Signal Tribune February 16, 2018

S IGNA L T R I BU N E Serving Bixby Knolls, California Heights, Los Cerritos, Wrigley and Signal Hill VOL. XL NO. 8

IN THIS ISSUE NEWS Locals may get chance to erase old marijuana convictions from their records.

The Long Beach city prosecutor’s office may be taking a second look at how to help individuals who just want to clear their name.

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LBPD honors 95-year-old who has volunteered for 35 years.

Laura Mathews, fluent in six languages, is the on-call volunteer for translation services.

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CSU Chancellor White discusses state’s students’ progress during NAACP meeting.

White also stressed financial aid for low-income students.

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Long Beach Airport discusses noise-ordinance amendments with community Residents question proposed fine increases for curfew and noise violations.

Anita W. Harris Staff Writer

Imposing harsher penalties to curb unwanted behavior might seem straightforward, but it’s not that simple, according to some Long Beach residents.

The Long Beach Airport is considering asking the Long Beach City Council to pass a noise-ordinance amendment that would significantly increase penalties for airlines that break curfew or otherwise exceed noise allowances.

However, last week, during two community meetings designed to solicit input on the matter, some residents spoke against such action, citing the risk of losing the noise ordinance altogether, especially in light of recent legal action by JetBlue Airlines.

At the second meeting on Feb. 10 at the Expo Arts Center in Bixby Knolls, Airport Director Jess Romo presented to about 50 attendees, including councilmembers Al Austin II and Roberto Uranga and Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell, an overview of the existing noise ordinance– which has not been amended since its 1995 adoption– and the airport’s proposed changes.

Chief among the changes: an in-

Bullying, or being held accountable?

Off heels of courthouse statements last week, LB Councilmember Pearce claims recall committee calling for resignation is victim-shaming, but leader of movement says elected leader should take responsibility for actions.

Denny Cristales Online Editor

Courtesy LB Airport

This table shows Long Beach Airport’s proposed noise-ordinance amendment violation-fee increases. “Alternative Enforcement Procedure” refers to action by the City prosecutor. crease in fines for violating the 10pmRomo cited the substantial increase to-7am curfew and an adjustment to in late-night flight operations since flight timeslot utilization.

2016 as a reason for the fine amendments. He also noted that the 1995 Fines penalty structure is outdated and conProposed fines would significantly siderably less than fees charged by increase the current $100 for a third nearby airports such as John Wayne. violation and $300 for four or more, to “If we don’t do anything, […] we a rising scale of $2,500 for the first vi- don’t expect to see any change in olation to $10,000 each for 11 or more behavior, whether it’s JetBlue or any violations. More than 20 violations in other carrier,” he said. “Because as a 24-month period would result in an long as they pay the fines, they’ll opairline losing flight slots. see AIRPORT page 13

When the wells run dry, the answer lies below Water Replenishment District of Southern California expands groundwater de-salter facility amid concern of possible drought.

Sebastian Echeverry Staff Writer

The United States Drought Monitor (USDM), a project of government agencies and other partners, recently released a heat map of California, which indicates that some regions of the state are already experiencing early drought conditions as the winter season comes to a close.

In an effort to conserve water, the Water Replenishment District (WRD) of Southern Califor-

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February 16, 2018

Standing in front of the Long Beach Courthouse on Feb. 9 amongst a crowd of supporters and media, 2nd District Long Beach Councilmember Jeannine Pearce addressed the alleged June incidents of domestic violence that have been a subject of controversy for nearly a year.

After a continuing months-long battle of investigations, the narrative managed to get even more personal, as the councilmember detailed her history as a child and in the present as an adult dealing with trauma, and she addressed a recall committee that is asking for her resignation and accused them of “bullying” her.

“I would elaborate and say that it’s not just bullying, it’s victim-shaming, what they’re doing,” said Pearce in a phone interview Wednesday. “I’ve been in what is, clearly, documented as an abusive relationship for a long time. It has taken me several months to move forward and get a restraining order. Restraining orders are not handed out lightly. I have not wanted to do that to protect all parties that are involved, but I finally did that because my safety was in danger. And, it is not for a paid political consultant to tell me when my life is not in danger, and it is extremely see PEARCE page 11

see WRD page 14

O’Donnell works to buy more time for hospital.

Assemblymember introduces AB 2591 Thursday in an effort to keep Long Beach Community Hospital open.

Courtesy United States Drought Monitor

The United States Drought Monitor, a weekly mapping project conducted by various government agencies, released a map on Feb. 8, which indicates that California is experiencing early signs of drought conditions. The data shows that southern California is undergoing symptoms of severe drought. The Water Replenishment District of Southern California expanded the amount of groundwater it could recycle for consumption as a method to prepare for drought and water conservation efforts.

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File photo

2nd District Long Beach Councilmember Jeannine Pearce

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2 Signal Tribune A fresh start?

Locals just might get a chance to erase that old pot conviction from their records.

CJ Dablo Staff Writer

Now that San Francisco’s top prosecutor essentially said he doesn’t care too much about old pot convictions that date back more than 40 years, the Long Beach city prosecutor’s office may be taking a second look at how to help those individuals who just want to clear their name.

Passage of California’s Proposition 64 in 2016 not only effectively legalized recreational marijuana, it also allows resentencing and dismissal of certain marijuana convictions.

Long Beach City Prosecutor Doug Haubert said in a phone interview that he plans to publish on his office’s website the case numbers for those individuals who may be eligible to petition the courts to resentence their convictions or to have them dismissed outright. He added that if people do find that their case is eligible, Haubert’s office would be available to assist with the petitioning process or at least provide them with the information they need for the petitioning process.

Haubert added that he also plans to ask the city council within about a month to see if they could support a formal program that would offer even more help to those who seek to

clear their records.

The city prosecutor did not have any available figures, but he estimated Tuesday that the number of eligible cases could total into the thousands. He did acknowledge that details do have to be worked out.

Haubert would have to determine just how far to go back in the court records.

He stressed the efforts of his staff.

“Our office does more—probably more than any other prosecuting agency in the state of California--to help people get their lives back in order,” Haubert said. “People who currently have cases in our office are given every opportunity to improve their lives, and we help them through the court process, and I want to focus the attention of my office on the people who are looking for assistance to improve their lives. It is not a priority for me to go back 30 years and ask for a dismissal when the person who was charged with the crime is not interested in the dismissal.”

Haubert’s plan to help those with minor pot convictions is substantively less far-reaching than San Francisco’s district attorney’s plans.

Earlier this month, San Francisco District Attorney George Gascon announced that his office would dedicate its own resources to reviewing old marijuana-related records in his jurisdiction that date back to 1975.

His office will be offering to take significant measures to toss out old cases or even resentence some felony convictions.

“The office is proactively dismissing and sealing 3,038 marijuana see RECORDS page 6

NEWS

February 16, 2018

LBPD honors 95-year-old who has volunteered for 35 years

Earth Day

Fluent in six languages, Laura Mathews is on-call volunteer for translation services.

Cory Bilicko Managing Editor

april 22, 2016

Age has a way of catching up with us and slowing us down, rendering the activities we once enjoyed into fond memories to relish.

However, Laura Mathews seems to defy that aging process. The The American Lung Associa95-year-old military veteran has tion’s (ALA) State of the Air 2016 been volunteering with the Long report Police releasedDepartment this week for found Beach 35 continued progress in cleaner air, years– and shows no signs of wantwithtothe Angeles ing quitLos anytime soon.metro area achieving its best everthe air nonagequality.

The LBPD marked Although the region remains narian’s birthday– she turned on 95 the on top of the list for on ozone pollution, Valentine’s Day– Tuesday with saw itsevent fewest ait special at unhealthy the police ozone headdays since the release of the first quarters downtown.

At the celebration, Karen Owens, State of the Air report.

LBPD administrator community The region also hadofthe best ever engagement, said she has and had fell the year-round particle levels pleasure of working with Mathews to 9th place behind the Bay Area for of her 35 years of service. for 27 daily particle pollution.

“I thought, came2016 on and “The State when of theI Air reIport metshows her, that she had already us that our clean-air done everything– she we hadmust doneinit laws are working but all,” Owens said. “And little did I crease our efforts to cut pollution know, 27 years later, that she’s still that puts lives in our community going strong and totally proved me at risk,” said Olivia J. (Gertz) Diwrong.” az-Lapham, presidentMathews and CEOfor of In commending the decades American Lung Association her of volunteering for the in California.“Pollution pedepartment, LBPD Chieffrom Robert

American Lung Association ‘State of the Air’ report sho troleum fuels and other sources is in the United States with the worst harming our residents, contribut- air pollution, California municipaling to the incidence of asthma and ities rank as follows: other chronic lung conditions. Air Ozone pollution pollution costs our communities in No. 1 Long Beach-Riverside healthcare spending, lost produc- No. 2 Bakersfield tivity, reduced quality and length No. 3 Visalia-Porterville-Hanford No. 4 Fresno-Madera of life.”

Covering air pollution data col- No. 6 Sacramento-Roseville lected in 2012 to 2014, the report No. 7 Modesto-Merced measures the two most widespread pollutants– ozone and particle pol- Short-term particle pollution lution– which are dangerous to No. 1 Bakersfield public health and can be deadly.

No. 2 Fresno-Madera Cory Bilicko | Signal Tribune The Los Angeles metropolitan No. 3 Visalia-Porterville-Hanford Laura Mathews (far right), who has volunteered for the Long Beach Police No.LBPD 4 Modesto-Merced region includes Los for Angeles, Or-hugs Department (LBPD) 35 years, Police Chief Robert Luna No. 8 San Jose-San Francisco-Oakange, Riverside, San Bernardino during a celebration Tuesday in honor of Mathews’s 95th birthday. and Ventura counties. Across the land-Stockton region,first unhealthy particle 9 Los Angeles-Long Luna mentioned thatpollution Robert No.“We look at him from a uniform levels have also dropped by aaswhopping Schroeder, known “Helmet Beach-Riverside perspective and go ‘Wow,’” Luna 90 percent because and ozone have said. “So, we kind of consider him Schroeder” of hisdays tendency to always the protective head- Annual to be our iron horse.

And then I particle pollution fallen 34 don percent since reporting gear, start1thinking about you (addressBakersfield began.has been with the LBPD for No. over 50 years. of the top 10 cities No. 2 Visalia-Porterville-Hanford Specifically, see VOLUNTEER page 15

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A SPECIAL VALENTINE'S WEEKEND CONCERT February 17 | 8:00pm | Long Beach Arena

Long Beach Symphony and Broadway stars Susan Egan and David Burnham perform romantic hits from The Great American Songbook.

Bring a picnic or cater your table for the perfect Valentine's weekend date night! Doors open for picnicking at 6:30 pm.

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NEWS

February 16, 2018

Signal Tribune

3

At NAACP meeting, CSU chancellor shares progress of African-American students White also stressed availability of financial aid for low-income students.

Izzie Hallock Editorial Intern

When Timothy P. White, chancellor of the California State University (CSU) system, received an invitation from Long Beach Branch NAACP President Naomi Rainey-Pierson to speak at one of its meetings, little did he know he would encounter a live protest during his presentation.

White was called to deliver an update on Sunday, Feb. 11 at Ernest McBride Park California Recreation Center on the status of the CSU system.

“I just recently gave the State of the CSU speech, and it went 35 minutes. So, here we go,” White said. “I can see your eyes rolling and see you looking back to that door.”

However, as soon as he began, a banner was held by few audience members to capture White’s attention. The banner read: Stop the tuition increase.

Soon, according to the meeting’s agenda, the public would have the chance to voice any concerns– such as the ones of the protesters– through an anonymous question-and-answer session.

As for his planned 35 minutes, White touched upon the retention and graduation rates of students of color who attend any of the 23 total California State Universities.

“Now, for African-American students, in particular, the first-year retention rates over the last decade have increased just about 10 percentage points– meaning we have improved the number of students who show up the first year and then come back the second year,” he said. “That’s what we mean by retention.”

The number of African-American students graduating in four years or less has gone up four percentage

Izzie Hallock | Signal Tribune

Community members protest against the increase of California State Universities’ tuition while chancellor, Timothy P. White, delivers an update on the CSU system during the Long Beach branch NAACP meeting on Sunday, Feb. 11.

points, according to White, after comparing the students who began in the fall of 2007 and graduated by 2011 to those students who began in the fall of 2013 and plan on graduating this year.

Regarding the four-year graduation rates of the whole student body dispersed throughout the 23 universities, White stated that there has been a 25-percent improvement over the last five years.

“First thing to draw from what I just said,” White explained. “Let the numbers go out of your head and just know that we are getting better.”

Aside from the statistics, White highlighted the success of financial aid provided for students who meet the requirements.

“So, I just want you to know that, while cost is always an issue and living in California is darn expensive, living in Long Beach is expensive, that there is a very robust financial aid for those who come from the lowest part of the economic spectrum,” White said. “We never want money to get in the way of a student having an opportunity to get into an university.”

Students eligible for financial aid– those in a family making less than $70,000 a year– have three options.

“The federal level is called the Pell Grant, and that’s based on a student’s income. [...] Those that come from low income can get somewhere close to $5,800 or so cash per year while they go to school,” White said. “Cali-

fornia has a Cal Grant, and also based on income levels, provides awards to students, and we have what’s called a State University Grant where we turn our tuition revenues that we do collect. We basically turn a third of that back to make it available, and it affects students who come from low income.”

White added that students utilizing the Pell Grant not only receive money during the school year, but in the summertime as well.

However, there are students who do not meet the financial-aid requirements White discussed.

“Now, if somebody is coming from a family of $110,000 or $120,000 and has a couple of kids in college and a

couple kids in high school and one income at home, they are not going to get help by that kind of financial aid as much as those who come from a lower income,” he said. “That’s why we have worked very hard to keep our cost down.”

In addition, White has advocated for students’ basic needs, which include obtaining food and a place to live.

“How can you sit there and study calculus if you’re worried about whose couch you are going to sleep on tonight and whether it is safe or not, or whether or not you are going to have any money left for food,” he said. “You can’t study and focus on the curriculum when you have those thoughts as a young man or young woman today, so we are working hard on this whole issue of food and housing security.”

According to the Cal State University website, White announced in 2016 his intention to “better understand and address the housing and food-security needs of college students across the 23-campus system.”

During the question-and-answer session, a few anonymous attendees voiced concerns over paying tuition “as a minority, first-generation student with immigrant families, a student with a disability [or] a part-time student who has to help out at home.”

In response, White acknowledged those struggling to pay for their education.

“I recall where I came from, and I recall those feelings dramatically when I was a kid in Fresno State [University],” he said delivering his answer in response to the written question. “I lived in county-assisted housing, and I had food stamps.

Those days, I kind of hit my head when I went to the store, because I see CHANCELLOR page 11

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Signal Tribune

Thoughts

from

OPINION

Publisher

the

By Neena Strichart

This past Wednesday was a day when many of us celebrated love with sweethearts, family, friends and others we hold dear.

Those who also celebrated by participating in our 2018 Sweetheart Sweepstakes added to their festivities, and we are ready to announce our 18 winners.

Before I share the names of those who did win, I want to thank all the advertisers and generous prize sponsors. This year we received a total of more than 500 valid entries. With that kind of participation, I know that we achieved what we set out to do, and that was to find a creative way to bring extra business to local establishments including merchants, restaurants and service providers.

During the process of prize pick-up and bucket dropoff and pick up, the staff at the Signal Tribune did some Valentine’s Day shopping of our own. That’s what I call practicing what we preach!

For holidays, and every other day of the year, I encourage our readers to remember to shop locally so we can keep our immediate economy stimulated.

Buying online and/or out of the area is status quo for some folks. However, those of us who want to keep our local businesses thriving do our best to spend our dollars in our own neighborhoods. In our area, we can rejoice at the opening of Mother’s Market in Signal Hill, which will take place tomorrow. The addition of this fine store to our locale will certainly help us keep our dollars where they belong– here at home in our own community.Getting back to the subject of Sweetheart Sweepstakes, I hope those who entered enjoyed the process as much as we enjoyed putting it all together.

Many of the winners have been contacted by phone; those who were not reached will be surprised to see their names below.

Who won? Below I’ve included their names and the titles of the prize packages that they will be receiving. If you entered or didn’t, and were not a winner this year, try again in 2019!

2018 Sweetheart Winners WINING AND DINING S.W. Dorrell RED FLAME OF LOVE Jill Fiala

PRECIOUS PACKAGE Joyce Best LOVERS DELIGHT Melissa Zell A SPORTY ROMANCE Bella Pallares ECLECTIC ROMANCE Emily Lloyd CUPID’S AN ANGEL Vicki Grice FOR A DAZZLING DUO Diana Navarro DINING AND MORE Lynn DeYoung GLOBAL LOVIN’ FOR TWO Roy Vidal BLISS-FULL KISS-FULL Vicki Grice LOVE ON THE SEA Donnis Weygandt LOVE ME TENDER Terry Rogers LOVE OH SO TEMPTING Erlinda Cortez ALL WE NEED IS LOVE Robee and John Westby BEARY COZY VALENTINE Laura Willbanks CAFFEINATED CUPID Joan McKnight THEY CALL IT PUPPY LOVE Marcia Hatchett

February 16, 2018 COMMENTARY

Medicare can help protect your eyesight

By Greg Dill Medicare regional administrator

Are you at risk for glaucoma?

Glaucoma is an eye disease that causes loss of vision—usually side vision—by damaging the optic nerve, which sends information from your eyes to your brain. Some forms of glaucoma don’t have any symptoms, so you may have it even if you don’t have trouble seeing or feel any pain.

That’s why glaucoma is often called “the sneak thief of sight.”

Fortunately, you can prevent vision loss by finding and treating problems early. Medicare covers a glaucoma test once every 12 months for people at high risk for glaucoma, including people who answer “yes” to one or more of these questions: • Do you have diabetes?

• Do you have a family history of glaucoma?

• Are you African-American and 50 or older?

• Are you Hispanic-American and 65 or older?

Glaucoma tests are covered under Medicare Part B (medical insurance). An eye doctor who’s legally allowed to do this test in your state must do or supervise the screening.

How much will the test cost you? You pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount, and the Part B deductible ($183 this year) applies. If the test is done in a hospital outpatient setting, you also pay a copayment.

To find out how much your specific test will cost, talk to your doctor or other healthcare provider. The specific amount you’ll owe may depend on several things, such as: • Other insurance you may have • How much your doctor charges • Whether your doctor accepts Medicare payment as full payment • The type of facility where you’re tested • The location where you’re tested.

There is no cure for glaucoma. Vision lost from the disease cannot be restored.

Without treatment, people with glaucoma will slowly lose their peripheral (side) vision. If glaucoma remains untreated, people may miss objects to the side and out of the corner of their eye. They

seem to be looking through a tunnel. Over time, straight-ahead (central) vision may decrease until no vision remains.

Immediate treatment for early-stage, open-angle glaucoma can delay progression of the disease. That’s why early diagnosis is very important.

Glaucoma treatments include medicines, laser trabeculoplasty, conventional surgery or a combination of these. While these treatments may save remaining vision, they do not improve sight already lost from glaucoma.

Glaucoma is detected through a comprehensive dilated eye exam that includes the following: • Visual acuity test This eye-chart test measures how well you see at various distances.

• Visual field test This test measures your peripheral vision. It helps your eyecare professional tell if you have lost peripheral vision, a sign of glaucoma.

• Dilated eye exam In this exam, drops are placed in your eyes to widen, or dilate, the pupils.

Your eyecare professional uses a special magnifying lens to examine your retina and optic nerve for signs of damage and other eye problems. After the exam, your close-up vision may remain blurred for several hours.

• Tonometry measures pressure inside the eye by using an instrument called a tonometer. A tonometer can detect glaucoma. Numbing drops may be applied to your eye for this test.

• Pachymetry is the measurement of the thickness of your cornea. Your eyecare professional applies a numbing drop to your eye and uses an ultrasonic wave instrument to measure the thickness of your cornea.

For more information on glaucoma, visit nei. nih.gov/health/glaucoma/glaucoma_facts.

Greg Dill is Medicare’s regional administrator for Arizona, California, Nevada, Hawaii and the Pacific Territories. Those interested can get answers to Medicare questions by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

LETTERS, EMAILS, WEBSITE COMMENTS AND STATEMENTS Remembering Rob Robins

It is with a heavy, heavy heart that I write this to inform you that our beloved Pastor Rob Robins passed away [Tuesday] from what is believed to be a heart attack. I spoke with his wife Betty this morning and expressed our heartfelt sorrow and conveyed our prayers on behalf of the South Coast Interfaith Council (SCIC) family that he loved so very much. It is difficult to think of the SCIC without also thinking of Pastor Rob; indeed he was there from the very beginning and served on the SCIC board for so many years.

He firmly believed in what the interfaith council stood for and contributed profoundly to the success of this organization. He was a man of great stature with a soft and caring heart, and he will be missed immensely.

The last thing I remember him telling me as we were concluding what was to be our last phone conversation was, “God is good. God bless you.” It is hard to remember a conversation with him where he didn’t express those exact two sentiments.

When asking Betty this morning if there is anything his interfaith family could do to help at this time, I was told that they need help covering the expenses for the funeral services. To that end, SCIC will be collecting donations that will go towards this cause. If you are able to help, please go to scinterfaith.org/donate and make a contribution. Please click on the “Add special instructions to the seller” option and indicate on there that the donation is for “Pastor Rob’s funeral cost.” Please know all the donations collected will go directly towards that.

Pastor Rob, your smile and legacy will, no doubt, continue to inspire us to do our work of making this world a better place for all. You will be deeply missed by your interfaith family, who will forever love you so, so dearly.

Milia Islam-Majeed SCIC Executive Director

Courtesy SCIC

From left: Milia Islam-Majeed and Pastor Rob Robins

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

MANAGING EDITOR

Cory Bilicko

CULTURE WRITERS

Adam Buchsbaum Rachael Rifkin

ONLINE EDITOR

Denny Cristales

EDITORIAL INTERN

Izzie Hallock

DESIGN EDITOR

Sebastian Echeverry COLUMNIST

Zoe Adler

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

February 16, 2018

COMMUNITY

Signal Tribune

5

‘Do something good with these memories’ Izzie Hallock Editorial Intern

Izzie Hallock | Signal Tribune

The family of World War II veteran and Marine Corporal Sam Richiusa gathered to honor his treacherous war journey through the medium of art on Saturday, Feb. 10 when representatives from the Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum (PIEAM) opened their doors to dedicate a display to hold a piece of a downed Japanese plane Richiusa had brought home as a souvenir. Richiusa’s son, Gordon Richiusa, orchestrated the dedication after donating the piece, along with a bracelet Sam gave Gordon four days before his passing. “My intention for donating these to PIEAM was to honor my 95-year-old father’s wishes ‘to do something good’ with these memories,” Sam said. “Our intention is to move away from the story of war and move toward the ‘Aloha’ direction of honoring any and all expressions of selfless love.” Sam originally gave the bracelet, also known as the “Sweetheart Souvenir,” to his wife, but then decided to give the piece to his son. Pictured is the bracelet that Gordon donated to follow his father’s request and showcase Sam’s story for the community to see.

AROUND TOWN CANDID WITH CANDIDATES What Candidate brunch Who Hosted by the Deforest Neighborhood Association When Saturday, Feb. 17 from 9:30am to 1pm Where The Historic Long Beach Dairy and Creamery, 167 E. South St. More Info Candidates from the odd-numbered districts of Long Beach will be outlining their future campaigns. Call (562) 428-7710.

Feb 24Mar 24 562-494-1014 LBPlayhouse.org 5021 E. Anaheim St.

PUT YOUR WALKING SHOES ON What Walking tour Who Hosted by Long Beach Heritage When Saturday, Feb. 17 from 9:30am to noon Where Meet at the WPA mural at 3rd Street and the Promenade More Info The Walking Tour Program fosters preservation advocacy and education throughout Long Beach. A few of the buildings included on the tour are the WPA Mural, Insurance Exchange Building, The Breakers, The Willmore Building, Farmers & Merchants Bank, First National Bank and the Security Bank Building. Tickets cost $10 and can be purchased through PayPal at lbheritage.org. Call (562) 493-7019.

nollsinfo.com.

can enjoy cake in celebration of The League of Women Voters of Long A HEART-Y DINNER Beach’s 98th year in service. During What Dinner the free event, attendees will learn Who Hosted by Long Beach Med- about the league, watch the video ical Center film “Engaging Millennials in our When Tuesday, Feb. 20 at 6pm Elections” and hear from elected ofWhere Houssels Forum, 2801 At- ficials and candidates as to why they lantic Ave. became involved in politics. Email More Info The MemorialCare Iris Yokoi at iyokoi@msn.com.

Heart and Vascular Institute at Long Beach Medical Center will present NOW HEAR THIS its 21st annual Health Heart Dinner What Discussion featuring Mediterranean cuisine and Who Hosted by Rancho Los Cerria cooking presentation. Tickets cost tos $20 per person and $30 per couple. When Saturday, Feb. 24 from 10am Call (562) 933-9326 to RSVP. to noon Where 4600 Virginia Rd. CRACK A BOOK More Info Two presentations with What Book club different topics will occur. The first Who Hosted by the Bixby Knolls theme is “Unions and Labor OrLiterary Society ganizing” where Trevor Griffey, When Wednesday, Feb. 21 at 7pm lecturer in U.S. History and Labor Where Elise’s Tea Room, 3924 At- Studies at UCLA, UC Irvine, and lantic Ave. CSU Dominguez Hills, will lead More Info Beware of Pity by Ste- the discussion. The second theme fan Zweig will be the next book is “Immigrant Labor”, and the disdiscussed. Visit facebook.com/bklit- cussion will be led by a panel. Call erarysociety.

(562) 206-2040.

SEW WHAT? What Meeting Who Hosted by the Long Beach Chapter of the Embroiderers Guild of America, Inc When Friday, Feb. 23 at 11am NICE THREADS Where Building QQ in room 122 What Fashion show and silent auc- on Long Beach City College’s camtion pus, 1305 E. Pacific Coast Highway Who Hosted by the Miller Chil- More Info Attendees will learn the dren’s Hospital techniques to mirror the style, “CeWhen Saturday, Feb. 17 at 10am cilia.” Email Christa Barry at barryWhere Hyatt Regency, 200 S. Pine chen99@gmail.com.

Ave. More Info Money raised will go TO YOUR HEALTH toward constructing a pediatric What Forum playroom at MemorialCare Miller Who Hosted by Long Beach MedChildren’s and Women’s Hospital. ical Center Tickets cost $95. Call Margie Penny When Saturday, Feb. 24 from at (562) 431-9650.

7:30am to 2pm Where Houssels Forum, 2801 AtMARDI GRAS MAMBO lantic Ave. What Mardi Gras parade and festi- More Info MemorialCare Long val Beach Medical Center presents its Who Hosted by YMCA of Greater 11th Annual Women’s Heart and Long Beach Stroke Seminar. Blood pressure, When Saturday, Feb. 17 from noon carotid ultrasound, cholesterol and to 5pm blood glucose screenings will be Where Shoreline Village, 401-435 provided. Tickets cost $25 per perShoreline Village Dr. son, which includes breakfast and More Info The free event will fea- lunch. However, when two or more ture live music, art, festivities and individuals register together, tickets food. The parade will begin at 2pm. cost $20 per person. Call 1-800-meVisit longbeachmardigras.com. morial to register.

SPOKES-PEOPLE What Neighborhood bike ride Who Hosted by BKBIA When Sunday, Feb. 18 at 1pm Where Meet at Georgie’s Place, 3850 Atlantic Ave. More Info Bikers will be given envelopes with secret prizes to deliver throughout the ride. Visit bixbyk-

PLANNING AHEAD What Pre-pregnancy planning class Who Hosted by Millers Children’s and Women’s Hospital When Tuesday, Feb. 27 from 3pm to 5pm Where 2801 Atlantic Ave. More Info The class will provide information for attendees looking to have a healthy pregnancy. Call 1-800-memorial to register.

ACT IT OUT What Free performance Who Hosted by the International City Theatre (ICT) When Saturday, March 3 at 11am Where Beverly O’Neill Theatre, 330 E. Seaside Way More Info Performers from ICT and We Tell Stories Theater Company will act out classic literature in the production of Let Them Eat Books. Visit ictlongbeach.org or call (562) 495-4595 to RSVP.

WINE-RAISER What Wine-tasting event Who Hosted by Dine LBC When Saturday, March 10 from 1pm to 3pm Where The Sky Room, 40 S. Locust Ave. More Info Funds raised will benefit the Food Finders food rescue WOMAN POWER program. Guests can sample up to What Celebration twenty Coquelicot wines, while beWho Hosted by The League of ing served appetizers. Tickets cost Women Voters of Long Beach $35 and can be purchased through When Saturday, Feb. 24 from 10am dinelbc.com. Call Terri Henry at to noon (562) 572-4770.

Where Los Altos Library, 5614 E. Britton Dr. More Info Community members

6

NEWS

Signal Tribune

LB announces Presidents’ Day holiday closures

City of Long Beach offices and services will adhere to the following schedule on Monday, Feb. 19. City Hall will reopen on Tuesday, Feb. 20.

Closed on Monday, Feb. 19: Animal Care Services and spcaLA– Animal-control officers will be available to respond to calls for service, and lost pets can be redeemed by appointment only by calling (562) 570PETS. Career Transition Center Center for Working Families City Hall Citizen Police Complaint Commission Code Enforcement services El Dorado Nature Center Fire headquarters, support services, fire prevention and operations, including Marine Safety Administration Gas services– for emergencies, call (562) 570-2140 Health Department and health facilities Housing authority Libraries Neighborhood Resource Center Pacific Gateway Workforce Invest-

ment Center Park offices and community park facilities Police administration Street sweeping Swimming pools Towing and lien sales Water Department (Emergencies: 562.570.2390) Operational on Monday, Feb. 19: Fire stations and lifeguard stations El Dorado Regional Park Main police station front desk Marina offices (Alamitos Bay Marina, Shoreline Marina, Rainbow Harbor) Refuse and recycling collection Street sweeping There will be no scheduled street sweeping or enforcement of street-sweeping violations on Monday, Feb. 19. Street sweeping will resume its regular schedule on Tuesday, Feb. 20.

Parking enforcement Drivers should read parking meters, which will be enforced on Monday,

Feb. 19 unless the meter states “exempt on holidays.” The days and hours of enforcement are displayed inside the meters.

Refuse/recycling Trash and recycling will be collected as scheduled on Monday, Feb. 19.

Towing and lien sales The towing operations and vehicle storage facility at 3111 E. Willow St. will be closed on Monday, Feb. 19.

Libraries All Long Beach public libraries will be closed Saturday, Feb. 17 for the observance of Presidents’ Day. Bay Shore, Burnett, El Dorado and Michelle Obama neighborhood libraries will be open on Sunday, Feb. 18. All libraries are closed on Mondays, per their normal schedule, and will reopen on Tuesday, Feb. 20. (The library catalog, downloads and databases are available 24/7.)

Source: City of LB

Lowenthal leads sustainability advocates in Congress on release of comprehensive infrastructure plan Congressmember Alan Lowenthal (CA-47) this week joined with the 54 other members of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) to release the SEEC Sustainable Infrastructure Plan, which serves as a blueprint for smart, environmentally sustainable infrastructure investment throughout the nation.

The SEEC plan also stands in stark contrast to the recently released Trump Administration infrastructure plan that eviscerates core environmental safeguards, fails to meaningfully incorporate forward-looking sustainability and resiliency initiatives, and falls far short of the robust direct federal investment necessary to rebuild crumbling national infrastructure, according to Lowenthal’s office.

“The vast majority of Americans know that our nation can build and modernize infrastructure while keeping environment and public health protections in place,” states

a press release from Lowenthal’s office.

“Sustainability should be integrated into all of our infrastructure projects,” Lowenthal, a SEEC vice-chair, said. “Unfortunately, the Trump Administration’s infrastructure proposal is heavy on environmental rollbacks that limit public input and weaken protections for our families and environment. This SEEC infrastructure proposal instead charts a fresh vision of smart, sustainable investments that will promote the well-being of all Americans, including healthier, safer communities and environments. When done right, infrastructure investment can promote commerce, sustain good jobs, and protect our environment. This Administration presents a false choice.”

Congressmembers and SEEC Co-Chairs Gerry Connolly (VA11), Doris Matsui (CA-06) and Paul Tonko (NY-20), in a statement, added, “SEEC’s proposal takes on today’s infrastructure challenges in a

sustainable, forward-thinking way.

Contrary to what President Trump keeps saying, our environmental protections aren’t slowing infrastructure down– the real problem is a lack of funding. We are wasting our time and money if we don’t have an infrastructure plan that addresses the need for resilient infrastructure that can stand up to climate change and meaningful federal investment that can help get these projects to completion.”

The SEEC document begins with a statement of principles, laying out a broad outline for what “sustainable infrastructure” entails, and then presents a series of brief policy documents that contain specific proposals for multiple categories of physical infrastructure. The document should serve as a model for sustainable principles to be included in any infrastructure package that is considered by Congress.

Source: Lowenthal’s office

EYE ON CRIME 4:09pm Spousal abuse 1000 block E. 32nd St. (suspect arrested)

11:25am Elder abuse 1300 block E. 23rd St.

6:02pm Grand theft– motor vehicle 2300 block E. Willow St. (suspect arrested)

2:22pm Burglary; retail merchandise less then $950; trespassing/refuse to leave property at owner’s request; misdemeanor warrant 1600 block E. Willow St. (suspect arrested)

7:34pm Appropriating lost property; two misdemeanor warrants 2200 block E. Willow St. (suspect arrested)

Sunday, Feb. 11 12:10am Misdemeanor warrant 3200 block E. PCH (suspect arrested)

7:34pm Burglary; retail merchandise less than $950 2200 block E. Willow St. (suspect arrested)

8:31am Auto burglary 2500 block E. 21st St.

7:20pm Disorderly conduct; intoxication drug with alcohol; 72 hours mental health hold; misdemeanor warrant 1800 block Stanley Ave. (suspect arrested) Friday, Feb. 9 9:06am Trespassing; refusing to leave property:owner request 800 block E. Spring St. (suspect arrested) 12:24pm Felony warrant 1800 block E. Willow St. (suspect arrested)

Saturday, Feb. 10 12:27am Burglary 600 block E. Willow St. 1:25am Burglary 1400 block E. 23rd St.

11:41am Grand theft– motor vehicle 1500 block E. Spring St. 12:50pm Felony warrant Gundry Ave./E. 27th St. (suspect arrested) Monday, Feb. 12

O’Donnell calls for shark research, beach safety funding in partnership with CSULB lab Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell (D–Long Beach) introduced AB 2191 Monday to fund research of the increasing numbers of sharks along the California coast as well as protection efforts for beachgoers against sharks.

“As a parent, my priority is the safety of our kids,” O’Donnell said. “This bill is about learning why there are more sharks and how to deal with the increase so we can keep our kids safe at the beach.”

AB 2191 establishes the White Shark Population Monitoring and Beach Safety Program in order to provide grant funding to academic institutions conducting research regarding white sharks along the California coast.

O’Donnell introduced the measure in collaboration with California State University, Long Beach and the college’s renowned shark lab, which has been on campus since 1966.

“The upward numbers of sightings and encounters between people and sharks mean that increased funding for research and new technology is vitally important,” CSULB Shark Lab Director Chris Lowe said. “When you factor in the rising numbers of people who come to the ocean for swimming, surfing, fishing and other types of recreation, the likelihood of interactions between the two species is inevitable and beach closures more likely. Investing in white shark monitoring, education and safety ultimately benefits beachgoers, local tourism, businesses and the overall health of the marine environment.”

The bill now awaits referral to its first policy committee.

Source: O’Donnell’s office

Becerra issues advisory providing guidance on privacy requirements of Immigrant Worker Protection Act California Attorney General Xavier Becerra on Tuesday issued an advisory providing an overview of and guidance on the privacy prescriptions under the Immigrant Worker Protection Act (Assembly Bill 450). Becerra and Labor Commissioner Julie Su also issued joint guidance on frequently asked questions to help employers and workers understand and comply with the new state law.

The Attorney General’s advisory explains to employers that, under state law, they cannot voluntarily grant immigration enforcement agents physical access to nonpublic areas of the worksite or to private employee records.

“The Immigrant Worker Protection Act seeks first and foremost to protect Californians’ privacy at the workplace. The advisory and guidance released today are important tools to help workers and employers feel more secure, by educating them about their rights and responsibilities under the law,” Becerra said.

“Everyone has an obligation to follow the law, whether it’s the Constitution, federal or state law. AB 450 works in concert, not in conflict, with our Constitution and federal laws. Today’s advisory and guidance

aim to illustrate that. My office will work to ensure businesses have the appropriate guidance to protect both employers’ and employees’ privacy rights.”

Under the Immigrant Worker Protection Act, employers are required to notify all employees of inspections of their employment records by federal immigration agencies within 72 hours of receiving a federal notice of inspection. The employer’s notifications must be available in the language the employer normally uses to communicate employment information.

“No one should have to go to work every day scared of the threat of deportation,” said Assemblymember David Chiu (D-San Francisco). “AB 450 was meant to not only give protections to California workers but also to ensure employers know what to do if immigration officials visit their workplaces. Thank you to Attorney General Xavier Becerra and Labor Commissioner Julie Su for quickly issuing guidelines so employers understand their rights and responsibilities under this law.”

Source: Becerra’s office

Records

continued from page 2

Crimes reported by THE Signal Hill Police Department Thursday, Feb. 8 8:20am Auto burglary 2600 block E. 28th St.

February 16, 2018

10:34am Grand theft 2100 block Stanley Ave. Tuesday, Feb. 13 11:26am Grand theft 1000 block E. Willow St. 12:01pm Grand theft 2400 block Cherry Ave. 5:17pm Identity theft 3100 block E. PCH 11:32pm Misdemeanor warrants 2700 block E. PCH (suspect arrested) Wednesday, Feb. 14 9:35am Stolen vehicle recovered 2300 block E. 21st St. 4:34pm Battery 2800 block Walnut Ave.

misdemeanors and reviewing, recalling and resentencing up to 4,940 felony marijuana convictions which were sentenced prior to Proposition 64’s passage in November 2016,” his office said in a press release. “In San Francisco, individuals eligible under Prop. 64 do not have to file a petition or appear in court to initiate the dismissal or declassification of their prior marijuana convictions.”

Some marijuana advocates liked San Francisco’s new policy, but they aren’t surprised by more cautious endeavors by other prosecutorial agencies. Joe Grumbine heads The Human Solution, a nonprofit grassroots organization dedicated to helping support individuals in the court process. Grumbine himself ran into major legal trouble when, several years ago, he opened up a medical-marijuana dispensary in Long Beach.

As the Signal Tribune reported last month, Grumbine said his dispensary was raided in 2009, and two years later he was convicted for selling marijuana illegally. In 2014, an appeals court overturned his verdict, and the prosecution dropped his case thereafter.

Grumbine said in a phone interview this week, after he spent several years fighting his case, his record is actually clear. He said he has a lot of sympathy for those who want the same clean slate.

“An old conviction can stick with you forever,” Grumbine said, describing how new regulations on the cannabis industry require a background check. He explained that when individuals have an old conviction because they agreed to a plea deal instead of taking the case to trial, they may or may not be able to be involved in a legal business now that the industry has gained legitimacy.

“It’s a big deal to a lot of people.”

Earlier this month, several news outlets reported that Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey would not offer an assistance program to those who want to clear their records. However, just last Tuesday, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted to create a plan aimed at helping individuals who either desire to wipe their minor marijuana convictions from the official record or who seek a reduction to their sentences. ✦

Signal Tribune

February 16, 2018

7

Please come and join us at the monthly Signal Hill Chamber luncheon on Thursday February 22, 2018, 12-1:30 pm. at The Grand Event Center, 4101 E Willow St, Long Beach Please RSVP and for more information, please visit www.signalhillchamber.org call (888)687-1718

Signal Hill City Council reviews fees charged for services

4/21/15 10:57 AM Page 1

Council to conduct workshop on streamlining fees to better reflect true costs.

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City fees Finance Director Scott Williams shared the results of a user-fee study that the council had authorized in October 2016 and explained that “fees” refers to charges for specific services, not taxes.

Williams said the user-fee study revealed that the City is often subsidizing expenses for services– such as copying official documents, providing licenses and permits, and conducting inspections– because it is not charging users the full cost of the service.

The study identified and accounted for the “fully burdened” cost of each City service, including total labor and overhead, finding, for instance, that certifying a document costs $18.85 but the City is currently only charging $10 for that service.

After Williams’s initial presentation, Deputy City Manager Hannah Shin-Heydorn provided a revised list of the 155 new, revised or increased fees to get council direction and approval.

But when the council began to go through each line item

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with staff, members realized they needed a guiding policy.

For instance, charging the full cost for some services (such as document certification) seemed appropriate, but other services seemed to justify subsidizing because they incentivize behaviors such as safety and election participation.

“We haven’t had a discussion of if we want to change the fee structures,” said Mayor Edward Wilson. “Even the assumptions of how did we get to ‘fully loaded’ we haven’t even talked about as a council.”

Maria Harris, a Signal Hill resident, also spoke up in support of the affordability of City services by all of its residents.

“I would really like to emphasize the importance here of the ability to pay,” she said. “The ability to pay is not mentioned in the criteria and the principles upon which this particular schedule is developed.”

Vice Mayor Tina Hansen moved to table the discussion and resume at a future fee-budget workshop, even if it means revenues from the new fee schedule would not be initially reflected in the next fiscal budget.

Wilson also supported the idea so the public could betsee COUNCIL page 10

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Anita W. Harris | Signal Tribune

At the Feb. 13 Signal Hill City Council meeting, Salvation Army representative Melinda Lankford introduced the new Salvation Army facility at Spring Street and Long Beach Boulevard. The site focuses on helping youth, seniors and families and includes a gymnasium and athletic field.

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FW Y

KATELLA

VALLEY VIEW

During its Feb. 13 meeting, the Signal Hill City Council heard project updates and presentations, conducted routine

business and began an unexpectedly complicated workshop on revising fees charged for City services.

Because the council eventually realized that providing appropriate direction on fee changes warranted more time and consideration, it agreed to conduct a separate budget workshop on fees with department heads present.

CHERRY

Staff Writer

605 FWY

Anita W. Harris

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Signal Tribune

February 16, 2018

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Signal Tribune

February 16, 2018

Council

continued from page 7

ter understand why fees for each department were changing or increasing and provide input.

“We’re going to have to raise fees, so that’s not the question,” Wilson said. “It will be how much do we think we should raise [them].”

Other business In other business, the council authorized the city manager to enter into a zero-interest loan program with Southern California Edison (SCE) called on-bill financing that would reduce the City’s initial outlay to pay for upgrading 81 safety lights on traffic signals to LED. According to City Manager Charlie Honeycutt, the program would allow the City to finance $10,594.57 of the project cost so that it will be paid through future energy savings created by use of the LED safety lights.

The initial out-of-pocket cost of the $27,560 project will thus be approximately $6,600, after an SCE rebate of $10,372 and the financing program.

The council also conducted second readings and approved zoning-ordinance amendments affecting the new dog park at California Avenue and Spring Street and correcting a clerical error on where emergency shelters are allowed.

A groundbreaking ceremony for the new dog park is scheduled for March 17 from 2pm to 4pm.

Presentations The council heard presentations on the City’s new website design, a new Salvation Army facility, a police award and a new appointment.

Deputy City Manager Hannah Shin-Heydorn updated the council on the City’s new website design by government-website designers CivicPlus.

The new website, scheduled to launch in the last week of June, will use a more visual approach with more intuitive menu options based on the most frequently used City services, per data analytics. The City can continue to update the website based on those needs because of an embedded program that tracks how it is used.

“There’s a full array of data and statistics we can pull,” Shin-Heydorn said.

Melinda Lankford, director of the local Salvation Army’s capital campaign, updated the council on the progress of the Salvation Army’s new facility at Spring Street and Long Beach Boulevard.

“We are in our 112th year in this area,” she said. “We’ve […] found that the four greatest needs are homeless veterans, atrisk families, at-risk youth and at-risk seniors. […] We are now in the process of building and adding onto our facility to meet those needs.”

Phase II of the building process, she said, will include a gymnasium, playground and athletic field.

“If you know of anybody who wants a great Spring Street advertising opportunity for a mere million dollars, I will name this field after them,” Lankford said.

Police Chief Christopher Nunley reported on his department’s receiving the National Night Out Award from the National Association of Town Watches (NATW) for outstanding participation.

Nunley stated that the de-

partment’s National Night Out took place in August 2017 with a carnival theme. The department was one of 24 out of 7,000 nationwide participants that received a plaque for outstanding participation.

“We’re very proud of National Night Out because it’s really become a big event,” Nunley said. “The crowd […] was the largest we’ve ever had. […]

The best thing that comes out of National Night Out is that neighbors can come out and get together in an environment that is inviting.”

Mayor Edward Wilson, along with Finance Director Scott Williams, introduced Angelina Garcia as Williams’s newly appointed deputy. She had been serving as accounting manager since May 2017.

“I’m very fortunate to work at such a remarkable city,” Garcia said. “I really appreciate the opportunity, and I hope to serve you well.”

The next Signal Hill City Council meeting will take place Tuesday, Feb. 27, at 7pm in the council chamber at 2175 Cherry Ave.

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NEWS

February 16, 2018

Pearce

continued from page 1

Signal Tribune

Chancellor

11

continued from page 3

alarming to me that a group can insert themselves into my personal safety and then call me a liar about it.”

The political consultant in question is Ian Patton, head of the Committee Supporting the Recall of Councilmember Jeannine Pearce, which formed in August and is currently based at 407 E. 3rd St. He is also the principal of his own consulting firm, Cal Heights Consultancy.

In a phone interview Tuesday, Patton said Pearce’s bullying claims are “absurd,” adding how she herself has been physically abusive with Devin Cotter, her former chief-of-staff.

“It’s her attempt to frame herself as a victim in the situation, when we know that the person who got physical was her,” Patton said. “The per-

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son who admitted to causing injuries to Devin Cotter, [...] that was her. She did not get prosecuted for that, because of insufficient evidence. [...] The only thing that matters in this whole debate is her conduct. [...] She put herself in a compromising situation where he can blackmail her and expose the relationship. She’s got to take responsibility for all that. Nobody is bullying anyone just by holding them accountable to widely reported facts.”

On June 3, Pearce was driving with passenger Cotter when she pulled over onto a median of the 710 Freeway as a result of a dispute between them.

As reported by the Signal Tribune in November, per the L.A. County District Attorney’s (D.A.) “charge evaluation worksheet” (CEW), Pearce allegedly hit Cotter’s arm while driving because he was pulling at the wheel, causing the vehicle to swerve. Later, when the car was parked, Pearce pushed Cotter, which led to his head injuries.

Since Pearce and Cotter were in a romantic relationship, the incident was labeled as domestic violence. Furthermore, Pearce has stated that she was acting in self-defense, a claim that the D.A. had insufficient evidence to confirm or deny.

In the report, the CEW suggested that Cotter admitted to Pearce’s self-defense claims.

“She stated that she pushed victim [Cotter] to get him to stop throwing her property out of the car,” the CEW states. “Further, [the] victim’s statement that suspect Pearce’s push was a ‘getyour-hands-off kind of shove’ further fuels this interpretation of evidence.”

Pearce passed the initial field-sobriety test, according to a Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) statement.

Last year, the Signal Tribune also reported that LBPD officers allowed Pearce to call a friend to take her home while they took Cotter to his own residence. A few hours later, police were again called to intervene between Cotter and Pearce at the councilmember’s home when she saw Cotter on her property.

In January, the Long Beach city clerk approved the Committee Supporting

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the Recall of Councilmember Jeannine Pearce’s petition format to gather signatures for the recall. Patton said the group consists solely of 2nd-district residents, denying the councilmember’s statements that the committee consists of people outside of the 2nd council district.

“I think she’s lashing out at us because she sees our success, and she’s scared that she’s going to lose her job,” Patton said. “Frankly, if she was more concerned with all the personal issues that she discussed on Friday and fixing those issues, she should just resign and deal with those issues. I called it ‘victimhood-laden.’ I think that’s accurate.

She talks about all the trauma in her life. I’m compassionate about all the trauma in her life, but I think she herself made a good case that she should be focusing on that, because she’s just not in a position where she can be an effective council person right now.”

In her phone interview, Pearce admitted that the whole process would be easier if she wasn’t an elected leader, saying that, “On that front, it is the fact that [this issue] is political that has kept me from doing what I needed to do to be safe. I want to say that.”

Pearce said the claims are a stigma of today’s time, in which people can bully and deny people’s truths about abusive incidents, also accusing the committee of “picking and choosing” what to share with residents.

However, she ensured 2nd-district residents that her office has the support it needs to operate efficiently. She added that the situation is “really much better today than [it was] eight months ago” and expressed optimism about her personal progress on her health and well being.

“The recall group’s actions and words show exactly how systematic oppression plays out in politics, at the work place and in our communities,” she said. “When hotels and paid consultants can repeatedly tell women their reality is false, it sends a signal to everyone struggling to get out of an abusive situation that no one will believe them. I want all residents and workers in Long Beach to know I believe you.

I’m here for you, and Long Beach is here for you. We can rise stronger together.” ✦

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was embarrassed I had food stamps. So, it is very personal to me. That’s one of the reasons why we did the study on the cost of how many students can’t get food and how many students have trouble living somewhere.”

White then turned to the audience and announced that he has donated $250,000 of his salary toward the cause.

However, he also described a possible mistaken belief about the actual tuition cost.

“When people say the cost of education has gone up, I’ll say, ‘Actually, it has gone down, but who is paying for it has actually changed dramatically.’”

White said. “As a parent or as a student, you are paying more, because the folks in California are payIzzie Hallock | Signal Tribune ing less. That’s why I go to Timothy P. White, chancellor of the California Sacramento, to point out State University (CSU) system, provides infor- the fallacy of these ways, mation on recent triumphs and future improve- and that is what I do.”

Another anonymous ments among the state’s administration, faculty question revolved around and student body, on Sunday, Feb. 11 at the Long the Deferred Action Beach NAACP branch meeting at Ernest Mcfor Childhood Arrivals Bride Park California Recreation Center.

(DACA) and what the CSU system is doing to combat President Donald Trump’s undoing of the executive order established under former President Barack Obama. DACA was designed to protect and help children brought to the United States illegally and to provide them the same opportunities for earning an education.

White said a little over 8,000 students in the CSU system are DACA students.

“So, this impasse we’re at at the federal level with these DACA students and the politics around it you read about everyday has the potential of altering the lives of these 8,300 students,” White said. “On top of that, we have about 500 employees across the system who are DACA. [...] So, we are on the cusp, if there isn’t a solution, and we’ve been out there in Washington D.C. and in California with a whole bunch of voices to try and get the folks who can make the change, make the change back in Washington D.C.” As a final thought, Dr. Lance Robert, mentoring chairman for the 100 Black Men of Long Beach, asked White how he lobbies for students when he travels to Sacramento for a sense of reassurance.

“For example, on Monday, I will be sitting down with six or seven senators and their staff, and we will be talking about stories about our students,” White said. “[...] You know, the thing that struck me when we came here is– and I am not being disrespectful of the past– but there was a tendency to complain about what we did not have and to poke people in the eye, because we did not have it.

I said to myself, ‘My God, we got three-and-a-half million living alumni. One in 10 people who work in California come out of this amazing system.’ Let’s just stop and think about that.” ✦

O’Donnell working to buy Community Hospital more time Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell (D–Long Beach) introduced AB 2591 Thursday in an effort to keep Long Beach Community Hospital open. The bill seeks an extension for seismic compliance at the hospital. O’Donnell is working with the City of Long Beach on the bill in response to numerous pleas from the community calling for action, according to his office.

“Community Hospital offers the only emergency room on the east side of the city,” O’Donnell said.

“This is the first of many steps necessary to keep the hospital open. I look forward to working with community stakeholders to find a solution to this challenge. AB 2591 gives us more time to identify options to meet our community’s needs.”

Long Beach MemorialCare announced at the end of 2017 the intention to cease medical services at Community Hospital by June 30, 2019. There is an active earthquake fault line beneath part of the hospital, and the facility must be upgraded to meet seismic-safety requirements by 2020.

The bill now awaits referral to its first policy committee.

Source: O’Donnell’s office

12

Signal Tribune

TST5617 / Case No. NS034173 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME, SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, GOVERNOR GEORGE DEUKMEJIAN COURTHOUSE, 275 Magnolia, Long Beach, CA 90802.

PETITION OF Hubert Wayne Franklin.

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner: HUBERT WAYNE FRANKLIN has filed a petition with this court for a decree changing his name as follows: Present Name: HUBERT WAYNE FRANKLIN, to Proposed Name: HERBERT WAYNE FRANKLIN. 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: March 6, 2018; Time: 8:30A M; Dept. 26, Room 5500. 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: January 26, & February 2, 9, 16, 2018 ___//ss//___ Michael P. Vicencia, Judge of the Superior Court Dated January 23, 2018.

PUBLIC NOTICES

fessions Code). Pub. The Signal Tribune: January 26, & February 2, 9, 16, 2018.

TST5619 / Case No. VS030713 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME, SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, NORWALK SUPERIOR COURT, CLERKS OFFICE, 12720 NORWALK BLVD., ROOM 701, NORWALK, CA 90650.

PETITION OF Rafaela Ulloa TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner: RAFAELA ULLOA has filed a petition with this court for a decree changing her children’s name as follows: Present Name: 1. ASHLEY HERNANDEZ, to Proposed Name: ASHLEY ULLOA. Present Name: 2. RUBEN HERNANDEZ, JR, to Proposed Name: BEN ULLOA 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: February 211 2018; Time: 8:30P M; Dept. C, Room 312. 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: January 26, & February 2, 9, 16, 2018 ___//ss//___ Margaret M. Bernal, Judge of the Superior Court Dated November 14, 2017

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: January 26, & February 2, 9, 16, 2018.

TST5621 / Case No. TS021021 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME, SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, SOUTH CENTRAL DISTRICT OFFICE, 200 W. Compton Blvd., Compton, CA 90220.

PETITION OF Linda Sue Smith.

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner: LINDA SUE SMITH has filed a petition with this court for a decree changing her name as follows: Present Name: LINDA SUE SMITH, to Proposed Name: LINDA SUE FISK. 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: March 6, 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: January 26, & February 2, 9, 16, 2018 ___//ss//___ Brian S. Currey, Judge of the Superior Court Dated January 22, 2018

TST5618 / 2018 017573 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person is doing business as: LA PLAYA COCKTAIL LOUNGE, 1885 Pacific Ave., Long Beach, CA 90806. Registrant: RAFAEL P. RAMOS, 1885 Pacific Ave., Long Beach, CA 90806. This business is conducted by: an Individual. I declare that TST5620 / 2018 010394 all information in this statement is FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME true and correct. Signed: Rafael STATEMENT Ramos. The registrant has be- The following person is doing TST5622 / 2018 009127 gun to use this fictitious business business as: 1.

MAGNOLIA FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME name. The registrant began using PLAZA, 2. MAGNOLIA TSTPLAZA STATEMENT this fictitious business name in 627, 627 NOTICE OF Avenue, ORDINANCE ADOPTION The following person is doing busiMagnolia Long Ordinance No. 2018-01-1499 was introduced by the Signal Hill City Council at their December, 1989. This statement Beach, January CA 23, 90802.

Registrant: ness as: POWER LINK ELECTRIC, meeting 2018 and adopted by the City Council at their meeting was filed with the county clerk of of Tuesday, 3375 Walnut Ave., Signal Hill, CA DARROCH VACCARO, of Tuesday, DENISE February 13,2018.

A summary of the ordinance is as follows: Los Angeles County on January 22215 Carancho Road, Teme- 90755. Registrant: 1. GUILLER22, 2018 . NOTICE: This fictitious 2. HILL, Nancy Loza, 3375 AN ORDINANCE THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE MO CITYMEJIA, OF SIGNAL cula, CAOF92590.

This business Walnut Ave., Signal Hill, CA 90755. business name statement expires CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT 17-02 is conducted by: an Individual.

This Abusiness conducted by: a AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP TO CHANGE 1.5-ACREisPARfive years from the date it was filed I declare that all information in CEL AT 3100 CALIFORNIA AVENUE FROM “AUTO CENTER SPECIFIC I declare that General Partnership. in the office of the county clerk. this statement true (OS)” and correct.

PLAN (SP-4)” TO “OPEN is SPACE AND “PUBLIC allINSTITUTIONAL information in(PI),” this statement is A new fictitious business name Signed: Denise D.PARK Vaccaro.

The true USE AND ADDING PUBLIC DOG AS A PERMITTED WITHIN THE and correct.

Signed: Guillermo statement must be filed prior OPEN to SPACE registrant hasDISTRICT not begun to use Mejia, ZONING AND OUTDOOR ADVERTISING STRUCPartner.

The registrant has that date. The filing of this stateTURE this AS Afictitious CONDITIONALLY USE AND AMENDING THE businessPERMITTED name. This begun to use this fictitious busiment does not of itself authorize HEIGHT LIMIT WITHIN THE PUBLIC INSTITUTIONAL ZONING DISTRICT statement was filed with the coun- ness name. The registrant began the use in this state of a fictitious ty clerk of Los Angeles County on using thisOffice fictitious business name full text of the ordinance is available in the City Clerk’s and on the business name in violation Aofcopy theof the January 12, 2018 . NOTICE: This in January, 2018. This statement City’s website: www.cityofsignalhill.org. rights of another under federal, fictitious business name state- was filed with the county clerk of state, or common law (see section Keir Jones ment expires five years from the Los Angeles County on January 11, 14411 et seq., Business and ProCity Clerk Published in the Signal-Tribune newspaper on February 16, 2018 Posted at City Hall, Signal Hill Park Community Center, Discovery Well Park, and Reservoir Park on February 16, 2018.

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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: February 9, 16, 23, & March 2, 2018.

TST5623 / Case No. TS021024 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME, SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, SOUTH CENTRAL DISTRICT OFFICE, 200 W. Compton Blvd., Compton, CA 90220.

PETITION OF Charles Edward Karrim Harrison III. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner: CHARLES EDWARD KARRIM HARRISON III has filed a petition with this court for a decree changing his name as follows: Present Name: CHARLES EDWARD KARRIM HARRISON III, to Proposed Name: frank coons 3rd 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: March 13, 2018; Time: 8:30A M; Dept. A, Room 902. 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: February 9, 16, 23, & March 2, 2018 ___//ss//___ Brian S. Currey, Judge of the Superior Court

Dated January 31, 2018 TST5624 / Case No. TS021035 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME, SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, SOUTH CENTRAL DISTRICT OFFICE, 200 W. Compton Blvd., Compton, CA 90220.

PETITION OF Edward Padillaramirez.

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner: EDWARD PADILLARAMIREZ has filed a petition with this court for a decree changing his name as follows: Present Name: EDWARD PADALLARAMIREZ to Proposed Name: EDWARD CONNOR PADILLA 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: March 15, 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: February 9, 16, 23, & March 2, 2018 ___//ss//___ Brian S. Currey, Judge of the Superior Court Dated February 2, 2018 TST5625 / 2018 026936 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person is doing business as: 1. FAITHFUL STEWARD PUBLISHERS, 2. FAITHFUL STEWARD MARKETING, 3815 Chestnut Ave., Long Beach, CA 90807.

Registrant: 1. CHRIS TURNER, 2.

GLENN TURNER, 3553 Atlantic Ave., Suite 624, Long Beach, CA 90807. This business is conducted

CITY OF SIGNAL HILL

TST5633 NOTICE OF ORDINANCE ADOPTION Ordinance No. 2018-01-1500 was introduced by the Signal Hill City Council at their meeting of Tuesday, January 23, 2018 and adopted by the City Council at their meeting of Tuesday, February 13, 2018. A summary of the ordinance is as follows: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SIGNAL HILL, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT 17-03, CORRECTING A CLERICAL ERROR IN TITLE 20 OF SIGNAL HILL MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 20.20.020 CHART OF PERMITTED USES TO ACCURATELY REFLECT THAT EMERGENCY SHELTERS ARE ALLOWED IN THE COMMERCIAL GENERAL (CG) RATHER THAN THE COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL (CR) ZONING DISTRICT A copy of the full text of the ordinance is available in the City Clerk’s Office and on the City’s website: www.cityofsignalhill.org.

Keir Jones City Clerk Published in the Signal-Tribune newspaper on February 16, 2018 Posted at City Hall, Signal Hill Park Community Center, Discovery Well Park, and Reservoir Park on February 16, 2018.

CITY OF SIGNAL HILL

TST5632 NOTICE OF ORDINANCE ADOPTION Ordinance No. 2018-01-1499 was introduced by the Signal Hill City Council at their meeting of Tuesday, January 23, 2018 and adopted by the City Council at their meeting of Tuesday, February 13,2018. A summary of the ordinance is as follows: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SIGNAL HILL, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT 17-02 AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP TO CHANGE A 1.5-ACRE PARCEL AT 3100 CALIFORNIA AVENUE FROM “AUTO CENTER SPECIFIC PLAN (SP-4)” TO “OPEN SPACE (OS)” AND “PUBLIC INSTITUTIONAL (PI),” AND ADDING PUBLIC DOG PARK AS A PERMITTED USE WITHIN THE OPEN SPACE ZONING DISTRICT AND OUTDOOR ADVERTISING STRUCTURE AS A CONDITIONALLY PERMITTED USE AND AMENDING THE HEIGHT LIMIT WITHIN THE PUBLIC INSTITUTIONAL ZONING DISTRICT A copy of the full text of the ordinance is available in the City Clerk’s Office and on the City’s website: www.cityofsignalhill.org.

Keir Jones City Clerk Published in the Signal-Tribune newspaper on February 16, 2018 Posted at City Hall, Signal Hill Park Community Center, Discovery Well Park, and Reservoir Park on February 16, 2018.

February 16, 2018 by: a General Partnership. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed: Glenn Turner, General Partner. The registrant has not begun to use this fictitious business name. This statement was filed with the county clerk of Los Angeles County on January 31, 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: February 9, 16, 23, & March 2, 2018.

TST5626 / 2018 010629 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person is doing business as: 1. FAITHFUL STEWARD PUBLISHERS, 3553 Atlantic Ave., Num. 624, Long Beach, CA 90807.

Registrant: 1. CHRIS TURNER, 2.

GLENN TURNER, 3553 Atlantic Ave., Num 624, Long Beach, CA 90807. This business is conducted by: a General Partnership. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed: Glenn Turner, General Partner. The registrant has begun to use this fictitious business name. The registrant began using this fictitious business name in November, 2017. This statement was filed with the county clerk of Los Angeles County on January 12, 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: February 9, 16, 23, & March 2, 2018.

TST5627 / 2018 022660 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person is doing business as: 1. KNOWLEDGE INFOR-

PUBLIC NOTICES

MATION SYSTEMS, 2. KIS, 2510 West 237th Street, Suite 202, Torrance, CA 90505. Registrant: AURORA SYSTEMS CONSULTING, INC. 2510 West 237th St., Suite 202, Torrance, CA 90505. This business is conducted by: a Corporation. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct.

Signed: Philip DeSouza, Owner.

The registrant has not begun to use this fictitious business name. This statement was filed with the county clerk of Los Angeles County on January 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: February 9, 16, 23, & March 2, 2018.

TST5628 / Case No. NS034190 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME, SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, GOVERNOR DEUKMEJIAN COURTHOUSE, 275 Magnolia, Long Beach, CA 90802.

PETITION OF Bradley Dale Wallentine.

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner: BRADLEY DALE WALLENTINE has filed a petition with this court for a decree changing their name as follows: Present Name: 1. BRADLEY DALE WALLENTINE, 2. ERIN ANN GUTILLA, to Proposed Name: 1. BRADLEY DALE GALLENT, 2. ERIN ANN GALLENT. 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: March 15, 2018; Time: 8:30A M; Dept. S26, Room 5500. 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

Airport

newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county, THE SIGNAL TRIBUNE, 1399 E. 28th, Street, Signal Hill, CA 90755: February 9, 16, 23, & March 2, 2018 ___//ss//___ Michael P. Vicencia, Judge of the Superior Court Dated February 1, 2018 TST5630 / 2017 358846 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person is doing business as: EXOTIC AROMAS III FRAGRANCES, 2201 N. Lakewood, Suite D609, Long Beach, CA 90815. Registrant: ANGELA L. KNOX, 2201 N. Lakewood Blvd., Suite D609, Long Beach, CA 90815.

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

The registrant has begun to use this fictitious business name. The registrant began using this fictitious business name in November, 2017. This statement was filed with the county clerk of Los Angeles County on December 27, 2017. 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: January 19, 26 & February 2, 9, 2018.

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: February 16, 23, & March 2, 9, 2018.

TST5631 / 2018 035312 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person is doing business as: SITESAFETYPLAN.COM, 5559 E. Peabody St., Long Beach, CA 90808. Registrant: AARON SMITH, 5559 E. Peabody St., Long Beach, CA 90808. This business is conducted by: an Individual. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct.

Signed: Aaron Smith. The registrant has not begun to use this fictitious business name. This statement was filed with the county clerk of Los Angeles County on February 9, 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: February 16, 23, & March 2, 9, 2018.

TST5636 / 2018 028225 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person is doing business as: GREENBAR DISTILLERY, 2459 E. 8th St., Los Angeles, CA 90021. Registrant: MODERN SPIRITS LLC, 2459 E. 8th St., Los Angeles, CA 90021. This business is conducted by: a Limited Liability Company. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed: Lilly Mathew, Managing Member. The registrant has not begun to use this fictitious business name. This statement was filed with the county clerk of Los Angeles County on February 1, 2018.

NOTICE: This fictitious business name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office

TST5637 / Case No. TS021034 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME, SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, SOUTH CENTRAL DISTRICT OFFICE, 200 W. Compton Blvd., Compton, CA 90220.

PETITION OF Jonathan Avila.

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner: JONATHAN AVILA has filed a petition with this court for a decree changing his name as follows: Present Name: JONATHAN AVILA, to Proposed Name: JOHNATHAN AVILA. 2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to

Beach Airport, also concluded that the problem was really about JetBlue.

“We do not need to change the ordinance,” he said. “We are likely to lose local control of the airport. […] I think it’s basically a JetBlue problem here.”

He suggested that if the City could work with JetBlue on the terms of the consent decree, it would address the entire concern.

“With the vehicle of the consent decree, we can probably get a little better resolution to this whole issue than opening up the ordinance […], which has served us well for 23 years,” McAchren said.

Another resident, and admitted frequent flyer of both Southwest and JetBlue, noted that the ordinance’s language allows the airport to get rid of JetBlue altogether.

“We should not fear the loss of JetBlue,” he said.

Other residents suggested generally that the airport should incentivize compliance, rather than impose harsher penalties, and levy more proportional fines consistent with the operating costs of the airlines.

Romo assured attendees that the airport is still collecting input before proceeding with FAA assurances and an amendment for the city council to consider, saying that nothing would likely change until late 2018.

“This is going to be a very deliberative process,” he said.

Airport attorney Lori Ballance concurred.

“We are looking at this very carefully and very cautiously,” she said.

“It certainly will not proceed without getting whatever assurances we can along the way.”

Signal Tribune

13

show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted.

NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: March 13, 2018; Time: 8:30A M; Dept. A, Room 902. 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: February 16, 23 & March 2, 9, 2018 ___//ss//___ Brian S. Currey, Judge of the Superior Court Dated January 31, 2018 TST5635 / Case No. TS021036 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME, SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, SOUTH CENTRAL DISTRICT OFFICE, 200 W. Compton Blvd., Compton, CA 90220.

PETITION Sonia Araceli Gonzalez.

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner: SONIA ARACELI GONZALEZ has filed a petition with this court for a decree changing her name as follows: Present Name: SONIA ARACELI GONZALEZ, to Proposed Name: ARACELI GONZALEZ SANDOVAL. 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: March 20, 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: February 16, 23 & March 2, 9, 2018 ___//ss//___ Brian S. Currey, Judge of the Superior Court Dated February 5, 2018

continued from page 1

erate as they’ve been operating.”

Romo stressed that the proposed changes are distinct from JetBlue’s recent legal action appealing the terms of its “consent decree”– an agreement with the City regarding its violations– alleging that the penalties assessed by the airport and its proposed amendments are unreasonable.

“Our endeavor to look at the proposed noise-ordinance amendments is entirely separate from the JetBlue administrative appeal, which focuses on certain types of curfew exemptions that they are appealing to the City,” Romo said, noting that JetBlue’s final appeal to the city council will conclude in March.

However, some residents disagreed, noting that JetBlue has incurred most of the late-night curfew violations and so the amendments specifically address that airline’s behavior.

Rae Gabelich, resident and former city council member, also expressed concern that JetBlue is targeting the ordinance itself.

“I think we have to be very careful,” she said. “We need to refocus on […] the possibility of our losing our noise ordinance.”

Gabelich noted that when the consent decree was agreed upon in 2003, JetBlue had 30 violations and paid fines totaling $90,000. The air-

line’s growing violations, she said, have steadily increased its total fines from $366,000 in 2015 to $618,000 in 2016 to $1.2 million in 2017.

“They’re not getting to be better neighbors,” she said of JetBlue.

“They’re looking for a way to challenge […] our noise ordinance.”

Gabelich also cited a statement by JetBlue asserting that the proposed amendments violate Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules and the 1990 Airport Noise and Capacity Act (ANCA), under which the noise ordinance is “grandfathered.”

“I’m going to assume that the City Council […] will vote ‘no’ on [JetBlue’s] appeal on the interpretation of the verbiage that’s in the noise ordinance,” Gabelich said. “But once that appeal is done […], then [JetBlue] has the opportunity to go to the courts.”

She suggested that the airport therefore delay any further public action on the amendments.

“I just encourage you to move so very cautiously on this,” Gabelich said. “I also urge you to let […] the JetBlue appeal play out in the courts. […] I would ask [the FAA] for not only a written opinion letter but some kind of assurance that they would stand by our side should we be challenged in a court of law.”

Kevin McAchren, a resident and small-business owner in the Long

Slots Romo also explained another proposed amendment to the Flight Allocation Procedures Resolution on how airlines utilize their timeslot allocations, which is separate but related to the noise ordinance.

He noted that some airlines have been engaging in anti-competitive “slot-sitting” on their allocations, preventing other airlines from potentially utilizing those times.

In his Aug. 9, 2017 memo to the city manager, Romo connected this problem to the curfew-enforcement problem.

“This is particularly problematic with the recent increase in demand for flight slots at the Airport and the increase in curfew violations by incumbent air carriers failing to fully utilize their slot allocations,” he wrote.

However, at the meeting, Romo noted that recent increased competition among airlines, especially since the addition of Southwest Airlines in

2016, has resulted in more efficient use of the 50 slots.

“It’s not a problem right now, but that doesn’t mean it might not become a problem down the road,” he said. “What we’re trying to do is make sure that, if we have a slot, that [an airline] is using it efficiently, and if [they’re] not, then we need to pull it back, or have the ability to pull it back.”

The proposed slot-utilization requirement would change from a particular number of flights required per week– either four or 30 depending on the type of carrier– to monthly, quarterly and annual capacity-utilization averages ranging from 60 to 85 percent.

At least one resident argued that timeslot efficiency is not in the community’s best interest.

Given concerns about the proposed amendments– both the fines and time slots–O’Donnell’s brief statement during the meeting may be most apt.

“We want to make sure we do the right thing,” he said, “which might be . . . not doing anything.”

For response to questions on the airport’s proposed amendments, email LGBNoise@longbeach.gov.

14

NEWS

Signal Tribune

February 16, 2018

WRD

continued from page 1

Billie Jean King

Wikipedia Commons

Lowenthal, Crowley introduce legislation to honor Billie Jean King with Congressional Gold Medal Congressmember Alan Lowenthal (CA-47) on Tuesday joined with House Democratic Caucus Chairman Joe Crowley (NY-14) to introduce the Billie Jean King Congressional Gold Medal Act in the House of Representatives to award King the Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of her vast achievements and contributions to athletics, women’s rights, the LGBT community and American culture, according to Lowenthal’s office.

“Billie Jean redefined the very role of women in both sports and American culture,” Lowenthal said.

“The word ‘icon’ is simply too small to capture the enormous impact she has had on not just tennis, not just on the United States, but on the world. She is a pioneer in athletics, a trailblazer in the fight for equality, a role model for women and the LGBT community, and an inspiration to every American. She has not only earned this honor– she deserves it for the ground she has broken and the paths that she has set.”

King, a native of Long Beach, won 39 major singles, doubles and mixed-doubles tennis championships during her more than 30-plusyear tennis career, including a record 20 at Wimbledon. She is also the founder of the Women’s Tennis Association and the nonprofit Billie Jean King Leadership Initiative. The U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) National Tennis Center in Flushing, NY, home of the U.S. Open Grand Slam tennis tournament, is named in her honor.

“Time and time again, Billie Jean King has broken barriers,” Crowley said. “Among the numerous accolades she has earned over the course of her career, the Congressional Gold Medal would formally recognize King’s leadership in the fight for equality and her achievements in making professional sports more accessible to all Americans, regardless of their gender or identity.”

The Congressional Gold Medal is an award the U.S. Congress bestows to recognize an individual’s immense contributions to American culture. Along with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which King was awarded in 2009, the Congressional Gold Medal ranks as one the highest civilian awards in the country.

“I am so proud to be an American, and it would be an amazing honor to receive the Congressional Gold Medal,” King said. “I fully appreciate the importance and the

significance of this honor and to be considered is a privilege.”

USTA President and Chairman Katrina Adams said King is one of tennis’s all-time greatest champions who has used her platform of popularity to champion myriad important causes for the betterment of society as a whole.

“She is a pioneer in the truest sense, a tireless crusader for women’s rights, LGBTQ rights and social justice,” Adams said. “She has devoted her life to leveling the playing field for all, and for that reason, the USTA wholeheartedly supports awarding this legendary champion and courageous crusader the Congressional Gold Medal.”

The legislation is endorsed by the American Association of University Women, Association of Title IX Administrators, Human Rights Campaign, Girls Inc., National Center for Lesbian Rights, National Council of Youth Sports, National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund, Women’s Tennis Association, Women’s Sports Foundation, and United States Tennis Association.

“Billie Jean King is a national treasure, and I cannot think of an individual more deserving of the Congressional Gold Medal. An accomplished athlete, Billie Jean has dedicated her career and her life to social justice and is a visionary for equality for all,” Women’s Sports Foundation CEO Deborah Antoine said. “Receiving the high honor of a Congressional Gold Medal would affirm what many of us already know about Billie Jean King, that she is a change agent, having advocated for all, especially women and the LGBT community both in athletics and our society.”

Source: Lowenthal’s office

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nia expanded the capacity of brackish groundwater it can recycle from the Robert W. Goldsworthy Groundwater Desalter facility based in Torrance. The $18-million expansion of the plant allows for double the amount of groundwater to be cleaned and delivered for daily use by Torrance’s 105,000 residential and business customers.

The expansion of the plant comes just days after the USDM indicated that Southern California is experiencing severe drought conditions.

The WRD began operating the Goldsworthy facility in 2002 as a pilot project to clean up billions of gallons of brackish groundwater that remained from past seawater contamination of groundwater-bearing aquifers that underlie the coastal areas of south Los Angeles County, according to a press release.

The Silverado aquifer, and other primary aquifers historically used for local water supply, were adversely affected by seawater intrusion that occurred many decades ago. As a result, about 650,000-acre-feet of groundwater– 1 acre foot equals 325,851 gallons– became brackish in the coastal aquifers managed by the WRD. Brackish groundwater refers to water that has more salinity than fresh water, but not as much as seawater. According to WRD Board President John Allen, the process of recycling this kind of water for consumption is the key to a more sustainable future.

The technique used to clean the water is called reverse osmosis, which is when a solvent passes through a porous membrane opposite to that of natural osmosis. The solvent is subjected to a hydrostatic pressure greater than the osmotic pressure.

In this case, salty groundwater, the solvent, is blasted at high pressures through tightly packed screens. The screens act as the porous membrane, which captures the particulates in the water.

“After treatment, the Goldsworthy water will be of very high quality and exceed all federal and state water safety standards,” a press release from the WRD states.

The water being treated at the Goldsworthy plant is not as salty as seawater, but it is too salty to drink or use for irrigation.

“First of all, we are in another drought,” Allen told the Signal Tribune during a phone interview Tuesday afternoon. “We’ve had eight or nine very dry years each one worst than the other. What the WRD has decided to do is to become independent of northern California water and Colorado River water.”

He said the WRD wants to reduce the amount of imported water it buys from the Metropolitan Water District (Metropolitan), which currently equates to 21,000 acres feet of water.

The WRD uses imported water from Metropolitan to keep its underground aquifers full.

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Bernardino, San Diego and Ventura Counties. Metropolitan currently delivers an average of 1.7 billion gallons of water per day to a 5,200-square-mile service area, according to its website.

Bob Muir, a spokesperson for Metropolitan, said his agency supports the recycling process of brackish groundwater as it coincides with its ambitions to become independent of water from regions such as northern California and the Colorado River.

Metropolitan has a long-term water-resource plan called the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), which is the agency’s water-supply blueprint for the next 25 to 30 years.

The IRP was created after a drought that occurred from 1987 to 1992.

During that time, Southern California was highly dependent on imported water. In 1991, cutbacks of that northern water supply forced Metropolitan into “mandatory conservation.”

Since the adoption of the IRP, numerous updates to the plan were added throughout the years. Muir said Metropolitan has diversified where water resources come from all credit to the IRP. “One of those pillars of water resources is water recycling,” he said.

“We are part of the Goldsworthy groundwater desalting expanding project.”

Metropolitan has paid the WRD a total sum of $5 million for the desalting facility since the project’s beginnings in 2002. Muir said his agency offers economic incentives for water-recycling efforts.

He said the agency pays the WRD $340 per acre-foot of water that it recycles. By 2020, Metropolitan expects to have invested a total of $7.7 million into the Goldsworthy desalting facility.

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“We are reaching our limits as far as how much water we can get from our two core supplies,” he said. “We know that Southern California is going to continue to grow and prosper, and it’s investments like the Goldsworthy expansion that is where we are going to get this water.”

As water-conservation agencies and water wholesalers look for ways to prepare for drought at the urban level, California farmers are also preparing their crops for drought conditions in the rural parts of the state.

Dave Kranz, a spokesperson for the California Farm Bureau Federation, told the Signal Tribune Tuesday during a phone interview that it has been a very warm winter in much of California, and that it does affect activity on the farm.

Farmers of certain produce expected those crops to get irrigated by rainfall water during the winter months.

In some cases, farmers in the central valley have begun to irrigate their orchards and vineyards due to the lack of rain they typically have, according to Kranz.

“It’s a little early yet to know just exactly how it’s all going to play out because we still have another six or so weeks of our typical rainy season to go,” he said. “We do have a cushion from last year since we had so much rain and snow a year ago, and our above-ground reservoirs are all in pretty good shape. That gives everybody a little bit of a cushion, but definitely, we would like to see more snowpack in the Sierra [Nevada], more rainfall to help replenish groundwater aquifers and have a more typical wintertime pattern; there is still time.” ✦

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February 16, 2018

Volunteer

Signal Tribune

15

continued from page 2

ing Mathews), of course, all kinds of wonderful things come to mind– nothing but wonderful things. And I’m thinking, ‘Well, if he’s our iron horse, how do I classify you? [...] What came to mind for me was, as opposed to an iron horse, an iron maiden.”

The chief explained that he hopes no one views that term in a negative way, adding that even two years of volunteer service would be impressive. He then praised Mathews for her fluency in five languages beyond English: Polish, Spanish, Italian, Russian and French. She serves as an on-call volunteer for translation services, according to the department.

“You are 95 years young,” Luna told Mathews. “That means you are part of what everybody considers to be the Greatest Generation. And when you think of the Greatest Generation, and you think of the values and the work ethic and the things that are so important to us today that your generation helped establish for us, to make us, really, the country that we are today.”

Luna then shared some of Mathews’s achievements and life experiences. She served in the United States Army Air Forces from 1942 to 1944, before marrying Gene Mathews, a World War II Army Air Corps veteran, on Sept. 23, 1944.

Thirty years later, she earned an associate’s degree from Long Beach City College. She then served as a deputy director of Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services.

A Bridgeport, Connecticut native, Mathews served on the LBPD’s Senior Advisory Group from 1988 to 2008, and she has also been a member of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of Greater Long Beach since 1986, the LBPD’s K-9 Association Board of Directors since 1993 and the LBPD’s Senior Police Partner Program since 2003.

Luna said perhaps her active lifestyle is what has kept her “so young.”

“She was more focused on other people– not herself,” he said. “And I think that’s a lesson for all of us to take away from somebody as special as you, Laura– that you have in-

vested so much time and effort into other people, and I think that’s why our good Lord keeps you around.”

After remarks from LBPD personnel, Mathews addressed those at the event by relating an incident that had occurred just 10 minutes before the gathering.

“A young lady came into the office to wish me a happy birthday, and she said to me, ‘Tell me your secret. Tell me your secret for longevity,’” Mathews said. “And I looked at her, and I said, ‘I really have no secret except one, and that is: God has always taken care of me because I haven’t got sense enough to take care of myself.”

Mathews added that she has always believed in teamwork and adhering to the motto, ‘Be good to yourself.’

“Because if you’re good to yourself, you’re going to be good to everybody else,” she said. “And, if you don’t know how to be good to yourself, you don’t know how to be kind or gracious or courteous to other people.” ✦

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O’Donnell introduces bill for clean-up of local oil well Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell (D–Long Beach) introduced AB 2404 Wednesday to remove the limit on the amount of revenue deposited into the State’s Oil Trust Fund. The fund is solely used to clean up abandoned oil wells within the Long Beach tidelands that are no longer in use.

“Without a solvent trust fund, we will be on the hook for millions of dollars in oil abandonment costs,” O’Donnell said. “This bill ensures funding needed to protect our Long Beach coastline.”

AB 2404, which is sponsored by the California State Lands Commission, lifts the cap and reserves more revenue to ensure funds are available when oil operations cease. The Oil Trust Fund reached its $300-million cap in June 2014 and has not grown since. The State’s share of abandonment liability is estimated at approximately $836 million, leaving a shortfall of $536 million.

Source: O’Donnell’s office

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Signal Tribune

February 16, 2018

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