice, entertainment and fun for kids of all ages and the entire family, according to Austin’s office.

Kaiser Permanente and Benevolence Health Centers will perform health, weight, height and BMI screenings.

The Long Beach Police Officers Association will provide hot dogs.

This year, there will be a concert in collaboration with Northside Vinyl. There will be entertainment by Disrupt, Cryout! And Soul Cypher featuring Celestine Rap!, Kristen Ownes, Andrew Balboa, Jake Tittle and others. There will be also be art from Steve Martinez.

The event’s sponsors include: the Port of Long Beach, the Water Replenishment District of Southern California, the Long Beach Police Officers’ Association and Avanath-Northpointe Apartments.

Participating City departments include: the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services, the Environmental Services Bureau, the Department of Parks, Recreation & Marine and the Long Beach Public Library.

Children must be present to receive backpacks, which will be available while supplies last.

More information about the event is available at (562) 5701326.

COMMUNITY

Courtesy Dignity Health

Dignity Health–St. Mary representatives pictured above (front row, from left): Pamela Fair, senior director of Emergency Services and Cath Lab; Carolyn Caldwell, hospital president/CEO; Veronica Guerrero, LVN health coach; Shawni Smith, American Heart Association representative; Dr. Serap Sobnoski, cardiologist; Sister Celeste Trahan, vice president of Mission Integration. (Back row, from left): Ardel Avelino, senior director of Clinical Services; Creg Parks; senior director of Strategy and Business Development; Laura Peiser, nursing supervisor; Nancy Valla, chief nursing executive; and Dr. Nik Kapoor, cardiologist

Dignity Health–St. Mary receives American Heart Association award Dignity Health–St. Mary Medical Center was presented with the American Heart Association’s Get With the Guidelines Heart Failure Silver Quality Achievement Award this month– the first time St. Mary was honored with the recognition, “which demonstrates the hospital’s commitment to ensuring heart-failure patients receive the most

appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines,” according to the hospital.

The Silver Quality Achievement Award illustrates one full year in meeting specific measures for the diagnosis and treatment of heart-failure patients, including education, medication man-

agement and follow-up care plans. The goal is a smooth recovery process while reducing hospital readmissions, according to the hospital.

Source: Dignity Health

We love our residents!

Seminar: Will or Living Trust?

Free event!

An informational event featuring a guest speaker

Source: Austin’s office

Wednesday, Aug. 29 is the first day of school for LBUSD. Drivers, please be aware of children walking and riding bikes to school.

August 24, 2018

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 24, 2018

NAACP

Signal Tribune

9

continued from page 6

makers stalling in protecting civil rights and women’s rights as well as health care, noting that Republicans keep introducing measures to eliminate Obamacare.

“This administration wants to undo everything that President Obama has done, […] not based upon what has been done in terms of the outcomes and the measurement of the products or whether it’s been effective, but it’s just because Obama did it and Trump wants to end it,” he said. “That has to end.”

Lowenthal also said there is an affordable-housing crisis, which he said was one of the causes of homelessness.

“A lot of the homeless are out there on the streets because of specific problems,” he said.

“But there is a significant number of homeless that cannot afford to live [in a home]. They have two jobs, they live in the back of their cars, they’re out on the streets, they lost their housing. We have a real problem with afford-

able housing.”

Lowenthal said making change in these areas starts at the local level, but he feels that the federal government is not supporting issues his constituents are most concerned about.

“Most of the things that get solved in people’s lives first happen at the city level, so the federal government has to work with the City,” he said. “We have to come and have meetings just like this and listen to people and figure out how we’re going to help our cities and our state. […] Having said that, this administration has drastically cut money for health care, for housing, for immigration, for education, and it has to stop.”

Eloy Oakley Former Long Beach City College chancellor-superintendent Oakley was appointed chancellor of all 114 (soon to be 115) CaliforPhotos by Anita W. Harris | Signal Tribune nia community colleges in Eloy Oakley, chancellor of California community colleges, speaks at a Long Beach NAACP meeting on Aug. 19 2016.

Lic #571388 Oakley said been left behind in our community colleges,” students credentialed. his office has put he said. “They are black and African-Ameri“That was a very intentional effort to together a “vican students; they are Latino students; they are change the incentive structure for our colleges sion for success,” Asian students […], many of which are here in and to get them to focus specific attention on focusing on is00 communities like Long Beach.” first-generation students, low-income students, sues of race and Oakley said two recently implemented in communities like Long Beach,” he said. ethnicity to im00 changes will help enable such students to betThe second major change Oakley discussed prove outcomes ter succeed. is a new law– Assembly Bill 705– that changes for minority The first, he said, is a new funding formula how students are placed in English and math 00 LIMITED low-income and that reduces the amount of money allocated to courses. Instead of being placed in remedial TIME first-generation colleges based on enrollment to only 60 per- courses based on incoming assessment tests, students.

NO BAIT & SWITCH cent, with the other 40 percent based on how students must be placed in courses based on Standard Double “We have a well a college serves low-income communities their high school records.

PRICES strong focus right Garage Door 16’x7’ of color. “[For] a black student who enters college now on closing “Communities like Long Beach or L.A. that two levels below transfer-level math, the the achievement have large populations of low-income students chances of that student getting a degree are gaps and focuswill receive additional funding,” he said. less than 10 percent,” Oakley said. ing attention on Oakley said half of the 40-percent portion is Oakley further noted that assessment tests the fate of stua reward structure to ensure a college gets such www.DouglasDoors.com see NAACP page 13 dents who have

HONEST PRICING ON ALL REPAIRS Broken Springs

$350 $295

$695

Call For A Phone Quote 562.404.3833 – 714.739.2073

The best bank for you?

The one that won’t make you shudder when you see your car payment.

THE ONLY THING WORSE THAN BEING STUCK IN TRAFFIC is being stuck with a high interest rate auto loan. So now’s the time to refinance to a great low rate. Check us out to see how much you can save over the life of your car loan when you open a Wescom account.

Anyone living in the seven Southern California counties can open an account online at Wescom.org, or any of our 22 branches, including: SIGNAL HILL

2600 Cherry Ave. Signal Hill, CA 90755

Federally Insured by the NCUA.

@Liz_Wescom

1-888-8WESCOM

/WescomCreditUnion

(1-888-893-7266)

@Liz_Wescom

wescom.org

The best bank for you may not be a bank at all.

Loan approval subject to credit and income evaluation. Account opening and Visa® Debit Card subject to verification by ChexSystems, a consumer reporting agency; Primary Payment Systems, an independent verification service; and Credit Union approval. A $1 deposit to a Regular Savings Account is required. Certain conditions and restrictions apply.

10

NEWS

Signal Tribune

Metro

August 24, 2018

continued from page 3

every one of our employees, every single patron, can be anywhere in our system and 100 percent of the time ride without fear,” Wiggins said during the meeting. “If anyone knows about the Blue Line, you know we have work to do in that area, and that partnership with the Long Beach Police Department is really getting us on that path of creating a very positive ridership experience.”

Per Metro’s on-board customer-satisfaction survey, Wiggins said that 90 percent of its passengers feel safe while riding the bus and 79 percent feel safe while riding the rail.

“So, the idea is to get that 10 percent from the bus system and that 21 percent from the rail system,” he said.

“These numbers need to be 100 percent.”

As of last summer, the LBPD patrols the eight Blue Line stations within the city. Metro and the LBPD agreed to add, in Fiscal Year 2019 (FY ‘19), two “quality of life” officers to the deployment schedule. Wiggins said the officers will direct their efforts to connecting homeless people to social-service resources. One detective position will also be added in FY ‘19 to assist with transit-related caseloads.

In a phone interview Thursday afternoon, Wiggins said Metro has “literally” quadrupled the number of resources for homeless people in regard to outreach. LA Metro has eight outreach teams– five people per team, making up a total of 40 individuals– who patrol the rails to provide support for those experiencing homelessness and mental-health issues.

Wiggins said the goal is to get individuals the help they need instead of simply removing them from the train.

“Homelessness is not just a problem that we can arrest our way out of,” he told the Signal Tribune, “so we have to partner with social-services agencies– and the ‘quality of life’ officers will be doing just that.”

Wiggins said the recruitment process has started in Long Beach to get the new officers, and they should be implemented into the Metro system in the next several months or “definitely” by the end of the year.

In his presentation, Long Beach was shown to have significant percentage decreases in crime from July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018. “Part 1” crimes are down 50 percent, and “Part 2” crimes are down 80 percent, according to Wiggins.

“The first year was really about taking control of some of the more serious crime on the system,” he said.

“And, now that we’re beginning to see numbers that would be considered average across the country, we’re going to spend more time focusing on codeof-conduct issues, vending, loud music, things of that nature.”

Wiggins told the Signal Tribune that offenders who violate the code-ofconduct, such as taking up two seats or playing loud music, will first receive a warning and a pocketbook of Metro guidelines. A repeated violation will result in a citation or removal from the vehicle.

During the public-comment portion of the Metro agenda item that Tuesday, 1st-district resident Karen Reside, who takes the bus every day and has not driven in 15 years, commended the police department for its service on the Blue Line.

“It’s been a huge improvement on the nefarious activity around the train

station since they’ve taken over the patrolling of the system,” she said.

Second District Councilmember Jeannine Pearce, a frequent Blue Line rider for many years, felt that the Metro rail’s challenge has always been “perception.” Although she has always felt safe on the train system, she understands that the public generally sees the rail as dangerous.

A resident in Pearce’s district also provided his thoughts on the same issue of perception during public comment, adding that, since the time he has been a passenger on Metro, the

Blue Line has become considerably safer.

“The Blue Line has a long reputation of not being very safe,” said Andrew Caroll, a 2nd-district resident.

“But, some studies show that it is safer to be on the Metro than it is to be in some of the surrounding communities that the Metro passes through. [...] So, I would like to see more money being spent on changing the perception of the Blue Line, and also public transportation generally.”

In response to Caroll, Garcia said part of the focus next year will be to re-

structure the identity of the Blue Line.

“When we re-open the system, there is going to be a major push to kind of hit ‘refresh,’” Garcia said. “I think you’re going to see it by the way the stations look, the landscaping, the kind of computer systems that are going to be installed at the stations, the fact that all of the trains will be new, that the technology will be modernized and the marketing and collective push to kind of have that fresh start and let people know that, ‘Yes, this is a safe system,’ and that we want folks to ride the Blue Line.” ✦

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

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 Metro.net

The above graph shows a map of the Metro Blue Line in its entirety, highlighting the various shuttle services that will be available along the Blue Line route during the closure of the southern portion of the rail– from 1st Street Station to Willowbrook/Rosa Parks Station– from January 2019 to May 2019.

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

NEWS

August 24, 2018

Commission

continued from page 5

dealership shall refer all parties seeking auto-body collision-repair services for any automotive lines to Caliber.

After Doan’s presentation, Planning Commission Chair Victor Parker opened the discussion for questions from commissioners, but there were none. He then opened the workshop to public comment, during which time Caliber’s property manager and regional manager introduced themselves at the podium and offered to answer any questions or provide further information. Parker then closed the public-comment portion of the workshop, after which Commissioner Rose Richárd sought clarification on the existing relationship between Caliber and the Honda dealership. Doan said their working relationship began around November of 2017.

Parker asked Doan if there are any other dealerships that Caliber is working with, to which Doan responded that Toyota is also listed in the agreement.

The commission then voted to move the discussion to a public hearing at a later date.

Housing video As a continuation of a “Director’s Report” series on housing legislation, the commission viewed a five-minute video from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) that features Ben Metcalf, that agency’s director, explaining the “California 2017 Housing Package” that contains what Metcalf called “15 new game-changing laws.”

In the video, he says that Assembly Bill 72 is one of those laws and grants HCD the authority to look at action or lack of action pertaining to cities’ housing elements, which require local officials to plan for their share of the state’s housing.

“AB 72 gives the HCD the authority to revoke housing-element compliance or engage the attorney general if the local government actions do not comply with state law, but the fact is we really don’t want to,” Metcalf says.

“We would much prefer to see every city and county fully complying, because that is what facilitates the development of the housing that Californians so desperately need.”

The HCD director then explained the steps that will be taken if his department must engage in enforcement, including gathering information, contacting the local governments, providing them with technical assistance and advice, and issuing a formal correction letter. If the jurisdiction is still found to be not in compliance, HCD will issue a 30-day notice of its intent to revoke housing-element compliance if the required remedy is not completed. If still not resolved after 30 days, HCD will formally revoke compliance.

“Revocation opens up the city or county to private litigation, which could lead to court injunction to cease issuing residential or non-residential permits,” Metcalf says in the video. “Revocation of the housing element also means that jurisdictions become ineligible for a range of funds. Several federal and state funding programs consider housing-element compliance as eligibility or ranking criteria.”

He added that if the issue is egregious or recurring, HCD may refer it to the state attorney general’s office and work with them to pursue direct legal action. Currently, out of the 539 jurisdictions requiring housing elements, 53 of them are out of compliance.

The commission voted to receive and file the video.

The next Signal Hill Planning Commission meeting will be Tuesday, Sept. 18 at 7pm in the council chamber, 2175 Cherry Ave.

BOOKKEEPING & TAX SERVICES

TAX SEASON IS TAX SEASON 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!

Port OKs Toyota terminal makeover The Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners has approved a proposal by Toyota Logistics Services to redevelop its facility at Pier B and build a renewable-energy fuel-cell power plant and hydrogen fueling station.

Toyota operates a marine terminal at the port where new automobiles are off-loaded from ships, processed and transported off-site via truck and railroad. The planned redevelopment would make those operations more efficient.

Construction on the private project is anticipated to begin later this year and be completed in 18 months.

Work will include replacing separate office, car washing, fueling, auto body and other facilities with a new, single building. Plans also see MAKEOVER page 15

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 referenCes • Licensed & fully insured (General & Worker’s • SAVINGS oLiability ver 40 yearsComp)

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

The California Legislature has passed the Safe Sidewalk Vending Act (Senate Bill 946), which gives sidewalk vendors across the state a path to start a legal business without fear of arrest, according to the office of Senator Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens).

If signed into law by Governor Brown, SB 946 will prohibit criminal penalties for sidewalk vending and allow cities to establish permit programs for vendors.

“Sidewalk vendors are like any small business working to make it in our state,” Lara said. “SB 946 will protect vulnerable sidewalk vendors and create new opportunity for entrepreneurship and economic mobility while still preserving local control.”

Under SB 946, local governments may require sidewalk vendors to obtain a business license and abide by

state tax laws, just like other businesses.

Vendors who were previously convicted of anti-vending laws may petition the court for dismissal of the sentence.

Lara introduced SB 946 in response to stories of arrests and harassment of vendors. Last year ICE agents detained a sidewalk vendor and mother of four in Rancho Cucamonga after she was arrested for selling corn. An immigration judge ordered her release after community protests.

A recent survey of Los Angeles vendors found that 80 percent are women and many are seniors. Harassment or arrests of vendors strikes at families and at those on fixed incomes, according to Lara’s office.

Source: Lara’s office

Search-warrant operation nets guns, drugs and currency The Long Beach Police Department’s West Division Directed Enforcement Team, with the assistance of the Gangs and Violent Crime Division and SWAT Team, conducted a search warrant operation on Aug. 22 that resulted in the arrest of six individuals and the confiscation of weapons, drugs and currency, according to police.

The search warrants were served at six different locations in Long

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

Beach, as follow-up to investigations into gang-related incidents of violent crime that took place earlier this summer in the West Division area. Collectively, the operation resulted in five felony arrests and one misdemeanor arrest, and the seizure of seven firearms, a quantity of methamphetamine and $6,000 in cash.

Listed below are the locations of the residences where search warrants were served, and those taken into custody: 1900 block of Harbor Avenue 1400 block of Chestnut Avenue 2200 block of Baltic Avenue 1400 block of Parade Street 1000 block of Market Street 2000 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue Rogelio Ayala, 40, of Long Beach was arrested for possession of illegal weapon (non-firearm) with a bail set at $80,000.

Edwin Lopez, 26, of Long Beach, was arrested for destruction of ID marks on firearms, with a bail set at $20,000.

Raymond Moreno, 34, of Long Beach, was arrested as an ex-felon in possession of a firearm and illegal possession of ammunition, with

a bail set at $35,000.

Jonathan De La Torre, 19, of Long Beach, was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon and shooting at an occupied dwelling, with a bail set at $250,000.

Brandon Castillo, 19, of Long Beach, was arrested for outstanding warrants (narcotics and domestic battery), with a bail set at $85,000.

Additionally, a Long Beach minor who is 17 was arrested for possession of a controlled substance while armed.

“These types of operations will continue, to address violent crime taking place in our community, in efforts to keep our neighborhoods safe,” states a press release from the police department. “The LBPD would like to encourage residents to continue to report crime by calling the non-emergency number at (562) 435-6711 or 9-1-1.”

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 visiting lacrimestoppers.org.

Source: LBPD

Have a leak?

LET US CHECK! FREE LEAK ASSESSMENT! Pete’s Plumbing • BATHROOMS (562) 425-2373

“A-rated” on angieslist.com

NextDoor.com

State Legislature sends governor sidewalk-vending bill

Courtesy LBPD

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

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

11

The Long Beach Police Department conducted a search warrant operation on Aug. 22 that resulted in the arrest of six individuals and the confiscation of weapons, drugs and currency.

Home Improvement

Painting & Handyman

Signal Tribune

ALWAYS NO CHARGE CONSULTATIONS FOR

SIGNAL TRIBUNE READERS!

petes-plumbing.com

• KITCHENS • LANDSCAPING LINES

We’re in a drought... don’t leak it out!

12

Signal Tribune

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

t ʼ n o D t! e g r fo

PUBLIC NOTICES 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 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

TST5751 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF BULK SALE AND OF INTENTION TO TRANSFER ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE (U.C.C. 6105 et seq. and B & P 24073 et seq.)

Escrow No. 051451-PC Date: AUGUST 14, 2018 Notice is hereby given that a bulk sale of assets and a transfer of alcoholic beverage license is about to be made. The names and business addresses of the Seller/Licensee are: DELIUS RESTAURANT, LLC, A CALIFORNIA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY 2951 CHERRY AVENUE, SIGNAL HILL, CA 90755 The business is known as: DELIUS RESTAURANT The names and business addresses of the Buyer/Transferee are: JIMMY E’S INC., A CALIFORNIA CORPORATION 1860 OBISPO AVENUE, SIGNAL HILL, CA 90755 As listed by the Seller/Licensee, all other business names and addresses used by the Sellers/Licensee within three years before the date such list was sent or delivered to the Buyer/Transferee are:

Your DBAs must be filed every 5 years!

Let the Signal Tribune help with your fictitious business statement publication. We have one of the lowest prices in the county and the forms to get you started right away!

We also run LEGAL NAME CHANGES at low, low rates.

Call 562-595-7900

or Email legalnotices@signaltribune.com

NONE The assets to be sold are described in general as: FURNITURE, FIXTURE & EQUIPMENT, GOODWILL, LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS, ABC LIQUOR LICENSE AND INVENTORY and are located at: 2951 CHERRY AVENUE, SIGNAL HILL, CA 90755 The kind of license to be transferred is: ON-SALE GENERAL EATING, 47434545 now issued for the premises located at: 2951 CHERRY AVENUE, SIGNAL HILL, CA 90755 The anticipated date of the sale/transfer is UPON THE TRANSFER OF THE ABC LICENSE at the office of: INTERNATIONAL CITY ESCROW, INC., 5000 E. SPRING ST, STE 120, LONG BEACH, CA 90815, Escrow No. 051451-PC, Escrow Officer: PATREECE COBURN The amount of the purchase price or consideration in connection with the transfer of the license and business, including estimated inventory, is the sum of $113,929.94, which consists of the following: DESCRIPTION, AMOUNT: CASH $113,929.94 It has been agreed between the Seller/ Licensee and the intended Buyer/Transferee, as required by Sec. 24073 of the Business and Professions Code, that the consideration for the transfer of the business and license is to be paid only after the transfer has been approved by the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.

DELIUS RESTAURANT, LLC, A CALIFORNIA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, Seller/Licensee JIMMY E’S INC, A CALIFORNIA CORPORATION, Buyer/Applicant LA 2087032 SIGNAL TRIBUNE 8/24/18 TST5748 / 2018 207698 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person is doing business as: LIFE IS SHORT TRAVEL, 2520 Quiet Sands Drive, Signal Hill, CA 90755.

Registrant: BLEVINS STACI, 2520 Quiet Sands Drive, Signal Hill, CA 90755. This business is conducted by: an Individual.

I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed: Blevins Staci. The registrant has begun to use this fictitious business name. The registrant began using this fictitious business name in April, 2008. This statement was filed with the county clerk of Los Angeles County on August 16, 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 24, 31, & September 7, 14, 2018.

TST5749 / Case No. NS034531 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME, SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, 275 Magnolia Ave., Long Beach, CA 90802.

PETITION OF KEVIN GREGORY STEINBERG. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner: KEVIN GREGORY STEINBERG has filed a petition with this court for a decree changing his name as follows: Present Name: KEVIN GREGORY STEINBERG to Proposed Name: KEVIN MICHAEL GREGORY. 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 25, 2018; Time: 8:30A M; Dept. S26. 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 24, 31, September 7, 14, 2018 ___//ss//___ Michael P. Vicencia, Judge of the Superior Court Dated August 14, 2018 TST5750 / 2018 209318 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person is doing business as: FASTBENDER CONDUIT, 1941 San Anseline Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90815. Registrant: FASTBENDER LLC, 1941 San Anseline Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90815. This business is conducted by: a Limited Liability Company. I declare that all information in this statement is

August 24, 2018 true and correct. Signed: Ramon Clyde Dawson, CEO. 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 17, 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 24, 31, & September 7, 14, 2018.

TST5747 DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURER AND TAX COLLECTOR Notice of Divided Publication NOTICE OF DIVIDED PUBLICATION OF THE PROPERTY TAX-DEFAULT LIST (DELINQUENT LIST) Made pursuant to Section 3371, Revenue and Taxation Code Pursuant to Revenue and Taxation Code Sections 3381 through 3385, the Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector is publishing in divided distribution, the Notice of Power to Sell Tax-Defaulted Property in and for Los Angeles County, State of California, to various newspapers of general circulation published in the County. A portion of the list appears in each of such newspapers.

I, Joseph Kelly, County of Los Angeles Tax Collector, State of California, certify that: Notice is given that by operation of law at 12:01 a.m.

Pacific Time, on July 1, 2016, I hereby declared the real properties listed below tax defaulted. The declaration of default was due to non-payment of the total amount due for the taxes, assessments, and other charges levied in tax year 2015-16 that were a lien on the listed real property. Nonresidential commercial property and property upon which there is a recorded nuisance abatement lien shall be Subject to the Tax Collector's Power to Sell after three years of defaulted taxes. Therefore, if the 2015-16 taxes remain defaulted after June 30, 2019, the property will become Subject to the Tax Collector's Power to Sell and eligible for sale at the County's public auction in 2020. All other property that has defaulted taxes after June 30, 2021, will become Subject to the Tax Collector's Power to Sell and eligible for sale at the County's public auction in 2022. The list contains the name of the assessee and the total tax, which was due on June 30, 2016, for tax year 2015-16, opposite the parcel number. Payments to redeem tax-defaulted real property shall include all amounts for unpaid taxes and assessments, together with the additional penalties and fees as prescribed by law, or paid under an installment plan of redemption if initiated prior to the property becoming Subject to the Tax Collector's Power to Sell.

Please direct requests for information concerning redemption of tax-defaulted property to Joseph Kelly, Treasurer and Tax Collector at 225 North Hill Street, Los Angeles, California 90012, 1 (888) 807-2111 or 1 (213) 974-2111.

I certify under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct. Executed at Los Angeles, California, on August 8, 2018.

JOSEPH KELLY TREASURER AND TAX COLLECTOR COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES STATE OF CALIFORNIA Assessees/taxpayers, who have disposed of real property after January 1, 2015, may find their names listed because the Office of the Assessor has not yet updated the assessment roll to reflect the change in ownership.

ASSESSOR'S IDENTIFICATION NUMBERING SYSTEM EXPLANATION The Assessor's Parcel Number (APN), when used to describe property in this list, refers to the Assessor's map book, the map page, the block on the map (if applicable), and the individual parcel on the map page or in the block. The Assessor's maps and further explanation of the parcel numbering system are available at the Office of the Assessor.

The following property tax defaulted on July 1, 2016, for the taxes, assessments, and other charges for the tax year 2015-16: LISTED BELOW ARE PROPERTIES THAT DEFAULTED IN 2016 FOR TAXES, ASSESSMENTS AND 0THER CHARGES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2015-2016.

AMOUNT OF DELINQUENCY AS OF THIS PUBLICATION IS LISTED BELOW. CAMACHO,JUAN AND CHERNYAK,YURY SITUS 2525 E 19TH ST NO 14 SIGNAL HILL CA 907556065 7216-019-060/S2015-010 $372.79 COLLINS,SCOTT TR ALMASIS FAMILY TRUST SITUS 2301 SARAH CT SIGNAL HILL CA 907554051 7217-028-029/S2014-010/S2015-010 $4,342.91 DON PEDRO PROPERTIES LLC SITUS 2508 E WILLOW ST NO 109 SIGNAL HILL CA 90755-6302 7214-009-124 $5,739.82 HUOT,CHRISTINA AND SENG,HOL SITUS 1980 SAINT LOUIS AVE SIGNAL HILL CA 90755-5837 7216-015-022 $21,298.93 KING TUT TRUST 7212-009-015 $239.49 ROJAS,AMERICO SITUS 1837 TEMPLE AVE UNIT B SIGNAL HILL CA 90755-1164 7216-023031 $12,559.61 SULLIVAN,DON K AND MARY LEE SITUS 1920 FREEMAN AVE SIGNAL HILL CA 90755-1210 7217-014-015 $7,833.41 VAN AUSDALL,MAUDE AND MARKHAM,MARGARITE SITUS 3040 PASADENA AVE LONG BEACH CA 90807-5054 7207-020-022/S2014-010 $2,277.68 CN952153 578 Aug 24,31, 2018

August 24, 2018

NEWS

Signal Tribune

EYE ON CRIME

13

CRIMES REPORTED BY THE SIGNAL HILL POLICE DEPARTMENT Thursday, August 16 9:56am Grand theft– motor vehicle 1800 block Redondo Ave. 11:40am Grand theft– motor vehicle 2900 block E. PCH Friday, August 17 10:44am Violating domestic-violence court order 1700 block E. Hill St. (suspect arrested)

Cherry Ave./E. Burnett St. (suspect arrested)

(suspect arrested)

3:03pm Auto burglary 800 block E. Spring St.

Monday, August 20 12:27am Grand theft– motor vehicle 3200 block California Ave.

11:35pm Burglary 1500 block E. Hill St.

7:55am Auto burglary 900 block Las Brisas Way

Sunday, August 19 12:27am Burglary 1900 block Crescent Dr.

8:52am Auto burglary 900 block Las Brisas Way

9:00pm DUI Cherry Ave./E. Spring St. (suspect arrested)

10:00pm Possessing controlled substance Cherry Ave./E. Willow St. (suspect arrested)

Saturday, August 18 2:00am DUI

11:00pm Possessing controlled substance Walnut Ave./Alamitos Ave.

12:54pm Auto burglary 2400 block Cherry Ave. 4:35pm Grand theft– motor vehicle 2700 block Cherry Ave. Tuesday, August 21

7:27am Grand theft– motor vehicle 2400 block Lewis Ave. 1:28pm Elder abuse 2200 block Jeans Ct. 4:04pm Battery 3300 block Olive Ave. Wednesday, August 22 11:59am Burglary 2400 block E. PCH 5:31pm Burglary 1300 block E. 32nd St. 5:39pm Grand theft– motor vehicle 1600 block E. Willow St.

8:19pm Petty theft under $950; felony warrant; two misdemeanor warrants 900 block E. 33rd St. (suspect arrested) 8:24pm Battery on peace officer/firefighter (amended) 2200 block Temple Ave. (suspect arrested) 11:06pm Battery 1800 block E. Willow St. 11:34pm Indecent exposure 3000 block California Ave.

NAACP

continued from page 9

have served to undermine minority student progress.

“Standardized tests, as we’ve come to learn, have devastating effects on communities of color,” he said. “Those students, even though they did well in high school, […] didn’t come to a community college prepared to take an assessment test [and] that assessment test doesn’t really measure whether or not they’re going to be successful. […] That test is not correct. All of their experience throughout high school gives you more information about that student.”

Oakley also said, in answer to a question, that there are mechanisms in place to make sure the funding works and that colleges are prepared to implement new placement methods that don’t rely on assessment tests.

“All these changes really have a focus on increasing equity and outcomes for students in California,” he said. “Nearly every job that’s being created now requires some sort of college credential.”

Jim McDonnell McDonnell, who served as Long Beach police chief before becoming L.A. County sheriff four years ago, gave an update on pressing law-enforcement issues, including how methamphetamines and opioids are leading to mental-health issues and deaths in the county’s burgeoning jail population.

McDonnell noted that the county currently has about 17,000 inmates in custody.

“That is a lot of people,” he said.

“And we’re trying to be able to do what we can for those in our care and custody by giving them re-entry skills, by giving them education, by setting them up for success.”

McConnell also said that the County’s programs include drug-and-alcohol abuse treatment and psychological health services, but the jail system’s mentally ill population is increasing by 10 percent per year.

“We are the largest mental-health institution in America, if not the world, and we weren’t designed to be one at all,” he said.

McConnell said that, according to mental-health professionals, the cause of the increase is most likely synthetic-drug use, especially methamphetamines.

“What it means for us is that 31 percent of our jail population are dealing with serious mental-health crises,” he said. “We need to be in a position where we have alternatives to incarceration to be able to give the treatment necessary to break that cycle. And that means community-based mental health care and treatment.”

But he said that very few communities want to have such facilities in their neighborhoods.

“That’s an ongoing challenge we’re going to have to address in whatever way makes the most sense,” McConnell said. “To continue doing what we’ve been doing is not a recipe for success, particularly in light of the fact that that population is climbing so dramatically.”

McConnell added that a new challenge facing the county’s jail population is opioid overdoses, especially from fentanyl, which he said killed the majority of last year’s 72,000 overdose victims, mostly on the east coast.

“We are starting to see that here now,” he said. “Fentanyl is legitimately a stage-four cancer pain-management drug that is exceptionally strong […] now being produced in China and shipped through the mail here or shipped to the cartels. […]

It’s cheap, and you can cut heroin with it and the drug dealers extend how much money they can make from a kilo of heroin.”

McConnell said fentanyl is also finding its way into cocaine and other drugs such as marijuana.

“Five or six grains of what look like salt are enough to be a fatal overdose,” he said. “And we’re starting to see this now being smuggled into the jail system.”

He said that some people orchestrate their arrests for the sole purpose of smuggling the drug into jails for the Mexican mafia– such as in a balloon the size of a silver dollar– and know how to evade detection, such as by moving during an MRI body scan.

“In June alone, we saved, in our custody, 14 people who had overdosed,” McConnell said. “It’s not on most people’s radar, but it should be.”

Doug Haubert In his role as city prosecutor for eight years, Haubert spoke of trying to divert people, especially younger

people, away from the jail system.

“I have tried everything to be the most community-based prosecutor in the city,” he said. “I am very proud of the things my office has done in the last eight years.”

His efforts, he said, have included hiring local interns and having law enforcement do more social work such as identifying substance-abuse problems and mental disorders to connect people to services instead of to the criminal-justice system.

“Here in Long Beach, we are lucky to have one of two statewide pilot programs,” Haubert said. “We are doing pre-booking diversion of people who have drug-abuse problems in […] north Long Beach.

We’re measuring the results for 22 months and […] we think it will show that it’s more effective to connect people from the street level directly into services that includes housing. So it’s a housing-first model.”

Haubert also described his office’s unique PATH (Promising Adults, Tomorrow’s Hope) program, implemented two years ago, that moves cases for those 18 to 24 years of age out of court and into work opportunities.

“The goal is to help them become more employable,” he said. “If that means getting them back into school so they can get that high school degree, if it means getting them into [Long Beach] City College, […] anything we can do to return them from this program more employable than they went into it, we believe would be better for public safety.”

Haubert also said his office received a federal grant from the Obama administration six years ago to fund a gang-intervention program for the very young.

“The kids who are missing schools when they are 10, 11, 12 years old, those are the kids who are most likely to be recruited by gangs,” he said.

“Those are the kids who we know, if we don’t keep an eye on them, are not going to graduate from school; they’re going to be less employable.

Statistics show they’re more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol.”

Haubert’s office also provides post-conviction relief and expungement workshops, he said.

“Giving them opportunities– that’s absolutely one of the most important, effective strategies,” he said. “People join gangs when they

Anita W. Harris | Signal Tribune

Doug Haubert, Long Beach city prosecutor, speaks at a Long Beach NAACP meeting on Aug. 19

see no hope. They’re not thinking of a job– they’re not thinking of graduating high school. They don’t see a future in that for them. […] If they just graduate from high school, statistics show they’re going to be OK. Eighty percent of those in state prisons didn’t graduate from high school. […] The solution is kind of simple– get them back in school.”

Jeffrey Prang Prang, who has served as L.A. County assessor for four years and is up for re-election in November, said his staff of 1,400 assesses the fair-market value of 2.5 million parcels of property in the county, valued at about $1.5 trillion, which generates $15 billion in property taxes that are allocated to schools, local governments and services.

Prang noted that the real-estate

market has increased by 6.6 percent, or $93 billion, in the county in the last year and 5.6 percent in Long Beach.

But he said that many residents don’t take advantage of programs that would help reduce their property taxes.

“There are a number of programs voters of California voted in to save money on property taxes, including the homeowner’s exemption,” he said. “If you own your home and it’s your principal place of residence, you qualify for a homeowner’s exemption. It’ll save you about 70 bucks a year on your taxes. However, about one-third of all homeowners in L.A. County do not apply for it.” ✦

14

NEWS

Signal Tribune

August 24, 2018

Investigation continued from page 1

email to the Signal Tribune Wednesday morning that “at this point, there is no indication this murder was a hate crime. The department does not have a criteria per [se] (regarding what makes a hate crime). This is not discretionary to the police department. Elements of the crime must meet the criteria outline in the California Penal Code 422.55.”

According to a State legislation website (leginfo.legislature.ca.gov), penal code 422.55 states that a hate crime means a criminal act was committed, in whole or in part, because of one or more of the following actual or perceived characteristics of the victim: disability, gender, nationality, race, religion or sexual orientation.

In that same email, Chavarria sent a press release to the Signal Tribune that states, “Investigations Deputy Chief Richard Conant and East Division Commander Erik Herzog met with the Ministers Alliance on July 26 regarding unsubstantiated claims made by outside sources that the murder was racially motivated. The motive of the murder remains under investigation.”

On Aug. 16, the LBPD issued a press release requesting the public’s help in searching for the suspect, and on Aug. 17– a day before the community-led investigation– police conducted an investigation of their own and asked nearby residents about the murder.

The shooting took place at a time when numerous people were in the surrounding area of the park, the Aug. 16 press release reads.

The only current description of the suspect is that he is an adult white male in his 50s, 6-feet tall and of medium build.

During the shooting, he was possibly wearing a dark shirt with light-colored shorts and a hat, according to the description.

Detectives believe there are individuals who might have information regarding the incident but have yet to come forward.

Although it appears to be an isolated incident, the motive for the murder has not been determined and remains under investigation, according to the press release.

Modkins said that any valuable information gathered during the community’s investigation on Aug. 18 would be passed on to the authorities.

Chavaria mentioned in her email that information the public gathers would be used at the detectives’ discretion.

“We have asked anyone who may have information to please come forward and contact homicide detectives at (562) 570-7244,” she wrote in the email.

After a few words of condolences, prayers and instructions, the volunteer investigators broke off into separate parties, each assigned with a specific set of streets to visit.

The Signal Tribune followed the group to whom Fred’s daughter, Corie Taft, was assigned.

Corie and her group marched

Sebastian Echeverry | Signal Tribune

Lakewood Village and Long Beach residents converge at Pan American Park on Saturday, Aug. 18, to conduct a community investigation into the murder of Fred Taft, who was shot and killed in the park’s restroom on July 21. Friends and family of Taft believe the Long Beach Police Department should investigate the murder as a hate crime, however, authorities have not categorized the shooting as such.

door-to-door down Charlemagne Avenue, asking residents near the park if they had seen anything suspicious that may have related to the shooting.

The group also questioned residents if they had noticed racist symbols such as the Nazi swastika, the Aryan fist or SS bolts at or around the park.

“There have been a series of hate messages and white-supremacist type messages that have surrounded this murder,” Modkins said. “The family has [collected] testimonies from neighbors who have experienced some of these things on the day of, before and right after the murder.”

The hateful rhetoric discovered online on sites such as NextDoor, and heard in person around the park, is leading Taft’s family and other Lakewood Village residents to believe that racial tension was indeed the reason for the murder.

A few Port of Long Beach longshoremen, friends of Fred, walked close behind the group, acting as security in case the investigators were ever in danger. LBPD patrol cars also circled around the streets where the community investigation was taking place, as it was mentioned in the Aug. 16 press release that law

enforcement was increasing their surveillance of the neighborhood.

One longshoreman, who refused to be identified, told the Signal Tribune he was close to Fred, but that he had never met his daughter until that Saturday.

The port worker said his group of friends would take trips to Las Vegas, and Fred would always call Corie to check on her.

The investigation ended around noon, and everyone involved returned to the park to discuss what they had collected from surveying the neighborhood.

“I’m feeling kind of hopeless because the killer is still at large,” Corie told the Signal Tribune. “It’s an investigation, so of course they limit what they can tell me. I don’t know too much about the suspect myself,

and I’m reaching out to the community– hopefully, they can help me.”

During the walk, Corie said neighbors were surprised when she told them about the shooting.

“A lot of people haven’t heard about what happened,” she said, “They didn’t even know a description of the suspect, and a lot of people didn’t hear about this killing that took place, July 21, until yesterday (Aug. 17).”

Modkins said that some of the feedback collected was “interesting.”

“We were hearing a lot of different stories from everybody who went out on the walk,” she said. “In one neighborhood, a lady said, ‘No, I haven’t seen these newer type of hate symbols, but I hear a lot of hateful words towards black people and about this incident at the park.’ She’s from Nebraska, she’ s lived here for 15 years in the Lakewood Village and she, a white woman, feels disgusted by how they are talking about this incident.”

Modkins reflected on Corie’s comments and said some residents were not fully aware that a man was shot and killed at the park.

“People are wondering, ‘Why did it take you a month?’ That’s a huge question, and it took the community to do the work,” Modkins said. “It seems like it put the police on defense, or the City on defense, for them to come out after the fact.

It doesn’t give a sense of comfort to the community, specifically the people of color in this Long Beach area.” ✦

AIRLINE CAREERS START HERE

Get trained as FAA certified Aviation Technician.

Financial aid for qualified students.

Job placement assistance.

Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance

877-205-4138

LIVES LIVED Ronald Snyder 63 Margaret Gutowski 89 Angus Umunnakwe 72 Fritz Moller 84 Manuel Colchado 61 Anne McClelland 83 Andrea Williams 39 Lupe Kaiser 78 Elisa Rosales 94 Michael Grant 61 Tony Grant 42 Randolph Krauss 98 Gladys Morgan 86 Elliott Sternovsky 57 Clive Graham 69

The families were assisted

by McKenzie Mortuary.

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

Pets of the week: Ringo & Star

Drum roll for Ringo and Star (yes, spelled with one r, but she’s a little girl—Ringo, of course, is the boy)! They’re six-month-old roommates and love to have a good time together. They’re spunky, lovable, quirky, friendly and very playful—we couldn’t get them to hold still for photos! Start your own Octopussycat’s Garden—meet the Fab Two at the Companion Animal Village at 7700 East Spring St., (562) 570-PETS. Ask for ID#A607877 for Ringo and ID#A607875 for Star.

(This rescue encouraged by the usual suspects.)

NEWS

August 24, 2018

DuRee

Signal Tribune

15

continued from page 1

cy that has reduced response times, modernized the department and expanded the number of firefighters on our force. He also honorably guided the department and city through the tragedy and loss of Captain David Rosa. For that and his service, we will be forever grateful.”

Long Beach City Manager Patrick West said the City team will miss DuRee tremendously.

“He is a popular figure throughout our city and really developed the culture and drove the work ethic of our amazing men and women of our fire department, who run toward danger every day to protect our

community,” West said. “Though he has led so many efforts for our city, he would humbly, and proudly, tell you that it is his team that made it all happen. I thank the chief for his leadership, professionalism and for his great service to our city.”

In a press release this week, the City of Long Beach listed several of DuRee’s accomplishments, including developing key strategies that helped shape the culture and core values of the department.

“During his tenure in the department, DuRee: established the HEART team, which is integral to the outreach process to those in the

city who are experiencing homelessness; improved the structure of the recruit-selection process, leading to greater entry-level diversity in the organization as well as greater levels of retention through the fire academy and probationary process; and reformed the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program, adding Spanish-language and teen programs, with total community participation of over 2,000 people throughout the city. He also enhanced the community-services section of the department by developing and implementing a robust social-media strategy,” the release

reads.

The press release also states that he greatly improved the functionality of the Fire Prevention Bureau, enhancing speed and connectivity with the business community.

“Beyond his local accomplishments, he also assisted in the development and passage of statewide and federal legislation that benefited the Fire Service,” the release states.

“Further, he enhanced the City’s role in the statewide, master mutual-aid system.”

DuRee has indicated he plans to spend more time with family and to travel. He will also continue to

work with the California Fire Chiefs Association and Metro Chiefs Association on issues that affect the Fire Service, according to city officials.

His last day as fire chief will be Friday, Oct. 5. West will conduct an internal recruitment for the next fire chief and announce the appointment of the next one prior to DuRee’s departure, officials said.

“I have been honored to serve as the fire chief for the Long Beach Fire Department,” DuRee said. “It was my dream, as a child, to follow in the footsteps of my father, grandfather and great-grandfather and join the Long Beach Fire Department.

I am thankful for everything the City has provided me and my family throughout my career. The Long Beach Fire Department is one of the finest fire service organizations in the country, and I am honored to say that I have been a part of our shared success. I am confident that the department will continue to exceed the expectations of, and do amazing work for, our community.” ✦

Makeover

continued from page 11

call for construction of a 2.3-megawatt fuel-cell power plant and a new fueling station that will include hydrogen.

“Toyota is demonstrating hydrogen fuel as a viable alternative for fueling vehicles,” said Harbor Commission President Tracy Egoscue.

“The example they are setting at the Port of Long Beach should be applauded not only by the goods movement industry, but by everyone who wants a sustainable present and future for our planet.”

Source: Port of LB

LONG BEACH PARKS, RECREATION & MARINE

END THE 100 DAYS OF SUMMER WITH A CONCERT BY

TRINITY

FRIDAY, AUGUST 24 at Marine Stadium, 5255 Paoli Way Three tributes in one show!

Hits by Styx, Foreigner and Journey Enjoy food trucks and a Kid Zone.

Kids Zone and food trucks at 5 p.m., concert, 6-8 p.m.

VISIT 100DAYSOFSUMMER.ORG FOR MORE INFORMATION

16

Memorial Memorial DAY DAY Labor Day Memorial DAY Labor Day E E PPRR - Weekend Weekend

Signal Tribune

August 24, 2018

E R P

Weekend

S S A A L L E E SALE

***

FREE FREE TAX TAX OR OR NONIONTEREST FINANCING UNTIL 2021* O.A.C. INTEREST FINANCING UNTIL 2021* O.A.C.

PLUS PLUS ** ****

5500% O F F % OFF

ALL MATTRESSES ALL ALLMATTRESSES MATTRESSES

3 DAYS ONLY 3 DAYS ONLY 3 2 DAYS ONLY Friday 24th, Saturday 25th and Sunday 27th 26th Friday 25th, Saturday 26th & and Sunday MAY 19,20 21

22DAYS DAYS ONLY ONLY MAY MAY 19,20 19,20 & 21 & 21

SAT., FEB TO10-7,SUN., FEB 3SALE 3 11TH SPECIAL HOURS: FRI. SAT. 10-6, SUN. 12TH 11-6,

SAT., SAT., FEB FEB 11TH 11TH TO TO SUN., SUN., FEB FEB 12TH 12TH SPECIAL SPECIAL SALE SALE HOURS: HOURS: FRI. FRI. 10-7, 10-7, SAT. SAT. 10-6, 10-6, SUN. SUN. 11-6, 11-6, 36 equal payments required. House to Home will pay and self-report all the sales tax on all taxable transactions. *See your sales associate for complete details. 48 August 2017.

August 26, 2018.

Event good through February 20,2017 2017.. This offer does not apply to open or prior sales and cannot be combined with any other offer.

May 21st,27, Excludes Ekornes and American Leather products. **Off M.S.R.P.

Munro Your48details.

Furniture Experts *See your*See sales your associate salesFamily associate for complete for-complete details. equal48 payments equal payments required. required.

Housesince toHouse Home1965 towillHome pay and will self-report pay and self-report all the sales all the taxsales on alltax taxable on alltransactions. taxable transactions.

Event good Event through good February through February 20, 2017.

20, This 2017. offer This does offer not does apply not to open apply or to prior open sales or prior and sales cannot and be cannot combined be combined with any with other any offer. other offer.

May 21st,May2017 21st,. 2017 .

ExcludesExcludes Ekornes Ekornes and American and American Leather products.

Leather products. **Off M.S.R.P. **Off M.S.R.P.

2198 N. Lakewood Blvd.

Munro Munro Family Family - Your- Your Furniture Furniture Experts Experts sincesince 19651965 Long Beach 562-597-3225

MM021217H2H-021217.indd 1

www.house-to-home-furniture.com 2198 2198 N. N. Lakewood Lakewood Blvd.

Blvd.

Long Long Beach Beach562-597-3225 562-597-3225

www.house-to-home-furniture.com www.house-to-home-furniture.com MM021217H2H-021217.indd MM021217H2H-021217.indd 1 1

MM021217H2H

Find a good deal more at redplum.com. Distributed as part of RedPlum¨

1/31/17 12:28 PM

MM021217H2H MM021217H2H

Find a good deal Findmore a good at redplum.com. deal more at redplum.com.

Distributed as part Distributed of RedPlum¨ as part of RedPlum¨

1/31/17 12:28 1/31/17 PM 12:28 PM