St3632 january 9 layout 1

“There’s a Heart in the Middle,” “Autumn Feeling,” “Sunburst Gazania,” “Pink Dahlia” and “Bees Partying in the Poppy” Photos by Cassandra Vitale See page 8

Vol. 36 No. 32

January 9 , 2015

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

Your Weekly Community Newspaper

Developer, architect give tours of senior arts colony in anticipation of Signal Hill affordable-housing project

Sean Belk Staff Writer

While there are currently no vacancies left at a highly soughtafter senior-housing development in downtown Long Beach, the developer and architect that built the complex are preparing for an affordable-housing project for all ages not far away in Signal Hill.

In anticipation of the new project, representatives with developer Meta Housing Corporation and Long Beach-based architecture firm Studio One Eleven gave two tours this week of their transit-oriented, 200-unit senior-housing project called the Long Beach Senior Arts Colony, completed nearly two years ago at the corner of Anaheim Street and Long Beach Boulevard.

The community tours were offered to give the public a view of the kind of architecture and environment that is expected for the Signal Hill project that calls for a 72-unit affordable-housing complex for general occupancy at Gundry Avenue and Hill Street.

Next week, at its Jan. 13 meeting, the Signal Hill Planning Commission is expected to vote on a site plan and design review for the project.

During one of the tours on Tuesday, Jan. 6, two Long Beach residents attended in addition to Signal Hill Planning Commissioner Jane Fallon, Assistant Planner Colleen Doan and Economic Development Manager Elise McCaleb.

Though the project in Signal Hill is being proposed as a residential complex primarily geared toward low-income families rather than senior citizens, Michael Bohn, principal of Studio One Eleven, said he anticipates that the project will incorporate a similar style of architecture that would “enhance” the community.

“We’re very dedicated to enhancing communities through architecture, design and landscape,” Bohn said at the tour.

“We’re excited to be working in Signal Hill.”

Situated conveniently near Metro Blue Line light-rail stations and bus stops, the senior-housing complex, geared toward the Baby Boomer generation with a population of low-income residents age 55 and up, was built in two phases and includes six floors.

The facilities incorporate art

Sean Belk/Signal Tribune

Courtesy City of SH

A rendering by Long Beach-based architecture firm Studio One Eleven shows the preliminary design of a 72-unit affordable-housing project proposed on a 1.61-acre site at Hill Street and Gundry Avenue in Signal Hill.

see HOUSING page 15

Federal mediator to intervene in West Coast ports contract dispute Cory Bilicko

Managing Editor

Federal mediators will assist in stalled West Coast port contract talks between dockworkers and their employers, following a joint request from the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and private terminal operators Pacific Maritime Association (PMA), according to Long Beach Port officials. The U.S. Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service announced on Monday, Jan. 5 that it would intervene.

Pressure, both political and financial, had been mounting as each party faulted the other for the sluggish movement of billions of dollars of cargo across the docks at 29 seaports that form a vital trade link with Asia, according to the Associated Press (AP).

“We congratulate the ILWU and PMA for both agreeing to mediation,” said Port of Long Beach Chief Executive Jon Slangerup on Tuesday. “We urgently need a resolution to their long contract negotiations so they can join all of our Courtesy Port of LB industry stakeholders in restoring and improving productivFederal mediators will intervene in West Coast port contract talks between dockworkers and their ity at all West Coast ports.”

Earlier in the day Monday, before the federal mediator employers, which have been stalled. The International Longshore and Warehouse Union and private terminal operators Pacific Maritime Association filed a joint request seeking federal mediation. Picsee PORT page 13 tured is Pier A at the Port of Long Beach, which is one of the two largest ports on the West Coast.

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LA County homicide detectives investigating death of Minnesota man found in vacant Signal Hill lot Sean Belk Staff Writer

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) homicide detectives are investigating the death of a black man from Minnesota whose body was found with a gunshot wound in a vacant lot in Signal Hill on Monday, Jan. 5.

According to a statement from LASD, Signal Hill Police Department officers responded to a call of a person found dead in the 2700 block of California Avenue on E. 28th Street in Signal Hill at about 7am. Upon their see BODY page 13

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(Above) Michael Bohn (third from left), principal of Long Beach-based architecture firm Studio One Eleven, gives a presentation on the Long Beach Senior Arts Colony during a public tour of the facilities in anticipation of an affordable-housing project in Signal Hill that the company is planning with developer Meta Housing Corporation. Also pictured are Christopher Maffris, (far left) vice president of Meta Housing, and Erika Stubstad, senior designer for Studio One Eleven.

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NEWS

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JANUARY 9, 2015

Signal Hill Council asks for public comments on code of conduct ‘manual’ for meetings, city officials

Sean Belk Staff Writer

The Signal Hill City Council is asking for written public comments on a proposed “manual of procedural guidelines” that outlines a code of conduct for elected and appointed city officials and establishes a “legally appropriate” set of rules for Council and commission meetings.

The Council at its meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 6 unanimously agreed to postpone voting on the comprehensive, 37-page manual drafted by City Attorney David Aleshire and city staff and, instead, solicit written comments on the guidelines for the next two weeks.

The manual is available online on the City’s website and in printed form at the Signal Hill municipal library. The public is asked to submit written comments, whether through email, regular mail or in person, to the city clerk by Jan. 23.

The Council also agreed to schedule a one-hour public workshop on Feb. 17 to discuss a revised version of the manual that Aleshire would draft, taking into account the public comments and suggested changes from Council members.

The public will have an opportunity to make additional comments during the study session, which will take place at 6pm prior to the regu-

lar Council meeting. A final version of the document is expected to come back for Council approval in March.

“It’s important we get more input and we put some more work into this,” said Signal Hill Mayor Edward Wilson. “I brought this forward, and I’m eager to adopt this, but I’d rather adopt something that we all agree with than to adopt something just to adopt it on a time basis.”

The proposal comes after the Council, at Wilson’s request, directed city staff in October to create a “code of civility and conduct” for elected and appointed city officials following an incident involving Vice Mayor Larry Forester making “offensive” remarks about race to a resident at a Signal Hill restaurant.

During the Council meeting on Oct. 21, Signal Hill resident Andrea Webster said she filed a complaint with the City after being confronted

by Forester at the restaurant because she is opposed to a charter school being located in the City.

Webster, who is black, claimed that Forester said she is “prejudice [sic] against your own kind.”

The Conservation Corps of Long Beach, of which Forester is a board member, has since withdrawn its charter-school proposal after

public meetings about the organization’s request for permits drew criticism from members of the community concerned about traffic and public-safety impacts.

The proposal for a code of conduct was initially intended to come up with a way to “censure” a councilmember for acting inappropriately, such as blocking a councilmember from obtaining the title of mayor or vice mayor.

During the Council meeting this week, however, Aleshire acknowledged that the manual was expanded to include guidelines for Council and commission meetings since the City was already planning on drafting such a document.

Some residents, however, objected to Aleshire’s comprehensive manual.

Signal Hill resident Maria Harris, speaking for resident and former councilmember Carol Churchill in writing, said the proposed manual “goes far beyond” what the Council initially requested, attempts to amend the City Charter without a vote of the people, gives the city manager extra powers and limits free speech of the public and city officials.

In addition, Harris stated that, under the guidelines, the mayor or commission chair would have the discretion to arrest and remove an

audience member from the Council Chamber for disrupting a meeting based on descriptions of conduct that she called “arbitrary.”

The manual in question includes a list of “examples” of remarks or behavior that would be deemed disruptive to a legislative-body meeting, including “unauthorized remarks from the audience, stamping of feet, whistles, yells, outbursts, catcalls, cursing, applause and offensive or obscene gestures or similar demonstrations that disrupt, disturb or otherwise impede the legislative-body proceedings,” according to the document.

The manual also notes that “interrupting speakers, calling members of the audience names, extended discussion of irrelevancies, physical threats, shouting into the microphone, dumping items or garbage on the floor of the Chamber where the proceeding is held, speaking too long, being unduly repetitious, constant interruptions, and interruption of a meeting to make ‘objections’” would also be considered disruptive.

In contrast, the manual’s examples of non-disruptive conduct includes: “silent gestures by members of the audience, such as a thumbs-up or thumbs-down or salutes that are not otherwise disruptive of the meeting; catcalls or booing during a time allowed for applause that does not otherwise disrupt the meeting; and criticisms of public officials or staff during a time reserved for public comment that does not otherwise violate Council procedures and does not disrupt the meeting.”

Signal Hill resident Gloria Nava

echoed concerns expressed by Harris, stating that the guidelines for Council and commission meetings are “overbroad” and go beyond the practices of Robert’s Rules of Order, parliamentary procedures that go back to the 1800s.

“So this list scares me,” Nava said. “How will these actions be interpreted by the mayor? I certainly don’t want to go to jail for applauding at an inappropriate time.”

Aleshire, however, said the proposed guidelines are what have been deemed “legally appropriate” in the State of California for conducting legislative-body meetings.

He said his law firm drafted the same manual for other cities, taking into account government codes, Robert’s Rules of Order, the Brown Act and specific case law.

Aleshire pointed out that, unbeknownst to a majority of mayors he counsels, courts have determined that giving a Nazi salute is not considered a disruption to a meeting and would not give a mayor the right to remove an individual from the Council Chamber.

“We’ve had cases that have clarified what is disruptive versus disrespectful,” he said. “Just because somebody is disrespectful does not mean they are disrupting the meeting. There’s language now that goes into some detail, giving examples of one versus the other.”

Furthermore, Aleshire pointed out that, even though Signal Hill has enjoyed a “pretty calm and respectful environment” over the years during Council and commissee COUNCIL page 9

City of

NEWS LBPD appoints two new commanders JANUARY 9, 2015

Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) Chief Robert Luna made two new assignments within the department this week.

Richard Conant, a 24-year LBPD veteran, will fulfill the position of police commander and lead the Internal Affairs Division, and Robert Smith, who is currently the commander of the Internal Affairs Division, will begin a new assignment as West Division commander on Jan. 10.

Conant began his career with the LBPD in February 1991. In 2006, he was promoted to sergeant and, in 2011, to lieutenant.

“Commander Conant has a diverse work history, including patrol, homicide, gang enforcement, the Office of the Chief of Police, and the SWAT team,” states an LBPD press release.

Conant has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from California State University, Long Beach, and he completed the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute and FBI Crisis Negotiation Team Leadership training. He is a current member of the Leadership Long Beach Institute Class of 2015.

Smith began his career as a

Richard Conant

police officer with the LBPD in 1990. His assignments have included working as a patrol officer, field training officer, community policing officer, as a drug enforcement detective, as well as in the Special Enforcement Section. He has extensive experience in community policing and at one point led the department’s Community Oriented Public Safety (COPS) Office.

Robert Smith

Smith has a bachelor of arts degree in criminal justice from California State University, Fullerton, and an associate of arts degree from Golden West College. He is a graduate of the University of Southern California’s Delinquency Control Institute and the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) National Academy, 234th Session.

Source: LBPD

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Metro Briefs

GATEWAY CITIES

All-New Metro Mobile App The newly updated Go Metro Los Angeles app makes getting to your destination more convenient than ever. Plan your trip using real-time bus and rail arrivals with a live map view of your route. Plus, get alerts related to your commute and customize your preferences based on your trips. The app is free, easy to use and available at Apple and Android stores. Visit metro.net/mobile/.

SIGNAL TRIBUNE 939 E. 27th Street Signal Hill, CA 90755

FEDERAL WORKER? What Monthly meeting Who National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE) Where Veterans Community Center, Veterans Park, 101 E 28th St. When Monday, Jan. 12 at 1pm More Info Kathrene Hansen, executive director of the Greater Los Angeles Federal Executive Board, will be the guest speaker. The largest federal employee/retiree organization, NARFE represents the retirement interests of nearly 5 million current and future federal annuitants, spouses and survivors. NARFE meetings are the second Monday of each month.

WHO ARE YOU? What Monthly meeting Who Questing Heirs Genealogical Society Where Resurrection Lutheran Church Parrish Hall, 1900 East Carson St. When Sunday, Jan. 18 at 1pm More Info The next meeting will feature two speakers: Dave Werts, who will talk about speech and heritage, and Ted Gostin, who will lecture on Jewish and Polish genealogy. Call (562) 598-3027.

EGGS WITH THE ELKS What Monthly breakfast Who Bellflower/Long Beach Elks Lodge 888 Where 16426 Bellflower Blvd. in Bellflower When Sunday, Jan. 25 from 8am to noon More Info Breakfast costs $6.50 per person and includes eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns, biscuits with gravy, orange juice, assorted fruit, Belgian waffles and coffee. Call (562) 866-3027 or visit elks.org .

Go Metro in the New Year The new year is starting and it’s a good time to consider going Metro. Regular Metro riders can save as much as ten thousand dollars a year on gas and parking. Plus, they can relax on their commute to work! Plan your trip at metro.net.

SIGNAL

Blue Line Upgrades Project Continues Work is wrapping up on the Artesia station, which is part of Metro’s $1.2 billion Blue Line overhaul.

The station received new tile, new audio/visual enhancements, fresh paint and more. The next stations to go under construction will be Wardlow and Willow St. Check service advisories at metro.net.

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Watch Metro Motion’s Latest Show Metro’s Emmy-winning news and feature show has returned, with a look at what LA’s tra;c reporters see plus a taste of Grand Central Market. Check your local cable listings to see when Metro Motion airs in your area, or view the episode online at metro.net/news/metro-motion.

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CHIEFLY SPEAKING What Meet and greet Who Eight District Councilmember Al Austin Where Calvary Chapel of North Long Beach, 5722 Lime Ave. When Saturday, Jan. 10 from 10am to 11:30am More Info Attendees will be able to meet new Long Beach Police Chief Robert Luna, who will discuss his plans for the community. Light refreshments will be served. Call (562) 570-6685 or email district8@longbeach.gov .

NURTURE NATURE What Volunteer training Who El Dorado Nature Center Where 7550 E. Spring St. When Saturday, Jan. 17, 24, 31 and Feb. 21 from 9am to noon More Info The Nature Center is seeking volunteers to help preserve and create habitats. Volunteers will maintain trails, plant native plants and care for the Nature Center grounds. Call (562) 570-1750.

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Despite his dignified appearance, Cole is actually a merry old soul. This 60-pound oneyear-old big boy is always eager to play, loves to be petted and cuddled, and is friendly with other dogs. He knows “sit” as well! Bring him his ball and bring him his bowl…and meet King Cole on the shelter side of the Companion Animal Village at 7700 East Spring St., (562) 570-PETS. Ask for ID#A495115.

AROUND TOWN

CRACK A BOOK What Bixby Knolls Literary Society Who Hosted by the Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association Where Elise’s Tea Room, 3924 Atlantic Ave. When Wednesday, Jan. 14 at 7pm More Info The group will discuss The Ginger Man by J.P. Donleavy. Set in Ireland just after World War II, the book chronicles the misadventures of Sebastian Dangerfield, a young American studying at Trinity College in Dublin. Parking is available along Atlantic Avenue. Call (562) 595-0081, emailinfo@bixbyknollsinfo.com or visit bixbyknollsinfo.com .

Get Metro’s new app and get going!

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TALKING POLITICS What Monthly breakfast Who The Long Beach Republican Women Federated Where Marriott Hotel, 4700 Airport Plaza Dr. When Saturday, Jan. 10 at 9:30am More Info 34th District Sen. Janet Nguyen will be the guest speaker. Cost is $25. Call (562) 493-4125 or email longbeachrwf@gmail.com .

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SIGNAL TRIBUNE

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Thoughts Publisher from the

by Neena Strichart

Today’s column is yet another of my Elvis-centric rants.

Believe it or not, yesterday would have been Elvis’s 80th birthday. Since he passed away at just 42 years of age, it is hard for any of us to picture what he might have looked like or sounded like as a true golden-oldie senior citizen.

Many of Elvis’s contemporaries are still with us. Some have done a beautiful job of keeping their careers alive. Who am I referring to? Did you know that Cher will be 69 this year, Tom Jones will be 75, Jack Jones will be 77 next week on January 14, Johnny Mathis is nearly 80 and Tony Bennett this year will be 89 years old?

With many of those entertainers still on tour and performing to packed houses, I admire their solid fan bases of mature as well as new admirers. Especially age-defiant and still quite relevant is the aforementioned dynamo Tony Bennett. Now there’s an entertainer who knows a lot about longevity, both physically and career-wise. Over the last few years he has teamed up with much younger artists to record duets. A CD in my personal collection is Tony Bennett: Duets–An American Classic. Produced in 2006, Duets features 18 of Bennett’s hits and favorite numbers with famous duet partners including Michael Buble, James Taylor, Stevie Wonder, Sting, Bono, Celine Dion, Barbra Streisand, Paul McCartney and Tim McGraw– all recorded live in studio with Tony Bennett. This is no cut-and-paste album. It’s the real thing. It is my understanding that Tony is now recording duets with Lady Gaga. Now there’s a CD I would love to own.

Reflecting on those years of seeing Elvis perform in person (I attended 40 of his concerts), I wonder what it might have been like if Elvis had followed the same path of reworking hit songs featuring duets with such artists as Tom Jones, Cher, Mick Jagger, or even more stirring might be duets recorded with his daughter Lisa Marie, who is, by the way, quite a singer in her own right.

Furthermore, I wonder if Elvis’s fame would have withstood the test of time.

I like to believe it would.

Another thing on my mind is whether Elvis would have, in his older years, concentrated more on movies, recording or live appearances.

Into his golden years, if movies were still one of Elvis’s passions, who might have been his co-stars? Can you picture the King of Rock 'n' Roll acting alongside Sir Anthony Hopkins, Johnny Depp, Clint Eastwood or Al Pacino?

How about Julia Roberts, Helen Mirren or Susan Sarandon? Now that’s some food for thought!

During his movie career, Elvis co-starred with some guys and gals who were already well known or were on their way to stardom: Charles Bronson (Kid Galahad), Barbara Stanwyck (Roustabout), Lizabeth Scott & Wendell Corey (Loving You), Walter Matthau, Dean Jagger & Carolyn Jones (King Creole), Barbara Eden (Flaming Star), Mary Tyler Moore (Change of Habit), Shelley Fabares (Girl Happy and Spinout), the recently deceased Donna Douglas (who played Elly May Clampett on TV’s The Beverly Hillbillies) (Frankie & Johnny), Hope Lange (Wild in the Country), Juliet Prowse (who was once engaged to Frank Sinatra) (G.I. Blues), Ursula Andress (Fun in Acapulco), Nancy Sinatra (Speedway) and of course Ann-Margret (Viva Las Vegas). I love watching those old movies and seeing Elvis exchanging scripted dialogue with performers who either already were, or later became, such well known television or movie stars.

So, happy birthday, Elvis. I miss you now and will miss you always.

Public domain Your biggest fan, Publicity shot of Elvis Presley, Neena circa 1968

OPINION

JANUARY 9, 2015

LETTERS, EMAILS and WEBSITE COMMENTS

Historically speaking

Center of attention

First, I would like to thank Dr. Geraldine Knatz for the great history book on the Los Cerritos area [“Los Cerritos resident-author Knatz draws family ties closer to her neighborhood,” May 2, 2014]. I am a history buff, and I grew up near that area of Long Beach.

I have always enjoyed visiting Bixby Knolls and the Rancho Los Cerritos Museum. The Los Cerritos Rancho is a place with an amazing history. In fact, the story of that area of Long Beach is like a true life fairy tale.

On one of my recent visits, I tried to find the steps that led to the Old Pacific Electric station mentioned on page 40, and I was not able to find them. I am sure I was at the right spot. I am afraid they may have been demolished when the new rail line was added. I am just curious about this detail.

Also on page 59 there is a photo (picnic day) showing teacher Evelyn Moulton and her class in 1917-1918 walking up a hill near the Cerritos school. If you look closely you can see the P.E. train and the old tarsal to the left. I am pretty sure that was taken right near the old P.E. station and behind where the Los Cerritos park is now.

Please let me know what you think or forward this to anyone who might know. I would love to learn more.

Thank you.

First, I would like to congratulate the Signal, [publisher] Neena [Strichart] and especially Sean Belk for an exceptionally well written and detailed article regarding the replacement of the community center [“Project to build new Houghton Park community center in north Long Beach to be discussed at public meeting,” Jan. 2, 2015].

I don’t write to you often, but this is a matter that really needs to be addressed.

I just wonder if any of these questions were considered and addressed. $10 million is a lot of money to replace a building complex with a smaller building that appears will do less than what we now have.

What will the new building do that the current building cannot do?

Why was the current building allowed to deteriorate, and what will be different to keep the new building from the same neglect?

Since the current building is larger than the planned new building, just what will not be able to be done in the current building like a gym, computer lab etc. (that can be done in the new building)?

Just how much will it cost to refurbish the current building, and what will be needed to have it fit current needs?

What criteria was given to staff to assess the needs of the community center?

Before any kind of a choice is made as to just what is needed for the Houghton Park community center, these questions need to be addressed and made public.

This does not even take into consideration the beauty of the current center and its historical value to the community and to all of Long Beach.

Mr. Williams seems to point out that this is a done deal and only the design is still in the works. What does Mr. Williams mean that the existing complex doesn’t “capture the spirit” of the community anymore?

Maybe the current complex does capture the spirit of the community far better than the planned new building.

If it is decided to keep and improve the current community center complex and save the city $8 plus million the $1.3 million that has already been awarded for the design of new community center can be used in a park where it is needed.

David G. Grant daveslookback@yahoo.com

Alan Fishel Long Beach

COMMENTARY

A new year, a new Downtown

By Kraig Kojian Downtown Long Beach Associates president/CEO

There are numerous reasons why many feel the new year marks a turning point– and for Downtown, there is truly an aura of change lingering that will become unquestionably obvious as 2015 becomes more of a reality.

At the DLBA, we’ve undergone considerable change by design, starting with our renovated offices that reflect creativity and connectivity while representing our stakeholders and community. Combining Suites 120 and 115 at 100 W. Broadway– where we had previously occupied Suite 120 only– our organization has a renovated office that has not only provided us an additional 1,200 square feet in space, but a place where our growth and creativity can be accommodated. Upon entering the office, you’re greeted to an open-floor office space that encourages collaboration, offers our staff and employees an oasis to relax, and welcomes a community conference room large enough to accommodate our multiple committees at its roundtable. The expanded space also allows more storage for our bike and Segway fleet that provides accessibility for our Clean Team to do their jobs more efficiently.

This ultimately culminates to a more engaging, connected space that increases our ability to effectively ensure that a collaborative effort harnesses the work being done.

We invite you stop by to tour the space and say hello.

Of course, change doesn’t always mean a lack of tradition. As you may have noticed, 2014 marked a great year in events. The sold-out success of our New Year’s Eve event produced last week brought in over 12,000 people to Pine Avenue, making it the most successful event in our history.

The exuberant crowd rocked out to the alt sound of headliner Fitz and The Tantrums before officially ringing in 2015.

The overwhelmingly positive response, in both attendance and opinion, of our events means that we’re not extensively altering them but simply making them better to PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Neena R. Strichart

MANAGING EDITOR

Cory Bilicko

fit the growing demand of our audience. More businesses.

More vendors. More live music. More accessibility. More interaction.

With such expansion comes much needed vision and direction. The $6.5-million, 13-block-long refurbishment of Pine Avenue– of which the DLBA helped fund with over a half-million in backing funds– brings one of our most historic stretches of roadway some much needed love and attention. From new lights and sidewalk repairs to bike racks and street signals, attention to detail will be brought to areas that have been otherwise overlooked.

The $1.2-billion renovation of Metro’s Blue Line has been underway since September, having begun in Downtown and providing our residents and visitors with upgraded stations and enhanced accessibility and infrastructure.

Development since 2013 has brought in a staggering $2 billion in investments and proposals, largely thanks to property acquisitions such as Molina Healthcare, private developments such as The Current Tower and Parc Broadway, and public projects such as the beautiful Deukmeijan Courthouse and the upcoming Civic Center rebuild. These essential economic development projects have pushed Downtown toward becoming the business and cultural hub of Long Beach– and with developments such as The Outlets at the tPike expanded with desired brands like H&M, there is no question that we are pushing forward, full steam ahead.

And with that, we continue to welcome a collaborative effort that encourages residents and stakeholders alike to participate in their own vision of what Downtown should be. Thanks for being a part of this and we welcome your contribution to our community.

Kojian is the president and CEO of the Downtown Long Beach Associates. For more information, visit downtownlongbeach.org .

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CJ Dablo

Vicki Paris Goodman Heidi Nye

Photo restoration project by Sachs Media Group (sachsmedia.com)

Artist’s imagining of Elvis at 80

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The Signal Tribune welcomes letters to the editor, which should be signed, dated and include a phone number to verify authenticity. Letters are due by noon on the Tuesday before desired publication date. The Signal Tribune reserves the right to edit letters for grammar, language and space requirements. Letters must be 400 words or less. The Signal Tribune will publish no more than one “pro” letter and one “con” letter on a particular topic in a single issue. The Signal Tribune does not print letters that refer substantially to articles in other publications and might not print those that have recently been printed in other publications or otherwise presented in a public forum. Letters to the editor and commentaries are the opinions of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Signal Tribune or its staff. Although the editorial staff will attempt to verify and/or correct information when possible, letters to the editor and commentaries are opinions, and readers should not assume that they are statements of fact. Letter-writers will be identified by their professional titles or affiliations when, and only when, the editorial staff deems it relevant and/or to provide context to the letter. We do not run letters to the editor submitted by individuals who have declared their candidacies for public office in upcoming races. This policy was put in place because, to be fair, if we publish one, we would have to publish all letters submitted by all candidates. The volume would no doubt eliminate space for letters submitted by other readers. Instead, we agree to interview candidates and print stories about political races in an objective manner and offer very reasonable advertising rates for those candidates who wish to purchase ads. The Signal Tribune is published each Friday with a circulation of 25,000. Yearly subscriptions are available for $50.

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JANUARY 9, 2015

NEWS Garcia appoints 14 new commissioners

SIGNAL TRIBUNE

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Seven seats on Technology and Innovation Commission to be filled, pending Council approval

Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia announced last week 14 appointments to city commissions, including two charter and five non-charter commissions. This round of appointments fills all seven seats on the newly formed Technology and Innovation Commission.

“I’m incredibly grateful that these outstanding citizens have agreed to serve Long Beach,” Garcia said. “I’m especially excited to assemble an allstar team for our new Technology & Innovation Commission. They will be a critical group tasked with helping us create the government of the future.”

Garcia spearheaded the creation of the Technology and Innovation Commission, along with the restructuring of the Technology Services Department as the Technology and Innovation Department, to support the City’s use of technology to increase efficiency and openness, and to attract technology businesses to Long Beach, according to the mayor’s office. These are the first appointments to that commission.

Garcia has prioritized civic engagement, and with these appointments will have named 75 commissioners since taking office five months ago, according to his office. The appointments for these non-charter commissions all came before City Council for approval last Tuesday. The charter appointments will be reviewed by the Personnel and Civil Service Committee on Jan. 13 and referred to the full council for action.

The new appointments are: Charter: Planning Commission Mark Christoffels has been a resident of Long Beach for more than 25 years and a practicing civil engineer in local government for more than 30 years.

He has a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from University of California, Irvine, and a master’s in business administration from Pepperdine University. He is both a registered civil engineer and land surveyor in California. This is a reappointment.

Board of Water Commissioners Gloria Cordero is a life-long Long Beach resident who has worked in public affairs and communication in Long Beach, at Long Beach City College, at Southern California Edison, and as the principal of her own consulting firm, ABC Advocacy, LLC.

She has a master’s in public administration from the University of Southern California and a bachelor’s in Sociology from California State University, Long Beach. A former teacher, she is a prior recipient of the Junior Chamber’s Woman of the Year Award.

Non-charter: Technology and Innovation Commission Milton Arcos works as a software architect and product developer for Integrated Rental Systems. He has also founded and developed a voice-over IP phone company and has extensive communications and networking experience. He is a graduate of California State University, Long Beach.

David W Ferrell co-founded the Long Beach Code For America Brigade as a local chapter of Code For America, and he serves on the board of Long Beach Tech, a nonprofit focused on elevating the tech entrepreneur community in Long Beach. He has served as a tech consultant and taught web marketing, UX design and other technology courses at Biola University.

Cindy Hanks is the deputy director for Academic Computing and Multimedia and Broadcast Services at Long Beach City College. She has more than 30 years of experience in using technology to improve education including the development of multimedia systems for classrooms and the large-scale installation of technology infrastructure in public works projects. She has a master’s degree in education technology from California State University, Long Beach.

Robb Korinke is a consultant on open data and government technology issues for California Forward, a nonprofit group advocating for governance reforms in California. In this capacity he has worked with public agencies and private firms to promote broader adoption of data and technology driven tools. Additionally, he has a background working with tech startups and creative, government-centered firms.

Juan Lopez is the special assistant for the Los Angeles City Controller focusing on technology and open data.

Some of the projects he has implemented in Los Angeles include: LA’s first civic accelerator, the Civic Inno-

vation Lab; coordinating the controller’s first web app to search for unclaimed property; and designing the city’s first Community Financial Report, a condensed snapshot of the 400-page Comprehensive Financial Report. As a member of the controller’s Data Team, he pioneered the City of Los Angeles’s first open data portal, Control Panel LA, which gives citizens free and unfettered access to the financial information of the city.

Andrew Schrock is a Ph.D candidate in communication at the University of Southern California, where he researches mobile communication, social media, and data, particularly their relationship to social cohesion and civic engagement. A particular area of interest is open government data; with Open Data LA, he has helped survey how 88 counties employ OGD and has written on the topic in the academic and popular press.

Gwen Shaffer is an assistant professor at California State University, Long Beach. Her research has included telecommunications policy and broadband advocacy. She has crafted recommendations for local governments hoping to expand broadband adoption in low-income and disenfranchised communities, and she has developed policies for communities using technology to boost civic engagement.

Additionally, she served on a task force that advised the City of Philadelphia on a successful $18-million federal stimulus grant proposal for information and technology initiatives.

Board of Health Kelley Tenny is the health curriculum leader for the Long Beach Unified School District. She has been teaching for more than 15 years and has a degree in community health education form California State University, Long Beach. She was nominated by the school district for this seat on the commission.

Commission on Youth and Children Jeremiah Jones is a student at Hughes Middle School. He started his own clothing line, including operating a retail store at the Pike for more than two years, and in 2014 he was a guest speaker at the TEDX Reno conference.

Megan Kerr was elected to the Long Beach Unified School District Board

LBCC names new director of College Advancement, Public Affairs & Government Relations

John Pope

Long Beach City College has named John Pope as the new director of College Advancement, Public Affairs and Governmental Relations, Long Beach Community College District Superintendent-President Eloy Ortiz Oakley announced Monday. Pope will oversee the college’s strategic communications efforts, media relations, community outreach and legislative affairs in his new role, which began Jan. 5.

Pope is a former journalist who most recently served as community relations manager for the Port of Long Beach.

“John’s expertise in strategic communications and community outreach will raise Long Beach City College’s visibility to both new and existing audiences,” Oakley said. “He

has an extensive background working in communications, media and community relations in Long Beach and the region. We look forward to John leading his team to help LBCC strengthen its communications efforts both internally and to the greater community.”

Pope joined the Port of Long Beach in 2005 as media relations manager and was named community relations manager in 2012. He has led the Port’s extensive media and community outreach activities as well as communications efforts for the $1.3 billion Gerald Desmond Bridge Replacement Project. Prior to joining the Port, he worked as a writer and reporter for the Long Beach-Press Telegram, Los Angeles Times and other media outlets in the greater Los Angeles area. He was an editorial writer and member of the editorial board for the Long Beach Press-Telegram from 2000 to 2005.

“Long Beach City College is one of the great educational pillars in our community and a tremendous economic asset for our entire region,” Pope said. “I am very excited to be part of the college’s mission and look forward to working with the Long Beach community in this new capacity.”

Pope is a member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), California Association of Public Information Officials (CAPIO) and the City-County Communications and Marketing Association (3CMA). He received a bachelor of arts degree in journalism from California State University, Long Beach, and a master of arts degree in communication from California State University, Fullerton.

Pope, his wife, Janice, and their two children are residents of Long Beach.

Source: LBCC

of Education in April of 2014. As a member of Long Beach Council PTA, she was appointed as school board liaison and is currently the director of Community Concerns. She was on School Site Councils at two schools and is the parent representative at the District Community Advisory Committee (DCAC) and the Superintendent Parent Forum for the last three years.

Human Relations Commission Desmond Fletcher has been a Long Beach resident for more than 20 years and is active with many groups in his community, according to the mayor’s office. He is a founding member of the new Country Club Neighborhood Association, where he has made strides in bringing information and events to the neighborhood.

Long Beach Transportation Company Board Of Directors Nancy Pfeffer is the founder and president of Network Public Affairs, an environmental and transportation consulting firm. She has served for seven years as director of Regional Planning

for the Gateway Cities Council of Governments and is a board member of both the Pacific Gateway Workforce Investment Network and City Fabrick, a local nonprofit. Pfeffer has a master’s degree in Public Policy from the University of Southern California.

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NEWS

6 SIGNAL TRIBUNE

JANUARY 9, 2015

LB stats show lowest reported violent crimes in 42 years

Based on preliminary crime data, Long Beach ended 2014 poised to achieve the lowest number of reported violent crimes in 42 years, according to City officials.

When compared to 2013, the 2014 violent-crime statistics reflect a decrease of 3.2 percent, with a 17.8-percent decrease as compared to the five-year average. Propertycrime statistics also showed a 4.8percent decrease and a 3.8-percent decrease in the five-year average.

The Total Part 1 Crime reduction was 4.6 percent and 6.3 percent as compared to the five-year average.

“This ongoing reduction in crime reflects the City’s unwavering commitment to public safety,” said Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia. “Reducing crime is a priority for the entire city, especially our police department and its dedicated employees.”

In the violent-crime category, the police department anticipates that the final 2014 statistics, which will be available later this month, will reflect a 30.3-percent decrease from 2013 in the number of murders– 23 as opposed to 33 in 2013.

(The 2014 total murders include two 2013 homicides that were

Number of murders lowest on record

reclassified as murders by the District Attorney’s Office in March 2014; the 2013 total murders include one 2012 homicide that was reclassified as murder by the District Attorney’s Office in December 2013.)

This is the lowest number of murders on record since statistics were first compiled in 1969. Fourteen of the 23 were investigated as gang-related. The Homicide Detail solved 22 murders in 2014 with a clearance rate of 95.7 percent. The number of reported rapes and aggravated assaults are expected to show increases when compared to 2013, however, they are still below the five-year average by 7.4 percent and 8.1 percent, respectively.

In the property-crime category, reductions were seen in residential burglary (9.7 percent), auto burglary (7.6 percent), arson (36.5 percent), petty theft over $50 (14.4 percent) and grand theft auto (13.3 percent). Increases were seen in commercial burglary (4.5 percent) and thefts under $50 (14 percent).

Police Chief Robert Luna attributed the property-crime reductions to an increase in community awareness, participation in crime prevention efforts and to the pro-

fessionalism and hard work of the men and women of the Long Beach Police Department.

“I am very proud of the efforts and outstanding commitment our employees demonstrate to the community they serve,” Luna said.

“We will continue to pursue effective crime reduction while building public trust in 2015. We must work together with other city departments and our community partners in a team effort to accomplish our collective goals of keeping our city safe.”

In addition, the City will be undertaking a number of initiatives related to policing. Luna said that efforts are underway to implement a body-camera pilot program in the police department. As part of the Fiscal Year 2015 adopted budget, the City Council approved nonrecurring funds to support the pilot program. A body-worn camera committee has been underway for approximately one year studying the various operational policies and financial effects of instituting body cameras.

To augment patrol operations, the police department deployed additional less-lethal equipment. In 2014, the less-lethal beanbag shotgun was replaced with the 40-millimeter less-lethal launcher and deployed to the patrol divisions, allowing for increased accessibility to officers in the field, City officials said.

The City will also be enhancing the investigatory capabilities of the Citizen’s Police Complaint Com-

mission, an independent investigative commission, through the addition of an investigator position.

The addition of an investigator position will afford the Commission additional resources to conduct investigations and follow-up on complaints and other business addressed to the Commission, according to the City.

In 2015, the police department will also enhance communication efforts to better explain the City’s extensive review process for any and all use of force incidents, as well as enhance educational information for the public on what to do in the event of contact with a police officer, according to the City.

The police department continued to partner with law-enforcement agencies at the local, county, state and federal levels to leverage available resources to impact crime in Long Beach, according to the City. The police department continues to focus attention on the use of social media as a conduit to improving communication with the community, including the GO LBPD mobile application to streamline the community’s access to the police department’s social networking tools. To receive information of news stories, alerts and events, visit nixle.com , facebook.com/longbeachpd.ca or @LongBeachPD_CA on Twitter.

The final year-end statistics will be available mid January on the police department website.

Source: City of LB

Food rescue organization accepting donations of unused gi cards

The food rescue nonprofit Food Finders is conducting a gift-card drive through the end of January through which individuals can donate any type of gift cards they don’t plan to redeem. Food Finders can use the cards to purchase needed items for the agencies that it serves, show appreciation to its volunteers, use them as opporprizes at tunity-drawing fundraising events and fundraising social-media campaigns.

“Depending on the source, our research tells us that the retail and restaurant industry average for unredeemed gift cards is 10 to 20 percent,” said Patti Larson, Food Finders executive director. “Food Finders has found a way to put those unredeemed gift cards to good use by helping the agencies we service and rewarding the dedicated volunteers that support our efforts.”

Gift cards in any amount can be dropped off or mailed to: Food Finders, Attn: Patti Larson, 2301 E. 28th Street, Suite 303, Signal Hill, CA 90755.

For more information, call Larson at (562) 283-1400, ext.

104.

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COMMUNITY

7 Volunteers encouraged to help with homeless counts in Signal Hill, Long Beach

JANUARY 9, 2015

Signal Hill and Long Beach will participate in the 2015 Homeless Count later this month, and both cities are seeking volunteers for the venture.

The biennial Homeless Count, required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), defines the scope of homelessness, both in the community and across the nation, and helps to determine existing resources, identify gaps, and highlight progress toward ending homelessness, according to the City of Long Beach.

“The homeless count is an extremely important part of the services we provide to combat homelessness and support our most vulnerable residents,” said Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia. “Participating in the homeless count is a great opportunity for people to perform a community service and learn about the issue of homelessness.”

Signal Hill The City of Signal Hill will conduct its homeless count on Wednesday, Jan. 28 from 7:30pm to 10pm.

Police department staff will drive through neighborhoods with volunteers to count and document homeless persons or makeshift shelters in the city.

To help volunteer for that city’s count, participants must pre-register with the Signal Hill Community Development Department. For more information, contact volunteer coordinator Ginny Hellerud at (562) 989-7340 or ghellerud@cityofsignalhill.org .

Long Beach The City of Long Beach will conduct its homeless count on Thursday, Jan. 29. The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) Homeless Services Division organizes the count. It is the lead agency for the Long Beach Continuum of Care, a local planning body that coordinates housing and services funding for homeless families and individuals.

Previous homeless counts in Long Beach have documented that from 2007 to 2013, the number of homeless/formerly homeless people off the street and in emergency shelters, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing has increased 50 percent, from 1,679 to 2508, according to the City.

This year, the count will include an intensive outreach to homeless veterans, in an effort to immediately link veterans to services, benefits and housing on the day of the count, according to the City. This additional mobilization is part of the National Mayors Challenge to End Veteran Homelessness in 2015.

The count process involves two distinct activities. The first is a residential-based count of all people living in emergency and transitional housing programs within Long Beach. The second activity is the street-count component, in which the city is divided into 47 GIS mapped segments. Teams of three to five individuals, composed of community volunteers, service providers and homeless program

participants, canvass each specific segment to count and survey homeless people in each area. Each map segment takes between two and three hours to canvass.

On Jan. 29, teams will be assigned and deployed between 5am and 9am from the Multi-Service Center, located at 1301 W. 12th St.

Volunteers can assist in various ways: • Community outreach: Recruit volunteers for the count and get the word out through flyers and social media. Host donation drives to collect items such as socks, travel-size hygiene products and pre-packaged snacks.

• Food donations for breakfast and lunch for count volunteers • Multi-Service Center volunteer: Assist at the Multi-Service Center headquarters the day of the count to assist, organize and coordinate count volunteers.

• Street outreach: Canvas one of 47 map segments with a team of three to five people (led by home-

less services provider staff) to complete surveys and provide resource information to those experiencing homelessness.

One-hour orientations for volunteers will be hosted at the Multi-Service Center. Volunteers need only attend one of the following orientation dates: • Tuesday, Jan. 13 at 1pm and 6pm • Wednesday, Jan. 14 at 1pm and 6pm • Thursday, Jan. 15 at 1pm and 6pm

The Volunteer Form and Homeless Count Flyer is available at http://bit.ly/2015LBCount .

Completed forms may be submitted to (562) 570-4066.

For more information about the Long Beach homeless count, contact Elsa Ramos, Multi-Service Center coordinator, at Elsa.Ramos@longbeach.gov or (562) 570-4588.

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CULTURE

8 SIGNAL TRIBUNE

JANUARY 9, 2015

Imitating Life

Posing questions to local artist Cassandra Vitale been a creative and artsy person,” she said, “and I have always felt compelled to express myself creatively.”

Though she cites crochet, photography and painting as her mediums, it’s only been in the last two and a half years that she has gotten “heavy into photography.”

Cassandra Vitale

Cory Bilicko

Managing Editor

Cassandra Vitale is likely best recognized locally as a yoga instructor, but she’s been generating a following with her series of close-up shots of flora called Flowers of Long Beach.

When asked what job(s) she has, the 30-year-old Long Beach native and resident says, “business owner, yoga instructor, artist, doula and Reiki Master.”

Currently in yoga school continuing her studies in that field, Vitale considers herself a lifelong student of the practice, but, in college and grad school, she focused on anthropology.

She says that, although she had no formal artistic training, she’s followed her creative instincts. “I’ve always

Tell me about your Flowers of Long Beach series. What’s it all about, and how did it come to be?

I have always loved flowers and plants. I appreciate being present in the moment and stopping to smell flowers and gently touch their petals and examine their intricate details and colors. I think that if one is present in the moment, any practice can become a form of meditation and have medicinal effects. For years before I even began studying yoga, I was obsessed with sacred geometry and specifically the radial symmetry and beauty of mandalas and mandala art. I love to walk all around town for exercise and one day, I started taking pictures of the flowers I would see on my walks. I felt compelled to get up close and personal with these beautiful plants and get the macro shot! I have many Facebook followers because of my yoga business, and I thought my friends would appreciate seeing flowers along with the inspirational yoga posts I put up.

So, I started posting a flower every day on my Facebook page as a gift to my friends to share the beauty of nature with them all. I post with the hashtag

“Autumn Feeling (Digital Photo)

“There’s a Heart in the Middle (Digital Photo)”

#floweroftheday. I purposefully highlight the geometric shapes that naturally appear in the different flowers I see. The flower photos became so popular that people started requesting I show them in art galleries, turn them into greeting cards and even print and frame them for sale! I’ve been posting at least one flower every day for the past two and a half years, and people are always telling me how much they love and appreciate my work. I am so amazed and grateful of the support I’ve gotten from doing this project and that this simple practice gives so much joy to all kinds of people. You can follow me on Instagram @yogamamacass or “like” me on Facebook at facebook.com/flowersoflongbeach .

Why flowers?

Flowers are beautiful, colorful, happy, and each one is unique. There are thousands of different kinds of flowers and plants, so to me this subject has infinite possibility and inspiration. I express myself in a sensual and feminine way,

“Bees Partying in the Poppy (Digital Photo)”

and I love the evocative nature of flowers, especially when pictures are taken macro-style.

What other subject matter are you interested in?

I adore sacred geometry, mandala art, graphic art and all things related to nature, plants, Earth, stars and astronomy. Psychedelia is one of my favorite genres. I also enjoy the art of different cultures around the world. I appreciate anything that is art-related and expressive. Anything from local art, to street art, to hand-crafted wares to fine arts appeal to me. I find inspiration in all of them, and I appreciate the work and thought that goes into each piece.

What kind of camera do you use?

I have been using my Samsung Galaxy s4! Saving up for a professional camera with a sweet macro lens. The

Galaxy takes amazing photos at 13 megapixels. People are always surprised to hear that I use my camera phone. My thoughts are that the best camera to use is the one you have on you.

What have you learned during this project?

I have learned that flowers are popular with all ages, genders and types of people. No one can get mad when they are looking at a beautiful flower. Flowers have a calming effect on everyone.

I have also learned the names of hundreds of types of flowers as well as the medicinal uses for them, which was something I hadn’t expected to happen. I know so much about flowers now, and it’s all because I stopped to appreciate them and capture them in a timeless photo.

“Sunburst Gazania (Digital Photo)”

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NEWS

JANUARY 9, 2015

Council continued from page 2

sion meetings, issues might arise in the future that may call for legal direction.

“The public has a little bit misunderstood the background and intent,” he said. “The intent is to give Council members some good standards for guidance so that we don’t get into these problems. I, as a lawyer, feel better having a set of written rules that I know are legally appropriate and which give me the opportunity in counseling Council members to help them understand these lines, which can be very surprising to Council members, and that’s really why they’re here.”

The Council agreed, however, that the code of conduct for elected and appointed city officials should be “highlighted” better by either being brought to the front of the document or included in a separate document.

Additionally, Councilmember Lori Woods and Councilmember Tina Hansen both said there should be more discussion on whether to include a three-minute time limit for public comment and a fiveminute time limit for public hearings, as proposed in the manual, or have it be left up to the discretion of the elected or appointed official leading the meeting.

Hansen said the manual was not intended to limit free speech, but it

was intended to provide the Council and commissions with legal guidelines on how to conduct meetings.

“We can’t curtail speech, and we’re not here to curtail speech, but we also have a job to make sure the meeting can reach a conclusion,” she said. “And, if it ever gets to a point where the audience doesn’t allow it to reach a conclusion, then that’s when I think these rules would take effect.”

Other Council highlights Presentations Mayor Wilson presented the City’s 2014 Sustainability Award to EDCO, a recycling company in Signal Hill. The Signal Hill Sustainability Committee selected the company for its household hazardous waste-management program. A short video about the program was presented during the Council meeting. In addition, Wilson presented various awards to community volunteers for their assistance in 2014.

Water-treatment plant The Council voted unanimously (5-0) to enter into a contract with Tetra Tech, Inc. to provide a 30-percent design for a project to build an advanced water-treatment plant at Well No. 9. The contract is not to exceed $167,500. The Council also authorized a budget adjustment of $200,000 from the City’s waterfund reserves for the project.

SIGNAL TRIBUNE

During the Signal Hill City Council meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 6, Mayor Edward Wilson (fifth from left) presents awards to Signal Hill Chamber of Commerce President Terry Rogers (Community Volunteer of the Year), third from far left in front; Shibani Bhagat (Outstanding Youth Volunteer), ninth from left; Alex Honeycutt (Outstanding Youth Volunteer), far left in back row; Pastor Gregory Johnson of American University of Health Sciences (Celebrated Business Sponsor), far right; and Signal Hill Police Department volunteers (Valued Volunteer Organization). Also pictured are: Vice Mayor Larry Forester, second from right; Councilmember Lori Woods, far left; and Councilmember Michael Noll, second from left.

New business In new business, Councilmember Michael Noll requested that city staff look into the possibility of developing a memorial bench and tree program

that would provide the community with a way to honor departed loved ones by erecting a bench or planting a tree in their memory.

The next Signal Hill Council meeting is scheduled for 7pm on Tuesday, Jan. 20 at the Council Chamber.

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Signal Hill Mayor Edward Wilson, left, presents Efrain Ramirez, middle, vice president and general manager of EDCO Disposal, and Steve South, president and chief operating officer of EDCO, with the City’s 2014 Sustainability Award during the City Council meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 6.

LBPD to conduct motorcycle-safety operation

The Long Beach Police Department will conduct a specialized motorcycle-safety enforcement operation on Saturday, Jan. 10 in an effort to lower deaths and injuries, according to the department. Extra officers will be on duty patrolling areas frequented by motorcyclists and where motorcycle crashes occur. Officers will be looking for violations made by drivers and riders alike that can lead to motorcycle crashes. They will be cracking down on both those driving regular vehicles and motorcycle riders that are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, speeding, making illegal turns, or committing other dangerous violations, according to the LBPD. Motorcycle fatalities saw a drop of 37 percent from 2008 to 2010 but then rose 23 percent by 2012, police said.

In Long Beach, there were 295 motorcyclists injured and 19 motorcycle fatalities during a three-year period spanning from January of 2011 to December of 2013. California collision data reveal that primary causes of motorcycle-involved crashes

include speeding, unsafe turning and impairment due to alcohol and other drugs by both riders and drivers alike.

“The Long Beach Police Department would like to remind all motorists to always be alert and watch out for motorcycles, especially when turning and changing lanes,” states an LBPD press release. “Drivers should be aware that motorcycle lane splitting is not illegal if done in a safe and prudent manner.”

Motorcycle riders should consult the Lane Splitting General Guidelines to learn more. Visit ots.ca.gov/lanesplittinggeneralguidelines.pdf . Riders can get training through the California Motorcyclist Safety Program.

Information and training locations are available by visiting CAmsp.org or calling 1-877 RIDE 411 or 1-877-743-3411.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Source: LBPD

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NEWS

Long Beach Police Department seeking public’s help in finding suspect who kidnapped, murdered local infant

The L.A. County Board of Supervisors approved a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) involved in the death of 3-week-old Eliza Delacruz. San Diego authorities found the deceased Long Beach infant in a dumpster at a commercial strip mall in the 600 block of Palm Drive in Imperial Beach on Sunday, Jan. 4. Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) detectives traveled to San Diego to confer with authorities, and the San Diego Coroner’s Office confirmed the deceased infant as Eliza Delacruz, who had been missing from the home in the 100 block of W. 51st Street where three of her adult relatives had been shot and injured on Jan. 3 around 5:50pm.

The preliminary investigation led detectives to believe an adult male suspect fled with the infant immediately after the shooting occurred.

Long Beach Fire Department responded to the scene and transported her parents and uncle to local hospitals. Two victims were in critical but stable condition. The third victim was treated and released.

The suspect, who is described as a male with dark skin, possibly Hispanic or African-American, fled the scene with the infant and remains outstanding. No vehicle was seen leaving the location.

“I am grateful to Supervisor

[Don] Knabe and the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors for assisting our efforts to solve this case,” said Long Beach Police Chief Robert Luna. “I want to thank the entire board for approving the motion for this reward. We are hopeful this will bring the information needed to seek justice for baby Eliza and her family.”

The LBPD hosted a news conference Monday to provide an overview of what had transpired in the shooting and the related kidnapping and murder. Police, again, stressed the need for anyone with information to come forward.

“We need to get the coward who committed this violent and senseless act off the street, but we absolutely need the public’s help to do this,” Luna said. “We need to hear from you.”

The suspect who committed these crimes remains outstanding.

No one has come forward with information, and LBPD urges anyone with information to call Long Beach Homicide Detectives Donald Goodman and Mark Mattia at (562) 570-7244. Those wishing to remain anonymous may call 1-800222-TIPS (8477), text TIPLA plus Courtesy LBPD their tip to 274637 (CRIMES), or Police are seeking the public’s help in obtaining information about the person visit LACrimeStoppers.org . or persons responsible for the kidnapping and murder of 3-week-old Eliza Source: LBPD Delacruz (pictured).

JANUARY 9, 2015

Five cited during undercover vice operation The Long Beach Police Department’s (LBPD) Vice Investigations Section, in cooperation with investigators from the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), participated in a Shoulder Tap Operation in Long Beach on Jan. 5.

The operation focused on individuals who knowingly purchased alcohol for minors. Minors under the age of 21, under LBPD’s supervision, approached customers outside the business. The minors told the individuals they were too young to buy alcohol and requested alcohol be purchased on their behalf. Five customers who purchased alcohol for a minor were identified and subsequently issued a misdemeanor citation for unlawfully furnishing alcohol to a minor. The businesses were unaware that an undercover operation was underway.

The LBPD stated in a press release this week that it will continue to enforce ABC laws at all establishments throughout the city.

Those wishing to report illegal behavior relating to the unlawful sale of alcohol should contact the Vice Investigations Section at (562) 570-7219. Those wishing to remain anonymous may call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), text TIPLA plus their tip to 274637 (CRIMES), or visit LACrimeStoppers.org .

Source: LBPD

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NEWS

JANUARY 9, 2015

SIGNAL TRIBUNE

WANTED: BRANCH oFFICE ADMINISTRAToR TRAINEE

EYE ON CRIME

Crimes reported by the LBPD Council districts 6, 7 & 8 (no arrest information supplied) Sunday, Jan. 4 Thursday, Jan. 1 4:41pm 12:54am Non-injury hit-and-run Non-injury hit-and-run 3000 block Magnolia Ave. 200 block E. Willow St.

1:30am Non-injury hit-and-run Cedar Ave./W. PCH

11:08am Grand theft- motor vehicle Orange Ave./E. Willow St.

3:59pm Assault- not firearm 2100 block Elm Ave.

Friday, Jan. 2 9:10am Non-injury hit-and-run 2900 block E. PCH

3:59pm Assault, not firearm 2100 block Elm Ave.

9:31pm Assault, not firearm 1800 block Chestnut Ave.

Saturday, Jan. 3 8:21am Residential burglary 4500 block Linden Ave.

3pm Grand theft- motor vehicle 3700 block Elm Ave.

5:24pm Residential burglary 3800 block Country Club Dr.

6:37pm Injury hit-and-run E. PCH/Long Beach Blvd.

10:41pm Residential burglary 4100 block Gaviota Ave.

6:04pm Residential burglary 3800 block Country Club Dr.

Monday, Jan. 5 10:14am Residential burglary 4500 block California Ave.

12:13pm Residential burglary 1000 block E. San Antonio Dr.

5pm Grand theft- motor vehicle 2000 block Chestnut Ave.

5:02pm Stolen vehicle recovered 1900 block Magnolia Ave.

5:16pm Battery 2800 Atlantic Ave.

Tuesday, Jan. 6 1:15pm Assault- not firearm 4800 block Atlantic Ave.

2:40pm Battery 2300 block Chestnut Ave. Wednesday, Jan. 7 1:03pm Battery 1800 block Lime Ave.

4:12pm Battery Pacific Ave./W. Wardlow Rd.

4:26pm Assault, not firearm 400 block E. 20th St.

2:04am DUI E. PCH/Molino Ave. (suspect taken into custody) 2:32am Non-injury hit-and-run E. Hill St./Obispo Ave.

4:07am DUI 3300 block E. PCH (suspect taken into custody) 11:08am Grand theft- motor vehicle E. Hill St./Obispo Ave. Friday, Jan. 2 8:43am Residential burglary 1800 block Temple Ave.

11:35am Non-injury hit-and-run Cherry Ave./E. Spring St.

6:55pm Commercial burglary 1800 block E. Willow St.

Saturday, Jan. 3 10:20am Grand theft- $950 or less 3000 California Ave.

6:30pm Auto burglary 900 block E. 33rd St.

Sunday, Jan. 4 1:59am DUI Atlantic Ave./E. 33rd St.

Long Beach Health Department predicting increase in flu activity

The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services is reporting an increase in flu activity in Long Beach and urging residents to get flu shots.

According to the most recent reports, influenza activity in Long Beach is beginning to show a steady increase with at least two intensive care unit admissions in persons under 65 years of age, according to City officials. There have been no deaths to date.

“While it may seem late in the flu season, we have likely not reached the peak in the number of cases seen in Long Beach, as flu season can last into the spring,” said Dr. Mitchell Kushner, Long Beach city health officer. “Therefore, we are still strongly recommending everyone to get vaccinated.”

The Health Department still has flu vaccines available through its Immunization Clinic, and appointments can be made by calling (562) 570-4315. Adults with Medicare Part B or other insurance are urged to bring their Medicare/insurance card to their appointments. Parents should bring their children’s immunization records, as some children will need two doses of the vaccine given one month apart depending on their immunization history. Additionally, the Health Department will be hosting two additional free flu shot clinics this season: • Wednesday, Jan. 14 from 1pm to 4pm at the Long Beach Senior Center, 1150 East 4th St. • Thursday, Jan. 15 from 1pm to 4pm at LBDHHS Main Facility, 2525 Grand Ave. Free vaccinations will also be offered at the 27th

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Crimes reported by SHPD Citywide

Thursday, Jan. 1 12:50am Battery 2500 block E. 19th St.

Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace & Unity Parade and Celebration on Saturday, Jan. 17.

Kushner also notes that in addition to getting vaccinated, it’s important to practice good hand washing and other good health habits. People who are ill should take actions to stop the spread of germs such as: • While sick, limit contact with others • Cover nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing • Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based rub • Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth

“Flu vaccination is recommended for everyone six months of age or older but is particularly important for those at higher risk of severe influenza, including pregnant women, children under 5 years of age, the elderly, and persons with certain underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, obesity, asthma, and heart disease,” states a press release from the City. “Vaccination of pregnant women also helps to protect infants too young to be vaccinated.”

This flu season is expected to be severe, according to the City. Those at highest risk who show flu symptoms should contact their physician immediately in order to get the most effective treatment. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and fatigue.

For more information about influenza, visit longbeach.gov/health .

Source: City of LB

For digital issues of the Signal Tribune, visit

signaltribune.com

11

(suspect taken into custody) 5:34pm DUI/Injury hit-and-run E. PCH/Obispo Ave. (suspect taken into custody) Monday, Jan. 5 7:06am Homicide Olive Ave./E. 28th St.

9:13am Residential burglary 2600 block Cherry Ave. 9:03pm Auto burglary E. 28th St./Walnut Ave.

Lives Lived

Tuesday, Jan. 6 9:55pm Grand theft- motor vehicle 1900 block St. Louis Ave. Wednesday, Jan. 7 3:41am Commercial burglary 1800 block E. Willow St.

4:17am Commercial burglary 1800 block E. Willow St.

3:29pm Trespassing/obstructin public business 1600 block E. Willow St. (suspect taken into custody) Commercial burglary- $950 or less 2200 block E. Willow St. (suspect taken into custody) 7:09pm Grand theft- $950 or less 2700 block Cherry Ave. (suspect taken into custody)

Jack Spainhower 82 Garcia Guadalupe 74 Marian Busch 93 Milton Walker 84 Karen Cannice 53 Peter Gunderson Sr 80 Paricher Adli 67 Eleanor Wondaal 78 Prateeti Ghosh 55 Frances Black 89 Stephanie Bussi 74 Esmat Sadeghi Yaghmai 93 Dolores Torres 52 Carrie Dorch 74 James Mason 49 William Savage 23 Phyllis Swank 56 The families were assisted

by McKenzie Mortuary.

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

The Signal Hill City Council is considering adopting a Manual of Procedural Guidelines for the Conduct of City Council and Constituent Body/Commission Meetings.

The City Council is inviting the community to review and provide written comments on the draft Manual. The Manual is available for review at the Signal Hill Public Library and City Hall or can be downloaded from the City website: www.cityofsignalhill.org .

The deadline to submit written comments is Friday, January 23, 2015. Please submit written comments to the City Clerk, 2175 Cherry Avenue, Signal Hill, CA 90755 or cityclerk@cityofsignalhill.org .

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12 SIGNAL TRIBUNE

NEWS

JANUARY 9, 2015

Body

continued from page 1

SIGNAL TRIBUNE

13

arrival, the officers discovered the victim lying in a vacant dirt lot with an apparent gunshot wound.

The victim has been identified as Keith Allen Cox, a 44-year-old resident of Champlin, Minnesota, according to a statement provided to the Signal Tribune by Craig Harvey, chief of coroner investigations for the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner. Harvey stated that the gunshot wound was located in the upper body and that, as of Wednesday, Jan. 7, an autopsy was still pending.

LASD officials state that, an “informant” was driving to work when he saw the victim’s body in the lot. When the informant stopped to investigate, he saw that the victim was dead and called the police. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

Signal Hill Police Chief Michael Langston said in a phone interview that the LASD Homicide Bureau is taking the lead on the investigation while working with Signal Hill police. Langston confirmed that the body was found in a vacant lot near oil-well properties and the EDCO Recycling & Transfer facility, in the 800 block of East 28th Street.

Those with information are asked to call the LASD Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. Individuals who prefer to provide information anonymously may call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), text the letters TIPLA Sean Belk/Signal Tribune plus their tip to CRIMES (274637) or visit A Minnesota man’s body was found in or near this vacant lot near oil-well properties and the EDCO Recycling & Transfer facility, in the 800 block of lacrimestoppers.org . ß East 28th Street, on Jan. 5.

Port continued from page 1

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The U.S. Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service announced on Monday, Jan. 5 that it will intervene in talks between West Coast dockworkers and their employers, following a joint request from the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and private terminal operators Pacific Maritime Association. Pictured is cargo being transported at Pier A at the Port of Long Beach.

had announced its involvement, U.S. Rep. Alan Lowenthal (D-Long Beach) released a statement urging the ILWU and PMA to “redouble efforts on contract talks” without third-party intervention.

“Our local, regional, and national economies– to the tune of more than $1 billion a day– depend on the efficient and timely flow of goods through the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles,” Lowenthal said. “I firmly believe that the ILWU and the PMA should be allowed to conclude their negotiations without outside intervention and urge both sides to stay at the table to reach a new contract quickly.”

The Congressmember said coming to an agreement on a new contract must involve key decision makers from both sides, and he bemoaned the fact that the ILWU leadership had been “sitting at the table” without PMA leadership’s willingness to join the talks directly.

“Furthermore, while negotiations continue, actions that make the congestion at the ports worse will do little to speed along a contract agreement and only further impact the economy,” Lowenthal said. “The unilateral steps taken by the PMA over the weekend to eliminate up to

two-thirds of the nighttime labor at the Los Angeles-Long Beach ports will increase congestion and eliminate work for hundreds of dock workers who have to support their families.”

Lowenthal urged both sides to aggressively pursue an agreement that can be speedily approved by all sides. “Once the labor issues have been resolved, we can then focus on the overriding causes of congestion at the ports– namely, the shortage of chassis and the massive increases in container traffic,” he said.

Although the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service’s involvement does not indicate an immediate return to normalcy at the sea ports, mediation has been pivotal in previous contract disputes, the AP reported.

Ports from San Diego to Seattle processed $892 billion in imports and exports in 2013, according to U.S. trade data, and the largest ports are in Los Angeles and Long Beach.

As the economy has improved, cargo has increased, leading to problems transporting it efficiently to its destinations, according to the AP. Last week, the Port of Long Beach reported that its Temporary Empty Container Depot on Pier S

had been opened, ready to provide a convenient means for truckers to free up truck-trailer chassis they need to move loaded containers out of marine terminals.

Ongoing congestion caused in part by a lack of available chassis– the wheeled frames used to move shipping containers on the road– had led to delays in shipments. The depot allows chassis to return to servicing the terminals more quickly, according

to Port officials. That depot is scheduled to close March 31, 2015. ß

Support local businesses.

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14 SIGNAL TRIBUNE

TST4815 / 2014 345244 FICTITIoUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following persons are doing business as: BMF PAYROLL, 5234 Klondike Ave., Lakewood, CA 90712.

Registrants: 1. BEN H. MALEKI, 5342 Klondike Ave., Lakewood, CA 90712, 2. DAMIEN J. SMITH, 2617 E. 219th Pl., Carson, CA 90810. This business is conducted by: a General Partnership. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct.

Signed: Ben H. Maleki. 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 December 8, 2014. 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: December 19, 26, 2014 & January 2, 9, 2015.

TST4816 / 2014 349266 FICTITIoUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person is doing business as: OOH-LA-LA GUMBO, 35 Linden Ave. #204, Long Beach, CA

PUBLIC NOTICES

90802. Registrant: JONATHAN F. CABRIETO, 35 Linden Ave. #204, Long Beach, CA 90802. This business is conducted by: an Individual. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed: Jonathan F. Cabrieto. 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 December 11, 2014. 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: December 19, 26, 2014 & January 2, 9, 2015.

TST4817 / 2014 337576 FICTITIoUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person is doing business as: MENTOR MUSIC, 2115 Ohio Ave. #F, Signal Hill, CA 90755.

Registrant: JOHN KEVIN SULLIVAN, 2115 Ohio Ave. #F, Signal Hill, CA 90755. This business is conducted by: an Individual. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed: John Kevin Sullivan. The registrant has not begun to

CITY OF SIGNAL HILL

TST4829 2175 Cherry Avenue Signal Hill, CA 90755-3799 NoTICE oF INTENT To ADoPT A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DEClARATIoN In compliance with section 15072 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, notification is hereby given to responsible agencies, trustee agencies, interest groups and the general public that the City of Signal Hill has completed an Initial Study and found potentially significant environmental impacts unless mitigated. Mitigation measures have been included to address Air Quality, Hazards/Hazardous Materials and Transportation/Traffic.

PRoJECT DESCRIPTIoN Construction of 72 multiple-family units for rent for extremely low, very low and low income households on an approximate 1.61-acre site at 1500 E. Hill Street in Area Six of the “SP-7 Special Purpose Housing Specific Plan” Zoning District: •The project includes 2 residential buildings that are 3-4 stories in height (maximum of 48’ in height).

The units range from 1-3 bedrooms, 1-2 bathrooms and are approximately 600 to 1,399 square feet each. There are 82 parking spaces located at grade and subterranean parking lots.

•Amenities include a 1,400 square foot community building, community garden, tot lot, laundry room and open space with patio and gathering courtyard.

A Disposition and Development Agreement between the City of Signal Hill and Meta Housing Corporation will be considered by the City of Signal Hill Housing Authority to restrict rentals to extremely low, very low, and low-income households.

PRoJECT loCATIoN 1500 E. Hill Street, Signal Hill, California. A 1.61-acre parcel located south of E. Hill Street between Gundry Avenue and Walnut Avenue. The subject site is not listed under on the California Department of Toxic Control Hazardous Waste Facilities List per Government Code Section 65962.5.

PUBlIC REVIEW The proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration 01/09/15(1) public review period is from January 9, 2015 to January 30, 2015. The Mitigated Negative Declaration and supporting materials relevant to the CEQA finding are available for review in the Community Development Department located at City Hall, 2175 Cherry Avenue during the hours of 7:30 am to 5:30 pm Monday through Thursday and 7:30 am to 4:30 pm Friday.

The Mitigated Negative Declaration may be adopted by the Signal Hill Housing Authority and become final, unless written comments and/or an appeal on its appropriateness or adequacy are received by the office listed above by 4:30 pm on the last day of the public review period. lEAD AGENCY: City of Signal Hill EMAIl: salanis@cityofsignalhill.org CoNTACT PERSoN: Selena Alanis, Assistant Planner PHoNE: (562) 989-7341 PUBlIC MEETING/HEARING oN PRoJECT: The proposed project will be reviewed for approval by the decision making body on the date(s) listed below.

DECISIoN MAKING BoDY: Signal Hill Housing Authority DATE: February 3, 2015 TIME: 7:00 pm loCATIoN oF PUBlIC HEARING: City Council Chamber located at City Hall 2175 Cherry Avenue, Signal Hill, California Posted in accordance with S.H.M.C. Section 1.08.010: January 9, 2015 Mailed to property owners within 300’ radius: January 9, 2015 Published in the Signal Tribune: January 9, 2015

CITY OF SIGNAL HILL

TST4826 2175 Cherry Avenue Signal Hill, CA 90755-3799

NoTICE oF PUBlIC HEARING FoR THE CoMMUNITY DEVEloPMENT BloCK GRANT PRoGRAM FoR THE 2015-2016 FISCAl YEAR

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Signal Hill City Council shall hold a public hearing on Tuesday, January 20, 2015, at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, 2175 Cherry Avenue, Signal Hill, California.

The purpose of the hearing is to consider the City’s Fiscal Year 2015-2016 Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) budget.

The City has been informed that its preliminary CDBG funding estimate for the 2015-2016 Fiscal Year allocation is approximately $57,394 . These funds can be used for a variety of purposes, including property acquisition, public services, and housing rehabilitation. However, in order to use CDBG funds for any of these eligible activities, it must be shown that the activity will: 1) directly benefit low and/or moderate income persons; 2) help to eliminate slum and blight conditions; or 3) address an urgent need.

Not more than 15 percent of the 2015-2016 Fiscal Year allocation, or approximately $8,609, can be allocated for public services.

All interested parties are invited to attend the public hearing and express opinion on the above items. Written comments may be submitted at the hearing or to the staff of the Department of Community Services.

Further information concerning the CDBG program may be obtained at the City of Signal Hill Community Services Department, 2175 Cherry Avenue, Signal Hill, California, or by telephone at (562) 989-7330.

Pilar Alcivar-McCoy Community Services Director

Published in the Signal Tribune on: 01/9/2015

Posted at City Hall, the Library, Discovery Well Park, and Reservoir Park on January 6, 2015.

transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. This statement was filed with the county clerk of Los Angeles County on November 26, 2014.

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: December 19, 26, 2014 & January 2, 9, 2015.

TST4818 / 2014 349512 FICTITIoUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person is doing business as: SPILL THE BEANS, 1605 E. Wardlow Rd, Long Beach, CA 90807.

Registrant: JANINE MARIE ACOSTA, 1968 St. Louis Ave., Signal Hill, CA 90755. This business is conducted by: an Individual. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed: Janine Marie Acosta. 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 December 11, 2014. This statement was filed with the county clerk of Los Angeles County on December 11, 2014. 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: December 19, 26, 2014 & January 2, 9, 2015.

TST4820 / 2014 355783 FICTITIoUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person is doing business as: SOUND ETC, 3466 California Ave., Long Beach, CA 90807.

Registrant: ROLANDO QUIAMBAO, 3466 California Ave., Long Beach, CA 90807. This business is conducted by: an Individual. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed: Rolando Quiambao. 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 December 18, 2014.

NOTICE: This fictitious business name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the county clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed prior to that date. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code). Pub. The Signal Tribune: January 9, 2015 & January 2, 9, 16, 2015.

TST4819 / 2014 6391086 FICTITIoUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person is doing business as: 1. SHIITAKE-YA, 2. SHITAKE-YA, 3. SLITAKE-YA, 4.

SITAKE-YA, 5. SHIITAKE YA, 6.

SIITAKE YA, 7. SIITAKE YA, 8.

SITAKE TA. Registrant: L.A. LINK CORPORATION, 13072 Moore St., Cerritos, CA 90703. This business is conducted by: a Corporation. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed: Timothy Lin, GM. 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 February 15, 2000. This statement was filed with the county clerk of Orange County on November 26, 2014. 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: December 19, 26, 2014 & January 2, 9, 2015.

TST4827 / 2014 351890 FICTITIoUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person is doing business as: CAPITAL INVESTMENT ADVISERS, 5000 E. Spring St., Long Beach, CA 90815. Registrant: EMERSON JOSEPH FERSCH, 5000 E. Spring St., Long Beach, CA 90815.

This business is conducted by: an Individual. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed: Emerson Joseph Fersch. 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 January 1, 1999. This statement was filed with the county clerk of Los Angeles County on December 15, 2014.

NOTICE: This fictitious business name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the county clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed prior to that date. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code). Pub. The Signal Tribune: January 9, 16, 23, 30, 2015.

TST4825 / 2015 002475 FICTITIoUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person is doing business as: OLD FASHIONED HOUSE CLEANING, 2570 Golden Ave., Long Beach, CA 90806. Registrant: GUADALUPE OROZCO, 2570 Golden Ave., Long Beach, CA 90806.

This business is conducted by: an Individual. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed: Guadalupe Orozco. 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 January 5, 2015. NOTICE: This fictitious business name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the county clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed prior to that date. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code). Pub. The Signal Tribune: January 9, 16, 23, 30, 2015.

TST4828 / 2014 356708 FICTITIoUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person is doing business as: MOTORS UNITED & CO, 1481 E. 28th St., Signal Hill, CA 90755. Registrant: ALEX STYLE AND SPED INC, 1481 E. 28th St., Signal Hill, CA 90755. This business is conducted by: a Corporation. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed: Yuji Kawakami, 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 December 19, 2014. NOTICE: This fictitious business name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the county clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed prior to that date. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code). Pub. The Signal Tribune: January 9, 16, 23, 30, 2015.

TST 4824 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S SALE PURSUANT TO CIVIL CODE § 2923.3(a), THE SUMMARY OF INFORMATION REFERRED TO BELOW IS NOT ATTACHED TO THE RECORDED COPY OF THIS DOCUMENT BUT ONLY TO THE COPIES PROVIDED TO THE TRUSTOR. NOTE: THERE IS A SUMMARY OF THE INFORMATION IN THIS DOCUMENT ATTACHED. IMPORTANT NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER: YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 04/19/2006. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANA-

JANUARY 9, 2015

TION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. Trustor: EDUARDO AMBRIZ AND LETICIA C. AMBRIZ, HUSBAND AND WIFE AS JOINT TENANTS Duly Appointed Trustee: Western Progressive, LLC Recorded 05/11/2006 as Instrument No. 06 1042042 in book ---, page--- and of Official Records in the office of the Recorder of Los Angeles County, California, Date of Sale: 01/30/2015 at 11:00 AM Place of Sale: BEHIND THE FOUNTAIN LOCATED IN CIVIC CENTER PLAZA, 400 CIVIC CENTER PLAZA, POMONA, CA. Estimated amount of unpaid balance and other charges: $373,530.23. WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH, CASHIER’S CHECK 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, A SAVINGS ASSOCIATION OR SAVINGS BANK SPECIFIED IN SECTION 5102 OF THE FINANCIAL CODE AND AUTHORIZED TO DO BUSINESS IN THIS STATE: All right, title, and interest conveyed to and now held by the trustee in the hereinafter described property under and pursuant to a Deed of Trust described as Note: Because the Beneficiary reserves the right to bid less than the total debt owed, it is possible that at the time of the sale the opening bid may be less than the total debt.

More fully described in said Deed of Trust. Street Address or other common designation of real property: 3259 Lewis Avenue, Signal Hill, CA 90755 A.P.N.: 7148-006-035. The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address or other common designation, if any, shown above. 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.

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: $373,530.23. If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder’s sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee, and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse. The beneficiary of the Deed of Trust has executed and delivered to the undersigned a written request to commence foreclosure, and the undersigned caused a 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 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 this 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 (866)-960-8299 or visit this Internet Website http://www.altisource.com/MortgageServices/DefaultManagement/TrusteeS ervices.aspx , using the file number assigned to this case 2014-03788-CA. Information about postponements that arevery 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 Date: December 23, 2014 Western Progressive, LLC , as Trustee C/o 30 Corporate Park, Suite 450 Irvine, CA 92606 Automated Sale Information Line: (866) 960-8299 http://altisource.com/resware/TrusteeSe rvicesSearch.aspx , For Non-Automated Sale Information, call: (866) 240-3530 THIS FIRM IS ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE TS:2014-03788-CA PUB. SIGNAL TRIBUNE JANUARY 9, 16, 23, 2015.

SIGNAL TRIBUNE

JANUARY 9, 2015

Housing

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studios and galleries, and walls with lighting for senior-citizen residents to display their artwork. The complex also has rooms for fitness activities, yoga and billiards. One of the floors has an open-air environment, with a spa, a dog park, community gardens and a community center, which includes a stage for performances.

Christopher Maffris, vice presi-

“This really is a

continuation of life, a continuation of how to learn and grow.”

–Christopher Maffris, vice

president of Meta Housing

dent of Meta Housing, said various programs, which are managed by the nonprofit firm EngAGE, offer residents a way to connect with one another to make them feel as though they are part of a community. He said there are still more than 100 people on a waiting list for occupancy.

“People love it, and the community loves it,” Maffris said. “The old senior-housing paradigm was shuffle board and just aging without the engagement. This really is a continuation of life, a continuation of how to learn and grow.

Because of all the activities, everyone is kind of connected. People

Sean Belk/Signal Tribune

A community center with a stage for performances is located on an open-air-environment floor of the Long Beach Senior Arts Colony located at the southwest corner of Anaheim Street and Long Beach Boulevard in downtown Long Beach.

cross over to different classes so everyone knows each other, and I think it’s just a better environment.”

Maffris said the focus of the complex is to incorporate the local community as much as possible, whether through neighborhood

meetings or art-gallery showings.

“Our goal is to not build a project that’s standalone but [to build] something that’s integrated with the neighborhood and everything else that’s going on in the city,” he said.

For the Signal Hill residential

Residents of the Long Beach Senior Arts Colony paint canvases in an art studio.

Be Seen!

Call a Signal Tribune ad rep about advertising your business.

(562) 595-7900

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project, Bohn said the plan is to create a “village-like feel” with a quarter of the complex dedicated to open space for landscaping and community gardens. Maffris added that programs for the affordablehousing project would be more “family-oriented” and include educational classes for children.

Additionally, Bohn said the location of the affordable-housing development is ideal for residential use since there are plenty of public amenities, including City Hall, the library, schools and the community center, within a short walking distance.

“We think it’s a great location,” he said. “It’s really walkable. You can walk to parks and to schools. Most academics can’t agree on much, but they all agree that people will walk five minutes to go somewhere instead of getting in their car.”

After being in limbo for years, the Signal Hill project moved forward last July when the City Sean Belk/Signal Tribune Council, acting as the Signal Hill Housing Authority, selected Meta

Housing and Studio One Eleven to take on the project after a requestfor-qualifications process.

The project has been in the works for more than six years and calls for building 72 units on a 1.61-acre property at 1500 E. Hill St. and 2170 Gundry Ave. Although a metal Quonset hut had taken up one of the sites, city officials confirmed that it has been since been demolished.

While the State of California took away nearly $2.6 million allocated for the project after abolishing redevelopment, Maffris noted that the City is providing the developer with the land and some relief on development-impact fees that would be used as leverage in competing for tax credits from the State to finance the project.

He said, if the tax credits are obtained, the developer would be able to start construction in December 2015 and complete the project in 2017.

“We’re excited about doing something as impactful as this in the city of Signal Hill,” Maffris said. “We want to impress everybody. We really work for the city and community. That’s how we do business: to do something that everybody is proud of is how we survive.” ß

16 SIGNAL TRIBUNE

JANUARY 9, 2015

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