Feb. 23, 2018 | Vol. XL No. 9 | Signal Tribune

Serving Bixby Knolls, California Heights, Los Cerritos, Wrigley and Signal Hill VOL. XL NO. 9

IN THIS ISSUE

NEWS Seedy motels in Long Beach

Your Weekly Community Newspaper

www.signaltribune.com

Crews preparing to lift pier tables onto falsework to construct main span of new Desmond Bridge

Managing Editor

Page 3

COMMUNITY Long Beach ACS opens new play yard for dogs.

Program aims to keep dogs from being stressed so that they are more adoptable.

Page 8

OPINION O’Donnell writes about two bills on education he has introduced.

CULTURE Musical Theatre West’s Guys and Dolls reviewed Like film version, this production is fun, creative and sometimes problematic.

Page 9 Scan the code below with a QR reader to watch a Signal Tribune video on the Gerald Desmond Bridge Replacement Project.

First cables expected to be inserted into towers in late April or early May. Cory Bilicko

A pilot study reveals ‘nuisance’ properties as magnets for violence and human trafficking.

Bills aim to assist high school graduates in paths to either college or technical career.

Page 4

February 23, 2018

Cory Bilicko | Signal Tribune

To carry out construction of the segments of the new Gerald Desmond Bridge, crews are using twin movable scaffolding systems (MSS). Each unit weighs 3.1 million pounds and supports formwork to allow for an efficient construction of the bridge. Pictured is the blue MSS on the east end of the bridge.

Things are really looking up in downtown Long Beach.

Sometime next year, residents will be able to walk or bike 200 feet high above the port and Los Angeles River, vehicular traffic flow between downtown Long Beach and San Pedro will improve– with the addition of a third lane each way and emergency lanes on both the inner and outer shoulders in each direction– and the Port of Long Beach’s main channel will be able to accommodate most of the world’s largest ships.

That’s all if construction on the Gerald Desmond Bridge Replacement Project continues to go as planned– and, so far, with much intricate preparation, things are falling– or being carefully inserted– into place.

In early December, after a celebration of topping out the new towers, the formwork structures that were used to construct them in 20-foot segments were removed, exposing 10 pairs of casings into which 10 cables will be inserted as part of the cable-stayed construction of the bridge. The 20 casings appear as black dots on both faces of the tower and curve diagonally from the lowest pair to the highest.

In two months, crews will lift pier tables onto the four falsework columns that are constructed around the see BRIDGE page 14

New Signal Hill market anchors planned Heritage Square retail-residential development project First Mother’s outside Orange County replaces old Fresh & Easy market.

Anita W. Harris Staff Writer

The first Mother’s Market and Kitchen outside of Orange County opened in Signal Hill Saturday, Feb. 17, with a fanfare of speeches, certificate presentations, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, giveaways, music and face-painting for kids.

Located at 2475 Cherry Ave., the market replaces the now-defunct Fresh & Easy market and will anchor the proposed Heritage Square retail-and-residential project proposed by landowner Signal Hill Petroleum.

The proposed Heritage Square site is south of Willow and bordered by Crescent Heights Street, Cherry Avenue, East Burnett Street and Gardena Avenue.

Melissa Guy of the Signal Hill Chamber of Commerce told the Signal Tribune at the Mother’s Market opening that specifics of the site plan were still being developed.

“This entire area will become essentially an outdoor mall [and] entertainment,” she said. “So this is the anchor. We don’t know what’s next. It’s only a proposal.”

Debra Montalvo Russell, vice president of community relations and real-estate operations for Signal Hill Petroleum, echoed Guy’s enthusiasm for the project.

“We are so excited to bring Mother’s Market to Signal Hill,” she said.

Anita W. Harris | Signal Tribune

Shoppers browse the new Mother’s Market and Kitchen at 2475 Cherry Ave. during its see CENTER page 15 grand opening on Feb. 17.

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Signal Tribune

February 23, 2018

NEWS

February 23, 2018

Signal Tribune

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Long Beach city officials re-imagine that seedy motel down the street Pilot study reveals ‘nuisance’ properties as magnets for violence, human trafficking.

CJ Dablo Staff Writer

The Long Beach City Council has its eye on transforming and eventually reducing the number of sketchy motels in town. On Tuesday, Feb. 20, the council voted in favor of asking the city manager’s office to study the feasibility of creating an ordinance that would “hold property owners accountable for nuisance and criminal-related activities.” They also voted in favor of another recommendation to explore the feasibility of reducing the over-concentration of these nuisance motels along certain corridors.

Vice Mayor Rex Richardson, who represents the 9th district, asked his fellow council members to support the proposal. He named one problem corridor– a half-mile stretch along Long Beach Boulevard that falls near the 710 Freeway and Artesia Boulevard.

Richardson explained the problem of nuisance motels in north Long Beach and other neighborhoods, describing that these properties attract blight and crime.

“In many cases, human trafficking, drug activity and violent crime [have] really taken root in these motels,” the vice mayor said. “In fact, in the past three years, our police department has gotten 3,189 calls for service for violent crime and filed 772 crime-incident reports on the six worst motels alone.”

The vice mayor recalled one particular incident at the Luxury Inn on Long Beach Boulevard that highlighted the need to take a more proactive stance to address nuisance properties.

Last April, a “tragic incident” at the motel prompted Long Beach police to evacuate area residents from

Source longbeach.gov

The City of Long Beach has researched six properties as part of a pilot study on nuisance motels. The Long Beach Police Department offered statistics over a period of about three-and-a-half years to illustrate the number of calls for service and crime incidents on each property.

Coolidge Triangle from their homes while officers searched for a gunman.

Richardson did not detail what happened at the Luxury Inn, however, he did note that 80 police personnel were called to one motel. The vice mayor said that the occurrence prompted the City to initiate a pilot study, which used police data for about three-and-a-half years to determine the six motel properties that were the most problematic.

The six properties under the pilot study are the Luxury Inn, Searle Motel, Colonial Pool & Spa Motel, Long Beach Convention Center

Travelodge, Greenleaf Hotel and the Stallion Inn Motel. The pilot study is slated to end in September.

These motels were not only located in Richardson’s district in north Long Beach. They also fell in the 2nd and 6th Districts, which are located in the downtown area and central Long Beach.

Tracy Colunga, director for the City’s Innovation Team, told the council Tuesday that the study involved a collaborative effort between her team and several departments.

The report reviewed crime statistics and police-call data for each of the

motels. The group evaluated each motel, with consideration to the size of the property, type of crime and scale of criminal activity.

Colunga described to the council how the pilot program for the six properties initiated a partnership between several different stakeholders.

“Site visits to pilot locations are focused on inter-departmental collaboration, community support and partnerships with motel owners and managers,” Colunga said. “This model balances enforcement with support to motel managers provided by city staff. The City must look to

other solutions with minimal fiscal impact to address nuisance motels.”

Richardson’s staff report further explains how a partnership could work with motel owners. The vice mayor explained that he would like to tackle the nuisance motels using both short- and long-term solutions.

Richardson described how nuisance abatement that focuses on environmental issues and building safety could be used as a short-term solution, but he also noted that the City could “incorporate zoning and landuse changes” and offer incentives to property owners “to convert their properties to more viable uses, such as mixed-income and mixed-use housing.”

He also recommended developing an ordinance that would reduce the number of motels along designated “high-crime” corridors.

The proposal to explore the possibility of developing an ordinance did win the support from the community.

Anna M. Soto, a 9th-district resident who also works as a human-trafficking coordinator for the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health, wrote a letter to the council to voice her concern over the problem of nuisance motels.

“These specific motels,” she wrote, “have become a hub of illegal activity over the years, causing much blight and crime in the surrounding areas, most notably, human trafficking.” Soto also has a vested interest in the problem of human trafficking in Long Beach.

“I am a member of the Long Beach Human Trafficking Task Force and see the devastation human trafficking is wreaking in our communities, morally, financially and emotionally,” she wrote. see MOTEL page 6

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OPINION

Signal Tribune

February 23, 2018

Thoughts

from

Publisher

the

By Neena Strichart

Students have two basic choices after high school graduation: go to college or begin a career. Not every job that pays well requires a college degree, and not every student is going to get a college degree, so let’s prepare students for both.

I have introduced a pair of bills this year to support students in either path. Assembly Bill 1951, the Pathways to College Act, would allow school districts to replace the 11th-grade statewide test with a college-admissions test. AB 1743 continues funding for career technical education programs.

The Pathways to College Act expands higher-education opportunities for students by offering tests like the SAT or ACT during the school day at no cost to students. Long Beach Unified School District has been at the forefront of this effort and has seen an increase in the number of students attending college after administering the SAT to all 11th-grade students.

This measure would reduce the amount of testing and give students and teachers more time for instruction. The SAT or ACT is much more meaningful to students as they have a stake in doing well. Providing the college-entrance exams during the school day would increase the pathway to college by bringing the key to college acceptance right to their desks.

As a teacher for more than 20 years, I have seen many students fall off the path to high school graduation because they had no interest in a four-year university edu-

cation, yet were being told that was their destiny. There was little to engage these students at school, and they opted to drop out.

The outdated, “one-size-fits-all” approach our state took nearly 30 years ago to push all students toward a four-year university degree stripped funding for the programs proven to engage students, reduce drop-out rates and provide skills for quality jobs: career and technical education (CTE) programs.

Today there is a shortage of welders, auto repair technicians, code writers and many other positions that require hands-on technical skills. When these jobs are not filled, the California economy hurts. Further, these jobs have decent salaries that support middle-class families.

Recognizing the need to ensure that students have multiple paths to success and the benefit of CTE programs for the economy, the state legislature set up a three-year funding plan to re-implement these programs into California high schools. We are in the last year of that funding plan, but we are nowhere near the goal of building comprehensive CTE programs across our state that match the needs of our students and our economy.

As a parent, a teacher and a realist, I recognize the need to support these programs with consistent state funding. AB 1743 not only extends funding for these critical programs for an additional three years, it also see ASSEMBLY page 6

If the Signal Tribune were a person, tomorrow would be a milestone 18th birthday, allowing it to vote!

According to anniversariesbyyear. com, traditionally an appropriate gift for an 18-year anniversary is feathers, while the modern suggested gift is porcelain. No, please don’t bring us porcelain birds– I just thought the information was interesting.

Moving forward, exactly 18 years tomorrow, we will have published our first issue of The Signal under the ownership of the Stricharts. A couple of years earlier, the former owners closed the paper and went out of the newspaper business entirely. I had worked there for four years selling advertising.

With a lot of work and a little luck, Steve and I decided to resurrect the publication, beginning in January of 2000.

Starting the process in our dining room with the help of an enthusiastic staff, a few weeks later we went to print and enjoyed the fruits of our labor. To announce the revival of the newspaper, we relied on the kindness of Shel and Sheldon Grossman, owners of Bixby Knolls Detail Center and Car Wash, who, in early February of 2000, announced to the world on their giant outdoor reader-board “Welcome back, Signal Newspaper.” That first issue featured a photo of the big sign under the bold headline declaring, “We’re Back!”

Approximately a year later, we were fortunate and had the opportunity to acquire another local publication called the Signal Hill Star Tribune and legally became the Signal Tribune. Fast-forward 18 years, and we are still at it.

We currently have a great crew of regular staff members who copy-edit, sell advertising, lay out the paper and design ads, as well as some pretty darned talented reporters/writers who contribute to the paper on a regular if not weekly basis. I give a big thank-you to those valuable employees– Cory Bilicko, Denny Cristales, Sebastian Echeverry, Barbie Ellisen, Kathy Green, Sharon McLusee THOUGHTS page 6

LETTERS, EMAILS, WEBSITE COMMENTS AND STATEMENTS No manipulation or alteration?

Today [Feb. 16], secretaries of state from across the country were briefed by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The intelligence community once again confirmed that the tabulation of votes in the 2016 election was not manipulated or altered. However, ongoing cyber threats– including misinformation campaigns– are very real.

Federal agencies and state elections officials are committed to strengthening our cyber defenses. Our ongoing collaboration will be critical as the 2018 elections begin.

Alex Padilla Secretary of state California

“K

evin had a major heart attack.”

That’s not what I expected to hear when I answered the phone. I just happened to be at my dad’s house when the call came from Kevin’s mom, who had spent a few hours trying to track me down.

“He drove himself to the hospital and flat-lined in the lobby, but they got him back. Come to the hospital,” she said.

I raced to the Los Alamitos Emergency Center in time to see Kevin being wheeled down the hall to his space in the ICU. I couldn’t believe what I saw. There was my friend of 42 years unconscious, with black eyes, and now a cardiac patient in ICU. He was semi-responsive the next day, thank goodness.

He moved his body and nodded his head when I said his name and told him who had been there to see him the night before. He was intubated and hooked up to all sorts of machines that made his body jump and twitch.

He squeezed my hand, and I held his until I got uneasy seeing his face wince in pain as the nurse changed the IV line. I went back to the hospital throughout the week to see him although he was heavily sedated.

I kept asking myself how and why this happened. He was 45 years old and played hockey. I had just seen him a few weeks prior, and he seemed fine. In the nano-second after I got that first phone call, 42 years of friendship

PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Neena R. Strichart

ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS

Barbie Ellisen Katherine Green Sharon McLucas

Seeing something, saying something

Courtesy Blair Cohn

played in my head like an old-time movie.

I

f memory serves, it was a late afternoon in 1975

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Stephen M. Strichart STAFF WRITERS

CJ Dablo Anita W. Harris

see CORNER page 7

MANAGING EDITOR

Cory Bilicko

CULTURE WRITERS

Adam Buchsbaum Rachael Rifkin

Thanks to the actions of school-safety officer Marion Chavez and sheriff’s deputies Scott Reynal and Martin Maciel, a potentially deadly and devastating attack on our children was avoided [at El Camino High School in Whittier].

As we continue to mourn the lives lost at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and recent mass shootings across this country, this incident is a reminder that our own communities are not immune to the epidemic of gun violence in this nation. Until Congress passes commonsense gun violence-prevention legislation, it is incumbent on each of us to pay attention to what we hear and see in our communities and on social media. If something doesn’t feel right, do not hesitate to call law enforcement. Taking that step may save lives.

Janice Hahn LA County Supervisor 4th District

ONLINE EDITOR

Denny Cristales EDITORIAL INTERN

Izzie Hallock

DESIGN EDITOR

Sebastian Echeverry COLUMNIST

Zoe Adler Claudine Burnett Blair Cohn

The Signal Tribune welcomes letters to the editor, which should be signed, dated and include a phone number to verify authenticity. Letters are due by noon on the Wednesday before desired publication date. The Signal Tribune reserves the right to edit l­etters for grammar, language and space requirements. Letters must be 500 words or fewer. The Signal Tribune will publish no more than one “pro” letter and one “con” letter on a particular topic in a single issue. The Signal ­Tribune does not print letters that refer substantially to articles in other publications and might not print those that have recently been printed in other ­publications or otherwise presented in a public forum. Letters to the editor and commentaries are the opinions of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Signal Tribune or its staff. Although the editorial staff will attempt to verify and/or correct i­nformation when possible, letters to the editor and commentaries are opinions, and readers should not assume that they are statements of fact. Letter-writers will be identified by their professional titles or affiliations when, and only when, the editorial staff deems it relevant and/or to provide context to the letter. We do not run letters to the editor submitted by individuals who have declared their candidacies for public office in upcoming races. This policy was put in place because, to be fair, if we publish one, we would have to publish all letters submitted by all candidates. The volume would no doubt eliminate space for letters submitted by other readers. Instead, we agree to interview candidates and print stories about political races in an objective manner and offer very reasonable advertising rates for those candidates who wish to purchase ads. The Signal Tribune is published each Friday with a circulation of 30,000. Yearly subscriptions are available for $50.

1399 E. 28th St., Signal Hill, CA 90755 (562) 595-7900 www.signaltribune.com newspaper@signaltribune.com

February 23, 2018

COMMUNITY

Signal Tribune

The past, present and future issues

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At annual district address, BKBIA executive director commends community engagement, improvements over last decade, but warns of future financial danger.

Denny Cristales Online Editor

As the Great Recession hit Americans a decade ago, one of the major consequences was the impact it would have on small businesses.

Thriving markets floundered, and entities barely staying afloat seldom had a chance to survive the biggest stock crash since the Great Depression.

At the annual State of the District address on Feb. 15, Blair Cohn detailed the initial struggle of first operating as the Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association’s (BKBIA) new executive director 10 years ago.

Slightly disheartened but determined, Cohn looked for creative ways to expand the BKBIA’s influence on the neighborhood and surrounding businesses.

“I would meet a business owner and, a couple of weeks later, they would close up shop,” Cohn said, as he addressed the crowd at the

Long Beach Petroleum Club for the event. “I said, ‘I don’t know what we’re going to do here. We need to start thinking about this.’ The district had a lot of vacancies. It was a little bit dusty. But, we had lots of potential. There was great history here, great people, and the BIA was working toward these missions.”

It’s currently 2018, and the BKBIA has long distanced itself from its financial struggles of years prior, when it operated out of an “old, dusty, patch-tailor office” at 4313 Atlantic Ave. But, Cohn also warned of future dangers that could threaten the association’s finances, which has allowed it to make façade improvements and various neighborhood reparations and host organized events.

In about two years, the BKBIA’s contract with construction firm Resource Development Agency (RDA) will come to an end.

Cohn said the RDA is critical to the aesthetic development of Bixby Knolls. Within the first couple

of years as executive director, he negotiated a deal with the RDA for money to refurbish buildings, fix business landscapes, upgrade security lighting and use resources to make businesses visually appealing and efficient.

“So, when that money goes away, and we don’t have a solution to replace it,” Cohn said, “you will hear the sound of the dominoes starting to fall, and the last thing you’ll hear is the sound of the door close at the BIA office.”

One of Cohn’s proposed solutions is going to the City of Long Beach and reaching an agreement about replacing the looming monetary loss.

Other ideas involve utilizing the Expo Arts Center, 4321 Atlantic Ave., and investing in it to create a working multi-use space.

“That means office space, to small-business incubator space, to artist studios upstairs, to some retail see DISTRICT page 11

Denny Cristales | Signal Tribune

It’s been more than 10 years since Blair Cohn became executive director of the Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association, a decades-long story Cohn shared in detail to those in attendance at the Long Beach Petroleum Club on Feb. 15 during the State of the District address. Cohn also explained the BKBIA is brainstorming financial solutions, since its contract with the Resource Development Agency will end in about two years.

AROUND TOWN SEW WHAT? What Meeting Who Hosted by the Long Beach Chapter of the Embroiderers Guild of America, Inc When Friday, Feb. 23 at 11am Where Building QQ in room 122 on Long Beach City College’s campus, 1305 E. Pacific Coast Highway More Info Attendees will learn the techniques to mirror the style, “Cecilia.” Email Christa Barry at barrychen99@gmail.com.

TO YOUR HEALTH What Forum Who Hosted by Long Beach Medical Center When Saturday, Feb. 24 from 7:30am to 2pm Where Houssels Forum, 2801 Atlantic Ave. More Info MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center presents its 11th Annual Women’s Heart and Stroke Seminar. Blood pressure, carotid ultrasound, cholesterol and blood glucose screenings will be provided. Tickets cost $25 per person, which includes breakfast and lunch.

However, when two or more individuals register together, tickets cost $20 per person. Call 1-800-memorial to register.

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

FOR THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE What Forum Who Hosted by People’s State of the City and Long Beach Rising Coalition When Thursday, March 1 at 6:30pm Where First Congregational Church, 241 Cedar Ave. More Info Attendees will hear how workers, families, and youth are taking a stand to fight for equitable schools, stable workplaces and healthy communities.

Topics of discussion will include wage theft, sanctuaries, affordable housing and renter protections. Visit bhclongbeach.org/lbrising.

STATE OF AFFAIRS What Meet-and-greet WOMAN POWER Who Hosted by Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell What Celebration When Saturday, March 3 from 10am to 11am Who Hosted by The League of Women Voters of Long Where Ecco’s Pizza, 2123 N. Bellflower Blvd.

Beach More Info Residents have the opportunity to share their When Saturday, Feb. 24 from 10am to noon thoughts on legislative priorities, learn about constituent Where Los Altos Library, 5614 E. Britton Dr. services available to them and discuss issues important More Info Community members can enjoy cake in to the community. To RSVP, call O’Donnell’s office at celebration of The League of Women Voters of Long (562) 429-0470.

Beach’s 98th year in service. During the free event, attendees will learn about the league, watch the video film DOG-DAY AFTERNOON “Engaging Millennials in our Elections” and hear from What Picnic elected officials and candidates as to why they became Who Hosted by Sunny Saints St. Bernard Rescue involved in politics. Email Iris Yokoi at iyokoi@msn. When Saturday, March 3 from 10am to 4pm com.

Where Recreation Dog Park, 5201 E. 7th St. More Info Members of the Sunny Saints St. Bernard NOW HEAR THIS Rescue will celebrate eight years of service. Call (562) What Discussion 619-2059.

Who Hosted by Rancho Los Cerritos When Saturday, Feb. 24 from 10am to noon ACT IT OUT Where 4600 Virginia Rd. What Free performance More Info Two presentations with different topics will Who Hosted by the International City Theatre (ICT) occur. The first theme is “Unions and Labor Organiz- When Saturday, March 3 at 11am ing” where Trevor Griffey, lecturer in U.S. History and Where Beverly O’Neill Theatre, 330 E. Seaside Way Labor Studies at UCLA, UC Irvine, and CSU Domin- More Info Performers from ICT and We Tell Stories guez Hills, will lead the discussion. The second theme is Theater Company will act out classic literature in the “Immigrant Labor”, and the discussion will be led by a production of Let Them Eat Books. Visit ictlongbeach. panel. Call (562) 206-2040. org or call (562) 495-4595 to RSVP. WHITE OR RED? What Wine-tasting fundraiser Who Hosted by the Long Beach Camerata Singers When Sunday, Feb. 25 from 3pm to 5pm Where The Wine Country, 2301 Redondo Ave. More Info The night will include a performance of Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana by the Camerata Singers, a lecture about Carmina by Director Dr. James Bass and a performance by the Long Beach Youth Chorus. Tickets cost $50 and can be purchased through lbcamerata.org.

RAISE A GLASS What Wine-tasting event Who Hosted by Dine LBC When Saturday, March 10 from 1pm to 3pm Where The Sky Room, 40 S. Locust Ave. More Info Funds raised will benefit the Food Finders food rescue program. Guests can sample up to 20 Coquelicot wines, while being served appetizers. Tickets cost $35 and can be purchased through dinelbc.com.

Call Terri Henry at (562) 572-4770.

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NEWS

Signal Tribune

County approves unprecedented program to Motel continued from page 3 find missing people with dementia, autism The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday unanimously approved the Bringing Our Loved Ones Home Initiative, a groundbreaking countywide initiative to help locate individuals with dementia or autism who wander, according to the office of 4th District Supervisor Janice Hahn.

Wandering is a common problem associated with dementia, Alzheimer’s and autism, according to Hahn’s office. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 60 percent of people with dementia will wander at some point, and a study by the Interactive Autism Network found that 49 percent of children with autism will engage in wandering behavior.

While the vast majority of these individuals are recovered, wandering cases can end in tragedy.

“Over the course of the last year, I have talked to the husbands, wives, parents and adult children of individuals with autism and dementia who live in constant fear of what might happen if they turn their back for just one minute,” said Hahn, who authored the motion. “This program will not only save lives– it will provide peace of mind to caretakers countywide. They will know they are not alone. The County is just as committed to keeping their loved ones safe as they are.”

The initiative includes establishing a voluntary system of trackable bracelets for atrisk individuals. While the Project Lifesaver bracelet is not under constant monitoring, when an individual wearing a bracelet goes missing, caretakers can inform the Sheriff’s Department, who will be able to use helicopter-mounted receivers to locate the missing person. This system is currently being used in Glendale, where it has a 100-percent success rate.

Tuesday’s motion instructs the office of the CEO and the Sheriff’s Department to identify $765,000 in one-time costs to purchase Project Lifesaver receiver equipment and develop a marketing plan to inform the public of this program and how to get their loved one enrolled.

“We all hope that we can make a significant impact on the life-management issues associated with these vulnerable populations,

while providing much needed support for loved ones who must deal with wandering behaviors,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who coauthored the motion.

Hahn championed the initiative after helping with the search for Nancy Paulikas, a Manhattan Beach resident who suffers from early-onset Alzheimer’s and has been missing since she wandered away from her family while visiting LACMA in October 2016.

“Unfortunately, people like Nancy, with dementia, and people with autism are at great risk of becoming lost or wandering from their caregivers,” said Paulikas’s husband Kirk Moody. “These vulnerable citizens– an increasing segment of our population– can be swallowed up by the sheer size of the city and overwhelming number of people. I believe that implementing the Task Force’s recommendations will provide a quantum-leap improvement in preventing the future losses of vulnerable people– first by reducing the instances of at-risk people wandering, and second, when they do wander, greatly improving the response to help locate them faster.”

In addition to implementing the Project Lifesaver bracelet system countywide, the County will hire a staff of four people responsible for implementing the 17 recommendations developed by the Bring Our Loved Ones Home Taskforce, a team of experts and county department staff who worked the past year to develop solutions for the problem of wandering. These recommendations include a new investigational checklist for law enforcement dealing with a missing person’s case, better coordination of Jane and John Doe searches in hospitals, improving community alert systems, and enhanced training for law enforcement and service providers who may come in contact with a wandering person.

“Hopefully what we are doing here today going forward will prevent the kind of heartbreak and suffering that Nancy’s family continues to go through every day,” Hahn said.

Source: Hahn’s office

A couple of motel owners, however, expressed their frustration at Tuesday’s council meeting and asked for a 30-day extension to allow them to provide input and review the staff reports.

“Human trafficking is horrible, and I certainly don’t allow that on any of our properties,” one motel owner told the council during the public-comment period. He added that his staff workers are trained to handle those kinds of issues and voiced his desire to work with the city staff. He challenged the need to develop another ordinance and asked whether the city’s existing laws could already be used to address nuisance properties.

Mayor Robert Garcia threw his full support behind Richardson’s recommendation and challenged the motel owners with the data that had been provided in the pilot study.

“I think that when data is presented by the police department, those are facts,” Garcia said.

“And I think that we have to look at data and

February 23, 2018

understand that the data is telling us something.

When calls are being made, it is the responsibility of the property owner […] to ensure that those issues are being mitigated.”

The action taken by the council Tuesday is only a recommendation for the city manager’s office to explore the possibility of an ordinance, and the staff said Tuesday that they would initiate dialogue with motel owners.

Several other residents from the community voiced their support for the vice mayor’s proposal during the public-comment period. A few shared their experiences in their neighborhood, voicing fear and discomfort over the presence of pimps and their prostitutes.

Richardson concluded that the problem of human trafficking can be addressed.

“We can’t fix human trafficking forever and everywhere in this short term, but we can fix Long Beach Boulevard,” Richardson concluded. “We know where they’re rooted, and the data justifies this.” ✦

Assembly

continued from page 4

increases the annual funding from $200 million to $500 million. We must act this year, or we leave California students and the California economy behind.

As chair of the Assembly Education Committee, student success is my top priority. I am committed to equipping our students with the tools they need to pursue dreams of higher education and lasting careers because successful students will build a successful state. ✦

Thoughts

continued from page 4

cas, CJ Dablo, Anita Harris, Izzie Hallock, Adam Buchsbaum, Zoe Adler and Rachael Rifkin. We couldn’t create this weekly miracle without you!

I hear a lot these days about the future of newsprint, and I am challenged almost daily about our insistence on publishing print news. I believe in newspapers and am proud to publish what I call “refrigerator journalism.” What do I mean by that?

The amazing stories that we publish, thanks to our dedicated writers and reporters, are many times exclusives, and feature articles that our readers are likely to cut out and share with others, whether mailed or posted onto their refrigerators for other family members to read.

I know that business has been tough for the

newspaper industry for several years, but I firmly believe that as long as the smaller newspapers stay hyper-focused and keep reporting on local news, they will survive and even thrive. Yes, social media is also important. I understand that. And we are constantly upping the quality and features of our own social media. Nevertheless, I know that folks still want to hold newspapers in their hands– our readers tell us that they want something tangible to read, learn from and enjoy while drinking a cup of coffee.

Finally, I want to thank our gracious readers and loyal advertisers. We love you all! Here’s to another 18 years– or more! ✦

February 23, 2018

Corner

COMMUNITY

Signal Tribune

7

continued from page 4

when a few of us walked down Josie Avenue to see who was moving into 3073. Two blonde kids came out and stood on the porch. The girl, age 9, had glasses, and the boy, age 3 with the bowl haircut, looked back at us.

We said hello and became instant friends.

Though five years apart in age, Kevin and I began a lifelong friendship that day. He was the younger brother I never had.

We spent our time in the neighborhood filling the days. There were hours making up games, riding bikes, walking to the store, listening to music, creating, exploring, watching the same videos over and over on MTV. When he was about 8, he’d come with me on two buses across town to get to a record store.

He was at our house as often as I was at his. Even at an early age, he was a prankster and would make me wait on the porch as I heard him tell his mom: “Blair wants to know if he can come in.”

Boyhood seemed like an eternity. Over the years, we explored and went on adventures of all types. I dragged him with me everywhere.

There were multiple trips to Disneyland, bowling, movies, the malls, arcades. Sleepovers.

He rode his bike with me every afternoon while I ran, trying to stay in shape for high-school soccer. But of course, he would taunt me and zig and zag in front of me to break my stride or to get me to run faster.

Climbing to the top of the hills at Joshua Tree, burning some sage and talking about the world were highlights.

When I was in college and managing local bands, Kevin came with me to all the clubs in L.A. We’d sneak him in as a roadie because he was underage, and he even got to play guitar with the band at every show.

Kevin’s was a life filled with music. We shared so many favorites together and he had a deeply passionate relationship with his favorites: U2, Rush, Iron Maiden, hair-metal bands and lots of ‘80s music.

We got into Civil War re-enacting together and got to live our interest

in history. We volunteered together to fight for the 2nd Vermont, Company E., to save the union at battles of: Ft. Teton; Franklin, Tennessee; Antietam, Maryland; and especially at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where we participated in the 135th anniversary of that historic battle. Back then, as a re-enactor, he was known as Freeman Colburn from Montpelier, Vermont. I was Wheeler Remick.

We slept in rain, mud, snow, cold and heat. We marched and ate hardtack. One night, after marching all day, we sat under a crabapple tree watching the campfires and listening to the sounds of a harmonica playing Union songs off in the distance.

After the battles, we toured around to see the historic sites. It was a very special time, two boys from Josie Avenue wandering back in history and loving every minute.

We laced up rollerblades and learned to play roller hockey in the street and playgrounds. It became much more than a casual interest for us all. There were pick-up hockey games four nights a week and league games on the weekends. He got hooked on Kings hockey.

And there were all the USC football games, watching the fights on HBO, mud runs and half marathons. Our favorite training run was called “pier to pier,” going from Seal Beach to Huntington Beach, where

we enjoyed the ocean views, smells of bonfires and talked or didn’t talk. Just being there together was enough.

I was most proud to cheer him on while he pursued his education, first at junior college and then at CSULB. He loved to share the stories that he learned from each class. Most of our lunches the last few years would be spent talking about his history classes. Graduation day brought a tear to my eye as it felt like my brother or my own son had reached a great milestone.

I was jealous of his ability to teach himself how to play guitar and make it look easy. Same with drums– or at least the air-drums. He had an incredible talent of just picking the guitar up and playing, though he was too shy to play much in front of others.

W

e were just together before the holidays. We had emailed each other just recently. I feel like I missed him one more time by thiiiis much. But how would I know?

We loved each other. That is simple and clear.

The following Saturday night after his heart attack, Alissa and I were at a house-warming party in Belmont Shore. Thirty minutes into the party, I took another frantic call.

Photos courtesy Blair Cohn

This time it was from Kevin’s girlfriend saying that he had gone “code blue” again and to hurry. Alissa and I sprinted out of the house to our car and raced to the hospital. I watched the whole medical team work on him for another 30 minutes. His mom was wailing in the nurse’s station, his girlfriend cried and paced manically, and I stared hard into the doctor’s face looking for signs and answers. They got Kevin’s heartbeat back again, and we all were traumatized by the intensity of what we had just seen.

I had just sat down at my office desk on Monday morning when I got another frantic message. Kevin’s girlfriend said the medical staff suspected neurological problems. I got to the bedside and saw Kevin’s vacant eyes and dilated pupils staring off to nowhere as a nurse did her tests. We knew it wasn’t good. After a painful and anxious wait all day, the neurologist said Kevin’s brain had swelled after the second cardiac arrest and there was very little brain activity.

Kevin’s mom made the ultimate decision to let him go.

The nurses pulled the curtains around us, and I was in the room

with the family as the morphine drip started and we watched Kevin disappear in front of our eyes. The machines’ numbers were displaying down to zero. Another sight I will not forget.

His life was cut short without one more lunch, one more outing, one more conversation. I’ve spent every hour since his passing trying to make sense or come to the belief that it was Kevin I saw in the hospital bed slip away from us. My cup was full but I wanted more.

I’d gotten used to him going incommunicado for periods of time, but he would always resurface and we’d pick up where we left off. He brought with him the same eyes and smile I recognized from that first day on his porch and all the days following.

I do not want to get used to him being gone. I simply cannot believe he is. I am happy that my 2-year-old daughter says his name when she sees his picture.

Kevin will be with me in the days to come, but all the music we shared and loved will sound a bit different now. ✦

Los Angeles man killed in car accident in Long Beach A man was killed in a vehicular accident on Feb. 17, according to the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD).

According to police, at about 10:05pm that day, officers responded to the area of Atlantic Avenue and Atlantic Place regarding a traffic collision.

When officers arrived on scene, they discovered two vehicles involved in an accident with major front-end collision damage, police said.

The preliminary investigation determined a 2016 Chevrolet Cruze, driven by a 27-year-old male from Los Angeles, was traveling south on Atlantic Place. The driver failed to negotiate a turn at the end of the roadway and drove over a raised median and into the northbound lanes of Atlantic Avenue.

The Chevrolet collided with a 2014 Toyota Corolla, driven by a 24-yearold male from Compton, with his 20-year old female passenger from Los Angeles, while they rode north on Atlantic Avenue.

The collision resulted in the death of the driver of the Chevrolet. Long Beach Fire Department personnel determined him deceased at the scene.

Identification of the driver is being withheld pending the notification of the next of kin.

Both occupants of the Toyota were transported to a local hospital with minor injuries.

Alcohol intoxication is not believed to be a factor in the collision, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Those who may have information regarding the collision are asked to call the Long Beach Police Department Collision Investigation Detail at (562) 570-7355. Anonymous tips may be submitted through “LA Crime Stoppers” by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), downloading the “P3 Tips” app to a smart phone or visiting lacrimestoppers.org.

Source: LBPD

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Signal Tribune

NEWS

February 23, 2018

Not a ‘ruff’ day

The Campaign Trail

The Wrigley Association will host a candidate forum for Long Beach 7th-district candidates at its March 5 meeting. According to the neighborhood association, all five candidates have confirmed their attendance for the event: Oscar Delacruz, Jared Milrad, Chris Sereno, Kevin Shin and Roberto Uranga. Candidates’ opening statements will be followed by a question-and-answer session. Gavin McKiernan, president of the Long Beach Neighborhood Foundation, will serve as the moderator. The meeting will take place at Veterans Park Social Hall, 101 E. 28th St. on Monday, March 5 from 7pm to 8:30pm. For more information, contact Adam Wolven at (562) 760-5160 or wrigleyassociation@gmail.com.

Stacy Mungo, incumbent for the 5th District Long Beach City Council seat, has won the endorsements of the Long Beach Firefighters Local 372 and the Long Beach Police Officers Association, according to Mungo’s office.

The Long Beach Area Group of Sierra Club has announced the following endorsements for the April 10 election: Gordana Kajer for the 3rd-district Long Beach council seat; Rich Dines for the 5th District; incumbent Rex Richardson for the 9th District; and incumbent Robert Garcia for mayor.

The Association of Long Beach Employees is endorsing Gordana Kajer for election to the Long Beach City Council for District 3, according to the candidate.

Photos by Izzie Hallock | Signal Tribune

Officials from Signal Hill and Long Beach were on hand when the City of Long Beach Animal Care Services Bureau (ACS) hosted an open house and ribbon-cutting for its new dog play yard on Saturday, Feb. 17, at the animal shelter located at 7700 E. Spring St. During the official opening of the play yard, attendees got to see the new dog play group program in action. The program is geared toward providing enrichment for dogs under the care of ACS to keep them from becoming overly stressed and to help make them more adoptable.

Although the public was able to view the new area, officials said it is still in its early stages and not yet open for public viewing. More information is available at longbeach.gov/ acs or (562) 570-PETS (7387). To learn more about how to volunteer for ACS, visit longbeach.gov/acs/ donate-and-volunteer/volunteer.

United States Congressmember Nanette Diaz Barragán and Long Beach Vice Mayor Rex Richardson have endorsed Uduak-Joe Ntuk, a professor at Long Beach State and a Long Beach Community College (LBCC) commissioner, for the Long Beach Community College District Board of Trustees, according to the candidate.

Ontario man killed in single-vehicle car crash at Shoreline Drive A 21-year-old man from Ontario was killed in a single-vehicle crash on Feb. 16, according to the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD).

According to police, at approximately 2:35am that day, officers responded to the area of westbound Shoreline Drive east of the North I-710 Freeway regarding a one-vehicle traffic collision.

Officers discovered a 2016 Hyundai Veloster at the bottom of the embankment below Shoreline Drive. The vehicle was occupied by one male.

The preliminary investigation determined the Hyundai, driven by a 21year old male from Ontario, was traveling west on Shoreline Drive. He lost control of the vehicle, hitting the guard rail on the north side of the roadway.

The vehicle left the roadway and came to rest in a vacant dirt lot below Shoreline Drive.

Long Beach Fire Department responded and attempted lifesaving measures. However, the driver succumbed to his injuries and was determined deceased at the scene.

Identification of the driver is being withheld pending the notification of the next of kin. Alcohol/drug intoxication are not believed to be involved.

The investigation is ongoing.

Those who may have information regarding the collision are asked to call the Long Beach Police Department Collision Investigation Detail at (562) 570-7355. Anonymous tips may be submitted through “LA Crime Stoppers” by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), downloading the “P3 Tips” app to a smart phone or visiting lacrimestoppers.org.

Source: LBPD

Secretary of state publishes first report of registration ahead of statewide direct primary election California Secretary of State Alex Padilla has released the first of three voter registration reports for the June 5, 2018 statewide direct primary election.

The report shows that 18,980,481 Californians were registered to vote as of Jan. 2, 2018, which was 154 days before the primary election. This is up 1,320,224 since the last report of registration at a similar point in a gubernatorial election cycle (Dec. 31, 2013). Reports will be issued reflecting registration data as of 60 and 15 days in advance of the primary election, according to Padilla’s office.

“California’s statewide primary is fast approaching– make sure you are registered to vote on candidates and ballot measures that will shape the direction of our state,” Padilla said. “If you’ve moved or changed your name since the last election, you’ll need to update your registration. Whether you need to update your registration or register to vote for the first time, it’s quick and easy at registertovote.ca.gov. And if you’re unsure of your registration status, you can check online at voterstatus.sos.ca.gov. It only takes minutes to ensure you’re ready to cast a ballot in this year’s important elections.”

This report reflects routine maintenance of voter registration rolls, including the removal of registrants who have passed away or moved out of state, as well as the addition of new registrants. The complete Jan. 2, 2018 Report of Registration is available at sos.ca.gov/elections/report-registration/ report-registration-january-2-2018.

Source: Padilla’s office

Obituary

Donna M. Simpson Oct. 25, 1942 – Feb. 8, 2018

D

onna M. Simpson passed away unexpectedly at her Signal Hill home on Feb. 8 with her husband Eugene (Gene) by her side.

Donna was born on Oct 25, 1942 in Ute, Iowa to Frank and Norma Kraft. She went to Omaha University and started her career with Peter Kiewik and Sons in Omaha, NE. She continued to work there until she met Gene and started working at Gene Simpson Aircraft Sales. A move to Long Beach, CA gave them the opportunity to buy Auto Airport Parking at LAX. Together, they owned and operated the business for many years until retirement.

Donna and Gene were married for 36 years and traveled frequently all over the world. Donna was an avid reader, loved to spend time with her family and friends and was kind hearted. Donna will be missed by all here in California and in her hometown of Omaha, where she still maintained a home with her daughter Lori and grandchildren David and Ashley. She was a devoted mother and grandmother who never failed to call every night to chat with them, no

matter where she was.

Donna was preceded by her parents, Frank and Norma, her brother Frank and nephew Michael.

She will be loved, missed and remembered by her husband, Gene Simpson, her daughter Lori Dawson, her two grandchildren David and Ashley Dawson, her sisters Shirley Westenorf (Neal), Patty Henrichs (Bob), sister in law Linda Kraft, Gene’s daughters Suzanne Simpson and Judy Simpson (Ivan) and Gene’s granddaughters Michelle Simpson and Lindsay Woodburn, along with numerous nieces and nephews whose lives were enriched by Donna’s love.

There will be a Celebration of Life on Feb. 25 at 11:00 a.m. at The Grand, 4101 E. Willow St. in Long Beach, CA. Friends and family are invited to come and share their memories of this very special lady.

February 23, 2018

CULTURE

Signal Tribune

Theatre review

9

Musical Theatre West’s Guys and Dolls Rachael Rifkin Culture Writer

Guys and Dolls is a musical with a lot going for it– colorful characters from the New York City underground, rousing songs, humor, energizing dance numbers and a quick trip to Cuba. And in Musical Theatre West’s (MTW) capable hands, it (literally!) sings.

The set of the early 1950s musical, which is based on short stories written by Damon Runyon in the 1920s and 1930s (in particular, “The Idyll of Miss Sarah Brown”), is like a dime-store novel cover come to life. Before the musical even begins, the bright background colors and clothes (the gamblers wear plaid, red and yellow suits with accompanying hats) and glowing, neon bulb-dotted blackand-white comic book-style buildings tell the story. For anyone who doesn’t know, it is about gamblers trying to play craps games, a $1,000 bet to get a pious soul-saver The cast of Musical Theatre West’s Guys and Dolls to accompany a charming (they’re numbers are all well done (my favor- played up her funny lines to her always charming) gambler to ite was the toe-tapping “Sit Down, beautiful voice, she was an excellent (pre-Castro) Havana for dinner, love, You’re Rocking the Boat”) thanks to Adelaide and an audience favorite. a couple with a 14-year-engagement, a talented cast of leads and supportThere were some other nice and more love. Throw in some Bacing characters. touches as well, like the casting of ardi rum, a gun-toting gangster and a Madison Claire Park, who plays several older actors as extras. Tranpsychosomatic cold, and you’ve got Sarah Brown, looks a lot like Jean sitions were done creatively, with the yourself a much loved musical.

Simmons did in the movie adapta- flight home from Cuba represented There’s a reason it’s stuck around tion, and she has a lovely voice that with “no smoking” and “fasten your so long, garnering: a Tony Award; a sometimes veers into the operatic seatbelts” neon signs and a captain 1955 musical with Marlon Brando, range. She also plays a good drunk. announcing their landing.

Jean Simmons, Frank Sinatra and Jeremiah James as Sky Masterson The only problem I had with the Vivian Blaine; and many revivals. has an easygoing charm, while Bree musical was the story itself. WhiskIt’s incredibly entertaining and full Murphy is show-stoppingly good as ing someone off to another country of fun, upbeat songs (ala composMiss Adelaide. While some gam- and encouraging her to get drunk er-lyricist Frank Loesser), quick wit blers mumbled through or dropped (but “heroically” not taking advanand charismatic characters. MTW their working-class New York ac- tage of her), is uncomfortable to does a good job of playing up the cents, Murphy’s was pitch-perfect watch, especially in the era of #Memusical’s strengths. The musical and consistent. From the way she Too. And yes, that’s looking at Sarah

and Sky’s dinner through a modern lens, but that kind of thing should never have been OK. Of course, there are plenty of other sexist moments, but they don’t have a “rapey” undertone, so they’re easier to overlook (though, should they be?).

It is always interesting, however, to be reminded that for Americans, Cuba was a quick getaway before it became a part of the Cold War narrative, a narrative that we’re still living out today. The spectre of Communism doesn’t just hang over this scene, it also affected the musical. In 1951, Guys and Dolls was selected as the winner of the 1951 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, but it never received the prize because the House

Un-American Activities Committee had targeted the musical’s writer, Abe Burrows. So it was decided that Guys and Dolls wouldn’t receive the award, and no one took home the Pulitzer Prize for Drama that year.

That’s no slight against MTW’s production though.

Their Guys and Dolls is faithful to the film, which means it’s everything the movie was– fun, entertaining, creative and sometimes problematic. That doesn’t mean you can’t see it and enCourtesy MTW joy it; I did and I recommend you do too. It’s just something to consider as they turn down the lights and you escape into a world that’s not as harmless as it seems.

Guys and Dolls continues at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center, 6200 E. Atherton St., through Sunday, March 4 with performances at 8pm on Fridays and 2pm and 8pm on Saturdays. Other performances will be on the following days and times: Sunday, Feb. 25 at 1pm and 6 pm; Thursday, March 1 at 8 pm; and Sunday, March 4 at 1 pm. Tickets start at $20 and are available at the Musical Theatre West ticket office, by calling (562) 856-1999, ext. 4, or online at musical.org.

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Signal Tribune

February 23, 2018

NEWS

February 23, 2018

District

Signal Tribune

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continued from page 5

in it,” he said. “Transforming its use to its maximum. Trying to get some money out of it. Plus, a common space for events.”

The City also suggested using parking meters, but Cohn said he scouted areas around the neighborhood and concluded that the revenue earnings would be minimal.

Cohn said the situation is a predicament around the region, claiming that neighborhoods, such as downtown and uptown Long Beach, Cambodia Town, Belmont Shore and east Anaheim, have all endured significant losses in money.

“It’s a dilemma, and I’m not saying it to be Doomsday, but I have to tell you the reality of it,” he said.

“But, what will happen is that our part-timers are no-timers, and a full-timer may not be anything but an answering machine [...].”

Cohn said the BKBIA is working with a small staff and budget. Other challenges have included citywide increases in homelessness and petty crime, the latter of which has been weathered through assistance from the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) and CSI Security Patrol, a service of security personnel that routinely patrols the district day and night.

The BKBIA is doing the best it can to address all its challenges, concluded Cohn.

Not all is sour, however.

The BKBIA recently completed its first major façade-improvement project at 2116 Long Beach Blvd., which houses a fitness gym, a smogcheck business and a tire- and auto-repair shop. Equipped with new signage and lighting, the renovations are one of many steps to help expand the BKBIA’s reach to other neighborhoods in Long Beach.

Cohn said Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia’s office called the BKBIA and proposed major upgrades along Long Beach Boulevard from 10th Street to Willow Street. Cohn called it a monumental task to fix the transit corridor, which is the area people see when arriving in and out of the city, but he said the BKBIA simply followed its mantra to never turn down opportunities.

And other cities have taken notice of Bixby Knolls’ district boom.

City officials from Compton and Whittier have visited the BKBIA office seeking advice about improving their neighborhoods.

“I was thrilled to death that Compton was looking to do a similar type of First Fridays concept,” Cohn said. “We sat with them, looked at their maps and gave them some advice. And we did the same with the downtown part of Whittier.”

He added that it’s a “fun chal-

Denny Cristales | Signal Tribune

Blair Cohn, executive director of the Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association, delivers the annual State of the District address to residents at the Long Beach Petroleum Club Thursday, Feb. 15.

lenge, and we’re all in,” also quipping that the BKBIA lends itself to put more work on its plate because “we don’t have much to do.”

As Cohn gave his remarks, a projector displayed 10 years of the BKBIA’s history, which included photos of events and work on businesses.

In the midst of the 2008 recession, one of the BKBIA’s first courses of action was to start a walking club.

“And people say, ‘Well, that’s really unusual. Why would you start a walking club in a business association? I don’t get it,’” he said. “[...] Well, we’re going to do things differently, and we’re going to get people together, and we have to get them to meet each other and learn [about the district]. So, literally, we walked up and down our business corridors and walked into the neighborhoods. Ten years later, we’re just as strong. Every Saturday, they take off at 7:30 from Coffee Bean to [...] every nook and cranny. We continue to do that. Coming out of this are lasting friendships and getting our mission across, instilling neighborhood pride, and that was one way to do it.”

“Energy begets energy,” Cohn

LIVES LIVED Bophe (Rhymes with trophy) wouldn’t have won any awards for beauty when she came in to the shelter, but it wasn’t her fault. Beauty lay within, and after grooming and surgery to remove both cherry eye and a tumor that was growing on her, she could have been a stand-in for Toto in The Wizard of Oz. Like Toto, Bophe is a female cairn terrier, and she’s been spayed and ready to go home. At 8, she’s considered a senior, but we think she has a lot of good years to enjoy! Meet Bophe at the shelter side of the P. D. Pitchford Companion Animal Village, 7700 East Spring St., (562) 570-PETS. Ask for ID#A459210.

(The usual suspects contributed to this rescue)

Andrea Avesane 61 Patricia Martinez 24 Carmen Nordstrom 97 Patrick McGinnis 47 Oscar Skelton 25 Eric Valenzuela 77 Lilia Molina 86 Vivian Lung 82 Henrietta Macias 90 Jeffrey Sanders 60 David Faulkner 70 Ann Sulzer 97 Benjamin Alsop 88

The families were assisted by McKenzie Mortuary. For more details on service dates and times, contact (562) 961-9301.

said, and the BKBIA’s formula for steady district growth seemed to include being engaged with community needs and being personable.

Then came the Literary Society, now 120 months and 120 books straight into its existence. Soon, it was followed by what are now community staples, such as First Fridays, Kidical Mass bike rides and the Good Spirits Club.

Cohn said a significant day in the BKBIA’s existence was when it hosted its first tree-planting. The morning of the tree-planting, 300 people arrived and signed in to help.

“I stood back and thought, ‘Look, the people are here, the energy is here [...] we’re on the right track,’” he said. “[...] We focused on the things we did have. It wasn’t, ‘Oh, we don’t have a this, there isn’t a movie theatre, we don’t have a that.’ I was just more interested in what we did have.”

To promote Bixby Knolls businesses, the BKBIA did window activations, which would involve scouting the area for vacant windows at properties and engaging the owners to request decorating them with posters, images, slogans and other visuals to put “the eyes back

to the businesses.”

Within a span of 10 years, the Expo Arts Center has also transformed into a center of industry in Bixby Knolls, also housing the 8th-district field office and serving as a neighbor to the BKBIA, which is based next door.

Recently celebrating its one-year anniversary, the Steelcraft lot on Long Beach Boulevard was also a “game changer” for Bixby Knolls.

“Now, I can go to a lot of places up and down the district and recognize faces,” Cohn said. “But, I go to Steelcraft and say, ‘I don’t know who these people are.’ I think it’s wonderful, and I listen to them.

‘Where are you coming from?’

From Pasadena, from South Bay, from South Orange County. I think it’s great. It’s the new era of Bixby and where we need to be.”

Cohn also joked that Bixby Knolls will soon become “Brewery Knolls,” as Liberation Brewing will open in a couple of weeks on Atlantic Avenue and join other similar institutions, such as Ambitious Ales, Smog City Brewing and Dutch’s Brewhouse.

Cohn said he believes the district is better off than it was 10 years ago, pointing out that vacancies are low in Bixby Knolls. He praised City departments for being great supporters of the neighborhood and association and assisting where needed.

He also spotlighted the more recreational and fun side of the neighborhood, in which the ideas for a real-life duke and duchess were formed and executed– both of whom were in attendance. Out-ofthe-box innovations are what have allowed the BKBIA to endure in the first place, Cohn said.

“What other neighborhood has a duke and duchess?” he said. “[...]

We’ve got superheroes. We’ve got the Knolls Ranger and the Bixby Dove. Because, why not? Because it wasn’t happening anywhere else, and we were going to do it in Bixby Knolls first. That was the answer to the question.” ✦

Goodwill SOLAC to honor prosecutor Haubert, school board member Williams Long Beach City Prosecutor Doug Haubert and Dr. Felton Williams of the Long Beach Unified School District Board will be honored at Goodwill’s “Celebrate the Power of Work” awards dinner on Wednesday, Feb. 28. The awards event is held annually to honor community leaders as well as individuals who have transformed their lives through job programs offered by Goodwill, Serving the People of Southern Los Angeles County (SOLAC).

The awards event will recognize an Employer of the Year for its role in hiring participants of Goodwill SOLAC’s job programs. A Community Partner of the Year award also will be presented during the event.

Three individuals who now lead successful careers through Goodwill job programs will also receive special recognition. The Achiever of the Year award will be presented to Anthony Batten, a machine operator who was hired by Arconic through Goodwill SOLAC’s Supported Employment Program that helps employ individuals with development disabilities. Damon Richardson will receive the Graduate of the Year award for his outstanding performance in Goodwill SOLAC’s Loss Prevention Training Program and for leading a career as a campus safety officer. The Graduate Employee of the Year award will be presented to Krystal Urzua, who also graduated from the Loss Prevention Training Program and steadily moved up the ranks at Goodwill SOLAC to become its compliance, risk and safety officer.

Local radio personality Pat Prescott of 94.7 The Wave will host the event.

Attendees will be able to participate in the event’s unique silent auction before taking their seats for the dinner and awards program.

The awards dinner will take place at the Pacific Ballroom of the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center. All proceeds from the event will go toward funding Goodwill SOLAC’s mission– providing job training and placement programs for those with barriers to employment, according to SOLAC. For more event information and to purchase tickets online, visit ThinkGood.org.

Source: Goodwill SOLAC

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Signal Tribune

TST5622 / 2018 009127 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person is doing business as: POWER LINK ELECTRIC, 3375 Walnut Ave., Signal Hill, CA 90755. Registrant: 1. GUILLERMO MEJIA, 2. Nancy Loza, 3375 Walnut Ave., Signal Hill, CA 90755.

This business is conducted by: a General Partnership. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed: Guillermo Mejia, Partner. The registrant has begun to use this fictitious business name. The registrant began using this fictitious business name in January, 2018. This statement was filed with the county clerk of Los Angeles County on January 11, 2018. NOTICE: This fictitious business name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the county clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed prior to that date. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code). Pub. The Signal Tribune: February 9, 16, 23, & March 2, 2018.

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

PETITION OF Charles Edward Karrim Harrison III. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner: CHARLES EDWARD KARRIM HARRISON III has filed a petition with this court for a decree changing his name as follows: Present Name: CHARLES EDWARD KARRIM HARRISON III, to Proposed Name: frank coons 3rd 2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted.

NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: March 13, 2018; Time: 8:30A M; Dept. A, Room 902. The address of the court is the same as above. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county, THE SIGNAL TRIBUNE, 1399 E. 28th, Street, Signal Hill, CA 90755: February 9, 16, 23, & March 2, 2018 ___//ss//___ Brian S. Currey, Judge of the Superior Court Dated January 31, 2018 TST5624 / Case No. TS021035 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME, SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, SOUTH CENTRAL DISTRICT OFFICE, 200 W. Compton Blvd., Compton, CA 90220.

PETITION OF Edward Padillaramirez.

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner: EDWARD PADILLARAMIREZ has filed a petition with this court for a decree changing his name as follows: Present Name: EDWARD PADILLARAMIREZ to Proposed Name: EDWARD CONNOR PADILLA 2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted.

NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: March 15, 2018; Time: 8:30A M; Dept. A, Room 904. The address of the court is the same as above. A

PUBLIC NOTICES

copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county, THE SIGNAL TRIBUNE, 1399 E. 28th, Street, Signal Hill, CA 90755: February 9, 16, 23, & March 2, 2018 ___//ss//___ Brian S. Currey, Judge of the Superior Court Dated February 2, 2018

TST5625 / 2018 026936 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person is doing business as: 1. FAITHFUL STEWARD PUBLISHERS, 2. FAITHFUL STEWARD MARKETING, 3815 Chestnut Ave., Long Beach, CA 90807.

Registrant: 1. CHRIS TURNER, 2.

GLENN TURNER, 3553 Atlantic Ave., Suite 624, Long Beach, CA 90807. This business is conducted by: a General Partnership. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed: Glenn Turner, General Partner. The registrant has not begun to use this fictitious business name. This statement was filed with the county clerk of Los Angeles County on January 31, 2018. NOTICE: This fictitious business name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the county clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed prior to that date.

The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code). Pub. The Signal Tribune: February 9, 16, 23, & March 2, 2018.

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

Registrant: 1. CHRIS TURNER, 2.

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

A new fictitious business name statement must be filed prior to that date. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code).

Pub. The Signal Tribune: February 9, 16, 23, & March 2, 2018.

TST5627 / 2018 022660 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person is doing business as: 1. KNOWLEDGE INFORMATION SYSTEMS, 2. KIS, 2510 West 237th Street, Suite 202, Torrance, CA 90505. Registrant: AURORA SYSTEMS CONSULTING, INC. 2510 West 237th St., Suite 202, Torrance, CA 90505. This business is conducted by: a Corporation. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct.

Signed: Philip DeSouza, Owner.

The registrant has not begun to use this fictitious business name. This statement was filed with the county clerk of Los Angeles County on January 26, 2018. NOTICE: This fictitious business name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the county clerk.

A new fictitious business name statement must be filed prior to that date. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business

t ʼ n Do et! g r o f

name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code).

Pub. The Signal Tribune: February 9, 16, 23, & March 2, 2018.

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

PETITION OF Bradley Dale Wallentine.

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner: BRADLEY DALE WALLENTINE has filed a petition with this court for a decree changing their name as follows: Present Name: 1. BRADLEY DALE WALLENTINE, 2. ERIN ANN GUTILLA, to Proposed Name: 1. BRADLEY DALE GALLENT, 2. ERIN ANN GALLENT. 2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted.

NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: March 15, 2018; Time: 8:30A M; Dept. S26, Room 5500. The address of the court is the same as above. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county, THE SIGNAL TRIBUNE, 1399 E. 28th, Street, Signal Hill, CA 90755: February 9, 16, 23, & March 2, 2018 ___//ss//___ Michael P. Vicencia, Judge of the Superior Court Dated February 1, 2018 TST5636 / 2018 028225 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person is doing business as: GREENBAR DISTILL-

February 23, 2018 ERY, 2459 E. 8th St., Los Angeles, CA 90021. Registrant: MODERN SPIRITS LLC, 2459 E. 8th St., Los Angeles, CA 90021. This business is conducted by: a Limited Liability Company. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed: Lilly Mathew, Managing Member. The registrant has not begun to use this fictitious business name. This statement was filed with the county clerk of Los Angeles County on February 1, 2018.

NOTICE: This fictitious business name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the county clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed prior to that date. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code). Pub. The Signal Tribune: February 16, 23, & March 2, 9, 2018.

TST5631 / 2018 035312 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person is doing business as: SITESAFETYPLAN.COM, 5559 E. Peabody St., Long Beach, CA 90808.

Registrant: AARON SMITH, 5559 E. Peabody St., Long Beach, CA 90808.

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

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

NOTICE: This fictitious business name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the county clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed prior to that date. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code). Pub. The Signal Tribune: February 16, 23, & March 2, 9, 2018.

Your DBAs must be filed every 5 years!

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

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

Call 562-595-7900

or Email legalnotices@signaltribune.com

PUBLIC NOTICES

February 23, 2018 TST5637 / Case No. TS021034 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME, SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, SOUTH CENTRAL DISTRICT OFFICE, 200 W. Compton Blvd., Compton, CA 90220.

PETITION OF Jonathan Avila.

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner: JONATHAN AVILA has filed a petition with this court for a decree changing his name as follows: Present Name: JONATHAN AVILA, to Proposed Name: JOHNATHAN AVILA. 2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted.

NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: March 13, 2018; Time: 8:30A M; Dept. A, Room 902. The address of the court is the same as above. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county, THE SIGNAL TRIBUNE, 1399 E. 28th, Street, Signal Hill, CA 90755: February 16, 23 & March 2, 9, 2018 ___//ss//___ Brian S. Currey, Judge of the Superior Court Dated January 31, 2018 TST5635 / Case No. TS021036 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME, SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, SOUTH CENTRAL DISTRICT OFFICE, 200 W. Compton Blvd., Compton, CA 90220.

PETITION Sonia Araceli Gonzalez.

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner: SONIA ARACELI GONZALEZ has filed a petition with this court for a decree changing her name as follows: Present Name: SONIA ARACELI GONZALEZ, to Proposed Name: ARACELI GONZALEZ SANDOVAL. 2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted.

NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: March 20, 2018; Time: 8:30A M; Dept. A, Room 904. The address of the court is the same as above. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county, THE SIGNAL TRIBUNE, 1399 E. 28th, Street, Signal Hill, CA 90755: February 16, 23 & March 2, 9, 2018 ___//ss//___ Brian S. Currey, Judge of the Superior Court Dated February 5, 2018 TST5634 NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF SUSAN FINDLAY COTTAM Case No. 18STPB01379

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of SUSAN FINDLAY COTTAM

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by James E. Findlay in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES.

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that James E. Findlay be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however,

the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held on March 15, 2018 at 8:30 AM in Dept. No. 5 located at 111 N. Hill St., Los Angeles, CA 90012.

IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code.

Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person in-

terested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.

Attorney for petitioner:

ROMBOUD S RAHMANIAN ESQ SBN 264707 LAW OFFICE OF ROMY S RAHMANIAN APLC 33 E HUNTINGTON DR ARCADIA CA 91006

Pub. The Signal Tribune: CN946140 COTTAM Feb 23, 2018, Mar 2, 2018, Mar 9, 2018

TST5638 / 2018 040925 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person is doing business as: SUPER SUDS LAUNDRY, 250 Alamitos Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90802. Registrant: SANFORD LEE SIMMONS, 2255 Westwind Way, Signal Hill, CA. 90755. This business is conducted by: a Trust.

I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct.

Signed: Linda Gay Simmons, Trust-

ee. The registrant has begun to use this fictitious business name. The registrant began using this fictitious business name in June 1996. This statement was filed with the county clerk of Los Angeles County on February 16, 2018. NOTICE: This fictitious business name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the county clerk.

A new fictitious business name statement must be filed prior to that date. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code).

Pub. The Signal Tribune: February 23, & March 2, 9, 16, 2018.

TST5639 / 2018 044292 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person is doing business as: RED DOOR LIVING, 3646 Long Beach Blvd., Suite 103. Registrant: DORIAN BOLICK, 5477

Signal Tribune

13

E. Centralia St., Long Beach, CA 90808. This business is conducted by: an Individual. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed: Dorian Bolick.

The registrant has begun to use this fictitious business name. The registrant began using this fictitious business name in April, 2011. This statement was filed with the county clerk of Los Angeles County on February 22, 2018. NOTICE: This fictitious business name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the county clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed prior to that date.

The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code). Pub. The Signal Tribune: February 23, & March 2, 9, 16, 2018.

EYE ON CRIME Crimes reported by THE Signal Hill Police Department

Thursday, Feb. 15 2:19pm Grand theft– motor vehicle 2200 block E. Willow St.

1900 block Cherry Ave. 4:48pm Indecent exposure 2300 block Dawson Ave.

8:38pm Battery 2100 block Kelly Dr.

10pm Possessing controlled substance Lemon Ave./E. Burnett St. (suspect arrested)

Friday, Feb. 16 8:00am Possession of controlled substance; unlawful registration, ID and plates presented to officer.

Redondo Ave./E. PCH (suspect arrested) 9:45am Identity theft 2700 block Walnut Ave. 11:18am Criminal threats

Saturday, Feb. 17 12:27pm Auto burglary 1800 block E. 20th St. 1:14pm Burglary 2200 block Molino Ave. 9:47pm Possessing paraphernalia; possessing controlled substance; petty theft under

$950 900 block E. 33rd St. (suspect arrested Monday, Feb. 19 10am Driving while license suspended/revoked for DUI violation; failed to obey turn signs; restricted driver operating vehicle without interlock device Cherry Ave./E. 19th St. (suspect arrested) 4:01pm Auto burglary 3300 block Lewis Ave. 4:09pm Auto burglary 3200 block Lewis Ave. 4:45pm

Auto burglary 3200 block Lewis Ave. 10:41pm Auto burglary 3300 block E. Hill St. Tuesday, Feb. 20 2:23am Auto burglary 2600 block E. 20th St. 4:01pm Burglary 3300 block Lewis Ave. Wednesday, Feb. 21 7:19am Auto burglary 2100 block Gundry Ave. 5.24pm Auto burglary 2100 block Gundry Ave.

From the heart First-time parents Crystal Medina and Jose Rivera of South Gate welcomed their baby girl, Ximena Valentina Rivera-Medina (pictured), at Dignity Health–St. Mary Medical Center on Feb. 18. Ximena is one of thousands of babies across the country wearing a special handmade red hat in partnership with the American Heart Association’s Little Hats, Big Hearts program to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease during American Heart Month. Dignity Health Southern California this week announced that all six of its hospitals are participating in the program to help build awareness for heart disease, the No. 1 killer of Americans, and congenital heart defects, the most common type of birth defect in the country. Thanks to countless volunteers, more than 1,000 newborn babies born at Dignity Health hospitals in the month of February will receive a knitted or crocheted hat. The Little Hats, Big Hearts program, sponsored locally by Union Bank, is in its second year in Los Angeles. Nationally, the program has grown to include 660 hospitals in 40 states, handing out more than 100,000 hats, according to Dignity Health.

Source: Dignity Health Courtesy Dignity Health

SHPD seeking public’s help in identifying mail-theft suspect The Signal Hill Police Department (SHPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a recent mail-theft suspect.

On Feb. 14, the suspect walked to a resident’s mailbox and stole a package that had just been delivered, according to police. The suspect then walked back to a gray Acura parked on the street and drove away with the package.

Those with information that could help lead to an arrest in this mail theft are asked to contact Property Crimes Detective A. Serna at the SHPD at (562) 989-7201 or (562) 989-7215.

Source: SHPD

14

NEWS

Signal Tribune

Bridge

February 23, 2018

continued from page 1

base of each tower. The pier tables will build the main span of the bridge in sections. As each one is built, a cable will be strung through the proper pair of casings to attach to the section in two places, holding it in place to allow the tower to bear the load of its weight.

Officials anticipate the first cables to be put in place in late April or early May, revealing what is expected to be one of the most “iconic” aspects of the new bridge.

The construction site has been a complex jigsaw puzzle of sorts, with numerous factors to consider: a nearby rail line, vehicular traffic, 710 Freeway access, oil wells– so many moving parts that extend outward, upward and downward.

The tremendous undertaking to replace the original 1.5-mile-span Desmond Bridge, which was completed in 1968, is currently the second-largest construction project in the state.

Named after a former city attorney and councilmember of Long Beach, the old bridge has served the port and city for decades, but increased traffic volume and time have taken their toll.

With nearly 15 percent of the country’s waterborne cargo transported across the bridge, it is an important access route for the port.

The replacement project, which is a joint effort of Caltrans and the port, with additional funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, will result in a new cable-stayed bridge with 205 feet of clearance over the channel.

In a phone interview Tuesday morning, Duane Kenagy, interim deputy executive director for the port, said the new bridge will improve operations at the harbor in several ways.

“First, the new bridge is designed to meet full geometric standards that modern roadways are constructed with, so the capacity of the new bridge will accommodate the growth that we’ve seen,” Kenagy said. “So, we’ll have less congestion on the bridge itself. The approach grades are flatter, so trucks will have an easier time navigating up and over the bridge.”

Kenagy also said that, unlike the older bridge, which only had two lanes going in each direction, the new one will feature wide emergency lanes on each side.

“If we do have an incident on the bridge, the emergency shoulders are available for first-responders to rapidly respond to any incidents,” he said, “whether it’s a mechanical breakdown or an accident or– you may remember a few years ago, there was a spectacular fire at the top of the existing bridge that required the bridge to be closed for a number of hours.”

The 200-plus-foot clearance will welcome some new sights– the largest ships to ever pass through the channel.

“On the marine-operations side, the new bridge will accommodate much larger vessels desiring to visit any of our terminals in the inner-harbor area,” Kenagy said. “Right now, there are a number of vessels that routine-

ly call at the Port of Long Beach that cannot get under the existing bridge due to vertical-clearance issues.”

Although a brochure published by the Gerald Desmond Bridge Replacement Project states that the new structure’s taller span will increase its ability to handle the largest ships in the world, Kenagy said he would hesitate to say “largest ships.”

“Certainly, all the larger vessels that we anticipate would desire to call at any of our marine terminals in the inner-harbor area would be capable of getting in there,” Kenagy said. “The very largest vessels– the 18,000-, 20,000-, 22,000-TEU vessels– will probably continue to call just at our outer-harbor terminals, which are fully capable of taking virtually any vessel.”

Denis Wolcott, whose public-relations firm is representing the project, took the Signal Tribune on a close-up tour of the construction site Monday morning. As he drove under the newly completed westbound lanes of the bridge, Wolcott described the number of different factors affecting the busy build area.

“When this thing started, it was kind of a timing issue about, ‘What do you take down first and how do you not affect truck traffic?’” he said. “You can see all the trucks, and, even for Presidents Day, it’s busy today.”

Wolcott explained that the approaches, including the three westbound lanes and emergency areas, have recently been completed.

“So, what’s not started yet is the main span,” he said. “That will be the most majestic-looking, signature part of the bridge. So, up until now, you have columns supporting these approaches. When you get to the middle

Photos by Cory Bilicko | Signal Tribune

An orange movable scaffolding system is being utilized on the west side of the new Gerald Desmond Bridge.

section, it’s supported by cables. The cables will hold them up from the top down.”

Wolcott pointed out the curved arrangement of holes in the towers, into which the cables will connect.

“You have cables attached to the center part of the tower– you’ll see the holes where these [cables] go into,” he said. “There’s a very strong structure that’s holding them inside– steel casing that holds these cables, and the cables get strung down into the deck.

The connectors are going to be kind of a suspension mode– they’ll have a lit-

The undertaking to replace the original 1.5-mile span Gerald Desmond Bridge, which was completed in 1968, is currently the second-largest construction project in California.

tle bit of flex to them– so it can move.

This will be a very flexible bridge when it’s done because it’s built-designed with earthquakes in mind.”

Wolcott further explained that this project is one that is a design-build undertaking, meaning the designers are involved in the process throughout the construction process to address issues as they arise and make adjustments accordingly, as opposed to a project that involves designers and builders who work independently of each other.

Wolcott said the new bridge will utilize two different types of construction that will need to be connected.

“You have two different types of deck coming together at this point,” he said. “The approaches are on columns, and the span is being supported by cables. You have two different things you have to connect here. So, this point where it connects has a lot of flexibility built into it because you have a cable-supported span with a really rigid, more column-supported approach.”

As for when drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians will be able to use the new bridge, Wolcott said one direction will be available before the other.

“Under current plans, the bridge will open with the westbound lanes first,” Wolcott said. “And for a time being, you’ll have westbound traffic on the new bridge and eastbound

traffic on the old Gerald Desmond Bridge, until the eastbound lanes of the new bridge are completed.”

More information is available at newgdbridge.com. The project can also be followed on Instagram or Twitter @ newgdbridge or on Facebook at newgdbridge.

The Gerald Desmond Bridge Replacement Project includes a support system made of piles, pile caps and columns. Construction began underground with 351 drilled piles at depths of 175 feet.

NEWS

February 23, 2018

Center

Signal Tribune

15

continued from page 1

“This is just the first of some really great things to happen in this area.”

The Signal Hill City Council had approved a resolution in June to extend Signal Hill Petroleum’s conditional-use permit to operate seven oil drills on the proposed Heritage Square site for one year to allow their continued operation while the City continued negotiating with the company on a land-development agreement.

Scott Charney, the City’s community development director, indicated he hoped to have a draft agreement by this summer.

A representative from Signal Hill Petroleum noted during the June council meeting that in the last 15 years, the company has been an integral part of the city’s development, stating that the company has paid about $10,000,000 in various fees and taxes, developed two major commercial centers– Town Center West (anchored by Food 4 Less) and Signal Hill Gateway (anchored by Home Depot and Ross)– and cleaned up land for 250 homes at the top of Signal Hill.

According to Colleen Doan, senior planner with the City of Signal Hill, the proposed Heritage Square site fits the City’s vision for a central business district, or “downtown.”

“The [...] site is part of a larger vision established by the City’s General Plan since 2001,” she said at a Planning Commission meeting last August.

Anita W. Harris | Signal Tribune

From left: Debra Montalvo Russell, vice president of community relations and real-estate operations for Signal Hill Petroleum, and Deborah Rubino, corporate secretary for Mother’s Market, look on as Signal Hill Vice Mayor Tina Hansen presents store manager Erik Katz with a proclamation marking the opening of the Mother’s Market and Kitchen at 2475 Cherry Ave. on Feb. 17.

The central business district was originally envisioned to include spe-

cialty retail, public open space and residential development.

The Fresh & Easy market was constructed on the site in 2010, becoming

an anchor tenant for the development, until its corporate office closed the store in 2016.

In 2017, Doan said, the City refined the Heritage Square vision in conjunction with Signal Hill Petroleum, which owns part of the land.

“The refined vision continued to incorporate specialty retail, view restaurants, open space and a high-density residential component, and very earthtoned materials, such as stone, wood, metal and glass,” Doan said.

City planners worked closely with the Mother’s Market design and construction teams, she said, to ensure that refurbishing the Fresh & Easy store fit with the City’s aesthetic vision, including a new roof design, brick accenting, additional external wall art (and retaining existing ceramic wall-art) and landscape scenery in the windows.

At the planning meeting, Russell said that Signal Hill Petroleum had left the property vacant since Fresh & Easy closed in 2016 in order to ensure a right fit.

“Although we’ve had interest from other prospects, we have held out, without rent, to make sure that we bring the best use to our community, which we feel is Mother’s Market and Kitchen,” Russell said. “Bringing in a quality grocery store has been a top priority for our residents and visitors and businesses.”

Founded in 1978 and headquartered in Costa Mesa, Mother’s Market operates seven stores in Orange County in addition to the Signal Hill location.

It offers organic produce and supplements, and it caters to specialized diets, such as vegan and gluten-free, according to its website.

The Signal Hill location features indoor and outdoor dining for the market’s prepared foods, as well as alcohol sales, which had been approved by the City Council in September.

A dozen members of the Mother’s Market corporate and operations teams were present on Saturday to initiate the store’s opening, along with the city’s Planning Commissioners and about 100 shoppers.

“It’s our pleasure to have our first L.A. store here in Signal Hill,” said Deborah Rubino, corporate secretary for Mother’s Market. “We have the best, freshest organic produce at unbeatable prices. [...] We’re very proud of this store and its design.”

Erik Katz, manager of the Signal Hill store, received certificates commemorating the store’s opening from various government representatives, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony coordinated by Guy. Herlinda Chico spoke on behalf of Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn in presenting a commemorative scroll.

“She’s so excited to have a store like Mother’s Market to be here in this community,” Chico said. “It’s so important that the community has access to fresh produce and to good food, and we were missing something here for a long time.”

Signal Hill Vice Mayor Tina Hansen also expressed her appreciation in presenting a proclamation on behalf of the City.

“We’re so excited to be the place that Mother’s Market chose to be the first store in Los Angeles County,” she said. “We’re really excited about this being the cornerstone for more development.”

Katz told the Signal Tribune that he had been store manager of the market’s Laguna Woods location for two-and-a-half years before coming to Signal Hill.

“We opened at 7[am] today, and we had a couple hundred people waiting outside, and we gave away gift cards for the first 100 people,” Katz said of Saturday’s opening. “It was quite a show this morning.”

“We’re just thrilled to be here,” another member of the Mother’s Market team said. “We belong here.” ✦

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Signal Tribune

February 23, 2018