Signal Tribune November 6,2015

Project1_Layout 1 4/13/15 12:51 PM Page 1

“VA Flag Icon,” photograph by Steve Grove, participant in the Long Beach Veterans Digital Photography Program See page 9

Serving Bixby Knolls, California Heights, Los Cerritos, Wrigley and the City of Signal Hill

Your Weekly Community Newspaper

VOL. 37 NO. 23

November 6, 2015

‘All these women teach us how to survive’

War brides gather at Queen Mary for annual reunion Denny Cristales Editorial Assistant

It was onboard the Queen Mary on Tuesday that widespread tales of survival, love and pain were shared in a gathering that saw long-distant realities of World War II come to life once more.

The World War II War Brides Association, a group of foreign-born wives and husbands of U.S. military personnel who

married during the time of World War II and subsequent wars, is holding its week-long reunion onboard the Queen Mary from Nov. 3 to Nov. 7.

Reunions are held every year in different parts of the United States.

The event is celebrating 70 years since the end of World War II and the use of the Queen Mary to transport war brides and children to the United States and Canada.

Dresses worn by the war brides decades ago now sit on dis-

play aboard the Queen Mary along with other memorabilia of those involved during the World War II era.

It was that era that brought forth a life of struggle.

“All these women teach us how to survive, and how they survived,” said Beverly Sollars, the exhibits coordinator and a World War II Australian war baby. “We need to know that history.”

During the reunion, the Signal Tribune reached out to war brides onboard the Queen Mary during the event and asked about their experiences. see BRIDES page 18

Photos by Monica Gallardo

Many of the brides’ wedding gowns were on display in an exhibition on the lower floors of the Queen Mary for this week’s World War II War Brides Association reunion. Joy Beebe’s wedding dress is the third one from the right.

A Japanese invasion of the Philippines wiped out Nina Edillo’s home in Manila. Edillo thanks God for making it out alive.

After years of anticipation, new Signal Hill library within reach CJ Dablo Staff Writer

The plans for a new Signal Hill library have been in the works for years…nearly two decades even.

And after many roadblocks, now the vision to transform the city’s civic center area is closer to a reality.

Signal Hill City Manager Charlie Honeycutt in a phone interview recalled that the plans for a library date back to at least 1998. He confirmed that he will, within the next couple of weeks, be meeting with the architect to review the plans that were set aside a few years ago and determine if they will need to tweak the design before it’s com-

plete. After that, the city manager added, they will finish the construction documents, plans and specifications that will be put out to bid and then they will ask for proposals to construct the project.

In his telephone interview, Honeycutt seemed delighted at the prospect of a new facility.

“I think it’s just going to be a great addition to the community,” the city manager said, as he described how the purpose of the library had fundamentally changed over the years. “[It’s] not just a place to go check out books,” he said, adding that it’s a place where individuals can study and enjoy author talks and other community events and

programs. He noted that the new building will have a history museum area and more public computers, and it will be a venue for community programs hosted by the Friends of the Library and for mixers hosted by the local chamber of commerce.

The path to gathering community support, especially getting access to the money that would pay for a large project was not an easy one for the City of Signal Hill and its then redevelopment agency. There was already bond money that had been set aside for the project, however, Gov. Jerry Brown had announced several years ago see LIBRARY page 4

CJ Dablo/Signal Tribune

City officials have confirmed that Signal Hill is closer to building a new library. The Calif. Department of Finance has allowed Signal Hill access to more than $8.8 million in bonds set aside for the Civic Center Phase 2 project. In this photo from 2014, children’s books are placed on display at the current library.

Weekly Weather Forecast

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November 6 through November 10, 2015

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Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

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Plenty of sunshine

Partial Sunshine

Times of clouds & sun

Partly sunny

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Lo 55°

Lo 51°

Lo 47°

80° Lo 52°

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NEWS

Signal Tribune

November 6, 2015

Signal Hill City Council meeting

City council authorizes $225K project-management contract for upcoming construction at drainage area Micayla Vermeeren Contributing Writer

Contract services agreement On the evening of Nov. 3, the Signal Hill City Council entertained a motion to solidify a contract with MCM Management Company and appoint Dezi Alvarez as project manager for the Los Cerritos Channel Sub-basin 4 Drainage Area construction project.

The contract, which is to be awarded in the amount of $225,000 and last for three years alongside the duration of the project, was ultimately approved, but not without hefty discussion from the City.

A physical copy of the contract was not made available to the City through the proposal packet, which

turned into a point of contention with Councilmember Tina Hansen.

“I think my concern about this agenda tonight is there’s almost this assumption that we’re going to take these reports that have minimal information in them and say ‘okay’ and pass them,” Hansen said. “This item doesn’t have the contract attached. So, there’s not enough information coming in…and I think for our comfort level, for the public’s comfort level, that we need these things.”

Signal Hill resident Maria Harris stepped forth with questions of her own, asking for clarification on what exactly the $225,000 would provide for the City in terms of service from Alvarez and what the financial spe-

cifics of the agreement between the City and Alvarez would look like, since there was no inclusion of it in the report.

Vice Mayor Lori Woods expressed concern about appointing Alvarez as the sole manager for the project because of the tight three-year timeline the project must stick to in order to maintain grant funding and the high risk of placing the entire project on one man’s plate.

“I would like to express the caveat that while I plan to vote for this, maybe staff come up with a backup plan,” Woods said. “If something happens to Dezi during this tight time frame, and we have got to hit the mark at the right time, I would like to see somebody shadowing Dezi...I don’t think it’s unreasonable. Can we have a contingency, can we have a backup, can we have something?”

As the recommendation moved into a formal vote, Councilmember Hansen again spoke up; this time addressing the fact that she felt the vice mayor had been spoken to disrespectfully as she raised her point of a possible contingency.

“I’m in a bad mood, and I’m ticked off, and I just need to say this,” Hansen said. “I don’t think that Vice Mayor Woods is saying she’s against Dezi Alvarez…she’s just expressing a concern. Well, what if something happened to him, what would we do? Well, I think the question is that we don’t know, but I

Sebastian Echeverry/Signal Tribune

At the commencement of the Signal Hill City Council meeting on Nov. 3, Mayor Larry Forester introduces the newest administrative assistant with the Community Development Department, Sarah Tsao.

don’t think that asking the question is improper.”

Parkway tree replacement The Parks and Recreation Commission requested approval for a $1,900 plan to replace four trees located on Dawson Avenue, bordering Hilltop Park, with five new crepe myrtle parkway trees.

Mentioning that residents in the Promontory Crest area who initially

approached the commission about the replacements would supplement half of the total cost, a commission representative introduced the plan as a way for the City to regulate inconsistencies with landscaping between the east and west portions of Dawson Avenue.

“There are two trees to the south and two trees to the north, relatively see COUNCIL page 8

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COMMUNITY

Signal Tribune

3

When walls can’t talk, people do Historic Signal Hill home now undergoing restoration was once a costly eyesore

Cory Bilicko Managing Editor

The following is the second portion of a two-part story. To read part one, visit http://www.signaltribunenewspaper.com/?p=29306 .

A 107-year-old Signal Hill home that has been at the epicenter of ownership conflicts and City intervention is now in the hands of a new owner who has agreed to retain its historic value.

For some time, the Signal Hill Historical Society had partial ownership of the building and planned to convert it into a museum. However, because the structure was in significant disrepair, it would have cost the organization too much to renovate it and bring it to code in order to use it as a historical attraction.

The 1,252-square-foot home, located in the Crescent Heights Historic District at 2477 Gaviota Ave., was built in 1908, and it has changed owners numerous times since. In 2008, Willard Gilliam, who co-owned the house with Arthur Holland, had bequeathed his half of the ownership to the historical society.

Terry Rogers, a local realtor who also serves as president of the Signal Hill Chamber of Commerce, ultimately handled the sale of the home when Rama Singhal purchased it a year ago.

Because the home is in Crescent Heights and the City has stringent rules for what can be built there, Singhal is required to maintain its integrity. Singhal said he purchased the home in order to restore it and prevent it from being demolished.

Signal Hill City Manager Charlie Honeycutt said Singhal agreed that he would restore the house in honor of its historical architecture and that he paid an outstanding water bill, which resulted in the City removing a lien that had been placed against the property.

A pricy eyesore “The history is that...Will Gilliam and Arthur Holland owned the property. Will Gilliam actually lived in the property,” Honeycutt said. “He, over the years, had collected a number of old cars, and he would basically just store them on his property. He really didn’t take care of his property. There was overgrown vegetation, broken windows, just junk and debris stored on the property, and it had become a problem for his neighbors. So, we carried out code enforcement on the property, basically giving the property owners the ability to address these various concerns. Essentially, they didn’t do it, so the City then had to go to court an order of abatement from the court that allowed us to go on the property and deal with the code-enforcement violation, which, a lot of it was just removing these abandoned vehicles and the overgrown vegetation.”

Honeycutt said the cost of the clean-up totaled almost $29,000 and that an unpaid water bill added up to $824.90. When asked to estimate the number of vehicles on the property, the city manager noted that it had been some time ago, but he figured there were likely between 20 and 30 cars.

Terry Rogers, the realtor who ultimately handled the sale of the home, said that 10 years ago, a friend of Gilliam approached her about helping him sell the house. She said that, before getting involved, she did some homework. Before meeting with Gilliam, she consulted with Honeycutt, the fire department and the police department, and she discovered that the property had

already been “cleaned up” twice.

She said that because of the previous problems and the fact that there were two owners involved, she was reluctant to handle the sale.

“I’m thinking, ‘Why do I want to help this person and take this listing, because there’s another partner involved?’” Rogers said. “So I called the partner, which was Art Holland at the time, and it still was till the day [Gilliam] died, and I asked him, and he said, ‘Absolutely not.’ He did not want to sell it. Who would have thought that the partner (Holland) 10 years later would be asking me to help him sell the property? And then the story unfolded. We were always told only one story by Willard Gilliam. We were never told the other half. And when you hear the other half, there was a grave injustice done to Mr. Holland in the poor choice of partners.”

Rogers compared the state of the property to the set of a popular 1970s sitcom that was set in a junkyard.

“It was like Sanford and Son. It was like a major dumping ground,” she said. “So, the day I went to go talk to [Gilliam], I go to the property, and I am not joking you... he is walking the property and giving me a tour as if there is nothing wrong with this Sanford and Son dump site. I am not joking you. He bends down and picks up a Life magazine that was President Kennedy, I believe, on the cover, and it was wind- and weather-damaged, and he acts as if it’s a collectable in pristine condition.”

Rogers said that at one time, the home had been “highly desirable” and a “very prominent home in the city of Signal Hill,” but under Gilliam’s care, it had fallen into utter disrepair. She had to let him know that she wouldn’t be able to sell it, but the home’s condition wasn’t the only obstacle to his putting it on the market.

“I told [Gilliam] it won’t work out because [Holland] doesn’t want to sell. That was the bottom line,” she said. “[Holland] did not want to sell at that time, because at that time that property was worth about $1.2 million. They had offers over that.

Even Signal Hill Petroleum was interested in it at that time. If you look at the property, look at the size of it.

It’s right under 35,000 square feet,

Courtesy Mary Justus

A photo from 2008 shows debris on the property at 2477 Gaviota Ave., where a historic home, once valued at $1.2 million, has been the source of controversy.

and it has a spectacular view of the city. The location was perfect.”

A gift or a burden?

In a phone interview with the Signal Tribune, Holland said he found out about Gilliam’s bequest to the historical society indirectly. He got the news from members of the clean-up crew that the City of Signal Hill had charged with removing cars and debris from the property.

“It was fine with me,” Holland said, adding that he is a “low-profile person” and did not care to get involved much in telling the story. He did, however, commend Rogers for her part in the sale.

“I want to give Terry Rogers the benefit of putting the deal together, which was not easy,” Holland said.

“I give her all the credit for that.”

Mary Justus, former president of the Signal Hill Historical Society, said that Gilliam had tried for years to transfer his part of the ownership to the organization.

“Gilliam had called me up, and he kept coming down to my business every day to get me to take it, for about two years, for the society,” Justus said. “I kept telling him, ‘No, not right now,’ because we didn’t have enough time and we didn’t have enough people to help us.”

Justus said she finally agreed to the bequest. She presented the idea to the other members of the historical society, and they were amenable to it too. “They all said yes,” she

said. “They thought it was a great idea.”

She said the members went and looked at the property, which was “a big mess.” However, they decided to continue with the acquisition of the property. Gilliam gave them a quitclaim deed.

“Then, we went back over to the property to help clean it up,” Justus said, adding that the undertaking involved about three days of work

“getting rid of all the stuff inside that was broken and everything, where kids had been in there, breaking in.”

She said that Gilliam originated the idea of using the building as a Signal Hill museum. He even wanted to be on the property to greet visitors, Justus said.

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NEWS

Signal Tribune

Library

continued from page 1

that the redevelopment program would be dissolved.

Honeycutt confirmed that the bond money had been untouched, and the successor agency had been responsible for making interest payments on the bond funds. As the Signal Tribune reported last month, in September, the State Legislature approved SB 107, a bill that would allow the successor agency to use the bond money.

Honeycutt confirmed that more than $8.8 million is sitting in a bank account.

About $7.6 million of that money will be used for the library’s design, construction and furnishings. The estimated $1.2 million covers the cost of issuing the bonds and keeping a reserve

on hand for a period of time to act as insurance for the repayment, he said.

There will be more work ahead. The library is currently located in a building that had housed the city’s old fire station. The city manager added that during the construction, the library will be moved to the community center to offer basic services while the former building is demolished and a new building is constructed.

City Councilmember Tina Hansen is especially happy that the City is much closer to building a new library. In a statement to the Signal Tribune, Hansen recalled her personal connection to the library. She described the library as a place of refuge for her when she was growing up.

Hansen had led the design committee, which offered input on the needs of the new facility a few years ago.

She said she appreciated the city staff who recognized the community dreams of the library.

“They didn’t stop,” she said, “until the State finally understood and agreed that the library is not just a standalone project but an entire civic center improvement.”

Hansen praised the library.

“My hopes are,” she stated, “that this library becomes a refuge for our community plus provides the latest in technology and a view of the history of our community in the art and displays that we will use in our interior and exterior design.” ✦

Thoughts from the

W

Publisher

by Neena Strichart

hat do Greek mythology, Adam and Eve, Star Wars and tabloid newspapers have in common? In

my mind, they all represent different aspects of Long Beach Playhouse’s (LBPH) theatrical production Bat Boy: The Musical.

Courtesy Robert Coffee

This conceptual graphic from 2012 offers a potential look of a new library in Signal Hill. Plans to build a facility are underway, and the city manager will be meeting with the architect within the next two weeks to review the design and make any needed updates.

OPINION The back story of the play is that, allegedly discovered in a cave in West Virginia, a boy thought to be half human and half bat was featured as a cover story in a now defunct tabloid magazine in 1992, complete with fabricated photographs. Later proved to be purely fiction, a handful of creative minds decided to turn the absurd story into a stage play in the late 1990s.

LBPH chose the play, complete with catchy songs and musical accompaniment, as its closing production for their Studio Theater season.

Hearing the title Bat Boy: The Musical, I wasn’t sure if I was going to see a play written about Batman as a child, a baseball team’s young aide or a story about a creature morphed from a human and a bat; the latter proved to be true.

From the beginning, while watching the production, the bizarre, eerie, surreal nature of the saga really intrigued me and, in some instances,

kept me on the edge of my seat.

Helping to create such focus on my part was the young man, Russell Malang, who played the lead as Batboy/Edgar. Russell was born with arms that end above where elbows would be, and his congenital differences from most other people lend beautifully to the believability of his character. In my opinion, his acting talent is that of a truly seasoned performer.

In the production, the formerly cave-dwelling Bat Boy, dubbed Edgar by a veterinarian’s family who acts as foster parents, acclimates to life in the real world.

Besides the tabloid reference above, which I already cleared up, I also mentioned Adam and Eve, Greek mythology and Star Wars.

During the play, Edgar and his love interest– the veterinarian’s daughter Shelley Parker (Courtney Duncan)– don fig-leaf costuming and cavort with Pan of Greek mythology. Fur-

thermore, later into the production, the audience learns of a relationship between Shelley and Edgar that resembles that of two characters in Star Wars.

Not wanting to give away any more of the story line or spoil the ending, I will stop here and recommend that you run, not walk, to see Bat Boy: The Musical. You will leave the theatre scratching your head and humming the tune from the song, “Hold Me, Bat Boy.”

’ve been keeping my fingers crossed, hoping we weren’t going to have to beseech the weather gods not to rain on our parade. It looks as if my intertwined digits did their jobs because it appears as though Saturday will bring lots of sunshine for those participating in and/or viewing the Long Beach Veterans Day Parade. The event will take place this Saturday, Nov. 7, starting at 10am on Atlantic Avenue between Harding and 56th streets.

This year, the Signal Tribune will once more be part of the patriotic line-up. Steve will be driving, I will be riding shotgun and our three favorite neighbor kids will be sitting in the back seat. This will be the youngsters’ second time riding in the parade with us.

Initially, we asked the boys–Ethan (9), Jae (12) and Jae Sang (10)– to

ride with us in the 2014 Long Beach Veterans Day Parade because the adopted brothers had recently celebrated their naturalization as U.S. citizens. This time we are bringing them along just because we enjoy their company.

If you attend the parade, you will see us in the maroon Honda CRV sporting Signal Tribune magnetic signs on the doors. We won’t be hard to miss because we’ll be the folks doing all the yelling and flag-waving. I hope to see you there.

With all that said, I will now do a little boasting. For the third year in a row, the Signal Tribune has produced the Long Beach Veterans Day Parade program. Once again, we took charge of the design and content of the glossy publication. Those of us involved worked very hard to create a keepsake type of booklet that would be informative and thought-provoking. Our goal was to encourage readers to learn more about our military and those who have fought so valiantly for our freedom. I think we surpassed our objective.

Included in the program is a welcome letter from the parade committee, biographies on the grand marshals and honorary grand marshal, a partial list of parade participants, the history of each branch of the military and a touching story about services available for veterans by one of our reporters, Denny Cristales. Also included is my favorite part of the booklet– the centerfold pictorial and story of the beautiful veterans-themed mural located at the southeast corner of Harding Street and Atlantic Avenue.

Created by artist Art Mortimer in 2006, the mural is the last thing those in the parade see before stepping off

for their journey down the parade route. I was there the day the mural was officially unveiled, but I didn’t remember learning much about it at the time. Through the years, I had driven by the masterpiece wondering about the images portrayed in the painting. I recognized a few of the people depicted and had been especially taken by the portrait of Aaron Herrington in his Tuskeegee Airman uniform. Dear Aaron is the late husband of Maycie Herrington, a longtime friend and my mother’s former coworker.

Aaron was also the first African-American member of my husband Steve’s Elks Lodge #888. When I first viewed the mural, seeing Aaron’s image brought tears to my eyes.

It also made me wish to learn more about this beautiful painting that resides on the side of a wall in north Long Beach. As I learned more, I wanted to make sure our readers were informed about the history of the beautiful mural. Our staff is so happy to bring you the details of this work of art created so beautifully by Art Mortimer. Those tidbits of information can be found in the parade program.

A very special thank-you goes out to those who wrote and copy-edited the stories, took the pictures and designed the ads and layout for the project. Also, none of this would have been possible without all the help from our friend Martha Thuente (and her dear husband Al) of the Long Beach Veterans Day Committee and the support of the sponsors and advertisers.

Be sure to pick up your copy at the parade.

I

Courtesy LBPH

Russell Malang, who plays the lead as Edgar in Long Beach Playhouse’s production of Batboy: The Musical Signal_logo_blk.qxp_Layout 1 4/13/15 12:52 PM Page 1

PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Neena R. Strichart

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Stephen M. Strichart

MANAGING EDITOR

Cierra Hoaglin

Barbie Ellisen Katherine Green

CJ Dablo

CULTURE WRITERS

DESIGN/PRODUCTION MANAGER

ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS

STAFF WRITER

Vicki Paris Goodman Heidi Nye

Cory Bilicko

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Denny Cristales

November 6, 2015

COLUMNISTS

Mark McCormick Shoshanah Siegel

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 l­ etters 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 p­ ublications 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 i­ nformation 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.

939 E. 27th St., Signal Hill, CA 90755 (562) 595-7900 • www.signaltribune.com | newspaper@signaltribune.com

Bat Boy: The Musical continues at the Long Beach Playhouse Studio Theatre through Nov. 14. Cost is $24 general admission, $21 for seniors and $14 for students with valid ID. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, and Sundays at 2pm.

The Long Beach Playhouse is located at 5021 E. Anaheim St. Call (562) 494-1014, option 1, to reach the box office. Tickets are also available online at lbplayhouse.org .

COMMUNITY

November 6, 2015

International art show to highlight problem of human trafficking, other humanitarian issues

Hellada Gallery, 117 Linden Ave., is currently hosting an art show that brings attention to contemporary sources of suffering, in particular, the issue of human trafficking.

According to curator Alejandra Menduina Schneider, the project seeks to raise awareness about “the daily violence that people suffer each and every day, such as economic violence, hunger and also, among others, the 20th century’s most common form of slavery– human trafficking.”

The exhibit, entitled Art for Non-violence, will feature the work of more than 100 artists from different countries on five continents.

An opening reception will take place at the gallery on Saturday, Nov. 7 from 6pm to 9pm. The exhibit will be on display through Monday, Nov. 15.

For more information, visit hellada. us .

Source: Hellada Gallery

A FAIR AMOUNT OF FUN What Craft fair and festival Who Hosted by the El Dorado Community Center When Saturday, Nov. 7 from 9am to 3pm Where El Dorado Community Center, 2800 Studebaker Rd. More Info The event will include over 50 crafters, food trucks and a kids corner, and it supports the senior programs at El Dorado. Call (562) 570-3227.

Walk to benefit Easter Seals Southern California

The 2015 “Walk With Me” event to benefit Easter Seals Southern California and local individuals living with disabilities or special needs will take place Saturday, Nov. 14 at Shoreline Aquatic Park in Long Beach.

Participants may walk, run or stroll alongside the water during the event, which will start at 8:30am with a 7am registration.

Cost of registration is $30 in ad-

CULTURE VULTURES What Cultural Conversations discussion Who Presented by 8th District Long Beach and the Cultural Conversations program When First and third Saturdays every month from 3pm to 4:30pm Where North Neighborhood Library, 5571 Orange Ave. More Info The new program that began this month aims to embrace the cultures residing in surrounding neighborhoods. Cultural Conversations will highlight different countries and cultures each month. Call Shiloh Moore at (562) 570-1047.

MUCH ADO ABOUT... MULCH What Free mulch pick-up day Who Hosted by the City of Signal Hill When Saturday, Nov. 7 from 8am to 11am Where Parking lot at 2236 N. Legion Drive More Info The City will have free mulch available for pick-up. Call Community Development at (562) 989-7340.

“Hope,” colored pencil on paper by Laura Canteros

vance and $35 on the day of the event, and it includes a commemorative “Walk With Me” T-shirt and medal.

Children 12 and under may walk for free.

For more information, contact event director Linda Glasco at (714) 834-1111 ext. 221 or linda.glasco@ essc.org, or visit walkwithme.org/socal .

Source: Easter Seals

JUST AROUND THE CORNER What Holiday boutique Who Assistance League of Long Beach When Saturday, Nov. 7 from 9:30am to 4pm Where Assistance League of Long Beach Philanthropic Center, 6220 E. Spring St. More Info Attendees can shop for decorative home accessories, gourmet foods, jewelry, purses, gifts and more. The event will have new and returning vendors.

Call Shelly at (562) 209-1960, or email shellysandler@gmail.com .

SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT What 2015 Conversations in Place series Who Hosted by Rancho Los Alamitos When Sunday, Nov. 8 from 1:30pm to 3:30pm Where Rancho Los Alamitos, 6400 E. Bixby Hill Rd. More Info The discussion will explore the intersection of popular culture and the imagination of Southern California. Speakers include William Deverell, Judy Baca, Carolina A. Miranda, Rob Reynolds and Sarah Schrank. Tickets are $25 each and can be purchased online at rancholosalamitos.org or by calling (562) 431-3541.

JAZZ IT UP What Live music, coffee and dessert Who California Heights United Methodist Church When Sunday, Nov. 8; dessert begins at 6:30pm; music begins at 7pm Where 3759 Orange Ave. More Info The event will feature jazz music by the band of Doug Carter, Sean Emch and Jacob Wendt and also guitarist/vocalist Ashley Ventri. Admission is free. Go to calheightsumc.org or call (562) 595-1996.

BREAKFAST BEFORE BUSINESS What Organization meeting Who The Good Neighbors of North Long Beach When Tuesday, Nov. 10; 7am sign-in; 7:30am speaker; 8:15am meeting closed Where Spires Restaurant, 1935 Del Amo Blvd.

More Info Guest speaker Long Beach Deputy Chief and Fire Marshal Rich Brandt will talk about the reinstated deployment plan and its impact on Station 12 and north Long Beach services.

GOLDEN YEARS What Senior programming Who Presented by the 8th District Senior Advisory Committee and Councilmember Al Austin When Every Tuesday and Thursday from 10am to 2pm Where Expo Arts Center, 4321 Atlantic Ave.

CLIENT: E. J. Malloy’s PROJECT DESCRIPTION : Restage Identity SOFTWARE: Adobe Illustrator CS6 FILE NAME: EJ Malloy’s_5cMechOL.ai Note: Black is for visualization purposes only

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AROUND TOWN WALK THE WALK What First Fridays Art Walk Who Presented by the Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association When Friday, Nov. 6 from 6:30pm to 9:30pm Where Bixby Knolls along Atlantic Avenue More Info The event will celebrate a theme of autumn harvest with music, pumpkins, art, poetry and scarecrows. Visit firstfridayslongbeach.com .

“Mercy,” oil on canvas by Laura Contreras

Signal Tribune

More Info The program is a free recreational center for seniors that involves activities such as yoga, arts and crafts, cards, chess, bingo, music and classes.

Emaildistrict8@longbeach.gov .

CRACK A BOOK What Literary discussion Who Hosted by the Bixby Knolls Literary Society When Wednesday, Nov. 11 at 7pm Where Elise’s Tea Room, 3924 Atlantic Ave. More Info The literary discussion will focus on Nostromo, a 1904 novel by Joseph Conrad, set in fictitious South America. The public is welcome, and all are encouraged to read the book beforehand. Refreshments will be provided. Call the Bixby Knolls Improvement Association at (562) 595-0081.

GIVE IT A SHOT What Flu-shot clinics Who Hosted by the City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services When Thursday, Nov. 12 from 8am to noon Where Scherer Park, 4600 Long Beach Blvd. (Nov. 4); Houghton Park Community Center, 6301 Myrtle Ave. (Nov. 5); McBride Park/Cal Rec Center, 1550 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave. (Nov. 12) More Info Flu-shot clinics are in effect for the flu season this fall. Appointments will be accepted at the Health Department during regular business hours by calling (562) 570-4315 (a small administrative fee may apply). Visit longbeach.gov/health .

ALL EARS What Guest speaker on hearing loss Who Dr. Frederick R. DiTirro, a head and neck surgeon for the Board of Otolaryngology at Kaiser Permanente When Thursday, Nov. 12 at 6:30pm Where Weingart Center, 5220 Oliva Ave. More Info Dr. DiTirro will relate his knowledge about hearing loss, how he goes about his surgeries and what it takes to qualify for such surgery along and recovery time. Email gail7go@gmail.com or call (562) 4380597.

FOR A RAINY DAY What Rain-harvesting workshop and barrel sale Who Presented by 8th Council District Long Beach When Saturday, Nov. 14; workshop from 9am to 10am; barrel pick-up from 9am to 11am Where Scherer Park Community Room and parking lot, 4646 Pasadena Ave. More Info The event will be hosted in order to allow residents to prepare for what could possibly be a wet winter. Rain barrels will be available online, and only barrels ordered in advance are guaranteed to be available. Barrels are $85 each, but SoCalWaterSmart offers a a rebate of $75 per barrel for up to four. Visit rainbarrelsintl.com .

DISH ON D.C. What Monthly meeting Who Long Beach Republican Women Federated When Saturday, Nov. 14 at 9:30am Where Long Beach Airport Marriott Hotel, 4700 Airport Plaza Dr. More Info Congressmember Mimi Walters will present an “inside look” into Washington. The meeting is $25 and includes breakfast. RSVP is required. Email RWF@gmail.com, or call (562) 493-4125.

WEAR IT WELL What Fashion boutique Who Hosted by St. Isidore Historical Plaza When Saturday, Nov. 14 from 11:30am to 4pm Where St. Isidore Historical Plaza, 10961 Reagan St. More Info A boutique with gently used and new fashion clothing, sizzling sandals, party pumps, accessories, jewelry, trendy handbags and more will be available. All proceeds will be a donation to the plaza. Call June Aguilar at (562) 429-3679.

A SMART START What HBCU College Fair Who College tour organization Stepping in the Right Direction When Saturday, Nov. 14 from 1pm to 5pm Where Long Beach Convention Center, Seaside Room, 300 E. Ocean Blvd.

More Info The event will teach attendees about historically black colleges and universities, offer advice from HBCU representatives and offer workshops in SAT prep, personal statement writing, financial aid and scholarships. All are welcome. Email nicole@ steppingintherightdirection.com or call (626) 6767309.

6

NEWS

Signal Tribune

November 6, 2015

$50K reward issued in investigation of 1975 murder of LB police officer

Apartment located at 915 S. Acacia Ave. in Compton where Lewis’s police identification, badge and its holder were recovered Images courtesy LBPD

Long Beach Police Officer Franke Lewis

Photo of the east Long Beach neighborhood where Long Beach Police Officer Franke Lewis was murdered in 1975

Long Beach Police Chief Robert Luna announced a $50,000 reward on Nov. 3 and asked for the public’s help with the murder investigation of Long Beach Police Officer Franke Lewis, who was killed nearly 40 years ago.

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, at the recommendation of 4th District LA County Supervisor Don Knabe, last week issued a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the murder. The Long Beach Police Officers Association and the Fraternal

Order of Police increased the reward to $50,000. Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia is working with the Long Beach City Council in an effort to add an additional $25,000, which would raise the total reward to $75,000 if successful.

The request will be on the council agenda for Tuesday, Nov. 10, according to the mayor’s office.

“I am calling on anyone with information about this case to come forward right away and help bring Officer Lewis’s killer to justice,” Garcia said in an emailed statement this week. “No one who takes the life of a

Photo of LBPD Officer Franke Lewis’s police badge and identification recovered in Compton after his murder

Long Beach police officer should be walking free, and we need your help to bring closure to Officer Lewis’s family and to our community.”

On Dec. 13, 1975, just before 3am, 28-year-old Long Beach Police Officer Franke Lewis was murdered in the 6200 block of Cantel Street in east Long Beach, down the street from his home. Lewis, who had been with the department for about two years, was returning home after his patrol shift ended when he tried to stop a crime in progress and was murdered.

According to police, about 30 minutes prior to Lewis arriving home, Denis Gitschier was driving on the freeway but began to feel tired. He pulled off the freeway, onto Cantel Street, and went to sleep in his car.

He was awakened by a suspect or suspects beating him, possibly in an attempt to steal his car.

Based on the investigation, detectives believe Officer Lewis arrived home, parked his personal car and, seeing this activity down the street,

went to investigate. As Lewis approached, the suspect or suspects who had beaten Gitschier confronted Lewis, shot him and fled. Residents called police after hearing the gunfire.

Lewis was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Gitschier was transported to a local hospital, where he remained for several days due to the extent of his injuries.

Lewis’s duty weapon, police badge and police identification were taken from his person the night he was killed. On March 12, 1976, his badge and police identification were recovered from a vacant residence at 915 South Acacia Ave. in Compton.

Lewis’s duty weapon remains outstanding.

Long Beach homicide detectives have revisited the case multiple times over the years, according to Long Beach Police Department (LBPD).

Most recently, detectives have spent time looking at the case, locating witnesses and conducting interviews across the country.

The investigation revealed at least one and possibly two vehicles

Stock photo of a 1970s Cadillac Fleetwood

with several male and female African-American occupants were in the area the night Lewis was killed.

These occupants were not known to reside in the area. The vehicles are described as a mid ‘70s, black top, blue body four-door Fleetwood Cadillac, and an early ‘60s white fourdoor Fleetwood Cadillac.

Detectives have canvassed the east Long Beach neighborhood where the murder occurred and are looking for additional witnesses. They are hopeful the reward will prompt reluctant witnesses to come forward, according to the LBPD. Those who may have lived in the Long Beach or Compton areas in 1975, or who may have been involved or have any information about the murder are asked to contact Long Beach Police Homicide Detectives Johnson, Robertson or Bigel at (562) 570-7244. Those wishing to remain anonymous may call 1-800222-TIPS (8477), or text TIPLA plus their tip to 274637 (CRIMES) or visit LACrimeStoppers.org .

Sources: LBPD, Garcia’s office

Stock photo of a 1960s Cadillac Fleetwood

NEWS

November 6, 2015

USPS to host public meeting regarding post office relocation The United States Postal Service (USPS) is proposing the relocation of the post office presently located at 2300 Redondo Ave. to a yet-to-bedetermined location as close as reasonably possible to the current site, according to USPS officials.

“This relocation project would provide full continuity of service and would consist of procuring a suitable alternate location, preparing the new location for use as a post office and then transitioning services to the new facility,” reads a press release from the postal service. “All retail service would remain at 2300 Redondo Ave.

until a new post office facility is up and running. Post-office box numbers and the ZIP code would remain the same.”

If the relocation moves forward, USPS anticipates selling the facility formerly known as the Long Beach Processing & Distribution Center that is located at 2300 Redondo Ave. In undertaking this project, USPS will complete a process set forth in Title 39 Code of Federal Regulations 241.4, which provides for notification to elected officials and the local community and solicits public input from them, according to the USPS.

The postal service will host a public meeting to discuss the proposal with customers and receive comments on Tuesday, Nov. 24, in the post office lobby at 2300 Redondo Ave. Postal service officials will be present from 10am to noon to meet with interested parties.

Comments will also be accepted by mail through Dec. 24. Written comments may be submitted to: Attn: Dean Cameron U.S. Postal Service 1300 Evans Ave. Ste. 200 San Francisco, CA 94188-8200 Source: USPS

Man killed in traffic accident on 710 Freeway A 35-year-old Long Beach man is dead after a one-vehicle accident on the 710 Freeway Thursday.

On Nov. 5 at approximately 12:11am, Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) officers responded to the southbound 710 Freeway, at West Shoreline Drive south of the 6th Street off ramp, regarding an injury traffic collision.

When officers arrived, they discovered an overturned 2009 Pontiac Vibe. Long Beach Fire Department paramedics responded and determined the driver deceased at the

scene.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the Pontiac was traveling southbound on the 710 Freeway and being driven by a 35-year-old resident of Long Beach. According to witnesses, the driver lost control of the vehicle, and it began to spin sideways. The vehicle slid toward the west curb, down the west embankment, overturned and collided with a tree. It appears the driver was not seat-belted at the time of the collision and was partially ejected through the sunroof. No other vehicles or parties

were involved in the incident.

The identity of the driver is being withheld, pending notification of the next of kin by the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office.

Those who may have information regarding the incident are asked to contact Long Beach Collision Investigation Detective Steve Fox at (562) 570-7110. Those wishing to remain anonymous may call 1-800222-TIPS (8477), text TIPLA plus their tip to 274637 (CRIMES) or visit LACrimeStoppers.org .

Signal Tribune

Long Beach conducting road work on Ocean Boulevard The City of Long Beach has begun work this week on street improvements along Ocean Boulevard between Livingston Drive and Bay Shore Avenue. Work is anticipated to take approximately nine weeks to complete; weather-related or unforeseen conditions may affect overall schedule, according to city officials.

“Ocean Boulevard provides residents and visitors access to our beautiful coastline,” said Mayor Robert Garcia. “We continue to make progress on critical infrastructure in the city while remaining sensitive to our unique urban coastal habitats.”

The rehabilitation work will improve street conditions by reconstructing areas of deteriorated pavement, cold milling and resurfacing the pavement. Additionally, pavement markers, traffic striping, signage and curb paint will refresh Ocean Boulevard.

The project also consists of replacing damaged curbs and gutters, driveways, alley entrances and sidewalks.

“Ocean Boulevard serves as one of the iconic gateways to the recreational opportunities available in Belmont Shore, and I’m

Source: SHPD

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delighted to see this project move forward,” said 3rd District Councilmember Suzie Price.

Area residents will receive written notifications outlining the work schedule, and temporary signage will be posted along the roadway to alert motorists of parking restrictions. During construction, street sweeping enforcement will be temporarily suspended to alleviate parking issues in the area bound by Ocean Boulevard on the south, Division Street on the north, Livingston Drive on the west and Bay Shore Avenue on the east.

Roads will stay open during working hours. However, motorists can expect traffic delays as a result of the potential closure of one lane during construction.

Additionally, residents who live on Ocean Boulevard between Livingston Drive and Bay Shore Avenue will receive information regarding parking accommodations.

For more information regarding the project, contact the Public Works Department at (562) 5705160.

Source: City of LB

Source: LBPD

SHPD, Applebee’s raise $2,573 for Special Olympics

The Signal Hill Police Department (SHPD) partnered with the Southern California Special Olympics on Nov. 4 for another Tip-ACop fundraising event and raised $2,573 that will directly benefit Special Olympics athletes in the local Long Beach/Signal Hill area, according to the SHPD. Members of the police department were teamed up with servers at a local Applebee’s to help take orders, refill drinks, serve food and bus tables. At the end of the meal, diners had the opportunity to make a donation to Southern California Special Olympics by “Tip-A-Cop” tips to their guest servers.

The monies will help train and sponsor competitions for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

“We are so proud to help with a worthy cause and grateful for the huge show of support from our local community,” said SHPD Chief Michael Langston. “We are looking forward to making this an annual event.”

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NEWS

Signal Tribune

Council

continued from page 2

close together, not consistent with our street tree ordinance. It is not consistent with our current proof design,” Steve Myrter, public works director, said. “The [neighborhood residents] just essentially wanted to propose matching the street tree layout to the east of the street.”

Myrter went on to explain the criteria with which replacements are considered, including the type of trees acceptable for varying areas in the city and whether the City would be responsible for the health and maintenance of new trees.

Vice Mayor Woods questioned the age of the current trees, the plausibility of relocating the trees in a manner more consistent with existing landscaping, whether Promontory Crest residents would have any claim to the trees in future years, and whether the $1,900 estimated cost included labor.

Councilmember Wilson voiced a dissenting opinion for the plan, citing a similar scenario that had previously been presented to the City and denied.

“As we bring this back, first of all, the trees are not adjacent to the property, right? They are in the park,” Wilson said. “When we had this discussion years ago, we talked about this not applying to street trees that are in the park. They were separate, and it is not something we were going to do, and I’m surprised that we are back here talking about this.

The trees in the park are not just for the people that live across the street.

The trees that are in the park are for everyone in the city. That’s what it is.”

Wilson went on to say he did not want to set a precedent in which a se-

lect number of residents could make decisions on landscaping meant for the city as a whole, especially when the trees in question are perfectly healthy and not harming nearby infrastructure in any way.

Councilmember Hansen also questioned why the tree ordinance was not included in the physical proposal submitted to the council and why there was a year-long delay in the proposal moving from the commission to the council.

After all questions from the dais were answered, the council voted to approve the request with three members in favor and two in opposition.

Banking services In a unanimous vote, City Council approved Wells Fargo as the newest banking services provider for Signal Hill.

After emerging as one of three potential providers, alongside Bank of the West and Union Bank, Wells Fargo was recommended to the City by members of a specialized selection committee consisting of Councilmember Wilson, City Treasurer Larry Blunden, City Manager Charlie Honeycutt, Director of Administrative Services Terri Marsh and Cindy Byerrum of Platinum Consulting Group.

Wells Fargo was chosen after the company submitted a formal proposal to the committee, underwent an interview process in front of its members and excelled in reference reports.

“Proposals were evaluated on several factors, including ability to meet city needs and comparable value of services provided,” Marsh said. “At Wells Fargo, costs were slightly higher than other banks, all their references were superior to the

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other banks that were interviewed.

Most references commented on Wells Fargo’s excellent customer service, easy-to-use technology, and the ability to serve the agency and all their investment needs.”

Wells Fargo also has a physical branch within Signal Hill city limits, which Marsh noted to be a desirable quality for the City’s provider.

Councilmember Wilson also vocalized his experience on the selection committee, as well as listing his personal ties to the banking industry that bolstered his positive opinion on Wells Fargo.

“It’s interesting because I was a chief financial officer for a local bank in the 1980s…and that came out during the discussion, more so than understanding what banks do and their processes,” Wilson said.

“I will say that with Wells Fargo, the technology was a key part of the component, also them being local, because that question came up.”

Wilson’s fellow councilmembers had no opposition in approving Wells Fargo, and two banking staff were present to accept the position and thank the selection committee for their choice.

Ordinances Councilmembers passed a recommendation to adopt a resolution that would amend the contract between the City and California Public Employee’s Retirement System (CalPERS), specifically regarding retirement formulas for Signal Hill Police Officers’ Association (SHPOA).

Slated to become effective on Jan. 9, 2016, the amendment moves to include Section 20516, the Employees Sharing Additional Cost provision, in the contract as a way to ensure SHPOA members have pension credits attributed to their individual CalPERS accounts.

Previous negotiations between the City and SHPOA concluded that SHPOA members under the “classic” and retirement formulas

November 6, 2015

Sebastian Echeverry/Signal Tribune

Mayor Larry Forester presents a certificate of achievement for excellence in financial reporting to Terri Marsh, finance director.

will now be fiscally responsible for a portion of their employers’ CalPERS pension costs.

Employees hired after January 2013 are currently referred to as “PEPRA employees” because of their relationship with the Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) that was implemented that same month. PEPRA instituted change in the way retirement benefits are applied to employees, and thusly removes accountability from employees outside of the classic retirement model to pay the same portion of employers’ pension costs.

Resident Harris asked for specificity as to whether both sworn and unsworn personnel would be affected equally by the amendment and was informed that only officers and sergeants see an effect.

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proval of the amendment authorization.

Water conservation In another show of unity, the city council unanimously passed amendments to alter the current Municipal Code in favor of more water-friendly guidelines for landscaping and hardscaping in accordance with state regulation mandates.

Ordinance Amendment 15-04 repeals Chapter 13.10 of the code and instead incorporates regulations specific to turf limitations, irrigation efficiency, and general state mandates on water conservation.

Ordinance Amendment 15-02 adds landscaping and hardscaping standards to Title 20 of the code in hopes of encouraging both residents and the City to replace turf in existing developments.

Councilmember Wilson presented potential unintended consequences of these measures, including a potential increase in the prevalence of ants in residential properties, but still ended up voting affirmatively.

Presentations/introductions At the commencement of the meeting, Mayor Forester introduced the newest administrative assistant with the Community Development Department, Sarah Tsao.

The mayor then presented a certificate of achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to Terri Marsh, finance director.

Human Resources Manager Mary Gilmore was not present to receive a certificate of appreciation from Forester for her 17 years of service to Signal Hill. ✦

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November 6, 2015

Life

Imitating Cory Bilicko

Photography program helps local veterans I’m a firm proponent of using art as a form of therapy. Being an artist myself, I’ve realized that having a creative outlet– in my case, painting– can be a tremendous benefit in dealing with a number of challenges life has thrown at me.

That’s why I’m happy to help spread the word about a photography program the VA Long Beach Healthcare System offers to veterans.

Robin Breit, instructor for the Veterans Digital Photography Program, said that, as of spring of 2015, the VA is now funding it. The VA is also providing the financial backing for an upcoming show that will feature work by its participants.

The exhibit will take place Wednesday, Nov. 18 from 11am to 2pm in the Long Beach VA Medical Center, bldg. 165, 5901 E. 7th St. “The program, entitled ‘Seeing the World Creatively,’ is about more than just taking pictures,” Breit said. “It is based on the concept that innovative programs can lift the spirit. It is about helping our veterans find a sense of purpose and a new way to integrate with others and reconnect in and with their community.”

The program teaches elements of design, rules of composition, color and “The Magic of Light.”

“We now have over 160 veterans that the program has served,” Breit said. “Currently, we have 32 active members– veterans and volunteers– who will be in the upcoming show.”

She also announced a recent, welcome addition to the program.

HONORING OUR VETERANS “Also new to our team is Amy Myers, who is a professional photographer,” Breit said. “She came to us as a volunteer this summer and has taught portrait photography to the group. Each of the artists will also have professional portraits with our biographies for the new show. We have had photo sessions led by Amy where the images were taken on the VA grounds.”

Some of the veterans in the program recently shared their thoughts on its benefits.

“The photography program has opened my eyes to the simple beauties in life once again,” said Alvin M. Stams II, veteran of the US Air Force. “It helps me calm my mind enough to enjoy it.”

Charles Powell, veteran of the US Navy, extolled the impact the program has on his mental state.

“The digital photography program has helped to give me a positive frame of mind,” Powell said.

“I am around wonderful people that have the same interests that I do. I feel blessed to be learning from the program and hope to continue to be a benefit to the group.”

The veterans photography program is open to any veteran enrolled in the Long Beach VA Healthcare System. For more information, email Breit at robinleebreit@yahoo.com .

I wrote about the program last year and featured the stories of several individuals involved in it. I’m sharing that article below.

For a year, U.S. Army veteran Steve Grove had been an enthusiastic participant in the digital-photography program at the Long Beach Veterans Administration Hospital, learning to use the latest technology in cameras and photo-processing software to complement the knowledge he’d already gained from

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Signal Tribune

HONORING OUR VETERANS

November 6, 2015

Photos

continued from page 9

shooting on film years prior. The program not only helped him learn the basics of working with digital photography and computer processing techniques, it served its other purpose– offering positive mental stimulation and a new way to connect with others.

Then, in 2010, circumstances shifted suddenly– and drastically– for him.

He and his wife had traveled to his home town in Illinois to visit his mother. It was a trip that would be characterized by two life-changing events.

“The morning before we were going to leave, I was out for my morning bike ride,” Grove said, “and a car behind me, going about 40 miles an hour, hit me from behind.”

Seriously injured, he was transported by ambulance to a medical facility in Effingham, Illinois, and from there airlifted to a better equipped facility 75 miles away in Urbana. The accident resulted in a cracked skull, a traumatic brain injury, broken bones and an injured hip. He was in a coma for several days.

“I was at the VA Hospital when I came out of the coma,” Grove said.

“Unfortunately, while I was there, my mom passed away… I couldn’t

“Trees and Clouds at Kings Canyon,” photograph by Stephen Nylen

even process that at the time, and I couldn’t go to the funeral.”

He said the hospital in Urbana

kept him until he was well enough to return to California, although the length of time he was there and his

return date aren’t quite clear to him.

He estimates he was in Illinois a couple of months.

“Then I continued my treatment and recovery at the Long Beach VA,” he said.

A few months later, he had a seizure, which, he said, is common among those who have sustained brain injuries.

Grove, who is nearly 70, said he has since recovered quite well, but that, with brain injuries, a person may appear fine but “you can’t see what’s under the hood.” He still takes medication for seizures and mood swings.

“If you didn’t know any of this and you met me and talked to me, and I didn’t give you any clues, you probably would not know that I had a traumatic brain injury,” Grove said. “But that doesn’t mean I don’t have issues to deal with. For example, I can be easily overloaded with input.”

Grove also explained that there are times when he knows exactly what he wants to say but cannot get the words out. Despite these setbacks, there’s a tone of optimism in his attitude, and he attributes much of his recovery to his return to the VA’s project.

“I had started the photo therapy program before all this happened,” Grove said. “I was anxious to get back into it, and I started going back as soon as possible, and still, that’s pretty vague too, but I found it very– it certainly was a safe haven.”

Grove uses those two words– “safe haven”– repeatedly when he describes the Long Beach VA’s digital-photography program, and perhaps it’s because of that feeling of security that he was able to make a remarkable discovery about his post-accident capabilities.

“First, being in the program was therapeutic,” he said. “I found the creative process of photography to help in some way to improve my cognitive abilities. Another discovery was I was more creative after the accident– I found myself seeing light differently.”

In addition to his newfound sense of artistic perspective, he gained a fresh appreciation for the program that transcended its “art as therapy” aspects.

“Being around and with fellow veterans provided a safe haven for me to recover. Then, as I got better, I wanted to share and help others,” he said. “Now I help instruct and prepare lessons for the program.

There is nothing better and more resee PHOTOS page 12

HONORING OUR VETERANS

November 6, 2015

Signal Tribune

11

Long Beach Veterans Parade to feature two centenarians as grand marshals

Clifford Chaffee

The 19th Annual Long Beach Veterans Parade will take place on Saturday, Nov. 7 with a 10am start time and move down Atlantic Avenue from Harding Street to 56th Street.

Two centenarian grand marshals will lead the parade.

Clifford Chaffee Grand Marshal Clifford Chaffee was born in Parsons, Kansas in 1915. When he was a boy, his family moved to Long Beach, where he attended Franklin Junior High and Poly High before joining the United States Navy in 1933.

He served in World War II in the aircraft service at Roy Namur Island. He landed on the beach of Roy Namur Island with the Marines.

He was in charge of group of men who repaired damaged planes from various aircraft carriers and battle groups.

During the Korean conflict, he served on the aircraft carrier USS Essex.

He retired and transferred to the Fleet Reserve in 1954. He has been a member of the Fleet Reserve Association for 74 years. He has held every position, including president of Board 43.

At age 70, he was presented with the Carnegie Hero Medal for saving the life of a neighbor’s 4-year-old during a house fire.

He and his wife of 75 years, Grace, resided in Long Beach until her passing in 2013. He now lives with his daughter Jeri. He has two grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

ity in the South Atlantic. He obtained the rank of Yeoman First Class before his honorable discharge in 1945.

After the war, he returned to New York City and worked at the Brooklyn Naval Shipyard.

In 1948 he moved to Long Beach and worked as a printer until his retirement in mid 1980s.

“Both of these men gave so much to their country to protect us and our rights,” said 4th District Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe.

“I love this annual parade as a way to recognize the tremendous service and sacrifices of all our veterans, and I’m especially excited to see these two special men celebrated for their service and commitment to our country and community.”

Veterans Day Parade Chair Val Lerch said the first time volunteers raised funds to organize a veterans parade in Long Beach was more than 18 years ago.

“We actually passed a hat around at our first meeting, and people donated dollars and change,” said Lerch, who has been a part of the parade committee every year. “We had a small but passionate group, and we were committed to bringing something to Southern California to honor and recognize our local vets.”

Today, the parade draws upwards of 25,000 attendees and an estimated 200-plus entrants, according to its organizers.

Lerch noted that through the years, veterans have expressed their gratitude for the parade and the recognition it brings to members of the military, past and present.

“After one of our earlier parades, a Vietnam vet told me this was the very first time he was honored for his service,” Lerch said. “Vets from that era never really received a warm welcome home, and he took great pride in being able to participate in this particular parade.”

For more information, visit lbveteransdayparade.com .

Source: LB Veterans Parade Committee

“Welcome Home” Kits for Veterans The Salvation Army in Long Beach assists homeless Veterans and Veteran Families, who are re-housed through HUD-VASH, to set up housekeeping by bridging a gap in basic services. Each veteran is given a “Welcome (to your new) Home” Kit including dishes, pots and pans, glasses, flatware, kitchen towels and utensils, bath towels, bath mats and rugs, trash can, soap and tooth brush holder and a $40 gift card. The value of these kits is $300, and funds are needed to continue this important program that changes the lives of Veterans and Veteran Families in our community.

To make a donation or sponsor a “Welcome Home” Kit, please contact Major Judy Hedgren, Social Service and Community Coordinator at 562.247.3524, or judy. hedgren@usw.salvationarmy.org.

Allan Kobrick Grand Marshal Allan Kobrick was born in 1915 and raised in New York.

He enlisted in the Navy in 1942.

During his tour, he helped established a Navy base in Bahia, Brazil, since there was a lot of U-boat activ-

Honor our veterans this Saturday at the Long Beach Veterans Day Parade!

Allan Kobrick

“On this Veterans Day…

I am honored to recognize our veterans for their courage and sacrifices while preserving the freedom of our country.”

CONGRESSMAN ALAN LOWENTHAL

Paid for and Authorized by Alan Lowenthal for Congress. ID# C00498212

12

Signal Tribune

HONORING OUR VETERANS

November 6, 2015

Photos

continued from page 10

warding than helping others.”

Robin Breit, instructor and volunteer for the digital-photography therapy program, sees it as more than just a project to help participants take better pictures. She describes it is as an undertaking that can lift the spirit, expand the mind, create self-worth and become the foundation and starting point for veterans to return to a path of wellness and whole being.

The program was created and sponsored by the VA Long Beach (VALB) Healthcare System and Dr. Sophia Chun, director of Spinal Cord Injury, as a pilot recreational therapy program, offering healing therapy for veterans with limited mobility.

“Originally, the program was developed as a creative therapy for veterans with limited abilities as an innovative way to lift the spirit and expand the mind through the art of photography,” Breit said.

It was then sponsored by and funded through The VA League, California Paralyzed Veterans Association and Volunteer Services when it was expanded to include all VALB veterans.

Veterans are referred to the program, which is housed in the VA’s Community Living Center, through recreational therapists, social workers, VA doctors and word of mouth

from those who have participated in the program.

One of the highlights of the program is the photo exhibits the veterans and volunteers organize. The group mounted its second exhibit at the Gina M. Woodruff Gallery last August and will present its next one on Wednesday, Nov. 5 in the VA’s Blind Rehab Building. “The images are available through silent auction at the show,” Breit said. “The funds generated are donated to Volunteer Services at the Long Beach VA, earmarked for the veterans photography program.”

Breit said that, since the show in August, the program’s enrollment numbers have increased.

“The last count was 135, but we have added aproximately 10 veterans and volunteers after the last show in August,” she said.

Most of the participants supply their own cameras, but there are 15 donated point-and-shoot cameras on loan for those who are not able to purchase their own.

Breit cited location as the most challenging aspect of the project, as a result of limited funds.

“Funding is a big issue as we are no longer funded through the VA,” she said. “We have been self-funded since 2012.”

Still, Breit and the other volunteers are determined to keep their

labor of love going.

“It is my way to serve [the veterans] and my country,” Breit said. “I have an art background, and I feel gratification that I am able to contribute in this way.”

Linda Hicks, the program’s facilitator who is herself an Air Force veteran, first went to the Long Beach VA seeking treatment for lupus. She was diagnosed while she was serving, having joined the Air Force in 1968 and serving eight years active and then retiring as an E7 from the Reserves after 21 years.

“I came to this campus as a last resort,” Hicks said. “I could no longer afford health insurance. Feeling isolated and disconnected, it took a friend reminding me that I was a veteran and should [go to the VA].

When the lupus went into remission, I decided to try volunteering to see what my body would allow me to do.”

She was referred to recreational therapy in the Spinal Cord Injury department, where she said she found many friends who taught her how to focus on what works rather than dwell on what doesn’t. Like Grove, Hicks found therapeutic value in giving back.

“By helping others, I learned to manage stress and live my life one day at a time,” she said. “I experienced and witnessed the positive

differences recreational therapy programs made for myself and for many of the veterans I assisted. In recreational therapy, the only thing I had to lift was spirits.”

Hicks said she was offered the opportunity to run the program in 2009 after a recreational therapist had recommended her.

“Of course I said ‘yes!’ This was something I have wanted to see at the VA for a long time,” she said.

“My role was to build the program from concept to reality and support the instructor, Michael Ziegler, a professional photographer who had also taught at the Rancho Los Amigos Rehabilitation Center’s program. Our program did not receive VA adoption, but the positive changes we witnessed in each of our veterans convinced us that this program served a greater purpose and made a difference in the quality of life of our veterans.”

In 2012, the program lost its funding and instructor, and that’s when Breit stepped in to teach.

“Robin became our lead instructor and teaches the major portion of our ‘Seeing the World Creatively’ series,” Hicks said. “Robin also leads our digital labs and keeps us informed and focused. I do the technical support using my iPad and WiFi. I consider Robin the head of our program now, and I am the

butt– the part that you don’t see, but I am part of the foundation.”

She said Breit offers her teaching skills and “art history major background” while Hicks serves more as the “techie.”

“We also have two veterans, Steve Grove– also a dedicated volunteer and instructor in our program– and Lonnie Scott, who willingly presents a variety of workshops to the class to increase our skills,” she said. “We continue to encourage and welcome whatever skills our veterans and volunteers bring to the table.”

Just as Grove views the program as a “safe haven” and Breit sees it as spirit-lifting, Hicks also believes the program is about much more than just photography.

“I remember the disconnected feelings I felt when I first came to the VA, believing many of our veterans also came to the VA as a last resort, feeling isolated and disconnected too,” she said. “Following physical and life challenges, picking up where one left off may no longer be possible. Veterans are faced with the new challenge of re-creating a life.” Hicks equates the word “re-creation” with “recreation.”

“I am an advocate for recreational therapy programs,” she said. “I would like to see the VA expand recreation therapy to be open to forming other veteran and volunteer peer-support groups of common interests like ours. The list is endless, and all provide some form of therapy, and it would not cost that much to do it. When we do something that is fun and enjoyable, it is good for our bodies. When our spirit is in alignment with our bodies, we smile brighter, sit and stand taller and walk straighter. Our program is a model, and photography is a good medium because through photography you can share almost anything.”

Hicks said the VA can be a catalyst for these re-creations and reconnections to take place but there needs to be focus on the long term.

“Recreation therapy has mostly supported its in-patient population in the past,” she said. “There is a need for the out-patient population to have access to programs like this to help the transitions back into the community. Many of our veterans want to give back and become volunteers and instructors in our program. It becomes a full circle.” ✦

Honoring our

Veterans Helping Vets to find the home of their dreams!

Andrea Testa

2883 E. Spring St., Ste. 100 Long Beach, 90806

D: 562. 833.9642 E: athomes77@gmail.com BRE #01936362

November 6, 2015

HONORING OUR VETERANS

Signal Tribune

13

Giving back

Services for veterans aim to provide support for those in need Denny Cristales Editorial Assistant

It’s the month of November that brings about the season of thanks and giving, the transitional phase of fall to winter and, for some, it’s just another dip in the schedule that gives everybody a few days off from work.

But, for so many others, it is a time of the month to play a part in recognizing the individuals who have helped secure and establish freedom and democracy in the United States of America.

It’s individuals like Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell who have such an emotional connection with Veterans Day. O’Donnell’s father served in the Korean War. When he thinks of Veterans Day, O’Donnell thinks of veterans around the world who helped secure the foundation and principles on which this country is grounded.

And that is why it’s important to give back and reach out to them in any way that we can, O’Donnell said.

Veteran resources and programs are available statewide and locally in the Long Beach and Signal Hill community, and it’s going to take a lot more than just lounging around and thinking about veterans to truly support and provide these services, O’Donnell said.

“Long Beach has a long history of veterans,” he said. “We can’t sit in an office and hope that they will come and get these services. We need to continually outreach to ensure that these veterans know that these services are available.”

Resources and programs are available for any level of veteran– homeless or ill. O’Donnell said that it’s important to reinforce these services and to make them widespread and prominent so that, as opposed to just waiting for the veterans to come in on their own accord, people go out of their way to present these resources to them.

A real effort needs to be made to connect with veterans on the ground level, O’Donnell said.

“Veterans Day is about recognizing the people that built democracy

The VA Long Beach Medical Health Center is one of many places that veterans have access to as a resource.

and spread it around the world,” he said. “Very simply, they are the reason we are free.”

O’Donnell spoke with the Signal Tribune and provided a listing of the various programs and services that veterans can take advantage of statewide and in the community.

All information of these resources come from their respective websites and general information that can be accessed through research.

Gold Star Manor The American Gold Star Manor was incorporated as a charitable, nonprofit corporation for the purpose of providing a national home

for members of American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. American Gold Star Mothers are moms who had lost sons and daughters in the service of their country.

The manor has nine three-story units and one two-story unit for a total of 348 apartments. Gold Star Manor is located at 3021 N. Gold Star Dr. To join, applicants must meet the following criteria: Natural or adoptive mothers must have been a legal U.S. citizen at the time of

their child’s induction into the United States Armed Forces and when they subsequently became missing or died in action; stepmothers must have been legal citizens and taken responsibility of their child when they were under 15 years of age and after they became missing or deceased.

Husbands, children and grandparents of members of American Gold Star Mothers, Inc may join as see RESOURCES page 15

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Signal Tribune

HONORING OUR VETERANS

November 6, 2015

AN EVENT THAT CHANGED OUR CITY

EXHIBITION OPENS DECEMEBER 7, 2016 4260 Atlantic Ave, Long Beach CA 90807 562.424.2220 • www.hslb.org

continued from page 13

associate members using the same application. Associate members pay no dues, hold no offices and may not vote.

An honorary membership to the American Gold Star Mothers Inc. may be granted to mothers who were not citizens at the time of their sons’ or daughters’ induction into the United States Armed Forces and whose sons or daughters died while on active duty or when they became missing.

To apply or find more information, visit goldstarmoms.com .

VA Long Beach Healthcare System As aforementioned, the VA Long Beach Healthcare System, 5901 E. 7th St., falls under the Fisher House program, and it provides the necessary health services for all veterans.

Services in mental health and physical ailments that range from bone-density scans, to cardiology issues, CT scans, trauma and speech impairments, plus many more, can be accessed at the VA. Depending on the issue, treatment is given on a no-appointment or appointment basis.

Visit longbeach.va.gov to make an appointment or to learn more about services.

Villages at Cabrillo The Century Villages at Cabrillo (CVC) is a nonprofit community development organization that serves as the steward of the Villages at Cabrillo. CVC delivers property management, real-estate development and supportive services that aim to empower residents, restore health and inspire hope.

Villages at Cabrillo is a residential community established to break the cycle of homelessness. A former 26-acre U.S. Naval housing site, CVC has become a nationwide public-private partnership model to benefit those in need.

The housing community provides housing on any given night to over 1,000 individuals. These people include veterans and non-veterans, families and children, ranging from shelter, to transitional housing, to permanent housing.

CVC provide services that include case management, life-skills training, substance-abuse treatment, affordable child-care, a homeless-education program, an employment center, a career center, a food-service program and a VA medical clinic.

To get involved and for more information, visit centuryvillages.org .

career.

CalVet programs include eight state veterans homes throughout California to veterans that require long-term care. CalVet also strives to be the hub of veteran resources to provide referrals and collaboration for veteran healthcare.

Statewide collaboratives, strong partnerships, advocacy and services has established housing options that fulfill the needs of veterans, as well.

Federal benefits are also available.

For more information on all available resources and programs and where to apply, visit calvet.ca.gov .

CalJOBS CalJOBS has an Employment Development Department (EDD) that assists veterans and their eligible spouses in order to help maximize their employment and training opportunities. Veterans are entitled to many resources designed to help in their search for employment.

The EDD veterans’ representatives specialize in assisting veterans in their efforts to return to work and are located in many local EDD offices. Services provided include a veteran 24-hour priority hold on all job listings, customized job search assistance, job fairs, employer recruitments and other events and resources.

Veterans are encouraged to schedule an appointment with an EDD veterans’ representative for personalized services and assistance to

achieve professional goals.

For more information, visit caljobs.ca.gov .

Troops to Teachers Troops to Teachers is a U.S. Department of Defense program that helps eligible military personnel begin a new career as teachers in public schools where their skills, knowledge and experience are most needed.

Registration is available on the program’s website at proudtoserveagain.com .

Feed Our Vets Feed Our Vets is a nonprofit or-

Signal Tribune

15

ganization whose mission is to help veterans and their spouses and children whose circumstances have left them in hunger.

The program seeks to solve this hunger problem by providing free food to veterans and their families, distributing goods and services and also public education and outreach.

Food pantries and other foundations seek to provide these resources for needy veterans.

For more information, including the different outlets that provide these food services, visit feedourvets.org . ✦

I am honored to walk with my LBCC colleagues at this year's annual Long Beach Veteran's Day Parade as a tribute to all of the Veterans who have sacrificed so much for our freedom. My father was a proud Korean War Army Veteran and my family is very thankful for his sacrifice, and the sacrifice made by millions of other Veterans so that we here in America, and others around the world can enjoy the sweetness of freedom.

In humble gratitude,

Vivian Malauulu

Candidate, Long Beach Community College District Board of Trustees Area 2

Endorsed by the Full and Part Time Faculty, as well as the Classified Staff of LBCC

Thanking our Veterans from our family to yours

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Fisher House The Fisher House Foundation provides comfortable homes for families of patients receiving medical care at major military and VA medical centers.

There are 65 Fisher Houses across the United States, Germany and United Kingdom. More than 250,000 families have been provided 5.8 million nights of lodging, saving them more than $282 million since the program began in 1990, according to Fisher House officials.

These homes are located at major military and VA medical centers nationwide, close to the medical center or hospital they serve.

Fisher Houses have up to 21 suites, with private bedrooms and baths. Families share a common kitchen, laundry facilities, a dining room and a living room.

The VA Long Beach Healthcare System falls under the umbrella of the Fisher House program and serves veterans across the community. It is located at 5901 E. 7th St. For more information, visit fisherhousesocal.org .

CalVet The California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) strives to ensure that veterans of every era and their families get state and federal benefits and services they have earned as a result of their military service.

According to CalVet, California is home to 1.8 million veterans, representing 8 percent of the total U.S. veteran population. California anticipates receiving an additional 30,000 discharged members of the armed services each year for the next several years– more than any other state.

CalVet provides service in the areas of education, employment, healthcare, housing, advocacy and assistance and VA claims.

CalVet’s educational programs provide development in apprenticeship and on-the-job training, college-degree and certificate programs, flight training and correspondence courses. Each program provides different benefits to different groups of individuals and offers a specified number of months of benefits. Veterans can only use one VA education benefit for training at a time.

The employment program has services and benefits to veterans who are unemployed or seeking employment, including services that assist in finding a job, unemployment benefits while seeking employment and apprenticeship and on-the-job training programs that pay while veterans prepare for a sustainable

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16

Signal Tribune

TST5040 / Case No. VS027844.

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME, SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, 12720 Norwalk Blvd., Norwalk, CA 90650. PETITION OF Elisa Rebeca Godinez Cristales. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner: ELISA REBECA GODINEZ CRISTALES, filed a petition with this court for a decree changing her name as follows: Present Name: Elisa Rebeca Godinez Cristales, to Proposed Name: Bradley Jules Godinez. 2.

THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, shy the petition for change of name should not be granted. NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: November 25, 2015; Time: 1:30pm.; Dept.

C, Room 312. The address of the court is the same as above. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county, THE SIGNAL TRIBUNE, 939 E. 27th. Street, Signal Hill, CA 90755: October 16, 23, 30, & November 6, 2015. Margaret Miller Bernal, Judge of the Superior Court Dated: September 23, 2015 TST5041 / 2015 254298 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person is doing business as: SOUTH BAY HOME HEALTH CARE, 1349 El Prado Ave., Torrance, CA 90501. Registrant: MYT HOME HEALTH CARE, 1349 El Prado Ave., Torrance, CA 90501. This business is conducted by: a Corporation. I declare that all

PUBLIC NOTICES information in this statement is true and correct. Signed: Joseph Tenne, President. 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 October 1, 1983. This statement was filed with the county clerk of Los Angeles County on October 2, 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: October 16, 23, 30, & November 6, 2015.

TST5042 / 2015 261304 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person is doing business as: THE SALON PRINT SHOP, 60 Quincy Ave. #A, Long Beach, CA 90803. Registrant: ALCIE FELIZ VILLORIA, 60 Quincy Ave. #A, Long Beach, CA 90803. This business is conducted by: an Individual. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed: Alcie Feliz Villoria. 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 October 13, 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 state-

City of Signal Hill

2175 Cherry Avenue Signal Hill, CA 90755-3799 TST5053 NOTICE OF ORDINANCE INTRODUCTION

Ordinance No. 2015-09-1479 was introduced by the Signal Hill City Council at their meeting of Tuesday, November 3, 2015. A summary of the ordinance is as follows: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SIGNAL HILL, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO THE CONTRACT BETWEEN THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SIGNAL HILL AND THE BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION OF THE CALIFORNIA PUBLIC EMPLOYEES’ RETIREMENT SYSTEM A copy of the full text of the ordinance is available in the City Clerk’s Office and on the City’s website: www.cityofsignalhill.org.

Robert D. Copeland City Clerk Published in the Signal-Tribune newspaper on November 6, 2015.

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

City of Signal Hill

ment 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: October 16, 23, 30, & November 6, 2015.

TST5045 / 2015 262510 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person is doing business as: JRS LANDSCAPING, 197 E. Hullett St., Long Beach, CA 90805. Registrant: CARRILLO FERNANDO, 197 E. Hullett St., Long Beach, CA 90805. This business is conducted by: an Individual. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed: Carrillo Fernando. 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 October 1, 2010. This statement was filed with the county clerk of Los Angeles County on October 14, 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: October 23, 30, & November 6, 13, 2015.

TST5052 / 2015 277007 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following persons are doing

business as: EAST LONG BEACH CURVES, 6536 E. Spring St., Long Beach, CA 90815. Registrants: 1. ROSE MARIE J. GREEN, 2.

ROBERT E. GREEN, 2945 Ladoga Ave., Long Beach, CA 90815.

This business is conducted by: a Married Couple. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed: Robert E. Green. 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 October 29, 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: November 6, 13, 20,27, 2015.

TST5047 APN: 7216-014-044 TS No: CA08005293-14-1 TO No: 11-0081922 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED November 23, 2005. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDINGS AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. On December 10, 2015 at 09:00 AM, Vineyard Ballroom, Doubletree Hotel Los Angeles-Norwalk, 13111 Sycamore Drive, Norwalk, CA 90650, MTC Financial Inc. dba Trustee Corps, as the duly Appointed Trustee, under and pursuant to the power of sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust Recorded on December 7, 2005 as Instrument No. 05 2991074 of official records in the Office of the Recorder of

City of Signal Hill

2175 Cherry Avenue Signal Hill, CA 90755-3799

TST5051 NOTICE OF CHANGE IN CITY COUNCIL AND PLANNIG COMMISSION MEETING DAYS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Ordinance No. 2015-09-1479 was introduced by the Signal Hill City Council at their meeting of Tuesday, September 15, 2015 and adopted by the City Council at their meeting of Tuesday, October 6, 2015. A summary of the ordinance is as follows: AMENDING SECTIONS 2.08.040 AND 2.36.060 OF THE SIGNAL HILL MUNICIPAL CODE TO CHANGE THE MEETING DAYS FOR THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS AND THE REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETINGS A copy of the full text of the ordinance is available in the City Clerk’s Office and on the City’s website: www.cityofsignalhill.org.

Effective November 24, 2015, regular meetings of the City Council shall be conducted on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber of City Hall, 2175 Cherry Avenue, Signal Hill, CA, 90755.

Regular meetings of the Planning Commission shall be conducted on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber of City Hall, 2175 Cherry Avenue, Signal Hill, CA 90755.

Robert Copeland City Clerk

2175 Cherry Avenue Signal Hill, CA 90755-3799

This notice was posted in accordance with SHMC Section 1.08.010 on November 6, 2015.

Dated: November 6, 2015

Ordinance No. 2015-11-1481 was introduced by the Signal Hill City Council at their meeting of Tuesday, November 3, 2015. A summary of the ordinance is as follows:

TST5055 Section 3 / MBE/WBE/OBE Subcontractors/Suppliers Notice of Bids Request

TST5054 NOTICE OF ORDINANCE INTRODUCTION

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SIGNAL HILL, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT 15-04 REPEALING CHAPTER 13.10 OF THE SIGNAL HILL MUNICIPAL CODE AND REPLACING IT WITH REVISED STATE MANDATED WATER CONSERVATION REGULATIONS LIMITING TURF AND IMPROVING IRRIGATION EFFICIENCY IN NEW DEVELOPMENT AND ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT 15-02 AMENDING TITLE 20 OF THE SIGNAL HILL MUNICIPAL CODE BY ADDING LANDSCAPE AND HARDSCAPE STANDARDS TO PROMOTE TURF REPLACEMENT IN EXISTING DEVELOPMENT A copy of the full text of the ordinance is available in the City Clerk’s Office and on the City’s website: www.cityofsignalhill.org.

Robert D. Copeland City Clerk Published in the Signal-Tribune newspaper on November 6, 2015.

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

Project: Cabrillo Gateway – 120 Unit, 5 Story Affordable Residential Apartment Building Over One Level of Parking Garage Location: 2000 River Ave, Long Beach, CA 90810 Walton Construction Services plans to receive bids in “Good Faith” with Section 3, Local Long Beach or MBE/WBE/OBE firms for participation in the Anchor Place Project. Certified firms must provide a copy of their current Section 3, M/W/DBE certification issued by the City of Long Beach, City of Los Angeles, Metro or Caltrans. This project is a State Commercial and Davis Bacon prevailing wage job.

For information regarding plans and specs, firms can contact Mark Diaz at Mdiaz@waltoncs.com The following trades are scheduled to bid starting December 14th, 2015: Rough Carpentry, Finish Carpentry, Siding, Masonry, HVAC, Cleanup, Insulation, Glazing, Sheet Metal, Roofing, Plaster, Drywall, Painting, Cabinets, Ceramic Tile, Carpet, Landscape. Walton Construction Services is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to, and encourages participation of Local, Section 3, MBE/WBE/ OBE subcontractors/suppliers on the Anchor Place Housing Project.

November 6, 2015 Los Angeles County, California, executed by KEVIN B AUSTIN, A SINGLE MAN, Kevin B Austin, Kevin B. Austin, as Trustor(s), in favor of MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. as nominee for COUNTRYWIDE BANK, N.A. as Beneficiary, WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER, in lawful money of the United States, all payable at the time of sale, that certain property situated in said County, California describing the land therein as: AS MORE FULLY DESCRIBED IN SAID DEED OF TRUST The property heretofore described is being sold “as is”. The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 1984 CHERRY AVE, SIGNAL HILL, CA 90755-5824 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. Said sale will be made without covenant or warranty, express or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the Note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust, with interest thereon, as provided in said Note(s), advances if any, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, estimated fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligations secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of this Notice of Trustee’s Sale is estimated to be $713,248.97 (Estimated). However, prepayment premiums, accrued interest and advances will increase this figure prior to sale. Beneficiary’s bid at said sale may include all or part of said amount. In addition to cash, the Trustee will accept a 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, savings association or savings bank specified in Section 5102 of the California Financial Code and authorized to do business in California, or other such funds as may be acceptable to the Trustee. In the event tender other than cash is accepted, the Trustee may withhold the issuance of the Trustee’s Deed Upon Sale until funds become available to the payee or endorsee as a matter of right. The property offered for sale excludes all funds held on account by the property receiver, if applicable. 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. Notice to Potential Bidders If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a Trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself. Placing the highest bid at a Trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property. You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information. If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same Lender may hold more than one mortgage or Deed of Trust on the property. Notice to Property Owner The sale date shown on this Notice of Sale may be postponed one or more times by the Mortgagee, Beneficiary, Trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about Trustee Sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call Auction.com at 800.280.2832 for information regarding the Trustee’s Sale or visit the Internet Web site address www.Auction. com for information regarding the sale of this property, using the file number assigned to this case, CA08005293-14-1.

Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the Internet Web site. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale. Date: October 17, 2015 MTC Financial Inc. dba Trustee Corps TS No. CA08005293-14-1 17100 Gillette Ave, Irvine, CA 92614 949-252-8300 TDD: 866660-4288 Miguel Ochoa, Authorized Signatory SALE INFORMATION CAN BE OBTAINED ONLINE AT www.Auction. com FOR AUTOMATED SALES INFORMATION PLEASE CALL: Auction.com at 800.280.2832 MTC Financial Inc. dba Trustee Corps MAY BE ACTING AS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED MAY BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. Order no. CA15-0010812, Pub Dates, 10/23/2015, 10/30/2015, 11/06/2015.

NEWS

November 6, 2015 Crimes reported by the LBPD Council districts 6, 7 & 8 (no arrest information supplied) Thursday, Oct. 29 12:30am Auto burglary Elm Ave./E. 36th St. 7:31am Stolen vehicle recovered W. Wardlow Rd./Maine Ave. 8:50am Non-injury hit-and-run Eucalyptus Ave./W. Burnett St. 8:53am Residential burglary 1600 block E. PCH 12:24pm Grand theft– property 1800 block Long Beach blvd.

5:36pm Residential burglary 3400 block Rose Ave.

2100 block Myrtle Ave. 6:12pm Non-injury hit-and-run 2200 block E. PCH

11:22am Residential burglary 3900 block Gardenia Ave. 3:49pm Residential burglary 3500 block Gaviota Ave.

4:22pm Non-injury hit-and-run 4800 block Atlantic Ave. 5:52pm Non-injury hit-and-run 200 block W. Willow St. 7:11pm Robbery– commercial Orange Ave./E. San Antonio Dr. Saturday, Oct. 31 3:20pm Non-injury hit-and-run

4:43pm Non-injury hit-and-run 2500 block Magnolia Ave.

7:58pm Battery 1000 block E. 21st St. 10:30pm Grand theft– motor vehicle 2200 block Oregon Ave. Sunday, Nov. 1 10:28am Non-injury hit-and-run Cerritos Ave./E. San Antonio Dr. 4:39pm Non-injury hit-and-run 1000 block E. PCH 5:42pm Residential burglary 300 block W. 19th St.

E Y E

Friday, Oct. 30 9:30am Non-injury hit-and-run 2800 block Atlantic Ave.

2:17pm Robbery– person E. Hill St./Orange Ave.

6:16pm Assault– not firearm 1900 block Cedar Ave.

4:49pm Residential burglary 4600 block Banner Dr. 5:34pm Residential burglary 3600 block Cedar Ave.

N O

Monday, Nov. 2 9:04am Non-injury hit-and-run Atlantic Ave./Roosevelt Rd. 12:07pm Residential burglary 2700 block Chestnut Ave. 3:11pm Battery 4800 block Atlantic Ave. Tuesday, Nov. 3 9:10am Battery E. Spring St./Atlantic Ave.

1:19pm Stolen vehicle recovered 100 block W. San Antonio Dr.

Crimes reported by SHPD Citywide Thursday, Oct. 29 1:05am Public intoxication 1800 block Stanley Ave. (suspect taken into custody)

9:57am Auto burglary 700 block E. Carson St.

11:29am Non-injury hit-and-run 4400 block Atlantic Ave. 2:09pm Non-injury hit-and-run 2700 block Pacific Ave. 7:59pm Residential burglary 2200 block Cedar Ave.

8:05pm Residential burglary 1000 block E. San Antonio Dr. 8:34pm Battery 2200 block Earl Ave. 9:45pm Battery 1800 block Pacific Ave.

1:35pm Non-injury hit-and-run E. PCH/Gundry Ave.

17

(suspect taken into custody) 6:30am Auto burglary 1900 block Stanley Ave. 12:14pm Grand theft– property 2200 block Junipero Ave.

9:38am Elder abuse 1900 block Temple Ave.

4:30pm Grand theft– $950 or less 700 block E. Spring St.

1:37pm Grand theft– motor vehicle 2700 block E. 20th St.

Monday, Nov. 2 4:15am DUI E. Wardlow Rd./Cherry Ave. (suspect taken into custody)

E IM

R C

Wednesday, Nov. 4 4:43am Stolen vehicle recovered E. 29th St./Atlantic Ave.

10:58am Battery 2100 block Earl Ave.

Signal Tribune

1:43pm Grand theft– $950 or less 1800 block E. Willow St. (suspect identified)

2:34pm Terrorist threats 2200 block Sea Ridge Dr. 8:35pm Injury hit–and–run Cherry Ave./E. 19th St.

Friday, Oct. 30 1:53am DUI Walnut Ave./E. 23rd St. (suspect taken into custody) Saturday, Oct. 31 1:32am Battery from spouse, cohabitant, date E. 23rd St./Lemon Ave. (juvenile subject taken into custody) 3:06am Battery 2200 block Molino Ave. (two suspect taken into custody) 11am Grand theft– property 3300 block Brayton Ave.

7:45am Auto burglary 2200 block E. 21st St. 8:58am Grand theft– motor vehicle 3200 block E. PCH Tuesday, Nov. 3 1:20pm Residential burglary 900 block Nevada St. (two suspects taken into custody) Wednesday, Nov. 4 11:42am Residential burglary 2200 block E. 20th St. 1:37pm Grand theft– $950 or less 700 block E. Spring St. 10:02pm Commercial burglary 900 block E. 33rd St. (suspect taken into custody) 11:15pm Petty theft 900 block E. 33rd St. (suspect taken into custody)

Sunday, Nov. 1 12:56am DUI 2300 block Obispo Ave.

11:20pm Battery 2700 block Cherry Ave.

OTHER HYDROCARBON SUBSTANCES IN, UNDER OR WHICH MAY BE PRODUCED FROM SAID LANDS BUT WITHOUT RIGHT OF ENTRY UPON THE SURFACE THEREOF OR RIGHT TO OCCUPY OR USE ANY PORTION OF SAID LANDS LYING WITHIN 500 FEET BELOW THE SURFACE AS RESERVED BY LOIS H. NISSEN, IN DEED RECORDED MAY 17, 1971 AS INSTRUMENT NO. 2628, OFFICIAL RECORDS. The property heretofore described is being sold “as is”. The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 2214 MOLINO AVENUE, SIGNAL HILL, CA 90755. The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. Said sale will be made without covenant or warranty, express or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the Note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust, with interest thereon, as provided in said Note(s), advances if any, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, estimated fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligations secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of this Notice of Trustee’s Sale is estimated to be $598,965.35 (Estimated). However, prepayment premiums, accrued interest and advances will increase this figure prior to sale. Beneficiary’s bid at said sale may include all or part of said amount. In addition to cash, the Trustee will accept a 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, savings association or savings bank specified in Section 5102 of the California Financial Code and authorized to do business in California, or other such funds as may be acceptable to the Trustee. In the event tender other than cash is accepted, the Trustee may withhold the issuance of the Trustee’s Deed Upon Sale until funds become available to the payee or endorsee as a matter of right. The property offered for sale excludes all funds held on account by the property receiver, if applicable. 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. Notice to Potential Bidders If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a

Trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself. Placing the highest bid at a Trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property. You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information. If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same Lender may hold more than one mortgage or Deed of Trust on the property. Notice to Property Owner The sale date shown on this Notice of Sale may be postponed one or more times by the Mortgagee, Beneficiary, Trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about Trustee Sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call In Source Logic AT 702-659-7766 for information regarding the Special Default Services, Inc. or visit the Internet Web site address listed below for information regarding the sale of this property, using the file number assigned to this case, CA0100018215. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the Internet Web site. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale. Date: October 22, 2015 Special Default Services, Inc. TS No. CA01000182-15 17100 Gillette Ave Irvine, CA 92614 (844) 706-4182 TDD: 866-660-4288 Lisa Rohrbacker, Trustee Sales Officer SALE INFORMATION CAN BE OBTAINED ON LINE AT www. insourcelogic.com FOR AUTOMATED SALES INFORMATION PLEASE CALL: In Source Logic AT 702-659-7766 SPECIAL DEFAULT SERVICES, INC. MAY BE ACTING AS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED MAY BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. ORDER NO. CA15-003836-1, PUB DATES: 10/30/2015, 11/06/2015, 11/13/2015

PUBLIC NOTICES TST5043 APN: 7214-009-223 TS No: CA0700034311-1 TO No: VTSG1052658 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED October 28, 2008. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDINGS AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. On November 20, 2015 at 10:00 AM, near the fountain located in the Civic Center Plaza, 400 Civic Center Plaza, Pomona, CA 91766, MTC Financial Inc. dba Trustee Corps, as the duly Appointed Trustee, under and pursuant to the power of sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust recorded on November 3, 2008, as Instrument No. 20081943774, of official records in the Office of the Recorder of Los Angeles County, California, executed by RANDALL SUMMY, AND, SIVYU CHIA, HUSBAND AND WIFE AS COMMUNITY PROPERTY WITH RIGHT OF SURVIVORSHIP, as Trustor(s), in favor of MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. as nominee for SUNTRUST MORTGAGE, INC. as Beneficiary, WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER, in lawful money of the United States, all payable at the time of sale, that certain property situated in said County, California describing the land therein as: AS MORE FULLY DESCRIBED IN SAID DEED OF TRUST The property heretofore described is being sold “as is”. The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 2516 E. WILLOW ST NO 201, SIGNAL HILL, CA 90755 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. Said sale will be made without covenant or warranty, express or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the Note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust, with interest thereon, as provided in said Note(s), advances if any, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, estimated fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligations secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of this Notice of Trustee’s Sale is estimated to be $445,947.48 (Estimated). However, prepayment premiums, accrued interest and advances will increase this figure prior to sale. Beneficiary’s bid at said sale may include all or part of said

amount. In addition to cash, the Trustee will accept a 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, savings association or savings bank specified in Section 5102 of the California Financial Code and authorized to do business in California, or other such funds as may be acceptable to the Trustee. In the event tender other than cash is accepted, the Trustee may withhold the issuance of the Trustee’s Deed Upon Sale until funds become available to the payee or endorsee as a matter of right. The property offered for sale excludes all funds held on account by the property receiver, if applicable. 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. Notice to Potential Bidders If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a Trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself. Placing the highest bid at a Trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property. You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information. If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same Lender may hold more than one mortgage or Deed of Trust on the property. Notice to Property Owner The sale date shown on this Notice of Sale may be postponed one or more times by the Mortgagee, Beneficiary, Trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code.

The law requires that information about Trustee Sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale.

If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call In Source Logic at 702-659-7766 for information regarding the Trustee’s Sale or visit the Internet Web site address listed below for information regarding the sale of this property, using the file number assigned to this case, CA07000343-11-

1. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the Internet Web site. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale. Date: October 9, 2015 MTC Financial Inc. dba Trustee Corps TS No. CA07000343-11-1 17100 Gillette Ave Irvine, CA 92614 949-252-8300 TDD: 866-660-4288 Myron Ravelo, Authorized Signatory SALE INFORMATION CAN BE OBTAINED ON LINE AT www. insourcelogic.com FOR AUTOMATED SALES INFORMATION PLEASE CALL: In Source Logic AT 702-659-7766 MTC Financial Inc. dba Trustee Corps MAY BE ACTING AS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED MAY BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. ORDER NO. CA15-003635-1, PUB DATES: 10/23/2015, 10/30/2015, 11/06/2015 TST5048 APN: 7215-025-081 TS No: CA01000182-15 TO No: 95308258 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED August 26, 2005. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDINGS AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. On November 24, 2015 at 10:00 AM, near the fountain located in the Civic Center Plaza, 400 Civic Center Plaza, Pomona, CA 91766, Special Default Services, Inc., as the duly Appointed Trustee, under and pursuant to the power of sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust Recorded on September 1, 2005 as Instrument No. 05 2111202 of official records in the Office of the Recorder of Los Angeles County, California, executed by MARCOS RAMIREZ, A MARRIED MAN AS HIS SOLE AND SEPARATE PROPERTY, as Trustor(s), in favor of MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. as nominee for IMPAC FUNDING CORPORATION DBA IMPAC LENDING GROUP, A CALIFORNIA CORPORATION as Beneficiary, WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER, in lawful money of the United States, all payable at the time of sale, that certain property situated in said County, California describing the land therein as: LOT 7 IN BLOCK `N` OF SIGNAL HILL, IN THE CITY OF SIGNAL HILL AS PER MAP RECORDED IN BOOK 9 PAGES 2 AND 3 OF MAPS, IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY RECORDER OF SAID COUNTY. EXCEPT ALL MINERALS, OIL, GAS AND

18

COMMUNITY

Signal Tribune

November 6, 2015

Brides

continued from page 1

Nina Edillo If you were to ask Nina Edillo about what happened more than 70 years ago in the Philippines, it would be as if the memories of agony, gunfire and constant running and hiding instantly became reality once more.

She understands that she’s lucky to have a chance to talk about it.

“Sometimes I say, ‘Is it a dream?’”

Edillo said. “Life, in a minute, is just gone. You just never know.”

Edillo resides in San Jose, Calif. and lives with her daughter and son-in-law. And it’s only the literal circumstance of life or death tipping over in Edillo’s favor that has her living the life that she does today.

It was December of 1944 that Manila, the capital of the Philippines, was raided by Japanese armed forces.

She was at the center of it all.

With seemingly no transition from one moment to another, the Japanese suddenly attacked Manila and took hold and herded thousands of Filipinos away from their homes, Edillo said.

It only took the Japanese soldiers about a week before they were trying to kill as many Filipinos as they could.

“They told us to hurry,” Edillo said of the Japanese, “and all I had was a bundle of precious things.

Things that were precious to me then– just some shoes and clothes that I had.”

What Edillo didn’t understand at the time was that the Philippines Campaign of World War II was in full swing. General Douglas MacAr-

thur had landed months earlier, and the battle between American and Japanese forces was to ensue, with the Allied forces making attempts to liberate the Philippines.

Edillo was in a group of about 500 people, along with her mom, dad and sister. There was no option other than to follow orders and to tread along with a scarce amount of food, water and clothing.

It’s a feeling that Edillo remembers all too well.

“I felt that bayonet on my back,” she said. “It scared the heck out of me.”

At some point, the group was told to disperse and run as fast as they can. As some Japanese soldiers fired at the scattered frenzy, Edillo’s family managed to get far enough and eventually hide under a concrete building. They remained hidden under the bombed-out building for a little more than a day.

When morning came, the Japanese were leading a small group of hostages and instructing them to make their way to a nearby hospital.

It was Edillo’s father that made the decision to not go with the crowd.

Minutes later, the whirling buzz of a machine gun all but confirmed that most of them died crossing the avenue, Edillo said.

“Thank God Dad said we don’t go with that crowd,” she said.

It was days of running and hiding with little to no food and water.

“It was just staying there,” Edillo said of the hiding. “We could hear all the bombings and the shelling of the Americans toward the Japanese.

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Joy Beebe at the World War II War Brides Association reunion

All while the Japanese are trying to shoot at any civilian that they could find.”

It was every so often that Japanese soldiers would scurry along the area and Edillo’s family would play dead in order to avoid confrontation. But Edillo could hear that others were not so lucky as barrages of gunfire struck others playing possum, as well.

It was during those instances that Edillo heard the marching of American soldiers. “‘Dad, those are Americans,’” Edillo recalled herself saying. “‘Blue eyes! He’s American!’”

At that moment, the family was instructed to run as far away in the opposite direction. They had stumbled upon the firing line of the American and Japanese battle.

Edillo didn’t need to be told twice.

“As soon as I heard that, I don’t know if I had wings in my feet, but I ran as fast as I could,” she said. “We had to get out of here. You hear all

the shootings and the machine guns.

I couldn’t tell who was a Japanese or an American.”

But it was the farther she went that she realized what she was running through: dead bodies.

“When I was running, I was like ‘Oh, my God. Those are dead people,’” she said. “I don’t know if they are soldiers or civilians or what, but they were just scattered all around. I didn’t want to look, but I had to see where I was running.”

The running finally stopped when the family encountered a Jeep. Another friendly face. Five American soldiers gave the family a “good morning” and proceeded to offer them grapefruit juice– of which Edillo joking admitted that she hated the taste, but “at that point we needed anything”– and shelter at a nearby school.

They were treated by an American Red Cross medical unit and offered food. Spaghetti had never tasted so good, Edillo said.

Present day, Edillo credits God for guiding her family to safety. It’s divine intervention that helped her find her place amongst the World War II war brides, as well, she said.

She read about the war brides in the newspaper and has since then participated in every event.

But things could just as well have gone differently.

“I thank God. God was good,” Edillo said. “He was just the one guiding us. Most of our friends who were with us died. Those who went to the hospital where we were told to go, [the Japanese] were there across the street ready with their machine guns. My dad said ‘No, let’s not go with the group.’ God told him that we shouldn’t go. When I think of that, I think, ‘What else can I say?’”

The Zimmermans The only original couple from the World War II era onboard the Queen Mary, Jackie and Ted Zimmerman were married on Aug. 31, 1946 in Brussels, Belgium.

There are not many original cou-

Photos by Monica Gallardo

ples from World War II left, according to those at the reunion.

They both met at a New Year’s eve party in Belgium. It was there that they agreed to meet two days later at a café for a date.

It was to Ted’s disappointment that Jackie had not remembered his name. “The most precious thing anyone has is their name,” Ted said humorously with a flabbergasted look on his face.

The couple went on to have a series of dates before Ted was unexpectedly transferred to the coast of Paris, 150 miles away from Brussels, where Jackie lived.

Every weekend, Ted would hitch a ride there and back to visit Jackie. He soon grew tired of the routine and decided to solidify the relationship by proposing.

“What?” Jackie recalled reacting to the proposal. It wasn’t until a few moments later when she finally gave a response to Ted, who poked fun at the situation, and gave a resounding “Well, OK” as an answer.

Ted said that all war brides were permitted into the United States through a special act of Congress.

But even then, there was still a process of approval.

Before they could get married, one of the processes involved was a form of documentation delivered to Jackie that requested an answer as to why she was getting married.

“Do you or don’t [you] love me?”

Ted asked Jackie. “I guess” was the humor-filled answer, and so she had to sign off “I am marrying Ted Zimmerman because I love him” as the sole reason as to why she was getting married.

Jackie’s wedding dress was made up of parachute material, which Ted got a hold of by bartering away a bottle of “hooch,” or whiskey. Jackie designed the dress, took the parachute apart and gave it to a dressmaker.

Jackie and Ted were eventually married and came to the United

“Autumn paints in colors summer has never seen.”

- Source unknown

see BRIDES page 19

COMMUNITY

November 6, 2015

Signal Tribune

19

Gaviota

continued from page 3

Jackie and Ted Zimmerman

Brides

continued from page 18

States together.

The dress has since been passed on to Jackie’s sister, who wore it four years later for her wedding, and then to Jackie’s daughter, who used it 25 years later.

The wedding dress is now in a World War II museum in New Orleans.

Before meeting Ted, Jackie’s life was filled with hard times.

Belgium was neutral at the start of World War II but found itself caught in the conflict in 1940 when German forces invaded, leading to Belgium’s surrender.

“We were very hungry and very cold and hoping the bombs wouldn’t fall on us when [the Germans] came over,” she said. “The occupation was very hard.”

Jackie said that she was at one point forced by German officials to sign papers stating that she volunteered to work for a German ammunition base.

“I signed it under duress, otherwise I was going to be sent to jail,” she said. “I signed these papers and then I went into hiding, because my parents didn’t want me to go. If I had gone, I wouldn’t be sitting here; I’d be dead. After the war, I went to Hamburg and the ammunition factory– I can’t remember the name of the place, but it was as flat as a pancake.”

Jackie now thinks about the war brides reunion and can’t help but marvel at how some of these people who are gathering around sharing their war stories were at one point on different sides.

It’s such a wonderful thing, she said.

“It’s great,” Jackie said. “We are friends with former enemies and all that. We love them all. After all, what did they know? They did only what they were told. America is a melting pot anyway.”

Joy Beebe The looming threat of bombing raids was always a norm for Joy Beebe in London, England during World War II. She recalls only going to school twice a week, and classes were held inside of air-raid shelters,

which were “really uncomfortable.”

Joy married Carl Beebe in Kent, England on April 28, 1945. She never thought of coming to America, but she never felt sorry about making the change.

“I was very upset when I first came here,” she said. “I was very homesick. But it’s turned out fine.”

Joy used to work near the Tower of London. One of her fondest memories was spending time with Carl during their break.

“I used to be so happy, because my new boyfriend, who ended up being my husband, used to come up on the trail,” Joy said. “At lunch time, we’d walk around the Tower of London and places that I enjoyed in London. We were just happy to be together.”

They eventually had four children.

Carl would work during the day, Joy would work during the evening. Joy described the days after the war as very tough, but she always enjoyed spending her time with Carl.

“He was a quiet man. He was a very gentle man,” she said. “We went back to England several times, but he’s been gone for some time now.”

Joy has written a book documenting her experiences during World War II entitled Snapshots of a War Bride’s Life. The description of her book describes her life of that filled with “scary bomb sounds, sleeping under a table and watching London burn from afar.”

Also kept intact from her life is the wedding dress she wore when she married Carl. It’s on display at the bottom part of an exhibit onboard the Queen Mary during the war brides reunion.

Joy always likes sharing her experiences.

“I love getting together with this group of ladies,” she said. “It’s been great. We are all getting so old that we are ready to exchange our stories. It seems that once you retire, some of the youth comes back to your head. When you think about it, you remember more and more, all the time.” ✦

Cory Bilicko/Signal Tribune

The historic home located at 2477 Gaviota Ave. in Signal Hill has recently been sold, and the new owner has said he is in the process of conducting “a full rehab from the foundation up without modifying the historic look of the house.”

having it sold,” Justus said. “We tried to raise the money, and we just couldn’t raise enough money to do all that. So, we took a vote and decided to sell it. We never would have got [Holland’s] agreement to let us buy him out. That still would take a lot of money.”

Justus said that the roughly $175,000 that the historical society acquired from the sale will be applied to the museum section of the new library.

“We worked hard to clean up the place and keep it cleaned up,” Justus said of the home. “We tried hard to make it a museum.”

Larry Blunden, current president of the Signal Hill Historical Society, said it was during the time that the City intervened to clean up the property that Gilliam decided to give it to the organization.

“The property became in disrepair,” Blunden said. “[Gilliam] had a lot of vehicles on the property, and the City made him clean it up, and they towed all the vehicles off the property. That’s the day that [Gilliam] signed his half over to the historical society.”

Blunden doesn’t believe Holland was particularly pleased with Gilliam’s decision.

“I don’t think he was happy about that, unfortunately,” Blunden said. “I think he felt that, you know, he was (business) partners with [Gilliam] from the very beginning. I guess [Gilliam] was quite a wheeler and dealer.”

Blunden acknowledged that the historical society had wanted to convert the home into a Signal Hill museum but could not afford to maintain it.

“The goal in 2008 was to turn it into a museum long-term, but we couldn’t afford the taxes on it [and] we couldn’t afford the upkeep,” Blunden said. “The historical society’s a small group of Signal Hill. We would

need to have the money to support it.

So, it came to a point where, as president, I decided we needed to sell the property. So, I got with Art Holland, and he agreed to sell it, and we put it on the market and sold it to [Singhal].

It was a long process, but it was good for everybody.”

Blunden said a museum is part of what is in the plans for the new library.

Honeycutt said that, because Singhal was willing to record a historic-preservation easement in purchasing and restoring the home, the city

council felt that was valuable enough to release the lien on the property.

Singhal also paid the water bill in its entirety this summer. Honeycutt said it is his understanding that Singhal will live in the house after its restoration is complete.

“We’re very pleased that [Singhal] has purchased the property and wants to restore it,” Honeycutt said. “I think it adds a lot of value to our Crescent Heights Historic District, and we hope that maybe it piques some interest to continue some new development in that area.” ✦

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Signal Tribune

November 6, 2015