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Vol. 34 No. 7

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Photo by Cory Bilicko

SERVING BIXBY KNOLLS, CALIFORNIA HEIGHTS, LOS CERRITOS, WRIGLEY AND THE CITY OF SIGNAL HILL

July 20, 2012

Dragster Expo continues LB’s place New state law gives cities only a small fraction of assets in racing history with 7th annual show once controlled by their redevelopment agencies

The Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association, in cooperation with the office of 8th District Councilmember Rae Gabelich, hosted the 7th Annual Bixby Knolls Dragster Expo and Car Show on July 14

Your Weekly Community Newspaper

along Atlantic Avenue between Roosevelt Road and San Antonio Drive in Bixby Knolls.

Ralph Larison won Best of Show with his 1948 Ford Woody. see CAR SHOW page 5

Photo by Stephen Russo

Phil Leatherman’s “Wild Thang” heats things up at the 7th Annual Bixby Knolls Dragster Expo and Car Show on July 14.

Courtesy City of SH

The vacant site at 2950 Walnut Ave. is one of several properties that were once owned by the Signal Hill Redevelopment Agency. According to Signal Hill Deputy City Manager Charlie Honeycutt, the agency owned approximately 25 acres of land that must now be sold, and the money from the sale must be transferred to various local and state agencies.

Nick Diamantides Staff Writer

Neena Strichart/Signal Tribune

At the 7th Annual Bixby Knolls Dragster Expo, 8th District Councilmember Rae Gabelich shows a photo of her late husband Gary Gabelich, a racecar driver who set the land-speed record with his rocket-powered vehicle “Blue Flame” in 1970, achieving an average speed of 622.287 mph.

Early this year, all of California’s redevelopment agencies (RDAs) ceased to exist as per legislation signed by Governor Jerry Brown. Now it appears that several months of intense lobbying efforts by many cities have failed to persuade the Legislature and the governor to allow those cities to have control over a substantial portion of the assets that were once in the coffers of those cities' respective RDAs. On June 27, Brown signed

Assembly Bill 1484 into law. The legislation spells out how former RDA money will be allocated to various state and local governmental agencies, with cities getting only a small piece of the pie.

In a recent interview with the Signal Tribune, Signal Hill Vice Mayor Mike Noll said he was very displeased with the language of AB 1484 and what he called the “secretive” way it was passed.

Noll sits on the League of California Cities’ Revenue/Taxation Committee, which meets four times a year.

Weekly Weather Forecast July 20-24, 2012 Friday

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Saturday

Sunday

Monday

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Partly cloudy Lo 65°

Partly cloudy Lo 66°

Mostly sunny Lo 66°

Tuesday

78° Sunny Lo 65°

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“The League had been lobbying the governor, the Senate and the Assembly on being fair to the cities and not killing us,” he said, adding that, apparently, the governor and most of the legislators had their minds made up and nothing was going to convince them to not take away money that had been earmarked for development projects throughout the state.

Noll explained that he went up to the League meeting in Sacramento on June 14, almost two weeks before Brown signed AB see AB 1484 page 14

NEWS

2 SIGNAL TRIBUNE

Signal Hill Police Department to receive grant from the Department of Homeland Security CJ Dablo Staff Writer

Grand Opening! 7/21/12

“A Gourmet Gifting & Baking Company”

JULY 20, 2012

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At Tuesday’s Signal Hill Council meeting, Police Chief Michael Langston reported that the Department of Homeland Security has awarded a $42,130 grant to the City of Signal Hill to purchase automated license plate readers (ALPR) for his department. The devices will be used to help police officers identify stolen vehicles and wanted persons, according to a report from Langston.

“We believe that this grant will greatly enhance…the security investigative capabilities,” the police chief told the Council Tuesday. Langston shared a story told to him by the police chief of South Gate where his department successfully used the ALPR technology in a homicide investigation. Investigators were able to find the suspect’s vehicle using license-plate reader technology and made a quick arrest, according to Langston.

The police chief explained to the Council that the new camera equipment will be mounted on two police vehicles, and in a follow-up interview Tuesday night, he said that the department does not currently have the technology on its police cars.

Langston described how officers right now have to manually check the license plates of vehicles, but with the new technology, the job could be done faster.

“This technology does it all automatically at a greatly enhanced speed than what the officer could do,” the police chief said, explaining that the new camera equipment will be able to

check multiple license plates at the same time and even will be able to track when a suspect’s vehicle was at a particular location.

This particular grant will be administered through the City of Los Angeles. The Los Angeles County Police Chiefs Association collectively requested funds from the Department of Homeland Security through the Urban Area Security Initiative, according to Langston’s staff report. This particular grant is the first of two grants that the police department has received from the Department of Homeland Security, Langston told the Council.

The Council voted 4-0 Tuesday (Mayor Tina Hansen was absent that night) to authorize the city manager to accept the grant money. The news that the department will soon enjoy more funds and new technology pleased Councilmember Ellen Ward. She praised the police chief for doing a great job.

“We love free money. We love improvements,” Ward said at Tuesday’s Council.

The police chief acknowledged it wasn’t going to be hard to pick which two police vehicles will be getting the new equipment.

“They’ll probably be the most used [cars] once they get them in the car,” Langston said in his Tuesday interview. “The officers will say, ‘I want to drive that car.’”

He added that his department plans to get more grant money to get more cameras for the other vehicles.

Other City Council highlights Power outage Those who

watch the video coverage of July 17’s meeting may notice that City Hall had issues with the electricity Tuesday night. Because of a power outage that lasted at least part of the afternoon and into the early evening, the Council held its regular meeting without its usual overhead lights and without the regular sound system. The Council had already scheduled a very brief agenda.

Sprint The Council voted 4-0 (with Hansen absent) in favor of a resolution that amended a conditional-use permit that changed the inventory of antenna equipment at a local wireless telecommunication facility, at the request of Sprint. The facility is located on top of an office building at 2525 Cherry Ave. State Proposition 84 Grant Award The Los Cerritos Channel Committee, with the City of Signal Hill acting as the lead agency, will receive a grant worth more than $338,000 for an environmental study project. Steve Myrter, Signal Hill director of Public Works, also serves as the co-chair for the Los Cerritos Channel Metals TMDL Technical Committee.

According to an emailed statement from Myrter, the money will be used for a study to aid efforts to reduce the amount of metals such as copper and zinc found in stormwater runoff that begins in urban areas and leads to the Los Cerritos Channel.

The City Council’s annual meeting will take place on Tuesday, July 31 at 6pm in the Council Chamber. The next regular Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 6 at 7pm in the Council Chamber.

Celebrating over 25 years in business!

JULY 20, 2012

Signal Hill’s city manager questions Grand Jury’s prescription for fiscal stability Michelle lecours Staff Writer

In determining a healthy assetto-liability ratio for cities, the Los Angeles Civil Grand Jury has named Signal Hill in a list of charter cities operating beyond their means.

In its June 2011-2012 final report, the Grand Jury examined the governance, management practices and fiscal health of 22 cities based on those cities’ 2010 financial reports. With the Grand Jury’s prescription of operating on twice as many assets as liabilities, 22 cities did not make the cut, including Signal Hill. Other cities listed with less than a 2:1 ratio were Compton, Culver City, Industry, Inglewood, Pomona and Vernon.

According to the Grand Jury’s calculations, Signal Hill was reported to have only a 1.52:1 ratio. But that isn’t entirely accurate, said Signal Hill City Manager Ken Farfsing. The Grand Jury’s findings are a distortion of the city’s ratio, he said.

“There are two fundamental issues with the Grand Jury’s report. First, the Grand Jury included Redevelopment Agency debt as a city liability. The former RDA is a separate legal entity, and the City is not responsible for RDA debt,” Farfsing said.

The Signal Hill city budget, which pays for expenses such as police, libraries and public works, is separate from the RDA budget.

“What happened is the (California) Legislature allowed cities to form separate entities called redevelopment agencies. The debt can’t be commingled between the two,” said Farfsing. “I can’t take revenues from the redevelopment agency and use it to pay for the police department, and I can’t take city money to have it pay for the redevelopment agency.”

The second problem with the Grand Jury’s findings, said Farfsing, is that they did not include the future property tax revenues to pay back the bonds as an asset.

“If the Grand Jury came out and said Signal Hill has a Redevelopment Agency and it has $85 million in debt and then they basically said the assets are the future

property taxes, because the bonds will be paid for over a 20-year period… with property taxes, I’d be okay with that because that’s the facts,” said Farfsing.

“But when they lump everything together, that causes me concern because I can’t commingle these assets and liabilities,” he said. The Grand Jury didn’t contact Farfsing for clarification or review of the data the city submitted before publishing their findings.

Recalculating Signal Hill’s 2009-2010 fiscal data the Grand Jury implemented of $106.2 million in total liabilities, but removing the $89.7 million in outstanding RDA debt, the assetto-liability ratio for the city would be 8.73:1. This figure would put Signal Hill as the most fiscally responsible of the 22 cities. Had this same report used figures from the past two years, the city’s financial condition would be even more improved, Farfsing said.

The City will prepare a response letter including clarifications to be submitted to the Grand Jury by Oct. 1. Also in the findings, the Grand Jury recommends “multi-year budgets for better planning.” Farfsing said his office will present this to city council.

The Los Angeles Civil Grand Jury consists of 23 members whose responsibilities include investigating county government, municipalities and special districts to ensure citizens are served fiscally and efficiently. The Grand Jury is in place to “safeguard citizens’ interests by performing as a ‘watchdog’ over the operations of public agencies within Los Angeles County.”

Grand jurors are sworn in for a 12-month period and serve fulltime.

Signal Hill is a charter city that operates on a significant amount of “home rule,” guaranteed by the California State Constitution, giving the city control of local affairs, autonomous of the state. The city’s constitution is the city charter, authorized by its citizens’ vote.

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NEWS

SIGNAL TRIBUNE

3

A NOTABLE ENSEMBLE What Musical ensemble auditions Who Hosted by Women of Note Where Auditioner’s choice When Auditioner’s choice More Info Long Beach treble vocal ensemble Women of Note is now seeking choral singers for its fall season, with auditions beginning Aug. 21. Contact director Carla Strandberg at (562) 598-5852 or womenofnotelb@gmail.com to arrange a time. Visit womenofnotelbca.com .

A 1940S YANKEE IN LONG BEACH’S COURT What Free public film screening of Yankee Doodle Dandy Who Hosted by the Office of 5th District Councilmember Gerrie Schipske, Walmart, the Long Beach Rosie the Riveter Foundation, and the City of Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine Department Where El Dorado Senior Center, 2800 Studebaker Rd. When Friday, July 20 at 1pm More Info Beyond the 1940s classic World War II film, guests will receive the VIAL of L.I.F.E. kit, which provides important medical and prescription information in case of an emergency. Refreshments will also be offered.

PLAN, MASTER What California Gardens master planning workshop Who Hosted by the City of Long Beach, Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine Where EDCO, 2755 California Ave. When Saturday, July 21 at 9am More Info The workshop will focus on planning components at the 47-acre open space site in the middle of Long Beach.

After a brisk 90-minute walk through the site, residents will return to the EDCO facility to share ideas for the development of the site master plan. Participants are asked to wear comfortable shoes, bring sunscreen, a hat and water. Water and light snacks will be provided. RSVPs are requested. Call the Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine at (562) 570-3132.

Call the staff 48 hours in advance if special accommodations are required.

ALLEY ALLIES What Alley cleanup Who Hosted by the Cal Heights Clean Streets (CHCS) team Where On 36th Street between Gundry and Brayton avenues When Saturday, July 21 from 9am to 11am More Info Join the CHCS team as they clean up alleys and free them from weeds and trash, as per Municipal Code regulations that require clean alleys. After meeting on 36th Street, participants will clean the alleys from Wardlow Road to Bixby Avenue. Light snacks, bags and gloves will be provided. The CHCS team would appreciate participants bringing their own shovels, brooms, weed cutters and other tools. Call Stacey at (562) 981-3257 or email newsletter@calheights.org to RSVP. SHREDDIN’ What Document-shredding and recycling event Who Hosted by 6th District Councilmember Dee Andrews Where King Park, 1950 Lemon Ave. When Saturday, July 21 from 9am to noon More Info The first five boxes of shredding documents per car are free, and anything more will cost $5 per box. Recyclable items include televisions, computer monitors, computers (CPUs), laptops, keyboards, printers, computer mice, hard drives, fax machines, microwave ovens, DVD players, VCRs, cables and cords, telephones, cell phones, radios, shredders, stereo components, tape and zip drives, power supplies and electronic devices. X-rays, CDs, large appliances, toner cartridges, fluorescent bulbs or batteries of any kind will not be accepted. Call Kimberly Dodson at (562) 570-6816.

BUILD-A-COMMUNITY What North Long Beach Community Assembly Who Hosted by 9th District Councilmember Steven Neal Where Houghton Park Community Room, 6301 Myrtle Ave. When Saturday, July 21 from 9am to noon More Info Sponsored by the Port Of Long Beach, the event will deliver residents important community updates, a report on Neal’s first two years of office and a special report from the Port of Long Beach. RSVP at (562) 570-6137. Breakfast will be provided.

THE LIFE AQUATIC What Family festival and fundraiser Who Hosted by the Aquatic Capital Foundation, the Long Beach Sea Scout Aquatic Center and the Long Beach Sailing Foundation Where The Long Beach Sea Scout Aquatic Center, 5875 Appian Way When Saturday, July 21 from 11am to 3pm More Info “A Salute to Southern California Olympians” event will feature food, crafts booths, live music and other activities. Long Beach-area Olympians will attend. Gazettes sports reporters JJ Fiddler and Mike Guardabascio will have an interactive Q&A session with the Olympians at 1pm. Admission includes a barbecue lunch and costs $5 for adults; children under 17 are admitted for free. An opportunity drawing during the event will feature prizes from local businesses with proceeds benefiting Long Beach youth aquatics programs. The event is part of the annual Long Beach Sea Festival.

JUST KIDDING What Kidical Mass Neighborhood Bike Ride Who Hosted by the Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association (BKBIA) Where Georgie’s Place, 3850 Atlantic Ave. When Sunday, July 22 from 1pm to 3pm More Info After a ride and safety demo by U.S. Olympic cyclist Tony Cruz, kids and adults will bike for roughly two and a half miles, beginning at Los Cerritos Park. The ride will go throughout the neighborhood, along the way stopping at Georgie’s Place, 3850 Atlantic Ave., for complimentary ice cream. Participants are encouraged to wear red, white and blue in honor of the Olympics. Email krista@bixbyknollsinfo.com, visit bixbyknollsinfo.com/kidicalmass.html or call (562) 5950081.

LISTENING IN CONCERT What Concerts in the Park(ing lot) Who Hosted by the Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association (BKBIA) Where The parking lot of Alex Auto Repair Service, 3360 Atlantic Ave. When Monday, July 23 at 6:30pm More Info The BKBIA will host a free concert featuring jazz-and-swing band Shake and the Chantoosies. Attendees should bring their own chairs; the concert is free and all ages are welcome. Order a burger from adjacent business Dave's Burgers, 3396 Atlantic Ave., and RSVP at info@bixbyknollsinfo.com .

STATUS UPDATE What Community gathering Who Hosted by the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) East Division Where Long Beach Water Treatment Plant, 2950 Redondo Ave. When Monday, July 23 from 6:30pm to 8:00pm More Info Commander Michael Beckman will update the community on crime in the East Division and discuss homeless issues. The meeting will also include guest speaker Susan Price, bureau manager of community health in the Department of Health and Human Services. Contact the LBPD East Division at (562) 570-5880.

ED AND CO. What Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce open house Who Hosted by EDCO Where 2755 California Ave. When Tuesday, July 24 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm More Info The event will include food and tours.

EGGS WITH THE ELKS What Monthly breakfast Who Hosted by the Long Beach Elks Lodge 888 Where 16426 Bellflower Blvd.

When Sunday, July 29 from 8am to noon More Info Breakfast will be open to the public at $6.50 per person. The meal includes eggs cooked as requested, bacon, sausage, hash browns, biscuits with gravy, orange juice, fruit, Belgian waffles and coffee.

OPINION

4 SIGNAL TRIBUNE

Thoughts from the Publisher

So I rested. A well-deserved rest, too. The girdle was on my body. Bounce a quarter off my behind? It was tighter than a trampoline! Can you say, “Rubber baby-buggy bumper buns?” Okay, so I had to take baby steps, and walk sideways, and I couldn’t move from my buns to my knees, but I was firm!

Oh, no...I had to go to the bathroom! And there wasn’t a snap crotch. From now on, I vowed, my undies have got to have a snap crotch. I was ready to rip it open and re-stitch the crotch with Velcro, but the pain factor from past experiments was still fresh in my mind. I quickly sidestepped to the bathroom and struggled out of the girdle.

An hour later, I had answered nature’s call and repeated the struggle into the girdle. I was ready for the bra. I remembered what the saleslady said to do. I could see her glossed lips mouthing, “Do not fasten the bra in the front and twist it around. Put the bra on the way it should be worn– straps over the shoulders– then bend over and gently place both breasts inside the cups.” Easy if you have four hands. I put my arms into the holsters, bent over and pulled the bra down, but the boobs weren’t cooperating. I’d no sooner tuck one in a cup, and while working on the other, the first would slip out. I needed a strategy. I bounced up and down a few times, trying to dribble them in with short bunny hops, but that didn’t work. So, while bent over, I began rocking gently back and forth on my heel and toes and I set ‘em to swinging.

Finally, on the fourth swing, pause, and lift, I captured the gliding glands. Quickly fastening the back of the bra, I stood up for examination. Back straight, slightly arched, I turned and faced the mirror, turning from side to side. I smiled...yes, Houston, we have lift-up! My breasts were high, firm, and there was cleavage! I was happy until I tried to look down only to find I now had a chin rest, and I couldn’t see my feet.

I then realized that I had forgotten to put on my pantyhose and now had to pee again. While in the bathroom, I thought about the buckles on those silver sandals. So I put on my sweats, fixed myself a drink, ordered pizza, and skipped the high-school reunion.

Bravely, I took the gown off the hanger, unfastened the shimmering dress and stepped gingerly into it. I struggled, twisted, turned, and pulled...I got the formal all the way up to my knees before the zipper gave out. I was disappointed. I so wanted to wear that dress with those silver sandals again and dance the night away. Okay, one setback was not going to spoil my mood for this affair. No way! Rolling the dress into a ball and tossing it into the corner, I turned to Plan B...my black crepe caftan.

Next I gathered up all the goodies that I had purchased for the event: the scented shower gel, the roll-on facial hair remover and exfoliator, the body-building and highlighting shampoo and conditioner, the split-end repairer and shine enhancer. Soon my hair would look like that girl’s in the Pantene ads and my face would be smooth as a baby’s butt. I then lined up the makeup on the bathroom vanity...the under eye “ain’t no lines here” firming cream, the all-day face-lifting gravity-fighting moisturizer with wrinkle-filler spackle, the “all day kiss me till my lips bleed and see if this gloss will come off” lipstick, and the bronzing face powder for that special glow.

Okay, time to get ready! I jumped into the steaming shower, soaped, lathered, rinsed, shaved, tweezed, buffed, scrubbed and scoured my body to a tingling pink. I plastered my freshly scrubbed face with the anti-wrinkle, gravity-fighting “your face will look like a baby’s posterior” face cream.

I set my hair on hot rollers.

I felt wonderful...ready to take on the world. Or in this instance, my underwear. With the towel firmly wrapped around my glistening body, I pulled out the black lace, tummy-tucking, cellulite-pushing, hamhock-rounding girdle, and the matching “lift those bosoms like they’re filled with helium” bra. I greased my body with the scented body lotion and began the plunge into these foundation garments. I pulled, stretched, tugged, hiked, folded, tucked, twisted, shimmied, hopped, pushed, wiggled, snapped, shook, caterpillar crawled and kicked. Sweat poured off my forehead but I was done. And it didn’t look bad.

by Neena Strichart

Today we present to you, our loyal readers, a 24-page special section on the 2012 Olympic Summer Games as an insert in today’s edition. Putting together this feature was a labor of love for me. I thoroughly enjoyed gathering the editorial portions, arranging for the puzzle pages, taking some of the photos, assigning stories and selling the advertising. Now don’t get me wrong– I am certainly not claiming the section as a one-woman-show. Everyone in our office had a hand in the project, and I thank them all from the bottom of my heart.

I hope you enjoy the read and do plan to hang on to it for a few weeks. The television listings are sure to come in handy!

With the special section behind me, I am taking a break today from my usual witty “Thoughts from the Publisher” writings, and instead am cheating by reprinting a message I received from a fellow Signal Hill Chamber of Commerce member. I’m sure that she is not the original author of the piece below, but I sure thank her for sharing it with me/us.

50th College Class Reunion I had prepared for it like any intelligent woman would. I went on a starvation diet the day before, knowing that all the extra weight would just melt off in 24 hours, leaving me with my sleek, trim, high-school-girl body. The last 40 years of careful cellulite collection would just be gone with a snap of my fingers. I just knew if I didn’t eat a morsel on Friday, I could probably fit into my senior formal on Saturday. Trotting up to the attic, I zipped open a garment bag, pulled out an evening gown I’d worn back in my college days, carried it lovingly downstairs, ran my hand over the fabric and hung it on the door.

Park going to the dogs?

JULY 20, 2012

LETTERS

TO

TH E

ED ITO R

Thank you for your very complete article on the proposed El Dorado Dog Park.

As mentioned in the article, the El Dorado Dog Park was approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission on the basis that no public funding would be used to build it. The Friends of El Dorado Dog Park assured the Commission they would not only raise the money to build the facility and the required parking lot, they would maintain, patrol and even scoop poop in the park.

It has now been revealed that not only is this private nonprofit being allowed exclusive use of public land for free, but $65,000, which should be used for the benefit of the entire Fourth District, are being earmarked to help build a Doggie Disneyland in El Dorado Park.

According to the Uplands Oil Funds Report given the Budget Oversight Committee, June 18, 2012, Councilman [Patrick] O’Donnell is planning on using all $16,667 of his district’s share of Neighborhood Services money, plus $31,300 of his district’s Infrastructure Repairs for the El Dorado Dog Park. The report notes that the “Project is estimated at $65,000, balance funded by the District’s discretionary infrastructure budget.” The inference is that in addition to $47,967 of Uplands Oil Funds, O’Donnell plans to gift the Friends with $17,033 more from his district office funds, which are supposed to be used for infrastructure in the 4th district!

This may not be General Fund money, but no matter what pot it comes from, this is public money, not O’Donnell’s private slush fund!

There are many better uses for this money than a seventh dog park in an area which will jeopardize both the Nature Center and the Community Gardens. I would hope the Mayor and Council will see to it that this money does not go to the dogs.

Ann Cantrell Long Beach

ust be m s A B D r u o Y t! e Don’t forg ars! filed eveprwyith5yoyuer fictitious business

ibune hel Let the Signal Tr & publication. statement filing one of u, too! We have yo r fo ty n u co e We’ll go to th es in the county the lowest pric ! arted right away st u yo t ge to s and the form HANGES

AL NAME C We also run LEG s. at low, low rate

Call 562-595-7900

Robert Stearns Signal Hill

MANAGING EDITOR

CJ Dablo

STAFF WRITERS

Nick Diamantides Michelle Lecours

COLUMNISTS

Jennifer E. Beaver Carol Berg Sloan, RD

DESIGN EDITOR

Cory Bilicko

ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS

Barbie Ellisen Jane Fallon Stephanie Raygoza

Louise Brown Long Beach

The largest newspaper in the Long Beach area seems unwilling to print editorials which point out the following information: The City of Long Beach appears to be making so much money in taxes and fees from the marijuana dispensaries that they are not interested in enforcing their own ordinances! The Long Beach ordinance requires a public hearing prior to opening a dispensary, yet none of the dispensaries has ever had a public hearing.

The Long Beach Ordinance requires that there be a distance of 1000 feet from parks and schools, yet several openly operate in far shorter distances. For example, in the building identified as 301 East Atlantic, there is a unlicensed, unpermitted dispensary less than 50 feet from a tutoring/mentoring facility (Rising Tide as MKEC INC) which serves about 100 inner-city children and youth daily– Monday through Thursday, 2:30pm to 7pm.

Also Stevenson Elementary School is less than a thousand feet from this dispensary.

I have written to the following officials in Long Beach: Mayor, City Attorney, Council Members, and Chief of Police, and, so far, no action.

Why will they not enforce their own marijuana dispensary ordinances on the books?

Yet another dispensary close to the north end of Signal Hill is at the rear part of the building at 1069 East Wardlow and is less than 50 feet from the nearest home!

Stephen M. Strichart

Neena R. Strichart

I read your story about the proposed dog park near El Dorado Nature Center. We take our family dogs to the dog park in Recreation Park and to the dog beach.

These are hard times for our city; we don't feel that money needs to be spent on creating something new until we take care of what we already have. The dog park in Recreation Park could use grass instead of dirt– grass could be grown on one half at a time as is done other places. It looks run down. The group who wants a place in El Dorado Park has two years to raise money for the park, which includes an escrow account for maintenance.

Why the rush on this? Why crowd out the users of our jewel, El Dorado Park East and Nature Center?

Blowing smoke?

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Park going to the dogs? (part two)

CULTURE WRITERS

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT/WEBSITE MANAGER

Daniel Adams Vicki Paris Goodman Gregory Spooner

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Matt Sun

Leighanna Nierle

EDITORIAL INTERNS

Tanya Paz

Adam Buchsbaum Ariana Gastelum

DESIGN INTERN

Kaelyn Bruno

The Signal Tribune welcomes letters to the editor, which should be signed, dated and include a phone number to verify authenticity. The Signal Tribune reserves the right to edit letters for grammar, language and space requirements. 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. The Signal Tribune is published each Friday with a circulation of 25,000. Yearly subscriptions are available for $45.

939 E. 27th St., Signal Hill, CA 90755 (562) 595-7900

www.signaltribune.com newspaper@signaltribune.com

COMMUNITY

JULY 20, 2012

SIGNAL TRIBUNE

5

You can’t choose how you get here… but you can choose how you leave. choose simple, dignified cremation.

Choose the Neptune Society.

Gina S. Livengood, Pre-Arrangement Counselor Neptune Society Cremation glivengood@neptune-plan.com • 562-896-6557 neptunesociety.com • nmreef.com Guests of honor at the 7th Annual Bixby Knolls Dragster Expo and Car Show were Tom “The Mongoose” McEwan, Fred Dryer (actor from the 1980s television crime drama Hunter and former defensive end for the LA Rams) and Don “The Snake” Prudhomme.

Car show

continued from page 1

Featured were the “Legends of Lions” with Don “The Snake” Prudhomme and Tom “The Mongoose” McEwen and fire-ups featuring 17 vintage 3000-horsepower top-fuel dragsters, plus more than 200 classic cars, a

pinstriping exhibition, a BMX bike demonstration, racing artist Kenny Youngblood and live music.

Located less than four miles from the site of the legendary Lions Drag Strip, which operated from 1955 until 1972, the Bixby Knolls Dragster Expo and Car Show combines a static car

show featuring classic and specialty cars in multiple award categories with a celebration of racing, paying special tribute to Long Beach’s place in racing history.

expected later this year.

The Port Community Mitigation Grant Programs are designed to improve community health by lessening the impacts of Port-related air pollution and to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. The community programs primarily address air pollution risks to vulnerable groups including children and seniors.

Examples of projects that have received grants include air-filtration

systems at schools and daycare centers, and health outreach programs for families and seniors.

Those who can’t attend the workshop but have comments or questions about the grant programs may email grants@polb.com .

For more information on the Port Mitigation Grant Programs, visit polb.com/grants .

MORE INFORMATION bixbyknollscarshow.com

Port community grants workshop to explain revisions to programs designed to reduce air pollution

The Port of Long Beach will host a public workshop at 6pm on Thursday, July 26 to discuss revisions to two of its grant programs that address the health impacts of port-related air pollution.

Potential grant applicants and others are invited to attend. The workshop will take place at the Miller Family Health Education Center, 3820 Cherry Ave. Attendees will learn about possible updates to the guidelines for two Port community grant programs: Schools and Related Sites, and Health Care and Senior Facilities.

The Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Grant Program will not be part of this workshop.

This meeting is being offered in advance of future grant application opportunities. While there is no call for grant applications at this time, these changes will impact future grant opportunities that are

Source: Port of LB

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6 SIGNAL TRIBUNE

COMMUNITY

JULY 20, 2012

‘Shop with a Cop’ event to prepare kids for school, foster relationships with local law-enforcement

Photos courtesy LBPF

Children who participate in Shop with a Cop are pre-selected from ChildNet, BLAST, Long Beach Women’s Shelter, Operation Jump Start and the Children’s Clinics at Memorial Hospital of Long Beach.

The Long Beach Junior Chamber (LBJC), in partnership with the Long Beach Police Foundation (LBPF), Assistance League of Long Beach and Target Stores, is preparing for the 18th Annual “Shop with a Cop” children’s

shopping spree set for Saturday, Aug. 18 at the Target Store located at 950 East 33rd St. in Signal Hill.

Crisell & Associates CPA firm will provide a breakfast for the group before they begin the day of shopping and fun.

“We are thrilled to bring together all these community groups to join with our police officers on this important event,” says Kathy Berry, LBPF executive director.

Shop with a Cop raises awareness of and assists economically disadvantaged children from the Long Beach area by providing a positive experience while they purchase school clothing and supplies.

Participants spend time in a positive setting with local law-enforcement personnel.

Children are pre-selected (6 to 12 years of age) from ChildNet, BLAST, Long Beach Women’s Shelter, Operation Jump Start and the Children’s Clinics at Memorial Hospital of Long Beach. They are

Shop with a Cop raises awareness of and assists economically disadvantaged children from the Long Beach area by providing a positive experience while they purchase school clothing and supplies.

invited to be guests at the event, and each child is matched with a Long Beach Police Department officer and/or community service officer, a LBJC member or adult shopper volunteer to purchase clothing and supplies for school needs at the Target store, oftentimes the only new clothes these children receive all year.

The Assistance League of Long Beach will be providing each child with school uniforms and underwear in a school backpack.

After shopping, they will receive snacks and school supplies to put in their new backpacks. A photo booth will also be available so that children and their police

shoppers may have a souvenir photo taken. Volunteers, community leaders and business sponsors will provide an arts-and-crafts area where the children can relax and have fun after shopping.

The goal this year is to provide for 100 children. Support in the form of cash or in-kind donations, which includes, but is not limited to new clothing, new shoes or school supplies. Donations can be made online at lbpolicefoundation.org. Checks should be made payable to the Long Beach Police Foundation and mailed to P.O. Box 15418, Long Beach, CA 90815.

For those who wonder what goes on in the library at night, the Signal Hill Public Library, 1770 E. Hill St., is inviting kids age 2 to 10 years old to find out “secondhand.”

As a free event on Friday, Aug. 3 from 6:30pm to 7:30pm, the library will host kids, along with one of their favorite stuffed animals, in a craft-making session, a bedtime story and a snack. Then, the stuffed animals will stay overnight for a sleepover adventure. The next day, between 10am and 5pm, kids can return and pick

up their special friend, along with a photo album that shows the adventures they had during their sleepover.

Parents are encouraged to help kids choose a stuffed animal that will not be missed too much during the sleepover, and parents must accompany their children during the event.

For more information, contact the Signal Hill Public Library at (562) 989-7323 or visit cityofsignalhill.org/library .

SH library inviting kids’ stuffed animals for sleepover adventure

“I shop at The Wine Country because their Zinfandels can kick your Zinfandel’s ass!”

Wine tastings Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays Visit www.thewinecountry.com for details

562-597-8303 • 1-800-505-5564

Source: LBPF

Source: City of SH

HoW To AVoID PRoBATE

Probate is a very costly and long process that can last from 9 to 18 months in most cases. Fortunately, there are several alternatives available that remove the asset from one’s probatable estate while that person is still alive. Naming a beneficiary on life insurance policies, IRA’s, 401(k)’s, and annuities before your death assures the asset is transferred straight to the chosen beneficiary. Joint Tenancy is where the owner of the asset names a co-owner of an account or real property. Caution: Joint tenancies have risks as the co-owner has the same rights to the asset as the original owner and a loss of Stepped-up valuation.

Pay-on-death Accounts are similar to naming a beneficiary in that the bank account owner completes banking paperwork which names the person(s) who will receive the bank account upon the bank owner’s death.

Lifetime Gifts given during your life avoids probate because probate only applies to those assets owned at time of death. A Living Trust is very beneficial when dealing with titled real property and other assets. A complete estate plan included in the Living Trust includes many ancillary documents that protect you financially, physically and allows for peace of mind.

ELIZABETH ARNETT VOZZELLA Attorney at Law • (562) 426-9876

COMMUNITY

JULY 20, 2012

Monthly library event pairs dogs with kids to promote reading confidence

Seventh District Councilmember James Johnson will host his monthly event We Harte B.A.R.K. on Saturday, July 28 from 11am to 12:30pm at Bret Harte Library, 1595 W. Willow St. Johnson has partnered with B.A.R.K. (Beach Animals Reading with Kids), a volunteer program that encourages children to increase their reading skills and self-confidence by reading aloud to certified therapy dogs. Students often find it intimidating to read in front of classmates, but, with the

help of B.A.R.K., children increase their reading skills, selfconfidence, and class participation, according to a press release issued by Johnson’s office.

We Harte B.A.R.K. takes place the fourth Saturday of each month at Bret Harte Library. Children of all ages are welcome.

For more information, contact Johnson’s office at (562) 570-7777 or district7@longbeach.gov, or visit barkdogs.org .

SIGNAL TRIBUNE

LB Branch NAACP wins gold medal in culinary arts at national competition

7

Source: 7th District Council office

Junior League of LB seeking new members

Women who would like to make new friends, make a difference in the community through volunteer service projects, and experience leadership opportunities and training are invited to learn more about Junior League of Long Beach (JLLB) at one of three new-member mixers.

JLLB is an educational and charitable organization that has been serving Long Beach since 1931, with the goal of making the community a healthier, more vital place to live. Its members are women who are interested in and committed to voluntarism.

The JLLB’s efforts include providing nutritional information and educational fun at their annual Kids in the Kitchen food carnival, hosting literacy nights and book give-aways at local schools, providing comfort bags for young crime victims, organizing an antihuman trafficking task force, and hosting self-esteem seminars for pre-teen girls.

In addition, members train in group leadership and then have

opportunities to use this training to lead workshops for local organizations. JLLB members who are interested in making a difference through legislation work with local and state officials to create laws affecting women and children.

There are also plenty of social events for members and their families, ranging from beach picnics and gondola rides to high tea at Elise’s Tea Room and darts at Joe Jost’s.

Two more new-member mixers will be offered this summer.

Women of all ages are invited to attend to learn more about JLLB. All mixers start at 6:30pm. The next one will be Thursday, Aug. 2 at 7591 Carson St., and the last mixer of the summer will be Monday, Aug. 6 at El Torito, 3301 Atlantic Ave. Those interested in attending should contact Shannon at newmember@jllb.org or call (562) 858-7997. More information about JLLB is available at jllb.org .

Source: JLLB

Courtesy LB NAACP

Karina Yepez (pictured fourth from left) represented the Long Beach Branch NAACP at the organization’s national Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics and won the National Gold Medal in Culinary Arts.

Karina Yepez, who represented the Long Beach Branch NAACP at the organization’s national Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO), won the National Gold Medal in Culinary Arts. The competition took place in Houston, Texas, July 5 through July 9 during the NAACP national convention. This pilot program is in its second year, and this was the first time the Long Beach Branch NAACP participated.

The local branch represented the West Coast in the program that is sponsored by Hyatt Hotel and Sodexo. There are 25 categories of competition in the sciences, humanities, performing and visual arts, and culinary arts.

Vernon Jarrett, a renowned author and journalist, initiated the idea of a

program that would promote and reward academic achievers the same way sports heroes are honored. ACTSO is a yearlong enrichment program designed to recruit, stimulate, improve and encourage high academic and cultural achievement among African-American highschool students.

The ACT-SO program centers around the dedication and commitment of community volunteers and business leaders, to serve as mentors and coaches to promote academic and artistic excellence among students of color, particularly African-American students. High-school students who are citizens of the United States, enrolled in grades 9 through 12, and amateurs in the categories of competition are able to participate. Program participants are teamed up with

coaches in their appropriate categories to sharpen their skills for the spring local competition.

ACT-SO alumni occupy a wide array of careers including executive positions with corporations like Lockheed Martin and Citigroup— one even serves a vocal coach for FOX television’s “American Idol.”

Famed ACT-SO alumni include musician Kanye West, actress Jada Pinkett-Smith, filmmaker John Singleton and comedian Anthony Anderson.

To get more information or to support the program, send a taxdeductible donation to the Long Beach Branch NAACP at P.O. Box 1594, Long Beach, CA 90801, or call (562) 856-7586.

Source: LB NAACP

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Long Lo ng Beach Beach Shop Shop 3033 Long Be Beach ach Blvd Blvd Long B Beach, each, CA 90807 562-426-6322

8 SIGNAL TRIBUNE

NEWS

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City of LB restates warning about utility billing scam

The City of Long Beach issued a press release last week reiterating its warning to utility customers about a nationwide scam that is continuing to trick people into providing personal financial information in exchange for the false promise of getting their utility bills paid by the federal government.

According to the City’s press release, there is no such federal program, and the scam involves the perpetrators providing a bogus bank routing number for customers to use.

On May 10, 2012, the City of Long Beach issued a press release and

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posted a warning notice on its Utility Billing Web Site, reminding all utility customers to be wary of this and other scams that sound too good to be true or that promise something for nothing.

The City is encouraging residents to protect their personal information at all times and never give out their Social Security number or any other personal financial information.

For information or questions about a utility bill, visit https://secure3.longbeach.gov/utilitybilling/default.asp or call (562) 570-5700.

Source: City of LB

EYE ON CRIME Crimes reported by LBPD July 14 to July 16 Council Districts 6, 7 & 8 Friday, July 14 Commercial burglary 8:25pm– 1100 block of E. Del Amo Blvd.

Saturday, July 15 Auto burglary 3:30am– 3900 block of Country Club Drive

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JULY 20, 2012

Auto burglary 3:30pm– California Avenue and E. 46th Street

Monday, July 16 Auto burglary 5pm– 1000 block of E. 32nd St.

Auto burglary 10pm– 1100 block of E. Wardlow Road Crimes reported by SHPD July 12 to July 18 Thursday, July 12 Making/possessing fictitious check/bill/note 4:05pm– 2700 block of E. Willow Street Suspect in custody

Friday, July 13 Burglary 11:21am– 900 block of E. 33rd Street

Forgery 5:54pm– 2700 block of E. Willow Street

Saturday, July 14 Mental disorder– danger to others 3:47am– 2700 block of E. Pacific Coast Hwy. Suspect in custody

Sunday, July 15 Mental disorder– danger to others 10:02pm– 2500 block of Palm Drive Suspect in custody Unauthorized use of ID to obtain credit/goods 12pm– 2400 block of E. 20th St.

Monday, July 16 Auto burglary 5pm– 1000 block of E. 32nd Street

Tuesday, July 17 Battery 7:45am - 2400 block of Cherry Avenue Grand theft 11:45am– 2500 block of California Avenue

Stolen vehicle 4:47pm– 2300 block of E. Spring Street

Wednesday, July 18 Rape 3:21am– 2800 block of E. Pacific Coast Hwy. Auto burglary 10:12am– 3000 block of California Avenue

JULY 20, 2012

SIGNAL TRIBUNE

9

10 SIGNAL TRIBUNE

COMMUNITY J 20, 2012 Local DAR chapter welcomes its newest members ULY

This is what happens when you don’t spay or neuter your pets, rabbits especially. Fifteen—yes, fifteen—domestic rabbits were dropped off at Animal Care Services after they were found foraging for themselves in a foreclosed home. Can you give one of them a name and a loving home?

Two, maybe? Meet these beautiful long-eared bunnies at the shelter side of Companion Animal Village at 7700 East Spring St., (562) 570-PETS. Just ask to see the fifteen rabbits.

Sponsored by:

The Los Cerritos Chapter of the California State Society Daughters of the American Revolution recently welcomed some of its newest members.

Courtesy DAR

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The Los Cerritos Chapter of the California State Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) had a summertime get-together at a member’s home in Long Beach on July 8 so that members could get to know some of the group’s newest members.

Those in attendance, pictured above, (from left) were: (seated) Barbara Payne Aerni, Elizabeth

Herr, Debra Keller, Charlyn Fargo; (second row) Janet D’Agostino, Kari Crook, Nellie Young, Beverly Nixon, Lula Payne, Robin Byrum, Christine Gentry, Annie Gholson, Linda Finley, Louise Reed, Jacquie Wilvers and Margaret Finley; (back row) Nancy White, Margo Bergkvist, and Basha Paset.

Any woman 18 years of age or older who can prove lineal, blood-

Next month, the Long Beach Playhouse will present the works of the four winners and four finalist from its New Works Festival, which invites novice and experienced playwrights from all over the world to submit their unproduced plays to the Playhouse’s New Works Literary Committee.

During the two-week festival, the winners’ plays receive a staged reading and the finalists receive a cold reading.

The playwrights hear their words brought to life by actors and receive feedback from the audience. Winning playwrights receive detailed written critiques by professional theatre critics.

This year’s lineup is as follows: • Friday, Aug. 17 at 8pm: Refuge by

Marc Kornblatt (staged reading) • Saturday, Aug. 18 at 2pm: Lost in History by Adam Siegel (cold read) • Saturday, Aug. 18 at 8pm: The Salt Prince by Ernest Kearney (staged reading) • Sunday, Aug. 19 at 2pm: American Dames by Susan Hefti (cold read) • Friday, Aug. 24 at 8pm: Yellow Jack

by William Baer (staged reading) • Saturday, Aug. 25 at 2pm: Provenance by Daniel Weber (cold read) • Saturday, Aug. 25 at 8pm: The Polish Book of Karma by William Missouri Downs (staged reading) • Sunday, Aug. 26 at 2pm: Fifteen Men in a Smoke-Filled Room by Collin Crowley (cold read)

Kenneth McKenzie

rience. Some of these rumors are so old that many people take them as facts. So I thought I would discuss a few.

LB Playhouse to present staged readings of playwrights’ new works

It's a Matter of Life

True or false?

Columnist

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line descent from an ancestor who aided in achieving American independence is eligible to join the DAR. She must provide documentation for each statement of birth, marriage, and death as well as the Revolutionary service of her Patriot ancestor.

For more information, contact Debra Keller at (562) 429-2350.

* AS SPACE PERMITS

There are so many rumors are out there about death and dying and circumstances surrounding the one thing we each will expe-

California Gardens Master Plan Workshop Sponsored by Long Beach Dept. of Parks, Recreation and Marine and Long Beach Councilmember James Johnson, 7th District is is your opportunity to provide input into the design and master plan of one of the most significant remaining open space opportunities within the city of long Beach.

Saturday, July 21, 2012 ~ 9am to noon Meet at EDCO 2755 California Avenue • Learn about new park, California Gardens • Tour the site! Wear walking shoes & bring sunscreen! Water will be provided.

Please RSVP today 562-570-7777 • ADA accomodations available upon request •

True or false? The weight of cremated remains (ashes) after the cremation process will vary with the weight of a person’s body.

False. Cremated remains are the skeletal remains after cremation, Since our body is made up mostly of water, it does not matter if you weigh 600 or 160 pounds. The weight varies with the person’s height. Typically, with a woman, there are 6 to 8 pounds of ash, and with men 8 to 10 pounds.

True or false? Embalming is required by law.

False. The embalming process, though very old, has never been required. Embalming is utilized when there is a public viewing or shipping of a body out of the state or country.

Embalming is also utilized when a per-

Lost dog

Black and brown Chihuahua last seen on Lemon Street.

Email Alishia at lusaasia1981@gmail.com

The four winners will be given staged readings at 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and the four finalists will be given cold reads on Saturdays and Sundays at 2pm. In addition to the professional critiques, a Q&A will take place at the end of each showing.

Admission is a suggested $10 donation.

Playwrights interested in submitting a script for next year’s New Works Festival may check out the “New Works” page at lbplayhouse.org, located on the Special Events dropdown menu under The Shows tab.

Source: LBPD

son has donated his or her body for medical purposes; the embalming process prolongs the lifetime of donated tissue for educational purposes. Some religions do not want the body altered in any manner after death, so when viewing or shipping, dry ice is commonly used.

True or false? You can be buried in the ground without a casket.

True. Now, with our world becoming “greener,” there are cemeteries known as “green cemeteries” where the body can be placed directly into the ground. The cemetery has more of a park look and feel to it, as there are no traditional headstones. Memorial rocks and trees take the place of lined-up square pieces of granite.

True or false? A mortician may use the carpool lane so long as the deceased is within a casket and not an urn.

False. I’ve tried it.

JULY 20, 2012

MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON Thursday, July 26, 2012

SIGNAL TRIBUNE

11

The Signal Hill Chamber of Commerce’s Monthly Membership Luncheon will be held on Thursday, July 26, 2012 from noon to 1:30pm at The Grand, 4101 E. Willow St., Long Beach. Signal Hill Mayor Tina Hansen will install the recently elected 2012-2013 officers and Board of Directors.

Enjoy lunch while mingling with other members of our business community, local officials, and legislative representatives.

Cost is $25 at the door.

Please make your reservations by e-mail to SHCC@verizon.net.

Last day to register is July 23.

Keir Jones, Agent

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© 2004 Coldwell Banker Corporation. An Equal Opportunity Company.

Equal Housing Opportunity. Owned and Operated by NRT Incorporated.

If your property is listed with another broker, this is not intended as solicitation.

Need a reason to get up on Sunday? SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL Brunch will be served 10am to 3pm Join us for a mimosa!

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12 SIGNAL TRIBUNE

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TST4116 Trustee Sale No.: 20120169801790 Title Order No.: 120107492 FHA/VA/PMI No.: NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST, DATED 03/20/2008. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. NDEX WEST, LLC, as duly appointed Trustee under and pursuant to Deed of Trust Recorded on 03/28/2008 as Instrument No. 20080535109 of official records in the office of the County Recorder of LOS ANGELES County, State of CALIFORNIA. EXECUTED BY: RAMIN BEIZAIE AND MONICA BEIZAIE, WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH, CASHIER'S CHECK/CASH EQUIVALENT or other form of payment authorized by 2924h(b), (payable at time of sale in lawful money of the United States). DATE OF SALE: 07/26/2012 TIME OF SALE: 9:00 AM PLACE OF SALE: DOUBLETREE HOTEL LOS ANGELES - NORWALK, 13111 SYCAMORE DRIVE, NORWALK, CA 90650. STREET ADDRESS and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 2101 EAST 21ST STREET #108, SIGNAL HILL, CALIFORNIA 90755 APN#: 7215-019-034 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any , shown herein.

Said sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust, with interest thereon, as provided in said note(s), advances, under the terms of said Deed of Trust, fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligation secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale is $329,085.76. The beneficiary under said Deed of Trust heretofore executed and delivered to the undersigned a written Declaration of Default and Demand for Sale, and a written Notice of Default and Election to Sell. The undersigned caused said Notice of Default and Election to Sell to be recorded in the county where the real property is located. NOTICE TO POTENTIAL BIDDERS: If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bid-

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ding at a trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself. Placing the highest bid at a trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property. You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder's office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information. If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same lender may hold more than one mortgage or deed of trust on the property. NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER: The sale date shown on this notice of sale may be postponed one or more times by the mortgagee, beneficiary, trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about trustee sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call 800-280-2832 for information regarding the trustee's sale or visit this Internet Web site www.auction.com for information regarding the sale of this property, using the file number assigned to this case 20120169801790. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the Internet Web site.

The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale. FOR TRUSTEE SALE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL: AUCTION.COM, LLC 2 ONE MAUCHLY IRVINE, CA 92618 800-2802832 www.auction.com NDEx West, L.L.C. MAY BE ACTING AS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. NDEx West, L.L.C. as Trustee Dated: 06/22/2012 P958948 7/6, 7/13, 07/20/2012

TST4125 Trustee Sale No. 255494CA Loan No. 0709249742 Title Order No. 1031270 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 02-01-2006. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDINGS AGAINST YOU,

YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. On 08-032012 at 9:00 AM, CALIFORNIA RECONVEYANCE COMPANY as the duly appointed Trustee under and pursuant to Deed of Trust Recorded 02-09-2006, Book N/A, Page N/A, Instrument 06 0305428, of official records in the Office of the Recorder of LOS ANGELES County, California, executed by: MILLICENT DICKINSON, AN UNMARRIED WOMAN, as Trustor, WASHINGTON MUTUAL BANK, FA, as Beneficiary, will sell at public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash, cashier's check drawn by a state or national bank, a cashier’s check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a cashier’s check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association, or savings bank specified in section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state. Sale will be held by the duly appointed trustee as shown below, of all right, title, and interest conveyed to and now held by the trustee in the hereinafter described property under and pursuant to the Deed of Trust. The sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the note(s) secured by the Deed of Trust, interest thereon, estimated fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee for the total amount (at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale) reasonably estimated to be set forth below. The amount may be greater on the day of sale. Place of Sale: BEHIND THE FOUNTAIN LOCATED IN CIVIC CENTER PLAZA, 400 CIVIC CENTER PLAZA, POMONA, CA Legal Description: As more fully described in said Deed of Trust Amount of unpaid balance and other charges: $214,266.41 (estimated) Street address and other common designation of the real property: 1903 TEMPLE AVE #121 SIGNAL HILL, CA 90755 APN Number: 7216-021062 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. The property heretofore described is being sold "as is". In compliance with California Civil Code 2923.5(c) the mortgagee, trustee, beneficiary, or authorized agent declares: that it has contacted the borrower(s) to assess their financial situation and to explore options to avoid foreclosure; or that it has made efforts to contact the borrower(s) to assess their financial situation and to explore options to avoid foreclosure by one of the following methods: by telephone; by United States mail; either 1st class or certified; by overnight delivery; by personal delivery; by email; by face to face meeting. DATE: 07-11-2012 CALIFORNIA RECONVEYANCE COMPANY, as Trustee FRED RESTREPO, ASSISTANT SECRETARY CALIFORNIA RECONVEYANCE COMPANY IS A DEBT COL-

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LECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. California Reconveyance Company 9200 Oakdale Avenue Mail Stop: CA2-4379 Chatsworth, CA 91311 800-892-6902 For Sales Information: (714) 7302727 or www.lpsasap.com (714) 573-1965 or www.priorityposting.com NOTICE TO POTENTIAL BIDDERS: If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself. Placing the highest bid at a trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property. You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information. If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same lender may hold more than one mortgage or deed of trust on the property. NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER: The sale date shown on this notice of sale may be postponed one or more times by the mortgagee, beneficiary, trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about trustee sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, this information can be obtained from one of the following two companies: LPS Agency Sales & Posting at (714) 730-2727, or visit the Internet Web site www.lpsasap.com (Registration required to search for sale information) or Priority Posting & Publishing at (714) 573-1965 or visit the Internet Web site www.priorityposting.com (Click on the link for “Advanced Search” to search for sale information), using the Trustee Sale No. shown above. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the Internet Web site. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale.

P963408 7/13, 7/20, 07/27/2012

TST4128 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S SALE TS No. 12-0030652 Doc ID #0001372480892005N Title Order No. 12-0055147 Investor/Insurer No. 137248089 APN No. 7217-025-001

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YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST, DATED 05/19/2006. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. Notice is hereby given that RECONTRUST COMPANY, N.A., as duly appointed trustee pursuant to the Deed of Trust executed by REGINA UGALDE, A SINGLE WOMAN, dated 05/19/2006 and recorded 6/7/2006, as Instrument No. 06-1249550, in Book , Page , of Official Records in the office of the County Recorder of Los Angeles County, State of California, will sell on 08/13/2012 at 11:00AM, By the fountain located at 400 Civic Center Plaza, Pomona, CA 91766 at public auction, to the highest bidder for cash or check as described below, payable in full at time of sale, all right, title, and interest conveyed to and now held by it under said Deed of Trust, in the property situated in said County and State and as more fully described in the above referenced Deed of Trust. The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 2270 SARAH COURT, SIGNAL HILL, CA, 907554048. The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. The total amount of the unpaid balance with interest thereon of the obligation secured by the property to be sold plus reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale is $828,237.59. It is possible that at the time of sale the opening bid may be less than the total indebtedness due.

In addition to cash, the Trustee will accept cashier's checks drawn on a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association, or savings bank specified in Section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state. Said sale will be made, in an ''AS IS'' condition, but without covenant or warranty, express or implied, regarding title, possession or encumbrances, to satisfy the indebtedness secured by said Deed of Trust, advances thereunder, with interest as provided, and the unpaid principal of the Note secured by said Deed of Trust with interest thereon as provided in said Note, plus fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. If required by the provisions of section 2923.5 of the California Civil Code, the declaration from the mortgagee, beneficiary or authorized agent is attached to the Notice of Trustee's Sale duly recorded with the appropriate County Recorder's Office. NOTICE TO POTENTIAL BIDDERS If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on a property itself. Placing the highest bid at a trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property. You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder's office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information.

If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the lender may hold more than one mortgage or deed of trust on the property. NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER The sale date shown on this notice of sale may be postponed one or more times by the mortgagee, beneficiary, trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about trustee sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call 1-800281-8219 or visit this Internet Web site www.recontrustco.com, using the file number assigned to this case TS No. 12-0030652. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the Internet Web site. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale. RECONTRUST COMPANY, N.A. 1800 Tapo Canyon Rd., CA6-914-01-94 SIMI VALLEY, CA 93063 Phone: (800) 281 8219, Sale Information (626) 927-4399 By: Trustee's Sale Officer RECONTRUST COMPANY, N.A. is a debt collector attempting to collect a debt.

Any information obtained will be used for that purpose. A4261958 07/20/2012, 07/27/2012, 08/03/2012 Signal Tribune: June 22, 29, & July 6, 13, 2012.

TST4114 / 2012 124952 FICTITIoUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person is doing business as: BIXBY KNOLLS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, 545 E. Bixby Rd., Long Beach, CA 90807. Registrant: C. WADE ANDREWS, 545 E. Bixby Rd., Long Beach, CA 90807.

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

Signed: C. Wade Andrews. The registrant has not begun to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. This statement was filed with the county clerk of Los Angeles County on June 21, 2012. 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: June 29, & July 6, 13, 20, 2012.

TST4115 / 2012 130407 FICTITIoUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person is doing business as: ATTAINABLE SOLUTIONS, 8432 La Docena Lane, Pico Rivera, CA 90660. Registrant: LISA MARIE FRANCO, 8432 La Docena Lane, Pico Rivera, CA 90660. This

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Signed: Lisa Marie Franco. The registrant has not begun to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. This statement was filed with the county clerk of Los Angeles County on June 28, 2012. 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: June 29, & July 6, 13, 20, 2012.

TST4118 / 2012 130056 FICTITIoUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following persons are doing business as: HiPo MOTORSPORTS, 2101 E. 21st St., #111, Signal Hill, CA 90755. Registrants: 1. EDWARD J. VILLANUEVA, 2101 E. 21st St., #111, Signal Hill, CA 90755, 2.

DAVID BORROTO, 4613 Bellflower Blvd., #5, Long Beach, CA 90815. This business is conducted by: a General Partnership. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed: Edward Villanueva. The registrants have not begun to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. This statement was filed with the county clerk of Los Angeles County on June 27, 2012.

NOTICE: This fictitious business name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the county clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed prior to that date. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code). Pub. The Signal Tribune: July 6, 13, 20, 27, 2012.

TST4119 / 2012 130057 FICTITIoUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person is doing business as: THE YOUNG LIONS OF JUDAH MINISTRY, 402-A, South Prospectors Road, Diamond Bar, CA 91765. Registrant: CHEN H. FANG, 111 Marguerita Ave., #113, Monterrey Park, CA 91754. This business is conducted by: an Individual. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed: Chen H. Fang. The registrant has not begun to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. This statement was filed with the county clerk of Los Angeles County on June 27, 2012.

NOTICE: This fictitious business name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the county clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed prior to that date. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code). Pub. The Signal Tribune: July 6, 13, 20, 27, 2012.

TST4120 / 2012 131479 FICTITIoUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person is doing business as: CLEAN COMEDIANS, 15651 E. Imperial Hwy. #207, La Mirada, CA 90638. Registrant: ADAM CHRISTING, 15635 Surrey Lane, La Mirada, CA 90638. This business is conducted by: an Individual. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct.

Signed: Adam Christing. The registrant has not begun to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. This statement was filed with the county clerk of Los Angeles County on June 29, 2012. NOTICE: This fictitious business name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the county clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed prior to that date.

The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code). Pub. The Signal Tribune: July 6, 13, 20, 27, 2012.

TST4121 / 2012 132008 FICTITIoUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person is doing business as: 1. 4 UR HEALTH REMEDIES, 2. VISION OF HEALTH, 4427 E. Slauson Ave., Maywood, CA 90270. Registrant: DG GROUP ENTERPRISES, INC., 4427 E. Slauson Ave ., Ma yw o o d , C A 9 0 2 7 0 . Th i s b u s i n e s s i s c o nducted by: a Corporation. I declare that all informati o n i n th i s s ta te me n t i s tru e a n d c o rr e ct. Si g n e d : Michelle Dutto, Vice President. The registrant has begun to transact business under the fictitious busin e ss n a me o r n a me s l i ste d h e re i n . Th e re g i stra n t began using this fictitious business name on April 1, 2011. This statement was filed with the county clerk of Los Angeles County on June 29, 2012. NOTICE: This fictitious business name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the county clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed prior to that date. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code). Pub. The Signal Tribune: July 6, 13, 20, 27, 2012.

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TST4126 / 2012 139932 FICTITIoUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person is doing business as: 1. BLACK BEAR DINER, 2. BEAR TRACKS, INC., 1898 E. Willow St., Signal Hill, CA 90755. Registrant: BEAR TRACKS, INC., 2515 Park Marina Dr., Ste. 201, Redding, CA 96001. This business is conducted by: a Corporation. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed: Bruce Dean, Co-President. The registrant has not begun to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. This statement was filed with the county clerk of Los Angeles County on July 11, 2012. NOTICE: This fictitious business name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the county clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed prior to that date.

The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code). Pub. The Signal Tribune: July 13, 20, 27, & August 3, 2012.

TST4127 / 2012 140114 FICTITIoUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person is doing business as: COLOR KING WORLD AUTO BODY & MECHANIC, 551 W. Anaheim St., Long Beach, CA 90813. Registrant: IRMA NAVARRO, 1308 W. 227th St., Apt. 3, Torrance, CA 90501. This business is conducted by: an Individual. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed: Irma Navarro. The registrant has not begun to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. This statement was filed with the county clerk of Los Angeles County on July 11, 2012. NOTICE: This fictitious business name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the county clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed prior to that date. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code). Pub. The Signal Tribune: July 13, 20, 27, & August 3, 2012.

TST4129 / 2012 132886 FICTITIoUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person is doing business as: 1. THE EDGE FITNESS CENTER, 2. THE EDGE TRAINING CENTER, 3. THE EDGE FITNESS TRAINING CENTER, 3292 E. Willow St., Signal Hill, CA 90755.

R e g i s t r a n t : R E I S C H L P H Y S I C A L T H E R A P Y, I N C . , 3292 E. Willow St., Signal Hill, CA 90755. This business is conducted by: a Corporation. I declare that all information in this statement is true and corr e c t . S i g n e d : S u s a n R e i s c h l , Vi c e - P r e s i d e n t . T h e registrant has begun to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein.

The registrant began using this fictitious business name on May 7, 2007. This statement was filed with the county clerk of Los Angeles County on July 2, 2012. 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 1 4 4 11 e t s e q . , B u s i n e s s a n d P r o f e s s i o n s C o d e ) .

P u b . T h e S i g n a l Tr i b u n e : J u l y 2 0 , 2 7 , & A u g u s t 3 , 10, 2012.

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TST4123 / 2012 126063 FICTITIoUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person is doing business as: 1. ARMOR ALARMS & ELECTRICAL, 2. ARMOR ALARMS, 10321 Beverly Blvd., Whittier, CA 90601. Registrant: RICHARD C. BUSTILLOS, 10321 Beverly Blvd., Whittier, CA 90601.

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

Signed: Richard C. Bustillos. The registrant has not begun to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. This statement was filed with the county clerk of Los Angeles County on June 22, 2012. NOTICE: This fictitious business name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the county clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed prior to that date. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code). Pub. The Signal Tribune: July 6, 13, 20, 27, 2012.

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TST4122 / 2012 132158 FICTITIoUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person is doing business as: ONE STOP 24/7, 345 E. Harding St., Long Beach, CA 90805. Registrant: ELAINE PAHULU, 345 E. Harding St., Long Beach, CA 90805. This business is conducted by: an Individual.

I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed: Elaine Pahulu. The registrant has begun to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. The registrant began using this fictitious business name on June 25, 2012. This statement was filed with the county clerk of Los Angeles County on June 29, 2012. NOTICE: This fictitious business name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the county clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed prior to that date.

The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code). Pub. The Signal Tribune: July 6, 13, 20, 27, 2012.

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TST4130 / 2012 134407 F I C T I T I o U S B U S I N E S S N A M E S TAT E M E N T The following person is doing business as: MD S O L U T I O S , 6 11 0 B i r k d a l e S t . , L o n g B e a c h , C A 9 0 8 1 5 . R e g i s t r a n t : M AT T H E W D AV I D S A N D U S K Y, 6 11 0 B i r k d a l e S t . , L o n g B e a c h , C A 9 0 8 1 5 . T h i s business is conducted by: an Individual. I declare that all information in this statement is true and c o r r e c t . S i g n e d : M a t t h e w D a v i d S a n d u s k y. T h e registrant has begun to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. The registrant began using this fictitious business name on January 1, 1997. This statement was filed with the county clerk of Los Angeles County on July 3, 2012. NOTICE: This fictitious business name statement expires five y e a r s f r o m t h e d a t e i t w a s f i l e d i n t h e o ff i c e o f t h e 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, o r c o m m o n l a w ( s e e s e c t i o n 1 4 4 11 e t s e q . , B u s i ness and Professions Code). Pub. The Signal Tr i b u n e : J u l y 2 0 , 2 7 , & A u g u s t 3 , 1 0 , 2 0 1 2 .

TST4133 / 2012 135575 F I C T I T I o U S B U S I N E S S N A M E S TAT E M E N T The following persons are doing business as: NO M O - S TA C H E , 1 5 0 7 B e r k e l e y S t . # 3 , S a n t a M o n ica, CA 90404. Registrant: 1. JENNIFER PA S C H A L L , 1 5 0 7 B e r k e l e y S t . # 2 , S a n t a M o n i c a , C A 9 0 4 0 4 , 2 . G I TA VA S S E G H I , 1 2 2 1 N . S p a u l d i n g Av e . # 1 0 5 , L o s A n g e l e s , C A 9 0 0 4 6 . T h i s b u s i n e s s is conducted by: a General Partnership. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed: Jennifer Paschall. The registrant has not begun to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. The registrant began using this fictitious business name on . This statement was filed with the county clerk of Los Angeles County on July 5, 2012.

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 1 4 4 11 e t s e q . , B u s i n e s s a n d P r o f e s s i o n s C o d e ) .

P u b . T h e S i g n a l Tr i b u n e : J u l y 2 0 , 2 7 , & A u g u s t 3 , 10, 2012.

(562) 427-0688

CITY OF SIGNAL HILL TST4131 NoTICE oF A PUBlIC HEARINg

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Signal Hill, California, will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, August 6, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber located at City Hall, 2175 Cherry Avenue, Signal Hill, California, to consider the following:

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SIGNAL HILL, CALIFORNIA, EXTENDING FOR ONE YEAR INTERIM REGULATIONS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF PROPERTIES WITH ABANDONED OIL WELLS PENDING THE COMPLETION OF STUDIES ON HOW THE SIGNAL HILL OIL CODE SHALL ADDRESS THE HEALTH AND SAFETY ISSUES OF OIL WELLS Caused BY THE POLICY CHANGES OF THE STATE DIVISION OF OIL, GAS AND GEOTHERMAL RESOUrCES CONCERNING ABANDONED OIL WELLS Applicant: City of Signal Hill

THE FILE CONTAINING MATERIAL RELEVANT to the proposed extension may be inspected by the public between the hours of 7:30 a.m., to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Fridays, in the Community Development Department at City Hall.

THE PUBLIC IS INVITED to submit written comments to the Community Development Department prior to the public hearing. Written comments may also be submitted at the public hearing.

FURTHER INFORMATION on this item may be obtained at the City of Signal Hill Community Development Department located at 2175 Cherry Avenue, Signal Hill, California, or by calling Scott Charney at 562-9897343 or by email at scharney@cityofsignalhill.org.

Published in the Signal Tribune newspaper on: July 20, 2012 Posted at in accordance with SHMC 1.08.010 on: July 20, 2012

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CITY OF SIGNAL HILL TST4132 • NoTICE INVITINg BIDS

RECEIPT OF PROPOSALS. Sealed proposals will be received at the office of the City Clerk, City Hall, 2175 Cherry Avenue, Signal Hill, California, 90755-3799, until 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 14, 2012, to perform all work required under the Owner’s Specifications entitled: CONTRACT DOCUMENTS AND SPECIFICATIONS for Cherry Avenue and 20th Street Traffic Signal Improvement Project, No. 746 FEDERAL PROJECT NO. HSIPL-5262(007)

OPENING OF PROPOSALS. The proposals will be publicly opened and read at the time and date stated above, in the office of the City Clerk in the City of Signal Hill City Hall, and the results will thereafter be referred to the City Council for consideration at a subsequent meeting.

PRE-CONFERENCE. A pre-bid conference will be held at the City of Signal Hill City Hall Public Works Conference Room, 2175 Cherry Avenue, Signal Hill, CA on Tuesday, August 7, 2012 at 10:00 a.m.

SCOPE OF WORK. The work to be done by the CONTRACTOR consists of furnishing all labor, materials, equipment, tools and incidentals as required by the Specifications and Contract Documents. The work shall be complete, and all work, materials, and services not expressly indicated or called for in the contract Documents which may be necessary for the complete and proper construction of the Work in good faith shall be provided by the Contractor as though originally indicated, at no increase in cost to owner.

The general items of work consist of installation of traffic signal system, ADA curb ramps and traffic stripes for the offset intersection of 20th Street and Cherry Avenue. The project also includes removal of existing PCC sidewalk, curb ramps and traffic stripes.

The CONTRACTOR shall furnish all transportation, materials (except where stipulated otherwise), equipment, labor, engineering services and supplies to complete installation as described able. The installation shall be complete and with all appurtenant work necessary or incidental to complete in a workmanlike manner the improvements as contemplated and as intended by the Contract Documents and CONTRACTOR’s Construction Documents.

COMPLETION OF WORK. The work shall commence within five (5) working days after the date set forth in the “Notice to Proceed.” All work shall be completed within sixty (60) working days from said date.

Contractor License. The Contractor shall be required to possess a currently active California Class A Contractors License at the time the bid is submitted.

Contract Documents. The contact documents which include the Construction Drawings and Specifications may be examined without charge at the Public Works Department in the City of Signal Hill City Hall. Complete sets may be obtained from the Public Works Department at City Hall.

Disadvantage Business Enterprise Participation. This project has a goal of 5.8 percent Underutilized Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (UDBE) participation. Disadvantage Business Enterprise (DBE) participation information must be submitted with the bid. Reference is made to Exhibit 12-E, Attachment H, Section 2-1.02 “Disadvantage Business Enterprise (DBE)”, dated April 14, 2009, located at page 71 of this document.

GUARANTEE. Each bid shall be made on the proposal form furnished by the City and shall be in accordance with the Plans, Specifications, and Contract Documents, and shall be accompanied by a certified check, cashier’s check, or bidder’s bond, payable to the City in a sum not less than ten percent (10%) of the amount of the bid, as a guarantee that the bidder will enter into the contract for the work, the full amount of such guarantee to be forfeited to the City should said bidder fail to enter into said Contract. The successful bidder will be required to furnish a Faithful Performance Bond in the amount of not less than one hundred percent (100%) of the contract price, and a Labor and Material Bond in an amount of not less than one hundred percent (100%) of the contract price, said bonds to be underwritten by sureties qualified to do business in the State of California, carrying a rating of A+ or better, in the current edition of Best’s Insurance Guide.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST. In the procurement of supplies, equipment, construction, and services by subrecipients, the conflict-of-interest provisions in 24 CFR 85.36, OMB Circular A-110, and 24 CFR 570.611 shall apply. No employee, officer, or agent of the sub-recipient shall participate in the selection, award, or administration of a contract supported by federal funds if a conflict of interest, real or apparent, would be involved.

PREVAILING WAGES. Any contract entered into pursuant to this notice will incorporate the provisions of the State Labor Code. Pursuant to the provisions of the California Labor Code Section 1773.2, the minimum prevailing rate of per diem wages for each craft, classification, or type of worker needed to execute the Contract shall be those determined by the Director of Industrial Relations of the State of California, which are on file in the Public Works Department at City Hall and are available to any interested party on request.

LABOR CODE CONCERNING APPRENTICES. Attention is directed to the provisions of Sections 1777.5 and 1777.6 of the Labor Code, concerning the employment of apprentices by the Contractor or any subcontractor under him. The Contractor and any subcontractor under him shall comply with the requirements of said sections in the employment of apprentices.

Information relative to apprenticeship standards and administration of the apprenticeship program may be obtained from the Director of Industrial Relations, San Francisco, California, or the Division of Apprenticeship Standards and its branch offices.

Attention is directed to the Federal minimum wage rate requirements in the books entitled “Proposal and Contract.” If there is a difference between the minimum wage rates predetermined by the Secretary of Labor and the general prevailing wage rates determined by the Secretary of Labor and the general prevailing wage rates determined by the Director of the California Department of Industrial Relations for similar classifications of labor, the Contractor and subcontractors shall pay not less than the higher wage rate. The Department will not accept lower State wage rates not specifically included in the Federal minimum wage determinations. This includes “helper” (or other classifications based on hours of experience) or any other classification not appearing in the Federal wage determinations. Where Federal wage determinations do not contain the State wage rate determination otherwise available for use by the Contractor and subcontractors, the Contractor and subcontractors shall pay not less than the Federal minimum wage rate which most closely approximates the duties of the employees in question.

PAYMENT RETENTION. The Contractor may elect to receive one-hundred percent (100%) of the payments due under the contract without retention of any portion of the payment by the City, by depositing securities of equivalent value with the City in accordance with the provisions of Section 4590 of the Government Code. Said securities if deposited by the Contractor shall be valued by the City whose decision shall be final.

BID SUBMITTAL. By submitting a bid in response to this notice inviting bids, the bidder shall be conclusively deemed to have read, understood and agreed with all of the information and materials contained in the bid documents, including but not limited to the contract, the General Conditions, the Special Conditions, the required indemnification obligation, the required nature and amount of insurance and endorsements and certificates evidencing such insurance.

If a bidder has any problems understanding or accepting any of the terms and/or conditions specified in the bid documents, said bidder should contact the City of Signal Hill Public Works Director at (562) 989-7356 prior to submitting the bid.

CITY’S RIGHTS RESERVED. The City reserves the right to reject any or all bids, to waive any informality in a bid, and to make awards in the interest of the City. No bidder may withdraw his bid for a period of thirty (30) days after the bid opening.

By order of the City of Signal Hill.

Posted at Signal Hill City Hall on: July 20, 2012 Published in the Signal Hill Tribune on: July 20, 27, and August 3, 2012

AB 1484

continued from page 1

1484 into law. “We wanted to talk to legislators about extending some of the things the state was requiring, but the League was given 97 pages of proposed requirements for the reallocation of RDA funds,” he said. “We only had one day to read through those pages and process all the information, and of course one day is not enough time to do that.”

He noted that in June the Assembly had a bill called AB 1X28, which was a trailer bill to correct some of the problems that were caused by the taking of redevelopment agency money. He explained that the bill included paying back the City of Signal Hill the $10 million it had loaned to the Signal Hill RDA 10 years ago and allowing the City to use the library bond money to actually build a new library.

“The City loaned that $10 million to the RDA to enable the agency to purchase land for redevelopment projects that would eliminate blight, clean up contaminated soils, bring in new businesses and generate new revenue for the city,” Noll said. “The loan came from the City’s General Fund, and it was done in good faith, but now the State is telling us that the City will never be paid back that money.”

Noll further explained that city residents and officials have been hoping to build a new library for more than 10 years. In March 2011, the Signal Hill Redevelopment Agency issued an $8.8 million bond to finance that project, and it looked as if a new library would finally be built, but legislation passed early this year gave the library bond money to the State. “So the State took the city’s $10 million and then told us that we could not build a new library,” Noll said, adding that now the State must also pay back the bond money to investors.

The vice mayor stressed that the City and the RDA played by the rules and were able to transform Signal Hill from the dirty oil town that it used to be into what it is now.

“There is more work to be done– more blighted, contaminated property that needs to be cleaned up– but now the State has taken away our ability to do that,” he said.

“This is insane.”

Noll added that the Legislature did not pass AB 1X28 and now city officials are contemplating the possibility of banding together with other cities to file a lawsuit to get back all or a portion of the money the state has taken from them.

“During that League meeting in June, we were trying to convince

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our legislators to be fair to the cities,” Noll said. “We were trying to get our recommendations in before they adopted the budget, but we had not even seen AB 1484 before they passed it, and it became part of the budget.”

According to Noll, the Legislature's budget deliberations were very secretive and most of the budget bills were passed at close to midnight. “The governor began signing various budget bills on June 18, and he continued doing that for a week or two,” he said. “I think AB 1484 was one of the last ones he signed.” He added that Assemblymember Bonnie Lowenthal voted for that bill, but State Senator Alan Lowenthal voted against it.

The legislation that abolished RDAs early this year also established “successor agencies” to oversee the liquidation and disbursement of RDA assets. In Signal Hill, the city council is the successor agency. "So now, according to AB 1484, we, as the successor agency, have a list of things that we must do from July 9, 2012 through May 1, 2013,” Noll said. “And if we don’t do those things by the dates specified in the law, the State will impose penalties on the City.”

Noll explained that on July 9, in compliance with AB 1484, the Los Angeles county auditor/controller notified the Signal Hill City Council of the amount of 2011 RDA revenue money it owed to about 20 local agencies, and the City had to make a payment for that amount to the auditor/controller's office by July 12. The auditor/controller would then distribute that money to the various agencies. The law also specified that the State would suspend sales-tax payments to cities that did not make the payment by July 12.

Signal Hill Finance Director Maida Alcantara noted that, because of complexities in the law and a misunderstanding on the part of the auditor/controllers office, the City of Signal Hill was able to defer that payment to January. “We are disputing the amount the auditor/controller says that we owe, and because the California Department of Finance has not settled that issue yet, we don’t have to pay until January, and our sales-tax revenues will not be suspended,” she said.

“The auditor/controller asked us to pay much more than what we actually owed, and we want to make the correct payment.” She added that she was not at liberty to disclose the amounts in dispute.

Noll, however, explained that the Signal Hill RDA would have received approximately $14,030,000 in tax-increment revenues in the 2011-2012 fiscal year. “According to AB 1484, we now have to give 46.9 percent of that revenue ($6.58 million) to Los Angeles County; 19.3 percent ($2.7 million) to the Long Beach Unified School District; 18.6 percent ($2.6 million) to the Los Angeles Consolidated Fire District; and 6.7 percent ($950,747) to the City of Signal Hill,” he said. “The remainder goes to about 16 other local agencies, but as you can see, we are only getting a small fraction of the funds that should have been invested in Signal Hill.”

He added that the other things the successor agencies are required to do by AB 1484 are complex and expensive and in some cases ambiguous. “So in order to abolish the redevelopment agencies the State has created a new, gigantic bureaucracy that no one seems to understand,” he said.

The Signal Tribune left phone and email messages for other Signal Hill and Long Beach City officials pertaining to the impacts of AB 1484, but, as of press time, none of them had replied.

CULTURE Arts Council for Long Beach one of 80 grantees selected nationwide

JULY 20, 2012

SIGNAL TRIBUNE

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Homeland Cultural Center Dance Fest to highlight local talent

The community is invited to attend the 4th Annual Homeland Cultural Center Dance Fest on Sunday, July 22 at 4 pm, at the Center Theater in the Long Beach Performing Arts Center, 300 E. Ocean Blvd. Admission is free.

The Dance Fest is an annual showcase of the diverse performing ensembles in residence at the award-winning Homeland Cultural Center in Long Beach’s MacArthur Park. The event will feature performances by Homeland Street Dance Crew, West Afrikan Drum and Dance Ensem-

ble, Hmong Association of Long Beach, Ballet Folklorico Maria, Homeland Funkstylers, Ancient Khmer Martial Arts, Orlando Greenhill and Sound Army and Funkdation.

This event is co-sponsored by the Department of Parks, Recreation & Marine and Partners of Parks, and supported by grants from the Arts Council for Long Beach and the Dwight Stuart Youth Foundation.

For tickets or additional information, call (562) 570-1655.

Source: City of LB

Courtesy LB Arts Council

Slang Fest 2011 was an A Lot event at the public art site Chantilly Clad. The Arts Council for Long Beach will receive $150,000 to produce more performances for the A LOT series, which will take place in open spaces throughout the City.

The Arts Council for Long neighborhoods that traditionally Teller, Alaska to Miami, Florida, Beach will receive $150,000 to have been underserved by arts communities are pursuing creative produce performances for the A organizations. The project is placemaking, making their neighLOT series, performance-based intended to increase access to the borhoods more vibrant and robust artwork designed to activate vacant arts and broaden the audience to by investing in the performing, lots in various Long Beach neigh- include both the intentional viewer visual, and literary arts. I am borhoods and engage residents in and the casual passerby. These per- proud to be partnering with these the arts, thanks to a grant from the formances will take place in several 80 communities and their respecNational Endowment for the Arts areas around Long Beach and hap- tive arts, civic, and elected lead(NEA). The NEA recently awarded pen over the course of the next two ers.”

80 Our Town grant awards totaling years.

John Glaza, interim executive $4.995 million in 44 states and the The goal is to expand who director of the Arts Council for District of Columbia. engages in the arts and where they Long Beach, said: “The residents Through Our Town, the NEA engage. Rather than placing activ- of Long Beach will have more and supports creative placemaking ities in enclosed venues for a lim- more opportunities to enjoy the projects that help transform com- ited number of people for a couple arts closer to home as a result of munities into lively, beautiful, and of hours, the objective is to this grant award. We’re honored to sustainable places with the arts at enliven vacant lots, streets, and accept this award on behalf of our their core. Grantee projects entire areas with creative energy– community.” improve quality of life, encourage sound, light, visual art, and perThe NEA received 317 applicacreative activity, create community formance– for days or weeks at a tions for Our Town that were identity and a sense of place, and time. The Arts Council for Long assigned to one of three applicahelp revitalize local economies. All Beach will work with local part- tion review panels based on their Our Town grant awards were made ners around the city to implement project type, arts engagement, culto partnerships that consisted of a this incredible opportunity given tural planning and design, or nonminimum of a nonprofit organiza- to Long Beach residents by the metro and tribal communities. tion and a local government entity. NEA. For a complete listing of projThe A LOT program will offer “Cities and towns are trans- ects recommended for Our Town free performances in dance, music, formed when you bring the arts– grant support, visit the NEA webtheatre and spoken word by Long both literally and figuratively– site at arts.gov .

Beach-based artists and organiza- into the center of them,” said NEA tions in non-traditional venues in Chairman Landesman. “From Source: LB Arts Council

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